Two-dimensional code and printing object having the same printed thereon, and two-dimensional code creation method

Abstract

To suggest information included in a two-dimensional code and make the information familiar.SOLUTION: A two-dimensional code 1L comprises: a data part displaying a bit string corresponding to target data as a pattern in which black or white cells being constitutional units of a symbol are arranged in matrix; and one or more finder patterns arranged separate from the data part. In the data part, a second pattern 5 is displayed within a range of redundancy allowing data reading performed by a two-dimensional code reading device, such that the size of the black cells is smaller than the size of a cell arrangement area and spaces are formed between the adjacent black cells.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code and an object on which the code is printed, a two-dimensional code creation device and method, a two-dimensional code creation program, and a computer-readable recording medium and device on which the program is recorded. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, various codes or "symbols" are used, such as one-dimensional codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (product names), in fields such as posting information such as URLs, airline tickets, electronic payments using smartphones (so-called smartphone payments and QR code payments), and product management. Such two-dimensional information symbols are codes in which information is mathematically arranged based on two-dimensional position information in an x, y coordinate system, and significance information at the time of decoding is arranged. For example, the symbols are displayed on electronic displays such as goods, goods packages, paper, and websites, and users are allowed to read the symbols and decode them to display the information. Alternatively, in today's world where traceability has become widespread, systems are adopted in many industries in which optical information readers such as barcode readers and code readers are installed in factories and logistics centers, and symbols are printed or engraved (code printing) on ​​products and other products. The information on the code printing is read by the optical information readers. Such two-dimensional codes are encoded by a two-dimensional code creation device such as a two-dimensional code creation program, optically read by an optical reading device, analyzed, and decoded into the original information before being used.

[0003] Generally, two-dimensional codes are often printed in a low-reflectance color such as black on a white background or a background color with high reflectance. An optical reader reads the outline of each information code, for example, in the case of one-dimensional codes, by the difference in reflectance of a laser irradiated onto the information code, and in the case of two-dimensional codes, by the difference in the reflectance of external light of the two-dimensional code image read by a CCD or the like.

[0004] On the other hand, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for colorizing information codes to increase the amount of information that can be recorded, in order to overcome the limitations on the amount of information that can be recorded in information codes that use only reflectance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-163603 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2001-195536 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, such conventional two-dimensional codes are basically symbols consisting of an array of white or black dots called cells, and so there is basically no way to know what information the two-dimensional code contains. As a result, the code is perceived as a bland symbol or figure, which can be difficult for some users to become accustomed to.

[0007] To avoid this, some methods include writing the information encoded in the two-dimensional code next to the two-dimensional code, for example, below or to the side. However, this method requires space to write the information in addition to the two-dimensional code, which increases the overall size, and depending on the medium on which it is printed, there may not be enough space to display it. In addition, when a character string is written in addition to the two-dimensional code, the character string tends to be much longer than the two-dimensional code itself, which creates a problem of poor visual balance.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve such problems in the conventional art, and one of its objectives is to provide a two-dimensional code that suggests the information contained in the code and makes it easy to understand, an object on which such a code is printed, and a method for creating a two-dimensional code. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The two-dimensional code according to a first aspect of the present invention is a two-dimensional code comprising a data section in which a bit string corresponding to target data is represented as a pattern in which white or black cells, which are the constituent units of a symbol, are arranged in a matrix, and one or more finder patterns arranged separately from the data section, characterized in that a second pattern is displayed in the data section within a range of redundancy that allows data reading by a two-dimensional code reading device, and that the data section is displayed so that black (low luminance color) cells are smaller than white (high luminance color) cells and so that a gap is formed between adjacent black cells.

[0010] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above two-dimensional code, the cells are displayed on the second pattern so as not to overlap at least a portion of the second pattern.

[0011] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above two-dimensional code, the second pattern is displayed in the data portion in the form of a watermark.

[0012] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the above two-dimensional code, at least one of the one or more finder patterns includes a specific pattern within a range of redundancy that allows data reading by a two-dimensional code reading device, and the data portion is encoded information associated with the specific pattern.

[0013] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above two-dimensional code, the specific image includes a symbol mark of an SNS service.

[0014] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above two-dimensional code, the specific design is synthesized in the finder pattern in the form of a watermark.

[0015] Furthermore, a printing object according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is one on which any of the above two-dimensional codes is printed.

[0016] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code creation method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a two-dimensional code creation method using a computer to generate a two-dimensional code having a data section in which a bit string corresponding to target data is represented as a pattern of white or black cells, which are the constituent units of a symbol, arranged in a matrix, and one or more finder patterns arranged separately from the data section, the method including a first step in which an input section of the computer prompts input of target data as information to be included in the two-dimensional code, a second step in which an encoding section of the computer encodes the input target data to generate a two-dimensional code symbol, and a third step in which a creation-side output section of the computer prints the encoded two-dimensional code on an object to be printed, characterized in that in the second step, a second pattern is displayed in the data section within a redundancy range in which data can be read by a two-dimensional code reading device, and a cell pattern is generated so that black (low luminance color) cells are smaller than white (high luminance color) cells and gaps are formed between adjacent black cells.

[0017] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code creation program according to a ninth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as the two-dimensional code creation device described above.

[0018] Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium or a device on which the program is recorded according to the tenth aspect of the present invention stores the program. The recording medium includes a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a flexible disk, a magnetic tape, an MO, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, a Blu-ray, a UHD, a HD DVD (AOD), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, and other media capable of storing a program. The program includes a program that is stored in the recording medium and distributed, as well as a program that is distributed by downloading via a network line such as the Internet. The device on which the program is stored includes a general-purpose or dedicated device on which the program is implemented in an executable state in the form of software or firmware. Furthermore, each process or function included in the program may be executed by a program software executable by a computer, or each process may be realized by hardware such as a predetermined gate array (FPGA, ASIC), or a form in which the program software and a partial hardware module that realizes some elements of the hardware are mixed. Effect of the Invention

[0019] With the above configuration, the user can associate the contents of the encoded information from the picture contained in the data portion, and by adding a picture to a two-dimensional code that is a dry string of dots and whose contents were completely incomprehensible, it is possible to provide a more user-friendly two-dimensional code by facilitating reading by suggesting the contents. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a two-dimensional code creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a two-dimensional code reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a micro QR code according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a micro QR code according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17A is a plan view showing a portion of a two-dimensional code using rectangular cells, FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C is an enlarged view of an example in which the cell size is smaller than that of FIG. 17A. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] Figure 23A is a plan view showing a portion of a two-dimensional code using dot-like cells, Figure 23B is an enlarged view of Figure 23A, and Figure 23C is an enlarged view of a two-dimensional code of embodiment 20 in which the cell size is smaller than that of Figure 23B. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to embodiment 22 of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a micro QR code. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a micro QR code according to embodiment 23 of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a micro QR code according to embodiment 24 of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a two-dimensional code according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below is an example for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following. In addition, this specification never specifies the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiment. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those unless otherwise specified. Note that the size and positional relationship of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the same name and symbol indicate the same or similar members, and detailed explanation will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured as a form in which multiple elements are composed of the same member and one member serves multiple elements, or conversely, the function of one member can be shared by multiple members. [Embodiment 1]

[0022] A two-dimensional code creation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a block diagram in FIG. 1. As shown in this diagram, a creator of a two-dimensional code uses the two-dimensional code creation device 100 to create a two-dimensional code 1 in which target data is encoded. When a user reads the created two-dimensional code 1 with a two-dimensional code reader 200, the target data is decoded and used. The two-dimensional code creation device 100 can be, for example, a computer on which a two-dimensional code creation program is installed, or a two-dimensional code creation device configured with dedicated hardware (for example, a two-dimensional code printer). The two-dimensional code reader 200 can be, for example, a computer on which a two-dimensional code reading program is installed, or an optical information reader configured with dedicated hardware (for example, a handy scanner or a handy terminal). The computer can be a desktop, laptop, or slate personal computer, a workstation, or a tablet or smartphone. [Two-dimensional code creation device 100]

[0023] The two-dimensional code creation device 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes an input device 101, an input unit 102, a creation side calculation unit 110, a display unit 120, and a creation side output unit 103. The input device 101 is a device for inputting desired information, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or voice recognition. The input unit 102 is an input interface for receiving input of target data via the input device 101. A creator of a two-dimensional code inputs target data to be encoded using the input device 101, such as a keyboard. The input target data is input to the creation side calculation unit 110 via the input unit 102.

[0024] The creation side calculation unit 110 realizes the function of the encoding unit 111. The encoding unit 111 encodes the target data input from the input unit 102 to generate a symbol of a two-dimensional code. This creation side calculation unit 110 is a control circuit or control element that processes given signals and data, performs various calculations, and outputs the calculation results. The creation side calculation unit 110 is an element or circuit that performs calculations, and a processor or microcomputer such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, TPU, FPGA, ASIC, or LSI, or a chipset such as an SoC, can be used.

[0025] The two-dimensional code encoded by the encoding unit 111 is output from the creation output unit 103. The creation output unit 103 is an output interface for outputting two-dimensional code data to a two-dimensional code printing device 130, such as a printer or laser processing machine, that prints the two-dimensional code 1 on a printing object WK. (Print)

[0026] In this specification, the printing of a two-dimensional code is used to mean not only printing a two-dimensional code on the surface of an object to be printed with a printing machine such as a printer, but also a method of displaying a two-dimensional code by irradiating a laser beam onto an object to be printed with a laser processing machine and engraving, burning, cutting, or discoloring the object, scribing with a scribing needle, or printing a two-dimensional code with ink using a printer such as a continuous inkjet printer. Thus, the printing of a two-dimensional code can be achieved by engraving, scribing, discoloring the material, or printing with ink.

[0027] The two-dimensional code printed in this manner can be read by the user of the two-dimensional code using a two-dimensional code reader 200 such as their own smartphone, and then decoded to obtain the target data information encoded in the two-dimensional code. [Two-dimensional code reader 200]

[0028] An example of a two-dimensional code reader 200 is shown in the block diagram of Fig. 2. The two-dimensional code reader 200 shown in this figure includes an imaging unit 202, an illumination unit 204, a reading-side calculation unit 210, and a reading-side output unit 206. The imaging unit 202 is a component for capturing an image of the two-dimensional code 1 and acquiring image data, and an image sensor such as a CCD camera or a C-MOS camera can be used. The illumination unit 204 is a component for illuminating the two-dimensional code 1 when it is captured by the imaging unit 202 as necessary. An existing light source such as an LED, an organic EL, or a halogen lamp can be used for the illumination unit 204.

[0029] The reading side calculation unit 210 realizes the functions of a detection unit 211 and a decoding unit 212. The detection unit 211 extracts the two-dimensional code 1 from the image data obtained by the imaging unit 202. A known image extraction algorithm or the like can be used to extract the two-dimensional code from the image. The decoding unit 212 reads and decodes the two-dimensional code extracted by the extraction unit, and restores the target data encoded in the two-dimensional code. Like the creation side calculation unit 110 described above, the reading side calculation unit 210 is also composed of control circuits and control elements that process given signals and data, perform various calculations, and output the calculation results, and a processor or microcomputer such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, TPU, FPGA, ASIC, or LSI, or a chipset such as SoC can be used.

[0030] In this way, the reading-side calculation unit 210 reads the two-dimensional code 1, and the decoded target data is output from the reading-side output unit 206. The reading-side output unit 206 is an output interface, and displays the reading result, for example, on a display provided in the two-dimensional code reading device 200 or an external monitor connected thereto. For example, if the two-dimensional code reading device 200 is a smartphone and the target data of the two-dimensional code is a URL, an internet browser is started, and a jump is made to the homepage specified by the URL obtained as the reading result, and the homepage is displayed. [2D code]

[0031] Next, a two-dimensional code 1A according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown in Fig. 3. The two-dimensional code 1A shown in this figure comprises a data section 2A and a finder pattern 3A. The data section 2A represents a bit string corresponding to the target data as a pattern in which white or black cells, which are the constituent units of the symbol, are arranged in a matrix.

[0032] Types of two-dimensional codes include QR code, micro QR code, tQR, iQR, SQRC (QR code with security function), CP code, Data matrix (Data code), Veri code, Aztec code, PDF417, micro PDF417, Maxi code, GS1 Data Matrix, GS1 Data Bar14, Limited, Stacked, Expanded+Composite, UPC / EAN / GS1-128 / ITF / Codabar, etc. (All are product names or service names, the same applies below.) Two-dimensional codes are classified into stack type and matrix type, and the present invention is applicable to any monochrome binarized two-dimensional code. (cell)

[0033] In this specification, whether a cell constituting a two-dimensional code is white or black is determined by whether the contrast is relatively high or low. In other words, when the brightness of a cell is high, the white of the cell generally means that the cell is blank or colorless. When the brightness of a cell is low, the black of the cell generally means that the cell is filled with a specific color, that is, colored. For example, when a two-dimensional code is expressed in black and white, the white and black of the cell literally mean a white cell and a black cell, respectively. When a two-dimensional code is expressed in color, the white of the cell means that the cell is blank, and the black of the cell means that the cell is colored. The white of the cell also includes the case where the cell is colored with a high brightness color such as white. For example, when the background color is colored (e.g., black) and a two-dimensional code is drawn on it in white, the white of the cell is a region colored in white, and the black of the cell is blank, that is, the color of the background. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity, a cell with a relatively high brightness is called a white cell, and a cell with a low brightness is called a black cell. (Finder Pattern 3)

[0034] The finder pattern 3 of the two-dimensional code 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a specific pattern for detecting the position of the two-dimensional code 1, and is also called a position detection pattern or a cut-out symbol. The direction of the two-dimensional code 1 can be determined by the position of the finder pattern 3. That is, even if the print target WK on which the two-dimensional code 1 is printed is imaged by the two-dimensional code reader 200 in a rotated position, the read-side calculation unit 210 can rotate the finder pattern 3 to a specific position by image processing and process it correctly. For example, when a QR code is used as the two-dimensional code, the QR code is rotated so that the L-shape formed by two sides of a square connecting adjacent corners at three corners where the finder pattern is provided is positioned at the upper left. Also, when a micro QR code is used as the two-dimensional code (such as FIG. 26 described later), the QR code is rotated to a position where the finder pattern is positioned at the upper left.

[0035] The finder pattern 3 is arranged separately from the data section 2. One or more finder patterns may be provided. In the example of FIG. 3, three finder patterns 3A are arranged, but there may be only one finder pattern as shown in FIG. 26, which will be described later. The shape and position of the finder pattern are determined according to the standard of the two-dimensional code used. For example, when a QR code is used as the two-dimensional code, a normal finder pattern is standardized so that the ratio of white cells to black cells on the vertical and horizontal center lines is (1:1:3:1:1).

[0036] In the example of Fig. 3, three finder patterns 3A are arranged at three of the four corners of the two-dimensional code 1A. In the figure, a first finder pattern 3A1 is arranged at the lower left, a second finder pattern 3A2 at the upper left, and a third finder pattern 3A3 at the upper right. (Specific design 4)

[0037] In the two-dimensional code according to the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, at least one finder pattern 3 contains a specific picture 4. The data section 2 is formed by encoding information associated with this specific picture 4. This allows the user to associate the content of the encoded information with the picture contained in the finder pattern, and by adding a picture to a two-dimensional code that is a dull string of dots and whose content was completely incomprehensible, it becomes more familiar and suggests the content, facilitating reading, thereby providing a more user-friendly two-dimensional code.

[0038] For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the first finder pattern 3A1 displays a bird silhouette as a specific image 4A. Meanwhile, the second finder pattern 3A2 and the third finder pattern 3A3 are in the shape of a normal finder pattern according to the two-dimensional code standard. Here, it is assumed that the bird silhouette is a character of a certain website, and the URL of this website is recorded as target data in the data section 2A. This allows a user to recall a specific website from the bird silhouette, so a user who sees a two-dimensional code with a bird silhouette as a finder pattern can infer that it indicates the URL of the website. As a result, a user who wants to access the website can read the two-dimensional code with a smartphone or the like, and access the website, which promotes customer guidance using the two-dimensional code.

[0039] Even if some of the finder patterns are changed from their standard shapes to specific designs in this way, redundancy is ensured in the QR Code standard, so information is corrected and supplemented using other finder patterns, alignment patterns, quiet zones, timing cells, error correction functions, etc. included in the QR Code, making it possible to read the code within the range of redundancy. [Embodiment 2]

[0040] The specific pattern may be, for example, a brand mark of a specific product, a silhouette of the product itself, or a photo of the product. Furthermore, the specific pattern is not limited to a figure, but may be a number, a letter, or a character string. For example, in the two-dimensional code 1B according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, "m" is displayed as the specific pattern 4B.

[0041] Preferably, the specific design includes the symbol mark of the SNS service. By making the specific design the symbol mark of a known SNS service, users can easily guess that it is a link to the SNS, making it easier to guide users to the SNS, and by encouraging users to send information via their own SNS, it is expected that the effect of widely appealing the printed object with the two-dimensional code can be expected.

[0042] Examples of symbol marks include those of known SNSs such as Twitter, LINE, Instagram, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Hatena (all of which are product or service names, the same applies below). These symbol marks are expressed as figures, character strings, or combinations of these. As an example, the symbol mark of Twitter is expressed as a silhouette of a small bird. In particular, if the symbol mark is a well-known or well-known SNS, users can recall the specific SNS by looking at the symbol mark, and therefore, by looking at a two-dimensional code that includes this symbol mark as a finder pattern, the user can easily recall that the two-dimensional code is link information to the SNS indicated by the symbol mark. In other words, the content of the two-dimensional code can be inferred using the symbol mark as a clue, and the use of the two-dimensional code can be promoted for users who wish to access the SNS. In particular, the finder pattern is generally arranged in the corner of the two-dimensional code and is expressed larger than a normal cell. For example, in the case of a QR code, the finder pattern is 7 times larger in height and 7 times larger in width than the cell, and is displayed at about 50 times the size of the cell, making it easy to see. In addition, since the finder pattern is arranged in the corner, it is relatively noticeable.

[0043] The specific pattern may be colored in a color different from the color of the data portion. This allows the specific pattern depicted in the finder pattern to be displayed in a more noticeable manner. In particular, since the data portion of a two-dimensional code is generally in monotone, such as black and white, coloring the specific pattern in a different color makes it easier to attract attention by having a single colored portion in a monotone.

[0044] Furthermore, a specific image may be displayed in color. For example, since the Twitter symbol is displayed in light blue, the Twitter symbol displayed within the frame of the finder pattern is also displayed in white on a light blue background. Since other SNSs are also colored in their own colors, they can be similarly colored in the color of the symbol of each SNS. Coloring may be done in one color or multiple colors. [Embodiment 3]

[0045] In addition, which of the multiple finder patterns is to be the specific pattern (SNS symbol mark) can be set arbitrarily. For example, in the example of the QR code shown in Fig. 3, a specific pattern 4A is displayed in the first finder pattern 3A1 arranged at the bottom left. Not limited to this, in the two-dimensional code 1C according to the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the first finder pattern 3C1 displaying a specific pattern 4C may be arranged at the upper left corner of the square of the two-dimensional code 1C. In this example, the second finder pattern 3C2 of a standardized shape is arranged at the lower right corner, and the third finder pattern 3C3 of a similarly standardized shape is arranged at the upper right corner. [Embodiment 4]

[0046] Alternatively, in a two-dimensional code 1D according to embodiment 4, a first finder pattern 3D1 displaying a specific design 4D may be placed in the upper right corner of a square of the two-dimensional code 1D as shown in Fig. 6. In this example, a second finder pattern 3D2 having a standardized shape is placed in the lower left corner, and a third finder pattern 3D3 also having a standardized shape is placed in the upper left corner. [Embodiment 5]

[0047] Furthermore, the finder pattern including the specific pattern may be not only one but also multiple. For example, in the two-dimensional code 1E according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the first finder pattern 3E1 displaying the specific pattern is arranged in the lower left corner of the square of the two-dimensional code 1E as in the first embodiment, while the third finder pattern 3E3 arranged in the upper right corner also displays the specific pattern. The second finder pattern 3E2 arranged in the lower left corner has a standardized shape as a normal finder pattern. In this way, by increasing the number of specific patterns, the two-dimensional code becomes more noticeable, and the appeal to users is enhanced. [Embodiment 6]

[0048] Furthermore, a specific pattern can be combined with a finder pattern in a watermark-like manner. Such an example is shown in FIG. 8. In the two-dimensional code 1A' according to the sixth embodiment shown in this figure, a bird silhouette is superimposed as a specific pattern 4A' on a normal finder pattern 3A'. In this case, instead of simply superimposing the normal finder pattern 3A' and the specific pattern 4A', the density is reduced and they are combined in a watermark-like manner, so that the original information (normal finder pattern 3A' in this example) is maintained while another pattern (bird silhouette in this example) is added within the range of redundancy, making it look better. The redundancy varies depending on the reflectance and contrast of the cells. Therefore, when creating a two-dimensional code using a two-dimensional code creation device or a two-dimensional code creation program, the contrast difference between the objects to be superimposed (here, the normal finder pattern and the bird silhouette as the specific pattern) is adjusted.

[0049] It also provides a deterrent effect against information crimes and provides safety by visually confirming the user's access destination by clearly displaying the visual destination. In particular, in recent years, electronic payments using QR codes have become widespread, and since normal QR codes are relatively easy to counterfeit, theft gangs using counterfeit QR codes have become a problem in China, for example. For example, in the case of a monochrome mosaic pattern QR code, it is impossible to distinguish the authenticity of the QR code display alone unless a correct QR code and a counterfeit QR code are compared at the same time. In contrast, in the case of a QR code that displays a colorized image including a fundamental pattern, the image display associates the information content with the image, making it possible to clearly distinguish the information from the counterfeit and adding a security effect function, thereby increasing the resistance to such counterfeiting. For example, the technology of Patent No. 6221162, which is a prior invention of the present applicant, can be applied. In addition, multiple QR codes may be displayed on the same surface, providing the user with accurate identification of the information content. [Embodiment 7]

[0050] Furthermore, this type of watermark synthesis can be performed not only in the finder pattern but also in the data section. For example, in the two-dimensional code 1A" according to embodiment 7 shown in FIG. 9, a specific image 4A" of a bird silhouette is depicted large and extends beyond the finder pattern area into the data section and margin area. This type of watermark synthesis can also be performed within the set redundancy range, further increasing the freedom of display of the two-dimensional code. [Embodiment 8] (Second picture 5)

[0051] The data section may also include a second pattern 5. Such an example is shown in FIG. 10 as a two-dimensional code 1F according to the eighth embodiment. The second pattern 5 included in the data section 2F may be any shape, such as a full view of a character, a character's face, a part of the upper body, a landscape, or text. For example, in FIG. 10, an illustrated face is displayed as the second pattern 5. A photograph of a face may also be used as the second pattern. [Embodiment 9]

[0052] Furthermore, in a two-dimensional code 1G according to a ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a landscape is displayed as a second design 5G. [Embodiment 10]

[0053] Furthermore, in the examples of Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the cells are not displayed on the second pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as in the two-dimensional code 1H according to the tenth embodiment shown in Fig. 12, a cell pattern may be displayed superimposed on the second pattern 5H. This method ensures redundancy by including information in the second pattern, and allows a larger second pattern to be displayed. However, if the cell pattern is superimposed on the second pattern, the original appearance of the second pattern is not expressed and is damaged, so that the second patterns 5, 5G are preferably displayed without overlapping the cells, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. In particular, when a character is displayed as the second pattern, the character's face can be displayed beautifully by not overlapping the cells at least on the character's face.

[0054] The specific image and the second image are both set within the redundancy range of the two-dimensional code. In the example of FIG. 12, the second image 5H is displayed overlapping the data section, but the second image may also be displayed in a watermark-like manner in the data section. When watermarking is performed, unlike when the second image is simply displayed in the data section, the accuracy of reading varies depending on the contrast difference between the cells constituting the data section and the second image, so that when the two-dimensional code is created, it is necessary to perform a calculation so that the redundancy is within the set range. In other words, a two-dimensional code in which watermarking is performed in the data section or finder pattern cannot be generated so as to be within the redundancy range using a normal two-dimensional code creation device or two-dimensional code creation program. In other words, since a user cannot easily create a two-dimensional code in which watermarking is performed, it is difficult to counterfeit or copy the two-dimensional code. In other words, from the perspective of a service provider that provides a two-dimensional code service to users, watermarking can reduce the risk of a third party falsifying or replacing the QR code, and has the advantage of improving the reliability of the service provided to users. [Embodiment 11]

[0055] In the above example, an example was described in which a QR code was used as the two-dimensional code, but the present invention does not limit the two-dimensional code to a QR code, and other two-dimensional codes can be used. As an example, an example using a micro QR code is shown in Fig. 13 as a two-dimensional code 1I according to an eleventh embodiment. As shown in this figure, the micro QR code has one finder pattern, and the silhouette of a bird is displayed as a specific design on this finder pattern. [Embodiment 12]

[0056] As described above, the specific image in the micro QR code can be a silhouette or photo of a product, or numbers, letters, or character strings. For example, in the two-dimensional code 1J according to the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, an example is shown in which "m" is displayed as the specific image 4J. Furthermore, as described above, the specific image can be made to correspond to the target data encoded in the code portion of the micro QR code. Preferably, a symbol mark of an SNS is used as the specific image to be displayed in the finder pattern of the micro QR code, and the URL of this SNS is encoded as the target data in the code portion.

[0057] In addition, in such micro QR codes, the second design 5 may be added to the data section 2 as described above. Such examples are shown in Figures 15 to 16 as embodiments 13 to 14. The micro QR codes 1S and 1T according to embodiments 13 to 14 shown in these figures correspond to the micro QR codes 1I and 1J shown in Figures 13 to 14, and have the second design 5 added to the data sections 2S and 2T, respectively.

[0058] Even if the unique finder pattern in a Micro QR Code is changed from the standard shape to a specific design, the information is corrected and complemented using other information contained in the Micro QR Code, such as the alignment pattern, quiet zone, timing cell, error correction function, etc., so reading is possible within the range of redundancy. [Embodiment 15]

[0059] Furthermore, in the data section constituting the two-dimensional code, black cells can be displayed smaller than white cells. This is shown in Figs. 17A to 17C. In Fig. 17A, a QR code is used as the two-dimensional code 1. As shown in this figure, in a general QR code, the cells constituting the data section 2 are the smallest units partitioned in a matrix that form a pattern for printing the QR code. Each cell expresses two bits. Generally, as shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 17B, a black cell NC(0) is expressed by filling any cell with black, and a white cell PC(1) is expressed by a blank white color. In the example of Fig. 17B, each cell is a square with a side length of d1, but it may be a rectangular shape such as a rectangle, or a polygonal shape, a circle, or an ellipse (details will be described later).

[0060] In contrast, in the two-dimensional code 1K according to the fifteenth embodiment, the black cells NCK are printed small, as shown in Fig. 17C and Fig. 18. Here, the length d2 of one side of the black cells NCK is made smaller than the original d1, so that a space is provided between adjacent cells, and as a result, the area of ​​the black portion is reduced and relatively lightened, thereby reducing the overall contrast. [Embodiment 16]

[0061] As described above, the black cells can also be made smaller in a two-dimensional code that displays a second image in the data section. For example, a two-dimensional code 1L according to the sixteenth embodiment is shown in Fig. 19. In this way, when a second image 5 such as a face is displayed, the face in the second image 5 becomes relatively easier to stand out by making the black cells smaller and weakening the dot effect, and a symbol with a soft impression that does not feel like an artificial QR code can be produced. [Embodiment 17]

[0062] Furthermore, the above-mentioned aspect of including a specific design 4 in the finder pattern 3 may be combined with the aspect of making the black cells smaller. For example, FIG. 20 shows a two-dimensional code 1Q according to the seventeenth embodiment in which the black cells are made smaller in the two-dimensional code 1B according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 20, the data sections 2B and 2Q encode the same target data, but FIG. 20 has a smaller black cell than FIG. 4, and the total area of ​​the black part is smaller, making the two-dimensional code easier to read with a weaker contrast. Even if the cells are printed small in this way, the QR code can be read correctly due to the redundancy guaranteed by the QR code standard. The redundancy of the QR code is specified in advance when the QR code is generated. In general, an error correction code (Reed-Solomon code) can be added in a two-dimensional code generation device or a two-dimensional code generation program. In the QR code standard, the error correction level can be set to four levels, L, M, Q, and H, and the code can be restored even if there is damage or loss of 7%, 15%, 25%, and 30% of the area ratio to the symbol, respectively. The restoration can be maintained by setting the error correction level according to the degree to which the black cells are reduced. Here, it is preferable to set the error correction level higher as the black cells are reduced. [Embodiment 18]

[0063] Furthermore, in a two-dimensional code in which black cells are made smaller, when a specific pattern 4 is included in a finder pattern 3, the specific pattern may be synthesized in a watermark-like manner with the finder pattern. Such an example is shown in FIG. 21 as a two-dimensional code 1K' according to the eighteenth embodiment. In the two-dimensional code 1K' according to the eighteenth embodiment shown in this figure, when a bird silhouette is superimposed as a specific pattern 4A' on a normal finder pattern 3A', the density is reduced and the pattern is synthesized in a watermark-like manner. As described above, when synthesizing a specific pattern 4A' with a normal finder pattern 3A', the density is set within the range of redundancy when adjusting the respective densities to overlap. In particular, since the black cells must be made smaller within the range of redundancy, when combining watermark synthesis and reduction of black cells, the two-dimensional code is generated by a two-dimensional code creation device or the like so as not to exceed the range of redundancy after adding the two together. [Embodiment 19]

[0064] Furthermore, as mentioned above, watermark synthesis using such finder patterns may extend beyond the finder pattern. For example, in the two-dimensional code 1K" of embodiment 19 shown in FIG. 22, a specific image 4A" of a bird silhouette is depicted large and extends beyond the finder pattern area into the data section and margin area. This type of watermark synthesis can also be performed within the set redundancy range, further increasing the freedom of display of the two-dimensional code. [Embodiment 20]

[0065] Furthermore, in the above example, an example of a QR code in which the cells are square-shaped has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the cells may be polygonal, such as octagonal, or dot-shaped, such as circular or elliptical, as described above. Such an example is shown in Figs. 23A to 23C as a two-dimensional code 1M according to embodiment 20. In this example, a QR code in which the cells (white cells PC' and black cells NC') are in the form of circular dots, as shown in Fig. 23A, is shown. In normal printing, the black cells NC' are printed in a circular shape with a diameter d3, as shown in Fig. 23B. In contrast, in the two-dimensional code 1M according to embodiment 13, the diameter of the black cells NCM is d4, which is smaller than the original d3, as shown in Fig. 23C.

[0066] By making the black cells relatively smaller than the white cells in this way, the area of ​​black in the data section is reduced, allowing the two-dimensional code to be displayed with an overall impression of weaker contrast.

[0067] Conversely, black cells can be enlarged more than white cells. This can be used in applications where you want to create a two-dimensional code with intentionally strong contrast. By utilizing the fact that the square granular cells that are the information components of the QR code have redundancy when reading, you can adjust and combine areas of strong and weak contrast by shrinking or enlarging each cell, and you can display color images, especially the second pattern, more accurately. [Embodiment 21]

[0068] Furthermore, this method of reducing or enlarging the black cells of the two-dimensional code may be combined with the above-mentioned method of using a specific design for the finder pattern. Such an example is shown in FIG. 24 as a two-dimensional code 1N according to the twenty-first embodiment. [Embodiment 22]

[0069] In the above example, a method for reducing or enlarging black cells of a QR code as a two-dimensional code has been described, but as mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to two-dimensional codes being QR codes, and may be applied to other two-dimensional codes. As an example, an example in which the present invention is applied to a micro QR code is shown in FIG. 25 as a two-dimensional code 1O according to the twenty-second embodiment. This two-dimensional code 1O encodes the same information as the micro QR code 1R shown in FIG. 26.

[0070] Also, in micro QR codes, a mode in which a specific design 4 is used in the finder pattern 3 described above may be added to the mode in which the black cells of such a two-dimensional code are reduced or enlarged. Such examples are shown in Figs. 27 and 28 as micro QR codes 1U and 1V according to embodiments 23 and 24. The micro QR codes 1U and 1V shown in these figures use a specific design 4 as the finder pattern 3 in the micro QR codes 1I and 1J of Figs. 13 and 14 described above. The micro QR code 1U in Fig. 27 displays a bird silhouette as the specific design 4, and the micro QR code 1V in Fig. 28 displays the letter "m" as the specific design 4. [Embodiment 25]

[0071] In addition, in the case of a micro QR code, the second design 5 may be superimposed on the black cells of the two-dimensional code by reducing or enlarging them. Such an example is shown in FIG. 29 as a QR code according to a twenty-fifth embodiment. [Embodiment 26]

[0072] Similarly, in the case of a micro QR code, the method of reducing or enlarging the black cells of the two-dimensional code may be combined with the method of using a specific pattern in the finder pattern described above. Such an example is shown in Fig. 30 as a two-dimensional code 1P according to embodiment 26. As shown in this figure, the specific pattern included in the finder pattern reminds the user of the information in the data section, while the second pattern 5 superimposed on the data section can be expressed with adjusted contrast, softening the impression of the two-dimensional code and creating an environment that is more easily accepted by users. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The above two-dimensional codes and the objects on which they are printed can be suitably used as symbols displayed on printed matter such as posters and magazines, tickets for public transportation and admission tickets to facilities, tickets for events such as concerts, codes used for electronic payments, codes for traceability attached to products and product packages, student ID cards and textbooks, railway platform door control, etc. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code creation device, the two-dimensional code reading device, the two-dimensional code creation method, the two-dimensional code reading method, the two-dimensional code creation program, the two-dimensional code reading program, and computer-readable recording media and devices on which they are recorded can be used in handheld terminals and handheld scanners used to read printed matter on which such two-dimensional codes are printed or engraved, or in smartphones with a two-dimensional code reading app installed, or in stationary scanners installed on the transport route of goods at factories and distribution centers where goods, articles, and products are manufactured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100...Two-dimensional code creation device 101...Input device 102...Input section 103... Creator output section 110... Creation side calculation unit 111...encoding section 120…Display section 130...2D code printing device 200...2D code reader 202...imaging unit 204…Lighting section 206...Reading side output unit 210...Read side calculation unit 211…Detection unit 212…Decoding section 1, 1A, 1A', 1A”1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K, 1K'1K”, 1L, 1M, 1N, 1O, 1P, 1Q…2D code 1R, 1S, 1T, 1U, 1V...Micro QR Code 2, 2A, 2B, 2F, 2K, 2Q, 2S, 2T...Data section 3, 3A, 3A'...Finder pattern 3A1, 3C1, 3D1, 3E1...First finder pattern 3A2, 3C2, 3D2, 3E2...Second finder pattern 3A3, 3C3, 3D3, 3E3...Third finder pattern 4, 4A, 4A', 4A”, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4J…specific patterns 5, 5G, 5H…Second pattern WK: Printing target NC, NC', NCK, NCM...black cell PC, PC': White cells

Claims

1. A two-dimensional code comprising: a data section expressing a bit string corresponding to target data as a pattern in which white or black cells, which are constituent units of a symbol, are arranged in a matrix; and one or more finder patterns arranged separately from the data section, The data section displays a second pattern within a redundancy range that allows data reading by a two-dimensional code reader, and is displayed such that black (low-luminance color) cells are smaller than white (high-luminance color) cells and a gap is formed between each adjacent black cell. A two-dimensional code characterized by the above.

2. The cell is displayed on the second pattern so as not to overlap at least a part of the second pattern.

2. The two-dimensional code according to claim 1 .

3. The second image is displayed in the data portion as a watermark.

3. The two-dimensional code according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least one of the one or more finder patterns includes a specific pattern within a redundancy range that allows data reading by a two-dimensional code reading device, The data portion encodes information associated with the particular image.

4. The two-dimensional code according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is a code for displaying a plurality of images.

5. The specific image includes a symbol mark of an SNS service.

5. The two-dimensional code according to claim 4.

6. The specific image is synthesized in the finder pattern in a watermark-like manner.

6. The two-dimensional code according to claim 4 or 5.

7. A printing object having the two-dimensional code according to any one of claims 1 to 6 printed thereon.

8. A two-dimensional code creation method for generating a two-dimensional code using a computer, the two-dimensional code including a data section in which a bit string corresponding to target data is expressed as a pattern in which white or black cells, which are constituent units of a symbol, are arranged in a matrix, and one or more finder patterns arranged separately from the data section, A first step in which an input unit of a computer prompts input of target data as information to be included in a two-dimensional code; a second step in which an encoding unit of a computer encodes the input target data to generate a two-dimensional code symbol; A third step in which the creation side output unit of the computer prints the encoded two-dimensional code on a printing object, In the second step, a second pattern is displayed in the data section within a redundancy range that allows data to be read by a two-dimensional code reader, and a cell pattern is generated such that black (low-luminance color) cells are smaller than white (high-luminance color) cells and gaps are formed between adjacent black cells. A method for creating a two-dimensional code.

Images