WO2019159399A1

WO2019159399A1 - Two-dimensional code generation method, two-dimensional code generation system, two-dimensional code evaluation method, two-dimensional code evaluation system, and two-dimensional code management system

Info

Publication number: WO2019159399A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/031959
Authority: WO
Inventors: 傳生西▲崎▼
Original assignee: 株式会社トッパンＴｄｋレーベル
Priority date: 2018-02-13
Filing date: 2018-08-29
Publication date: 2019-08-22
Also published as: JP2019139578A; JP6446578B1

Abstract

Provided is a two-dimensional code generation method for generating a plurality of associated two-dimensional codes which have been mutually associated, said method characterized by: generating each of the plurality of associated two-dimensional codes by multiple repetitions of a generation step which involves deriving a private data code word, deriving a pre-substitution code block comprising a public data code word and an error correction code word, deriving a post-substitution code block wherein the private code word has been concealed by substituting a portion of the pre-substitution code block with the private data code word, and generating an associated two-dimensional code on the basis of the post-substitution data block; and, when deriving the private data code word in each of the generation steps, causing associated code information to be included in the private data code word, said associated code information being capable of indicating that the plurality of associated two-dimensional codes are mutually associated.

Description

Two-dimensional code generation method, two-dimensional code generation system, two-dimensional code evaluation method, two-dimensional code evaluation system, and two-dimensional code management system

The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code generation method, a two-dimensional code generation system, a two-dimensional code evaluation method, a two-dimensional code evaluation system, and a two-dimensional code management system.

Related 2D codes are already well known. The related two-dimensional code is a two-dimensional code in which another related two-dimensional code associated with the related two-dimensional code exists.

A typical example of such a related two-dimensional code is a QR code having a structural connection relationship defined in Chapter 9 of the JIS standard (also called a structural connection QR code). A technique using a code has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-61468 A

By the way, there is a request to ensure the authenticity of objects such as people and things. In other words, it is necessary to ensure that the subject is a genuine person (or is created or managed by a genuine person) and that no unscrupulous traders are involved.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and its main purpose is to ensure the authenticity when managing an object with a two-dimensional code, and to provide a technology related to a related two-dimensional code. It is to use and implement appropriately.

The main invention is
A two-dimensional code generation method for generating a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by performing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which the data code word is concealed and generating a related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Generate and
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. It is a two-dimensional code generation method characterized by including.

Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

4 is an explanatory diagram of a QR code symbol 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an extension encoder 10. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of RS block of related QR code (extended related QR code) according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the related code information. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing other examples of related code information. It is a flowchart of a QR code symbol generation method. It is explanatory drawing of RS block of a related QR code. It is explanatory drawing of the secret datacode word of a related QR code. It is explanatory drawing when a part of RS block is replaced. 3 is a block diagram of an extension decoder 20. FIG. It is a flowchart of a related QR code evaluation method. It is explanatory drawing of the extraction method of the secret datacode word of a related QR code. It is explanatory drawing of the extraction method of the information main body of a related QR code. It is the schematic diagram which showed a mode that various information was displayed on the display. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a 1st application example. It is the schematic diagram which showed a mode that the various information which concerns on a 1st application example was displayed on the display. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a 2nd application example. It is the schematic diagram which showed a mode that the various information which concerns on a 2nd application example was displayed on the display.

At least the following will be made clear by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

A two-dimensional code generation method for generating a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by performing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which the data code word is concealed and generating a related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Generate and
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. A two-dimensional code generation method characterized by including.

In such a case, it is possible to appropriately realize the guarantee of authenticity when managing the object with the two-dimensional code, using the technology related to the related two-dimensional code.

The related code information is:
Identification information indicating whether or not the two-dimensional code is a related two-dimensional code;
Chain number information indicating the chain number of a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other;
Order number information indicating which number of related two-dimensional codes among the related two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of chains the related two-dimensional code comprising the related code information;
Index information for determining whether or not the related two-dimensional code including the related code information is associated with another related two-dimensional code having a different rank number from the related two-dimensional code;
It is good also as having.

In such a case, authenticity can be more reliably ensured.

Next, a two-dimensional code generation system that generates a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by executing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which a data code word is concealed and generating the related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Produces
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. A two-dimensional code generation system characterized by inclusion.

Next, a two-dimensional code evaluation method that reads a plurality of related two-dimensional codes generated by the two-dimensional code generation method and evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other.
Obtaining the replaced data block from the related two-dimensional code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting related code information from the secret data code word; A fetching step to be executed for each of the read related two-dimensional codes;
An evaluation step for evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes. Dimension code evaluation method.

The related code information is:
Identification information indicating whether or not the two-dimensional code is a related two-dimensional code;
Chain number information indicating the chain number of a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other;
Order number information indicating which number of related two-dimensional codes among the related two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of chains the related two-dimensional code comprising the related code information;
The related two-dimensional code comprising the related code information has index information for determining whether or not the related two-dimensional code is associated with another related two-dimensional code having a different rank number,
In the evaluation step,
Based on the identification information, each of the two-dimensional codes is confirmed to be a related two-dimensional code, and based on the chain number information and the sequence number information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes. It is confirmed that the different rank numbers corresponding to the number of chains are aligned, and based on the index information, it is confirmed that the related two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of chains having the different rank numbers are associated with each other. When
The plurality of related two-dimensional codes may be evaluated as being associated with each other.

In such a case, authenticity can be more reliably ensured.

Further, when evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other, a display step of displaying that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other may be included.

In such a case, it is evaluated (confirmed) that a plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other, and authenticity is ensured (authenticated) to an operator of the two-dimensional code evaluation system, etc. It becomes possible to inform clearly.

Further, in the extraction step, the public data code word is extracted from the post-substitution code block using the error correction code word, and public information extraction processing for extracting public information from the public data code word is read. Execute for each of a plurality of related 2D codes,
When evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other, a display step of displaying each of the public information may be included.

In such a case, an operator of the two-dimensional code evaluation system evaluates (confirms) that a plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other, and ensures the authenticity of the management target by the related two-dimensional code. (Authenticated) can be known by displaying public information, and additional information embedded in each of a plurality of related two-dimensional codes can be collected by an operator of the two-dimensional code evaluation system. Can be presented.

In the extraction step, a private information extraction process for extracting private information from the private data code word is executed for each of the read related two-dimensional codes.
In the display step, each of the non-public information may be displayed.

In such a case, an operator of the two-dimensional code evaluation system evaluates (confirms) that a plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other, and ensures the authenticity of the management target by the related two-dimensional code. (Authenticated) can be known by displaying non-public information, and additional information embedded in each of a plurality of related two-dimensional codes is collected by an operator of the two-dimensional code evaluation system. Can be presented.

Further, in the display step, each of the public information may be displayed in the order of the order numbers, and each of the non-public information may be displayed in the order of the order numbers.

In such a case, it is possible to display public information and non-public information in a desired order without being affected by the reading order of the related two-dimensional code.

Next, a two-dimensional code evaluation system that reads a plurality of related two-dimensional codes generated by the two-dimensional code generation system and evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other.
Obtaining the replaced data block from the related two-dimensional code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting related code information from the secret data code word; Executing each of the read related two-dimensional codes,
A two-dimensional code evaluation system for evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes.

Next, a two-dimensional code generation system that generates a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by executing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which a data code word is concealed and generating the related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Produces
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. A two-dimensional code generation system to include,
A two-dimensional code evaluation system that reads a plurality of related two-dimensional codes generated by the two-dimensional code generation system and evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other.
Obtaining the replaced data block from the related two-dimensional code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting related code information from the secret data code word; Executing each of the read related two-dimensional codes,
A two-dimensional code evaluation system that evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes;
A two-dimensional code management system comprising:

=== Regarding QR Code (Example of Two-Dimensional Code) According to the Present Embodiment ===
First, a QR code as an example of a two-dimensional code used in the present embodiment will be described. If there is no notice in the following description, it conforms to Japanese Industrial Standards JIS X 0510: 2004 “Two-dimensional code symbol—QR code” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “JIS standard”). An encoder that conforms to the JIS standard is referred to as a standard encoder, and a decoder that conforms to the JIS standard is referred to as a standard decoder. An encoder that can handle a private data code word (private information) that is made private (hidden) is called an extended encoder 10 (corresponding to a two-dimensional code generation system), and a decoder is an extended decoder 20 ( Equivalent to a two-dimensional code evaluation system). The extension encoder 10 and the extension decoder 20 constitute an extension management system (corresponding to a two-dimensional code management system).

That is, the QR code used here is premised on a two-dimensional code capable of recording public information and non-public information (such a QR code may be referred to as an extended QR code). The public information is information that can be read by a JIS standard decoder (standard decoder). On the other hand, the non-public information is information that cannot be read by the standard decoder and can be extracted by the extended decoder 20 described later.

In the following description, the “code word” is described as having an 8-bit length. However, depending on the system, the “code word” may be a 16-bit length, or may have another length such as a 1-bit length. You can also.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the QR code symbol 1. QR code symbol 1 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “QR code”) is available in various sizes from type 1 to type 40. Here, model number “2” is taken as an example for each function. Will be described.

QR code symbol 1 has a function pattern and a coding area. The function pattern is a pattern necessary for searching a QR code symbol position and identifying a characteristic necessary for assisting decoding in a QR code module. The encoding area is an area where necessary information is written.

The function pattern includes a position detection pattern FP, a separation pattern SP, a timing pattern TP, an alignment pattern AP, and a quiet zone QZ.

The position detection pattern FP is a pattern arranged at at least three corners of the QR code. At the time of reading, by identifying the three position detection patterns FP, the direction and position of the QR code symbol 1 can be correctly recognized.

The separation pattern SP is a light module having a width of 1 module arranged around the position detection pattern FP. As a result, the position detection pattern FP can be distinguished from the QR code symbol 1.

Module M is a unit cell constituting QR code symbol 1. In principle, one bit corresponds to one module. Here, a group of a plurality of modules M, which are unit cells constituting the QR code, is referred to as a module group.

The timing pattern TP is a pattern in which dark modules and bright modules are alternately arranged in a straight line one module at a time. Since the number of modules of the QR code symbol 1 can be recognized by the timing pattern TP, it is possible to identify the QR code model number.

The alignment pattern AP is a pattern arranged at a position determined by the QR code model number. The alignment pattern AP serves to assist the search for the position of the QR code symbol 1 in the case of a large module.

The quiet zone QZ is a bright module area of at least 4 modules wide provided around the QR code.

The encoding area has data, an error correction code word (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “correction code word”), and format information FI. In addition, model number information is also added to a large model number. The format information FI includes information on an error correction level and a standard mask pattern (mask pattern in JIS standard).

The data and error correction code words are arranged as error correction code words for error correction when actual data and data cannot be read. The format information has information on the error correction level applied to the QR code symbol 1 and the standard mask pattern to be used, and is a coding pattern necessary for decoding the coding region.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the extension encoder 10. The extension encoder 10 is a device that converts not only public information but also information including non-public information into a QR code symbol 1. The extension encoder 10 includes a control unit 11, a display device 13, a printing device 14, and an input device 15.

The control unit 11 includes a calculation unit 11a and a storage unit 11b. The calculation unit 11a includes a central processing unit and the like, and is responsible for executing programs and various calculations. The storage unit 11b is responsible for storing necessary data when executing the program. In particular, the storage unit 11b stores programs for executing various processes.

The display device 13 has a display function necessary for data input and the like. The display device 13 displays the generated QR code symbol 1 on a display. The printing device 14 also displays the generated QR code symbol 1 on a paper medium or the like by printing. The input device 15 is used for data input and operation of the extension encoder 10.

In the present embodiment, as a two-dimensional code (QR code), a related two-dimensional code (because it is a related two-dimensional code of a QR code, hereinafter referred to as a related QR code) is used. The related QR code is a QR code in which there is another related QR code associated with the related QR code. That is, a normal QR code is independent by itself and independent of other QR codes, but related QR codes are associated with other related QR codes, and these related QR codes are linked to each other. doing.

As a representative example of such a related QR code, a QR code having a structural connection relationship defined in Chapter 9 of the JIS standard (also referred to as a structural connection QR code) can be given. The structurally concatenated QR code is a code that is incorporated so that it is possible to determine that its own code information is a partial code divided in association with each other based on certain code information. That is, by using this, a large code can be divided into a plurality of related small codes, and the plurality of divided small codes become related QR codes.

However, the related two-dimensional code handled in this specification is not such a structurally connected QR code of the JIS standard. Hereinafter, the structurally connected QR code of the JIS standard is also referred to as a standard related QR code, and the related two-dimensional code handled in this paper is also referred to as an extended related QR code.

Although details will be described later, the differences between the standard-related QR code and the extended QR code are as follows. That is, in the standard related QR code, related code information for defining that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other (defined in Chapter 8.3.7 of the JIS standard, and in Section 9.1). (The structural connection header described) is not concealed. Therefore, when the related QR code is read by the standard decoder, the standard decoder indicates that the QR code is the related QR code (structural connection QR code). Can be grasped.

On the other hand, in the extended related QR code, since the related code information is included in the private data code word (that is, the related code information is concealed), when the related QR code is read by the standard decoder The standard decoder cannot recognize that the QR code is a related QR code (in other words, it is recognized as a normal QR code). Then, it can be recognized for the first time that the QR code is a related QR code by reading it with the extension decoder 20 that can handle the private data code word (private information).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an RS block of a related QR code (extended related QR code) according to the present embodiment. First, an outline of the data format of the extended related QR code and a method of embedding private data code words (private information and related code information) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an RS (Reed-Solomon) block as an error correction processing unit. The QR code symbol 1 includes one or a plurality of RS blocks. The RS block is used as one error correction processing unit.

In the embodiment described here, an error correction method using a Reed-Solomon (RS) code is adopted, so that “RS block” is described as an example of a processing unit block for error detection and correction calculation. .

The pre-replacement RS block (corresponding to the pre-replacement code block. Later, a post-replacement RS block will appear, so here it is distinguished from the post-replacement RS block as the pre-replacement RS block). ), A terminal code that is a non-display portion, and a padding code word that is a non-display portion. The pre-replacement RS block includes an RS (Reed-Solomon) code as a correction code word. The information body is information that can be decoded when the QR code symbol 1 is read even by a standard decoder. The end code is a code representing the end of the information body. The padding code word is a temporary code word used for the purpose of filling an empty code word portion when the total number of code words in the information body is less than the capacity of the QR code symbol 1. The RS code is a code added for error correction in units of RS blocks.

In the QR code, four error correction levels of “L”, “M”, “Q”, and “H” can be selected. The error correction level “L” has an error correction capability of about 7% with respect to the total number of words. For example, when the number of words in the RS block is 100%, the error correction capability is about 7%. The error correction level “M” has a correction capability of about 15% with respect to the total number of words. The error correction level “Q” has a correction capability of about 25% with respect to the total number of words. The error correction level “H” has an error correction capability of about 30% with respect to the total number of words. In the present embodiment, for example, “H” which is the highest class error correction capability is used to conceal the secret data code word (secret information and related code information) in the QR code. However, the error correction level may be changed according to the degree of fear of damage to the medium on which the code symbol is formed or depending on the number of secret data code words to be concealed depending on the method.

The concept of the method for hiding information in the QR code is as follows. Here, “concealment” of information is different from normal information that can be read and acquired by a standard method (apparatus, software, etc., a specific example is a decoder), and a standard method (apparatus, software, etc.). , Decoder) means that reading and acquisition cannot be performed. FIG. 3 shows private data code words. Here, a part of the RS block is replaced with this private data code word. In this way, even if a part is replaced, the standard decoder can correct the replaced information body portion using the RS code. Then, the corrected information body part can be read and displayed. On the other hand, since the private data code word is information that is corrected by the RS code and discarded, it is not displayed by the standard decoder.

On the other hand, the extended decoder 20 extracts a secret data code word from the replaced RS block as will be described later. Then, after that, correction is performed with the RS code and the information body part is read out. With the above principle, it is possible to hide the secret information and the related code information in the QR code symbol 1. The details of the method of partially replacing the RS block with the private data code word will be described later.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the related code information is included in the private data code word together with the private information. However, the private data code including the related code information is only the first private data code word (that is, the private data code word to be replaced with the first pre-replacement RS block) (but limited to the top). For example, it may be only the second private data code word). As shown in FIG. 4, the related code information according to the present embodiment includes identification information, chain number information, rank number information, and index information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of related code information.

The identification information is information indicating whether the QR code is a related QR code. This identification information is common to all the related QR codes (the same value is used if the related QR code is not a normal QR code), and in the present embodiment (example in FIG. 4), The identification information is “01010000 (binary number)”. Then, the extension decoder 20 can grasp that the QR code is a related QR code (not a normal related QR code) by reading this numerical value “01010000 (binary number)”. .

Chain number information is information indicating the chain number of a plurality of related QR codes associated with each other. That is, the chain number information can be said to be the number of elements of a QR code group (aggregate) composed of a plurality of related QR codes associated with each other. In the example of FIG. 4, the chain number information is “3 (decimal number)”, which means that three related QR codes (QR code A, QR code B, QR code C) are associated with each other. .

The order number information is information indicating the number of related QR codes among the related QR codes corresponding to the number of chains. In the example of FIG. 4, the rank number information of the QR code A is “1 (decimal number)”. Therefore, the QR code A is the first related QR code out of three. Similarly, the order number information of QR code B and QR code C is “2 (decimal number)” and “3 (decimal number)”. Therefore, QR code B and QR code C are the second of three, This is the third related QR code.

The index information is information for determining whether or not the related QR code including the related code information is associated with another related QR code having a sequence number different from that of the related QR code. In the present embodiment, as the index information, a common password is used for a plurality of related QR codes associated with each other. In the example of FIG. 4, this password is AF (hexadecimal number), and therefore each index information of QR code A, QR code B, and QR code C is AF (hexadecimal number). Then, the extended decoder 20 reads this password “AF (hexadecimal number)” from each of the QR code A, QR code B, and QR code C, and confirms that the passwords match, whereby the QR code A ( Whether or not QR code B, QR code C) is associated with other QR code having a different rank number from QR code A (QR code B, QR code C) (that is, QR code A, QR code B, QR code C is associated).

In the example of FIG. 4, the QR code with the rank number 3 associated with the QR code A with the rank number 1 and the QR code B with the rank number 2 is only the QR code C. There may be a plurality of QR codes having a sequence number of 3.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, there may be a QR code C ′ in addition to the QR code C as the QR code with the rank number 3. The related code information of the QR code C ′ ′ is the same as that of the QR code C. Since QR code C and QR code C ′ are not associated, QR code A, QR code B, and QR code C (or QR code A, QR code B, QR code C, and QR code C ′) are Although it can be said that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, QR code A, QR code B, QR code C, and QR code C ′ cannot be said to be a plurality of related QR codes associated with each other.

The same applies to QR code A and QR code B. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, QR code A ′, QR code A ″, and QR code B ′ may further exist.

Next, a specific related QR code generation method will be described based on the example of FIG. 4 (that is, a method of generating QR code A, QR code B, and QR code C will be described as an example).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a QR code symbol generation method. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an RS block of a related QR code. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a secret data code word of the related QR code. In the following description, when there is no special notice, a method according to the JIS standard is adopted as the encoding method to the QR code symbol 1. In most cases, the QR code symbol 1 has a plurality of RS blocks, but here, for ease of explanation, one RS block is illustrated as an example. Further, since the contents shown below are examples for easy explanation, each code word length may be different from the actual one.

Also, as a premise, the storage unit 11b stores information (start position information and information) related to the start position to be replaced with a private data code word that can be determined by a predetermined method and the length (number of words) of the private data code word. Length information) is stored. Similarly, it is assumed that information related to the start position of the related code information in the secret data code word (in this embodiment, the head of the secret data code word) and the length is described. How and how much part is replaced with private data code word, and how long part of private data code word is occupied with related code information The determination is arbitrary and is not limited to the method of the present embodiment.

First, the information body and non-public information embedded in the QR code symbol 1 related to the QR code A are captured (S102). Here, the information body is “TOKYO <cr> MINATO <cr> JPN” (FIG. 7), and the non-public information is “1234567890” (FIG. 8).

Next, the private data code word of the QR code symbol 1 is obtained by adding the related code information to the captured private information (S103). As a result, a secret data code word including secret information and related code information is created. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, related code information (“50h”, “3 (decimal number)”, “1 (decimal number)” obtained by converting “01010000 (binary number)” into a hexadecimal number is displayed. By including “31h” converted into hexadecimal number, password “AFh”) and private information (“1234567890”) in the private data code word, a private data code word is obtained.

Next, the model number of the QR code symbol 1 is determined based on the fetched information body (public data code word) and private data code word (S104). The QR code symbol 1 has a total number of code words determined according to the model number. The total number of code words is the sum of the number of data code words including the number of words of the information main body (public information word) and the number of correction code words. Also, the size and number of RS blocks made up of data code words and correction code words are determined according to the model number of the QR code symbol 1. Error correction is performed in units of RS blocks.

For example, when the error correction level is “H” and the model number is “4”, the total number of code words is set to “100”. It is determined that four RS blocks are included. The number of data code words in one RS block is “9”, and the number of correction code words is “16”.

The sum of the number of data code words “9” and the number of correction code words “16” is “25”. Since there are four such RS blocks, the QR code symbol of the model number “4” is 25 × 4 = 100. It will have the total number of code words.

Also, the number of error corrections at this time is “8” for each RS block. This indicates that the data code word number “9” has the ability to correct “8”. Since there are four RS blocks, it has a total correction capacity of 4 × 8 = 32 words. Since 32 words out of 100 words can be corrected, the correction ability is 32% in total.

Replacement with private data code words is performed for each RS block as long as the number of error corrections in the RS block is not exceeded. In the above case, the replacement of the number of code words “8” is allowed for each RS block, and the replacement of the number of code words of “32” is allowed as a whole (referred to as “total number of allowable replacement words”). There will be).

Based on such an operation, the model number of the QR code symbol 1 of the minimum size in which the number of secret data code words does not exceed the total permissible number of replacement words and the number of information body (public data code words) does not exceed the number of data code words. Is selected.

Next, an RS block (an RS block before replacement) having a public data code word and a correction code word is generated based on the code word of the information body (S106). In order to generate the RS block, the code word of the information body is divided into a plurality of blocks. Then, an error correction code word is generated for each block, and the generated correction code word is added after the corresponding code word. Then, an RS block is generated. Note that the correction code word generation method can conform to the JIS standard.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an information body, a terminal code, and a correction code word (note that no padding code word exists). Here, plain text information is shown as the code word of the information body. As the termination code, for example, a bit string of “0000” can be adopted. Then, an RS code generated based on a code word including the information main body is added to create an RS block.

A part of the RS block generated in this way is replaced with a secret data code word as shown in FIG. 8 (S108). That is, by replacing a part of the pre-replacement RS block with a private data code word, a post-substitution RS block in which the private data code word is concealed is obtained.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram when a part of the RS block is replaced. FIG. 9 shows the above-described RS block and a secret data code word. Then, based on the start position information and length information of the above-described private data code word, as shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the private data code word is replaced from the beginning of the RS block.

Thus, when a part of the RS block is replaced with a secret data code word, a part of the information body is lost. However, since correction can be performed in units of RS blocks, the standard decoder can correct the information body portion after replacement with the RS code, appropriately extract it, and display it.

The portion replaced with the non-public data code word is regarded as an error due to contamination of the QR code symbol 1 and is discarded, and cannot be displayed by the standard decoder. On the other hand, the extended decoder 20 extracts a secret data code word from the post-replacement RS block, as will be described later. After that, correction is performed using the RS code to extract the information body part. Then, the extracted private data code word (private information) and the information main body part (public information) are displayed.

Next, QR code symbol 1 is created based on the replaced RS block (S110). As a method for generating the QR code symbol 1 based on the RS block, the same method as the standard QR code generation method in the JIS standard can be adopted. In this way, the QR code symbol 1 related to the QR code A can be generated.

Next, the procedure from step S102 to step S110 is repeated in order to generate another related QR code (S112). That is, in the present embodiment, following the generation of QR code symbol 1 related to QR code A, QR code symbol 1 related to QR code B and QR code symbol 1 related to QR code C are generated using the same method. . Thus, in the present embodiment, a plurality of related QR codes are generated by executing the generation process including the procedure from step S102 to step S110 a plurality of times.

Next, a decoding method of the QR code symbol 1 generated in this way will be described. Decoding is performed by the extension decoder 20 described above. The extension decoder 20 reads a plurality of related QR codes and evaluates (confirms) that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other. Then, by confirming that these related QR codes are associated with each other, the management target (the person who owns the related QR code or the item to which the related QR code is attached) Etc.) can be ensured (authenticated) (details will be described later with a specific example).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the extension decoder 20. The extension decoder 20 reads a plurality of related QR codes, expands public information and non-public information to be displayed included in the QR code symbol 1, and further associates the plurality of related QR codes with each other. It is a device that evaluates (confirms) this. The extended decoder 20 includes a control unit 21, an imaging device 22, a display device 23, a printing device 24, and an input device 25.

The control unit 21 includes a calculation unit 21a and a storage unit 21b. The calculation unit 21a is composed of a central processing unit and the like, and is responsible for program execution and various calculations. The storage unit 21b is responsible for storing necessary data when executing the program. In particular, the storage unit 21b stores programs for executing various processes.

The imaging device 22 is a device for imaging the QR code symbol 1 and is, for example, a CCD camera or the like.

The display device 23 has a display function necessary for data input and the like. The display device 23 displays the information developed from the QR code on the display. The printing device 24 also displays the developed information on a paper medium or the like by printing. The input device 25 is used for data input and operation of the extension decoder 20.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a related QR code evaluation method. In the following description, when there is no special notice, a method according to the JIS standard is adopted as a decoding method of the QR code symbol 1.

In addition, as a premise, the storage unit 21b of the extended decoder 20 has information related to the start position to be replaced with a private data code word and the length (number of words) of the private data code word that can be determined by a predetermined method ( It is assumed that start position information and length information) are stored. Similarly, information related to the start position of the related code information in the private data code word (the head of the private data code word) and the length is described. How and how much part is replaced with private data code word, and how long part of private data code word is occupied with related code information The determination is arbitrary and is not limited to the method of the present embodiment.

First, QR code symbol 1 is read (S202). Here, it is assumed that the QR code symbol 1 related to the QR code A is read first. Then, a plurality of RS blocks are developed based on the read QR code symbol 1 (S204). For the development to these plurality of RS blocks, those conforming to the JIS standard can be adopted. Thereby, for example, the post-replacement RS block shown in FIG. 9 described above is acquired. That is, a post-replacement data block is obtained from the related QR code.

Next, the code word (public data code word) and the private data code word of the information main body are extracted from the acquired post-replacement RS block by a predetermined method (S206).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a method for extracting a secret data code word of a related QR code. FIG. 12 shows a post-replacement RS block and a secret datacode word.

As described above, the post-replacement RS block can be obtained by reading the QR code symbol and expanding it according to the JIS standard. In the present embodiment, the extended decoder 20 determines the position of the secret data code word in the RS block after replacement based on the start position information and length information of the secret data code word stored in the storage unit 21b. Identify. And a secret datacode word is extracted from the specified position.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a method for extracting the information body of the related QR code. The extended decoder 20 acquires the pre-replacement RS block by performing error correction of the post-replacement RS block. Then, information from the beginning to the end code of the RS block before replacement is extracted, and the extracted data is used as the information body. That is, the public data code word is extracted from the post-replacement RS block using the correction code word, and the information body that is the public information is extracted from the public data code word.

Next, the extension decoder 20 extracts the secret information and the related code information from the secret data code word. That is, the extended decoder 20 specifies the position of the related code information in the secret data code word based on the start position information and length information of the related code information stored in the storage unit 21b. Then, the related code information is extracted from the specified position, and the remaining information of the private data code word is made private information.

The extension decoder 20 grasps (confirms) related code information (that is, identification information, chain number information, sequence number information, and index information) (step S210). That is, it is grasped (confirmed) from the identification information that the QR code is a related QR code, and in the present embodiment, the related QR code is one of the three related QR codes based on the other three pieces of information. It is the second related QR code, and grasps (confirms) that the password is AF (hexadecimal number).

In the present embodiment, the related code information extraction process described above is executed for each of the plurality of read related QR codes, and based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related QR codes. And evaluating that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other. More specifically, based on the identification information, each QR code is confirmed to be a related QR code, and based on the chain number information and the sequence number information acquired from each of the plurality of related QR codes, It is confirmed that different sequence numbers for the number of chains are arranged, and related QR codes for the number of sequences having different sequence numbers are associated based on the index information (here, the related QR codes for the number of chains are related). When it is confirmed that the code index information (password) matches (when the evaluation condition is satisfied), it is evaluated that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other.

Here, since only one related QR code is read, the evaluation process is not yet executed. No display is performed on the display device 23.

Next, when the QR code B is read, the same procedure as that in step S202 to step S210 (step S212 to step S220) is executed, and public information, non-public information, and related QR code information are extracted (step S218).

The extension decoder 20 grasps (confirms) related code information (that is, identification information, chain number information, sequence number information, and index information) (step S220). In other words, it is ascertained (confirmed) from the identification information that the QR code is a related QR code, and in the present embodiment, the related QR code is obtained from two other related information. It is the second related QR code, and grasps (confirms) that the password is AF (hexadecimal number).

Then, the aforementioned evaluation process is performed by comparing the related code information with the related code information of QR code A (step S221). In this case, different rank numbers corresponding to the number of chains are not arranged (that is, only 1 or 3 out of 3), and the evaluation condition is not satisfied, so that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other. Is not evaluated. In such a case, no display on the display device 23 is performed.

Further, when the QR code C is read, the same procedure as that in step S202 to step S210 (step S222 to step S230) is executed, and public information, non-public information, and related QR code information are extracted (step S228).

The extension decoder 20 grasps (confirms) related code information (that is, identification information, chain number information, sequence number information, and index information) (step S230). In other words, it is ascertained (confirmed) from the identification information that the QR code is a related QR code, and in the present embodiment, the related QR code is determined from three of the three related QR codes. It is the second related QR code, and grasps (confirms) that the password is AF (hexadecimal number).

Then, the above-described evaluation process is performed by comparing the related code information with the related code information of QR code A and QR code B (step S231). Here, it is confirmed that each QR code is a related QR code, and it is confirmed that different sequence numbers corresponding to the number of chains are arranged (that is, 1, 2, 3 out of three are arranged), and It is confirmed that related QR codes corresponding to the number of chains having different sequence numbers are associated (index information (passwords) of related QR codes corresponding to the number of chains matches in AF), and the evaluation condition is satisfied Therefore, it is evaluated that a plurality of related QR codes (QR code A to QR code C) are associated with each other.

In this embodiment, when the extended decoder 20 makes such an evaluation, the display device 23 displays that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other (for example, characters “authenticated”). (Step S232). In addition to the display or in addition to the display, it may be notified by voice.

Further, at this time, the display device 23 also displays the public information and the private information of each of the QR codes A to QR codes C taken out in step S208, step S218, and step S228 (step S232). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, each public information is displayed in the order of the order number, not in the reading order of the related QR code. Similarly, each non-public information is also displayed in the order. Display in numerical order. Also, the public information group and the non-public information group are displayed in a lump, and the public information group is followed by the non-public information group. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing various information displayed on the display.

=== Specific Application Examples ===
An application example of the above-described related QR code will be described with some examples.

<<< First application example >>>
First, a first application example will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first application example. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which various information according to the first application example is displayed on the display.

In the first application example, using the above-mentioned related QR code, a mechanism for checking that the medication for the patient admitted to the medical facility is definitely performed as prescribed is constructed.

In this example, a related QR code with a chain number of 2 is used. In addition, there are a plurality (three) of related QR codes with rank number 2. Assume that the related QR code with rank number 1 is QR code A, and the related QR code with rank number 2 is QR code B, QR code B ', and QR code B ".

QR code A is affixed to patient wristband or bedside sign plate. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, medical information, patient name, age, sex, and blood type (for example, “Cardiovascular Medicine, Health Taro, 30 years old, male, O type”) as public information (information body). It is embedded in QR code A, and a disease name (for example, “angina”) is embedded in QR code A as non-public information.

QR code B, QR code B ′, and QR code B ″ are affixed to the packaging material of the medicine to be distributed. And, as shown in FIG. Embedded in QR Code B, QR Code B ′, QR Code B ”,“ Public Cardiovascular Medicine, Oral Medicine 1 ”,“ Cardiovascular Medicine, Oral Medicine 2 ”,“ Cardiovascular Medicine, Oral Medicine 3 ”) The administration date and time (for example, “February 16 daytime”) is embedded in QR code B, QR code B ′, QR code B ″.

A person in charge such as a nurse who distributes medicine to a patient owns, for example, a handy terminal as the extension decoder 20, and holds the handy terminal over the QR code A and the QR code B sequentially or simultaneously. Then, in the handy terminal, the process described above is executed, and it is evaluated that QR code A and QR code B are associated with each other. Then, when the evaluation is made, the characters “I was able to authenticate” are displayed as shown in FIG. 16, and it is certified that “Oral medicine 1” is definitely for “Health Taro”. The Therefore, the occurrence of medication errors is reliably avoided. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the public information and the non-public information are displayed on the display, and the person in charge and the patient can confirm that there is no problem by looking at the display.

In addition, by performing the same work on QR code A and QR code B ', and also on QR code A and QR code B "," Oral medicine 2 "is definitely for" Health Taro " It is certified that “Oral medicine 3” is definitely for “Health Taro”.

<<< Second application example >>>
Next, a second application example will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second application example. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which various information according to the second application example is displayed on the display.

In the second application example, a visit is made in a case where the worker visits the client using the related QR code described above (for example, installation work of home appliances, repair work or waterworks). A system is built to allow the client to confirm that the worker is genuine.

In this example, a related QR code with a chain number of 3 is used. Assume that the related QR code of rank number 1 is QR code A, the related QR code of rank number 2 is QR code B, and the related QR code of rank number 3 is QR code C.

QR code A is affixed to an ID badge carried by the worker (a badge with a photograph, a company undertaking the work (hereinafter referred to as a contracting company), and a name). Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the operator's name (for example, “Taro Taku”) is embedded in the QR code A as public information (information body), and the worker's email address (for example, “ sagyo-t @ ... ") is embedded in QR code A.

When the client makes a work reservation with the contractor, the contractor sends a reservation form to the client by e-mail or fax. QR code B is attached to the reservation form. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, reservation information (visit date, contractor company name, etc., for example, “March 10, XX Corporation”) is embedded in QR code B as public information (information body) ( Private information is not embedded in this case).

In addition, when the client makes a work reservation with the contractor, the contractor sends a work instruction to the worker by e-mail or fax. The QR code C is attached to the work instruction. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, work information (visit date, place of visit, work contents, etc., for example, “March 10, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, air conditioner repair”) as public information (information body) is QR. Embed in code C (in this case, private information is not embedded).

The worker owns, for example, a handy terminal as the extension decoder 20, and holds the handy terminal over the QR code A to QR code C sequentially or simultaneously. Then, in the handy terminal, the process described above is executed, and it is evaluated that the QR codes A to QR codes C are associated with each other. Then, when the evaluation is made, the characters “I was able to authenticate” are displayed as shown in FIG. 18, and it is verified that the work content requested by the client is definitely performed by a genuine worker. The Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent an erroneous operation from being performed or an operator from being dispatched by an unscrupulous trader. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the public information and the non-public information are displayed on the display, and the operator and the client can confirm that there is no problem by looking at the display.

In addition, the client can participate in the authentication with the associated QR code (that is, QR code B) held by the client to prevent the fraud of the trader (for example, the work is ended even though the confirmation of acceptance is not received). it can. In addition, the results of authentication can be recorded and stored as a history so that it can be used as objective information that is effective as a proof for audits in the future and verification of claims and doubts.

=== Effectiveness of QR Code Generation Method According to the Present Embodiment ===
As described above, the QR code generation method according to the present embodiment is a QR code generation method that generates a plurality of related QR codes that are associated with each other. Obtaining a pre-substitution code block having a correction code word, obtaining a post-substitution code block in which the non-public data code word is concealed by replacing a part of the pre-substitution code block with the non-public data code word, Each of the plurality of related QR codes is generated by executing a generation step of generating a related QR code based on the post-replacement data block a plurality of times, and the secret data code word is changed in each of the generation steps. Related code information for making it possible to specify that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other when obtaining , It was decided to include in the private data codewords.

The extended encoder 10 (QR code generation system) according to the present embodiment is an extended encoder 10 (QR code generation system) that generates a plurality of related QR codes that are associated with each other. Finding a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and concealing the private data code word by replacing a part of the pre-replacement code block with the private data code word And generating each of the plurality of related QR codes by executing a generation step of generating a related QR code based on the replacement data block a plurality of times, and generating each of the plurality of related QR codes. The plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other when determining the secret data code word in FIG. The related code information for enabling identifying Rukoto, it was decided to include in the private data codewords.

Also, the QR code evaluation method according to the present embodiment reads a plurality of related QR codes generated by the above-described QR code generation method, and evaluates that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other. A code evaluation method for obtaining the replaced data block from the related QR code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting the related code information from the secret data code word Based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related QR codes and the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related QR codes, a plurality of related QR codes are extracted. And an evaluation step for evaluating that the codes are associated with each other.

The extended decoder 20 (QR code evaluation system) according to the present embodiment reads a plurality of related QR codes generated by the extended encoder 10 (QR code generation system), and the plurality of related QR codes are read. An extended decoder 20 (QR code evaluation system) that evaluates that they are associated with each other, obtains the replacement data block from the related QR code, and extracts the secret data code word from the replacement data block The related code information extracting process for extracting the related code information from the non-public data code word is performed on each of the read related QR codes, and the acquired related QR code is acquired from each of the related QR codes. The plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other based on the related code information. It was decided to evaluate that.

The extended management system (QR code management system) according to the present embodiment is an extended encoder 10 (QR code generation system) that generates a plurality of related QR codes that are associated with each other. Finding a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and concealing the private data code word by replacing a part of the pre-replacement code block with the private data code word And generating each of the plurality of related QR codes by executing a generation step of generating a related QR code based on the replacement data block a plurality of times, and generating each of the plurality of related QR codes. The plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other when obtaining the secret data code word in FIG. And a plurality of associations generated by the extension encoder 10 (QR code generation system) and the related encoder information (QR code generation system) including the related code information for specifying the information in the private data code word. An extended decoder 20 (QR code evaluation system) that reads a QR code and evaluates that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, obtains the replaced data block from the related QR code, and performs the replacement Extracting the private data code word from a subsequent data block, and executing related code information extraction processing for extracting the related code information from the private data code word for each of the read related QR codes, Based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related QR codes. Te, it was decided to include the a extended decoder 20 (QR code evaluation system) for evaluating said plurality of associated QR codes have been associated with each other.

Therefore, it is possible to appropriately realize the use of the technology related to the related QR code to ensure the authenticity when the object is managed by the QR code.

Related QR codes such as structurally connected QR codes defined in Chapter 9 of the JIS standard are already well known, and techniques using these codes have also been proposed. However, conventionally, by evaluating (confirming or determining) that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, the management target (the person who owns the related QR code or the related QR code) No guarantees have been made to ensure (authenticate) the authenticity of the items attached with the code.

Also, if such matters are to be implemented using a standard-related QR code such as a structurally connected QR code, the following problems may occur.

That is, when one of the structurally connected QR codes (related QR codes) is read by the standard decoder, the standard decoder can understand that this QR code is a structurally connected QR code (related QR code). Yes, a message to that effect (for example, a message such as “Please read the next QR code”) is displayed. Therefore, an operator who operates the standard decoder can easily recognize that the QR code is not a normal QR code but a structurally connected QR code (related QR code).

Such a recognition act can be an opportunity for the operator or the like to be added when the operator is an unscrupulous operator or the like. For example, the contractor etc. analyzes the read structural connection QR code (related QR code) and other structural connection QR code (related QR code) related to the structural connection QR code (related QR code). Code). Then, there is a possibility that a wrong action is performed using the other structurally connected QR code (related QR code) forged.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned items are performed using an original related QR code instead of a standard related QR code. In the original related QR code, the related code information is set as a private data code. Included in words. Since the standard decoder cannot extract the related code information from the non-public data code word, even if the standard decoder reads the QR code according to the present embodiment, the standard decoder only understands it as a normal QR code. I cannot understand something in the first place. Therefore, the operator who operates the standard decoder cannot recognize that this QR code is not a normal QR code but a related QR code. Therefore, even if the operator is an unscrupulous trader or the like, the trader or the like cannot reach the above-described idea of forgery.

As described above, the QR code generation method, the extended encoder 10 (QR code generation system), the QR code evaluation method, the extended decoder 20 (QR code evaluation system), and the extended management system (QR code management system) according to the present embodiment. According to this, when managing the object with the QR code, the authenticity can be more reliably ensured by using the technology related to the related QR code.

In the present embodiment, the related code information includes identification information indicating whether the QR code is a related QR code, chain number information indicating the number of chains of a plurality of related QR codes associated with each other, and The related QR code including the related code information is sequence number information indicating the number of related QR codes among the related QR codes corresponding to the number of chains, and the related QR code including the related code information includes the related QR code. And index information for determining whether or not the related QR code is related to another related QR code having a different rank number.

Further, in the evaluation step, based on the identification information, it is confirmed that each QR code is a related QR code, and the chain number information and the order obtained from each of the plurality of related QR codes. Based on the number information, it is confirmed that the different order numbers corresponding to the number of chains are arranged, and based on the index information, the related QR codes for the number of chains having the different order numbers are associated. When it is confirmed that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, the evaluation is made.

Thus, in the present embodiment, identification information, chain number information, sequence number information, and index information are included in a secret data code word. That is, since information essential for performing forgery is concealed, if a third party does not know the concealed information, it becomes even more difficult to forge. Therefore, in the present embodiment, authenticity can be further ensured.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it is evaluated that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, a display step for displaying that the plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other is provided. .

Therefore, it is evaluated (confirmed) that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, and it is confirmed to the operator of the extended decoder 20 that the authenticity of the management target by the related QR codes is ensured (authenticated). On the other hand, it is possible to clearly notify.

In the present embodiment, in the extracting step, the public data code word is extracted from the code block after replacement using the error correction code word, and public information is extracted from the public data code word. A process is executed for each of the plurality of related QR codes read, and when the plurality of related QR codes are evaluated to be associated with each other, a display step of displaying each of the public information is provided. It was.

Therefore, the operator of the extended decoder 20 has been evaluated (confirmed) that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, and the authenticity of the management target by the related QR codes has been ensured (authenticated). In addition to additional information embedded in each of a plurality of related QR codes (for example, in the first application example described above, the medical subject, patient name, age, gender, Blood type and drug name) can be presented to the operator of the extension decoder 20 together.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the extraction step, a private information extraction process for extracting private information from the private data code word is executed for each of the read related QR codes, In the display step, each of the non-public information is displayed.

Therefore, the operator of the extended decoder 20 has been evaluated (confirmed) that a plurality of related QR codes are associated with each other, and the authenticity of the management target by the related QR codes has been ensured (authenticated). Can be known by displaying non-public information, and additional information embedded in each of a plurality of related QR codes (for example, in the first application example described above, disease name, administration date and time) It is possible to present it to the operators etc.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the display step, each of the public information is displayed in the order of the order numbers, and each of the non-public information is displayed in the order of the order numbers.

Therefore, it is possible to display public information and non-public information in a desired order without being affected by the reading order of the related QR codes.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the QR code has been described as an example of the two-dimensional code, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another two-dimensional code may be used. Examples of the other two-dimensional codes include DataMatrix (ISO / IEC16022: 2006, JIS X-0512: 2015), PDF417 (ISO / IEC15438: 2006, JIS X-0508: 2010).

In the above embodiment, the information (public information, non-public information) is described as plain text, but it may be encrypted (cipher text).

In the above embodiment, a common password is used as a plurality of related QR codes associated with each other as index information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the parity data defined in Chapter 9.3 of the JIS standard may be used.

In addition, when the index information is the password and at least one of the public information and the non-public information is a ciphertext (hereinafter, the case where the public information is a ciphertext will be described as an example), The following may be used. That is, the password may be index (heading) information for specifying the ciphertext encryption key. For example, for each of a plurality of types of passwords, a key pair corresponding to the password (if the public key cryptosystem is used, the public key used when the extended encoder 10 encrypts the public information and the extended decoder 20 A secret key for decrypting information) is determined in advance. When a certain password (for example, AF in FIG. 4) is used, the extension encoder 10 encrypts the public information with the public key corresponding to the password (AF). Further, the extended decoder 20 extracts related code information (password (AF) as index information) from the private data code word, selects (specifies) a secret key corresponding to the password (AF), and uses this secret key. Decrypt public information.

In the above embodiment, only confirmation is made as to whether the index information (passwords) of the related QR codes corresponding to the number of chains matches. Such confirmation alone is sufficient, but if the password and the key are associated with each other, security can be further improved. In other words, if the index information of the related QR codes for the number of chains matches with a password other than AF (accordingly, by accident, such as tampering), the secret key corresponding to BG is selected and the public information Since it becomes impossible to decrypt the above, it is understood that the situation is not normal. Therefore, in this mode, not only the index information (password) related to the related QR code for the number of chains matches but also the index information (password) related to the related QR code for the number of chains is required to match by AF. Will be. Therefore, it is possible to further increase security.

Also, as a similar method, a method of adding an electronic signature may be adopted. That is, the password is index (heading) information for specifying the encryption key of the ciphertext, and for each of a plurality of types of passwords, a key set corresponding to the password (the extended encoder 10 is information (for example, FIG. 7 TOKYO <cr> MINATO <cr> JPN) is encrypted with the private key when creating the electronic signature and the public key when the extension decoder 20 decrypts the electronic signature and creates the hash value) Decide in advance. When a certain password (for example, AF in FIG. 4) is used, the extension encoder 10 creates an electronic signature with a private key corresponding to the password (AF). The created electronic signature is included in, for example, the public information or non-public information in FIG. 3 (in the case of public information, TOKYO <cr> MINATO <cr> JPN and the electronic signature are public information) Further, the extended decoder 20 extracts related code information (password (AF) as index information) from the private data code word, selects (specifies) the public key corresponding to the password (AF), and uses this public key. Create a hash value from a digital signature. Also, a hash value is created from information (for example, TOKYO <cr> MINATO <cr> JPN in FIG. 7), and both hash values are compared (hash value match is confirmed).

If the index information of the related QR code corresponding to the number of chains matches with a password other than AF (assumed to be BG) by accident (tampering etc.), the public key corresponding to BG will be selected, and the electronic signature The hash value created using the public key does not match the hash value created from the information (for example, TOKYO <cr> MINATO <cr> JPN in FIG. 7) so that the situation is not normal. It has become. Therefore, in this mode, not only the index information (password) related to the related QR code for the number of chains matches but also the index information (password) related to the related QR code for the number of chains is required to match by AF. Will be. Therefore, it is possible to further increase security.

In the above-described embodiment, the extended encoder 10 such as a handy terminal including the control unit 11, the display device 13, the printing device 14, and the input device 15 has been described as an example of the two-dimensional code generation system. It is not limited to. For example, it may be configured from a server provided at a remote place for executing the generating step, and a terminal that exchanges data with the server and includes the display device 13, the printing device 14, and the input device 15.

In the above embodiment, the extended decoder 20 such as a handy terminal including the control unit 21, the imaging device 22, the display device 23, the printing device 24, and the input device 25 is described as an example of the two-dimensional code evaluation system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured by a server provided at a remote place for executing the evaluation process, and a terminal that exchanges data with the server and includes an imaging device 22, a display device 23, a printing device 24, and an input device 25. Good. Further, the printing device 24 may not exist.

The two-dimensional code generation system (two-dimensional code evaluation system) may be a dedicated terminal or software (application) for executing a generation (evaluation) step on a general-purpose terminal such as a PC, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. ) May be incorporated.

Also, protection coding of a code block (RS block) may be performed using the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-91039. If such protection coding is performed, the secret data code word including the related code information is further concealed.

1 QR Code Symbol 10 Extended Encoder 11 Control Unit, 11a Operation Unit, 11b Storage Unit 13 Display Device, 14 Printing Device, 15 Input Device 20 Extended Decoder 21 Control Unit, 21a Operation Unit, 21b Storage Unit 22 Imaging Device, 23 Display Device 24 printing devices, 25 input devices

Claims

A two-dimensional code generation method for generating a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by performing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which the data code word is concealed and generating a related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Generate and
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. A two-dimensional code generation method characterized by including.
The two-dimensional code generation method according to claim 1,
The related code information is
Identification information indicating whether or not the two-dimensional code is a related two-dimensional code;
Chain number information indicating the chain number of a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other;
Order number information indicating which number of related two-dimensional codes among the related two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of chains the related two-dimensional code comprising the related code information;
Index information for determining whether or not the related two-dimensional code including the related code information is associated with another related two-dimensional code having a different rank number from the related two-dimensional code;
A two-dimensional code generation method comprising:
A two-dimensional code generation system for generating a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by executing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which a data code word is concealed and generating the related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Produces
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. A two-dimensional code generation system characterized by inclusion.
A two-dimensional code evaluation method that reads a plurality of related two-dimensional codes generated by the two-dimensional code generation method according to claim 1 and evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other. ,
Obtaining the replaced data block from the related two-dimensional code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting related code information from the secret data code word; A fetching step to be executed for each of the read related two-dimensional codes;
An evaluation step for evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes. Dimension code evaluation method.
The two-dimensional code evaluation method according to claim 4,
The related code information is
Identification information indicating whether or not the two-dimensional code is a related two-dimensional code;
Chain number information indicating the chain number of a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other;
Order number information indicating which number of related two-dimensional codes among the related two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of chains the related two-dimensional code comprising the related code information;
The related two-dimensional code comprising the related code information has index information for determining whether or not the related two-dimensional code is associated with another related two-dimensional code having a different rank number,
In the evaluation step,
Based on the identification information, each of the two-dimensional codes is confirmed to be a related two-dimensional code, and based on the chain number information and the sequence number information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes. It is confirmed that the different rank numbers corresponding to the number of chains are aligned, and based on the index information, it is confirmed that the related two-dimensional codes corresponding to the number of chains having the different rank numbers are associated with each other. When
A two-dimensional code evaluation method comprising evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other.
The two-dimensional code evaluation method according to claim 5,
A two-dimensional code evaluation method comprising a display step of displaying that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other when the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are evaluated to be associated with each other. .
The two-dimensional code evaluation method according to claim 5 or 6,
In the extraction step, the public data code word is extracted from the post-substitution code block using the error correction code word, and public information extraction processing for extracting public information from the public data code word is performed. Execute for each of the associated 2D codes,
A two-dimensional code evaluation method comprising: a display step of displaying each of the public information when the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are evaluated as being associated with each other.
The two-dimensional code evaluation method according to claim 7,
In the extraction step, a private information extraction process for extracting private information from the private data code word is executed for each of the read related two-dimensional codes.
In the display step, each of the non-public information is displayed.
The two-dimensional code evaluation method according to claim 8,
In the display step, each of the public information is displayed in the order of the rank number, and each of the non-public information is displayed in the order of the rank number.
A two-dimensional code evaluation system that reads a plurality of related two-dimensional codes generated by the two-dimensional code generation system according to claim 3 and evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other. ,
Obtaining the replaced data block from the related two-dimensional code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting related code information from the secret data code word; Executing each of the read related two-dimensional codes,
A two-dimensional code evaluation system for evaluating that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes.
A two-dimensional code generation system for generating a plurality of related two-dimensional codes associated with each other,
Obtaining a private data code word, obtaining a pre-replacement code block having a public data code word and an error correction code word, and replacing the private data code word with a part of the pre-replacement code block by the private data code word Each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes is obtained by executing a generation step of obtaining a replacement code block in which a data code word is concealed and generating the related two-dimensional code based on the replacement data block. Produces
When obtaining the non-public data code word in each of the generation steps, related code information for enabling identification of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes being associated with each other is included in the non-public data code word. A two-dimensional code generation system to include,
A two-dimensional code evaluation system that reads a plurality of related two-dimensional codes generated by the two-dimensional code generation system and evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other.
Obtaining the replaced data block from the related two-dimensional code, extracting the secret data code word from the replaced data block, and extracting related code information from the secret data code word; Executing each of the read related two-dimensional codes,
A two-dimensional code evaluation system that evaluates that the plurality of related two-dimensional codes are associated with each other based on the related code information acquired from each of the plurality of related two-dimensional codes;
A two-dimensional code management system comprising: