Information code, information code generation device, and information code generation program

Abstract

To provide an information code having high convenience in reading.SOLUTION: In an information code CD, a public code CP and a secret code CH are superimposed and recorded in a common two-dimensional area by arranging cells WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC encoding at least one of a first symbol and a second symbol. The information code CD displays a cell in which a first symbol is encoded by both the codes CP and CH in black, displays a cell in which a second symbol is embedded by both the codes CP and CH in white, displays the cell RDC in which the first symbol is embedded by the public code CP and the second symbol is embedded by the secret code CH in red, and displays a cell in which the second symbol is embedded by the public code CP and the first symbol is embedded by the secret code CH in cyan so as to be recognized by a reader with higher luminance than the display in red under white light and recognized by the reader with lower luminance than the display in red under red light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to a technique for realizing a highly convenient information code. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information code that is capable of storing a large amount of information by using ink with different color wavelengths and magnetic properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-101436 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While the information code of Patent Document 1 allows for a large amount of stored information, it does not take into consideration recording multiple types of information in the same area by superimposing them on each other, and so there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.

[0005] One of the objects of the disclosure of this specification is to provide an information code, an information code generating device, and an information code generating program that are highly convenient in reading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment disclosed herein is an information code that is decoded according to the brightness recognized by a reader (2, 13), A first code (CP, CPb, CPm) indicating the first information and a second code (CH, CHb, CHm) indicating the second information are superimposed and recorded in a common two-dimensional area by arranging cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) that encode at least one of the first symbol and the second symbol with the first code and the second code, respectively; A cell (BLC) in which a first symbol is encoded by a first code and in which the first symbol is encoded by a second code is displayed in a first color that is black through a binarization process; A cell (WHC) in which a second symbol is encoded by the first code and a second symbol is encoded by the second code is displayed in a second color, which is white by a binarization process; a cell (RDC) in which a first symbol is encoded by a first code and a second symbol is encoded by a second code is displayed in a first auxiliary color; A cell (CYC) in which a second symbol is encoded in the first code and in which the first symbol is encoded in the second code is displayed in a second supplementary color that is recognized by a reader with higher brightness under white light than when displayed in the first supplementary color and that is recognized by a reader with lower brightness under the first supplementary color light than when displayed in the first supplementary color.

[0007] Another disclosed aspect is an information code generating device that includes at least one processor (1a, 31) and generates an information code that is readable by a reader (2, 13) by performing a binarization process on luminance, At least one processor An information code is generated by superimposing and recording a public code (CP, CPb, CPm) representing public information by arranging a plurality of cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) in which either a first symbol or a second symbol that can be distinguished by a binarization process is embedded, and a concealment code (CH, CHb, CHm) representing concealment information by arranging a plurality of cells in which either the first symbol or the second symbol is embedded, in a common two-dimensional area; The at least one processor, in generating the information code, Set the cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is embedded in the public code and the first symbol is embedded in the confidential code to be displayed in black, The cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and the second symbol is embedded in the confidential code is set to be displayed in white. A cell (RDC) in which a first symbol is embedded in the public code and a second symbol is embedded in the private code is set to be displayed in the first auxiliary color, A cell (CYC) in which a second symbol is embedded in the public code and a first symbol is embedded in the private code is set to be displayed in a second supplementary color that is recognized by a reader with higher brightness under white light than when displayed in the first supplementary color and that is recognized by a reader with lower brightness under the first supplementary color light than when displayed in the first supplementary color.

[0008] Another disclosed aspect is an information code generation program for generating an information code that is configured to be readable by a reader (2, 13) by performing a binarization process on luminance, the program comprising: At least one processor (1a, 31) The information code is configured to generate an information code in which a public code (CP, CPb, CPm) representing public information is superimposed and recorded in a common two-dimensional area by arranging a plurality of cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) in which either a first symbol or a second symbol that can be distinguished by a binarization process is embedded, and a concealment code (CH, CHb, CHm) representing concealment information is superimposed and recorded in a common two-dimensional area by arranging a plurality of cells in which either the first symbol or the second symbol is embedded, In generating the information code, A cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the first symbol is embedded in the private code is set to be displayed in black, The cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and the second symbol is embedded in the private code is set to be displayed in white. A cell (RDC) in which a first symbol is embedded in a public code and a second symbol is embedded in a private code is set to be displayed in the first auxiliary color, The cell (CYC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and the first symbol is embedded in the secret code is configured to be set to be displayed in a second supplementary color that is recognized by a reader with a higher brightness under white light than the display in the first supplementary color and that is recognized by a reader with a lower brightness under the first supplementary color light than the display in the first supplementary color.

[0009] According to these aspects, the second auxiliary color can be recognized by a reader with higher brightness under white light than the display of the first auxiliary color. Therefore, when a reader reads an information code under white light without using, for example, an optical filter, the brightness threshold in the binarization process can be set between the first auxiliary color and the second auxiliary color. Furthermore, cells of the first color and cells of the first auxiliary color that can be recognized as black can be recognized as recording a first symbol, and cells of the second color and cells of the second auxiliary color that can be recognized as white can be recognized as recording a second symbol. That is, the information code is substantially read as a first code (or, for example, a code for disclosure).

[0010] On the other hand, the second auxiliary color can be recognized by a reader with lower luminance under the first auxiliary color light than the display of the first auxiliary color. Therefore, when a reader reads an information code under the first auxiliary color light or through an optical filter that reproduces the first auxiliary color light, the roles of the first auxiliary color and the second auxiliary color are reversed. In detail, the cells of the first color that can be recognized as black and the cells of the second auxiliary color can be recognized as recording the first symbol, and the cells of the second color that can be recognized as white and the cells of the first auxiliary color can be recognized as recording the second symbol. That is, the information code is substantially read as a second code (or, for example, a concealment code).

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the need to prepare completely separate readers for reading the first code (or, for example, a public code) and the second code (or, for example, a secret code) to be read, which are recorded by superimposing them on a common two-dimensional area, and to select the code by, for example, the presence or absence of an optical filter. Therefore, the convenience of reading can be dramatically improved.

[0012] In addition, the symbols in parentheses included in the claims, etc., are intended to exemplify the corresponding relationship with parts of the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a public code, a secret code, and a combined information code. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a code generating device and a code reader. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a code generation process. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a graph showing an example of luminance distribution without an optical filter. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of a white cell under application of a red color filter. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of a black cell under application of a red color filter. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of a red cell under application of a red color filter. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of a cyan cell under a red color filter. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of an information code when a red color filter is applied. [Figure 11] 13 is a graph showing an example of luminance distribution when a red color filter is applied. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining recognition of white cells when a green color filter is applied; [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining recognition of black cells when a green color filter is applied. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of a red cell under application of a green color filter. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining recognition of a cyan cell under a green color filter. [Figure 16] 13 is a graph showing an example of luminance distribution when a green color filter is applied. [Figure 17] A diagram showing the traceability system together with the distribution management system. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a public code, a secret code, and a combined information code. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a public code, a secret code, and a combined information code. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, by assigning the same reference numerals to corresponding components in each embodiment, duplicated descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configuration of the other embodiment described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. In addition to the combination of configurations explicitly stated in the description of each embodiment, configurations of multiple embodiments can be partially combined together even if not explicitly stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0015] (First embodiment) As shown in Fig. 1, the information code CD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is generated by a process of synthesizing two two-dimensional codes. The information code CD stores two two-dimensional codes superimposed on a common two-dimensional area. The two-dimensional code that is the source of the information code CD is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), and records information by a two-dimensional array of multiple cells. The information code CD may be an image display object displayed on an electronic display device such as a display 1d.

[0016] The information code CD is generated by the code generating device 1 shown in Fig. 2 by combining the public code CP and the secret code CH. When the information code CD is read using a normal code reader 2 and reading method, the information code CD is recognized as the public code CP. In this case, information recorded in the public code CP (hereinafter, public information) is read out. On the other hand, the secret code CH can be read by reading the information code CD with the code reader 2 through a predetermined optical filter 23. In this case, information recorded in the secret code CH (hereinafter, secret information) is read out.

[0017] For example, the information code CD may be used in a retail store or restaurant by displaying it on a product price plate, menu, etc. In this case, the public information that the customer can read using a normal reading method without using the optical filter 23 on his / her smartphone or the like may be information useful to the customer, such as the address of a web page that describes the product's functions, menu details, etc. On the other hand, the confidential information may be information useful to the retail store or restaurant, such as information on the product manager, inventory information, ordering information, etc.

[0018] The code reader 2 is a reading device that reads either public information or secret information by reading the information code CD. The code reader 2 may be a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or a dedicated terminal such as a handheld terminal used in logistics, retail, or manufacturing. In this case, the code reader 2 includes a sensor 2a, a processor 2b, a RAM 2c, and a display 2d. The sensor 2a may be an imaging sensor formed by arranging CCD elements that detect light in a two-dimensional manner. The imaging sensor is capable of reading information recorded in a two-dimensional area in a planar manner with high resolution.

[0019] The processor 2b includes at least one type of core among, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)-CPU. The processor 2b decodes the read signal of the imaging sensor according to a predetermined rule by a code reading process, and obtains the public information or the secret information recorded in the information code CD. The processor 2b may display the obtained information on the display 2d, may store it in an internal storage medium, or may transmit it to an external device.

[0020] The code reader 2 decodes the information code CD according to the luminance. The code reader 2 performs binarization processing on the two-dimensional area detected by the sensor 2a based on the luminance threshold LT to read the information code CD. That is, an area where a luminance higher than the luminance threshold LT is detected can be recognized as substantially white. An area where a luminance lower than the luminance threshold LT is detected can be recognized as substantially black. The luminance threshold TL can be, for example, the average luminance of the two-dimensional area where the information code CD is displayed.

[0021] Furthermore, the code reader 2 may include an optical filter unit 3 for switching the information to be read between the public code CP and the concealment code CH. The optical filter unit 3 may be attached to the exterior of the sensor 3a and may be configured to be able to switch between the exposed information and the filter applied state by a switch, a lever, or the like. The exposed state is a state in which the sensor 3a is optically exposed to the outside (i.e., a state without the optical filter 23). The filter applied state is a state in which the sensor 3a detects light through the optical filter 23. On the other hand, the code reader 2 may not include the optical filter unit 3. The optical filter 23 may be prepared separately from the code reader 2.

[0022] The code generating device 1 is a generating device that generates an information code CD. The code generating device 1 may be, for example, a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a personal computer, or a business computer used in logistics, retail, or manufacturing. The code generating device 1 is mainly configured as a computer including a processor 1a, a RAM 1b, a storage unit 1c, an input / output interface, and a bus connecting these. The processor 1a is hardware for arithmetic processing coupled with the RAM 1b. The processor 1a includes at least one type of core, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a reduced instruction set computer (RISC)-CPU. The processor 1a accesses the RAM 1b to execute various processes related to the information code CD. The storage unit 1c stores an information code generating program for causing the processor 1a to execute the information code generating method according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Here, the information code CD and a method for generating the information code CD will be described in detail. An example of a method for generating the information code CD is shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3. The code generation process shown in S11 to S16 of Fig. 3 is realized by the processor 1a of the code generation device 1 executing an information code generation program.

[0024] In S11, the code generation device 1 prepares public information. The public information may be information input or selected by a user who operates the code generation device 1. The public information may be information acquired from an external device communicatively connected to the code generation device 1. After the processing of S11, the process proceeds to S12.

[0025] In S12, the code generation device 1 generates a public code CP based on the public information. The public code CP is a QR code expressed by a two-dimensional array of cells of two colors, for example, white cells WHC and black cells BLC. In the two-dimensional array of cells of two colors, it may be assumed that the white cells WHC are converted to 0 and the black cells BLC are converted to 1. In other words, the white cells WHC may be obtained by encoding 0 in the form of a cell, and the black cells BLC may be obtained by encoding 1 in the form of a cell. After the processing of S12, the process proceeds to S13.

[0026] In S13, the code generation device 1 prepares secret information. The secret information may be information input or selected by a user who operates the code generation device 1. The secret information may be information acquired from an external device communicatively connected to the code generation device 1. After the process of S13, the process proceeds to S14.

[0027] In S14, the code generating device 1 generates a confidentiality code CH based on the confidential information. The confidentiality code CH is a QR code expressed by a two-dimensional array of two color cells, for example, white cells WHC and black cells BLC. The version of the confidentiality code CH is preferably the same as that of the public code CP, but may be different. The version indicates the size of the code, and the larger the version value, the larger the code size. After processing S14, proceed to S15.

[0028] In S15, the code generating device 1 combines the public code CP and the confidentiality code CH. That is, the public code CP and the confidentiality code CH are stored in a common two-dimensional area in a superimposed manner as an information code CD. After the process of S15, the process proceeds to S16.

[0029] In S16, the code generating device 1 issues the information code CD after the synthesis. The term "issuing" here may mean displaying the information code CD on a display 1d attached to the code generating device 1. The term "issuing" may also mean transmitting the information code CD to an external display 1d on which the information code CD is to be displayed or to a computer that controls the display 1d. The series of processes ends with S16.

[0030] Here, the composition process of S15 and the reading of the composed information code CD will be described in more detail. The color of each cell of the composed information code CD is mechanically determined according to a composition rule set in advance. The composition rule is, for example, the rule shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] According to the composition rule in Fig. 4, when the public code CP is a black cell BLC and the concealment code CH is a black cell BLC in the cells superimposed on each other, the information code CD after composition becomes a black cell BLC. When the public code CP is a white cell WHC and the concealment code CH is a white cell WHC in the cells superimposed on each other, the information code CD after composition becomes a white cell WHC. When the public code CP is a black cell BLC and the concealment code CH is a white cell WHC in the cells superimposed on each other, the information code CD after composition becomes a red cell RDC. When the public code CP is a white cell WHC and the concealment code CH is a black cell BLC in the cells superimposed on each other, the information code CD after composition becomes a cyan cell CYC.

[0032] This synthesis rule is set on the premise that the optical filter 23 used in reading is a red color filter 23a. The red color filter 23a is a long-pass filter having wavelength selectivity configured to transmit almost all red light of 620 to 750 nm and block green light and blue light having shorter wavelengths. The red color filter 23a may be a band-pass filter configured to transmit only red light of 620 to 750 nm.

[0033] The additional colors added in the composition rules, namely red and cyan, are selected so that when the code reader 2 executes the above-mentioned binarization process as the normal reading method, the judgment results are reversed depending on whether or not the red color filter 23a is present.

[0034] 5 shows the luminance distribution and luminance threshold LT of the information code CD by each cell when, for example, there is no red color filter 23a, that is, when reading the information code CD under white light. The luminance under white light can be perceived to be gradually higher in the order of the black cell BLC, the red cell RDC, the cyan cell CYC, and the white cell WHC. That is, the luminance under white light can be perceived to be gradually higher in the order of the luminance LB corresponding to black, the luminance LR corresponding to red, the luminance LC corresponding to cyan, and the luminance LW corresponding to white. Also, the luminance difference between the red cell RDC and the cyan cell CYC is greater than the luminance difference between the black cell BLC and the red cell RDC and the luminance difference between the cyan cell CYC and the white cell WHC. Conversely, the combination of additional colors (also called auxiliary colors) is set so that such a relationship is established.

[0035] Then, the luminance threshold TL based on the average luminance of the two-dimensional region is determined between the luminance LR corresponding to red and the luminance LC corresponding to cyan. That is, in reading without the red color filter 23a, the red cell RDC is recognized as the black cell BLC, and the cyan cell CYC is recognized as the white cell WHC. Based on the composition rule of FIG. 3, the black cell BLC and the red cell RDC of the information code CD correspond to the black cell BLC of the public code CP. The white cell WHC and the cyan cell CYC of the information code CD correspond to the white cell WHC of the public code CP. Therefore, when the code reader 2 reads the information code CD in a sensor exposure state without the red color filter 23a, it can obtain substantially the same result as reading the public code CP having a two-color configuration of the white cell WHC and the black cell BLC.

[0036] Next, reading in a filter applied state will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 11. Figs. 6 to 9 explain what color the cell is recognized as by the code reader 2 when white light is reflected by four color cells and then transmitted through the red color filter 23a. The white light in this embodiment is also called natural light, and may be, for example, sunlight.

[0037] When the information code CD is displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal display 1d, it is sufficient to assume that white light is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel instead of being reflected, and the recognized color of the cell can be understood on substantially the same principle. Moreover, the recognition mode through the red color filter 23a can be said to be substantially the same as the mode in which the information code CD printed on a print medium is read under red light.

[0038] For example, in the white cell WHC shown in Fig. 6, red light, green light, and blue light are reflected, respectively. Of the reflected red light, green light, and blue light, only the red light passes through the red color filter 23a. Therefore, the white cell WHC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as red or a brightness LR corresponding to red.

[0039] 7, red light, green light and blue light are all absorbed, so that the black cell BLC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as black or a brightness LB corresponding to black.

[0040] 8, only the red light is reflected among the red light, green light, and blue light. The red light is transmitted through the red color filter 23a. Therefore, the red cell RDC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as red or a brightness LR corresponding to red.

[0041] 9, the cyan cell CYC reflects the green light and the blue light among the red light, the green light, and the blue light, respectively. The reflected green light and the blue light are absorbed by the red color filter 23a. Therefore, the cyan cell CYC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as black or a brightness LB corresponding to black.

[0042] 10, an information code CD having four color cells including white, black, and two auxiliary colors can be recognized as being composed of two color cells, black cells BLC and red cells RDC, when a red color filter 23a is used. More specifically, the black cells BLC and cyan cells CYC can be recognized as black or a luminance LB corresponding to black, and the white cells WHC and red cells RDC can be recognized as red or a luminance LR corresponding to red.

[0043] 11 shows the luminance distribution and luminance threshold LT of the information code CD by each cell when, for example, a red color filter 23a is present. The luminance distribution is divided into two values, luminance LB corresponding to black and luminance LR corresponding to red. Therefore, the luminance threshold LT in the binarization process is set between the luminance LB corresponding to black and the luminance LR corresponding to red.

[0044] As a result, when reading with the red color filter 23a, the black cell BLC and the cyan cell CYC can be recognized as the black cell BLC, and the white cell WHC and the red cell RDC can be recognized as the white cell WHC. Based on the composition rule in FIG. 4, the black cell BLC and the cyan cell CYC of the information code CD correspond to the black cell BLC of the concealment code CH. The white cell WHC and the red cell RDC of the information code CD correspond to the white cell WHC of the concealment code CH. Therefore, when the code reader 2 reads the information code CD in a filter application state via the red color filter 23a, it can obtain substantially the same result as reading the two-color concealment code PH consisting of the white cell WHC and the black cell BLC.

[0045] Next, a case where the above-mentioned information code CD is read using a green color filter 24 instead of the red color filter 23a will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 16. Figures 12 to 15 explain what color the cell is recognized as by the code reader 2 when white light is reflected by four color cells and then transmitted through the green color filter 24.

[0046] 12, red light, green light, and blue light are reflected. Of the reflected red light, green light, and blue light, only green light passes through the green color filter 24. Therefore, the white cell WHC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as green or a luminance LG corresponding to green.

[0047] 13, red light, green light and blue light are all absorbed, so that the black cell BLC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as black or a brightness LB corresponding to black.

[0048] 14, only the red light among the red, green, and blue lights is reflected. The red light is absorbed by the green color filter 24. Therefore, the red cell RDC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as black or a brightness LB corresponding to black.

[0049] 15, the green light and the blue light out of the red light, the green light, and the blue light are reflected. Then, out of the reflected green light and blue light, the green light passes through the green color filter 24, and the blue light is absorbed by the green color filter 24. Therefore, the cyan cell CYC can be recognized by the code reader 2 as green or a luminance LG corresponding to green.

[0050] Therefore, the information code CD having four color cells can be recognized as being composed of two color cells, black cells BLC and green cells GRC, when the green color filter 24 is used. More specifically, the black cells BLC and the red cells RDC can be recognized as black or a brightness LB corresponding to black, and the white cells WHC and cyan cells CYC can be recognized as green or a brightness LG corresponding to green.

[0051] 16 shows the luminance distribution and luminance threshold LT of the information code CD for each cell when, for example, there is a green color filter 24. The luminance distribution is divided into two values, luminance LB corresponding to black and luminance GL corresponding to green. Therefore, the luminance threshold LT in the binarization process is set between the luminance LB corresponding to black and the luminance LG corresponding to green.

[0052] As a result, the black cells BLC and the red cells RDC are recognized as the black cells BLC, and the white cells WHC and the cyan cells CYC are recognized as the white cells WHC when reading with the green color filter 24. Therefore, when the code reader 2 reads the information code CD through the green color filter 24, it can obtain substantially the same result as when reading the public code CP having a two-color configuration of the white cells WHC and the black cells BLC.

[0053] 5 and 16, when reading with the green color filter 24, the brightness threshold value TL and the actually detected brightness value are farther apart than when reading in an exposed state without the optical filter 23. Therefore, when reading the public code CP, using the green color filter 24 can reduce erroneous recognition of cells compared to the exposed state.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the "code generating device 1" corresponds to the "information code generating device". The "code reader 2" corresponds to the "reader". The "public code CP" corresponds to the "first code", and the "privacy code CH" corresponds to the "second code". The "public information" corresponds to the "first information", and the "privacy information" corresponds to the "second information". "0" corresponds to the "first symbol", and "1" corresponds to the "second symbol". "Red" corresponds to the "first supplementary color", and "cyan" corresponds to the "second supplementary color".

[0055] According to the first embodiment described above, the second auxiliary color can be recognized by the code reader 2 with a higher luminance under white light than the first auxiliary color. Therefore, when the code reader 2 reads the information code CD under white light without using, for example, the optical filter 23, the luminance threshold TL in the binarization process can be set between the first auxiliary color and the second auxiliary color. Furthermore, the black cell BLC and the cell RDC of the first auxiliary color can be recognized as recording the first symbol, and the white cell WHC and the cell CYC of the second auxiliary color can be recognized as recording the second symbol. That is, the information code CD is substantially read as the public code CP.

[0056] On the other hand, the second auxiliary color can be recognized by the code reader 2 under the first auxiliary color light with a lower luminance than the first auxiliary color. Therefore, when the code reader 2 reads the information code CD under the first auxiliary color light or through the optical filter 23 that reproduces the first auxiliary color light, the roles of the first auxiliary color and the second auxiliary color are reversed. In more detail, the black cells BLC and the second auxiliary color cells CYC can be recognized as recording the first symbol, and the white cells WHC and the first auxiliary color cells RDC can be recognized as recording the second symbol. That is, the information code CD is substantially read as the concealment code CH.

[0057] This eliminates the need to prepare completely separate code readers 2 for reading the public code CP and the secret code CH that are recorded in a common two-dimensional area, and allows the user to select which code to read, for example, simply by the presence or absence of the optical filter 23. This makes it possible to dramatically improve the convenience of reading.

[0058] According to the first embodiment, the first auxiliary color is one of the three primary colors of light. The second auxiliary color is a color obtained by additively mixing the remaining two primary colors of the three primary colors of light. By using such a color combination, the luminance difference between the first auxiliary color and the second auxiliary color under white light can be set to be large. In addition, by making the hue of the first auxiliary color and the hue of the second auxiliary color significantly different, the reversal effect of the luminance recognized under white light and the first auxiliary color is enhanced. As a result, even if the four-color cells WHC, BLC, RDC, and CYC are used, it is possible to suppress erroneous recognition when the information code CD is read by the code reader 2.

[0059] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the first auxiliary color is red and the second auxiliary color is cyan. This combination can maximize the luminance difference between the first and second auxiliary colors under white light, even among combinations using the three primary colors of light. Therefore, the effect of suppressing erroneous recognition can be further improved.

[0060] According to the first embodiment, the information code CD is an image display object displayed on an electronic display device (e.g., display 1d). In the information code CD displayed on the electronic display device, it is relatively easy to express the luminance difference between the first and second auxiliary colors.

[0061] Second embodiment As shown in Fig. 17, the second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0062] The information code CD is used in both the distribution management system 110 and the traceability system 120. The distribution management system 110 and the traceability system 120 are management systems that manage a supply chain SC that is constructed to include a large number of traders TR. The supply chain SC is a connection between traders TR for delivering, for example, industrial products, agricultural products, and marine products to consumers. As an example, in the supply chain SC for delivering agricultural products to consumers shown in FIG. 2, traders TR include a farmer TR1, an agricultural cooperative TR2 that is a collection facility, a transport company TR3, and a retailer TR4.

[0063] The distribution management system 110 collects records of item transactions between traders TR by using item codes, which are an example of public codes CP. In other words, the item codes are managed by the distribution management system 110. The distribution management system 110 is composed of an input terminal 11, a label printer 12, a code reader 13, a system server 10, etc. 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 communicatively connected to the system server 10 installed in a data center or the like via a network.

[0064] The input terminal 11 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal. Basic information of items supplied to the supply chain SC (hereinafter, item information) is input to the input terminal 11 according to a predetermined format. For example, the item information may include the product name, place of production, production equipment, and manufacturer. The input terminal 11 transmits the item information of items shipped from the trader TR to the system server 10.

[0065] The label printer 12 is an output device for printing an information code CD including an item code on a paper medium. The label printer 12 is configured to be capable of printing in color and grayscale. The paper medium on which the information code CD is printed is affixed to the package or outer box of a trade item to be shipped, and is distributed as an attachment to the item. In other words, the information code CD may be a printed matter that is displayed in a state where it is printed on a print medium.

[0066] The code reader 13 is a reader that obtains the public information recorded in the item code by reading the information code CD. The code reader 13 reads the item code when the information code CD is read without using the optical filter 23. The code reader 13 obtains the public information recorded in the item code and transmits the obtained public information to the system server 10.

[0067] The system server 10 is a host node capable of communicating with the input terminal 11, the label printer 12, and the code reader 13. The system server 10 registers item information acquired from the input terminal 11 in a database. The system server 10 prepares public information associated with the item information, and generates an item code that records this public information. As a process for issuing an item code, the system server 10 transmits image data, etc. of the generated item code to the label printer 12, which is the sender of the item information. When the issued item code is circulated together with the item and is read by a code reader 13 of another trader TR, the system server 10 accumulates a record of the item transaction by this trader TR.

[0068] The traceability system 120 is used in conjunction with the distribution management system 110, and accumulates transaction records in the same manner as the distribution management system 110. In more detail, the distribution management system 110 corresponds to the old management system, and the traceability system 120 corresponds to the new management system. The traceability system 120 is operated together with the existing distribution management system 110 without making any substantial changes to the distribution management system 110. In addition to a record generation function that accumulates transaction records, the traceability system 120 has a record reference function that provides the accumulated transaction records so that they can be referenced. The traceability system 120 uses blockchain technology to manage transaction records in order to prevent tampering with the transaction records.

[0069] The traceability system 120 collects transaction records using an information code CD based on an item code issued by the system server 10. The traceability system 120 is composed of a code output device 22, a history management server 20, etc. Furthermore, the traceability system 120 uses an input terminal 11, a label printer 12, a code reader 13, etc. of the distribution management system 110. The code output device 22, the code reader 13, and the input terminal 11 are connected via a network to the history management server 20 recorded in a data center or the like.

[0070] The code output device 22 is installed in the facility of the trader TR where the label printer 12 is installed. The code output device 22 is installed in such a way that it interrupts the communication line between the system server 10 and the label printer 12, and obtains item code data transmitted from the system server 10 to the label printer 12. The code output device 22 transmits the obtained item code data to the history management server 20.

[0071] The code output machine 22 receives information code CD data generated based on the transmitted item code from the history management server 20. The information code CD further records tracking information as confidential information used in the traceability system 120. The code output machine 22 transmits the information code CD data to the label printer 12 in place of the item code data. With the intervention of the code output machine 22, the label printer 12 prints the information code CD on a paper medium without recognizing any modification (substitution) of the acquired code data. As a result, the code printing medium on which the information code CD is printed is affixed to the item in place of the item code, and is distributed together with the item.

[0072] The history management server 20 is a host node capable of communicating with the input terminal 11 in addition to the code output device 22 and the code reader 13. The history management server 20 is mainly configured as a computer including a processor 31, a RAM 32, a storage unit 33, an input / output interface, and a bus connecting these. The processor 31 is hardware for arithmetic processing coupled with the RAM 32. The processor 31 includes at least one type of core, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a reduced instruction set computer (RISC)-CPU. The processor 31 accesses the RAM 32 to execute various processes related to data management. The storage unit 33 stores an information code generation program for causing the processor 31 to execute the code generation method according to the present disclosure as one of management programs related to data management.

[0073] In the traceability system 120, one information code CD may be continuously used across multiple traders TR, or a new information code CD may be issued for each trader TR. In a form in which a new information code CD is issued for each trader TR, the latest hash value reflecting the transaction record is generated based on the occurrence of a transaction record at each trader TR. The history management server 20 generates a new information code CD in which the latest hash value is recorded as tracking information, and provides the data of the new information code CD to the label printer 12 at the facility of the trader TR that conducted the transaction. As a result, the content is continuously updated to reflect the transaction record up to that point. In addition, since the tracking information is mainly based on the hash value, the data amount of the tracking information can be maintained constant even if the transaction of the item progresses in the supply chain SC.

[0074] When the code reader 13 reads the information code CD through the optical filter 23, it reads out a tracking code, which is an example of the concealment code CH. The code reader 13 acquires tracking information recorded in the tracking code, and transmits the acquired tracking information to the history management server 20.

[0075] Whether or not the code reader 13 has used the optical filter 23 may be determined based on the state of a switch operated by the trader TR. Whether or not the code reader 13 has used the optical filter 23 may be determined based on a brightness threshold LT set in a binarization process, for example. For example, when the brightness threshold LT is higher than a preset threshold, the code reader 13 may infer that the optical filter 23 has not been used, and the information may be transmitted to the system server 10. When the brightness threshold LT is lower than a preset threshold, the code reader 13 may infer that the optical filter 23 has been used, and the information may be transmitted to the history management server 20.

[0076] In the case where the optical filter unit 3 is attached to the code reader 13, the exposure state and filter application state of the optical filter unit 3 described in the first embodiment may be detected mechanically or electrically to determine whether or not the optical filter 23 has been used.

[0077] Furthermore, the consumer of the final product can view the transaction record of the final product by using a traceability confirmation app installed on a user terminal 50 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. Specifically, the user terminal 50 reads the code attached to the final product (which may be an information code CD or a separate additional code issued), and transmits a request to reference the transaction record together with a hash value to the history management server 20, which is the contact point. Upon receiving the reference request, the history management server 20 extracts the item information and the transaction record associated with the hash value, and generates data to be provided. The history management server 20 transmits the generated data to be provided to the user terminal 50, which is the source of the reference request. The consumer of the final product can use the traceability confirmation app to expand the data to be provided received from the history management server 20, thereby checking the history of the transaction record.

[0078] According to the second embodiment described above, the information code CD is a printed matter that is displayed in a state where it is printed on a print medium. The printed information code CD can be issued and distributed at low cost.

[0079] According to the second embodiment, the information code CD is attached to a trading item traded between traders and is configured to be distributed together with the trading item, thereby enabling appropriate management of the trading item.

[0080] (Other embodiments) Although several embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to those embodiments, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0081] In other embodiments, the information code may be applied to codes other than the QR code. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the information code CDb may be generated by a process of synthesizing two barcodes CPb and CHb based on the synthesis rule in FIG. 4. The information code CDb stores the two barcodes CPb and CHb superimposed in a common two-dimensional area. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the information code CDm may be generated by a process of synthesizing two data matrices CPm and CHm based on the synthesis rule in FIG. 4. The information code CDm stores the two data matrices CPm and CHm superimposed in a common two-dimensional area. Furthermore, the information code may store a plurality of different types of codes superimposed in a common two-dimensional area.

[0082] In another embodiment, in the case of use in a retail store or restaurant described in the first embodiment, the information code CD may be a printed matter displayed in a state where it is printed on a print medium. Also, in the case of use in the traceability system 120 described in the second embodiment, the information code CD may be an image display object displayed on an electronic display device.

[0083] In other embodiments, combinations of additional colors other than red and cyan may be used, such as green and magenta, blue and yellow, etc.

[0084] In other embodiments, the black cell BLC may be a first color similar to black that can be determined as black by a binarization process, for example, a dark gray. The white cell WHC may be a second color similar to white that can be determined as white by a binarization process, for example, a light gray. Even if the code generation device 1 sets the cell to be displayed substantially as black, the color of the cell displayed on the electronic display device may be within the range of the first color described above. Even if the code generation device 1 sets the cell to be displayed substantially as white, the color of the cell displayed on the electronic display device may be within the range of the second color described above.

[0085] In other embodiments, the functions provided by the code generation device 1, the history management server 20, and the code readers 2, 13, etc., can be provided by software and hardware that executes the software, by software alone, by hardware alone, or by a combination of these. When such functions are provided by electronic circuits as hardware, the functions can also be provided by digital circuits including multiple logic circuits, or analog circuits.

[0086] For example, when the code reader 13 wants to read secret information from the information code CD, it may capture a color image without using an optical film, and restore the pre-composition secret code CH by performing image processing on the color image by inversely calculating the composition rule in Figure 4.

[0087] The controller and method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer having a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the device and method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the device and method described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor executing a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by the computer.

[0088] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses a number of technical ideas described in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs may be described in a multiple dependent form, in which the subsequent paragraph alternatively refers to the preceding paragraph. The paragraphs described in the multiple dependent form define a number of technical ideas.

[0089] (Technical thought 1) An information code that is decoded according to the brightness recognized by a reader (2, 13), A first code (CP, CPb, CPm) indicating a first information and a second code (CH, CHb, CHm) indicating a second information are superimposed and recorded in a common two-dimensional area by arranging cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) that encode at least one of a first symbol and a second symbol with the first code and the second code, respectively; displaying a cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is encoded by the first code and in which the first symbol is encoded by the second code in a first color that is black through a binarization process; displaying a cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is encoded by the first code and in which the second symbol is encoded by the second code in a second color that is white by the binarization process; displaying a cell (RDC) in which the first symbol is encoded by the first code and the second symbol is encoded by the second code in a first auxiliary color; An information code, in which the second symbol is encoded in the first code, and a cell (CYC) in which the first symbol is encoded in the second code is displayed in a second supplementary color that is recognized by the reader with higher brightness under the white light than the display in the first supplementary color, and that is recognized by the reader with lower brightness under the first supplementary color light than the display in the first supplementary color.

[0090] (Technical thought 2) The first auxiliary color is one of the three primary colors of light, The information code described in technical idea 1, wherein the second auxiliary color is an additive mixture of the remaining two primary colors of the three primary colors of light.

[0091] (Technical Thought 3) the first auxiliary color is red; The information code described in technical idea 2, wherein the second auxiliary color is cyan.

[0092] (Technical Thought 4) An information code according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 3, which is an image display object displayed on an electronic display device (1d).

[0093] (Technical Thought 5) An information code according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 3, which is a printed matter displayed in a printed state on a print medium.

[0094] (Technical Thought 6) An information code described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 5, configured to be attached to a trading item traded between traders and circulated together with the trading item.

[0095] (Technical Thought 7) An information code that can be read by a reader (2, 13) by performing a binarization process on the luminance, A public code (CP, CPb, CPm) representing public information is recorded by arranging a plurality of cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) in which either a first symbol or a second symbol that can be distinguished by the binarization process is embedded, and a concealment code (CH, CHb, CHm) representing concealment information is recorded by arranging a plurality of cells in which either the first symbol or the second symbol is embedded, in a common two-dimensional area, A cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the first symbol is embedded in the private code is displayed in black; displaying in white a cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the second symbol is embedded in the private code; displaying a cell (RDC) in which the first symbol is embedded in the public code and the second symbol is embedded in the private code in a first auxiliary color; An information code in which a cell (CYC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the first symbol is embedded in the secret code is displayed in a second auxiliary color that is recognized by the reader with a higher brightness under the white light than when displayed in the first auxiliary color, and that is recognized by the reader with a lower brightness under the first auxiliary color light than when displayed in the first auxiliary color. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1: code generator (information code generator), 1a, 31: processor, 1d: display (electronic display device), 2, 13: code reader (reader), 20: history management server (information code generator), CD, CDb, CDm: information code, CP, CPb, CPm: public code (first code), CH, CHb, CHm: confidential code (second code), WHC: white cell, BLC: black cell, RDC: red cell, CYC: cyan cell

Claims

1. An information code that is decoded according to the brightness recognized by a reader (2, 13), A first code (CP, CPb, CPm) indicating first information and a second code (CH, CHb, CHm) indicating second information are recorded in a common two-dimensional area in a superimposed manner by arranging cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) in which at least one of a first symbol and a second symbol is encoded with the first code and the second code, respectively; displaying a cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is encoded by the first code and the first symbol is encoded by the second code in a first color that is black through a binarization process; displaying a cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is encoded by the first code and in which the second symbol is encoded by the second code in a second color that is white by the binarization process; displaying a cell (RDC) in which the first symbol is coded by the first code and the second symbol is coded by the second code in a first auxiliary color; An information code, wherein the second symbol is encoded in the first code, and a cell (CYC) in which the first symbol is encoded in the second code is displayed in a second supplementary color that is recognized by the reader with a higher luminance under the white light than the display in the first supplementary color, and that is recognized by the reader with a lower luminance under the first supplementary color light than the display in the first supplementary color.

2. The first auxiliary color is one of the three primary colors of light, The information code according to claim 1 , wherein the second auxiliary color is an additive mixture of the remaining two primary colors of the three primary colors of light.

3. the first auxiliary color is red; The information code according to claim 2 , wherein the second auxiliary color is cyan.

4. 4. An information code according to claim 1, which is an image display object displayed on an electronic display device (1d).

5. 4. The information code according to claim 1, which is a printed matter displayed in a state where it is printed on a print medium.

6. 2. The information code according to claim 1, which is adapted to be attached to a trading item traded between traders and to be distributed together with the trading item.

7. An information code generating device comprising at least one processor (1a, 31), and configured to generate an information code that is readable by a reader (2, 13) by performing a binarization process on luminance, The at least one processor a plurality of cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) each having embedded therein either a first symbol or a second symbol that can be distinguished by the binarization process, to generate a public code (CP, CPb, CPm) representing public information, and a plurality of cells each having embedded therein either the first symbol or the second symbol, to generate a secret code (CH, CHb, CHm) representing secret information, in a common two-dimensional area; The at least one processor, in generating the information code, A cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the first symbol is embedded in the private code is set to be displayed in black; A cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the second symbol is embedded in the confidential code is set to be displayed in white; A cell (RDC) in which the first symbol is embedded by the public code and the second symbol is embedded by the private code is set to be displayed in a first auxiliary color; an information code generating device that sets a cell (CYC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and the first symbol is embedded in the secret code to be displayed in a second auxiliary color that is recognized by the reader at a higher brightness under the white light than the display in the first auxiliary color and that is recognized by the reader at a lower brightness than the display in the first auxiliary color under the first auxiliary color light.

8. An information code generating program for generating an information code that is configured to be readable by a reader (2, 13) by performing a binarization process on luminance, At least one processor (1a, 31) a public code (CP, CPb, CPm) representing public information by arranging a plurality of cells (WHC, BLC, RDC, CYC) in which either a first symbol or a second symbol that can be distinguished by the binarization process is embedded, and a secret code (CH, CHb, CHm) representing secret information by arranging a plurality of cells in which either the first symbol or the second symbol is embedded, the information code being generated by superimposing and recording the public code (CP, CPb, CPm) representing public information in a common two-dimensional area, In generating the information code, a cell (BLC) in which the first symbol is embedded by the public code and in which the first symbol is embedded by the private code is set to be displayed in black; a cell (WHC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and in which the second symbol is embedded in the confidential code is set to be displayed in white; a cell (RDC) in which the first symbol is embedded by the public code and the second symbol is embedded by the private code is set to be displayed in a first auxiliary color; an information code generating program configured to set a cell (CYC) in which the second symbol is embedded in the public code and the first symbol is embedded in the secret code to be displayed in a second auxiliary color that is recognized by the reader at a higher brightness under the white light than the display in the first auxiliary color and that is recognized by the reader at a lower brightness under the first auxiliary color light than the display in the first auxiliary color.

Images