JP2014071722A - Information code, and reading system of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An information code having a large degree of freedom in shape selection and capable of efficiently securing a data area, and a reading system using such an information code are provided.
An information code 100 includes a two-dimensional code Q1 to Q4, in which a plurality of cells are arranged and a position detection pattern for detecting a code position and a data area, in a part of a rectangular area Ca. Has been placed. In an adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the rectangular area Ca, data patterns A1 to A4 having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and no position detection pattern is provided, and the two-dimensional code Q1 is provided. Based on the positions of ~ Q4, the positions of the cells of the data patterns A1 to A4 adjacent to the two-dimensional code are specified.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code and an information code reading system.

  Conventionally, two-dimensional codes such as a QR code (registered trademark) and a data matrix code have been provided, and these information codes are used in various ways for various purposes. This type of information code is becoming increasingly functional, and as a technique related to an information code to which a function is added, for example, Patent Document 1 is provided.

JP 2007-241327 A

  By the way, the standardized general two-dimensional code has a small degree of freedom in the outer shape, and is limited to, for example, a specific type or a limited number of types. However, since information codes are used for various purposes and various shapes are required, there is a need for a method for constructing a code area with a high degree of freedom while utilizing the characteristics of existing codes.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve such problems, the inventors of the present application do not change the shape of a single two-dimensional code, but compose a variety of code shapes by combining a plurality of two-dimensional codes. I got an idea. However, simply arranging existing two-dimensional codes that have been standardized is limited to a combination shape in which two-dimensional codes are arranged, and the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in shape is limited. In addition, the existing two-dimensional code has a fixed pattern for specifying the code position and the ratio of the fixed pattern in the code area is large. When recording, the waste of space increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an information code having a large degree of freedom in shape selection and capable of efficiently ensuring a data area, and a reading system using such an information code. The purpose is to provide.

The first invention relates to an information code,
A two-dimensional code in which a plurality of cells are arranged and has a specific pattern and a data area for detecting a code position is arranged in a part of the predetermined area,
In an adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the predetermined area, a data pattern having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and does not have the specific pattern is provided,
An information code characterized in that the position of each cell of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code is specified based on the position of the two-dimensional code.

A second invention is a reading system having an information code and a reading device for reading the information code,
The information code is
A two-dimensional code in which a plurality of cells are arranged and has a specific pattern and a data area for detecting a code position is arranged in a part of the predetermined area,
In an adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the predetermined area, a data pattern having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and does not have the specific pattern is provided,
The reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit that decodes the information code imaged by the imaging unit;
With
The decoding unit is
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, the code image of the information code detects the position of the two-dimensional code based on the specific pattern,
Decoding the data area of the detected two-dimensional code;
The position of each cell constituting the data pattern is detected based on the detected position of the two-dimensional code, and the area of the data pattern is decoded.

  In the first aspect of the invention, since the two-dimensional code in which a plurality of cells are arranged and has a specific pattern for detecting the code position and the data area is arranged in a part of the predetermined area, information It becomes possible to detect a specific position (a position of a two-dimensional code) in a predetermined area constituting the code based on a specific pattern of a prescribed shape. Then, in the adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the predetermined area, a data pattern having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and does not have a specific pattern is provided, and based on the position of the two-dimensional code, The position of each cell of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code is specified. According to this configuration, since the specific pattern can be omitted in the data pattern area, the data can be arranged efficiently. That is, a part of the code area (data pattern area) can be set as a high efficiency area. On the other hand, since there is no specific pattern in the data pattern, it is a problem how to specify each cell position. However, because a two-dimensional code that has a specific pattern and can be specified is adjacent to the data pattern. Then, each cell position of the data pattern can be detected based on the specified position of the two-dimensional code.

In the invention of claim 2, a plurality of the two-dimensional codes are arranged in the predetermined region,
The data pattern is provided between at least two of the two-dimensional codes. According to this configuration, each cell position of the data pattern can be specified based on any two-dimensional code. In particular, since the boundaries on both sides of the data pattern can be defined, it becomes easier to specify the area of the data pattern and each cell position more accurately.

In the invention of claim 3, the predetermined area is a rectangular area configured in a rectangular shape, and in the rectangular area, the first two-dimensional code is arranged at the first corner, and the second corner is The second two-dimensional code is arranged, the third two-dimensional code is arranged at a third corner, and the data is between the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code. A pattern is provided,
The data pattern is provided between the first two-dimensional code and the third two-dimensional code.
According to this configuration, in a rectangular area configured in a rectangular shape, a two-dimensional code can be arranged at at least three corners, and a data pattern can be provided between each code, so that the data area can be further increased. . In the rectangular area, the remaining area other than the area of each two-dimensional code and data pattern can be freely used for design and information.

In the invention of claim 4, in the rectangular area, the fourth two-dimensional code is arranged at a fourth corner, and the third two-dimensional code and the fourth two-dimensional code are A data pattern is provided, and the data pattern is provided between the fourth two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code.
According to this configuration, in a rectangular region configured in a rectangular shape, a two-dimensional code can be arranged at four corners and a data pattern can be provided between each code, so that the amount of data that can be recorded is further increased. . Further, in the rectangular area, the cell area can be arranged around and the central area can be freely used.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a recording area in which in the rectangular area, a remaining area in which the two-dimensional code and the data pattern are not arranged is a recording area or information of a design formed of a shape, a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof. Is provided. According to this configuration, design and information can be displayed with a high degree of freedom while efficiently recording data in the rectangular area. In particular, there are fewer restrictions on the size and arrangement of the design and information than when the design and drawing are displayed in a single code.

  In the invention of claim 6, the two-dimensional code records specific information for specifying the cell position of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code. According to this configuration, the position of the data pattern can be accurately specified based on the recorded content of the two-dimensional code.

  The size information of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code is recorded in the two-dimensional code. According to this configuration, the size of the data pattern can be accurately specified based on the recorded content of the two-dimensional code.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the data pattern does not have a fixed pattern, and is composed only of cells representing data. According to this configuration, data can be recorded more efficiently.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the data pattern includes a fixed-shaped alignment pattern that is smaller in size than the specific pattern. According to this structure, it becomes easy to specify each cell position of a data pattern more correctly based on an alignment pattern.

  According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to realize a reading system having the same effect as that of claim 1.

  The information code according to claim 11, wherein predetermined identification information is recorded in at least one of the two-dimensional codes, and the reading device reads the identification information from the two-dimensional code. The position of the data pattern is specified and the data pattern is decoded. According to this configuration, when the identification information exists in any two-dimensional code in the information code, a special reading can be performed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an information code according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram for mainly explaining each two-dimensional code and design area in the information code of FIG. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram for mainly explaining a data pattern area in the information code of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data code data arrangement of FIG. 1 in association with the arrangement of each area. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the data structure of the information code in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data structure in the two-dimensional code. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a reading device that reads the information code of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of reading processing by the reading device of FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an output example when reading a general information code and an output example when reading the information code of FIG. 1. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating Modification 1 in which the information code according to the first embodiment is modified, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the data arrangement of the information code. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing Modification Example 2 in which the information code of the first embodiment is modified, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the data arrangement of the information code.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Hereinafter, a representative example of an information code reading system realized by an information code and a reading device capable of reading the information code will be described with reference to FIGS. The information code reading system 1 includes an information code 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and an information code reading device 10 as shown in FIG.

(Configuration of information code)
First, the configuration of the information code will be described in detail. An information code 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q1 each having a plurality of cells (light color cells Cw and dark color cells Cb) and a position detection pattern and a data area for detecting a code position. Q3 is arranged in a part of a predetermined area (for example, a predetermined code area configured in a rectangular shape).

  Specifically, the code area of the information code 100 is configured as a rectangular area Ca configured in a rectangular shape (the rectangular area Ca corresponds to an example of a “predetermined area”). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, in the rectangular area Ca, the first two-dimensional code Q1 is arranged at the first corner (the upper left corner in the example of FIG. 1). The second two-dimensional code Q2 is arranged at the second corner (upper right corner in the example of FIG. 1), and the third second is placed at the third corner (lower left corner in the example of FIG. 1). A dimension code Q3 is arranged, and a fourth two-dimensional code Q4 is arranged at a fourth corner (lower right corner in the example of FIG. 1). These two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 are configured as, for example, known QR codes, and all include position detection patterns FP1 to FP3 configured as cut-out symbols. The position detection patterns FP1 to FP3 correspond to an example of “specific patterns”. Each of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 has a rectangular cell arrangement area in which light cells and dark cells are arranged in a matrix, and a margin area having a predetermined width is circular around the cell arrangement area. It is the composition arranged in.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B, in the rectangular area Ca, adjacent areas adjacent to the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 are recorded with data by the arrangement of a plurality of cells, and position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and so on. Data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 having a configuration without FP3 are provided. Based on the position of the two-dimensional code, the position of each cell of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 adjacent to the two-dimensional code is specified. .

  Specifically, a data pattern A1 is provided between the first two-dimensional code Q1 and the second two-dimensional code Q2, and a data pattern is provided between the first two-dimensional code Q1 and the third two-dimensional code Q3. A2 is provided. Further, a data pattern A3 is provided between the third two-dimensional code Q3 and the fourth two-dimensional code Q4, and a data pattern A4 is provided between the fourth two-dimensional code Q4 and the second two-dimensional code Q2. It has been. In the following description, these data patterns are also referred to as “add-on codes”. Each data pattern A1, A2, A3, A4 is adjacent to the two-dimensional code with the above-described margin (margin arranged around the two-dimensional code) interposed between the adjacent two-dimensional code. ing.

  Each data pattern A1, A2, A3, A4 does not have, for example, a fixed pattern, and is composed only of light cells and dark cells representing data. Specifically, the light cell Cw and the dark cell Cb similar to the light cell and dark cell of each of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 are arranged in a matrix. For example, the light cell is a bright cell. Data is recorded in a form that represents data (for example, “0”) corresponding to a color and a dark cell represents data (for example, “1”) corresponding to a dark color.

  In each of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4, information on the number of two-dimensional codes included in the information code 100 and information indicating the position of each two-dimensional code are recorded. Specifically, the information code 100 has a data structure as shown in FIG. 3, and the first code based on any two-dimensional code (the first two-dimensional code Q1 in the example of FIG. 1). The first two-dimensional code Q1 is defined as a two-dimensional code, and the first two-dimensional code Q1 includes information specifying the total number of two-dimensional codes in the information code 100 and what number data the first two-dimensional code Q1 is. The data “1/4” including the above is recorded.

  In this configuration, the next code is determined as the second two-dimensional code as viewed from the first two-dimensional code serving as the reference in the clockwise direction, and the second two-dimensional code corresponding to the second two-dimensional code. In Q2, data “2/4” including the total number of two-dimensional codes in the information code 100 and information specifying what number the second two-dimensional code Q2 is is recorded. ing.

  Further, in this configuration, the next code is determined as the third two-dimensional code when viewed counterclockwise from the first two-dimensional code serving as a reference, and the third two-dimensional code corresponding to the third two-dimensional code. In the code Q3, data “3/4” including the total number of two-dimensional codes in the information code 100 and information specifying the number of the data of the third two-dimensional code Q3 is recorded. Has been.

  Furthermore, in this configuration, a code arranged at the diagonal of the first two-dimensional code serving as a reference is determined as the fourth two-dimensional code, and a fourth two-dimensional code Q4 corresponding to the fourth two-dimensional code. Is recorded with data “4/4” including the total number of two-dimensional codes in the information code 100 and information specifying what number the fourth two-dimensional code Q4 is. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a data pattern A1 is defined as a first data pattern (add-on data) between the first two-dimensional code Q1 and the second two-dimensional code Q2, and the first two-dimensional code A data pattern A2 is defined as the second data pattern (add-on data) between Q1 and the third two-dimensional code Q3, and the data pattern A3 between the third two-dimensional code Q3 and the fourth two-dimensional code Q4. Is defined as the third data pattern (add-on data), and the data pattern A4 is defined as the fourth data pattern between the fourth two-dimensional code Q4 and the second two-dimensional code Q2.

  And as shown in FIG. 5, the information regarding a data pattern (add-on code) is recorded on at least any one of the two-dimensional codes Q1-Q4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, information indicating the position of the data pattern (add-on code) is recorded. In this example of the add-on code information, the total number of data patterns (add-on codes) is 4, and the first data pattern (add-on data) exists to the right of the first two-dimensional code Q1. The second data pattern (add-on data) exists below the two-dimensional code Q1, the first data pattern (add-on data) exists to the left of the second two-dimensional code Q2, and the second two-dimensional code Q2 Is the third data pattern (add-on data), the fourth data pattern (add-on data) is to the right of the third two-dimensional code Q3, and the second two-dimensional code Q3 is 2 The fourth data pattern (add-on data) exists on the left of the fourth two-dimensional code Q4, and the fourth data pattern (add-on data) exists on the fourth two-dimensional code Q4. Th data pattern (add-on data) is shown as information that is present. It should be noted that how each data pattern is configured and how it is decoded can vary. For example, when the first two-dimensional code Q1 is the upper left corner, the light cell is set to “0” and the dark cell is set to “1” (or vice versa) in order from the upper left cell of the data pattern area. Alternatively, decoding may be performed in the column direction or the row direction.

  The size information of each data pattern (add-on code) A1, A2, A3, A4 may be recorded in the add-on code information. For example, information specifying how many rows and columns each data pattern (add-on code) A1, A2, A3, A4 may be included.

  Further, in the rectangular area, the remaining area in which the two-dimensional code and the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 are not arranged is a recording area in which a shape area, a design, a color, or a combination thereof, or a recording area in which information is recorded. At least one of them is provided. In the example of FIG. 1, in FIG. 1, the design and trademark of the business entity “ABCD” that provides or operates the information code 100 are drawn in the design area D. It also functions as a recording area for displaying subject name information. In this case, information relating to the business entity displayed or suggested in the design area or the recording area (for example, an address (URL or the like of a site provided by the business entity)) may be recorded in the information code 100.

(Information code reader)
Next, the overall configuration of the information code reader will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the information code reader 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a code reader capable of reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and an outer case is configured by a case (not shown). Various electronic components are accommodated in the case.

  The information code reader 10 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, and an imaging lens 27, and a micro 35 such as a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, and a liquid crystal display device 46. It is composed of a computer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system and a power supply system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a case (not shown).

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a diffusion lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 23, and the illumination light Lf can be irradiated toward the reading object R through a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. It is configured. As the reading object R, for example, various objects such as a resin material and a metal material are conceivable. For example, an information code 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the reading object R by printing, direct marking, or the like. ing.

  The light receiving sensor 23 corresponds to an example of an “imaging unit”, and is configured to be able to receive reflected light Lr reflected and irradiated on the reading object R or the QR code Q. For example, a C-MOS, a CCD, or the like An area sensor in which light receiving elements, which are solid-state imaging elements, are two-dimensionally arranged corresponds to this. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light that is less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr and blocks passage of light that exceeds the wavelength, and a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. It is provided between the imaging lens 27. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength equivalent of the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 23. Further, the imaging lens 27 is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel. In the present embodiment, the imaging lens 27 is provided at a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. The incident reflected light Lr is collected, and a code image of the information code 100 is formed on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, a liquid crystal display device 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code 100 captured by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplification circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, and the digital signal is converted from the analog signal. Is converted to The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area of the memory 35. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each piece of hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 23.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire information code reader 10, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, A liquid crystal display device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected. In addition, a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the information code reader 10 can be connected to the communication interface 48.

  The power supply system includes a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like. When the power switch 41 managed by the control circuit 40 is turned on and off, the conduction of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above is established. Or shut off is controlled. The battery 49 is a secondary battery that can generate a predetermined DC voltage, and corresponds to, for example, a lithium ion battery.

(Reading process)
Next, the reading process of the information code 100 in FIG. 1 by the reading device in FIG. 3 will be described.
The reading process in FIG. 7 is executed, for example, when a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the operation switch 42) is performed by the user. First, as shown in S1 of FIG. Then, the image of the information code 100 is acquired, and the two-dimensional code (two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 in the example of FIG. 1) included in the information code 100 is detected and decoded by a known method. For example, if the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 are known QR codes (registered trademark), the position detection patterns FP1 to FP3 (cutout symbols) are detected by a known method, and the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 are detected by a known method. Decode Q4. After acquiring data from any two-dimensional code in S1, it is determined whether or not data has been acquired from all two-dimensional codes. If data has been acquired from all two-dimensional codes, Yes in S2 move on. When the process proceeds to Yes in S2, the information recorded in the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 is connected in the order of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4, and the data (each code word) is decoded (S3). The data obtained by concatenating the data of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 4, and normal data description is made before a predetermined terminator. Information is recorded.

  Note that the terminator indicates the end of data when decoded by a general reader and application in a general manner, and a normal data description part can be decoded by a general reader. Yes. On the other hand, the reading device used in this embodiment is configured to search for add-on code information arranged after the terminator. In S4 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether the add-on code information is arranged after the terminator. To do. If it is not arranged, the process proceeds to No in S4, the data up to the terminator is output (S10), and the process ends. In this case, the output result is conceptually shown in the upper part of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the add-on code information exists after the terminator, the add-on code information as shown in FIG. 5 is decoded. Thereby, the position, size, and number of each data pattern (add-on code) A1 to A4 can be grasped.

  Thereafter, the processes of S6 to S9 are repeated for the number of data patterns (add-on codes). Specifically, one of the data patterns (add-on code) is specified based on the position of the reference two-dimensional code (position already detected in the image) and the content acquired in S5 (S8), The data pattern (add-on code) is decoded (S9). Then, it is determined whether or not all data patterns (add-on codes) have been decoded (S6). If there is any remaining data patterns, the processes of S7 to S9 are repeated for the remaining data patterns (add-on codes). On the other hand, when the decoding of all the data patterns (add-on codes) is completed, the decoding results of all the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 and all the data patterns (add-on codes) A1 to A4 are output (S10). In this case, the output result is conceptually shown in the lower part of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a “decoding unit” and functions to decode the information code 100 captured by the light receiving sensor 23. Specifically, when the information code 100 is imaged by the light receiving sensor 23, the positions of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q3 are detected based on the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 in the code image of the information code 100, It functions to decode the data area of the detected two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q3. Further, the positions of the cells constituting the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 are detected based on the detected positions of the two-dimensional codes Q1-Q3, and the areas of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 are detected. Decipher. Specifically, the data pattern on condition that predetermined identification information (such as add-on code information or a predetermined identifier indicating that add-on code information exists) is read from at least one of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4. It functions to specify the positions of A1, A2, A3 and A4 and to decode the data patterns A1, A2, A3 and A4.

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 each having a plurality of cells arranged and having a position detection pattern and a data area for detecting a code position are arranged in a part of the rectangular area Ca. The specific position (the position of the two-dimensional code) in the rectangular area Ca constituting the information code 100 can be detected based on the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 having a predetermined shape. In the adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the rectangular area Ca, data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and no position detection pattern is provided, Based on the positions of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4, the positions of the cells of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 adjacent to the two-dimensional code are specified. That is, if there are dark cells and light cells next to the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 (next to the margin region adjacent to the cell array region), they are the cells of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4. After specifying the areas of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4, the cell positions of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 can be specifically specified based on these areas. It becomes like this.
According to this configuration, since the position detection pattern can be omitted in the areas of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4, data can be arranged efficiently. That is, a part of the code area (data pattern area) can be a high efficiency area. On the other hand, since there is no position detection pattern in the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4, it is a problem how to specify each cell position. However, the position detection pattern has position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3. Since the possible two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 are adjacent to the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4, the cell positions of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 are determined based on the specified two-dimensional code positions. It can be detected.

  In addition, a plurality of two-dimensional codes are arranged in the rectangular area Ca, and a data pattern is provided between at least any two two-dimensional code codes. According to this configuration, each cell position of the data pattern can be specified based on any two-dimensional code. In particular, since the boundaries on both sides of the data pattern can be defined, it becomes easier to specify the area of the data pattern and each cell position more accurately.

  The code area is a rectangular area Ca configured in a rectangular shape. In the rectangular area Ca, the first two-dimensional code Q1 is arranged at the first corner, and the second two-dimensional is arranged at the second corner. A code Q2 is arranged, a third two-dimensional code Q3 is arranged at the third corner, and a data pattern A1 is provided between the first two-dimensional code Q1 and the second two-dimensional code Q2, A data pattern A2 is provided between the first two-dimensional code Q3 and the third two-dimensional code Q3. According to this configuration, in the rectangular area Ca configured in a rectangular shape, two-dimensional codes can be arranged at at least three corners, and the data patterns A1 and A2 can be provided between the codes. Can be increased. In the rectangular area, the remaining areas other than the areas of the two-dimensional code and the data patterns A1 and A2 can be freely used for design and information.

  Furthermore, in the rectangular area Ca, the fourth two-dimensional code Q4 is also arranged at the fourth corner, and the data pattern A3 is between the third two-dimensional code Q3 and the fourth two-dimensional code Q4. A data pattern A4 is provided between the fourth two-dimensional code Q4 and the second two-dimensional code Q2. According to this configuration, in the rectangular area Ca, two-dimensional codes can be arranged at four corners, and the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 can be provided between the respective codes. Increase. Further, in the rectangular area Ca, the cell area is arranged around and the central area can be freely used.

  In addition, in the rectangular area Ca, in the remaining area where the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4 and the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 are not arranged, the area or information of the design composed of shape, pattern, color, or a combination thereof is recorded. At least one of the recorded areas is provided. According to this configuration, design and information can be displayed with a high degree of freedom while efficiently recording data in the rectangular area. In particular, there are fewer restrictions on the size and arrangement of the design and information than when the design and drawing are displayed in a single code.

  In the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4, specific information for specifying the cell positions of the data patterns A1, A2, A3 and A4 adjacent to the two-dimensional code is recorded. According to this configuration, the positions of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 can be accurately specified based on the recorded contents of the two-dimensional code.

  Further, size information of data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 adjacent to the two-dimensional code is recorded in the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4. The size of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 can be accurately specified based on the recorded contents of the two-dimensional code.

  Further, the data patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 do not have a fixed pattern and are configured only by cells representing data. According to this configuration, data can be recorded more efficiently.

  The information code 100 is recorded with predetermined identification information in at least one of the two-dimensional codes, and the reading device 10 confirms that the identification information has been read from at least one of the two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q4. As a condition, the positions of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 are specified, and the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 are decoded. According to this configuration, when the identification information exists in any two-dimensional code in the information code 100, special reading can be performed.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, two-dimensional codes Q1 to Q3 configured as QR codes (registered trademark) are illustrated as examples of two-dimensional codes, but other types of two-dimensional codes such as data matrix codes may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example of the recording area and the design area is shown in FIG. 1 and the like, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it may be a design area in which a picture or the like having no information is drawn, or may be an information area in which information without design properties is displayed. Moreover, when displaying as an information area | region, the classification of the information is not restricted, For example, you may display the store name, service name, product name, service name, etc. regarding the recorded content of an information code as information. In addition, when configured as a design area, a picture related to the store name, service name, product name, service name, etc., related to the recorded contents of the information code may be displayed, or a picture unrelated to the recorded contents may be displayed. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the data pattern A1, A2, A3, A4 has been described as being composed of only data recording areas. However, the fixed-pattern alignment pattern is smaller in size than the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, FP3. May be provided. The alignment pattern may be a pattern determined as a fixed shape. For example, it may be a shape in which a periphery of one dark cell is surrounded by a light cell in a rectangular shape. A configuration in which a cell is enclosed in a rectangular shape and the periphery thereof is enclosed in a rectangular shape by a bright cell may be used. Moreover, it is not restricted to such an example, What is necessary is just a defined shape smaller than position detection pattern FP1, FP2, FP3. According to this structure, it becomes easy to specify each cell position of data pattern A1, A2, A3, A4 more correctly based on an alignment pattern.

  The arrangement example of the two-dimensional code is not limited to the example as shown in FIG. 1, but may be configured to be arranged at three corners of the rectangular area as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, for example. . Even in this case, the data patterns A1 and A2 may be arranged between the codes, and an area that functions as at least one of the design area and the recording area may be provided in the remaining area.

  The information code 100 may have a configuration in which a design area and a recording area are not provided as shown in FIG. In the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, two-dimensional codes Q1 and Q2 similar to those of the first embodiment are arranged on both sides of a rectangular area, and a data pattern A1 is provided between the codes. A code is constituted only by Q1, Q2 and data pattern A1.

  Note that the data pattern does not have to be arranged between all the codes of the two-dimensional codes that exist in the information code. For example, a configuration in which any of the data patterns A1, A2, A3, A4 is omitted in the configuration as shown in FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reading system 10 ... Information code reader (reader)
23. Light receiving sensor (imaging unit)
40 ... Control circuit (decoding unit)
100 ... Information code Ca ... Rectangular area (predetermined area)
Q1 ... first two-dimensional code Q2 ... second two-dimensional code Q3 ... third two-dimensional code Q4 ... fourth two-dimensional code A1, A2, A3, A4 ... data patterns FP1, FP2, FP3 ... position detection Pattern (specific pattern)
D ... Design area

Claims (11)

A two-dimensional code in which a plurality of cells are arranged and has a specific pattern and a data area for detecting a code position is arranged in a part of the predetermined area,
In an adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the predetermined area, a data pattern having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and does not have the specific pattern is provided,
An information code characterized in that the position of each cell of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code is specified based on the position of the two-dimensional code. A plurality of the two-dimensional codes are arranged in the predetermined area,
The information code according to claim 1, wherein the data pattern is provided between codes of at least any two of the two-dimensional codes. The predetermined area is a rectangular area configured in a rectangular shape,
In the rectangular region, the first two-dimensional code is arranged at a first corner, the second two-dimensional code is arranged at a second corner, and the third two-dimensional code is arranged at a third corner. Dimension code is placed,
The data pattern is provided between the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code;
The information code according to claim 2, wherein the data pattern is provided between the first two-dimensional code and the third two-dimensional code. In the rectangular region, the fourth two-dimensional code is arranged at a fourth corner,
The data pattern is provided between the third two-dimensional code and the fourth two-dimensional code,
The information code according to claim 3, wherein the data pattern is provided between the fourth two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code.   In the rectangular area, the remaining area where the two-dimensional code and the data pattern are not arranged is provided with at least one of a shape area, a design area composed of a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof, or a recording area where information is recorded. The information code according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the information code is provided.   The specific information for specifying the cell position of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code is recorded in the two-dimensional code. The listed information code.   The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein size information of the data pattern adjacent to the two-dimensional code is recorded in the two-dimensional code.   The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the data pattern does not have a fixed pattern and is configured only by cells representing data.   The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the data pattern includes a fixed-shaped alignment pattern having a smaller size than the specific pattern. A reading system having an information code and a reading device for reading the information code,
The information code is
A two-dimensional code in which a plurality of cells are arranged and has a specific pattern and a data area for detecting a code position is arranged in a part of the predetermined area,
In an adjacent area adjacent to the two-dimensional code in the predetermined area, a data pattern having a configuration in which data is recorded by an array of a plurality of cells and does not have the specific pattern is provided,
The reader is
An imaging unit capable of imaging the information code;
A decoding unit that decodes the information code imaged by the imaging unit;
With
The decoding unit is
When the information code is imaged by the imaging unit, the code image of the information code detects the position of the two-dimensional code based on the specific pattern,
Decoding the data area of the detected two-dimensional code;
An information code reading system comprising: detecting a position of each cell constituting the data pattern based on the detected position of the two-dimensional code; and decoding a region of the data pattern. In the information code, predetermined identification information is recorded in at least one of the two-dimensional codes,
11. The information code according to claim 10, wherein the reading device specifies a position of the data pattern on the condition that the identification information is read from the two-dimensional code, and decodes the data pattern. Reading system.

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