Information code, code generation method, and code reading method

Abstract

An information code (CQ2) of the present invention is obtained by combining a public code (Cd1) and a secret code (Cd2). Information is recorded by the arrangement of white cells (Cew) and black cells (Ceb) with a public code (Cd1) and a hiding code (Cd2). The information code (CQ2) includes an information recording region (60) and a color reference region (70). The information recording region (60) has a plurality of composite cells (CeL) having different forms from white cells (Cew) and black cells (Ceb). The information recording region (60) records public information recorded in the public code (Cd1) and secret information recorded in the secret code (Cd2) through a plurality of types of synthesis cells (CeL). The color reference region (70) is provided at a predetermined position and shows each form of the synthesis cells (CeL).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-150581 filed in Japan on September 21, 2022, and the contents of the basic application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure based on this specification relates to the technology of information codes for recording information. Background Art

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an information code composed of two two-dimensional codes (registered trademarks). In addition to white cells and black cells, this information code also includes light gray cells and dark gray cells, and by two-dimensionally arranging these cells, information recorded in a plurality of two-dimensional codes can be read.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-196762

[0006] When gray cells disclosed in Patent Document 1 are used to record information, information such as what other colors of cells are there besides white cells and black cells is required when reading. In this case, before reading, for cells with different shapes from white cells and black cells, a task of pre-specifying shape information such as color and pattern occurs, which may damage the convenience of the information code. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information code capable of ensuring convenience, and a method for generating and reading such an information code.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a disclosed method is an information code, which is an information code formed by synthesizing two synthetic pre-codes that record information by arranging light cells and dark cells, and the information code includes an information recording area and a morphology reference area, wherein the information recording area has a plurality of synthetic cells with morphologies different from the light cells and the dark cells, and the plurality of synthetic cells are used to record both sides of the recorded information respectively recorded in the two synthetic pre-codes, and the morphology reference area is set at a predetermined position to represent each morphology of the synthetic cells.

[0009] Another disclosed method is an information code generation method, in which the processing implemented by at least one processing unit includes the following steps: preparing two synthetic pre-codes that record information by arranging light cells and dark cells; generating an information recording area, which uses a plurality of synthetic cells with different forms from the light cells and the dark cells to record both sides of the recorded information respectively recorded in the two synthetic pre-codes; and generating a morphology reference area at a predetermined position, which morphology reference area represents each morphology of the synthetic cells.

[0010] Another disclosed method is a code reading method, which is a code reading method for reading a pre-synthesized code from an information code formed by synthesizing two pre-synthesized codes that record information by arranging light cells and dark cells, and the processing implemented by at least one processing unit includes the following steps: by referring to a morphological reference area located at a predetermined position, grasping the morphology of multiple synthetic cells that are different from the morphology of the light cells and the dark cells; and based on the morphology of the synthetic cells grasped by referring to the morphological reference area, reading the recorded information of the pre-synthesized code that is the reading object from the information recording area on both sides of the recorded information respectively recorded in the two pre-synthesized codes using the synthetic cells.

[0011] In these methods, the morphology of the synthetic cell can be grasped by referring to the morphology reference area set at a predetermined position when reading. Therefore, even if a synthetic cell with a morphology different from that of a light cell and a dark cell is used in the information recording area, there is no need to pre-specify the morphology of the synthetic cell, so the convenience of the information code can be ensured.

[0012] In addition, the reference numbers in brackets in the claims are only an example of the corresponding relationship with the specific structure in the embodiment described later, and there is no limitation on the technical scope. In addition, as long as the combination does not particularly cause obstacles, the technical solutions not clearly shown in the claims can also be combined with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an information code according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This figure shows an overall picture when the traceability system is used together with the existing distribution management system.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of an information code of a comparative example in which a color reference area is not provided.

[0016] Figure 4 It is magnified Figure 1 An enlarged view of area IV of the information code.

[0017] Figure 5 It is magnified Figure 1 An enlarged view of area V of the information code.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the details of the code generation process performed by the history management server.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the details of the code reading process performed by a code scanner or the like.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the details of weighting of the reference color information performed in the code reading process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 The information code CQ2 of one embodiment of the present disclosure shown is generated by synthesizing two two-dimensional codes. The two-dimensional code that becomes the source of the information code CQ2 is, for example, a two-dimensional code, etc., which records information through a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple cells Ce. The information code CQ2 is printed on a paper medium, etc., and is used in the form of a code printing medium such as a sign, a sticker, and a label. The information code CQ2 can also be displayed on a display device such as a display and electronic paper.

[0022] The information code CQ2 of this embodiment is generated by synthesizing the public code Cd1 and the concealed code Cd2. Figure 2 ) reads the information code CQ2, the information code CQ2 is recognized as the public code Cd1. In this case, the information recorded in the public code Cd1 (hereinafter referred to as the public information) is read. On the other hand, by using the code scanner 23 described later (refer to Figure 2 ) etc., can read the concealed code Cd2. In this case, the information recorded in the concealed code Cd2 (hereinafter, the concealed information) is read out.

[0023] Information code CQ2 Figure 2 The circulation management system 110 and the traceability system 120 shown are both used. The circulation management system 110 and the traceability system 120 are management systems for managing a supply chain SC constructed by including a plurality of traders TR. The supply chain SC is a connection between traders for delivering industrial products, agricultural products, and aquatic products to end users. As an example, in the supply chain SC for delivering agricultural products to consumers, farmers TR1, agricultural cooperatives TR2 as pick-up facilities, transporters TR3, and retailers TR4 are included in the traders TR.

[0024] The circulation management system 110 collects transaction records of transaction items between traders TR using the public code Cd1. In other words, the public code Cd1 is a two-dimensional code used in the circulation management system 110. The circulation management system 110 is composed of an input terminal 11, a label printer 12, a code reader 13, and a system server 10. The input terminal 11, the label printer 12, and the code reader 13 are appropriately installed in the facilities of each trader TR. The input terminal 11, the label printer 12, and the code reader 13 are connected to the system server 10 installed in a data center or the like through a network.

[0025] The input terminal 11 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal. Basic information (hereinafter, item information) of the transaction items to be supplied to the supply chain SC is input to the input terminal 11 according to a prescribed format. For example, the item name, place of origin, production facility, and producer are used as item information. The input terminal 11 sends the item information of the transaction items shipped from the trader TR to the system server 10.

[0026] The label printer 12 is an output device for printing the public code Cd1 on a paper medium. The label printer 12 is a structure capable of printing in color or grayscale. The paper medium printed with the public code Cd1 is attached to the packaging or outer box of the shipped transaction item and circulated as an attachment to the transaction item.

[0027] The code reader 13 is a reading device that reads the public code Cd1 to obtain the public information recorded in the public code Cd1 . The code reader 13 obtains the public information recorded in the public code Cd1 , and transmits the obtained public information to the system server 10 .

[0028] The system server 10 is a host node that can communicate with the input terminal 11, the sign printer 12, and the code reader 13. The system server 10 registers the project information obtained from the input terminal 11 in the database. The system server 10 prepares public information associated with the project information and generates a public code Cd1 that records the public information. As a process of issuing the public code Cd1, the system server 10 sends the image data of the generated public code Cd1 to the sign printer 12 that is the source of the project information. The issued public code Cd1 circulates together with the transaction item, and if it is read by the code reader 13 of another trader TR, the system server 10 stores the transaction record of the transaction item performed by the trader TR.

[0029] The traceability system 120 is used together with the circulation management system 110, and accumulates transaction records in the same manner as the circulation management system 110. In detail, the circulation management system 110 is equivalent to the old management system, and the traceability system 120 is equivalent to the new management system. The traceability system 120 does not substantially change the existing circulation management system 110, but is used together with the circulation management system 110. In addition to the record generation function of accumulating transaction records, the traceability system 120 also has a record reference function of providing the accumulated transaction records for reference. In the traceability system 120, the blockchain technology is used in the management of transaction records for the purpose of preventing tampering of transaction records.

[0030] The traceability system 120 collects transaction records using the information code CQ2 based on the public code Cd1 issued by the system server 10. The traceability system 120 is composed of a code output machine 22, a code scanner 23, and a history management server 20. In addition, the input terminal 11 and the label printer 12 of the circulation management system 110 are used in the traceability system 120. The code output machine 22, the code scanner 23, and the input terminal 11 are connected to the history management server 20 set in the data center or the like through a network.

[0031] The code output machine 22 is installed in the facility of the trader TR where the tag printer 12 is installed. The code output machine 22 is installed in the form of inserting the communication line between the system server 10 and the tag printer 12, and obtains the data of the public code Cd1 sent from the system server 10 to the tag printer 12. The code output machine 22 sends the obtained data of the public code Cd1 to the history management server 20.

[0032] The code output machine 22 receives the data of the information code CQ2 generated based on the sent public code Cd1 from the history management server 20. The information code CQ2 also records the hidden information used in the traceability system 120. The code output machine 22 sends the data of the information code CQ2 to the label printer 12 instead of the data of the public code Cd1. With the intervention of the code output machine 22, the label printer 12 prints the information code CQ2 on the paper medium without recognizing the change (replacement) of the acquired code data. As a result, the code printing medium printed with the information code CQ2 is affixed to the transaction item instead of the public code Cd1, and circulated together with the transaction item.

[0033] The code scanner 23 is a reading device for reading confidential information, wherein the confidential information is information recorded in the information code CQ2 and is attached to the information code CQ2 separately from the public information. Since the code scanner 23 has the same structure of the scanning object as the code reader 13, it can also be physically integrated with the code reader 13. The code scanner 23 is composed of a shooting sensor in which CCD elements are arranged in two dimensions and a signal processing unit 41. The shooting sensor can read the information recorded on the plane with a higher resolution than the code reader 13. The shooting sensor captures the captured image of the information code CQ2 (hereinafter, the code captured image IMc, refer to Figure 3 ) is output to the signal processing unit 41.

[0034] The signal processing unit 41 includes a storage unit for storing a code reading program and the like, and executes a code reading process described later based on the code reading program (see Figure 7 ) processor and RAM. The signal processing unit 41 decodes the read signal (code captured image IMc) of the imaging sensor according to the prescribed rules through code reading processing, and obtains the confidential information recorded in the information code CQ2. The signal processing unit 41 communicates with the history management server 20 to leave a transaction record based on the acquired confidential information.

[0035] In addition, a smartphone or tablet terminal with a camera function can also be used as the code scanner 23. In such a method, a dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as the code reading application) equivalent to the code reading program is provided and installed on the smartphone. In addition to the concealed code Cd2 (see Figure 1 ) can also be read from the public code Cd1.

[0036] The history management server 20 is a host node that can communicate with the input terminal 11 in addition to the code output machine 22 and the code scanner 23. The history management server 20 is a structure that is mainly composed of a computer with a processing unit 31, a RAM 32, a storage unit 33, an input / output interface, and a bus connecting these components. The processing unit 31 is hardware for calculation processing in conjunction with the RAM 32. The processing unit 31 performs various processes related to data management by accessing the RAM 32. In the storage unit 33, as one of the management programs related to data management, a code generation program for causing the processing unit 31 to execute the code generation method disclosed in the present invention is stored.

[0037] The history management server 20 acquires the item information sent from the input terminal 11 to the system server 10. The history management server 20 generates a blockchain based on the acquisition of the item information, wherein the blockchain is a blockchain associated with the transaction item and stores the item information and the transaction record. If the history management server 20 acquires a notification indicating that the information code CQ2 (anonymous code Cd2) has been read from the code scanner 23 of each trader TR, the transaction record performed by the trader TR of the notification source is accumulated in the blockchain associated with the transaction item.

[0038] Specifically, when the history management server 20 receives a notification from the code scanner 23, it generates a new block storing the transaction records of the trader TR of the notification source. In addition to the current transaction records, the new block also contains a hash value calculated based on the previous block. In the generation of the hash value, a hash function such as SHA-256 is used. The hash value is data that maintains a specified number of bits (for example, 256 bits) and is data that reflects the project information and transaction records.

[0039] The history management server 20 performs the code generation process described later (see Figure 6 ), generates an information code CQ2 that records at least the above-mentioned hash value as confidential information. The history management server 20 issues the generated information code CQ2 to the code output machine 22. Thus, the hash value reflecting the item information and transaction record is recorded in the information code CQ2 (confidentiality code Cd2), and can be circulated together with the transaction item.

[0040] In addition, in the traceability system 120, one information code CQ2 can be continuously used in multiple traders TR, or a new information code CQ2 can be issued for each trader TR. In the method of issuing a new information code CQ2 for each trader TR, the latest hash value reflecting the transaction record is generated based on the generation of transaction records in each trader TR. The history management server 20 newly generates an information code CQ2 that records the latest hash value as hidden information, and provides the data of the new information code CQ2 to the sign printer 12 of the facility of the trader TR who conducted the transaction. As a result, as the transaction of the item proceeds, the content (hash value) of the information code CQ2 continues to be updated to reflect the content of the transaction record so far. In addition, since the hidden information is content with the hash value as the main body, the data amount of the hidden information can be maintained constant even if the item is traded in the supply chain SC.

[0041] The history management server 20 can further issue a tracking code QRt. The tracking code QRt is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code attached to the final product FP supplied by the supply chain SC. The tracking code QRt allows the consumer who obtains the final product FP to confirm the transaction record. In the tracking code QRt, as an example, a hash value calculated based on the last block of the blockchain and an IP address or URL indicating the query destination of the transaction record are recorded.

[0042] The consumer of the final product FP can browse the transaction record of the final product FP by using a user terminal 50 such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal and using a traceability confirmation application. Specifically, when the user terminal 50 reads the tracking code QRt attached to the final product FP, it sends a reference request for the transaction record together with the hash value to the history management server 20 that is the inquiry destination. When the history management server 20 receives the reference request, it extracts the item information and transaction record associated with the hash value and generates provision data. The history management server 20 sends the generated provision data to the user terminal 50 that is the request source of the reference request. The consumer of the final product FP can confirm the history of the transaction record by expanding the provision data received from the history management server 20 using the traceability confirmation application.

[0043] Next, based on Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 to Figure 5 The detailed contents of information code CQ2 are further explained.

[0044] As described above, the information code CQ2 is generated by synthesizing the public code Cd1 and the concealed code Cd2 (see Figure 1 ). The public code Cd1 and the hidden code Cd2 record information through the two-dimensional arrangement of white cells Cew and black cells Ceb respectively. The public code Cd1 and the hidden code Cd2 are two-dimensional codes with the same number of cells (version). Therefore, each cell Ce of the public code Cd1 and each cell Ce of the hidden code Cd2 are synthesized in a 1:1 ratio. As a result, the information code CQ2 synthesized from the public code Cd1 and the hidden code Cd2 is a two-dimensional code with the same number of cells (version) as the public code Cd1 and the hidden code Cd2.

[0045] The information code CQ2 includes a light color cell Cc1 and a dark color cell Cc2 in addition to the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb. The light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 are synthetic cells CeL of a different form from the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb that serve as the reference. Each cell Ce of the information code CQ2 is determined based on the combination of the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb of the public code Cd1 and the concealed code Cd2.

[0046] Specifically, the cell Ce at the position where both the public code Cd1 and the hidden code Cd2 are white cells Cew is also a white cell Cew in the information code CQ2. Similarly, the cell Ce at the position where both the public code Cd1 and the hidden code Cd2 are black cells Ceb is also a black cell Ceb in the information code CQ2. On the other hand, the cell Ce at the position where the public code Cd1 is white cell Cew and the hidden code Cd2 is black cell Ceb becomes a light color cell Cc1. In addition, the cell Ce at the position where the public code Cd1 is black cell Ceb and the hidden code Cd2 is white cell Cew becomes a dark color cell Cc2.

[0047] The bright color cell Cc1 is a color cell Ce having a brightness closer to the white cell Cew than the black cell Ceb, and a color cell Ce having a higher brightness than the dark color cell Cc2. For example, yellow or the like is used as the color of the bright color cell Cc1. The dark color cell Cc2 is a color cell Ce having a brightness closer to the black cell Ceb than the white cell Cew, and a color cell Ce having a lower brightness than the bright color cell Cc1. For example, red or the like is used as the color of the dark color cell Cc2. In addition, the colors that can be used as the bright color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 can be appropriately changed. For example, the bright color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 can also be a combination of aqua and dark blue.

[0048] The information code CQ2 includes an information recording area 60, a quiet area QZ, and a viewfinder pattern FiP. The information recording area 60 is an area that serves as the main body of the information code CQ2. The information code CQ2 has white cells Cew and black cells Ceb, and light cells Cc1 and dark cells Cc2 that are multiple (two) types of synthetic cells CeL. The information recording area 60 uses white cells Cew, black cells Ceb, light cells Cc1, and dark cells Cc2 to record both public information and concealed information recorded in the public code Cd1 and concealed code Cd2, respectively, through a two-dimensional arrangement of these cells.

[0049] The quiet area QZ is set in the adjacent range in contact with the information recording area 60, and is a blank area surrounding the periphery of the information recording area 60 and the viewfinder pattern FiP. The quiet area QZ has the same form (color) as the white cell Cew. As an example, a blank space equivalent to at least four cells Ce is ensured as the quiet area QZ.

[0050] The finder pattern FiP is set in the adjacent range in contact with the information recording area 60, and is a pattern for detecting the position of the two-dimensional code (information code CQ2). The finder pattern FiP is formed at three of the four corners of the two-dimensional code. The finder pattern FiP includes a square central portion 81f, a square frame portion 82f surrounding the central portion 81f, an inner blank portion 83f separating the central portion 81f and the frame portion 82f, and an L-shaped outer blank portion 84f separating the frame portion 82f from the information recording area 60.

[0051] An alignment pattern A1P, a timing pattern, and a format information area are provided in the inner range of the area to be the information recording area 60. A plurality of alignment patterns A1P are arranged at intervals from each other at multiple locations in the inner range. The alignment pattern A1P is used to correct the positional deviation of each cell Ce caused by deformation. The alignment pattern A1P includes a square central portion 81a, a square frame portion 82a surrounding the central portion 81a, and a blank portion 83a separating the central portion 81a and the frame portion 82a.

[0052] The timing pattern connects two of the three viewfinder patterns FiP in a straight line, forming an L-shape as a whole. In the timing pattern, white cells Cew and black cells Ceb are arranged alternately. The timing pattern is used to determine coordinates. The format information area is an area for recording the format information of the two-dimensional code, specifically, an area for recording information indicating the error correction level and mask pattern, etc. The format information area is defined as an I-shape or an L-shape at the desired position of each viewfinder pattern FiP in the outer edge of the information recording area 60.

[0053] The code reader 13 of the circulation management system 110 corresponding to the old management system (see Figure 2 ) When reading the information code CQ2, the brightness of each cell Ce, in other words, the reflectivity of light of each cell Ce is detected. Therefore, the code reader 13 determines the bright color cell Cc1 as a white cell Cew and the dark color cell Cc2 as a black cell Ceb. As a result, the code reader 13 can recognize the information code CQ2 as a two-dimensional code substantially the same as the public code Cd1 and read the public information.

[0054] On the other hand, the code scanner 23 (see Figure 2) can distinguish the light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 as the composite cell CeL from the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb, respectively. However, when reading, it is necessary to have information about what color composite cells CeL are in addition to the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb, that is, the color that serves as the reference for identification (hereinafter, the reference color, see Figure 3 ) information.

[0055] In addition, the color of each cell Ce in the captured code image IMc actually captured by the image sensor may differ from the pre-specified reference color depending on the state of the paper and ink on which the information code CQ2x is printed, the light irradiation method during the image capturing, the performance of the image sensor, etc. (refer to Figure 3 ). Such a deviation between the reference color and the actual color becomes an important factor for misjudging the color of the cell Ce (synthesized cell CeL), which may cause a decrease in reading accuracy. Figure 3 The information code CQ2x described as a comparative example in FIG. 1 is relative to the information code CQ2 disclosed in the present invention (refer to Figure 1 ), omitting the color reference area 70 described later (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) settings.

[0056] In order to solve such a problem, a color reference area 70 is provided in the information code CQ2 of the present disclosure. The color reference area 70 shows the colors of the light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 as the various forms of the multiple composite cells CeL used in the information recording area 60. In addition to showing the forms of the light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2, the color reference area 70 also shows the various forms (colors) of the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb used in the information recording area 60. By referring to the color reference area 70, the actual color of each cell Ce reflected in the code captured image IMc can be used as a reference color.

[0057] The color reference area 70 is set at a predetermined position in the information code CQ2. In the information code CQ2, the color reference area 70 is formed by using the above-mentioned finder pattern FiP and alignment pattern AlP which are used for reading the information recording area 60 in a predetermined shape. A plurality of (three) finder patterns FiP and all alignment patterns AlP set in the information recording area 60 form the color reference area 70 independently. As described above, the color reference area 70 is set in both the adjacent range in contact with the information recording area 60 and the internal range in the area that becomes the information recording area 60.

[0058] In the usual viewfinder pattern FiP (refer to Figure 3), the central portion 81f and the frame portion 82f are formed by black cells Ceb, and the blank portions 83f and 84f are formed by white cells Cew. Figure 4 ), the central portion 81f is formed by the dark color cell Cc2, and the frame portion 82f is formed by the black cell Ceb. In addition, the inner blank portion 83f is formed by the light color cell Cc1, and the outer blank portion 83f is formed by the white cell Cew. As described above, the central portion 81f, the frame portion 82f, and the blank portions 83f and 84f respectively become color sample areas representing the various forms of the dark color cell Cc2, the light color cell Cc1, the black cell Ceb, and the white cell Cew.

[0059] In the conventional alignment pattern AlP (refer to Figure 3 ), the center portion 81a and the frame portion 82a are formed by the black cells Ceb, and the blank portion 83a is formed by the white cells Cew. Figure 5 ), the central portion 81a is formed by dark color cells Cc2, and the frame portion 82a is formed by both black cells Ceb and dark color cells Cc2. The number of cells of dark color cells Cc2 in the frame portion 82a is greater than the number of cells of black cells Ceb. Therefore, the area of ​​dark color cells Cc2 is wider than the area of ​​black cells Ceb. The central portion 81a and a part of the frame portion 82a become a color sample area representing the shape of the dark color cells Cc2, and the remaining part of the frame portion 82a becomes a color sample area representing the shape of the black cell Ceb.

[0060] Furthermore, the blank portion 83a is formed by the bright color cells Cc1 and the white cells Cew. The number of bright color cells Cc1 in the blank portion 83a is greater than the number of white cells Cew. Therefore, the area of ​​the bright color cells Cc1 is wider than the area of ​​the white cells Cew. The blank portion 83a becomes a color sample area representing the form of the bright color cells Cc1 and the white cells Cew.

[0061] Next, based on Figure 6 And refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 The details of the code generation process (code generation method) for generating the information code CQ2 described above will be described.

[0062] In the code generation process, first, a public code Cd1 and a secret code Cd2 are prepared. Specifically, in S11, the history management server 20 obtains the public code Cd1 by receiving it from the code output machine 22. Next, in S12, the history management server 20 obtains a hash value reflecting the project information and the transaction record, and prepares secret information including the hash value as a main body. Furthermore, in S13, the history management server 20 generates a secret code Cd2 in which the secret information is recorded.

[0063] In S14, the history management server 20 sets the form of the cell Ce used for information recording in the information recording area 60. Specifically, in S14, the colors used by the light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 are set. In S15, the history management server 20 synthesizes the public code Cd1 and the concealed code Cd2 prepared in S11 to S13 by overlapping based on the above-mentioned prescribed rules. Through S15, the information recording area 60 in which the public information and the concealed information are recorded together by the arrangement of the white cell Cew, the black cell Ceb, the light color cell Cc1, and the dark color cell Cc2 is generated.

[0064] In S16, the history management server 20 generates a color reference area 70 representing each form of the white cell Cew, the black cell Ceb, the light color cell Cc1, and the dark color cell Cc2 at a predetermined position, specifically, the color set in S14. In S16, the finder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP of the two-dimensional code synthesized in S15 are set in the color reference area 70. As a result, each pattern FiP, AlP (refer to Figure 3 ) is replaced by a finder pattern FiP including a bright color cell Cc1 and a dark color cell Cc2 (refer to Figure 5 ) and alignment pattern AlP (refer to Figure 6 ). In S17, the information code CQ2 generated in this way is issued to the trader TR.

[0065] Next, the following, based on Figure 7 And refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 , the details of the code reading process (code reading method) of reading the concealment code Cd2 from the information code CQ2 are described.

[0066] In S31 of the code reading process, the signal processing unit 41 grasps the position and posture of the information code CQ2 reflected in the code captured image IMc based on the detection of the viewfinder pattern. In S32, the signal processing unit 41 applies pre-processing such as keystone correction and color correction to the reflected range of the information code CQ2 based on the information of the position and posture of the information code CQ2, and prepares a processed corrected image suitable for code reading. The corrected image is an image in which the information code CQ2 is corrected to the shape captured from the front.

[0067] In S33, the signal processing unit 41 determines the information recording area 60 at a predetermined position in the information code CQ2 shown in the corrected image. The position of the information recording area 60 may be preset in the application program, or may be automatically extracted from the information code CQ2. The signal processing unit 41 sets all the finder patterns FiP and alignment patterns AlP formed on the information code CQ2 as the color reference area 70.

[0068] The signal processing unit 41 grasps the various forms of the white cell Cew, the black cell Ceb, the bright color cell Cc1, and the dark color cell Cc2 by referring to the viewfinder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP, and specifically corrects the actual color in the state of being projected in the image. The signal processing unit 41 grasps the form of each cell Ce for all color reference areas 70 independently, and uses the acquired form information (color information) as the information of the reference color used when reading. The signal processing unit 41 maintains the information of the reference color independently acquired from each color reference area 70 in association with the position information of each color reference area 70.

[0069] In S34 to S36, the signal processing unit 41 reads the hidden information of the hidden code Cd2 to be read based on the information of the reference color of each cell Ce grasped by referring to the color reference area 70 in S33. Specifically, in S34, the signal processing unit 41 reads the information recording area 60. In S34, the types of the white cell Cew, the black cell Ceb, the bright color cell Cc1, and the dark color cell Cc2 are determined using the information of the multiple reference colors obtained from the viewfinder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP. In S34, the closer the information of the reference color is to the patterns FiP and AlP of the cell Ce to be determined, the higher the weight in the process of determining the type of the cell Ce.

[0070] As an example, when there are four color reference areas 70 around the cell Ce to be determined (see Figure 8), the signal processing unit 41 combines the information of the reference colors obtained from the four color reference areas 70 and sets the reference color used in the determination of the cell Ce. At this time, the color reference area 70 (reference area 70) closest to the cell Ce to be determined is set. Figure 8 The alignment pattern A1P) in the lower right corner surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 6 has the highest weight. As described above, the signal processing unit 41 continuously or stepwise adjusts the setting of the reference color used for discrimination according to the position of the cell Ce in the information recording area 60.

[0071] In S35, the signal processing unit 41 restores the cell arrangement of the concealed code Cd2 to be read by converting the light color cell Cc1 into a black cell Ceb and the dark color cell Cc2 into a white cell Cew in the cell Ce read from the information recording area 60. In S36, the signal processing unit 41 reads the concealed information from the restored concealed code Cd2 and ends the code reading process.

[0072] In addition, the signal processing unit 41 may directly read the confidential information from the information recording area 60 by performing signal processing for converting the read signals of the light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2 instead of the image processing accompanied by color conversion. In addition, the code reading process may also be performed by the history management server 20. In such a manner, the code photographed image IMc or the corrected image is sent from the code scanner 23 to the history management server 20. The history management server 20 performs a process for reading the confidential code Cd2 from the code photographed image IMc or the corrected image obtained by the reception.

[0073] In the present embodiment described above, when reading, the form of the composite cell CeL can be grasped by referring to the color reference area 70 set at a predetermined position. Therefore, even if the composite cell CeL of a form different from the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb is used in the information recording area 60, there is no need to pre-specify the form of the composite cell CeL, so the convenience of the information code CQ2 can be ensured.

[0074] In addition, the color information actually extracted from the color reference area 70 is affected by the paper, ink, light, camera performance, etc., as is the case with the cell Ce set in the information recording area 60. Therefore, compared with the pre-set color information, the color information extracted from the color reference area 70 becomes the reference color information more suitable for the recognition of the cell Ce in the information recording area 60. Therefore, the reading accuracy of the information code CQ2 can be improved.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, the color reference area 70 is provided in at least one of an adjacent range in contact with the information recording area 60 and an internal range in the area that becomes the information recording area 60. In this way, if the color reference area 70 is configured to be not separated from the information recording area 60, it is unlikely that the color reference area 70 will be incompletely displayed when the information code CQ2 is photographed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid deterioration in the convenience of the information code CQ2 caused by providing the color reference area 70.

[0076] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the color reference area 70 is provided in both the adjacent range in contact with the information recording area 60 and the internal range in the area that becomes the information recording area 60. Therefore, even if the color tones of the cells Ce are different at each position of the information recording area 60 reflected in the captured code image IMc due to the influence of light, etc., by referring to the color reference area 70 close to the cell Ce, the reduction in reading accuracy caused by the difference in color tones can be avoided.

[0077] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a color reference area 70 is formed by a finder pattern FiP and an alignment pattern AlP which are used for reading the information recording area 60 with predetermined shapes. That is, in the code generation process, each pattern FiP, AlP is set in the information recording area 60 to form each pattern FiP, AlP including a synthetic cell CeL. Moreover, in the code reading process, each pattern FiP, AlP is referred to as the color reference area 70 to obtain morphological information representing the morphology of the synthetic cell CeL. As described above, the reference color of each cell Ce can be set based on the recognition of the finder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP implemented before the reading of the information recording area 60. As a result, even if the process of referring to the color reference area 70 is implemented, it is difficult to cause a deterioration in the reading speed.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of finder patterns FiP and alignment patterns AlP independently form the color reference area 70. That is, in the code generation process, the plurality of patterns FiP and AlP are respectively set in the color reference area 70 to form the plurality of patterns FiP and AlP including the synthesis cell CeL. Furthermore, in the code reading process, the morphological information is independently acquired from the plurality of patterns FiP and AlP forming the color reference area 70.

[0079] As described above, by referring to a plurality of patterns FiP, AlP instead of referring to only one pattern FiP, AlP, it is possible to achieve setting of an appropriate reference color. Therefore, even if the color tones of the cells Ce at the respective positions of the information recording area 60 reflected in the captured code image IMc are different due to the influence of light, etc., by referring to the color reference area 70 close to the cell Ce, it is possible to avoid a reduction in reading accuracy due to the difference in color tones.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the more morphological information is obtained from patterns FiP and AlP that are closer to the synthetic cell CeL to be read, the more weight is given to the process of distinguishing the synthetic cell CeL. According to such a process, the reduction in reading accuracy caused by the difference in color tone due to the influence of light, etc. can be more reliably suppressed.

[0081] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of continuous cells Ce form an area representing the form (color) of one type of synthesized cell CeL in the patterns FiP and AlP that form the color reference area 70. Thus, by ensuring a wider area representing the form of the synthesized cell CeL, the color reference for distinguishing the synthesized cell CeL can be set more accurately.

[0082] In addition, the information recording area 60 of the present embodiment has a light color cell Cc1 whose form is closer to the white cell Cew than the black cell Ceb and a dark color cell Cc2 whose form is closer to the black cell Ceb than the white cell Cew, as a synthetic cell CeL. Moreover, the information recording area 60 records public information and confidential information by arranging the white cell Cew, the black cell Ceb, the light color cell Cc1, and the dark color cell Cc2. Furthermore, the color reference area 70 shows the form of the light color cell Cc1 and the dark color cell Cc2.

[0083] In the code reading process, the information recording area 60 in which the public information and the confidential information are recorded by the arrangement of the white cells Cew, the black cells Ceb, the light cells Cc1, and the dark cells Cc2 is read. And, by converting the light cells Cc1 into the black cells Ceb and the dark cells Cc2 into the white cells Cew, the cell arrangement of the confidential code Cd2 to be read is restored.

[0084] According to the above, the light color cell Cc1 is determined as a white cell Cew when the public code Cd1 is read, and is determined as a black cell Ceb when the hidden code Cd2 is read. On the other hand, the dark color cell Cc2 is determined as a black cell Ceb when the public code Cd1 is read, and is determined as a white cell Cew when the hidden code Cd2 is read. If it is such an information code CQ2, the information code CQ2 with the hidden information added can be used while continuing to use the existing code reader 13. As described above, according to the improvement of the adaptability of the traceability system 120 to the old system, the introduction barrier of the traceability system 120 can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, the color reference area 70 of the present embodiment shows the forms of white cells Cew and black cells Ceb in addition to all kinds of composite cells CeL. That is, in the code generation process, in addition to all kinds of composite cells CeL, white cells Cew and black cells Ceb used in the information recording area 60 are arranged in the color reference area 70. As described above, even if the white cells Cew and black cells Ceb are different from the usual white and black due to the influence of the paper and ink used to print the information code CQ2, it is difficult to cause deterioration in reading accuracy.

[0086] In addition, in the color reference area 70 of the present embodiment, the area representing the form of the composite cell CeL is ensured to be wider than the area representing the form of the white cell Cew or the black cell Ceb. Based on the above, the form of the composite cell CeL that is difficult to read can be more accurately grasped. As a result, the reading accuracy can be further improved.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the signal processing unit 41 is equivalent to the "processing unit" for implementing the code reading method, and the public code Cd1 and the concealed code Cd2 are equivalent to the "pre-synthesis code". In addition, the white cell Cew is equivalent to the "bright cell", the black cell Ceb is equivalent to the "dark cell", the bright cell Cc1 is equivalent to the "quasi-bright cell", and the dark cell Cc2 is equivalent to the "quasi-dark cell". In addition, the color reference area 70 is equivalent to the "morphology reference area", and the viewfinder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP are equivalent to the "prescribed pattern".

[0088] (Other embodiments)

[0089] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the above embodiment, both the finder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP are used as the color reference area 70. However, as in the first and second variations of the above embodiment, the color reference area 70 may be provided only in one of the adjacent range in contact with the information recording area 60 and the inner range within the area that becomes the information recording area 60.

[0091] Specifically, in the variation 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, a part or all of the viewfinder pattern FiP is used as the color reference area 70, and on the other hand, the alignment pattern AlP is not used as the color reference area 70. As described above, at the moment when the information code CQ2 is recognized, it is known that the viewfinder pattern FiP exists in the code captured image IMc. In addition, the viewfinder pattern FiP is a prescribed pattern that ensures a wider area in the information code CQ2. Therefore, if the viewfinder pattern FiP is used as the color reference area 70, the morphological information (color information) of the synthesized cell CeL can be smoothly obtained. In addition, if it is a small-sized two-dimensional code in which the alignment pattern AlP does not exist, it is desirable to use the viewfinder pattern FiP as the structure of the color reference area 70.

[0092] In the second variation of the above embodiment, a part or all of the alignment pattern A1P is used as the color reference area 70, while the finder pattern FiP is not used as the color reference area 70. Such an alignment pattern A1P is evenly arranged in the inner range of the information recording area 60. Therefore, if the alignment pattern A1P is used as the color reference area 70, the influence of light can be reduced.

[0093] In variation 3 of the above-mentioned embodiment, a part or all of the timing pattern is used as a color reference area 70 instead of, or together with, the viewfinder pattern FiP and the alignment pattern AlP. The timing pattern of variation 3 is in the form of light color cells Cc1 and dark color cells Cc2 arranged alternately. The timing pattern may also be in the form of white cells Cew, black cells Ceb, light color cells Cc1, and dark color cells Cc2 arranged in sequence. The timing pattern is a shape extending longitudinally and transversely within the area of ​​the information recording area 60. Therefore, if the timing pattern is used as the color reference area 70, color correction by vertical and horizontal columns becomes easy.

[0094] In the fourth variation of the above embodiment, a cell Ce at a specific position in the area of ​​the information recording area 60 is used as the color reference area 70 instead of a predetermined pattern such as the viewfinder pattern FiP. The data missing due to the formation of the color reference area 70 is supplemented by the error correction function pre-equipped in the information code CQ2. As described above, as long as the deterioration of the recognition rate is allowed, a part of the information recording area 60 can also be used as the color reference area 70 as in the fourth variation.

[0095] In the fifth and sixth variations of the above-mentioned embodiment, the color reference area 70 is provided at a specific position around the information recording area 60. Specifically, in the fifth variation, the stripe-shaped color reference area 70 is formed in the quiet area QZ (refer to Figure 1 ). The strip-shaped color reference area 70 may be an area representing various forms of the synthetic cell CeL, or may be an area representing all forms of the synthetic cell CeL, the white cell Cew, and the black cell Ceb. In addition, in variation 6, the strip-shaped color reference area 70 is formed further outside the quiet area QZ. The color reference area 70 may be separated from the information recording area 60 as long as it can be read integrally with the information recording area 60. As in variations 5 and 6, if the color reference area 70 is formed outside the information recording area 60, color correction near the outer edge of the information code CQ2 can be implemented with higher accuracy.

[0096] In the seventh modification of the above-mentioned embodiment, in the frame QR, the image inserted into the information recording area 60 is used as the color reference area 70. For example, the stripe-shaped color reference area 70 may be provided together with the inserted mark or the like, or a mark of the same color as the color of the synthesized cell CeL may be inserted so that each color of the synthesized cell CeL is indicated by a mark.

[0097] In the eighth modification of the above embodiment, the public code Cd1 and the concealed code Cd2 are different versions. Even in the case of synthesizing pre-synthesis codes with different numbers of cells, the structure of indicating the form of the synthesized cell CeL by the color reference area 70 is effective in improving the convenience of the information code CQ2.

[0098] In the variation 9 of the above embodiment, the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb are not used in the information recording area 60. In the information recording area 60, the color cells of four colors are used as the composite cell CeL, and the recording information recorded in the two pre-synthesis codes is maintained together by the two-dimensional arrangement of the four composite cells CeL. As in such variation 9, when it is not envisioned to be used in the existing circulation management system 110 (code reader 13), all the cells Ce arranged in the information recording area 60 can be the composite cells CeL.

[0099] In the modification 10 of the above embodiment, light gray cells and dark gray cells are used instead of light color cells Cc1 and dark color cells Cc2. For example, if the sign printer 12 is not capable of color output but capable of grayscale output, using light gray cells and dark gray cells is beneficial.

[0100] Specifically, the light gray cell is a cell Ce that is a neutral color closer to the white cell Cew than the black cell Ceb, and is an intermediate color with a higher brightness than the dark gray cell. For example, a light gray having a brightness of about 75% of the white cell Cew is used as the color of the light gray cell. The dark gray cell is a cell Ce that is a neutral color closer to the black cell Ceb than the white cell Cew, and is an intermediate color with a lower brightness than the light gray cell. For example, a dark gray having a brightness of about 25% of the white cell Cew is used as the color of the dark gray cell.

[0101] In the modification 11 of the above embodiment, light pattern cells and dark pattern cells are used instead of light color cells Cc1 and dark color cells Cc2. For example, when the sign printer 12 is a structure that cannot perform grayscale output and can only perform white or black output, the use of light pattern cells and dark pattern cells is beneficial.

[0102] Specifically, patterns (patterns) such as shadows and dots are formed in the light pattern cells and the dark pattern cells. In the light pattern cells, a pattern is formed in which the area of ​​the black part is smaller than the area of ​​the white part. In the dark pattern cells, a pattern is formed in which the area of ​​the black part is larger than the area of ​​the white part.

[0103] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the color schemes of all the viewfinder patterns FiP serving as the color reference area 70 are identical to each other. However, in a variation 12 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the color scheme of the color reference area 70 is different for each viewfinder pattern FiP. In addition, in one viewfinder pattern FiP, the area of ​​the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb may be wider than the area of ​​the composite cell CeL that becomes a color. According to such a color scheme, the printing cost of the information code CQ2 can be reduced. Furthermore, the area representing each form of the white cell Cew and the black cell Ceb may be omitted in the color reference area 70. That is, in the color reference area 70, only the area representing each form of the composite cell CeL may be formed.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the light color forming the white cell Cew may not be strictly white. For example, the solid color (e.g., very light gray or ivory) of the signboard on which the information code CQ2 is printed is equivalent to the light color. Similarly, the dark color forming the black cell Ceb may not be strictly black. For example, the color of the ink used in the signboard printer 12 (e.g., dark blue or dark green) may be equivalent to the dark color.

[0105] The pre-synthesis code is not limited to a two-dimensional code. A two-dimensional code different from the two-dimensional code can also be used as the pre-synthesis code and synthesized into the information code.

[0106] The information code CQ2 disclosed in the present invention can be used by systems different from the circulation management system 110 and the traceability system 120. In addition, the recorded information recorded in the pre-synthesis code is not limited to the above-mentioned public information and confidential information, and can be appropriately changed according to the purpose of the information code. For example, instead of the above-mentioned hash value, the unique identification information (UID) for identifying the item shipped from the trader TR can be recorded as confidential information.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the tracking code QRt is issued separately from the information code CQ2 used in the supply chain SC and attached to the final product FP. However, the information code CQ2 can also be used as the tracking code QRt. In this case, the traceability confirmation application provides the user terminal 50 with the function of performing the above-mentioned code reading process and reading the hidden code Cd2. In addition, the final product FP supplied by the supply chain SC can also be appropriately changed. For example, various items such as automobiles, batteries, semiconductors, fresh food, aquatic products, food, flowers, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals can be managed by the traceability system 120.

[0108] The hash function used in the history management server 20 is a cryptographic hash function, which has the characteristics that the same hash value will not be output according to different inputs, and it is essentially impossible to infer the input based on the output hash value. For example, instead of the above-mentioned SHA-256, encryption algorithms such as SHA-1, SHA-2 and SHA-3 can be appropriately used according to the output length (number of bits) that can be recorded as confidential information in the confidential code Cd2. In addition, the code generation process implemented in the history management server 20 can also be implemented in the code output machine 22 that becomes the edge side. In this way, the code output machine 22 is equivalent to a "code generation device."

[0109] In the above-mentioned embodiment, each function provided by the history management server and the code scanner etc. may be provided by software and hardware executing the software, by software alone, by hardware alone, or by a composite combination of software and hardware. In the case where such functions are provided by electronic circuits as hardware, each function may also be provided by a digital circuit or an analog circuit including a plurality of logic circuits.

[0110] The processing unit (signal processing unit) of the above-mentioned embodiment may be a structure including at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and other computing cores. In addition, the processing unit may be a structure including FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit) and other IP cores with dedicated functions.

[0111] The form of the storage medium (non-transitory tangible storage medium) used as each storage unit in the above-mentioned embodiments to store each program related to the code generation and code reading of the present disclosure can also be appropriately changed. For example, the storage medium is not limited to a structure provided on a circuit substrate, but can also be a structure provided in the form of a memory card, etc., inserted into a slot, and electrically connected to the bus of the computer. In addition, the storage medium can be an optical disk, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, etc., which are used as a copy source for copying programs to a computer or a distribution source for distributing programs to a computer.

[0112] The control unit and method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a special-purpose computer, which is composed of a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the device and method described in the present disclosure may also be implemented by a special-purpose hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the device and method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, wherein the one or more special-purpose computers are composed of a combination of a processor that executes a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. In addition, the computer program may also be stored as an instruction executed by a computer in a computer-readable non-transient tangible recording medium.

[0113] (Disclosure of technical ideas)

[0114] This specification discloses multiple technical ideas recorded in the following multiple items. Some items are recorded by selectively referring to a multiple dependent form of a previous item in a subsequent item. In addition, some items are recorded by referring to a multiple dependent form of another multiple dependent form. The items recorded in these multiple dependent forms define multiple technical ideas.

[0115] (Technical Thought 1)

[0116] An information code is an information code formed by synthesizing two synthetic pre-codes (Cd1, Cd2) for recording information by arranging a light cell (Cew) and a dark cell (Ceb), comprising:

[0117] The information recording area (60) has a plurality of composite cells (CeL) having different forms from the above-mentioned light cells and the above-mentioned dark cells, and uses the plurality of the above-mentioned composite cells to record both of the recording information recorded in the two above-mentioned pre-synthesis codes respectively; and

[0118] The form reference area (70) is set at a predetermined position and indicates each form of the synthetic cell.

[0119] (Technical Thought 2)

[0120] The information code according to technical idea 1, wherein the morphology reference area is provided in at least one of an adjacent range in contact with the information recording area and an internal range within the area serving as the information recording area.

[0121] (Technical Thought 3)

[0122] The information code according to technical idea 1 or 2, wherein the morphology reference area is formed by at least one predetermined pattern (FiP, AlP) having a predetermined shape and used for reading the information recording area.

[0123] (Technical Thought 4)

[0124] According to the information code of technical idea 3, the plurality of the predetermined patterns independently form the morphology reference area.

[0125] (Technical Thought 5)

[0126] The information code according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 4, wherein:

[0127] The information recording area has a quasi-bright cell (Cc1) and a quasi-dark cell (Cc2) as the composite cells, wherein the quasi-bright cell is closer to the bright cell than the dark cell, and the quasi-dark cell is closer to the dark cell than the bright cell.

[0128] Each of the above-mentioned recording information is recorded by arranging the above-mentioned bright color cells, the above-mentioned dark color cells, the above-mentioned quasi-bright color cells and the above-mentioned quasi-dark color cells,

[0129] The morphology reference area indicates the morphology of the quasi-bright cell and the quasi-dark cell.

[0130] (Technical Thought 6)

[0131] The information code according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 5, wherein the morphology reference area indicates the morphology of the light color cell and the dark color cell used in the information recording area in addition to the morphology of all types of the synthetic cells.

Claims

1. An information code is an information code formed by synthesizing two synthetic pre-codes (Cd1, Cd2) for recording information by arranging a light cell (Cew) and a dark cell (Ceb), comprising: The information recording area (60) has a plurality of composite cells (CeL) having different forms from the above-mentioned light cells and the above-mentioned dark cells, and uses the plurality of the above-mentioned composite cells to record both of the recording information recorded in the two above-mentioned pre-synthesis codes respectively; and The form reference area (70) is set at a predetermined position and indicates each form of the synthetic cell.

2. The information code according to claim 1, in, The form reference area is provided in at least one of an adjacent range in contact with the information recording area and an inner range within the area serving as the information recording area.

3. The information code according to claim 1, in, The morphology reference area is formed by at least one predetermined pattern (FiP, AlP) having a predetermined shape and used for reading the information recording area.

4. The information code according to claim 3, in, The plurality of predetermined patterns independently form the morphology reference area.

5. The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The information recording area has a quasi-bright cell (Cc1) and a quasi-dark cell (Cc2) as the composite cells, wherein the quasi-bright cell is closer to the bright cell than the dark cell, and the quasi-dark cell is closer to the dark cell than the bright cell. Each of the above-mentioned recording information is recorded by arranging the above-mentioned bright color cells, the above-mentioned dark color cells, the above-mentioned quasi-bright color cells and the above-mentioned quasi-dark color cells, The morphology reference area indicates the morphology of the quasi-bright cell and the quasi-dark cell.

6. The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The morphology reference area indicates the morphology of the light-colored cell and the dark-colored cell used in the information recording area in addition to the morphology of all types of the synthetic cells.

7. A code generation method, wherein the processing performed by at least one processing unit (31) comprises the following steps: Prepare two synthetic front codes (Cd1, Cd2) for recording information by arranging light cells (Cew) and dark cells (Ceb) (S11-S13); Generating an information recording area (60) (S15), wherein the information recording area uses a plurality of composite cells (CeL) of different forms from the light cells and the dark cells to record both of the recorded information respectively recorded in the two pre-synthesized codes; and A morphological reference area (70) is generated at a predetermined position (S16). in, The morphology reference region indicates each morphology of the synthetic cell.

8. The code generation method according to claim 7, in, In the step of generating the morphological reference area, at least one prescribed pattern (FiP, AlP) having a predetermined shape and used for reading the information recording area is set in the morphological reference area to form the prescribed pattern including the synthetic cell.

9. The code generation method according to claim 8, in, In the step of generating the morphology reference region, the plurality of the predetermined patterns are respectively set in the morphology reference region to form the plurality of the predetermined patterns including the synthetic cells.

10. The code generation method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in, In the step of generating the morphology reference region, the light color cells and the dark color cells used in the information recording region are arranged in the morphology reference region in addition to all kinds of the synthetic cells.

11. A code reading method, comprising: reading a pre-synthesized code from an information code (CQ2) synthesized from two pre-synthesized codes (Cd1, Cd2) that record information by arranging light cells (Cew) and dark cells (Ceb), The processing performed by at least one processing unit (41) comprises the following steps: By referring to a morphology reference area (70) at a predetermined position, the morphologies of a plurality of synthetic cells (CeL) having morphologies different from the bright cell and the dark cell are grasped (S33); Based on the morphology of the above-mentioned synthetic cell grasped by referring to the above-mentioned morphology reference area, the above-mentioned record information (S34~S36) of the above-mentioned pre-synthesis code that is the reading object is read from the information recording area (60) on both sides of the record information recorded respectively in the two above-mentioned pre-synthesis codes using the above-mentioned synthetic cell.

12. The code reading method according to claim 11, in, In the step of grasping the morphology of the synthetic cell, morphology information representing the morphology of the synthetic cell is acquired by referring to at least one prescribed pattern (FiP, AlP) of a predetermined shape used for reading the information recording area as the morphology reference area.

13. The code reading method according to claim 12, in, In the step of grasping the morphology of the synthetic cell, a plurality of the predetermined patterns are set as the morphology reference area, and the morphology information is independently acquired from each of the predetermined patterns.

14. The code reading method according to claim 13, in, In the step of reading the above recorded information, using the plurality of morphological information obtained from the plurality of predetermined patterns to determine the type of the synthesized cell, The more the morphological information is acquired from the predetermined pattern that is closer to the synthetic cell, the more weight it is given in the process of discriminating the synthetic cell.

15. The code reading method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, in, In the step of reading the above recorded information, The information recording area is read, wherein the information recording area records each of the above-mentioned recording information by arranging the above-mentioned light cells, the above-mentioned dark cells, the quasi-light cells (Cc1) whose form is closer to the above-mentioned light cells than the above-mentioned dark cells, and the quasi-dark cells (Cc2) whose form is closer to the above-mentioned dark cells than the above-mentioned light cells, The quasi-bright color cells are used as the dark color cells, and the quasi-dark color cells are used as the bright color cells, so as to restore the cell arrangement of the pre-synthesis code as the reading object.

Images