Decoding device and encoding device for parts image code and parts stereoscopic code

Abstract

To provide an image code and a stereoscopic code having a design capable of blending without straying too far from the surrounding appearance of each code.SOLUTION: A decoding device 20 comprises: an image data acquisition module 21 for acquiring image data taken by an imaging device 10; a parts image extraction module 22 for extracting plural parts images #1 to #7 from the image data; an array acquisition module 23 for acquiring one-dimensional arrays of colors from the plural parts images #1 to #7; and an information extraction module 24 which is accessible to a database 30 storing information corresponding to each array included in plural arrays including the one-dimensional arrays, and which extracts information corresponding to the one-dimensional arrays from the database 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a decoding device and an encoding device for a part image code and a part 3D code. [Background technology]

[0002] Two-dimensional codes that can be read by smartphones are becoming widespread. QR Code (registered trademark), the most widespread two-dimensional code, uses an arrangement of black and white dots within a rectangular frame, with the arrangement of dots representing bits of information. This tends to result in inorganic geometric patterns that lack interest, and even when printed on product packaging or in pamphlets, the code's appearance can appear very different from its surroundings, creating a sense of incongruity. Meanwhile, two-dimensional color codes such as chameleon codes also exist, but they are similar to the QR Code mentioned above in that they are merely an arrangement of dots within a rectangular frame.

[0003] The inventor of the present application has already proposed a free-color free-form dot code (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-050047 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To provide a decoding device and an encoding device for an image code and a three-dimensional code that are distinct from dot-based codes and have a design that can blend in with the appearance of the surroundings without being too different from the code. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A decoding device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first module for acquiring photographic data of an image or a three-dimensional object; a second module for extracting a plurality of part images from the photographic data; a third module for obtaining a one-dimensional array of colors from the plurality of part images; a fourth module that can access a database that stores information corresponding to each of the plurality of arrays including the one-dimensional array, and extracts the information corresponding to the one-dimensional array from the database; Includes.

[0007] An encoding device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first module for obtaining information to be encoded and an image template including a plurality of part image frames; a second module for generating an image including a plurality of part images by determining a color for each part image frame included in the plurality of part image frames; a third module for acquiring a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images included in the image; a fourth module that associates the one-dimensional array with the information and stores the information in a database; Includes.

[0008] An encoding device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a first module for obtaining information to be encoded and a volume template including a plurality of part volume frames; a second module for generating a three-dimensional model including a plurality of part solids by determining a color for each part three-dimensional frame included in the plurality of part three-dimensional frames; a third module that generates an image of the three-dimensional model for each viewpoint set for the three-dimensional model, and acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images included in the image, the part images corresponding to the plurality of part three-dimensional models, respectively; a fourth module that associates the one-dimensional array with the information and stores the information in a database; Includes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a decoding device 20 according to a first embodiment and its peripheral devices. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart of the decoding device 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of S130 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2. An example of a plurality of part images #1 to #7 extracted from the photographed data in S120 of FIG. 2 is shown. [Figure 5] 3. Examples of areas A1 to A7 of part images #1 to #7 calculated in S131 of FIG. 3 are shown. [Figure 6] An example of the distance between the centers of gravity calculated in S133 of FIG. 3 is shown below. [Figure 7] An example of the color acquired in S136 of FIG. 3 is shown below. [Figure 8] 2. Part of the data in the database 30 accessed by the information extraction module 24 in S140 of FIG. 2 is shown. [Figure 9] An example of the placement of a plurality of part solids C1 to C6 that make up a part solid code is shown. [Figure 10] 1 shows an example of a plurality of part images #1 to #6 extracted from photographic data obtained by photographing a part 3D code from viewpoint V1. [Figure 11] 10 shows an example of a plurality of part images #1 to #6 extracted from photographic data obtained by photographing a part 3D code from viewpoint V2. [Figure 12] 3. Examples of areas A1 to A6 of part images #1 to #6 calculated in S131 of FIG. 3 are shown. [Figure 13] An example of the distance between the centers of gravity calculated in S133 of FIG. 3 is shown below. [Figure 14] An example of the color acquired in S136 of FIG. 3 is shown below. [Figure 15] An example of areas A1 to A6 of part images #1 to #6 calculated in S131 of FIG. 3 is shown. [Figure 16] An example of the distance between the centers of gravity calculated in S133 of FIG. 3 is shown below. [Figure 17] An example of the color acquired in S136 of FIG. 3 is shown below. [Figure 18] 2. Part of the data in the database 30 accessed by the information extraction module 24 in S140 of FIG. 2 is shown. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an encoding device 60 and its peripheral devices according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart of an encoding device 60 that encodes a part image code in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] An example of the image template acquired in S210 of FIG. 20 is shown below. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart of an encoding device 60 that encodes a three-dimensional model in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] An example of the 3D template obtained in S310 of FIG. 22 is shown below. [Figure 24] An example of a three-dimensional model generated in S320 of FIG. 22 is shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below shows an example of the present invention and does not limit the content of the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations and operations described in each embodiment are necessarily essential as the configurations and operations of the present invention. Note that the same components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] <1. Configuration of the Decoding Device 20> Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a decoding device 20 and its peripheral devices according to the first embodiment, showing a common configuration for decoding a part image code and a part three-dimensional code.

[0012] The decoding device 20 includes an imaging data acquisition module 21, a part image extraction module 22, an array acquisition module 23, and an information extraction module 24. The decoding device 20 is realized by installing and making executable application programs that execute the functions of these modules on, for example, a smartphone. The smartphone is equipped with the imaging device 10 and the display device 40, and is configured to be able to access the database 30 via a communication device (not shown).

[0013] The shooting data acquisition module 21, the part image extraction module 22, the array acquisition module 23, and the information extraction module 24 correspond to the "first module," "second module," "third module," and "fourth module" of the decoding device in the present invention, respectively.

[0014] 2. Operation of the Decoding Device 20 Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the decoding device 20 in the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of S130 in Fig. 2. Figs. 2 and 3 show common operations for decoding part image codes and part 3D codes. The decoding device 20 extracts information using photographic data obtained by photographing the part image code or part 3D code according to the procedures shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0015] <2-1. Part image code decoding process> 4 to 8 show the progress of the process of extracting information from the part image code. The flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be explained below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] <2-1-1.S110, S120> 2, the photography data acquisition module 21 acquires photography data of part image codes photographed by the photography device 10. In S120, the part image extraction module 22 extracts a plurality of part images #1 to #7 from the photography data.

[0017] Fig. 4 shows examples of multiple part images #1 to #7 extracted from the photographic data in S120 of Fig. 2. A part image refers to a group of closed areas in an image that are composed of a single color. In Fig. 4, part images #1 and #6 are red (R), part image #2 is yellow (Y), part images #3 and #4 are brown (W), and part images #5 and #7 are green (G).

[0018] The feature image extraction module 22 can calculate the centers of gravity G1 to G7 of the feature images #1 to #7, respectively. The centers of gravity G1 to G7 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0019] <2-1-2.S130> 2, the array acquisition module 23 acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images #1 to #7 based on the area of ​​each image and their relative positions. Details of S130 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] <2-1-2-1.S131, S132> 3, array acquisition module 23 calculates areas A1 to A7 of part images #1 to #7, respectively. In S132, array acquisition module 23 selects the first reference image from part images #1 to #7 based on areas A1 to A7. A reference image number N is assigned to the reference image. The reference image number N of the first reference image is set to 1 (N=1).

[0021] Fig. 5 shows an example of areas A1 to A7 of part images #1 to #7 calculated in S131 of Fig. 3. In S132, for example, part image #1 having the largest area A1 among part images #1 to #7 is selected as the first reference image (N=1). Alternatively, the part image having the smallest area may be selected as the first reference image.

[0022] <2-1-2-2.S133~S135> In S133 of FIG. 3, the array acquisition module 23 calculates the distance between the centers of gravity between the reference image and an unselected part image. In S134, the array acquisition module 23 selects the next reference image based on the distance between the centers of gravity. The reference image number N of the next reference image is obtained by adding 1 to the value of the reference image number N of the current reference image (N=N+1). In S135, the array acquisition module 23 determines whether the new reference image number N has reached Nmax-1. Nmax is the total number of part images, and in the example shown in FIG. 4, Nmax=7. If the new reference image number N has not reached Nmax-1 (S135: NO), the array acquisition module 23 returns the process to S133. If the new reference image number N has reached Nmax-1 (S135: YES), the array acquisition module 23 proceeds to the process of S136.

[0023] 6 shows an example of the inter-center-of-gravity distances calculated in S133 of FIG. 3. First, the inter-center-of-gravity distances D12 to D17 between part image #1, which is the first reference image, and unselected part images #2 to #7 are calculated. The inter-center-of-gravity distances D12 to D17 are Euclidean distances between center of gravity G1 and centers of gravity G2 to G7. The next reference image is selected based on the inter-center-of-gravity distances D12 to D17 from part image #1. For example, part image #2, which has the smallest inter-center-of-gravity distance from part image #1, the first reference image, is selected as the next reference image (N=2).

[0024] The distances D23 to D27 between the centers of gravity of part image #2, which is the next reference image, and unselected part images #3 to #7 are calculated. Based on the distances D23 to D27 between the centers of gravity of part image #2, for example, part image #3 is selected as the next reference image (N=3).

[0025] Similarly, part images #4 (N=4), #5 (N=5), and #6 (N=6) are selected as the next reference images in this order. If it is decided that part image #6 will be the next reference image, a YES determination is made in S135 of FIG. 3, and the calculation of the distance between the centers of gravity is completed. In other words, since only part image #7 has not been selected, it is not necessary to calculate the distance D67 (not shown) between part image #6 and the unselected part image #7 when part image #6 is used as the reference image. Part image #7 is assigned the reference image number N=7.

[0026] <2-1-2-3.S136> In S136 of FIG. 3, the array acquisition module 23 acquires colors from the part images #1 to #7 in ascending order of the reference image number N.

[0027] Figure 7 shows an example of the colors acquired in S136 of Figure 3. When part images #1 to #7 are arranged in ascending order of reference image number N as #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, the one-dimensional array of colors is red (R), yellow (Y), brown (W), brown (W), green (G), red (R), green (G). From this one-dimensional array, the code RYWWGRG is identified.

[0028] After S136 in FIG. 3, the decoding device 20 ends the processing in FIG. 3 and returns to the processing shown in FIG.

[0029] The one-dimensional arrangement of colors is not limited to being based on the areas A1 to A7 and the distance between the centers of gravity, but may be determined in a different manner from the above, for example, in the order from the top to the bottom of the image.

[0030] <2-1-3.S140> In S140 of FIG. 2, the information extraction module 24 extracts information corresponding to a one-dimensional array of colors from the database 30.

[0031] 8 shows some data in the database 30 accessed by the information extraction module 24 in S140 of FIG. 2. The database 30 stores codes and information in association with each other. The code is identified from a one-dimensional array of colors. If the information corresponding to the code RYWWGRG identified in FIGS. 4 to 7 is the character string "http: / / www.adeu.jp", the information extraction module 24 acquires the character string "http: / / www.adeu.jp".

[0032] 2, the operation of the decoding device 20 ends. If the decoding device 20 is installed in, for example, a smartphone, the smartphone can access a web page corresponding to the part image code using the character string “http: / / www.adeu.jp” and display it on the display device 40.

[0033] <2-2. Decoding process of 3D part code> 9 shows an example of the placement of a plurality of part solids C1 to C6 that make up a part solid code. The part solids C1 to C6 are three-dimensional objects of arbitrary shapes each given a color.

[0034] The part 3D code is placed, for example, at a fork in the road. Fig. 9 shows a Y-junction. It is desirable that multiple viewpoints V1 and V2 are set in the part 3D code. When viewpoints V1 and V2 are set, it is desirable to add an indication identifying each viewpoint to or near the part 3D code.

[0035] 10 to 18 show the progress of the process of extracting information from the part 3D code.

[0036] <2-2-1.S110, S120> 2, the photographing data acquisition module 21 acquires photographing data of the part 3D code photographed by the photographing device 10. In S120, the part image extraction module 22 extracts a plurality of part images #1 to #6 from the photographing data.

[0037] 10 and 11 show examples of multiple part images #1 to #6 extracted from the photographed data in S120 of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V1, and FIG. 11 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V2. Even when the same part 3D code is photographed from different viewpoints, different images are obtained. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the color of part images #1 and #5 is green (G), the color of part images #2 and #3 is red (R), the color of part image #4 is yellow (Y), and the color of part image #6 is blue (B).

[0038] The feature image extraction module 22 can identify the centers of gravity G1 to G6 of the feature images #1 to #6, respectively. The centers of gravity G1 to G6 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0039] <2-2-2.S130> In S130 of FIG. 2, the array acquisition module 23 acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images #1 to #6 based on the area of ​​each and the relative positions of the images.

[0040] <2-2-2-1.S131, S132> 3, array obtaining module 23 calculates areas A1 to A6 of part images #1 to #6, respectively. In S132, array obtaining module 23 selects the first reference image from part images #1 to #6 based on areas A1 to A6.

[0041] 12 and 15 show examples of areas A1 to A6 of part images #1 to #6 calculated in S131 of FIG. 3. FIG. 12 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V1, and FIG. 15 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V2. In S132, for example, part image #1 having the largest area A1 among part images #1 to #6 is selected as the initial reference image (N=1). FIGS. 12 and 15 show the case where the same part image #1 is selected as the initial reference image regardless of the viewpoint. However, as with part image #6 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the area A6 may change depending on the viewpoint, and therefore different part images may be selected as the initial reference image depending on the viewpoint.

[0042] <2-2-2-2.S133~S135> 3, the array acquisition module 23 calculates the distance between the centers of gravity of the reference image and an unselected part image. In S134, the array acquisition module 23 selects the next reference image (N=N+1) based on the distance between the centers of gravity. In S135, the array acquisition module 23 determines whether the new reference image number N has reached Nmax-1. Nmax is the total number of part images, and in the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, Nmax=6.

[0043] 13 and 16 show examples of the distances between the centers of gravity calculated in S133 of Fig. 3. Fig. 13 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V1, and Fig. 16 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V2. First, the distances D12 to D16 between the center of gravity of part image #1, which is the first reference image, and unselected part images #2 to #6 are calculated. Based on the distances D12 to D16 between the center of gravity of part image #1, for example, part image #2 is selected as the next reference image (N=2).

[0044] The distances D23 to D26 between the centers of gravity of part image #2, which is the next reference image, and unselected part images #3 to #6 are calculated. The distances between the centers of gravity may vary depending on the viewpoint. In FIG. 13, part image #3 is selected as the next reference image (N=3), and in FIG. 16, part image #5 is selected as the next reference image (N=3).

[0045] The next reference image is selected in the same manner. If the determination in S135 of Fig. 3 is YES, the calculation of the distance between the centers of gravity is completed.

[0046] <2-2-2-3.S136> In S136 of FIG. 3, the array acquisition module 23 acquires colors from the part images #1 to #6 in ascending order of the reference image number N.

[0047] 14 and 17 show examples of colors acquired in S136 of FIG. 3. FIG. 14 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V1, and FIG. 17 shows the case where a part 3D code is photographed from viewpoint V2. In FIG. 14, the one-dimensional array of colors is green (G), red (R), red (R), yellow (Y), green (G), and blue (B). From this one-dimensional array, the code GRRYGB is identified. In FIG. 17, the one-dimensional array of colors is green (G), red (R), green (G), blue (B), red (R), and yellow (Y). From this one-dimensional array, the code GRGBRY is identified.

[0048] The one-dimensional arrangement of colors is not limited to being based on the areas A1 to A6 and the distance between the centers of gravity, but may be determined in a different manner from the above, for example, in the order from the top to the bottom of the image.

[0049] <2-2-3.S140> In S140 of FIG. 2, the information extraction module 24 extracts information corresponding to a one-dimensional array of colors from the database 30.

[0050] Figure 18 shows some data in the database 30 accessed by the information extraction module 24 in S140 of Figure 2. When the code GRRYGB is identified in Figures 10 and 12 to 14, the character string "http: / / www.adeu.jp / v1" is acquired. When the code GRGBRY is identified in Figures 11 and 15 to 17, the character string "http: / / www.adeu.jp / v2" is acquired.

[0051] For example, if a passerby passing by a Y-shaped intersection from the bottom of Fig. 9 photographs the 3D part code from viewpoint V1, they can access the corresponding web page using the character string "http: / / www.adeu.jp / v1," and if they photograph the 3D part code from viewpoint V2, they can access another web page using the character string "http: / / www.adeu.jp / v2." For example, photographing the 3D part code from viewpoint V1 allows the display device 40 to display route guidance for turning left at the Y-shaped intersection, and photographing the 3D part code from viewpoint V2 allows the display device 40 to display route guidance for turning right at the Y-shaped intersection.

[0052] <2-3. Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, decoding device 20 includes an imaging data acquisition module 21 that acquires imaging data obtained by capturing an image or a three-dimensional object, a part image extraction module 22 that extracts a plurality of part images #1 to #7 from the imaging data, an array acquisition module 23 that acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from the plurality of part images #1 to #7, and an information extraction module 24 that can access a database 30 that stores information corresponding to each array included in a plurality of arrays including the one-dimensional array, and extracts information corresponding to the one-dimensional array from database 30. This makes it possible to provide a part image code and a part three-dimensional code that are designed to blend in with the appearance of the surrounding code without being too different from the code's surroundings.

[0053] According to the first embodiment, array acquisition module 23 acquires a one-dimensional array based on the areas A1 to A7 of each of multiple part images #1 to #7 and their relative positions. This does not require the part image code to be an alignment of multiple part images #1 to #7, and a one-dimensional array can be determined even if the part images are freely arranged on a plane. Furthermore, a one-dimensional array can be determined for each viewpoint from which the part three-dimensional code is photographed, and can be associated with different information.

[0054] 3. Configuration of Encoding Device 60 Fig. 19 is a block diagram of an encoding device 60 and its peripheral devices according to the second embodiment. Fig. 19 shows a common configuration for encoding part image codes and a three-dimensional model.

[0055] The encoding device 60 includes a template acquisition module 61, a color determination module 62, a sequence acquisition module 63, and a database output module 64. The encoding device 60 is realized by installing and making executable application programs that execute the functions of these modules on, for example, a smartphone or personal computer. The smartphone or personal computer is equipped with a display device 40 and is configured to be able to access the database 30 and download template data 50 via a communication device (not shown).

[0056] The template acquisition module 61, the color determination module 62, the sequence acquisition module 63, and the database output module 64 correspond to the "first module," "second module," "third module," and "fourth module" of the encoding device in the present invention, respectively.

[0057] <4. Operation of Encoding Device 60> <4-1. Part image code encoding process> 20 is a flowchart of the encoding device 60 that encodes a part image code in the second embodiment. The encoding device 60 generates a part image code corresponding to information to be encoded according to the procedure shown in FIG.

[0058] <4-1-1.S210> 20, the template acquisition module 61 acquires information to be encoded and an image template. The information to be encoded may be information input via the display device 40 if the display device 40 also functions as a touch panel input device. The image template can be acquired from the template data 50.

[0059] Fig. 21 shows an example of the image template acquired in S210 of Fig. 20. The image template includes a plurality of uncolored part image frames F1 to F7. The part image frames F1 to F7 define closed regions that are recognized as part images #1 to #7 in the decoding device 20. At least one of the part image frames F1 to F7 is a non-circular part image frame, and at least two of the part image frames F1 to F7 have different areas. The image template includes data defining the centers of gravity G1 to G7 of the part image frames F1 to F7, respectively.

[0060] <4-1-2.S220> In S220 of FIG. 20, color determination module 62 determines the color of each of part image frames F1 to F7, thereby generating an image including part images #1 to #7. For example, color determination module 62 displays an image template on display device 40, accepts a color selection by the user, and determines the color. In the second embodiment, part image frames F1 to F7 to which colors have been added will be referred to as part images #1 to #7. Part images #1 to #7 shown in FIG. 4 differ from part images #1 to #7 in the second embodiment in that they are extracted from shooting data. However, because their appearances are substantially the same, part images #1 to #7 in the second embodiment will not be shown in the figure.

[0061] <4-1-3.S230> In S230 of Fig. 20, array acquisition module 63 acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images #1 to #7 based on the area of ​​each and their relative positions. The processing of S230 is similar to S130 of Fig. 2, and its details are similar to those explained with reference to Figs. 3 and 5 to 7. However, in Fig. 3, the areas A1 to A7 of each of part images #1 to #7, the distance between centers of gravity, and the order of reference image numbers N may be data included in an image template rather than being obtained by calculation.

[0062] The one-dimensional arrangement of colors is not limited to being based on the areas A1 to A7 and the distance between the centers of gravity, but may be determined in a different manner from the above, for example, in the order from the top to the bottom of the image.

[0063] <4-1-4.S240> 20, the database output module 64 associates the one-dimensional array of colors with the information to be encoded and stores them in the database 30, thereby completing the encoding of the information. The data stored in the database 30 is the same as that shown in FIG. 8, and is therefore not shown. If the same one-dimensional array and the corresponding information are already stored in the database 30, the processing from S220 onwards is repeated.

[0064] <4-2. Encoding of 3D models> Fig. 22 is a flowchart of the encoding device 60 that encodes a three-dimensional model in the second embodiment. The encoding device 60 generates a three-dimensional model corresponding to the information to be encoded according to the procedure shown in Fig. 22. The three-dimensional model is design data for creating a part three-dimensional code that constitutes a three-dimensional object.

[0065] <4-2-1.S310> 22, the template acquisition module 61 acquires the information to be encoded and a three-dimensional template. The three-dimensional template can be acquired from the template data 50.

[0066] FIG. 23 shows an example of the three-dimensional template acquired in S310 of FIG. 22. The three-dimensional template includes a plurality of uncolored part three-dimensional frames E1 to E6. The part three-dimensional frames E1 to E6 define the shape of a three-dimensional object that will be recognized as part images #1 to #6 in decoding device 20. The three-dimensional template also defines the position information of a plurality of viewpoints V from which the part three-dimensional codes are photographed. In the following processing, the number of viewpoints V is defined as Vmax. Note that because the centers of gravity of part images #1 to #6 may change depending on the viewpoint V, the three-dimensional template does not need to include data defining the centers of gravity.

[0067] <4-2-2.S320> 22, the color determination module 62 determines the color of each of the part three-dimensional frames E1 to E6, thereby generating a three-dimensional model including the part three-dimensional frames C1 to C6. For example, the color determination module 62 displays a three-dimensional template on the display device 40, accepts a color selection by the user, and determines the color. In the second embodiment, the part three-dimensional frames E1 to E6 to which colors have been assigned are referred to as part three-dimensional frames C1 to C6.

[0068] FIG. 24 shows an example of a solid model generated in S320 of FIG.

[0069] <4-2-3.S328~S339> 22, the array acquisition module 63 sets the viewpoint V to the initial viewpoint (V=1). In S329, the array acquisition module 63 generates an image of the three-dimensional model seen from the viewpoint V. This image is generated by 3D rendering processing, and includes a plurality of part images #1 to #6 corresponding to a plurality of part solids C1 to C6, respectively.

[0070] In S330, array acquisition module 63 acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images #1 to #6 based on the area of ​​each and their relative positions. The processing of S330 is the same as S130 in Fig. 2, and its details are the same as those explained with reference to Figs. 3, 10, and 12 to 14. However, in Fig. 3, the areas A1 to A6 of each of part images #1 to #6, the distance between centers of gravity, and the order of reference image numbers N may not be found by calculation, but may be data defined for each viewpoint V in the three-dimensional template.

[0071] 22, the array acquisition module 63 determines whether the viewpoint V is the last viewpoint Vmax. If the viewpoint V is not the last viewpoint Vmax (S338: NO), the array acquisition module 63 proceeds to S339. If the viewpoint V is the last viewpoint Vmax (S338: YES), the array acquisition module 63 proceeds to S340.

[0072] In S339, the array acquisition module 63 adds 1 to the number of the viewpoint V and returns the process to S329. As a result, the array acquisition module 63 sets the viewpoint V to the next viewpoint (V=V+1) and acquires a one-dimensional array of colors at a different viewpoint V as shown in Fig. 11 and Figs. 15 to 17. In this way, a one-dimensional array of colors is acquired for each set viewpoint.

[0073] The one-dimensional arrangement of colors is not limited to being based on the areas A1 to A6 and the distance between the centers of gravity, but may be determined in a different manner from the above, for example, in the order from the top to the bottom of the image.

[0074] <4-2-4.S340> 22, the database output module 64 associates the one-dimensional array of colors with the information to be encoded and stores them in the database 30, thereby completing the encoding of the information. The data stored in the database 30 is similar to that shown in FIG. 18, and is therefore not shown. If the same one-dimensional array and the corresponding information are already stored in the database 30, the processing from S320 onwards is repeated.

[0075] <4-3. Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to the second embodiment, encoding device 60 includes a template acquisition module 61 that acquires information to be encoded and an image template including a plurality of part image frames F1 to F7, a color determination module 62 that generates an image including a plurality of part images #1 to #7 by determining a color for each part image frame included in the plurality of part image frames F1 to F7, an array acquisition module 63 that acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from the plurality of part images #1 to #7 included in the image, and a database output module 64 that associates the one-dimensional array with information and stores the information in database 30. This makes it possible to provide a part image code with a design that can blend in closely with the appearance of the code's surroundings.

[0076] According to the second embodiment, the plurality of part image frames F1 to F7 include non-circular part image frames, each of which has a different area. This allows for a high degree of freedom in the shape and area of ​​the part images #1 to #7, and allows for the generation of a part image code with a high level of design.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, encoding device 60 includes template acquisition module 61 that acquires information to be encoded and a three-dimensional template including a plurality of part three-dimensional frames E1-E6, color determination module 62 that generates a three-dimensional model including a plurality of part three-dimensional frames C1-C6 by determining a color for each part three-dimensional frame included in the plurality of part three-dimensional frames E1-E6, array acquisition module 63 that generates an image of the three-dimensional model for each viewpoint V set for the three-dimensional model and acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images #1-#6 included in the image, the plurality of part images #1-#6 corresponding to the plurality of part three-dimensional frames C1-C6, and database output module 64 that associates the one-dimensional array with information and stores the information in database 30. This makes it possible to provide a part three-dimensional code designed to blend in closely with the appearance of the code's surroundings.

[0078] According to the second embodiment, array acquisition module 63 acquires a one-dimensional array based on the areas A1 to A7 of each of multiple part images #1 to #7 and their relative positions. This does not require the part image code to be an alignment of multiple part images #1 to #7; a one-dimensional array can be determined even if the part images are freely arranged within a plane. Furthermore, a one-dimensional array can be determined for each viewpoint V from which the part three-dimensional code is photographed, and can be associated with different information.

Claims

1. a first module for acquiring photographic data of an image or a three-dimensional object; a second module for extracting a plurality of part images from the photographic data; a third module for obtaining a one-dimensional array of colors from the plurality of part images; a fourth module that can access a database that stores information corresponding to each of a plurality of arrays including the one-dimensional array, and extracts the information corresponding to the one-dimensional array from the database; a decoding device including:

2. 2. The decoding device according to claim 1, the third module acquires the one-dimensional array based on the areas of the plurality of part images and their relative positions. Decoding device.

3. a first module for obtaining information to be encoded and an image template including a plurality of part image frames; a second module for generating an image including a plurality of part images by determining a color for each part image frame included in the plurality of part image frames; a third module for acquiring a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images included in the image; a fourth module that associates the one-dimensional array with the information and stores the information in a database; an encoding device comprising:

4. 4. The encoding device according to claim 3, the plurality of part image frames include non-circular part image frames; the plurality of part image frames include a plurality of part image frames having different areas from each other; Encoding device.

5. a first module for obtaining information to be encoded and a volume template including a plurality of part volume frames; a second module for generating a three-dimensional model including a plurality of part solids by determining a color for each part three-dimensional frame included in the plurality of part three-dimensional frames; a third module that generates an image of the three-dimensional model for each viewpoint set for the three-dimensional model, and acquires a one-dimensional array of colors from a plurality of part images included in the image, the part images corresponding to the plurality of part three-dimensional models, respectively; a fourth module that associates the one-dimensional array with the information and stores the information in a database; an encoding device comprising:

6. 6. The encoding device according to claim 3 or claim 5, the third module acquires the one-dimensional array based on the areas of the plurality of part images and their relative positions. Encoding device.

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