JP6455083B2 - Image reading apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and a program, and more particularly to a technique for reading a color barcode displayed on a color print medium.

  A bar code is a kind of symbol for recording digital information, and is a symbol readable by an information processing apparatus. In recent years, in order to increase the data capacity, a two-dimensional color barcode that represents information using a plurality of colors has been provided. The color barcode is a predetermined color such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), etc., depending on the value obtained by encoding the input data. Is generated as a bitmap image or the like. Then, a color barcode is printed on a printing medium such as printing paper using a color paint displayed on the generated bitmap image or the like. As a method of reading the color barcode displayed on the printing medium, the color barcode is scanned to obtain bitmap data, and the color value extracted from each data block of the color barcode is converted into a data value. A method for acquiring information has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-323632 A

  However, if the print medium is colored with a color other than white, it may be mixed with the color of the paint applied on the print medium, and therefore different from the color set in the bitmap image or the like when generating the color barcode. Color barcodes may be displayed on the print media by color. Then, the data value obtained by reading the color barcode displayed on the print medium is different from the data value obtained by coding when generating the color barcode, and the color barcode is accurately There is a problem that an unbreakable situation occurs.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus and a program capable of reading a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, with the above-described conventional problems as solutions.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, and an image including the color barcode read by the image reading means. Specifying means for analyzing and specifying the color displayed on the color print medium; and analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means , the analyzing means comprising the color bar The color in which the difference between the color of the block constituting the code and the color displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means is equal to or less than a predetermined value is the same color as the color displayed on the color print medium a construction which is characterized in that an image reading apparatus you analyze the bar code.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading unit that reads an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, and an image that includes the color barcode read by the image reading unit to analyze the color print medium. Obtaining a pattern information relating to a pattern associated with a specific color printing medium, a specifying unit for specifying the color displayed in the step, an analyzing unit for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying unit Pattern information acquisition means, wherein the specifying means reads definition information defining a specific color print medium included in the color barcode, and associates with a color print medium defined by the definition information Referring to the information, specifying the color for each position of the block constituting the color barcode according to the pattern, the analysis means A configuration wherein the an image reading apparatus which color barcode analyzing the color barcode for each position to be displayed in the color printing medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading device for reading an image which is displayed on a color print medium and includes a color barcode and a target image different from the color barcode. Analyzing the color barcode included in the image read by the image reading unit to specify the color of the color barcode displayed on the color print medium; and specifying the color specified by the specifying unit. Analyzing the color barcode based on the analysis, and generating the first information corresponding to the color barcode, analyzing the target image included in the image read by the image reading unit, and corresponding to the target image Second information generating means for generating second information, difference detecting means for detecting a difference between the first information and the second information, and the difference If the difference between the first information by means output and said second information is detected, and informing means for informing that the target image to be displayed on said color print medium is changed, specified by the specifying means a density difference detecting means for detecting a difference between the color of the color density and the color print medium, the difference between the detected density by the density difference detection means Ri der below a predetermined value, and the difference detecting means If the difference between the above predetermined locations is detected by, e Bei and a determination means for determining that the Oite error occurs to a specific color of the color barcode that appears in the color printing medium, the notification means a construction which is characterized by notifying that the Oite error occurs to a specific color of the color barcode that appears in the color printing medium.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the color barcode included in the color barcode displayed on the color print medium is printed by the specifying unit. The configuration is characterized in that the color displayed on the color print medium is specified based on an index defining the color.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the specifying unit analyzes the index arranged at a predetermined position of the color barcode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, and an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit. Analysis means for analyzing and specifying the color displayed on the color print medium, analysis means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specification means, and medium for detecting the color of the color print medium Color detecting means; and used color information acquiring means for acquiring used color information defining a color used for the color barcode from a predetermined storage means or an external server, and the specifying means includes the used color the color printing medium based on the color of the color printing medium to be detected the use color information acquired by the information acquisition means and by the medium color detecting means A construction which is characterized by identifying the displayed color in.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the medium color detecting means analyzes an image including the color barcode by the specifying means and specifies the arrangement of the color barcodes. Accordingly, the color of the color print medium is detected from a portion of the image excluding the color barcode.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the third, sixth, or seventh aspect , the analyzing unit includes a color of a block constituting the color barcode and the color print medium specified by the specifying unit. The color barcode is analyzed with a color having a difference from a displayed color equal to or less than a predetermined value as the same color as the color displayed on the color print medium.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to the third, sixth, seventh or eighth aspect , further comprising pattern information acquisition means for acquiring pattern information regarding a pattern associated with a specific color print medium, The specifying unit reads the definition information defining the specific color print medium included in the color barcode, refers to the pattern information associated with the color print medium defined by the definition information, and according to the pattern A color is specified for each position of a block constituting the color barcode, and the analysis unit analyzes the color barcode for each position where the color barcode is displayed on the color print medium. It is a configuration.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention , there is provided a program, wherein the image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, and the color barcode read by the image reading unit. specifying means for specifying the color displayed by analyzing an image in the color printing medium, analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the identified color by the specifying means, to function as the analyzing means, wherein A color whose difference between the color of the block constituting the color barcode and the color displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means is equal to or less than a predetermined value is the same color as the color displayed on the color print medium The color bar code is analyzed .

The invention of claim 11 is a program that includes an image reading device for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, and the color barcode read by the image reading means. A specifying unit that analyzes an image to identify a color displayed on the color print medium, an analysis unit that analyzes the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying unit, and a specific color print medium Color information defined by the definition information by reading the definition information defining the specific color print medium included in the color barcode. With reference to the pattern information associated with the medium, the block that constitutes the color barcode according to the pattern The identifying color for each position, the analyzing means is configured, which comprises analyzing the color barcode for each position where the color barcode in the color printing medium is displayed.

The invention according to claim 12 is a program for reading an image that is displayed on a color print medium by an image reading device and includes a color barcode and a target image different from the color barcode. A reading unit, a specifying unit that analyzes a color barcode included in the image read by the image reading unit and specifies a color of the color barcode displayed on the color print medium, and a color specified by the specifying unit Analyzing the color barcode based on the analysis, generating first information corresponding to the color barcode, analyzing the target image included in the image read by the image reading unit, and corresponding to the target image Second information generating means for generating second information to be performed, difference detecting means for detecting a difference between the first information and the second information, If the difference between the first information and the second information is detected by the difference detection means, informing means for informing that the target image to be displayed on said color print medium is changed, specified by the specifying means density difference detecting means for detecting a difference between the color of the color density and the color print medium, the difference between the detected density by the density difference detection means Ri der below a predetermined value, and, by the difference detecting means when the predetermined positions above difference is detected, then it functions as a judging means for judging that the Oite error occurs to a specific color of the color barcode that appears in the color printing medium, the notification means a construction which is characterized by notifying that the Oite error occurs to a specific color of the color barcode that appears in the color printing medium.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the specifying unit selects a color on which the color barcode included in the color barcode displayed on the color print medium is printed. The configuration is characterized in that a color displayed on the color print medium is specified based on an index to be defined.

  A fourteenth aspect of the invention is the program according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the specifying means analyzes the index arranged at a predetermined position of the color barcode.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention , there is provided a program, the image reading apparatus including an image reading unit that reads an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium, and the color barcode read by the image reading unit. A specifying unit that analyzes an image and identifies a color displayed on the color print medium, an analysis unit that analyzes the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying unit, and a medium that detects the color of the color print medium color detection means, a predetermined storage means or external use color information acquiring unit that the use color information acquiring that defines the colors used in the color bar code from the server, and then allowed to function in,
The specifying unit specifies a color displayed on the color print medium based on the use color information acquired by the use color information acquisition unit and the color of the color print medium detected by the medium color detection unit. It is the structure characterized by this.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fifteenth aspect, the medium color detecting means analyzes an image including the color barcode by the specifying means and specifies the arrangement of the color barcode. Accordingly, the color of the color print medium is detected from a portion of the image excluding the color barcode.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the twelfth, fifteenth, or sixteenth aspect , the analyzing means is displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means and the color of the block constituting the color barcode. The color barcode is analyzed with a color having a difference from a predetermined color equal to or less than a predetermined value as the same color as that displayed on the color print medium.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the twelfth, fifteenth, sixteenth, or seventeenth aspect , the program further functions as a pattern information acquisition unit that acquires pattern information related to a pattern associated with a specific color print medium, The specifying unit reads the definition information defining the specific color print medium included in the color barcode, refers to the pattern information associated with the color print medium defined by the definition information, and according to the pattern A color is specified for each position of a block constituting the color barcode, and the analysis unit analyzes the color barcode for each position where the color barcode is displayed on the color print medium. It is a configuration.

It is a figure which shows one structural example of an image reading apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the image reading apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows one structural example of a color barcode. It is the figure which expanded the block contained in a color barcode. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the printing paper which has a pattern, (b) is a figure which shows the example in which a color barcode is displayed on the printing paper which has a pattern. It is a figure which shows an example of the color barcode displayed on the printing paper which has a pattern. It is a figure which shows an example of the color barcode containing a transparent block. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the display color specific process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the pattern process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the code analysis process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the document reading process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the difference detection process in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the alerting | reporting screen which alert | reports a change location to a document by difference detection processing. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the image reading apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the display color specific process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of the code analysis process in 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the color barcode C1 is generated by encoding the document DM1 displayed on the printing paper P, and is displayed on the printing paper P together with the document DM1. The reason why the document DM1 and the color barcode C1 generated by encoding the document DM1 are displayed on the same printing paper P is changed when the document DM1 is changed. This is to detect the location. That is, for example, the document DM1 is generated and the document DM1 is encoded to generate a color barcode C1, and after the document DM1 and the color barcode C1 are printed on the same printing paper P, the document DM1 and the document DM1 When the printing paper P on which the color barcode C1 is displayed is delivered to a third party and passes through a plurality of third parties, the document DM1 may be falsified by the third party during the distribution. Therefore, when the image reading apparatus 1 detects a reading instruction from the user, the image reading apparatus 1 reads the image including the document DM1 and the color barcode C1 displayed on the printing paper P, and thus generates the color barcode C1 for the document DM1. And the color barcode C1 is analyzed. Then, the data value acquired by encoding the document DM1 is compared with the data value acquired by analyzing the color barcode C1, and the difference is detected. If no difference is detected between the two data values, it can be concluded that the document DM1 has not been changed at least after the color barcode C1 is printed on the printing paper P until the difference is detected. That is, in the above example, the color barcode C1 is generated by encoding the document DM1 when the document DM1 is created, and corresponds to the document DM1 created by the creator. The data value obtained by encoding the document DM1 by the image reading device 1 corresponds to the document DM1 when being read by the image reading device 1. Therefore, the fact that no difference is detected between the data value obtained by analyzing the color barcode C1 by the image reading apparatus 1 and the data value obtained by encoding the document DM1, the color barcode C1 is generated. It can be said that the document DM1 when read and the document DM1 read by the image reading device 1 are the same. On the other hand, when the difference is detected, it means that the document DM1 when the color barcode C1 is generated and the document DM1 when read by the image reading device 1 are not the same. In the above example, the document DM1 is created between the time when the creator of the document DM1 generates the color barcode C1 and prints it on the printing paper P until the document DM1 acquired by the acquirer is read by the image reading device 1. It can be said that it has changed. In such a case, the image processing apparatus 1 notifies the acquirer (user) that the document DM1 has been changed by displaying the changed part in the document DM1 on the display panel 17.

  In the present embodiment, the case where it is determined whether or not the document DM1 has been changed will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. That is, the color barcode C1 does not have to correspond to the document DM1, and the image reading apparatus 1 reads and codes the document DM1, or generates the data value of the color barcode C1 and the document DM1 by coding. It is not necessary to detect the difference between the measured data values. For example, when a color barcode C1 in which contents or other information is coded is displayed on the surface of the colored packing material, the color printing medium is basically analyzed by reading the coded information by analyzing the color barcode C1. Any image reading apparatus 1 that can decode the color bar code C1 displayed on the screen and accurately read the data value from the color bar code C1 may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the image reading apparatus 1. The CPU functions as the control unit 10 by executing a predetermined program (not shown) in the image reading apparatus 1. Further, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 16 that reads an image including the color barcode C1 displayed on the printing paper P, and a storage unit 12 that stores a program and the like. When the scanner unit 16 detects a reading instruction from the user, the scanner unit 16 reads the printing paper P to generate a color bitmap image including the document DM1 and the color barcode C1 displayed on the printing paper P. The display position of the color barcode C1 on the printing paper P may be a position different from the display position of the document DM1, and may be displayed on the opposite side of the surface on which the document DM1 is displayed, for example. In such a case, the scanner unit 16 may generate a color bitmap image including the color barcode C1 separately from the color bitmap image including the document DM1.

  The control unit 10 further receives an input unit 20 that receives input of color bitmap image information (hereinafter referred to as “image information”) generated by the scanner unit 16, and has received input of image information to the input unit 20. The color barcode detection unit 24 that detects the color barcode C1 from the image information in accordance with the color information, and the color barcode C1 detected by the color barcode detection unit 24 is analyzed to identify the color displayed on the printing paper P. The identification unit 21 and a code analysis unit 22 that analyzes the color barcode C1 based on the color identified by the identification unit 21 are provided.

  When the input unit 20 receives the input of the image information generated by the scanner unit 16, the color barcode detection unit 24 detects the color barcode C1 from the image information. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing an example of the configuration of the color barcode C1. The color barcode C1 includes a positioning symbol C10 that defines the position, arrangement direction, size of the blocks constituting the color barcode C1, and the like, and an index that defines the color on which the color barcode C1 is printed. C15 and a data block CB colored by the color defined by the index C15. The data block CB includes a large number of blocks colored with a plurality of colors. The data block CB represents data coded based on the document DM1 by the color of each block, and corresponds to the actual data portion to be decoded by the color barcode C1. The color barcode detection unit 24 first detects the positioning symbol C10 from the image including the color barcode C1, and detects the color barcode C1 from the image information.

  The specifying unit 21 analyzes the image including the color barcode C1 read by the scanner unit and displays the color (hereinafter, “display color”) displayed on each block included in the data block CB of the color barcode C1 on the printing paper P. ”). When the color barcode C1 is detected by the color barcode detection unit 24, the specifying unit 21 specifies the display color of the color barcode C1 by analyzing an image including the color barcode C1 and specifying RGB values, for example. To do. When the printing paper P on which the color barcode C1 is displayed is white, the color barcode C1 is displayed on the printing paper P based on the color of the paint applied to the printing paper P for printing the color barcode C1. . On the other hand, when the printing paper P is colored with a color other than white, the color of the paint applied to the printing paper P and the color of the printing paper P when the color barcode C1 is printed are mixed, so that the color The barcode C1 may be displayed in a color different from the color of the paint. In such a case, if an attempt is made to decode the color barcode C1 based on the color of the paint used, a decoding error occurs. Therefore, by specifying the display color by the specifying unit 21 and decoding the color barcode C1 based on the display color, the color barcode C1 can be accurately decoded without causing a decoding error.

  The specifying unit 21 further includes an index detection unit 38 that detects an index C15 that defines a color printed with the color barcode C1 included in the color barcode C1 displayed on the printing paper P1. The index detection unit 38 detects an index C15 arranged at a predetermined position of the color barcode C1. The index C15 may be arranged at a predetermined position of the color barcode C1, and may include a block for specifying the position and range of the index C15. The specifying unit 21 analyzes the index C15 detected by the index detecting unit 38, and specifies the display color in which the color printed as the color barcode C1 is displayed on the printing paper P. For example, when the index C15 is displayed as a colored block as shown in FIG. 3, the specifying unit 21 specifies the display color of the block included in the index C15.

  The specifying unit 21 specifies the arrangement direction of the data block CB of the color barcode C1 based on the positioning symbol C10, and between the blocks constituting the data block CB based on the positioning symbol C10 or the index C15. The interval (pitch) may be specified.

  The code analyzing unit 22 is a processing unit that analyzes the color barcode C1 based on the color specified by the specifying unit 21. When the specifying unit 21 analyzes the index C15 of FIG. 3 and specifies the color of the color barcode C1 displayed on the printing paper P, the code analyzing unit 22 configures each data block CB based on the specified color. The block color is discriminated and the encoding process is performed. The code analysis unit 22 determines the order of decoding each block of the data block CB based on the arrangement direction and the pitch specified by the specifying unit 21, and decodes each block of the data block CB according to the determined order.

  First, the code analysis unit 22 specifies the color of each block according to the decoding order. Specifically, the color of the block to be decoded first is extracted according to the determined decoding order. The color of the block is extracted as an RGB value, for example. Next, it is determined whether or not the color of this block is the same as the display color specified by the specifying unit 21. Whether or not they are the same is determined by comparing the RGB values of both. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the color of the block is the same as one of the display colors, the color of the block is specified as the display color. Note that there may be a case where only a specific portion of the printing paper P has a different color due to stains or fading. Then, the block printed on such a specific location may not be the same as the color of the index. Therefore, when the difference between the color of each block constituting the color barcode C1 and the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the code analyzing unit 22 sets the color of the block to the same as the display color. The color barcode C1 is analyzed as a color. If it is determined that the color of each block is not the same as the display color, the code analysis unit 22 sets the color of the block to the same color as the display color if the difference between the RGB values of the display color and the color of the block is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Is identified. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 is the color CB1, and the color of the block constituting the data block CB is any one of the colors CB2, CB3, or CB4 that is not the same as the color CB1. In this case, the color CB2, the color CB3, and the color CB4 in which the difference between the color CB1 and the RGB value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value are all specified as the color CB1. Thereby, even when a part of the printing paper P is displayed in a color different from the other parts due to a stain or fading, the color of the block constituting the data block CB is displayed. Can be determined to be the same as the display color of the block included in the index C15, and the color barcode C1 can be analyzed.

  The control unit 10 may include a pattern information acquisition unit 30 that acquires pattern information 40 related to a pattern associated with a specific printing paper P. The image reading apparatus 1 can register a specific printing paper P having a pattern in advance by scanning or the like, and can store pattern information regarding the registered pattern of the specific printing paper P in the storage unit 12. is there. When the pattern D1 is displayed on the printing paper P as shown in FIG. 5A, the image reading apparatus 1 can register the pattern D1 on the printing paper P in advance. When the color barcode C1 is displayed on the printing paper P having the pattern D1 as shown in FIG. 5B, the specifying unit 21 specifies the printing paper P associated with the pattern D1 from the color barcode C1. The color code is read at each position of the block constituting the color barcode C1 according to the pattern information 40 by referring to the pattern information 40 associated with the printing paper P specified by the paper code CP1 The display color of the code C1 is specified. When the display color is specified for each block position by the specifying unit 21, the code analysis unit 22 analyzes the color barcode C1 for each position where the color barcode C1 is displayed on the printing paper P.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the color barcode C1 is displayed on the printing paper P having the pattern D1. In this case, the color of the color barcode C1 is affected by the color of the pattern D1 by being mixed with the color of the pattern D1. The color barcode C1 includes a paper code CP1 that specifies the printing paper P associated with the pattern D1. The paper code CP1 is displayed in black (K) that is not affected by the color of the pattern D1, for example. Then, when the specifying unit 21 detects the positioning symbol 10 and extracts the color barcode C1, the specifying unit 21 reads the paper code CP1, thereby causing the pattern information acquisition unit 30 to read the pattern information 40 regarding the pattern D1. After reading the paper code CP1 and reading the pattern information 40, the specifying unit 21 refers to the pattern information 40 and specifies the display color of the index C15 of the color barcode C1 according to the pattern D1. The specifying unit 21 specifies the display color of the index C15 after removing the pattern D1 from the image information based on the pattern information 40, for example. In addition, the code analyzing unit 22 decodes the data block CB of the color barcode C1 according to the arrangement order based on the display color specified by removing the pattern D1 by the specifying unit 21. By specifying the color for each block after reading the paper code CP1 and referring to the pattern information 40, the display color can be accurately specified.

  The control unit 10 also includes an information generation unit 25 that encodes the document DM1, information generated by the encoding process by the information generation unit 25, and information acquired by the code analysis unit 22 analyzing the color barcode C1. And a notification unit 27 for notifying that the document DM1 displayed on the printing paper P has been changed when the difference is detected by the difference detection unit 26.

  The information generation unit 25 is a processing unit that reads an image of a portion corresponding to the document DM1 and generates information corresponding to the document DM1. The information generation unit 25 removes the portion corresponding to the color barcode C1 from the image information generated by the scanner unit 16, identifies the portion corresponding to the document DM1, and encodes the portion. The information generation unit 25 generates information corresponding to the document DM1 (hereinafter referred to as “second information”) by encoding a bit map image corresponding to the document DM1. Alternatively, in addition to encoding based on a bitmap image, text data may be generated after performing OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing on the bitmap image, and encoding may be performed based on the text data. If the printing paper P has the pattern D1, the pattern information 40 is read from the storage unit 12 and referenced as in the case of the analysis of the color barcode C1, and after the pattern D1 is removed, the document DM1 is encoded. Good.

  The difference detection unit 26 includes the second information generated by the information generation unit 25 and the information obtained by analyzing the color barcode C1 by the code analysis unit 22 (hereinafter referred to as “first information”). A processing unit for detecting a difference. In the present embodiment, the color barcode C1 is generated by encoding the document DM1 and printed on the printing paper P, and the first information obtained by analyzing the color barcode C1 is the color barcode C1. This corresponds to the document DM1 at the time of printing. On the other hand, the second information generated by the information generating unit 25 is different from the second information and corresponds to the document DM1 when read by the image reading apparatus 1. Then, if no difference is detected between the first information and the second information, there is no change between the document DM1 when the color barcode C1 is printed and the document DM1 when read by the image reading device 1. It turns out that both are the same. On the other hand, when a difference is detected between the first information and the second information, between the document DM1 when the color barcode C1 is printed and the document DM1 when read by the image reading device 1 There are changes, and it turns out that they are not the same. The document DM1 is changed between the time when the color barcode C1 is generated by encoding the document DM1 by the difference detection unit 26 and is printed on the printing paper P until the printing paper P is read by the image reading device 1. It is possible to determine whether or not the document DM1 has been tampered with.

  The notification unit 27 is a processing unit that notifies that the document DM1 displayed on the printing paper P has been changed when the difference between the first information and the second information is detected by the difference detection unit 26. When a difference is detected by the difference detection unit 26, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the document image G1 is displayed on the display panel 17, and a location in the document image G1 corresponding to the difference detected by the difference detection unit 26 is displayed. For example, highlighting is performed by highlighting DM10. As a result, it is possible to clearly notify the user about which part of the document DM1 the color barcode C1 has been changed from when it was printed on the printing paper P to the present time.

  The control unit 10 further detects a paper color detection unit 31 that detects the color of the printing paper P, and a difference in density between the display color specified by the specification unit 21 and the color of the printing paper P detected by the paper color detection unit 31. A density difference detection unit 33 that performs the error determination of the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 may be provided. The paper color detection unit 31, the density difference detection unit 33, and the error determination unit 34 function when determining whether or not the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 is an error (hereinafter referred to as "error determination"). Part. Whether or not to perform error determination can be set by the user.

  In this embodiment, the error determination determines whether the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 is an error in the following cases. As described above, the data block CB constituting the color barcode C1 generally includes a large number of blocks colored with a plurality of colors. However, some of the blocks constituting the data block CB may be transparent. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the color barcode C1 including such a transparent block. In such a case, the transparent block C20 corresponds to a predetermined data value rather than blank data. When the color barcode C1 is printed on the printing paper P, the transparent block C20 is displayed by the color of the printing paper P (the color of the background portion). Furthermore, when the difference in density between the color of the block C21 and the color of the printing paper P included in the index C15 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a situation occurs in which it is difficult to identify the block C21 and the transparent block C20. Then, when the code analysis unit 22 decodes each block constituting the data block CB based on the display color of the color block C1 specified by the index C15, it is displayed in the color of the printing paper P as in the transparent block C20. Although it is a transparent block, it is erroneously determined to be the same color as the block C21, or it is erroneously determined to be the color of the printing paper P, that is, the transparent block, although it is a block having the same color as the block C21. There is a drowning. When such misidentification occurs, the first information generated by the analysis of the color barcode C1 becomes incorrect, and as a result, the difference detection unit 26 detects the difference between the first information and the second information by mistake. It can happen. Therefore, in order to avoid such erroneous determination of the color of the block, when the density difference between the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 and the color of the printing paper P is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the image processing apparatus 1 It may be determined whether or not the display color specified by 21 is an error. The paper color detection unit 31, the density difference detection unit 33, and the error determination unit 34 described above function when the image processing apparatus 1 performs error determination.

  The paper color detection unit 31 is a processing unit that detects the color of the printing paper P. For example, the paper color detection unit 31 detects an area in which the color barcode C1 and the document DM1 are displayed from the image information generated by the scanner unit 16, removes these from the image information, extracts the background portion, and extracts the background portion. The color of the printing paper P may be specified by analyzing the color of the printing paper P. Alternatively, when the specifying unit 21 specifies the arrangement of the color barcode C1 and the pitch between the blocks, the base portion outside the pitch and the color barcode C1 is extracted to analyze the color, and the printing paper P A color may be specified.

  The density difference detection unit 33 is a processing unit that detects a difference between the density of the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 based on the index C15 and the color density of the printing paper P. For example, the density difference detection unit 33 detects the density difference by calculating the difference between the RGB value of the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 based on the index C15 and the RGB value of the color of the printing paper P. As the density difference between the display color specified based on the index C15 and the color of the printing paper P increases, the color of the display color and the printing paper P can be easily identified, whereas the density difference between the two decreases. Accordingly, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the display color and the color of the printing paper P.

  When the difference between the display color density detected by the density difference detection unit 33 and the color density of the printing paper P is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the difference detection unit 26 detects a difference greater than or equal to a predetermined location. The error determination unit 34 performs error determination that the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 is incorrect. This is because if the density difference between the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 and the color of the printing paper P is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the code analyzing unit 22 may erroneously determine the block color of the data block CB. On the other hand, if the density difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that there is no error.

  Even if the density difference is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is not determined that an error has occurred immediately, but the data block CB is decoded based on the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 and the first information and the first information by the difference detecting unit 26 are decoded. As a result of detecting the difference between the two information, if a difference of a predetermined location or more is detected, it may be determined that an error has occurred in specifying the display color, or if the density difference is equal to or less than the predetermined value You may determine with the display color specified by the part 21 having an error. That is, when the color barcode C1 corresponding to the document DM1 is displayed on the same printing paper P together with the document DM1, the document DM1 displayed on the printing paper P is a document that is not scheduled to be changed. Is common. Nevertheless, if the difference detection unit 26 detects a difference of a predetermined location or more, there is a possibility that many changes have been made to the document DM1, but there are colors close to the display colors. There is also a possibility that an error has occurred in the color detection of the data block CB, and the color barcode C1 has not been correctly analyzed. Therefore, if the detected difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined location, it is determined that there was an error in specifying the display color in the first place.

  When the error determination unit 34 determines that there is an error for specifying the display color, the notification unit 27 notifies the error determination result for specifying the display color. For example, the notification unit 27 notifies the user by displaying the error determination result on the display panel 17 or notifies the user by voice.

  Next, a processing procedure performed in the image reading apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main processing procedure performed by the image reading apparatus 1. When the image reading device 1 detects a reading instruction when the user operates the operation panel 15 (step S1), the image reading device 1 reads an image including the document DM1 and the color barcode C1 printed on the printing paper P (step S2). Then, read image information is generated (step S3). Next, display color specifying processing for analyzing the read image information and specifying the display color of the color barcode C1 on the printing paper P is performed (step S4). A detailed processing procedure of the display color specifying process will be described later. After performing the display color specifying process (step S4), a code analysis process for analyzing the data block CB of the color barcode C1 based on the display color is performed (step S5). A detailed processing procedure of the code analysis processing (step S5) will be described later. When the code analysis process is performed, it is determined whether or not the color barcode C1 has been read (step S6). If it is determined that the color barcode C1 has been read (YES in step S6), the read image information is read. A document reading process for reading and encoding the document DM1 is performed (step S7). A detailed processing procedure of the document reading process (step S7) will be described later. Second information generated by encoding the document DM1 after the document reading process (step S7), and first information generated by analyzing the color barcode C1 by the code analysis process (step S5). A difference detection process for detecting the difference between the two is performed (step S8), and the process is terminated. If it is determined in step S6 that the color barcode C1 has not been read (NO in step S6), for example, an error or the like has occurred in the analysis processing of the data block CB of the color barcode C1, and the color barcode C1 is decoded. If it is not completed normally, steps S7 and S8 are skipped, notification that an error has occurred in reading the color barcode C1 (step S9), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the display color specifying process (step S4 in FIG. 8). In the display color specifying process, for example, the image reading apparatus 1 detects the positioning symbol C10 of the color barcode C1 and extracts the color barcode C1 from the read image information (step S21). When the color barcode C1 is extracted, it is determined whether or not the paper code CP1 for identifying the printing paper P is detected in the color barcode C1 (step S22). If the paper code CP1 is detected (step S22). The paper code CP1 is read (YES in S22) (step S23), and the paper information regarding the printing paper P including the pattern information 40 is read from the paper code CP1 (step S24). Next, referring to the read paper information, it is determined whether or not there is a pattern on the print paper P (step S25). If it is determined that there is a pattern (YES in step S25), a pattern process (step S26) for removing the pattern from the color barcode C1 is performed. A detailed processing procedure of the pattern processing will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined in the paper information that there is no pattern on the printing paper P (NO in step S25), the pattern processing (step S26) is skipped. Note that if the paper code CP1 that specifies the specific printing paper P is not detected in the color barcode C1 extracted in step S22 (NO in step S22), the processing in steps S23 to S26 is skipped.

  Next, the index C15 is detected from the color barcode C1 (step S27), and the detected index C15 is read (step S28). By reading the index C15, the color of the color barcode C1 defined in the index C15 is specified (step S29), the arrangement direction for analyzing the data block CB is specified (step S30), and the data The pitch between each block in the block CB is detected (step S31). Through these processes, the display color is specified based on the index C15, and the arrangement direction that defines the order in which the data blocks CB are analyzed and the pitch between the blocks are specified. As a result, the image reading device 1 reads the color of the first block to be read according to the arrangement direction for each block constituting the data block CB, and after reading the color of the first block, arranges with the pitch specified by the above processing. The color of the next block to be read can be read, and all the blocks constituting the data block CB can be read. If the color of the paint applied when the color barcode C1 is printed on the printing paper P is mixed with the color of the printing paper P, the color of the paint using the color barcode C1 is different. Even so, the data block CB in the color barcode C1 can be decoded by specifying the display color by the display color specifying process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the error determination for detecting whether or not the display color specified by reading the index C15 is an error is set (step S32). Whether or not to perform error determination can be set by the user. When it is determined that the error determination is not set (NO in step S32), it is determined whether or not the pattern processing (step S26) has been performed (step S33). Here, if it is set to perform error determination (YES in step S32), or if it is not set to perform error determination, pattern processing is performed (YES in step S33), the display is performed from step S34 onward. An error determination is performed to detect an error in specifying the color. Here, the error determination is performed when the pattern processing (step S26) is performed for the following reason. That is, when the color of the pattern D1 on the printing paper P is the same color as any of the colors used in the color barcode C1, the pattern D1 is removed from the color barcode C1 by pattern processing. The same color as the pattern D1 used is also removed. Then, when the color of the index C15 is the same color as the pattern D1, the color of the index C15 is also removed, so that the display color cannot be correctly specified. Therefore, when pattern processing is performed, it is better to perform error determination even if the error determination is not set, and to determine whether or not there is an error in specifying the display color.

  When performing error determination, the image reading apparatus 1 specifies the color density of the index C15 (step S34), and then specifies the color density of the printing paper P (step S35). Then, a difference (n1) between the color density of the index C15 and the color density of the printing paper P is calculated (step S36), and it is determined whether n1 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S37). If it is determined that n1 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value (YES in step S37), the determination flag is set to ON to perform error determination in the difference detection process (step S8 in FIG. 8) as described later (step S37). S38) The display color specifying process is terminated. Unlike such processing, if it is determined that n1 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value (YES in step S37), it may be determined immediately that there is an error in specifying the display color. On the other hand, if it is determined that n1 is not less than the predetermined value (NO in step S37), it is determined that there is no error in specifying the display color because it cannot be said that the display color and the color of the printing paper P are difficult to distinguish. Step S38 is skipped, and the display color specifying process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the pattern processing (step S26 in FIG. 9). First, the image reading apparatus 1 detects a position where the color barcode C1 is displayed on the printing paper P (step S41). When the display position of the color barcode C1 on the printing paper P is detected, the pattern displayed next at the position overlapping the color barcode C1 is specified (step S42), and the pattern overlapping the color barcode C1 is removed to perform pattern processing. Is finished (step S43). By performing the pattern processing, it is possible to specify the display color after removing the pattern from the color barcode C1.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the code analysis process (step S5 in FIG. 8). The image reading apparatus 1 specifies the display color, the arrangement direction, and the pitch between each block of the color barcode C1 by using the index C15 in the display color specifying process (step S4 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the decoding order of each block constituting the data block CB is determined based on the arrangement (step S51). Next, based on the determined decoding order, the block to be decoded first is specified, and the color of the first block is extracted (step S52). Then, it is determined whether or not the color of the extracted block is the same as the color of the display color specified by the index C15 (step S53). If it is determined that the color is the same (YES in step S53), the color of the block Is specified (step S54). On the other hand, if it is determined that the color of the display color specified by the index C15 is not the same as the color of the block (NO in step S53), the difference between the RGB values of the block color and the color of the index C15 is calculated (step S55). ), It is determined whether or not the RGB value difference between the block color and the color of the index C15 is within a predetermined value (step S56). If the difference between the RGB values is within a predetermined value (YES in step S56), it is determined that the extracted color of the block is the same color as the display color specified by the index C15, and the color of the block is specified. (Step S54). That is, a part of the printing paper P on which the color barcode C1 is displayed may be discolored due to dirt or fading, so that some blocks constituting the color barcode C1 are displayed in a color different from the display color. It may be done. For this reason, blocks that are displayed in close colors with a difference from the display color within a predetermined value are identified as being the same as the display color, so that the color barcode C1 can be decoded without causing an error. It becomes possible to do. On the other hand, if the difference between the RGB values is not within the predetermined value (NO in step S56), the code analysis processing is performed without performing the processing from step S54 onward because an error has occurred in the code reading because the color of the block cannot be specified. finish.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the colors of all the blocks have been specified based on the decoding order (step S57). When it is determined that the colors of all the blocks have not been specified (NO in step S57), The next block located at a predetermined pitch from the block is specified, the color of the block is extracted (step S58), and the processing of steps S53 to S57 is repeated until the specification of the colors of all the blocks is completed. When the colors of all the blocks have been specified (YES in step S57), the encoding process is performed based on the specified color (step S59), and the first information corresponding to the color barcode C1 is generated to perform the code analysis process. The process ends (step S60). Through the code analysis process, first information corresponding to the document DM1 at the time when the color barcode C1 is generated is generated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the document reading process (step S7 in FIG. 8). First, the color barcode C1 is removed from the read image information, and the document DM1 is extracted (step S71). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a pattern on the printing paper P (step S72). Whether or not there is a pattern on the printing paper P1 in the display color specifying process (flowchart in FIG. 9) preceding the document reading process has already been determined (step S25), but whether or not there is a pattern is also determined in the document reading process. . If it is determined that there is a pattern (YES in step S72), pattern processing (the flowchart in FIG. 10) is performed to remove the pattern from the document DM1. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no pattern, the pattern processing is skipped.

  Next, it is determined whether or not character recognition is performed for the document DM1 (step S74). For example, when the color barcode C1 is generated based on the text data of the document DM1, it is necessary to perform encoding based on the text data after performing character recognition when the document DM1 is encoded in the document reading process. Because there is. Therefore, when determining whether or not to perform character recognition, for example, the first information generated in the code analysis process (flowchart of FIG. 11) for analyzing the color barcode C1 is referred to, and the first information is the text of the document DM1. If it corresponds to data, it may be determined that character recognition is performed. When it is determined that character recognition is to be performed (YES in step S74), character recognition is performed by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing or the like (step S75), and text information corresponding to the document DM1 is generated (step S76). On the other hand, if it is determined that character recognition is not performed (NO in step S74), the processes in steps S75 and S76 are skipped. Finally, the encoding process is performed on the document DM1 (step S77), the second information corresponding to the document DM1 is generated, and the document reading process is ended (step S78). Through the document reading process, second information corresponding to the document DM1 at the present time is generated.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the difference detection process (step S8 in FIG. 8). As a result of analyzing the color barcode C1 by the code analysis process (flowchart of FIG. 11), first information corresponding to the document DM1 at the time when the color barcode C1 is generated is generated, and the document reading process (flowchart of FIG. 12). Thus, the second information corresponding to the document DM1 at the present time is generated. Therefore, the first information and the second information are compared (step S81), it is determined whether or not a difference is detected between the first information and the second information (step S82), and the difference is not detected (step S82). In step S82 NO), it is found that the color barcode C1 has not been changed since the printing on the printing paper P. Therefore, the difference detection process is terminated without performing the following process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a difference has been detected (YES in step S82), the image reading apparatus 1 determines whether or not a determination flag for performing an error determination for specifying a display color is set to ON (step S83). If the determination flag is not set to ON (NO in step S83), the changed part in the document DM1 is specified from the detected difference (step S84), the changed part in the document DM1 is notified, and the difference detection process is ended. (Step S85). Then, as a method for notifying the changed part in the document DM1, it is conceivable to display the document image G1 as illustrated in FIG. 14 on the display panel 17 and highlight the changed part with the highlight display DM10. In addition, you may alert | report a change location with an audio | voice with the display of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S83 that the determination flag is set to ON (YES in step S83), it is determined whether or not there are a predetermined number or more of points where the difference is detected (step S86). If it is determined that there is an error (YES in step S86), it is notified that an error has occurred in specifying the display color, and the difference detection process is terminated (step S87). On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of locations where the difference is detected is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number (NO in step S86), it is determined that no error has occurred in specifying the display color, and the change location of the document DM1 is specified from the difference. (Step S84) The change location of the document DM1 is notified to the user (Step S85), and the difference detection process is terminated.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the case where the display color displayed on the printing paper P is specified based on the index has been described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the display color displayed on the printing paper P is specified based on the color of the printing paper P and the color used when printing the color barcode C1 without using the index. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The structure which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as 1st Embodiment is the same as that of what was demonstrated in 1st Embodiment.

  The control unit 10 includes a paper information acquisition unit 61 that acquires the paper information 50 stored in the storage unit 12. The specifying unit 21 of the control unit 10 further includes a paper color detection unit 65 that detects the color of the printing paper P. The storage unit 12 includes used color information 70 that defines colors used for the color barcode C1 and paper information 50 related to the printing paper P. The paper information 50 includes pattern information 40 relating to the pattern of the printing paper P, and may further include paper color information 55 relating to the color of the printing paper P. In addition to the case where the use color information 70 is stored in the storage unit 12, the use color information 70 may be stored in a server (not shown) or the like connected to be communicable with the image reading apparatus 1. Alternatively, when the apparatus (not shown) that encodes the document DM1 and generates the color barcode C1 and the image reading apparatus 1 are communicably connected to each other, the image reading apparatus 1 obtains the used color information 70 from the apparatus. You may get it.

  The paper information acquisition unit 61 reads the paper information 50 stored in the storage unit 12 when the paper code CP1 specifying the printing paper P is detected in the color barcode C1, and the printing paper P corresponding to the paper code CP1. This is a processing unit for extracting paper information 50 relating to the paper.

  The paper color detection unit 65 is a processing unit that detects the color of the printing paper P. The paper color detection unit 65 can detect the color of the printing paper P based on the paper color information 55 included in the paper information 50 acquired by the paper information acquisition unit 61. Separately from this, the paper color detection unit 65 detects the color of the printing paper P in response to the image of the color barcode C1 being analyzed by the specifying unit 21 and the arrangement of the color barcode C1 being specified. May be. Specifically, an image including the color barcode C1 is analyzed by the specifying unit 21, and the arrangement direction of the data block CB and the pitch between the blocks are detected based on the positioning symbol C10 of the color barcode C1. The paper color detection unit 65 can detect the color of the printing paper P from, for example, the pitch between the blocks or the background portion displayed outside the color barcode C1. Thereby, even when the paper color information 55 relating to the printing paper P is not stored in the storage unit 12, the paper color detection unit 65 can detect the color of the printing paper P. Alternatively, when the printing paper P is read by the scanner unit 16 and image information including the color barcode C1 and the document DM1 is input to the input unit 20, the paper color detection unit 65 reads the color barcode C1 and the document DM1. The color of the printing paper P may be detected by extracting the ground portion from which these have been identified and detecting the color of the ground portion.

  Then, the specifying unit 21 displays the display displayed on the print paper P based on the use color information 70 that defines the color used for the color barcode C1 and the color of the print paper P detected by the paper color detection unit 65. Identify the color. The specifying unit 21 reads the use color information 70 stored in the storage unit 12, and the color displayed on the print paper P based on the use color information 70 and the color of the print paper P detected by the paper color detection unit 65. The display color of the barcode C1 is calculated. Thereby, the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can specify the display color displayed on the printing paper P when the index C15 does not exist in the color barcode C1, and the color bar based on the specified display color. The code C1 can be read.

  Also in the present embodiment, error determination may be performed according to user settings. That is, when the use color information 70 includes transparency, the block that is made transparent when printing on the printing paper P is displayed in the color of the printing paper P. If the display color specified by the specifying unit 21 is difficult to distinguish from the color of the printing paper P, the code analyzing unit 22 misinterprets the block color when the block constituting the data block CB is decoded. There is a fear to separate. Therefore, by detecting the density difference between the display color and the color of the printing paper P and performing error determination when the density difference between the two is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the block color. Become. On the other hand, if the use color information 70 does not include transparency, error determination is not performed. That is, since no block is displayed in the color of the printing paper P, the code analysis unit 22 specifies the color of each block of the data block CB based on the display color specified by the specification unit 21 without erroneous determination. Because it is possible.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the display color specifying process (step S4 in FIG. 8) in the present embodiment. The image reading device 1 reads the positioning symbol C10 of the color barcode C1 from the read image information (step S91), and extracts the color barcode C1 (step S92). The arrangement direction of the color barcode C1 is specified according to the positioning symbol C10 included in the extracted color barcode C1 (step S93), and the pitch between the blocks constituting the data block CB of the color barcode C1 is detected. (Step S94). Next, it is determined whether or not the paper code CP1 is detected from the extracted color barcode C1 (step S95). The paper code CP1 is displayed in black (K) or the like that is not affected by the color of the printing paper P as described in the first embodiment, and can be read prior to specifying the display color of the color barcode C1. . If it is determined that the paper code CP1 is detected (YES in step S95), the detected paper code CP1 is read (step S96), and the paper information 50 relating to the printing paper P specified by the paper code CP1 is stored from the storage unit 12. Read (step S97). Further, it is determined whether or not the read sheet information 50 includes the pattern information 40 related to the pattern (step S98). If there is the pattern information 40, the pattern processing (flowchart in FIG. 10) is performed to extract the color information from the color barcode C1. The pattern specified by the pattern information 40 is removed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper code CP1 is not detected from the color barcode C1 extracted in step S95 (NO in step S95), the color of the printing paper P is specified (step S99). As an example of the process of specifying the color of the printing paper P, printing is performed from, for example, the pitch between the blocks or the background portion displayed outside the color barcode C1, based on the arrangement of the color barcode C1 and the pitch between the blocks. The color of the paper P is extracted and specified. Also, when it is determined in step S98 that there is no pattern information 40 (NO in step S98), the color of the printing paper P is similarly specified (step S99). In this case, the color of the printing paper P is specified by the same method as the method of specifying the color of the printing paper P when the paper code is not detected (NO in step S95), and the printing paper P is included in the paper information 50. When the paper color information 55 relating to the color is included, the color of the printing paper P may be specified based on the paper color information 55.

  Next, the used color information 70 stored in the storage unit 12 is read (step S100), and the display color is specified (step S101). When the pattern processing is performed, since the pattern is removed from the color barcode C1 and the color barcode C1 is displayed in the use color, the use color is specified as the display color. On the other hand, when the pattern processing is not performed (NO in step S95 or NO in step S98), the color of the printing paper P remains in the color barcode C1 without being removed, so that the specified printing is performed. The display color is calculated based on the paper color (step S99) and the used color. By performing the above process in the display color specifying process, the image reading apparatus 1 can specify the display color displayed by the color barcode C1 without using the index C15.

  Further, in the display color specifying process, it is determined whether or not to perform error determination (step S102). Whether or not to perform error determination can be set by the user. If it is determined that the error determination is set (YES in step S102), error determination is performed in steps S104 to S108 described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the error determination is not set (NO in step S102), it is further determined whether or not pattern processing (step S26) has been performed (step S103), and it is determined that pattern processing has been performed. (YES in step S103), error determination is performed for the same reason as described in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined that error determination is to be performed (YES in step S102 or YES in step S103), the density of the display color specified in step S101 is specified (step S104). Next, the density of the paper color specified in step S99 is specified (step S105), and then the density difference (n1) between the display color and the paper color is calculated (step S106). It is determined whether or not the calculated density difference (n1) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (step S107). If it is determined that the calculated density difference (n1) is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value (YES in step S107), the display color and the paper color are difficult to distinguish. Therefore, the determination flag is set to ON so that error determination is performed in the difference detection process (step S8 in FIG. 7) by the difference detection unit 26 (step S108), and the display color specifying process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated density difference (n1) is not less than or equal to the predetermined value (NO in step S107), it cannot be said that the display color and the paper color are difficult to distinguish. It is determined that there is no error in specifying the display color, and the display color specifying process is terminated without turning ON the determination flag (step S108 is skipped).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the code analysis processing (step S5 in FIG. 8) in the present embodiment. First, the decoding order is determined based on the arrangement direction (step S93 in FIG. 16) specified in the display color specifying process (flowchart in FIG. 16) described above (step S111). Based on the determined decoding order, the color of the block to be decoded first is extracted (step S112). It is determined whether or not the color of the extracted block is the same as the display color specified in the display color specifying process (step S113). If it is determined that the color is the same as the display color (YES in step S113), the extraction is performed. The color of the selected block is specified (step S114). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the same as the display color (NO in step S113), a difference in RGB value between the display color and the extracted block color is calculated (step S115). Then, it is determined whether or not the difference between the RGB values of the display color and the extracted block color is within a predetermined value (step S116), and if it is within the predetermined value, the extracted block color and display color are determined. Are identified as the same, and the color of the block is specified (step S114). On the other hand, if it is determined that the RGB value difference between the display color and the extracted block color is not within the predetermined value (NO in step S116), the code analysis process is terminated without performing the subsequent processes. As a result, even when the print paper P is partially soiled or faded, and the color of some blocks included in the color barcode C1 is slightly different from the display color, the block color is displayed. By specifying that it is the same as the color, it is possible to avoid an error in decoding the color barcode C1. On the other hand, when the difference between the block color and the display color is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that is, when it is determined that the block color and the display color are considerably different, the block color is the same as the display color. The code analysis process is terminated without specifying, and the user is notified that an error has occurred in decoding the color barcode C1 (step S9 in FIG. 8).

  When the color of the extracted block is specified (step S114), it is determined whether the color of all the blocks has been specified (step S117). When it is determined that the color of all the blocks has not been specified (NO in step S117). ) According to the decoding order, the color of the next block arranged at a pitch from the extracted block is extracted (step S118), and the processing of steps S113 to S117 is repeated until the specification of the colors of all the blocks is completed. If it is determined that the colors of all the blocks constituting the data block CB have been specified (YES in step S117), the image reading apparatus 1 performs processing for reading and encoding the data block CB (S119). First information corresponding to C1 is generated.

(Modification)
The first and second embodiments related to the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those described in the above-described embodiments. In other words, in addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications can be applied to the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the image reading apparatus 1 that detects whether or not the document DM1 displayed on the printing paper P has been changed using the color barcode C1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the image reading apparatus 1 may simply read a color barcode displayed on a color print medium. That is, the image reading apparatus 1 acquires information by reading a color barcode displayed on a color print medium. In this case, the display color specifying process and the code analysis process in each of the above embodiments are performed. And the difference detection process is not performed. In this case, the control unit 10 of the image reading apparatus 1 includes a configuration related to the display color specifying process and the code analysis process, but does not need to include a configuration related to the document reading process or the difference detection process.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the image reading apparatus 1 including the scanner unit 16 such as a scanner or a multifunction machine is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image reading apparatus 1 includes an image including a color barcode. For example, a digital camera or a Web camera may be used.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the pattern information 40 related to the pattern is stored in the storage unit 12 of the image reading apparatus 1 and is read as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image reading apparatus 1 You may acquire from the server etc. which were connected so that communication was possible.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the document DM1 is displayed on the printing paper P is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the document, and may be an image such as a picture or a figure.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the description has been given using the printing paper P as an example of the color printing medium. That's fine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reader 16 Scanner part (image reading means)
21 Identification part (identification means)
22 Code analysis unit (analysis means)
25 Information generator (second information generator)
26 Difference detection unit (difference detection means)
27 Notification unit (notification means)
30 Pattern information acquisition unit (pattern information acquisition means)
33 Density Difference Detection Unit (Density Difference Detection Unit)
34 Error determination unit (determination means)
65 Paper color detection unit (medium color detection means)
70 Used color information CP1 Paper code (definition information)
DM1 document (target image)

Claims (18)

Image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium;
A specifying unit that analyzes an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit and specifies a color displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means;
Equipped with a,
The analyzing means displays on the color print medium a color whose difference between the color of the block constituting the color barcode and the color displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means is a predetermined value or less. An image reading apparatus that analyzes the color barcode as the same color as the selected color . Image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium;
A specifying unit that analyzes an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit and specifies a color displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means;
Pattern information acquisition means for acquiring pattern information related to a pattern associated with a specific color print medium;
Equipped with a,
The specifying unit reads definition information defining a specific color print medium included in the color barcode, refers to pattern information associated with the color print medium defined by the definition information, and corresponds to the pattern Specify the color for each position of the block constituting the color barcode,
The image reading apparatus , wherein the analyzing unit analyzes the color barcode for each position where the color barcode is displayed on the color print medium . An image reading unit that reads an image that is displayed on a color print medium and includes a color barcode and a target image different from the color barcode;
A specifying unit that analyzes a color barcode included in the image read by the image reading unit and specifies a color of the color barcode displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means, and generating first information corresponding to the color barcode;
Analyzing the target image included in the image read by the image reading means, and generating second information corresponding to the target image;
Difference detection means for detecting a difference between the first information and the second information;
Informing means for informing that the target image displayed on the color print medium has been changed when the difference between the first information and the second information is detected by the difference detecting means;
A density difference detecting means for detecting a difference between the color density specified by the specifying means and the color of the color print medium;
Difference in concentration detected by the density difference detection means Ri der below a predetermined value, and, if more than a predetermined point of difference is detected by the difference detecting means, said color barcode that appears in the color printing medium a judging means for judging that a Oite error a specific color occurs in,
Bei to give a,
The notification means, wherein the color images reader you characterized by notifying that the Oite error occurs to a specific color of the color barcode that appears in the print medium.   The specifying means specifies a color displayed on the color print medium based on an index defining a color printed with the color barcode included in the color barcode displayed on the color print medium. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specifying unit analyzes the index arranged at a predetermined position of the color barcode. Image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium;
A specifying unit that analyzes an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit and specifies a color displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means;
Medium color detecting means for detecting the color of the color printing medium ;
Use color information acquisition means for acquiring use color information defining a color used for the color barcode from a predetermined storage means or an external server;
Bei to give a,
The specifying unit specifies a color displayed on the color print medium based on the use color information acquired by the use color information acquisition unit and the color of the color print medium detected by the medium color detection unit. images reader you wherein a.   The medium color detecting means analyzes the image including the color barcode by the specifying means and specifies the arrangement of the color barcode, so that the color barcode is removed from the portion of the image excluding the color barcode. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the color of the print medium is detected. The analyzing means displays on the color print medium a color whose difference between the color of the block constituting the color barcode and the color displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means is a predetermined value or less. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the color barcode is analyzed as the same color as the selected color. Pattern information acquisition means for acquiring pattern information related to a pattern associated with a specific color print medium;
Further comprising
The specifying unit reads definition information defining a specific color print medium included in the color barcode, refers to pattern information associated with the color print medium defined by the definition information, and corresponds to the pattern Specify the color for each position of the block constituting the color barcode,
It said analyzing means includes an image reading apparatus according to claim 3,6,7 or 8, characterized in that analyzing the color barcode for each position where the color barcode in the color printing medium is displayed. The image reading device
Image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium;
A specifying unit that analyzes an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit and specifies a color displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means;
To function as,
The analyzing means displays on the color print medium a color whose difference between the color of the block constituting the color barcode and the color displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means is a predetermined value or less. A program for analyzing the color barcode as the same color as the selected color . The image reading device
Image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium;
A specifying unit that analyzes an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit and specifies a color displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means;
Pattern information acquisition means for acquiring pattern information related to a pattern associated with a specific color print medium;
To function as,
The specifying unit reads definition information defining a specific color print medium included in the color barcode, refers to pattern information associated with the color print medium defined by the definition information, and corresponds to the pattern Specify the color for each position of the block constituting the color barcode,
The analysis means analyzes the color barcode for each position where the color barcode is displayed on the color print medium . The image reading device
An image reading unit that reads an image that is displayed on a color print medium and includes a color barcode and a target image different from the color barcode;
A specifying unit for analyzing a color barcode included in the image read by the image reading unit and specifying a color of the color barcode displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means, and generating first information corresponding to the color barcode;
A second information generating unit that analyzes the target image included in the image read by the image reading unit and generates second information corresponding to the target image;
Difference detection means for detecting a difference between the first information and the second information;
Informing means for informing that the target image displayed on the color print medium has been changed when the difference between the first information and the second information is detected by the difference detecting means;
A density difference detecting means for detecting a difference between the color density specified by the specifying means and the color of the color print medium;
Difference in concentration detected by the density difference detection means Ri der below a predetermined value, and, if more than a predetermined point of difference is detected by the difference detecting means, said color barcode that appears in the color printing medium determining means for determining that the Oite error occurs in a particular color of
And then allowed to function in,
The notification means, wherein the to Help program that informs that a Oite error occurs to a specific color of the color barcode that appears in the color printing medium.   The specifying means specifies a color displayed on the color print medium based on an index defining a color printed with the color barcode included in the color barcode displayed on the color print medium. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 12.   The program according to claim 13, wherein the specifying unit analyzes the index arranged at a predetermined position of the color barcode. The image reading device
Image reading means for reading an image including a color barcode displayed on a color print medium;
A specifying unit that analyzes an image including the color barcode read by the image reading unit and specifies a color displayed on the color print medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the color barcode based on the color specified by the specifying means;
Medium color detecting means for detecting the color of the color print medium;
Use color information acquisition means for acquiring use color information defining a color used for the color barcode from a predetermined storage means or an external server;
And then allowed to function in,
The specifying unit specifies a color displayed on the color print medium based on the use color information acquired by the use color information acquisition unit and the color of the color print medium detected by the medium color detection unit. features and to Help program that.   The medium color detecting means analyzes the image including the color barcode by the specifying means and specifies the arrangement of the color barcode, so that the color barcode is removed from the portion of the image excluding the color barcode. The program according to claim 15, wherein the color of the print medium is detected. The analyzing means displays on the color print medium a color whose difference between the color of the block constituting the color barcode and the color displayed on the color print medium specified by the specifying means is a predetermined value or less. The program according to claim 12, 15 or 16 , wherein the color barcode is analyzed as the same color as the selected color. Pattern information acquisition means for acquiring pattern information related to a pattern associated with a specific color print medium;
Further function as
The specifying unit reads definition information defining a specific color print medium included in the color barcode, refers to pattern information associated with the color print medium defined by the definition information, and corresponds to the pattern Specify the color for each position of the block constituting the color barcode,
18. The program according to claim 12, 15, 16 or 17 , wherein the analysis unit analyzes the color barcode for each position where the color barcode is displayed on the color print medium.

Images