JP7415399B2 - Information code, information code medium, information code generation method, and information code reading device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information code, an information code display medium, an information code generation method, and an information code reading device.

In recent years, examples of the use of information codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks) include cases in which information codes drawn large on the ground are recognized from helicopters to obtain information, and markers for automatic takeoff and landing of drones and automatic driving of cars. There are examples of its use as a In such a case, it is assumed that the information code is imaged from a distance and the information recorded in the information code is read by decoding the captured image. For this reason, if the QR code is not recognized as being within the field of view of the reading device, the QR code cannot be read because the viewfinder pattern, which is imaged small due to the QR code being imaged from a distance, cannot be detected. There is a problem in that it is not possible to perform decoding processing for this purpose.

In order to solve such problems, a two-dimensional code disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below, for example, is known as a technique for reading distant information codes. In this two-dimensional code, multiple cells are arranged at regular intervals within a black (white) frame on the outer periphery, with a white (black) separator as a boundary area, and predetermined information is stored in each cell's color and color combination. Generated to be encoded by . In this way, by generating a two-dimensional code so that a separator and a frame with clear contrast are placed around each cell, the two-dimensional code can be placed in any range of the imaging field of view even when imaging from a distance. Since it becomes easier to understand whether an image is being captured, it is possible to appropriately perform decoding processing on a two-dimensional code imaged from a distance.

JP2012-078973A

However, in the two-dimensional code generated as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a separator is provided and information is recorded in association with the color identification and arrangement of each cell. Compared to a QR code, etc., which is an array of 2D codes, the larger the amount of information that can be recorded, the larger the two-dimensional code becomes. For this reason, the above-mentioned two-dimensional code generated to increase the amount of information has a problem in that it becomes large and is likely to be subject to restrictions regarding arrangement.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a configuration that allows imaging of small information codes so that they can be read even from a distance.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims is as follows:
An information code (1) in which a plurality of light cells and dark cells are arranged in a predetermined code area (11),
A color area (20) is provided around the code area, in which a plurality of types of color cells (21 to 23) are arranged in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order,
In the color area, the length ratio of the plurality of types of color cells along the arrangement direction is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, and color cells of the same color have the same side length and width. are arranged so as to have a length twice as long as one side of a cell constituting the code region.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is
An information code medium (R) on which an information code (1) in which a plurality of light cells and dark cells are arranged in a predetermined code area (11) is formed,
A color area (20) is provided around the code area, in which a plurality of types of color cells (21 to 23) are arranged in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order,
In the color area, the length ratio of the plurality of types of color cells along the arrangement direction is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, and color cells of the same color have the same side length and width. are arranged so as to have a length twice as long as one side of a cell constituting the code region.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 is
An information code generation method for generating an information code (1) in which a plurality of light cells and dark cells are arranged in a predetermined code area (11), the method comprising:
A color area (20) is provided around the code area, in which a plurality of types of color cells (21 to 23) are arranged in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order,
In the color area, the length ratio of the plurality of types of color cells along the arrangement direction is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, and color cells of the same color have the same side length and width. are arranged so as to have a length twice as long as one side of a cell constituting the code region.

Moreover, the invention according to claim 7 is
An information code reading device (30) for reading an information code (1) in which a plurality of bright cells and dark cells are arranged in a predetermined code area (11),
A color area (20) is provided around the code area, and is formed by arranging a plurality of types of color cells (21 to 23) in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order. The ratio of lengths along the arrangement direction of color cells is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, color cells of the same color have the same side length, and the width is the same as that of the cells constituting the code area. It is arranged so that it is twice the length of one side,
An imaging unit (33);
a detection unit (31) for detecting the color region from the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
a specifying unit (31) that specifies the range of the predetermined code area based on the color area from the captured image in which the color area has been detected by the detection unit;
a decoding unit (31) that performs a decoding process on the predetermined code area specified by the specifying unit to decode information recorded in the predetermined code area;
It is characterized by having the following.
Note that the reference numerals in parentheses above indicate correspondence with specific means described in the embodiments described later.

In the invention as claimed in claim 1, a color area in which a plurality of types of color cells are arranged in a ring based on a predetermined arrangement order is provided around a code area in which a plurality of bright color cells and a plurality of dark color cells are arranged. .

As a result, when the information code according to the invention of claim 1 is imaged from a distance, if the color area can be detected from the captured image, the code area is imaged within a range inside the color area. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately perform decoding processing even in a code area where each cell has become small due to recording a large amount of information. In particular, due to the characteristics of image processing, color cells are easier to detect from captured images than bright and dark cells, so a color area formed by arranging multiple types of color cells is made up of bright and dark cells. It is easier to detect from a captured image than from a QR code finder pattern or the like. Therefore, by using the detected color area, it is not only easier to recognize that the information code is within the imaging field of view, but also easier to specify the range of the code area, thereby increasing the decoding success rate. I can do it. Therefore, it is possible to image a small information code so that it can be read even from a distance.

In the invention according to claim 2, the inner edge of the color area is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer edge of the predetermined margin arranged around the predetermined code area. Thereby, the space between the color area and the code area can be minimized, so that the information code having the code area and the color area can be generated smaller.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize an information code medium that has the same effects as the first aspect.
According to the invention of claim 4 , it is possible to realize an information code medium that has the same effect as that of claim 2 .
According to the invention of claim 5 , it is possible to satisfactorily generate an information code that has the same effect as that of claim 1.
According to the invention of claim 6 , it is possible to satisfactorily generate an information code that provides the same effect as that of claim 2 .

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided an information code in which a color area is provided in which a plurality of types of color cells are arranged in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order around a code area in which a plurality of bright color cells and a plurality of dark color cells are arranged. When the range of a predetermined code area is specified based on the color area from the captured image in which the color area is detected, the information recorded in the predetermined code area for this predetermined code area is read. A decoding process is performed to decipher the .

As a result, when the above-mentioned information code is imaged from a distance, if the color area can be detected from the captured image, a predetermined code area can be identified based on the color area, so a large amount of information can be recorded. Therefore, even in a code region where each cell is small, decoding processing can be appropriately performed. In particular, due to the characteristics of image processing, color cells are easier to detect from captured images than bright and dark cells, so a color area formed by arranging multiple types of color cells is made up of bright and dark cells. It is easier to detect from a captured image than from a QR code finder pattern or the like. Therefore, by using the detected color area, it is not only easier to recognize that the information code is within the imaging field of view, but also easier to specify the range of the code area, thereby increasing the decoding success rate. I can do it. Therefore, it is possible to image a small information code so that it can be read even from a distance.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an information code medium on which an information code according to the first embodiment is displayed. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of an information code reading device that reads an information code according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing performed by the control unit of the information code reading device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an information code medium on which an information code according to a modification of the first embodiment is displayed. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an information code medium on which an information code according to a second embodiment is displayed.

[First embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of an information code, an information code medium, an information code generation method, and an information code reading device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, the structure of the information code according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the information code 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include a QR code 10 and a rectangular ring-shaped color area 20 arranged around the QR code 10. This information code 1 is printed and displayed (formed) on a medium (information code medium R) such as a signboard that is often imaged from a distance.

The QR code 10 is a known QR code that can be read by a general reader, and has a matrix of a plurality of bright cells (for example, white cells) and dark cells (for example, black cells) in a rectangular code area 11. A rectangular annular frame of a predetermined width and made of the same color as the light-colored cells is arranged around the code area 11 as a margin (quiet zone) 12. Furthermore, finder patterns 13 are arranged at each of the three corners of the code area 11 as position detection patterns. Note that the code area 11 may correspond to an example of a "predetermined code area", and the margin 12 may correspond to an example of a "predetermined margin".

The color area 20 is configured by arranging a plurality of types of color cells in a rectangular ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the color area 20 includes a color cell 21 for a first color (for example, red), a color cell 22 for a second color (for example, blue), and a color cell for a third color (for example, green). The cell 23 is composed of three types of color cells, and the predetermined arrangement order is such that the length ratio along the arrangement direction is 6:5:4 in the order of color cell 21, color cell 22, and color cell 23. It is arranged and configured. The color area 20 configured in this manner has a width twice as long as one side of the cells constituting the code area 11, and has an inner edge at the outer edge of the margin 12 arranged around the code area 11. are placed in contact with each other.

That is, by arranging the color area 20 around the QR code 10, the information code 1 can be generated.

Since the color area 20 configured in this manner is arranged around the QR code 10, the information code reading device 30 that has captured the information code 1 can detect the color area 20 from the captured image based on the color area 20. It is possible to specify the range occupied by the code area 11 of the QR code 10.

Next, the configuration of the information code reading device 30 for optically reading the information code 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 2.
The information code reading device 30 according to this embodiment is a reading device that optically reads general information codes such as barcodes and QR codes, including the information code 1. The information code reading device 30 shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, a mobile terminal installed with an application program (hereinafter also referred to as a reading application) for reading the information code 1, and includes a control unit 31 including a CPU, memory, etc. 32, an imaging section 33 configured as a camera, a display section 34 whose display content is controlled by the control section 31, an operation section 35 that outputs an operation signal according to an input operation to the control section 31, and for communicating with external equipment, etc. The communication section 36 and the like are provided.

In the information code reading device 30 configured in this way, the reading process performed by the control unit 31 by starting the reading application allows the QR code to be imaged small because the information code 1 is imaged from a distance. Even if the finder pattern 13 of 10 cannot be detected from the captured image, by detecting the color area 20 from the captured image, the range occupied by the QR code 10 in the captured image can be specified and the QR code 10 can be decoded. can be carried out. Due to the characteristics of image processing, cells made of colors that can be easily distinguished from white or black, such as color cells 21 to 23, are easier to detect from a captured image than bright or dark cells. . Therefore, information regarding the predetermined arrangement order for detecting the color areas 20 (hereinafter also simply referred to as color arrangement information) is stored in advance in the memory 32 when the reading application is installed.

Hereinafter, the reading process executed by the control unit 31 of the information code reading device 30 when reading the information code 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3.
When the reading application is activated in response to a predetermined operation on the operation unit 35 and the control unit 31 starts the reading process, first, the imaging process shown in step S101 in FIG. 3 is performed, and the imaging unit 33 captures the information code. The 1st class will be in a state where it can be imaged.

Next, color area detection processing shown in step S103 is performed. In this process, a process for detecting the color area 20 from the captured image is performed based on the color array information stored in the memory 32 in advance. Note that the control unit 31 that performs the color area detection process described above may correspond to an example of a “detection unit”.

Since the information code 1 having an annular color region 20 is imaged, when the color region 20 is detected from the captured image (Yes in S105), the code region specifying process shown in step S107 is performed. Ru. In this process, the range of the code area 11 is specified assuming that the code area 11 of the QR code 10 to be read is located inside the extracted annular color area 20. Note that the control section 31 that performs the code region specifying process may correspond to an example of a "specific section."

Subsequently, a decoding process shown in step S109 is performed, and a process for decoding the information recorded in the code area 11 specified as described above is performed on the code area 11. If this decoding process is successful (Yes in S111), the decoding result is output (S113), and processing is performed using this decoding result. On the other hand, if the decoding process fails (No in S111), the process from step S101 is performed again. Note that the control section 31 that performs the decoding process described above may correspond to an example of a "decoding section."

As explained above, in the information code 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of color cells 21 to 23 are predetermined around the code area 11 of the QR code 10 in which a plurality of bright color cells and dark color cells are arranged. The color areas 20 are arranged in a ring based on the arrangement order of the color areas 20.

In the information code reading device 30 according to the present embodiment, the information code 1 is read, and the range of the code area 11 of the QR code 10 is determined from the captured image in which the color area 20 is detected based on the color area 20. Once specified (S107), decoding processing is performed on this code area 11 to decode the information recorded in the code area 11 (S109).

As a result, when the information code 1 is imaged from a distance, if the color area 20 can be detected from the captured image, the code area 11 of the QR code 10 will be imaged within the range inside the color area 20. Therefore, even in the code area 11 where each cell has become small due to recording a large amount of information, decoding processing can be appropriately performed. Therefore, by using the detected color area 20, it is not only easier to recognize that the information code 1 is within the imaging field of view, but also easier to specify the range of the code area 11, which increases the decoding success rate. can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to image a small information code so that it can be read even from a distance.

In particular, the collar region 20 is arranged so that its inner edge touches the outer edge of the margin 12 arranged around the code region 11. Thereby, the distance between the color area 20 and the code area 11 can be minimized, so that the information code 1 having the code area 11 and the color area 20 can be generated smaller.

Note that the color area 20 is not limited to having a width twice as long as one side of the cell forming the code area 11; for example, as illustrated in FIG. The code area 11 may have a width that is twice as long as one side of the cells that make up the code area 11, or may have a width that is longer than twice the side of the cells that make up the code area 11.

Further, the color area 20 is configured by arranging three color cells 21 to 23 in a rectangular ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order so that the length ratio along the arrangement direction is 6:5:4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured by arranging two or four or more color cells in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order.

[Second embodiment]
Next, the information code according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 5.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the color area is provided within the code area. Specifically, for example, for a code (hereinafter also referred to as frame QR10a) having a free area 14 inside a code area 11a in which finder patterns 13 are arranged at three corners, such as the information code 1a shown in FIG. , a color area 20a is provided within the empty area 14.

In the frame QR10a according to the present embodiment, by using a predetermined encoding technique, an empty area 14 is provided in the center of a rectangular code area 11a that is formed by arranging a plurality of light-colored cells and dark-colored cells. It is configured as follows. Specifically, the frame QR10a includes a specific pattern area in which specific patterns of predetermined shapes such as three finder patterns 13, a timing pattern, an alignment pattern, etc. are arranged, and a plurality of light and dark cells to record data. , an error correction code recording area in which error correction codes are recorded using a plurality of bright cells and dark cells, and a free area 14. The free area 14 has a size larger than the size of a single cell and is provided in the center of the code area 11a so that data is not recorded by cells and is not subject to error correction by error correction codes. ing. Note that as the encoding technique for the frame QR10a having the free area 14 inside the code area 11a, for example, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-139771 can be suitably used.

The color area 20a is configured by arranging a plurality of types of color cells in a square ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order. In this embodiment, the color area 20a is made up of the color cells 21 to 23 described above, as shown in FIG. They are arranged so that the ratio of their length along the length is 6:5:4. The color area 20a configured in this way has a width equal to the length of one side of the cells constituting the code area 11, and has an outer edge that is connected to the outer edge of the free area 14 (data recording area or error correction code recording area). It is arranged along the border of

As described above, in the information code 1a according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of color cells are arranged in a predetermined arrangement order in the free area 14 different from the light color cells and the dark color cells in the code area 11a. A color area 20a is provided.

As a result, when the information code 1a is imaged from a distance, if the color area 20a can be detected from the captured image, it can be seen that the code area 11a is imaged within a range outside the color area 20a. Decoding processing can be performed using the detected color area 20a as a reference. Even in this case, as in the first embodiment, by using the detected color area 20a, it is not only easier to recognize that the information code 1a is within the imaging field of view, but also the code area 11a Since it becomes easier to specify the range, the decoding success rate can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to image a small information code so that it can be read even from a distance.

Note that the color area 20a is not limited to being configured such that its width is equal to the length of one side of the cells that make up the code area 11; It may be configured to be long, for example, the width may be twice the width of one side of the cell forming the code area 11.

Furthermore, the color area 20a is not limited to being formed by arranging three color cells 21 to 23 in a rectangular ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order, but also by arranging two or four or more color cells based on a predetermined arrangement order. They may be arranged in a ring.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example.
(1) The information code medium R on which the information codes 1 and 1a according to the present invention are formed (displayed) is not limited to billboards, etc., but is also a medium that is often imaged from a distance, such as when landing at an automatic landing site of a drone. It may also be a medium set as a target.

(2) The information code 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the structure in which the QR code 10 is arranged inside the annular color area 20, but can also be configured by other code types, such as a primary code such as a bar code. A two-dimensional code such as an original code, a data matrix code, or a maxi code may be arranged.

1, 1a...Information code 10...QR code 10a...Frame QR
11, 11a...Code area 12...Margin 13...Finder pattern 20, 20a...Color area 21-23...Color cell 30...Information code reading device 31...Control unit (detection unit, identification unit, decoding unit)
33...Imaging unit R...Information code medium

Claims (7)

An information code in which a plurality of light cells and dark cells are arranged within a predetermined code area,
A color area is provided around the code area, in which a plurality of types of color cells are arranged in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order,
In the color area, the length ratio of the plurality of types of color cells along the arrangement direction is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, and color cells of the same color have the same side length and width. An information code characterized in that the information code is arranged so that the length of each cell is twice the length of one side of the cell constituting the code area. The information code according to claim 1, wherein the color area is arranged so that an inner edge thereof touches an outer edge of a predetermined margin arranged around the predetermined code area. An information code medium in which an information code in which a plurality of light cells and dark cells are arranged in a predetermined code area is formed,
A color area is provided around the code area, in which a plurality of types of color cells are arranged in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order,
In the color area, the length ratio of the plurality of types of color cells along the arrangement direction is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, and color cells of the same color have the same side length and width. An information code medium characterized in that the information code medium is arranged in such a manner that the cells have a length twice as long as one side of the cells constituting the code area. 4. The information code medium according to claim 3, wherein the color area is arranged so that an inner edge thereof touches an outer edge of a predetermined margin arranged around the predetermined code area. An information code generation method for generating an information code in which a plurality of light cells and dark cells are arranged within a predetermined code area, the method comprising:
A color area formed by arranging a plurality of types of color cells in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order is provided around the code area,
In the color area, the length ratio of the plurality of types of color cells along the arrangement direction is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, and color cells of the same color have the same side length and width. An information code generation method, characterized in that the information code is arranged in such a manner that the cells are arranged to have a length twice as long as one side of a cell constituting the code area. 6. The information code generation method according to claim 5, wherein the color area is arranged so that an inner edge thereof touches an outer edge of a predetermined margin arranged around the predetermined code area. An information code reading device that reads an information code in which a plurality of bright cells and dark cells are arranged in a predetermined code area,
A color area is provided around the code area, and is formed by arranging a plurality of types of color cells in a ring shape based on a predetermined arrangement order, and the color area has a length along the arrangement direction of the plurality of types of color cells. The ratio of the sizes is a specified value , adjacent color cells have different colors, color cells of the same color have the same side length, and the width is twice the length of one side of the cell constituting the code area. It is arranged and configured as follows,
an imaging unit;
a detection unit for detecting the color region from the captured image captured by the imaging unit;
a specifying unit that specifies the range of the predetermined code area based on the color area from the captured image in which the color area has been detected by the detection unit;
a decoding unit that performs decoding processing on the predetermined code area specified by the specifying unit to decode information recorded in the predetermined code area;
An information code reading device comprising:

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