JP6710390B2 - Code display, container and information processing terminal - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a code display body, a container, and an information processing terminal for managing information with code images.

Code images such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes are used to identify various items. A technique for photographing such a code image and reading the identification code information is also under consideration (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Then, by attaching such a code image to, for example, a product container, it is possible to identify each product and provide product-related information (for example, traceability information) or use registration of the product. ..

Also, a two-dimensional code using a plurality of colors has been studied (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). In the technique described in this document, each area of the two-dimensional code corresponding to the article to be detected among the two-dimensional codes attached to the article included in the image is specified. Specifically, based on the edge image generated from the acquired image (original image), extraction of the candidate area in this edge image, and the characteristic of each corresponding area in the original image corresponding to this extracted candidate area The area of the two-dimensional code is detected from the original image through the determination of whether or not such a pattern is included. In addition, the color determination processing is performed on the area of each cell in the area of the detected two-dimensional code, and the coded information is identified based on the color determination result of the area of each cell.

JP, 2009-198266, A JP 2012-33033 A

In the technique described in Patent Document 2, since the code element is specified by color, the code image can be specified even if the image is a small image taken from a distance. Further, even when one image includes a plurality of code images, a plurality of identification codes can be collectively acquired based on the edge image (layout pattern) of the two-dimensional code.

However, when the code image is added to the label of the product container for identifying the product or the like, if the code image is attached independently of the label decoration, the design of the label or the like may be impaired.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a code display body, a container, and information for managing information by code images without impairing the decorativeness of the visible content. To provide a processing terminal.

-The code display that solves the above problems prints a code image in which an individual code is converted into a color code that can be identified by a combination of coloring, with multiple colors of ink that can be displayed for the first time on a visible content. It is characterized by having done. As a result, the code image can be added to the visible content without impairing the decorativeness. Furthermore, by using the ink that can be displayed for the first time by photographing, it becomes difficult to falsify or forge the code image, and security can be improved.

In the code display body, it is preferable to specify the combination of coloring in the color code based on the layout of the content. Thereby, the arrangement of the code image can be specified using the visible content.
-The container that solves the above problem is a code in which a code image in which an individual code is converted into a color code that can be identified by a combination of coloring is printed on visible content with multiple colors of ink that can be displayed for the first time by shooting. It is characterized by embedding a display body. Accordingly, the code image can be added to the visible content without impairing the decorativeness.

-The information processing terminal that solves the above problem is capable of displaying a code image generated by converting an individual code into a color code that can be identified by a combination of coloring, in multiple colors that can be displayed for the first time on a visible content. It is characterized in that the code display body printed with the ink is captured by a decoder, and the individual code is acquired from a captured image of the code display body. As a result, the individual code can be acquired from the code image added to the visible content without impairing the decorativeness.

In the information processing terminal that solves the above problem, the decoder manages the acquired individual code, the process information for identifying the process using the container, and the reading date in association with each other via the network. It is preferable to send it to the server. As a result, process management (for example, traceability management) can be performed using the individual code.

In the information processing terminal that solves the above problem, the decoder may transmit the acquired individual code and the decoder information for specifying the decoder to a management server connected via a network in association with each other. preferable. Thereby, the reader of the code image can be specified.

According to the present invention, information can be managed by code images without impairing the decorativeness of visible contents.

The system schematic of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the processing procedure of this embodiment, (a) is a printing process, (b) is explanatory drawing of an information acquisition process. It is an explanatory view of a label of this embodiment, (a) is a label in which visible content was printed, (b) is a label in which a code image was printed, and (c) is an explanatory view of a photographed label. Explanatory drawing of the processing procedure of other embodiment.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a code display body, a container, and an information processing terminal used when information is acquired using a code image printed on a label attached to a product container will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, a label 120 as a code display is attached to the product container 10 provided to the user. A code image 122 is embedded in the label 120. In this embodiment, as the code image 122, an image (color code image) divided into a plurality of areas and colored in each area is used. As the color code image, for example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 can be used. Each area is colored in a plurality of colors, and each code image 122 can be identified by the combination of this coloring. In the present embodiment, the code image 122 is printed with an ink (hereinafter referred to as a retroreflective ink) that cannot be visually recognized (visible) with visible light, but whose color can be identified by a flashlight. By using this retroreflective ink, incident light from a specific direction is reflected in the same direction as the incident direction, so that the code image 122 can be raised.

In this embodiment, the management server 20 and the user terminal 30 are used to provide information using such a code image 122. A management terminal 23 and a printing device 25 are connected to the management server 20.

The management terminal 23 is a computer terminal for operating the management server 20. The management terminal 23 includes an input unit such as a keyboard for inputting information and a pointing device, and an output unit such as a display.
The printing device 25 executes a process of printing the label 120. This printing is done with visible normal ink and retroreflective ink.

The management server 20 is a computer system that manages the products contained in the product container 10. The management server 20 includes a control unit 21 and a product information storage unit 22.
The control unit 21 controls the printing of the label 120 attached to the product container 10 and executes the process of providing the user terminal 30 with information about the product.

A product management record for managing each product is recorded in the product information storage unit 22. This product management record is recorded when each product is registered. In this product management record, individual codes and data related to product description are recorded.
In the individual code data area, data about an identifier for identifying each product is recorded.
In the product description data area, data related to this product description is recorded.

The user terminal 30 is an information processing terminal used by the user and having a communication function such as a smartphone. This user terminal includes a control unit 31, a touch panel display 32, a photographing unit 33, a lighting unit 34, and the like. The touch panel display 32 functions as an input unit and an output unit. The photographing unit 33 photographs the label 120 and acquires this color image. The illumination unit 34 emits a light source (flash light).

The control unit 31 includes control means (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.) and performs code analysis processing. Therefore, the control unit 31 functions as the code analysis unit 311 by executing the code analysis application program stored in the storage unit.

The code analysis unit 311 functions as a decoder, and executes a process of acquiring a color image captured by the image capturing unit 33 from the image capturing unit 33 in association with the light emission (flash light) of the illumination unit 34. Then, the code analysis unit 311 extracts the colored code image 122 included in the color image from the edge image (layout pattern) of the color code. Further, the code analysis unit 311 decodes the colored code image 122 to identify the individual code. Then, the code analysis unit 311 acquires the product information from the management server 20 based on the individual code.

Next, the processing procedure of the information management method using the system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
(Printing process)
First, the printing process will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, the management server 20 executes a visible pattern creation process (step S1-1). Specifically, the management terminal 23 is used to create visible content at the label 120. Then, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 stores the created visible content in the storage unit.

Next, the management server 20 executes a visible pattern printing process (step S1-2). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 prints the content stored in the storage unit using the printing device 25. Here, printing is performed using visible normal ink.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3A, the visible content 121 is printed on the label 120.
Next, the management server 20 executes a color code image generation process according to the individual code (step S1-3). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 generates an individual code for identifying the product to which the label 120 is attached, records it in the product information storage unit 22 in association with the product description. Then, the control unit 21 generates a code image in which a color for specifying an individual code is arranged, based on the layout pattern of the color code. In this case, a color code image capable of identifying the individual code is generated by a combination of coloring.

Next, the management server 20 executes the printing process of the color code image (step S1-4). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the management server 20 prints the code image 122 (color code image) using the printing device 25. Here, printing is performed using the retroreflective ink that uses each color for specifying the individual code.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, the code image 122 is printed on the label 120. The code image 122 printed with the retroreflective ink is buried in the content 121 due to diffused reflection under normal light and is in a state where it cannot be viewed.

(Information acquisition process)
Next, the information acquisition process in the user terminal 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the user terminal 30 executes an analysis application starting process (step S2-1). Specifically, a user who obtains a product and desires to obtain information activates the analysis application program stored in the user terminal 30. As a result, the code analysis unit 311 functions in the control unit 31.

Next, the user terminal 30 executes a shooting process (step S2-2). Specifically, the code analysis unit 311 of the control unit 31 outputs the subject screen to the touch panel display 32. In this case, the user points the image capturing unit 33 of the user terminal 30 toward the label 120 of the product container 10. Then, with the label 120 as the subject, a shooting instruction is input on the subject screen. In this case, the code analysis unit 311 acquires the color image of the label 120 by the imaging unit 33 in synchronization with the emission of the flashlight by the illumination unit 34.

As shown in FIG. 3C, in the photographed color image, the code image 122 printed with the retroreflective ink by the flashlight stands out.
Next, the user terminal 30 executes a color code extraction process (step S2-3). Specifically, the code analysis unit 311 of the control unit 31 extracts the code image 122 from the color image by pattern recognition of the layout pattern of the code image 122.

Next, the user terminal 30 executes an individual code extraction process (step S2-4). Specifically, the code analysis unit 311 of the control unit 31 identifies the individual code based on the color combination included in the code image 122.

Next, the user terminal 30 executes an information acquisition process according to the individual code (step S2-5). Specifically, the code analysis unit 311 accesses the management server 20 via the network. Then, the information request is transmitted to the management server 20. This information request includes data regarding the specified individual code. The management server 20 that has received the information request acquires the product description associated with the individual code from the product information storage unit 22 and returns it to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 that has obtained the product description outputs the product description to the touch panel display 32.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the present embodiment, as the code image 122, an image (color code image) divided into a plurality of areas and colored in each area is used. The code image 122 is printed with a retroreflective ink that is invisible (not visible) under visible light, but can be identified by a flashlight. By using the retroreflective ink, the code image can be embedded without disturbing the decoration of the code display body such as the label. By using a color code as the code image, the code image can be recognized even in a small image, and a plurality of code images can be acquired at one time. Furthermore, by using the retroreflective ink, it is difficult to falsify or forge the code image, and security can be improved.

(2) In the present embodiment, the management server 20 performs a visible pattern creation process (step S1-1), a visible pattern print process (step S1-2), and a color code image generation process according to an individual code ( In step S1-3), the color code image printing process (step S1-4) is executed. As a result, the code image can be embedded in the decoration printed with the normal ink in a form that does not hinder the decoration.

(3) In the present embodiment, the user terminal 30 responds to the photographing process (step S2-2), the color code extracting process (step S2-3), the individual code extracting process (step S2-4), and the individual code. The information acquisition process (step S2-5) is executed. As a result, information processing based on code images can be performed using the user terminal 30 such as a smartphone.

Further, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, the user terminal 30 is used to acquire the product information from the management server 20. The use of the present invention is not limited to the acquisition of product information. For example, it can also be used for traceability management. In this case, a unique individual code is assigned to each product. Then, when the code image is read at the time of registering the traceability information, the user terminal 30 transmits the process code for identifying the process at the time of reading the code to the management server 20 together with the individual code. In this case, the management server 20 records the process code and the process date and time in the product information storage unit 22 in association with the individual code. When requesting the traceability information, the user terminal 30 reads the code image and acquires the traceability information from the management server 20 based on the individual code.

It is also possible to use the product user for user registration. In this case, a user code for identifying the user is set in the analysis application program. Then, when the code image is read, the user terminal 30 transmits the user code to the management server 20 together with the individual code. In this case, the management server 20 records the user code in the product information storage unit 22 in association with the individual code. As a result, it is possible to efficiently collect information on the products used by the user (reader).

In the above embodiment, the management server 20 executes the visible pattern printing process (step S1-2) and the color code image printing process (step S1-4). The printing method is not limited to this. For example, the normal ink and the retroreflective ink may be used at the same time to print the label in one process.

In the above embodiment, the code image is printed on the label 120 of the product container 10. The print target (code display body) of the code image is not limited to the label. The product container itself may be printed.

In the above-described embodiment, the retroreflective ink is used for printing the code image, but the type of ink is not limited as long as the ink can be displayed for the first time by photographing with the user terminal 30. For example, it is possible to use ink that is made visible by performing a specific process, such as invisible ink or invisible ink. Specifically, a fluorescent substance that emits light by irradiation of ultraviolet rays with black light or the like, ink that is visualized by absorbing ultraviolet rays, or the like is used. It is also possible to use an ink that transmits only specific wavelength light (for example, an infrared transparent ink that blocks visible light or ultraviolet light and transmits only infrared light). In this case, the hue can be changed by adjusting the transmitted color.

In the above embodiment, the code image is specified based on the color code layout pattern in the code image printed with the retroreflective ink. The method of identifying the code image is not limited to this. For example, the code image may be specified based on the layout of the content printed with normal ink.

The printing process and the information acquisition process will be described with reference to FIG.
In this case, in the print processing, the management server 20 executes the individual code generation processing (step S5-1). In this case, only color combinations are generated.

Next, the management server 20 executes the printing process corresponding to the visible pattern (step S5-2). Specifically, the management server 20 uses the printing device 25 to specify the arrangement position of each color by using the visible pattern as the layout pattern of the color code. Then, each color forming the color code is printed at this arrangement position.

In the information acquisition process, the user terminal 30 executes a photographing process (step S5-3).
Next, the user terminal 30 executes a color code extraction process based on a visible pattern (step S5-4). In this case, the color code is specified by pattern recognition of the layout pattern by the visible pattern.

Next, the user terminal 30 executes an individual code acquisition process (step S5-5).
Thereby, the layout pattern of the color code can be specified based on the visible pattern. Further, the presence of the color code image can be shown to the user based on the visible pattern.

-In the said embodiment, the user terminal 30 performs a color code extraction process (step S2-3). In this case, the layout pattern is specified by the color image taken by using the flashlight. Instead of this, a color image captured using a flash light and an image captured without using a flash light may be used together to extract the color coat. In this case, in the image capturing process (step S2-2), the code analysis unit 311 of the control unit 31 continuously performs the image capturing synchronized with the flash light emission by the illumination unit 34 and the image capturing without the flash light emission. To do. As a result, a light emission image and a non-light emission image are acquired. Then, the image at the time of light emission is compared with the image at the time of no light emission to identify the color code that is revealed in the image at the time of light emission. Thereby, the visible pattern included in the light-emission image can be identified as noise in the light-emission image, and the recognition accuracy can be improved. Further, the layout pattern of the color code may be specified by the image when no light is emitted, and the color combination may be specified based on the layout of the layout pattern.

10... Product container, 120... Label, 121... Content, 122... Code image, 20... Management server, 21... Control unit, 22... Product information storage unit, 23... Management terminal, 25... Printing device, 30... User terminal, 31... Control unit, 311... Code analysis unit, 32... Touch panel display, 33... Imaging unit, 34... Illumination unit.

Claims (6)

A code image in which an individual code is converted into a color code that can be identified by a combination of coloring is printed on visible content with multiple colors of ink that can be displayed for the first time by shooting ,
A code display characterized by specifying a combination of coloring in a color code based on the layout of the content . A code image in which an individual code is converted into a color code that can be identified by a combination of coloring is printed on visible content with multiple colors of ink that can be displayed for the first time by shooting ,
A container characterized by embedding a code display for specifying a combination of coloring in a color code based on the layout of the content . A code image in which individual codes are converted into color codes that can be identified by a combination of coloring is printed on the visible content with multiple colors of ink that can be displayed for the first time by shooting, and the code display is shot by the decoder.
Specify the combination of coloring in the color code based on the layout of the content,
An information processing terminal, wherein an individual code is acquired from a photographed image of the code display body according to the combination of coloring . The decoder transmits the acquired individual code, the process information for specifying the process using the container, and the read date in association with each other to a management server connected via a network. The information processing terminal according to item 3 . A code image in which individual codes are converted into color codes that can be identified by a combination of coloring is printed on the visible content with multiple colors of ink that can be displayed for the first time by shooting, and the code display is shot by the decoder.
From the captured image of the code display, obtain the individual code ,
The information processing terminal , wherein the decoder associates the acquired individual code with the decoder information for identifying the decoder and transmits the associated individual code to a management server connected via a network . The decoder transmits the acquired individual code, the process information for specifying the process using the container, and the read date in association with each other to a management server connected via a network. Item 6. The information processing terminal according to item 5 .