JP2008225732A - Two-dimensional code pattern readable by reader, display medium for map, reading system and reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To encode a numerical value such as a latitude/longitude value with a small number of dots. <P>SOLUTION: A two-dimensional code pattern 13 readable by a reader 3 is provided with: a central dot 21 showing the center of a circle; a reference direction dot 24 positioned outside the circle; and numerical values 22 and 23 positioned on the circumference of the circle in angular directions corresponding to numeric values encoded into the pattern with the central dot 21 and the reference direction dot 24 as a reference. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code pattern that can be read by a reading device, a map display medium, a reading system, and a reading method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a two-dimensional data code. This two-dimensional data code consists of a total of four virtual square frames, two adjacent vertical and two horizontal, and a print circle is selectively arranged in each square frame, and further, the print reading direction is set. A predetermined number of basic codes in which the point marks to be distinguished are arranged at positions where they do not overlap the print circles are arranged in a vertical and horizontal direction.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a dot pattern printed on a medium surface such as a printed material. This dot pattern has a virtual point at the center surrounded by a plurality of consecutively arranged lattice dots and four lattice dots, and an end point represented by a vector using this virtual point as a starting point. And information dots that define information by distance and direction.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-261058 (claims, etc.) International Publication WO 2004/084125 (Claims etc.)

  As described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, by printing a two-dimensional code pattern composed of a plurality of dots on a paper surface, data can be encoded and embedded in a print medium such as a printed matter. Therefore, for example, it is possible to improve the convenience of the map by printing this two-dimensional code pattern superimposed on a map and coding the latitude and longitude values of points in the map into the two-dimensional code pattern. Become.

  However, when it is intended to embed latitude and longitude values of points in the map overlaid on a map or the like, it is necessary to print a plurality of dots on the paper with high density. As a result, even if the ink used for printing the dots is white, the paper surface becomes gray due to a subtle difference in hue from the color of the white paper surface. Also, if you print a readable article such as a map on the paper on which the dots are printed, the print quality will be lower or color unevenness will occur compared to when the dots are not printed. Resulting in.

  It is an object of the present invention to obtain a two-dimensional code pattern, a map display medium, a reading system, and a reading method that can be read by a reading device that can code numerical values such as latitude and longitude values with a small number of dots.

  The two-dimensional code pattern that can be read by the reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a center dot that indicates the center of a circle, a reference direction dot that is located outside the circle, and a center dot and a reference direction that are on the circumference of the circle. With dots as a reference, numerical dots in an angle direction corresponding to numerical values encoded in the pattern are included.

  The map display medium according to the present invention is a map display medium that displays a two-dimensional code pattern composed of a plurality of dots that can be read by a reading device in an overlapping manner with the map. In this map display medium, the two-dimensional code pattern includes a center dot indicating the center of the circle, a reference direction dot located outside the circle, a center dot and a reference direction dot on the circumference of the circle. And a numerical value dot in an angular direction corresponding to a latitude value or a longitude value of a point in the map displayed superimposed on the pattern.

  Another map display medium according to the present invention is a map display medium that displays a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns composed of a plurality of dots that can be read by a reading device, superimposed on the map. In the map display medium, each two-dimensional code pattern includes a center dot indicating the center of the circle, a reference direction dot located outside the circle, a center dot and a reference direction on the circumference of the circle. With dots as a reference, numerical dots in an angle direction corresponding to numerical values encoded in the pattern are included. Then, the latitude value or longitude value of each point in the map displayed superimposed on a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns is encoded into two or more numerical dots.

  The map display medium according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described configuration of the invention. That is, the two-dimensional code pattern includes a plurality of substantially concentric circles that can be arranged on the circumferences of different circles depending on whether the latitude value is coded or the longitude value is coded. It has a numerical dot that is alternatively selected from the dots.

  Another map display medium according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described configuration of the present invention. That is, the latitude value or longitude value of each point is encoded into two or more two-dimensional code patterns. One of the two-dimensional code patterns has two numerical dots on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles that are different from each other, and the two-dimensional code pattern is obtained when the latitude value or the longitude value is expressed in decimal numbers. Digit fractions are encoded into these two numeric dots. The other two-dimensional code pattern has two numerical dots on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles that are different from each other, and two digits when the latitude value or longitude value is expressed in decimal. Are encoded into these two numerical dots. Further, in the two two-dimensional code patterns having these two numerical dots, the two-digit fraction and the two-digit second are encoded in the numerical dots on the inner circumference, and the outer circle is encoded. One's place is coded in the numerical dot on the circumference.

  Another map display medium according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described components of the present invention. That is, the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns all have two or less numerical dots. The frequency when the latitude value or longitude value is expressed in decimal is divided into two or more two-dimensional code patterns and encoded.

  Another map display medium according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described components of the present invention. That is, the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns all have two or less numerical dots. And the frequency when the latitude value or the longitude value is expressed in decimal number is a two-dimensional code pattern having one numerical dot at a position corresponding to each section when the frequency expressed in decimal number is divided every 60 degrees; Similar to the two-dimensional code pattern in which the fraction is encoded and the two-dimensional code pattern in which the number of seconds is encoded, it has two numerical dots on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles different from each other. Two-digit numerical values of less than 60 in degrees in decimal notation are separately encoded into two-dimensional code patterns encoded into these two numerical dots.

  Another map display medium according to the present invention has the following features in addition to the above-described components of the present invention. That is, the latitude value or longitude value of each point is encoded into two or more two-dimensional code patterns. Each of the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns has a reference position dot. This reference position dot forms a common pattern in all but one of two or more two-dimensional code patterns, and forms a different pattern from the common pattern in the remaining one. .

  The reading system according to the present invention includes a display medium for displaying the two-dimensional code pattern according to the above-described invention or a map display medium having each configuration according to the above-described invention, and a two-dimensional display displayed on the display medium or the map display medium. Reading means for reading the code pattern, and obtaining means for obtaining a numerical value encoded in the two-dimensional code pattern based on an angle formed by the numerical dot and the reference direction dot in the read two-dimensional code pattern at the center dot , Has.

  The reading method according to the present invention includes a center dot indicating the center of a circle, a reference direction dot positioned outside the circle, and a pattern on the circumference of the circle with reference to the center dot and the reference direction dot. A step of reading a two-dimensional code pattern displayed on the display medium, and an angle formed by the read reference direction dot and the numerical dot at the center dot. And obtaining a numerical value encoded in the read two-dimensional code pattern.

  In the present invention, numerical values such as latitude and longitude values can be coded with a small number of dots.

  Hereinafter, a two-dimensional code pattern, a map display medium, a reading system, and a reading method that can be read by a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The reading system will be described by taking a navigation system as an example. As the display medium and the map display medium, a map book used in the navigation system will be described as an example. The two-dimensional code pattern that can be read by the reading device will be described as an example printed on the map book. The reading method will be described by taking the operation of the navigation system as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a navigation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The navigation system 1 as a reading system includes a map book 2 as a display medium and a map display medium on which a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns encoded with latitude and longitude values are printed, and a two-dimensional code of the map book 2 It has an electronic pen 3 as a reading device for reading a pattern, and a navigation main body 4 that is installed on a dashboard of an automobile and communicates with the electronic pen 3. The electronic pen 3 and the navigation body 4 can communicate with each other by being connected by a communication cable 5 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. In addition to this, for example, the electronic pen 3 and the navigation main body 4 may be communicable with each other by so-called Bluetooth or wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the print contents of one page in the map book 2 in FIG. On the paper surface 11 of the map book 2, as shown in FIG. 2A, a map of a predetermined area that can be guided by the navigation system 1 is printed as a readable article 12.

  Also, on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2, as shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 of the same size that can be read by the electronic pen 3 are arranged along the vertical and horizontal directions of the paper surface 11. Are densely arranged in a grid pattern. FIG. 2C is a partially enlarged view of the paper surface 11 of FIG. FIG. 2D is an explanatory diagram showing one two-dimensional code pattern 13.

  In the following description, up, down, left and right are used with reference to the illustrated posture (direction) of the two-dimensional code pattern 13 in FIG. Further, when the position of numerical dots to be described later is described using an angle, the upper side in the two-dimensional code pattern 13 in FIG. 2D is 0 degrees, the lower side is 180 degrees, and the right side is indicated by a positive value. The left side is expressed as a negative value.

  The plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 printed on the paper surface 11 of the map book 2 can be read by the electronic pen 3 and are printed on the paper surface 11 with, for example, white ink that absorbs infrared rays. The two-dimensional code pattern 13 may be printed on the paper surface 11 before the map. Examples of the technique for printing the two-dimensional code pattern 13 made of dots on the paper surface 11 include offset printing, printing by a laser printer, an inkjet printer, and the like. This prevents the map from being crushed by the ink of the two-dimensional code pattern 13. Further, by using a white ink as the dot pattern, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the color of the map.

  As shown in FIG. 2D, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 is printed in a rectangular (square) area 14 (hereinafter referred to as a pattern area) 14 having a predetermined size. And two numerical dots 22 and 23, one reference direction dot 24, and five outer frame dots 25 arranged in an L shape at the upper left corner of the pattern region 14.

  The center dot 21 is printed at the center of the pattern area 14.

  The reference direction dot 24 is a dot that indicates the direction (posture) of the two-dimensional code pattern 13. In the case of this embodiment, the reference direction dot 24 is printed at the boundary position of the pattern area 14 above the center dot 21 in the figure. That is, the reference direction dot 24 is printed in a direction of 0 degree with respect to the center dot 21. The center dot 21 and the reference direction dot 24 are printed at the same position in all the two-dimensional code patterns 13 printed on the paper surface 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 have the same size, the plurality of center dots 21 and the plurality of reference direction dots 24 are aligned in a line in the vertical direction of the paper surface 11. It will be.

  The plurality of outer frame dots 25 are reference position dots that indicate the boundaries of the pattern region 14. In the case of this embodiment, the outer frame dots 25 are arranged in an L shape at the upper left corner of the pattern region 14 in the figure. In addition, by printing a plurality of reference direction dots 24 at the upper left corner of each pattern area 14 in this way, as shown in FIG. 2C, each two-dimensional code pattern 13 (pattern area) on the paper 11 The boundary of 14) will be specified.

  The two numerical dots 22 and 23 are printed on the circumference of virtual separate substantially concentric circles having different distances from the center dot 21 in the pattern region 14. Hereinafter, when these two numerical dots 22 and 23 are distinguished from each other, the numerical dots on the circumference of the inner virtual circle are called inner numerical dots 22 and the numerical dots on the outer virtual circle circumference. Is called the outer numerical dot 23.

  In such a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13, one latitude value or one longitude value represented by a frequency, a fraction, and a second is encoded for each group 26 of four two-dimensional code patterns 13. . The four two-dimensional code patterns 13 are arranged in 2 rows × 2 columns as shown in FIG. Therefore, the latitude value and longitude value of one point are encoded by the eight two-dimensional code patterns 13. In the latitude value and the longitude value, 60 seconds is 1 minute, and 60 minutes is 1 degree.

  Hereinafter, a rule for encoding latitude values and longitude values for the four two-dimensional code patterns 13 will be described. Hereinafter, the four two-dimensional code patterns 13 are collectively referred to as a group 26. A fraction represented by a two-digit numerical value in decimal notation in a latitude value and a longitude value is encoded into one two-dimensional code pattern 13 at the lower left, and represented by a two-digit numerical value in decimal notation. The number of seconds is encoded in one two-dimensional code pattern 13 at the lower right, and the frequency represented by a three-digit numerical value in decimal notation is encoded in the two upper two-dimensional code patterns 13.

  By dividing the frequency having a large number of digits into two two-dimensional code patterns 13 and encoding them, the amount of information (number of numerical bits) encoded in each of the four two-dimensional code patterns 13 is reduced to two or less. Can be aligned.

  Hereinafter, one of the two two-dimensional code patterns 13 in which the latitude value and the longitude value are coded is referred to as a code code pattern 31 when distinguished from the remaining three two-dimensional code patterns 13. The remaining one of the four two-dimensional code patterns 13 is referred to as a numerical code pattern 32. That is, one latitude value or one longitude value is encoded into a group 26 of one code code pattern 31 and three numerical code patterns 32. In this embodiment, in the group 26 of four two-dimensional code patterns 13 arranged in 2 rows × 2 columns, the upper left one is a code code pattern 31 and the remaining three are numerical code patterns 32. .

  The inner numerical dot 22 of the code code pattern 31 is printed when the latitude value is coded in the group 26. The inner numerical dot 22 of the code code pattern 31 is selected from four positions of 0 degrees, +90 degrees, 180 degrees, and −90 degrees with reference to a line segment connecting the center dot 21 and the reference direction dot 24. It is printed at one selected position. Specifically, for example, the inner numerical dot 22 is printed at a position of 0 degrees when the encoded latitude is 0 degrees north latitude or less and less than 60 degrees north latitude and is 60 degrees north latitude or more and 90 degrees north latitude or less. In this case, it is printed at a position of +90 degrees, printed at a position of 180 degrees when it is 0 degrees south latitude and less than 60 degrees south latitude, and at a position of -90 degrees when it is 60 degrees south latitude and below 90 degrees south latitude. Printed on.

  The outer numerical dot 23 of the code code pattern 31 is printed when the longitude value is coded in the group 26. The outer numerical dots 23 of the code code pattern 31 are +30 degrees, +90 degrees, +150 degrees, −150 degrees, −90 degrees, −30 with respect to the line segment connecting the center dot 21 and the reference direction dot 24. It is printed at one position selected from the six positions. Specifically, for example, the outer numerical dot 23 is printed at a position of +90 degrees when the encoded longitude is 0 degrees or more and less than 60 degrees east longitude, and is 60 degrees or more and less than 120 degrees east longitude. Printed at a position of +150 degrees, printed at a position of −150 degrees when it is 120 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees east longitude, and printed at a position of −90 degrees when it is 0 degrees or more and less than 60 degrees west longitude. When it is 60 degrees or more and less than 120 degrees west longitude, it is printed at a position of -30 degrees. When it is 120 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees west longitude, it is printed at a position of +30 degrees.

  That is, the code code pattern 31 has only the inner numerical dot 22 when the latitude value is encoded, and only the outer numerical dot 23 when the longitude value is encoded. The code code pattern 31 includes two dots 22 that can be arranged on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles that are different from each other depending on whether the latitude value is coded or the longitude value is coded. , 23 have numerical dots selected alternatively.

  In this way, the code code pattern 31 collectively codes numerical values for every 60 degrees, such as 0 degrees, 60 degrees, or 120 degrees, along with the east, west, north, and south directions (corresponding to signs) in the encoded latitude value or longitude value. As a result, the numerical value code pattern 32 at the upper right in the group 26 is encoded with the remaining numerical value of the latitude or longitude value, that is, the numerical value obtained by subtracting 0 degree, 60 degree or 120 degree from the degree to be coded. You can do it. That is, a numerical value of 0 degree or more and less than 60 degrees may be coded in the numerical code pattern 32 in which the latitude value of the latitude value or the longitude value is coded. The numerical range from 0 to less than 60 is a numerical range of fractions to be encoded in the lower left numerical code pattern 32 in the group 26 (0 minutes to less than 60 minutes), and the second to be encoded into the lower right numerical code pattern 32. It is the same as the numerical range of numbers (0 seconds or more and less than 60 seconds).

  Next, the numerical code pattern 32 in which the numerical range from 0 to less than 60 is encoded will be described. The inner numeric dot 22 of the numeric code pattern 32 is for encoding the second digit (upper digit) of the two-digit numeric value expressed using decimal numbers from 0 to 9. That is, it is for encoding six numerical values from 0 to 5. The inner numerical dot 22 has six positions of 0 degrees, +60 degrees, +120 degrees, 180 degrees, −120 degrees, and −60 degrees with reference to a line segment connecting the center dot 21 and the reference direction dot 24. Is printed at one position selected from the above. Specifically, for example, this inner numerical dot 22 is printed at a position of 0 degrees when the tens digit of the encoded numerical value is 0, and at a position of +60 degrees when it is 1. When it is 3, it is printed at a position of 180 degrees, and when it is 5, it is printed at a position of -60 degrees. In other words, the larger the numerical value encoded in the inner numerical dot 22 is printed at a position where the angle increases clockwise with the 0 degree direction as a reference.

  The outer numerical dot 23 of the numerical code pattern 32 is for encoding the numerical value of the first digit (lower digit) of the two-digit numerical value expressed using decimal numbers from 0 to 9. That is, it is for coding 10 numerical values from 0 to 9. The outer numerical dots 23 of the numerical code pattern 32 are 0 degrees, +36 degrees, +72 degrees, +108 degrees, +144 degrees, 180 degrees, −, with reference to the line segment connecting the center dot 21 and the reference direction dot 24. Printing is performed at one position selected from 10 positions of 144 degrees, -108 degrees, -72 degrees, and -36 degrees. Specifically, for example, the outer numerical dot 23 is printed at a position of 0 degrees when the encoded first digit is 0, and is printed at a position of +36 degrees when it is 1. When it is 5, it is printed at a position of 180 degrees, and when it is 9, it is printed at a position of -36 degrees. That is, the outer numerical value dot 23 is printed at a position where the angle increases clockwise with respect to the 0 degree direction as the numerical value encoded in the outer numerical dot 23 increases.

  As described above, in the code code pattern 31 and the numerical code pattern 32, the numerical value range (for example, 6) to be encoded in the inner numerical value dot 22 and the numerical value range (for example, 10) in the outer numerical value dot 23 are encoded. By reducing the number, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 can be made small while ensuring the difference in printing position according to the numerical value of the position of these dots and the interval between the printed dots. That is, the electronic pen 3 can read the dots of the two-dimensional code pattern 13, distinguish these dots, and accurately determine the position of the inner numerical dot 22 with little change in the printing position according to the numerical value. Become. Further, by ensuring the distance between the inner numerical dot 22 and the outer numerical dot 23 as much as possible in each two-dimensional code pattern 13, the dot density partially increases in each two-dimensional code pattern 13. This can be suppressed.

  For example, the longitude value of 139 degrees 46 minutes 09 seconds east longitude is coded in the group 26 of the four two-dimensional code patterns 13 in FIG. In this case, the outer numerical dot 23 of the upper left code code pattern 31 is printed at a position of −150 degrees, the inner numerical dot 22 of the upper right numerical code pattern 32 is printed at a position of +60 degrees, and further, the upper right numerical code. The outer numerical dot 23 of the pattern 32 is printed at a position of -36 degrees. Then, 120 degrees east longitude is obtained by analyzing the position of the outer numerical dot 23 of the code code pattern 31, and 19 degrees can be obtained as the remaining frequency by the numerical code pattern 32 on the upper right. By adding these, 139 degrees east longitude can be obtained. Further, the inner numerical dot 22 of the numerical code pattern 32 for the lower right fraction is printed at a position of −120 degrees, and the outer numerical dot 23 is printed at a position of −144 degrees. Thereby, 46 minutes can be obtained. Further, the inner numerical dot 22 of the numerical code pattern 32 for the lower left seconds is printed at a position of 0 degrees, and the outer numerical dot 23 is printed at a position of -36 degrees. As a result, 09 seconds can be obtained.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit built in the electronic pen 3 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic pen 3 has a pen-shaped housing. In this housing, as shown in FIG. 3, a communication I / F 41, an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) 42, an infrared camera 43 as a reading means, a microcomputer 44 to which these are connected, and electric power are supplied to these. A battery or the like not shown is disposed.

  The microcomputer 44 of the electronic pen 3 includes a memory 45, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and the like. The memory 45 stores image data 46 captured by the infrared camera 43, latitude / longitude data 47 having latitude and longitude values generated based on the reading, and the like. The CPU reads and executes a program (not shown) stored in the memory 45. Thereby, the calculation part 48, the transmission part 49, etc. are implement | achieved by the microcomputer 44 of the electronic pen 3. FIG.

  The infrared LED 42 emits infrared light. The infrared camera 43 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and the like, and periodically outputs received infrared image data 46 to the microcomputer 44. The infrared LED 42 and the infrared camera 43 are disposed toward the pen tip of the electronic pen 3. Thereby, the light emitted from the infrared LED 42 is reflected by the paper surface 11 of the map book 2 indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 3, and the infrared camera 43 periodically outputs infrared image data 46 by the reflected light to the microcomputer 44. be able to.

  The calculation unit 48 as an acquisition unit analyzes the infrared image data 46 stored in the memory 45 and generates a latitude value and a longitude value of a point in the map read by the electronic pen 3.

  The communication I / F 41 is a communication interface based on, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus Interface), and in this case, a USB cable is connected. The communication I / F 41 transmits / receives data to / from another device (for example, the navigation main body 4 in FIG. 1) connected to the other end of the USB cable. The communication I / F 41 outputs the received data to the microcomputer 44 and transmits data supplied from the microcomputer 44. The communication I / F 41 may be an interface using wireless communication such as Bluetooth other than USB.

  A transmission unit 49 serving as a transmission unit manages communication by the communication I / F 41 and supplies data to be transmitted to the communication I / F 41.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation main body 4 in FIG. The navigation body 4 includes a gyro sensor 51 that detects acceleration of vehicle movement, a GPS receiver 52 that receives radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite (not shown), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 53, a key device 54, A touch panel 55, a liquid crystal device 56, a communication I / F 57 to which the communication cable 5 is connected, a microcomputer 58 to which these are connected, and the like. The HDD 53 stores navigation data 59 for route search and route guidance, guidance route data 60 indicating a route to be guided, and the like.

  The navigation data 59 includes, for example, display map data, a plurality of node data, a plurality of link data, a plurality of facility data, and the like. The display map data is data for displaying a road map on the liquid crystal device 56. For example, the road map data is converted into data and associated with latitude and longitude values. Node data is data of intersections and corners in the road map, and has attribute data such as latitude and longitude values of the points. The link data is data associated with a road section connecting the intersections and has attribute data such as information on a plurality of connected nodes and distance information. The facility data is data related to a facility such as a school existing in the road map, and has attribute data such as a latitude / longitude value indicating the location of the facility.

  The microcomputer 58 of the navigation body 4 includes a memory 61, a CPU (not shown), and the like. The memory 61 stores reception data 62 received by the communication I / F 57 and the like. The CPU reads and executes a program (not shown) stored in the memory 61. Thereby, the current position generating unit 63, the receiving unit 64, the UI unit 65, and the like are realized in the microcomputer 58 of the navigation body 4.

  The current position generation unit 63 generates a latitude / longitude value of the current position of the vehicle based on the radio wave received by the GPS receiver 52, or a latitude / longitude obtained by correcting the latitude / longitude value with a movement amount based on the acceleration of the gyro sensor 51. Or generate a value.

  The receiving unit 64 manages communication by the communication I / F 57. Then, the reception unit 64 acquires the reception data 62 of the communication I / F 57 and stores it in the memory 61. As described above, the communication I / F 57 of the navigation device 4 is connected to the communication I / F 41 of the electronic pen 3 by a USB cable. The communication I / F 41 of the electronic pen 3 transmits latitude / longitude data 47. In this case, the received latitude / longitude data 47 is stored as received data 62 in the memory 61 of the navigation body 4.

  The UI unit 65 displays navigation data 59 stored in the HDD 53 on the liquid crystal device 56, selects a point based on operation data from the key device 54 and the touch panel 55, and uses the selected point and the navigation data 59. The guide route is searched and the guide route data 60 is generated.

  The programs executed by the CPU not shown in the drawing of the electronic pen 3 and the programs executed by the CPU not shown in the navigation body 4 are stored in the memories 45 and 61 of the microcomputers 44 and 58 and the HDD 53 before the shipment of these devices. Or those recorded in the memories 45 and 61 of the microcomputers 44 and 58 and the HDD 53 after the shipment of these devices. A part of the program may be recorded in the memories 45 and 61 of the microcomputers 44 and 58 and the HDD 53 after the shipment of these devices. The programs recorded in the memories 45 and 61 of the microcomputers 44 and 58 and the HDD 53 after shipment of these devices are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). What has been installed may be installed, or what has been downloaded via a transmission medium such as the Internet may be installed.

  Next, the operation of the navigation system 1 having the above configuration will be described. Here, an operation in which a desired point in the map book 2 is read with the electronic pen 3 and the navigation body 4 generates a guide route to the reading point will be described as an example.

  The user first checks a desired point in the map book 2 using the electronic pen 3 in order to designate a point such as a destination of the guide route. The infrared camera 43 of the electronic pen 3 receives light reflected by the paper surface 11 touched by the pen tip and outputs image data 46 using infrared rays. This image data 46 is stored in the memory 45. The image data 46 is an image by a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 as shown in FIG.

  When new image data 46 is stored in the memory 45, the calculation unit 48 analyzes the image data 46 and obtains the latitude and longitude values encoded in the two-dimensional code pattern 13. Specifically, for example, the computing unit 48 first identifies one group 26 composed of four two-dimensional code patterns 13 from among the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 captured in the image data 46.

  The code code pattern 31 has any one numerical dot among the inner numerical dots 22 and the outer numerical dots 23. For example, in the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 captured in the image data 46, the calculation unit 48 specifies the two-dimensional code pattern 13 having one numerical dot as the code code pattern 31, and further the code code pattern 31. A group 26 of 2 × 2 two-dimensional code patterns 13 with the upper left at the top may be specified.

  When one group 26 composed of a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 is specified, the calculation unit 48 associates each two-dimensional code pattern 13 in the group 26 with the code code pattern 31 and the numerical code pattern 32 and codes each of them. Get numerical values etc.

  Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 48 specifies the upper left two-dimensional code pattern 13 in the group 26 as the code code pattern 31, and further, the center dot 21 in the pattern and one numerical dot 22 (23) One reference direction dot 24 is specified. Next, the computing unit 48 specifies whether the numerical dot 22 (23) is the inner numerical dot 22 or the outer numerical dot 23 based on the distance of the numerical dot 22 (23) with respect to the center dot 21, for example. To do. Thereafter, the calculation unit 48 calculates the numerical value and the sign encoded in the specified numerical dot 22 (23) based on the angle formed by the specified numerical dot 22 (23) and the reference direction dot 24 at the center dot 21. Get.

  For example, in the case of the group 26 in FIG. 2C, the calculation unit 48 specifies the numerical dot specified in the code code pattern 31 as the outer numerical dot 23, and specifies the specified outer numerical dot 23 and the reference direction dot 24. Is 210 degrees as the angle formed at the center dot 21, and a signed numerical value of “120 degrees east longitude” is obtained.

  Note that the angle formed by the outer numerical dot 23 and the reference direction dot 24 at the center dot 21 may be calculated based on the dot position in the image, but the angle by matching with a predetermined template prepared in advance. May be obtained. Further, the correspondence between the angle formed and the numerical value with the sign may be associated with each template, for example. The plurality of templates and numerical values may be stored in advance in the memory 45 as template data. The same applies to a numerical code pattern 32 described later.

  In addition, the calculation unit 48 identifies the two-dimensional code pattern 13 at the upper right in the group 26 as the numerical code pattern 32 in which the remaining value of the latitude value or the longitude value is coded, and further, the center dot in the pattern 21, the inner numerical dot 22, the outer numerical dot 23, and the reference direction dot 24 are specified.

  Next, the calculation unit 48 obtains a one-digit numerical value encoded in the specified inner numerical dot 22 based on the angle formed by the specified inner numerical dot 22 and the reference direction dot 24 at the center dot 21. . Further, the calculation unit 48 obtains a one-digit numerical value encoded in the specified outer numerical dot 23 based on the angle formed by the specified outer numerical dot 23 and the reference direction dot 24 at the center dot 21. The calculation unit 48 generates a remaining numerical value consisting of a two-digit number, with the one-digit numerical value obtained from the inner numerical dot 22 being the tens place and the one-digit numerical value obtained from the outer numerical dot 23 being the first place. To do.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 2C, the arithmetic unit 48 obtains 1 from the inner numerical dot 22 in the upper right numerical dot pattern, obtains 9 from the outer numerical dots 23, and obtains a frequency of “19 degrees”.

  Similarly, the calculation unit 48 identifies the lower left two-dimensional code pattern 13 in the group 26 as a numerical code pattern 32 in which a fraction of a latitude value or a longitude value is encoded. Further, the calculation unit 48 obtains a one-digit numerical value encoded in the inner numerical dot 22 based on an angle formed by the inner numerical dot 22 and the reference direction dot 24 in the pattern at the central dot 21. Based on the angle formed by the outer numerical dot 23 and the reference direction dot 24 at the center dot 21, a one-digit numerical value encoded in the outer numerical dot 23 is obtained. The calculation unit 48 generates a fraction consisting of a two-digit number with the one-digit value obtained from the inner numerical dot 22 being a tens place and the one-digit value obtained from the outer numerical dot 23 being a first place. . For example, in the case of FIG. 2C, the arithmetic unit 48 obtains 4 from the inner numerical dots 22 in the numerical dot pattern at the lower left and 6 from the outer numerical dots 23 to obtain a fraction of “46 minutes”.

  The computing unit 48 identifies the lower right two-dimensional code pattern 13 in the group 26 as the numerical code pattern 32 in which the latitude value or the longitude value is coded. Further, the calculation unit 48 obtains a one-digit numerical value encoded in the inner numerical dot 22 based on an angle formed by the inner numerical dot 22 and the reference direction dot 24 in the pattern at the central dot 21. Based on the angle formed by the outer numerical dot 23 and the reference direction dot 24 at the center dot 21, a one-digit numerical value encoded in the outer numerical dot 23 is obtained. The calculation unit 48 generates a number of seconds consisting of a two-digit number, with the one-digit value obtained from the inner numerical dot 22 being the tens place and the one-digit value obtained from the outer numerical dot 23 being the first place. To do. For example, in the case of FIG. 2C, the calculation unit 48 obtains 0 from the inner numerical dots 22 in the lower right numerical dot pattern, obtains 9 from the outer numerical dots 23, and sets the number of seconds of “09 seconds”. obtain.

  By analyzing the 2 × 2 two-dimensional code pattern 13 of one group 26 specified in the image data 46 as described above, the calculation unit 48 can calculate the signed frequency indicating the latitude and longitude and the remaining frequency value. And get the number of minutes and the number of seconds. The calculation unit 48 adds the remaining numerical value of the frequency to the signed frequency, and generates a latitude value or a longitude value with the fraction and the second added thereto. In the case of FIG. 2C, the calculation unit 48 adds “19 degrees” to “120 degrees east longitude” and finally generates a longitude value of “139 degrees 46 minutes 09 seconds east longitude”.

  When one of the latitude value and the longitude value is obtained from the two-dimensional code pattern 13 of one group 26 specified in the image data 46, the calculation unit 48 stores the memory in the image data 46 or subsequently. In the image data 46 stored in 45, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 of another one group 26 is specified, and the other numerical value of the latitude value and the longitude value is obtained from the specified two-dimensional code pattern 13. Note that the process for obtaining the other numerical value from the two-dimensional code pattern 13 of the other one group 26 is the same as the process for obtaining the one numerical value described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  When obtaining a set of latitude and longitude values, the calculation unit 48 stores them in the memory 45. Thereby, latitude / longitude data 47 having latitude values and longitude values is stored in the memory 45.

  After checking a desired point in the map book 2 using the electronic pen 3, the user connects the electronic pen 3 to the navigation body 4 using the communication cable 5. Thereby, the communication I / F 41 of the electronic pen 3 and the communication I / F 57 of the navigation main body 4 can communicate with each other.

  When the communication I / F 41 of the electronic pen 3 becomes communicable, the transmission unit 49 reads the latitude / longitude data 47 from the memory 45 and supplies it to the communication I / F 41. The communication I / F 41 of the electronic pen 3 transmits the supplied latitude / longitude data 47 to the communication I / F 57 of the navigation body 4 via the communication cable 5. The receiving unit 64 of the navigation main body 4 stores the data received by the communication I / F 57 in the memory 61. As a result, the latitude / longitude data 47 is stored as the reception data 62 in the memory 61 of the navigation body 4.

  When the latitude / longitude data 47 is stored in the memory 61, the UI unit 65 of the navigation body 4 reads the latitude / longitude data 47 from the memory 61. Then, the UI unit 65 of the navigation body 4 uses the navigation data 59 stored in the HDD 53 to search for a guidance route to the point indicated by the latitude / longitude data 47. For example, the UI unit 65 searches for a guide route with the shortest travel distance from the departure point to the destination. Thereafter, the UI unit 65 stores the searched guide route in the HDD 53. As a result, the guidance route to the destination designated by the electronic pen 3 is stored in the HDD 53 as the guidance route data 60.

  Note that the point specified by the electronic pen 3 may be used as a departure point or a transit point of the guide route. In this case, for example, the UI unit 65 causes the display device to display a screen for selecting whether to use a point designated by the electronic pen 3 as a starting point, a waypoint, or a destination. The point designated by the electronic pen 3 may be used for the route search in accordance with the selection based on.

  Further, the reading of the point in the map book 2 by the electronic pen 3 may be performed in a state where the electronic pen 3 and the navigation main body 4 are connected by the communication cable 5.

  After the guide route is generated and stored in the HDD 53, the UI unit 65 of the navigation main body 4 reads the display map data in the guide route data 60 and the navigation data 59 stored in the HDD 53, and superimposes the guide route on the map. A display screen to be displayed is displayed on the liquid crystal device 56.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a guide route display screen displayed on the liquid crystal device 56 in FIG. The display screen of FIG. 5 is a screen that displays a guide route from the current location (home) to a point (department store) selected by the electronic pen 3 so as to overlap the map. In FIG. 5, the guidance route is drawn on the map with a bold line.

  Thereafter, when the car starts to move or a predetermined guidance start operation is performed, the UI unit 65 of the navigation body 4 starts route guidance using the guidance route data 60 stored in the HDD 53. The UI unit 65 causes the liquid crystal device 56 to display, for example, a mark indicating the current position generated by the current position generation unit 63 and a part of the guidance route on a map based on the navigation data 59. When the current position approaches the corner of the guide route or the like, the UI unit 65 notifies the user by voice or the like and guides the route. If the UI unit 65 determines that the current position generated by the current position generation unit 63 has deviated from the guidance route, the UI unit 65 uses the navigation data 59 to search again for the guidance route and continues the guidance.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the map book 2 includes the center dot 21, the reference direction dot 24, the inner numerical dot 22, and the outer numerical dot 23, and a plurality of two-dimensional images having the same size. The code pattern 13 is printed over the map. The plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 are encoded with latitude values or longitude values of points in the map that are printed in units of 2 × 2 groups 26. The electronic pen 3 is configured such that the inner numerical dot 22 of each two-dimensional code pattern 13 forms the central dot 21 with the reference direction dot 24 and the outer numerical dot 23 forms the central dot with the reference direction dot 24. Based on the angle formed at 21, the latitude value or longitude value of the point in the map printed over the two-dimensional code pattern 13 can be obtained.

  In addition, the arrangement of the inner numerical dots 22 and the outer numerical dots 23 on the circumference is basically infinite, and is limited only by the dot printing technique and the reading resolution of the electronic pen 3. Therefore, by arranging the inner numerical dot 22 and the outer numerical dot 23 on the circumference, it is possible to code multi-values of three or more values as they are. As a result, the latitude value or the longitude value can be encoded into the two-dimensional code pattern 13 as it is in decimal notation without being converted into binary data. Therefore, the electronic pen 3 does not convert the binary data obtained from the two-dimensional code pattern 13 into the latitude value or the longitude value, and directly converts the latitude value or the longitude value from the two-dimensional code pattern 13. It can be obtained as a unit value (value in decimal notation).

  In addition, the latitude value or longitude value of a point in the map can be encoded into a two-dimensional code pattern 13 including reference direction dots 24, numerical dots, and center dots 21. That is, the numerical value of each digit of the latitude value or the longitude value can be encoded into three dots. As a result, the number of dots printed on the map book 2 can be reduced as compared with the conventional dot pattern, and graying of the paper surface 11 can be prevented. Therefore, the print quality of the map printed over the two-dimensional code pattern 13 does not deteriorate as compared with the case where only the map is printed, and the color unevenness does not occur.

  In this embodiment, the latitude value or longitude value of a point in the map is encoded into different numerical dots (inner numerical dot 22 and outer numerical dot 23) for each digit in decimal notation. Therefore, the positions that the inner numerical dot 22 and the outer numerical dot 23 can take on the circumference are suppressed to 10 or less. If the dot has such a resolution, the positions of the numerical dots 22 and 23 can be correctly printed and determined by the existing printing technique and the existing electronic pen 3 for reading dots.

  Further, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the decimal value notation of a latitude value or a fraction of a longitude value is applied to the inner numerical dot 22 of the lower left numerical code pattern 32 in one group 26. The tens place is coded, and the decimal place of the latitude value or the decimal value of the longitude value is coded in the outer numerical dot 23. In addition, the decimal place of the latitude value or the longitude value of the tens digit of the second is encoded in the inner numerical dot 22 of the lower right numerical code pattern 32 in one group 26, and the outer numerical dot 23 is encoded with the tenth digit. Encodes the decimal place of the latitude value or longitude value in seconds.

  The tens place of the latitude value or longitude value can take 6 values from 0 to 5, and this number is the number of values that the place of 1 can take (10 from 0 to 9). Fewer. By encoding the inner numeric dot 22 with a small number of possible values, the accuracy of the printing position of the inner numeric dot 22 and the interval between the inner numeric dot 22 and the outer numeric dot 23 are encoded. Can be ensured as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to suppress an area used for encoding one latitude value or longitude value. For example, a two-dimensional code used to code one latitude value or longitude value while suppressing an increase in size of the two-dimensional code pattern 13 as compared with a case where separate two-dimensional code patterns 13 are encoded one digit at a time. The number of code patterns 13 can be reduced.

  Further, compared to, for example, the case where the tens place and the first place are associated with each other in reverse, the combination of numerical values in which the inner numerical dots 22 and the outer numerical dots 23 are densely packed can be reduced, and the dot density can be reduced. It is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of local graying and reading failure in each two-dimensional pattern due to the local improvement of the image quality.

  Further, in this embodiment, the latitude value or longitude value in decimal notation is coded separately in the upper left code code pattern 31 and the upper right numerical code pattern 32 as illustrated in FIG. 2C. Has been. In particular, in the upper right numerical code pattern 32, numerical values less than 60 are encoded by the same pattern as the lower left numerical code pattern 32 for fractions and the lower right numerical code pattern 32 for seconds. Only 31 is encoded by a pattern different from the other three numerical code patterns 32. Specifically, only one of the inner numeric dot 22 and the outer numeric dot 23 is printed as the code code pattern 31.

  When the latitude value or the longitude value is expressed in decimal, the frequency may be three digits, and the number of the frequency in this case is larger than the two-digit fraction or the number of seconds. If, for example, this three-digit frequency in decimal notation is to be encoded into one two-dimensional code pattern 13 separately for each digit in the same way as fractions and seconds, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 for that frequency is used. Must use at least three numeric dots. In that case, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 in which the frequency is coded becomes larger than the two-dimensional code pattern 13 in which the fraction and the number of seconds are coded.

  As in this embodiment, the latitude value or longitude value in decimal notation is divided into at least two two-dimensional code patterns 13 (a code code pattern 31 and a numerical code pattern 32), and these are encoded. The number of numerical dots in the two-dimensional code pattern 13 can be suppressed to two or less. This number is the same as the two-dimensional code pattern 13 in which the frequency or the number of seconds is coded. As a result, the size of all the two-dimensional code patterns 13 for encoding the latitude value or the longitude value in decimal notation can be made uniform without increasing the size of the two-dimensional code pattern 13 in which the frequency is encoded. it can. As a result, a large number of two-dimensional code patterns 13 can be printed on the map book 2 with high density, and a large number of latitude values and longitude values can be encoded.

  Moreover, the numerical dots (the inner numerical dot 22 and the outer numerical dot 23) of the three numerical code patterns 32 in the four two-dimensional code patterns 13 are encoded by the same pattern, and the numerical values of the remaining one code code pattern 31 are obtained. Only the dots are coded with a different pattern. That is, the code code pattern 31 has only the inner numerical dot 22 when the latitude value is encoded, and only the outer numerical dot 23 when the longitude value is encoded. Therefore, the electronic pen 3 uses the code code pattern 31 having one numerical dot as a clue to select one latitude value or longitude value from a plurality of images of the two-dimensional code pattern 13 printed at high density. Four corresponding two-dimensional code patterns 13 can be specified. Further, the electronic pen 3 is encoded with the latitude value or the longitude value in the four specified two-dimensional code patterns 13 by the code code pattern 31 having one numerical dot as a clue. Can be further specified.

  The above embodiment is an example of the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

  In the above embodiment, the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 are printed on the map book 2 so as to overlap the map. The map book 2 is a booklet-shaped print medium or a map print medium. In addition, for example, the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 may be printed on a sheet-like print medium having a map such as a tourist information flyer. Further, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 may be displayed so as to overlap with the map or the like on a display medium that electrically displays the map such as a liquid crystal display. In this specification, the display medium includes a print medium.

  In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 are encoded with the latitude and longitude values of the points in the map printed over the two-dimensional code patterns 13. In addition to this, for example, the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 may be encoded with numerical values such as addresses, telephone numbers, and postal codes. In one printed matter, a two-dimensional code pattern 13 in which numerical values are coded and a two-dimensional code pattern 13 in which characters other than the numerical values are coded may be mixed.

  In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 has two numerical dots, an inner numerical dot 22 and an outer numerical dot 23. In addition to this, for example, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 may have only one numerical dot or may have three or more numerical dots.

  In the above embodiment, each numerical value dot 22, 23 of the two-dimensional code pattern 13 is encoded with a single-digit numerical value of the latitude value or a single-digit numerical value of the longitude value. In addition, for example, the numerical value dots 22 and 23 may be encoded with the frequency value, the fraction, or the second of the latitude value by the angle of the numerical value.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which numerical dots are arranged on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the numerical dots are arranged on the circumferences of three or more substantially concentric circles. You may have a dot. In addition, for example, it is not always necessary to arrange dots on all of the plurality of circumferences, and information may be defined by the presence or absence of dots on the plurality of circumferences.

  In the above-described embodiment, the calculation unit 48 of the electronic pen 3 uses the fact that the code code pattern 31 has only one numerical dot of the inner numerical dot 22 and the outer numerical dot 23, thereby 2 × 2 pieces. A group 26 of the two-dimensional code pattern 13 is specified. In addition to this, for example, outer frame dots 25 other than one of the groups 26 of the 2 × 2 two-dimensional code patterns 13 form a common pattern, and the outer frame dots 25 of the remaining one are also included. However, a pattern different from the common pattern is formed, and the calculation unit 48 detects the unique pattern of the outer frame dots 25 to thereby form the group 26 of 2 × 2 two-dimensional code patterns 13. It may be specified.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns 13 when the code code pattern 31 constitutes a pattern of outer frame dots 25 different from the other three numerical code patterns 32. In this modification, the outer frame dots 25 of the code code pattern 31 form an L shape, and the remaining three numerical code patterns 32 are provided with one outer frame dot 25. In the case of this modified example, the calculation unit 48 specifies the code code pattern 31 based on the pattern of the unique outer frame dots 25 of the code code pattern 31, and is 2 × A group 26 of two two-dimensional code patterns 13 may be specified.

  In the above embodiment, based on the image data 46 captured by the infrared camera 43, the calculation unit 48 provided in the electronic pen 3 calculates the latitude value and the longitude value encoded in the two-dimensional code pattern 13. is doing. In addition to this, for example, the image data 46 captured by the infrared camera 43 is transmitted from the electronic pen 3 to the navigation body 4 and is encoded into the two-dimensional code pattern 13 by the arithmetic unit 48 provided in the navigation body 4. The latitude value and the longitude value may be calculated.

  In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 printed on a printed matter such as the map book 2 is read by the infrared camera 43 of the electronic pen 3. In addition, for example, the two-dimensional code pattern 13 may be read by a reading unit of a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone terminal with a camera.

  In the above embodiment, the latitude / longitude data 47 generated by the calculation unit 48 of the electronic pen 3 is used as a point (destination or the like) used for searching the guidance route in the navigation body 4. In addition to this, for example, the latitude / longitude data 47 generated by the computing unit 48 of the electronic pen 3 is transmitted to a mobile phone terminal having a navigation function or a personal computer such as a portable computer. You may make it utilize for.

  In the present invention, when a numerical value such as a latitude and longitude value is embedded in a print medium, it can be suitably used.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the print contents of one page in the map book in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit built in the electronic pen in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the navigation main body in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a guide route display screen displayed on the liquid crystal device in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns.

Explanation of symbols

1 Navigation system (reading system)
2 Map book (print media, map display media)
3 Electronic pen (reading device)
13 Two-dimensional code pattern 21 Center dot 22 Inside numerical dot (numerical dot)
23 Outside numeric dot (Numeric dot)
24 Reference direction dot 25 Outer frame dot (reference position dot)
31 Code code pattern (a type of two-dimensional code pattern)
32 Numerical code pattern (a type of two-dimensional code pattern)
43 Infrared camera (reading means)
48 arithmetic unit (acquisition means)

Claims (10)

A center dot indicating the center of the circle;
A reference direction dot located outside the circle,
A numerical dot on the circumference of the circle and in the angular direction according to the numerical value encoded in the pattern on the basis of the central dot and the reference direction dot; and
A two-dimensional code pattern that can be read by a reading device. A map display medium that displays a two-dimensional code pattern composed of a plurality of dots that can be read by a reader on a map,
The two-dimensional code pattern is
A center dot indicating the center of the circle;
A reference direction dot located outside the circle,
A numerical dot on the circumference of the circle and in an angular direction corresponding to the latitude value or longitude value of a point in the map displayed superimposed on the pattern with the center dot and the reference direction dot as a reference When,
A map display medium characterized by comprising: A map display medium that displays a plurality of two-dimensional code patterns composed of a plurality of dots that can be read by a reader on a map,
Each of the above two-dimensional code patterns is
A center dot indicating the center of the circle;
A reference direction dot located outside the circle,
A numerical dot on the circumference of the circle and in the angular direction according to the numerical value encoded in the pattern on the basis of the central dot and the reference direction dot; and
Have
The latitude value or longitude value of each point in the map displayed superimposed on the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns is encoded in two or more numerical dots;
A map display medium characterized by   The two-dimensional code pattern can be arranged on the circumference of a plurality of substantially concentric circles different from each other depending on whether the latitude value is coded or the longitude value is coded. The map display medium according to claim 2, wherein the numerical dot is selected from among the dots. The latitude value or longitude value of each point is encoded into two or more two-dimensional code patterns,
One of the two-dimensional code patterns has two numerical dots on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles that are different from each other, and the latitude value or the longitude value is expressed in decimal notation. A digit fraction is encoded into the two numerical dots, and the other one two-dimensional code pattern has two numerical dots on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles different from each other. Then, the two-digit number of seconds when the latitude value or longitude value is expressed in decimal notation is encoded into the two numerical dots,
In the two two-dimensional code patterns having the two numerical dots, the two-digit fraction and the two-digit second are coded in the tens place on the inner circle, The first digit is coded into the numerical dots on the circumference;
The map display medium according to claim 3. Each of the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns has two or less numerical dots.
The map display medium according to claim 5, wherein the frequency when the latitude value or longitude value is expressed in decimal is divided into two or more two-dimensional code patterns and encoded. Each of the plurality of two-dimensional code patterns has two or less numerical dots.
The frequency when the latitude value or longitude value is expressed as a decimal number,
A two-dimensional code pattern having one numerical dot at a position corresponding to each section when the frequency in decimal notation is divided every 60 degrees;
Similar to the two-dimensional code pattern in which the fraction is encoded and the two-dimensional code pattern in which the seconds are encoded, the two numerical dots on the circumferences of two substantially concentric circles different from each other A two-dimensional code pattern in which a two-digit numerical value of less than 60 in the decimal notation frequency is encoded into the two numerical dots,
6. The map display medium according to claim 5, wherein the map display medium is coded separately. The latitude value or longitude value of each point is encoded into two or more two-dimensional code patterns,
The plurality of two-dimensional code patterns each have a reference position dot,
The reference position dot constitutes a common pattern in all but two of the two or more two-dimensional code patterns, and a different pattern from the common pattern in the remaining one Making up the
The map display medium according to claim 3. A display medium for displaying the two-dimensional code pattern according to claim 1 or a display medium for the map according to claim 2 or 3,
Reading means for reading the two-dimensional code pattern displayed on the display medium or the display medium of the map;
Obtaining means for obtaining a numerical value encoded in the two-dimensional code pattern, based on an angle formed by the numerical dot in the read two-dimensional code pattern and the reference direction dot in the central dot;
A reading system comprising: A central dot indicating the center of the circle, a reference direction dot located outside the circle, and a pattern encoded on the circumference of the circle and based on the center dot and the reference direction dot. Reading a two-dimensional code pattern displayed on a display medium, comprising numerical dots in an angular direction corresponding to a numerical value
Obtaining a numerical value encoded in the read two-dimensional code pattern based on an angle formed by the read reference direction dot and the numerical dot at the central dot;
A reading method comprising:

Images