JPS63195786A - Graph code - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To show a numeric character of a large digit number in a space smaller than a 'Karlar code' by rearranging four squares forming a square with cross partially shown by figure (a) in a single longitudinal row against a bar code so that the lateral space extension is reduced. CONSTITUTION:A numeric character can be specified by painting out either one of four squares. This specification of numeric characters can be standardized by applying a rule defining that the four squares 1, 2, 3 and 4 are painted out with preference in the order of larger values. A 'column' obtained by painting out all four squares is set on the forefront row of another 'column' in consideration of the use of an optical reader (scanner). Thus the start point of the corresponding code is shown. Thus said 'column' containing four painted-out squares is also used to show a section between both numeric characters and the numeric characters of >=2 different groups can be shown. Furthermore the lateral space extension of a code can be suppressed by changing four regular squares into four rectangles.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to a method for expressing all natural numbers in codes.

(b) Conventional technology The most widespread type is the "barcode" with a vertical striped pattern.
There is a recently devised one that is shaped like the character ``田''.
There is a "Karla code".

(c) The problem that the invention aims to solve: "Barcodes" require a high degree of printing precision, and "Karura Code", which is an improvement on this point, requires at least the character "Ta" to represent a single digit number. If the space required increases the number of digits, it becomes ``田''
This requires a considerable amount of printing space, including the space between the character and the character ``田''. An object of the present invention is to reduce the printing space while easing the degree of printing accuracy required.

(d) Means to solve the problem By rearranging the four squares that make up the character ``田'' in a vertical line, the spread of space horizontally can be suppressed, and numbers with large digits can also be used as ``Karura code''. This allows for expression in a smaller space. Each digit of the number to be represented can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, and fill in one of the four squares as shown in Figure 1. It can be specified by Of these, 5, 6, 7
The three numbers can also be expressed as shown in Figure 2, but
By setting the rule that "the squares to be filled in should be filled in from 1, 2, 3, and 4, starting with the largest number," 5, 6, and 7 in Figure 2 are all ineligible, and the squares in Figure 1 are unified. be done.

Next, in consideration of the case of using an optical reader (scanner), one "column" with all four squares filled in is placed in the front row of the other "columns" to determine the starting point of the code. shall be indicated.

As shown in Figure 3, this "column" with all four squares filled in can also be used to separate numbers, and can also represent numbers for groups of two or more purchases. Moreover, by changing the four squares to rectangles as shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to further suppress the spread of the space in the lateral direction of the code.

(E) Function The present invention alleviates the high printing precision required for "barcodes" and at the same time reduces the required printing space to "Karura codes."

(F) Embodiment As shown in Figure 5, the appearance of the code can be changed by removing the partition line of each digit "column",
The digit "columns" can also be separated at equal intervals as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

(g) Effects of the invention Since the high printing precision required for barcodes is relaxed, printing costs are reduced. In addition, since the horizontal spread of the printing space is reduced compared to "Karura Code," it is suitable for numbers with a larger number of digits, and can be easily used for items with small printing spaces. It can also be expected to reduce the number of misidentifications caused by scanners. It is also possible to create codes by hand, just like filling in the squares on graph paper, and by preparing rubber stamps for each "column", you can easily code at any time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows the basic type of the "graph code". In Figure 2, according to the "rules" described on page 3, line 5 of this specification,
Indicates "columns" that are ineligible or unnecessary for the code. FIG. 3 shows an example of dividing numbers into two groups. Figure 4 shows an example in which the width of each "column" is reduced to suppress the spread of space laterally. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the partition lines of each "column" are removed. FIG. 6 shows an example in which each "column" of the basic type (FIG. 1) is separated. FIG. 7 shows an example in which each "column" of the reduced width type (FIG. 4) is separated.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. By filling in any of the four squares arranged in a vertical line (hereinafter referred to as "columns"), 0, 1, 2,
A code that expresses natural numbers by specifying any one digit of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, and arranging these specified "columns" in a horizontal line. 2. The shape of the four squares constituting the above-mentioned "column" shall be square or rectangular. 3. The above-mentioned "columns" may be arranged in contact with each other, or may be arranged at equal intervals. 4. By using a specific "column" other than the above-mentioned "column" that expresses a number, the starting point of a code and a break between numbers are expressed.