KR100860110B1 - Information input/output method using dot pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a square or rectangular rectangular region is formed as a block on a medium surface such as a printed matter, and the vertical and horizontal straight lines constituting the edge of the block are used as reference grid lines, and virtually at predetermined intervals on the reference grid lines. A reference grid point is provided, the virtual reference grids are connected to each other, and a straight line parallel to the reference grid line is used as the grid line, and the intersections of the grid lines are used as the virtual grid point, and the distance and direction based on the virtual grid point. A dot pattern in which dots each having a plurality of dots were arranged was generated, the dot pattern was read as optical information by optical reading means, the dot pattern was digitized, and information corresponding to the digitized information was read out from the storage means and outputted. .

Dot pattern, info dot

Description

Information input / output method using dot pattern {INFORMATION INPUT / OUTPUT METHOD USING DOT PATTERN}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input / output method using a dot pattern for inputting and outputting various information and programs by optically reading dot pattern information formed on a printed matter or the like.

Background Art Conventionally, an information output method has been proposed in which a bar code printed on a printed matter or the like is read to output information such as voice. For example, a method has been proposed in which information matching with key information previously given to the storage means is stored, and information is retrieved from a key read by a bar code reader to output information or the like. Further, in order to output a large amount of information or programs, fine dots are arranged in a predetermined law to generate dot patterns, and the dot patterns printed on printed matters are stored as image data by a camera, and digitalized to output audio information. Techniques have also been proposed.

However, the conventional method of outputting a voice or the like by a bar code has a problem that a bar code printed on a printed matter or the like is annoying. In addition, since a large barcode occupies a part of the page, it is impossible to assign a large number of barcodes that are easy to recognize for each character or object that has meaning in a part of a sentence or a picture, picture, or graphic image. Had a problem.

The dot pattern is stored as image data by the camera, and the image data is digitized to 256 gray levels of achromatic color, and the change of gray levels is differentiated and the edges of the dots are sharpened to make the dots easy to recognize. . Next, 256 gray levels of data are binarized into black or white. In such a binarization, when dots are printed on the ground, there is a misalignment or spread of the prints and a misalignment when the pixels are pixelated, resulting in an error in dot printing. In the past, such printing errors were checked by parity check. However, such an error check is not a printing error check for each dot, but an error check on a chunk of data obtained from a plurality of dots, and it is not possible to determine which dot has caused a printing error and the imaging range of the camera. There was a problem of taking wide.

In addition, there is a problem that distortion occurs in the captured dot pattern due to lens distortion, oblique imaging, stretching of the paper surface, curvature of the media surface, and distortion during printing, which requires a high level of technical power to correct this problem.

The present invention has been devised to solve such a problem. In other words, an object of the present invention is to define a large amount of data as a dot pattern by giving different information or functions to each dot of the dot pattern displayed on a printed matter or the like, and recognize the directionality when informing from the dot pattern so that the information can be quickly informed. At the same time, there is provided an information input / output method using a dot pattern that can check an error in the arrangement state of dots and further improve security.

Claim 1 of this invention makes a square or rectangular rectangular area | region of the media surface, such as printed matter, as a block, and the longitudinal line and the horizontal line which comprise the edge of the said block as a reference grid line. And setting a virtual reference grid point at predetermined intervals on the reference grid line, arranging reference grid point dots on the virtual reference grid point, and connecting the virtual reference grid points to a straight line parallel to the reference grid line. A dot pattern having one or a plurality of information dots each having a distance and a direction based on the virtual lattice point as the virtual lattice point is generated, and the dot pattern is used as image information. Read by the optical reading means, the dot pattern is digitized, and information corresponding to the digitized information is read from the storage means and outputted. An information input and output method using a dot pattern.

According to claim 1, since the information dot can be arranged for each lattice point (first virtual lattice point) formed in a large amount in the block, more information can be stored in the block.

In addition, although the virtual reference grid point for every predetermined direction means a fixed space | interval in a longitudinal direction or a lateral direction, you may change a space | interval in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.

Claim 2 of this invention WHEREIN: The said block WHEREIN: The diagonal grid | lattice grid | wire which connects virtual reference grid | lattices point in diagonal direction is further set, and the intersection diagram of the diagonal grid | lattice grid line virtual grid point (2nd virtual grid point) An information input / output method using the dot pattern according to claim 1 in which one or a plurality of dots having a distance and a direction are arranged on the basis of the virtual lattice point.

According to claim 2, since the information dot can be arrange | positioned also at the virtual grid points which are the intersection points of diagonal grid lines, more information can be accommodated in a block.

Claim 3 of this invention is an information input / output method using the dot pattern of Claim 1 or 2 which gives meaning to information as to whether the said dot pattern is arrange | positioned based on the said virtual grid point.

According to claim 3, by intentionally generating and arranging areas where dots are not arranged, the outer edge of the mask for enforcing the area on the printing surface can be expressed. Further, the dot can be recognized as uniform background information by arranging the dots on all the virtual lattice points in the predetermined area.

In addition, the first algorithm defining information as to whether or not there is a dot on the virtual lattice point and the second algorithm based on the information dot at a position deviating from the virtual lattice point can be mixed, thereby ensuring a larger amount of information. .

According to claim 4 of the present invention, any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a key dot defining a direction of the block is disposed at a position deviating from at least one virtual reference grid point on the reference grid constituting the block. It is an information input / output method using the dot pattern described in.

In this way, by arranging key dots, the direction of the block can be defined. When the key dot is used, the inclination of the predetermined direction can be detected with respect to the reading axis of the optical reading means. Thus, the read dot pattern image can be corrected or have a different meaning according to the inclination angle.

In the case where the key dots are arranged in this manner, the portion (the reference grid point dot on the virtual reference grid point) is replaced by the key dot, and therefore does not exist.

Claim 5 of this invention is located in the position which rotated by 90 degrees the rectangular area to which the said key dot belongs by making the information dot of a predetermined position into a key dot in the said block, and making the center of the block into an axis. The information dot disposed in each rectangular area is an information input / output method using the dot pattern according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which information is defined as a direction or distance except for a direction necessary for defining the key dot.

Here, when information dots other than the center of the block are used as key dots, the information dots at the corresponding positions when rotated by 90 degrees with the center of the block as the rotation axis cannot be distinguished from the key dots when read by the optical reading means. According to the present invention, the key dots and the information dots can be distinguished by different methods of applying the information dots in the rectangular region other than the key dots.

For example, the key dot may be arranged as a vector only in the vertical and horizontal directions from the virtual lattice point, and information may be defined in the diagonal direction in another rectangular area at a position rotated every 90 degrees.

Further, the key dot may have a length of a vector as a predetermined length, and information may be defined as a vector having a different length in another rectangular area at a position rotated every 90 degrees.

In this way, by defining the information dot in advance in the area where the key dot may be arranged to be different from the key dot, the information dot can be arranged in an area other than the key dot, and a wasteless dot pattern can be obtained. It can be realized.

On the other hand, when the key dot is arranged in the center of the block, other information dots in the block may define information as one of the longitudinal direction, the horizontal direction, and the diagonal direction.

Claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the information dot of the block, information is defined by arbitrarily defining the distance and direction from the virtual lattice point for each information dot by the position in the block of the information dot. It is the information input / output method using the dot pattern in any one of Claims 1-5.

According to claim 6, information can be defined by arbitrarily defining the distance and direction from the virtual grid point. Therefore, the method of defining the information by the information dot can be changed, for example, for each industry type using the dot pattern (every manufacturing industry, every service industry, or every company using the dot pattern).

In this way, the dot pattern of the present invention can be distinguished and used for each limited use, thereby ensuring mutual safety. That is, the limitedly defined information can be read only by the optical reading means corresponding thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the dot pattern of this invention.

2 is an enlarged view showing an example of information dots of a dot pattern.

3A, 3B, and 3C are explanatory diagrams showing an arrangement state of key dots and information dots.

4 is a diagram showing an example of bit display of information dots and data defined therein;

Fig. 5 shows an example of information dots and bit display of data defined therein, (a) shows two dots, (b) shows four dots, (c) to (e) shows five dots, ( f) is a diagram showing a case where seven are arranged.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration, where (a) is 2 × 3 = 6 square areas, (b) is 3 × 3 = 9 rectangular areas, and (c) is 4 × 3 = 12 rectangular areas. (d) is a figure which shows the example of each structure of 5 * 5 = 25 square area | region.

7 is an explanatory diagram of a method of checking an error of an information dot by assigning "0" and "1" to a lower bit.

8 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a true value K, a safety table R, and an information dot I in order to explain the safety of the information dot.

Fig. 9 shows dummy dots and empty dots, (a) -1 is an explanatory diagram of dummy dots, (a) -2 is an explanatory diagram of empty dots, and (b) and (c) are ones of printed matters. For example, (d) -1 shows an example of arrangement of dot patterns restricting the borders of two masks with empty dots, and (d) -2 shows an example of arrangement of dot patterns restricting the boundary between masks and backgrounds with empty dots. Explanatory drawing which shows.

10A is an explanatory diagram showing a sequence of inputting information dots, and (b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of reading a dot pattern to calculate X and Y coordinate values.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between a reference grid line constituting an outer border of a block and a reference grid point dot.

12 is a diagram showing a layout relationship of grid lines, diagonal grid lines, virtual grid points, and information dots;

Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of searching for an information dot 3 on the basis of a virtual lattice point.

Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between block directions and key dots.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dot pattern of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of information dots of a dot pattern and bit display of data defined therein; FIGS. 3 (a) and (b) (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement state of a key dot and an information dot.

The information input / output method using the dot pattern of this invention is comprised by the recognition of the dot pattern 1, and the means which outputs information and a program from this dot pattern 1.

That is, the dot pattern 1 is stored as image data by the camera, first, the reference grid point dot 4 is extracted, and it is determined as the position of the virtual reference grid point 6, and these virtual reference grid points ( A straight line connecting 6) is referred to as the reference grid line 7. And when the dot is not arrange | positioned at the position of the virtual reference grid point 6 which should originally have the reference grid point dot 4 on this reference grid line 7, the periphery of the periphery of the virtual reference grid point 6 The dot is extracted and made into the key dot 2 (four corner angled corners of the block). Next, vertical and horizontal grid lines 8a and 8b connecting the virtual reference grid points 6 are set, and the intersections of the grid lines 8a and 8b are virtual grid points 11. (First virtual lattice point). Then, the dot around the virtual lattice point 11 is searched and the information dot 3 defined by the distance and direction from the virtual lattice point is extracted.

Moreover, the diagonal grid line 8c which connects the virtual reference grid points 6 comrades in an oblique direction is set, and the intersection point of the oblique grid lines 8c comrades is also the virtual grid point 12 (2nd virtual grid point). ) Then, the dot around the virtual lattice point 12 is also searched and the information dot 3 defined by the distance and the direction from the virtual lattice point 12 is extracted.

Next, the direction of the block is determined according to the direction from the virtual reference lattice point 6 or the virtual lattice point 11 of the key dot 2. For example, when the key dot 2 is shifted in the + y direction from the virtual lattice point, the information dot 3 in the block may be recognized with the longitudinal direction as the orientation.

If the key dot 2 is shifted from the virtual reference grid point 6 or the virtual grid point 11 in the -y direction, the information dot in the block is positioned with the orientation in which the block is rotated 180 degrees around the block center. It is enough to recognize (3).

If the key dot 2 is shifted from the virtual reference grid point 6 or the virtual grid point 11 in the -x direction, the block is orientated by rotating the block 90 degrees clockwise about the axis of the block. What is necessary is just to recognize the information dot 3 inside.

If the key dot 2 is displaced in the + x direction from the virtual reference grid point 6 or the virtual grid point 11, the block is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise about the axis of the block as the orientation. What is necessary is just to recognize the information dot 3 inside.

When the image of the dot pattern read by the optical reading means is accumulated in the frame buffer, the central processing unit (CPU) of the optical reading means interprets the dots of the frame buffer and virtualizes each information dot (3). The numerical values defined for each information dot 3 are decoded in accordance with the distance and direction from the lattice points 11 and 12. These numerical values are compared with the information stored in the optical reading means or the memory of the personal computer as xy coordinates or codes, and audio, images, moving images, characters, programs, etc. corresponding to the xy coordinates or codes are read out, and display means. And audio image output means.

Generation of the dot pattern 1 of the present invention is performed by a dot code generation algorithm, in order to recognize information such as voice, such as fine dots, that is, key dots 2, information dots 3, and reference grid point dots 4. ) Is arranged according to a predetermined rule.

As shown in FIG. 1, the area | region of a square or rectangle of media surfaces, such as printed matter, is made into block 1. As shown in FIG. Then, the vertical and horizontal straight lines constituting the edge of the block 1 are referred to as the reference grid line 7 (the line indicated by the thick line in FIG. 1), and the virtual reference is performed at predetermined intervals on the reference grid line 7. The grid point 6 is set, and the reference grid point dot 4 is disposed on the virtual reference grid point 6. Next, the virtual reference grid points 6 are connected to each other and a straight line parallel to the reference grid lines 7 is set as the grid lines 8a and 8b, and the grid lines 8a and 8b. Let the intersection point be the virtual grid point 11 (1st virtual grid point).

Further, an oblique grid line 8c connecting the virtual reference grid points 6 to each other in an oblique direction is further set, and an intersection diagram between the oblique grid lines 8c is also a virtual grid point 12 (first). 2 virtual grid points).

A dot pattern is generated by arranging one or a plurality of information dots 3 having a distance and a direction based on the grid points set as described above.

When storing the dot pattern 1 as image data by the camera, the reference grid point dots 4 correct distortion of the camera lens, oblique imaging, stretching of the paper, curvature of the media surface, and distortion during printing. Can be. Specifically, a function for correction (X _n , Y _n ) = f (X ′ _n , Y ′ _n ) for converting four distorted virtual lattice points into the original square is obtained, and information dots are obtained using the same function. By correcting, a vector of the correct information dot 3 is obtained.

When the reference grid point dot 4 is placed on the dot pattern 1, the image data containing the dot pattern 1 by the camera corrects the distortion caused by the camera. Therefore, a popular type camera equipped with a lens having a high distortion factor Even when storing the image data of the dot pattern 1 can be recognized correctly. Further, even when the camera is read at an angle to the surface of the dot pattern 1, the dot pattern 1 can be correctly recognized.

As shown in FIG. 1, the key dot 2 is a dot arrange | positioned according to the distance and the direction with respect to the one virtual grid point 11 located in the substantially center position of the virtual grid point arrange | positioned in square shape. This key dot 2 is a representative point of the dot pattern 1 for one block which shows the group of the information dots grouped together. For example, it is arrange | positioned at the position which shifted 0.2 mm upwards from the virtual grid point of the center of the block of the dot pattern 1. Therefore, when the information dot 3 is defined by the X and Y coordinate values from the virtual lattice point, the position of the distance 0.2 mm below the key dot 2 becomes a virtual lattice point (coordinate point). However, this numerical value (0.2 mm) is not limited to this and can vary corresponding to the size of the block of the dot pattern 1.

The information dot 3 is a dot which recognizes various kinds of information. In the case of FIG. 1, the information dot 3 is made the key dot 2 as a representative point, arrange | positioned in the periphery, and is surrounded by four virtual grid points 11 (1st virtual grid points). The center is made into the virtual grid point 12 (2nd virtual grid point), and this is arrange | positioned at the end point represented by the vector. For example, the information dot 3 is surrounded by the virtual lattice points 11 and 12, and as shown in FIG. 2, the dot 0.2 mm away from the virtual point is represented by a vector in the direction and length. Since it has, the rotation is rotated by 45 degrees in the clockwise direction and arranged in 8 directions to express 3 bits.

According to this figure, 3 bits x 16 = 48 bits can be represented by the dot pattern 1 of 1 block.

On the other hand, in the illustrated example, three bits are expressed in eight directions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and four bits can be expressed in sixteen directions and can be variously changed.

The diameter of the dot of the key dot 2, the information dot 3, or the reference grid point dot 4 is preferably about 0.1 mm in view of the appearance, the accuracy of printing on the lipid, the resolution of the camera, and the optimal digitization.

In addition, considering the necessary amount of information on the imaging area and the misunderstanding of the various dots 2, 3, and 4, the interval between the reference grid point dots 4 is preferably about 1 mm vertically and horizontally. In consideration of a misunderstanding between the reference grid point dot 4 and the information dot 3, the deviation of the key dot 2 is preferably about 20% of the lattice spacing.

The interval between the information dot 3 and the virtual lattice points 11 and 12 is preferably about 15 to 30% of the distance between the adjacent virtual lattice points 11 and 12. This is because when the distance between the information dot 3 and the virtual lattice points 11 and 12 is farther than the interval, the dots are easily visible in large chunks and are difficult to see as the dot pattern 1. On the contrary, if the distance between the information dot 3 and the virtual lattice points 11 and 12 is closer than the interval, it has a vector orientation with respect to any of the adjacent virtual lattice points 11 and 12. This is because recognition of one information dot 3 becomes difficult.

FIG. 3 shows the reading order of the information dots 3 in the block, and the numerals in the circles in FIG. 3 indicate the arrangement area of the information dots 3 arranged for the virtual lattice points 11 and 12, respectively. I mean it.

For example, in the case of Fig. 3 (a), the center of the block is '1' (which means the number '1' in the circle in the drawing. '25' is arranged. The lattice spacing at this time is, for example, 1 mm and represents 3 bits x 16 = 48 bits at 4 mm x 4 mm.

Fig. 3 (b) shows information dots '5' arranged at intersections of grid lines in the vertical and horizontal directions after sequentially arranged from the information dots '1' in the upper left corner of the block to '4' in the longitudinal direction. ~ '7' is placed.

Fig. 3 (c) shows information dots' 17 'to' arranged at intersections between longitudinal and horizontal grid lines after sequentially arranging information dots' 1 'in the upper left rectangular area of the block to' 16 'in the longitudinal direction. 25 'is placed.

4 shows another form as an example of the bit display of the information dot 3 and the data defined here.

Further, from the virtual lattice points 11 and 12 surrounded by the reference lattice dot dot 4 with respect to the information dot 3, the length (lower part in FIG. 4) and the end (upper part in FIG. 4) By using two types of, if the vector direction is made into eight directions, four bits can be expressed. At this time, it is preferable that the distance between the virtual lattice points 11 and 12 which the long side adjoins is about 25 to 30%, and the short side is about 15 to 20%. However, it is preferable that the center spacing of the long and short information dots 3 become longer than the diameter of these dots.

The information dot 3 surrounded by the four virtual lattice points 11 and 12 is preferably one dot in view of its appearance. However, when disregarding the appearance and wanting to increase the amount of information, a large amount of information can be obtained by allocating one bit for each vector and expressing the information dot 3 in a plurality of dots. For example, in the vector in the concentric eight direction, information of 2 ⁸ can be represented by the information dot 3, and it becomes 2 ¹²⁸ with 16 information dots of one block.

Fig. 5 is an example of the bit display of the information dot 3 and the data defined therein, (a) showing two dots, (b) showing four dots, and (c) to (e) showing five dots. The dog and (f) show the arrangement of seven pieces.

6 shows a modification of the dot pattern, in which (a) shows eight information dots 3 arranged in a block, (b) shows thirteen information dots 3 arranged, and (c) 18 information dots 3 are arranged, and (d) 41 information dots 3 are arranged.

The dot pattern 1 shown to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 mentioned above has shown the example which arrange | positioned 25 information dots 3 in 1 block. However, the information dots 3 are not limited to being arranged in 25 blocks, but can be changed in various ways. For example, 8 information dots 3 are arranged in one block according to the size of the required information or the resolution of the camera (FIG. 6 (a)). 13 information dots 3 are arranged in one block. 6 (b) arranged, 18 information dots (3) arranged in one block (FIG. 6 (c)), or 41 information dots (3) arranged in one block [Fig. 6 (d)].

7 is an explanatory diagram of a method of checking an error of an information dot by allocating '0' and '1' to a lower bit.

In addition, by arranging one information dot 3 completely and simultaneously assigning '0' and '1' to the lower bits for use in error checking, the error of the information dot 3 can be checked. It is possible. In this error checking method, information dots are generated alternately in the inclined direction by 45 degrees up and down, left and right, thereby eliminating regularity of the dot pattern. That is, the information dot 3 which alternately assigns "0" and "1" to the lower bit is always located in the up-down, left-right, or 45-degree tilted directions with respect to the virtual lattice points 11 and 12. . Therefore, when this information dot 3 is located in a direction other than an up-down, left-right, or 45-degree inclination direction, it is determined that it is not displayed in the appropriate position. In this way, the error inputted by the information dot 3 shift | deviating from the rotation direction about the virtual grid points 11 and 12 can be reliably checked.

On the other hand, when the information dot 3 is in 8 directions (45 degree intervals) and is made long and short (refer to FIG. 4), when the lower one bit among four bits is set to '0' or '1', three points which are close to each other If the position of the dot of {(two points of concentric circles ± 45 degrees rotation) + (any one of long and short) is shifted, this can be regarded as an error and the error can be checked 100%.

8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which information dots I ¹ to I ²⁵ are paralleled in order to explain the safety of the information dots.

For example, in order to prevent the data of the dot pattern 1 from being read by the naked eye, an operation expressed by the function f (Kn) is performed on I _n of the information dot 3, so that I _n = K _n + R _n Is represented by the dot pattern 1, and after inputting the dot pattern I _n , K _n = I _n -R _n is obtained.

Alternatively, in order to prevent the data of the dot pattern 1 from being visually read, a plurality of information dots 3 are arranged in one column with the key dot 2 as a representative point, and this one column is arranged in a plurality of columns. Each information dot 3 can be arranged so that the regularity of the dot pattern 1 of each block is eliminated by using the data difference of two columns adjacent to each other as the data of the information dot 3.

As a result, the dot pattern 1 printed on the surface of the medium cannot be read by the naked eye, and the safety can be improved. In addition, when the dot pattern 1 is printed on the medium surface, the information dots 3 are randomly arranged, so that the pattern disappears and the dot pattern can be made inconspicuous.

Fig. 9 shows a dummy dot, where (a) is an explanatory view of the dummy dot, (b) is an example of printed matter, (c) is an area in the printed matter, and (d) is a dummy dot to restrict the mask boundary. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement example of the dot pattern.

Dots are arranged at the central position (second virtual lattice point) of the four virtual lattice points 11 (first virtual lattice points), and the dots are regarded as dummy dots 5 to which no information is given (Fig. 9). (a)]. This dummy dot 5 can be used for the boundary between the area | region and area where numerical data or X and Y coordinate values were defined, and the area | region where numerical data or X and Y coordinate values are not defined.

For example, as shown in Fig. 9 (b), three kinds of drawings such as a little bear, a hippopotamus and the sun are printed on the printed matter, and the regions corresponding to these three drawings are shown in Fig. 9 (c). , Mask 1, mask 2, and mask 3 are arranged as follows. As shown in Fig. 9 (d), empty dots are arranged at the boundary between the mask 1 and the mask 2.

On the other hand, when using the dummy dot 5 for a boundary, it is not necessary to make all the blocks of a corresponding position into the dummy dot 5, and what is necessary is just to make a minimum dot a dummy dot in order to show a boundary.

In addition, dummy dots can be arranged in regions other than the mask, and a region in which no information is defined can be set.

When storing the dot pattern 1 as image data by a camera, after calculating X and Y coordinate values in the position of the key dot 2 which is a representative point of information, the dot pattern 1 obtained from the key dot 2 Imaging by complementing the coordinate value by the incremental value of the X and Y coordinate values in the representative point adjacent to the direction of the dot) and the distance from the imaging center to the key dot 2 where the X and Y coordinate values are calculated. Calculate the X, Y coordinate values of the center.

Or when accommodating the block of the dot pattern 1 as image data by a camera, the periphery of the imaging center of a camera in the area | region where the same data is defined in each block, or the area | region where X and Y coordinate values are defined. Start reading from the information dot 3 in the image, read the information dot 3 in sequence, and read the information dot 3 corresponding to one block, so that the dot pattern is at the minimum area from the imaging center of the camera. (1) is read, and data is calculated at the imaging center position.

Fig. 10 (a) shows a procedure for inputting information dots corresponding to one block in the minimum area from the imaging center of the camera. Enter four information dots = four columns = 16 information dots clockwise.

10 (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a method of reading a dot pattern to calculate X and Y coordinate values.

As shown in the drawing, the X and Y coordinate values obtained are taken as the X and Y coordinate values of the block where the imaging center of the camera is located. If the incremental value is set to +1 in the X direction (the right direction) and the Y direction (the upward direction) for each block, the X and Y coordinate values need to correct the information dots input from other blocks. On the other hand, K ₈ K ₇ K ₆ K ₅ (i ₁₆ i ₁₅ i ₁₄ i ₁₃ i ₁ 2 i ₁₁ i ₁₀ i ₉ ), which represents the coordinate value, and K ₄ K ₃ K ₂ K ₁ (i ₈ i, which represents the Y coordinate value ₇ i ₆ i ₅ i ₄ i ₃ i ₂ i ₁ ) is subject to correction, and other K ₁₆ to K ₉ (i ₃₂ to i ₁₇ ) are the same in any block and need not be corrected.

These calculations are obtained by the following equation. Even if the digit increases according to the calculation in [], it does not affect the string of bits preceding []. K except for the error check bit in the information dot I is assumed to be K.

(1) When ₁₁ I ₁₁ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

X coordinates = ₁₁ K ₈ · ₁₁ K ₇ · ₁₁ K ₆ · ₂₁ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · ₁₂ K ₂ · [ ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(2) When ₁₁ I ₁₅ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₁₂ K ₇ · ₁₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅ -1

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · ₁₂ K ₂ · [ ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(3) When ₁₂ I ₃ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₁₂ K ₇ · ₁₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · ₁₂ K ₂ · [ ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(4) ₁₂ I ₇ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₁₂ K ₇ · ₁₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · ₁₂ K ₂ · [ ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(5) When ₁₁ I ₁₂ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₁ K ₈ · ₁₁ K ₇ · ₂₁ K ₆ · ₂₁ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · [ ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(6) When ₁₁ I ₁₆ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₁₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅ -1

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · [ ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(7) ₁₂ I ₄ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₁₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · [ ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(8) When ₁₂ I ₈ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₁₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · ₁₂ K ₃ · [ ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1]

(9) When ₂₁ I ₉ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₁ K ₈ · ₂₁ K ₇ · ₂₁ K ₆ · ₂₁ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · [ ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1] -1

(10) ₂₁ I _{13 at} this starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₂₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅ -1

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · [ ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1] -1

(11) When ₂₂ I ₁ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₂₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · [ ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1] -1

(12) When ₂₂ I ₅ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₁₂ K ₈ · ₂₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₁₂ K ₄ · [ ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁ +1] -1

(13) ₂₁ I ₁₀ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₂₁ K ₈ · ₂₁ K ₇ · ₂₁ K ₆ · ₂₁ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₂₂ K ₄ · ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁

(14) ₂₁ I ₁₄ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₂₂ K ₈ · ₂₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅ -1

Y coordinate = ₂₂ K ₄ · ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁

(15) When ₂₂ I ₂ is the starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₂₂ K ₈ · ₂₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₂₂ K ₄ · ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁

(16) ₂₂ I _{6 at} this starting point (camera imaging center)

Ⅹ Coordinates = ₂₂ K ₈ · ₂₂ K ₇ · ₂₂ K ₆ · ₂₂ K ₅

Y coordinate = ₂₂ K ₄ · ₂₂ K ₃ · ₂₂ K ₂ · ₂₂ K ₁

When the dot pattern 1 is stored as image data by the camera, when an error occurs in the information dot 3, by reading the nearest information dot 3 corresponding to the information dot 3 and correcting the error The dot pattern 1 can be read in a minimum area from the imaging center of the camera.

By using the above-described information reading method, a tablet, a digitizer, and an input interface using XY coordinates can be realized. For example, a tablet and a digitizer superimpose the transparent sheet which printed the dot pattern 1 on the object, image it with a camera, and input the XY coordinate value of the dot pattern 1.

Next, the method of searching for the information dot 3 and the key dot 2 in the case where the key dot 2 is arranged at a position different from that of FIG. 1 and using FIG. 11 to FIG. 14 will be described in detail. .

First, when an image pickup device such as a CCD or a CMOS of an optical image pickup means (for example, a pen-type reading device) picks up the reflected light irradiated onto a medium surface, the image data (image data) is developed on a frame buffer of a memory. Next, with respect to the image data developed on the frame buffer, the search is started by a search program read from the memory by the central processing unit (CPU) of the optical imaging means.

At this time, since the reference grid point dots 4 constituting the outer rim of the block are arranged in a straight line at predetermined intervals, the central processing unit (CPU) determines whether or not the dots arranged in the straight line form a straight line. CPU) (see FIG. 11).

Then, it is determined whether or not dots on the reference grid line 7 are arranged for each predetermined length. At this time, if the distance between dots is equal, it determines with the reference grid point dot 4. In addition, when there exists a dot arrange | positioned differently, it determines with the key dot 2 (FIG. 14).

Next, the reference grid points dots 4 (virtual reference grids 6) in the vertical direction are connected with a straight line (lattice lines 8a, 8b), and the intersection points are connected to the virtual grid points 11. (First virtual lattice point). Next, the virtual reference grid points 6 in the oblique direction are connected to be inclined grid lines 8c, and the intersections of these oblique grid lines 8c are again the virtual grid points 12 (second virtual grid points). ).

Next, an information dot is searched for in a spiral form using any one of the two types of virtual lattice points 11 and 12 as a starting point (see Fig. 13).

Next, for each of the four places where the key dots 2 may be arranged in the block (four virtual lattice points at equal intervals in the vertical, vertical, horizontal directions from the block center in Fig. 14), respectively, from the virtual lattice points. The direction and the length of the information dot 3 of 3 are determined, and it is determined which one is the key dot 2. By this, the direction is grasped and the information which each information dot 3 has is determined.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, when the information dot 3 other than the block center is made into the key dot 2 (in the case of FIG. 14, the position shifted upwards by one virtual lattice point from the center of the block is the key dot 2). ) When the center of the block is rotated by 90 degrees, the information dot 3 at the corresponding position cannot be distinguished from the key dot 2 when read by the optical reading means. Although there is a possibility of discarding, the key dots 2 and the information dots 3 can be distinguished from each other by changing the method applied to the information dots 3 in the rectangular region other than the key dots 2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the key dot 2 is arrange | positioned from the virtual reference grid point 6 as a vector only in the horizontal and horizontal direction, and it is in the diagonal direction in the other rectangular area | region in the position rotated every 90 degrees. Just define the information.

The key dot 2 may have the length of the vector as a predetermined length, and information may be defined as a vector having a different length in another rectangular area at the position rotated every 90 degrees.

On the other hand, when the key dot 2 is arrange | positioned at the block center, the other information dot 3 may define information in any of a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and an inclination direction.

By printing the above-described dot pattern 1 of the present invention on printed matter such as a picture book or text, the camera stores the dot pattern 1 as image data, searches for the position of each information dot from the image data, and retrieves the information of the position. Decode the code and the XY coordinates, and display the audio, still image, video, text, and program corresponding to the code and the XY coordinates, such as a PC, an information output device, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or a mobile phone. Output from a speaker, audio and image output terminals.

On the other hand, in the information dot 3 of the block, the distance and direction from the virtual grid points 11 and 12 are arbitrarily limited by the position in the information dot 3 block for each information dot 3. The information may be defined.

More specifically, for each type of industry using the dot pattern (every manufacturing industry, every service industry or every company using the dot pattern), a specification is obtained in which the distances and directions from the virtual grid points 11 and 12 are changed. You may also

In this way, the dot pattern of the present invention can be distinguished and used for each limited use, thereby ensuring the safety of information leakage, code system leakage, etc. between industries. In other words, limitedly defined information can be read only by the optical reading means corresponding thereto.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the invention, and by assigning different functions to each of the dots 2, 3, and 4 of the dot pattern 1, a large amount of data is defined as a dot pattern. As long as it recognizes the directionality and quickly makes information, and outputs predetermined information or programs to enable various uses, the present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course.

For example, the dot (information dot 3 or key dot 2) arranged on the basis of the intersections (virtual lattice points 11) of the lattice lines 8a and 8b in the vertical direction is a virtual lattice point. What is necessary is just to shift from (11) to the grating lines 8a and 8b. In addition, what is necessary is just to arrange | position the dot arrange | positioned on the intersection point on the diagonal direction grating line 8c on the diagonal direction grating line 8c similarly. By arranging dots on the grid lines 8a, 8b, and 8c as described above, the algorithm of the reading program for searching the grid lines 8a, 8b, and 8c can be simplified. In addition, the reading efficiency can be greatly improved.

As described above, in the information input / output method using the dot pattern of the present invention, the dot pattern is first recognized by a camera to recognize the reference lattice dot dot, and the key dots are extracted. Can be used as Next, by extracting the information dots arranged around the key dots, information and programs can be output quickly.

In addition, since the reference grid point dots are arranged in the dot pattern, when the camera stores the dot pattern as image data, the camera lens is distorted, the image is taken from an oblique direction, the sheet is stretched, the surface is curved, and the printing is performed. The distortion of the captured dot pattern can be corrected by the distortion of.

In addition, it is possible to check the error of the arrangement state of the dots, further increasing the safety.

Claims (14)

A square or rectangular rectangular area on the surface of a medium such as a printed matter is used as a block, A straight line in the longitudinal and transverse directions forming the border of the block is used as a reference grid line, a virtual reference grid point is set at predetermined intervals on the reference grid line, and a reference grid point dot is disposed on the virtual reference grid point. A straight line parallel to the reference grid line while connecting the virtual reference grid points as a grid line, and an intersection point of the grid lines as a first virtual grid point, Generating a dot pattern in which one or a plurality of information dots each having a distance and a direction are arranged based on the first virtual lattice point, An information input / output method using a dot pattern, wherein the dot pattern is read as optical information by optical reading means, the dot pattern is digitized, and information corresponding to the digitized information is read from a storage means and output. The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to claim 1, wherein a key dot defining a direction of the block is disposed at a position shifted from at least one virtual reference grid point on a reference grid line constituting the block. The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to claim 2, wherein the dot pattern gives meaning of information as to whether or not dots are arranged on the basis of the first virtual lattice point. The dot according to claim 2, wherein in the information dot of the block, information is defined by arbitrarily defining a distance and a direction from the virtual lattice point for each information dot according to a position in the block of the information dot. Information input and output using patterns. 2. A rectangular area according to claim 1, wherein the information dot at a predetermined position in the block is a key dot, the center of the block is an axis, and the rectangular area to which the key dot belongs is rotated by 90 degrees. An information input / output method using a dot pattern, wherein the information dots arranged are defined by directions or distances except for directions necessary for defining the key dots. The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to claim 5, wherein the dot pattern gives meaning of information as to whether or not dots are arranged on the basis of the first virtual lattice point. 6. The information dot according to claim 5, wherein the information is defined by arbitrarily defining a distance and a direction from the first virtual lattice point for each information dot according to a position in the block of the information dot. Information input / output method using dot pattern. A square or rectangular rectangular area on the surface of a medium such as a printed matter is used as a block, A straight line in the longitudinal and transverse directions forming the border of the block is used as a reference grid line, a virtual reference grid point is set at predetermined intervals on the reference grid line, and a reference grid point dot is disposed on the virtual reference grid point. A straight line parallel to the reference grid line while connecting the virtual reference grid points as a grid line, and an intersection point of the grid lines as a first virtual grid point, In the block, an oblique grid line connecting the diagonal reference grid points in the oblique direction is further set, an intersection of the oblique grid lines as a second virtual grid point, and the first or second virtual grid An information input / output method using a dot pattern, wherein one or a plurality of dots having a distance and a direction are disposed based on a dot. The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to claim 8, wherein a key dot defining a direction of the block is disposed at a position shifted from at least one virtual reference grid point on a reference grid line constituting the block. The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to claim 9, wherein the dot pattern gives meaning of information as to whether or not dots are arranged on the basis of the first or second virtual lattice points. 10. The information dot according to claim 9, wherein in the information dot of the block, information is defined by arbitrarily defining a distance and a direction from the first or second virtual lattice point for each information dot according to a position in the block of the information dot. An information input / output method using a dot pattern, characterized by the above-mentioned. 10. The rectangular area according to claim 8, wherein the information dot at a predetermined position in the block is a key dot, the center of the block is an axis, and the rectangular area to which the key dot belongs is rotated by 90 degrees. An information input / output method using a dot pattern, wherein the information dots arranged are defined by directions or distances except for directions necessary for defining the key dots. The information input / output method using a dot pattern according to claim 12, wherein the dot pattern gives meaning of information as to whether dots are arranged on the basis of the first or second virtual lattice points. The information dot according to claim 12, wherein in the information dot of the block, information is defined by arbitrarily defining a distance and a direction from the first or second virtual lattice point for each information dot according to a position in the block of the information dot. An information input / output method using a dot pattern, characterized by the above-mentioned.

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