Code assignment device, code assignment method, and program

Abstract

To provide a code assignment device that can prevent duplicate use of the same group code.SOLUTION: A code assignment device 1 includes: a memory unit 11 in which information that can identify a group code consisting of a plurality of two-dimensional codes and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code are stored; a receiving unit 12 that receives request information requesting assignment of a group code; an assignment unit 13 that assigns the group code in response to receipt of the request information; an accumulation unit 14 that accumulates results of group code assignment by the assignment unit 13; and a transmitting unit 15 that transmits information that can identify the assigned group code and the group code identifier corresponding to the group code. The assignment unit 13 assigns the group code based on the accumulated group code assignment results so as to avoid duplication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a code assignment device that assigns a group code composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, two-dimensional codes such as QR Codes (registered trademark) have been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using a two-dimensional code, there is an advantage that the amount of information that can be recorded can be increased compared to a barcode which is a one-dimensional code. Therefore, two-dimensional codes have come to be used in various situations such as logistics, public transportation, and payment of fees.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the amount of information of a two-dimensional code is larger than that of a barcode, it is finite. Therefore, there is a problem that it cannot cope when an amount of information exceeding that amount is required. In order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to use a group code composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes.

[0005] However, if each company freely configures a plurality of two-dimensional codes, there is a problem that the object to which the group code is assigned may not be identifiable. As shown in the example of FIG. 10, when the same group code corresponding to the group code identifier "1" is used in Company A and Company B, when the products to which the group code is assigned are sent from Company A and Company B to Company C respectively, since the same group code is assigned, there will be a problem that the two products cannot be identified.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a code assignment device, etc., that can prevent the same group code from being used redundantly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a storage unit that stores information that can identify a group code composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code; a receiving unit that receives request information requesting the assignment of a group code; an assignment unit that assigns a group code in response to the receipt of the request information; a storage unit that stores the results of the group code assignment by the assignment unit; and a transmitting unit that transmits information that can identify the assigned group code and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code. The assignment unit assigns group codes in a manner that avoids duplication based on the stored group code assignment results. This configuration prevents the same group code from being assigned multiple times. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations where, for example, different products are assigned the same group code.

[0008] Furthermore, in a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention, the group code includes a global code used by multiple users and a local code used by a single user, and the request information includes information indicating whether the requested assignment is for a global code or a local code. The assignment unit may assign a group code to all users in a manner that does not overlap when assigning a global code, and may assign a group code to the requesting user in a manner that does not overlap when assigning a local code. This configuration allows for strict prevention of duplicate group code assignments for global codes, while enabling the assignment of the same group code to different users for local codes, eliminating the need to prepare a large number of group codes for assignment.

[0009] Furthermore, in a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention, the group code, which is a global code, and the group code, which is a local code, may be of different types. This configuration allows us to determine whether a group code is a global code or a local code by checking its type. Therefore, for example, when reading a group code, which is a global code assigned to a product during the distribution process, we can ensure that only global codes are read.

[0010] Furthermore, in a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention, there may be multiple types of group codes, which are global codes, and the assignment unit may assign one type of global code when assigning a global code in response to the receipt of request information. This configuration allows, for example, a user to configure the system to read only global codes of the same type when using multiple group codes that are assigned to them, preventing them from accidentally reading group codes other than those they intend to read.

[0011] Furthermore, in a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention, the type of group code may be at least one of a type corresponding to the number of two-dimensional codes included in the group code, and a type corresponding to the number of cells in the two-dimensional codes included in the group code. This configuration allows us to determine the type of group code based, for example, on the number of 2D codes included in the group code or the number of cells containing the 2D codes within the group code.

[0012] Furthermore, a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a billing unit that charges the user who sent the request information in accordance with the assignment of a group code by the assignment unit. This configuration allows the company to recover the costs associated with assigning group codes from the users.

[0013] Furthermore, a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention further includes a billing unit that charges the user who sent the request information in accordance with the assignment of a group code by the assignment unit, and the billing unit may perform different billing for the assignment of a global code and the assignment of a local code. This configuration allows for appropriate billing based on whether or not a group code is monopolized, for example, by making the cost of assigning a global code higher than that of assigning a local code.

[0014] Furthermore, in a code assignment device according to one aspect of the present invention, the information read from at least one of the two-dimensional codes constituting the group code may include a check digit. This configuration allows for the use of a check digit to distinguish between group codes assigned by the code assignment device and those that have not. Therefore, for example, when reading a global group code, it is possible to read only the group codes that are deemed appropriate using the check digit, thereby preventing the reading of group codes other than those assigned by the code assignment device.

[0015] Also, a code assignment method according to an aspect of the present invention is a code assignment method processed using a storage unit that stores information capable of specifying a group code composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code, a reception unit, an assignment unit, an accumulation unit, and a transmission unit, and includes: a step in which the reception unit receives request information for requesting assignment of a group code; a step in which the assignment unit assigns a group code in response to the reception of the request information; a step in which the accumulation unit accumulates the assignment result of the group code in the step of assigning the group code; and a step in which the transmission unit transmits information capable of specifying the assigned group code and the group code identifier corresponding to the group code. In the step of assigning the group code, the group code is assigned so as not to overlap based on the accumulated assignment result of the group code.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to a code assignment device or the like according to an aspect of the present invention, a group code can be assigned so as not to overlap. Therefore, for example, Company A and Company B can avoid a situation where the same group code is used by both companies by using the group code assigned by the code assignment device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration of a code assignment device according to the embodiment [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the operation of a code assignment device according to the embodiment [Figure 4] Diagram for explaining the types of group codes in the embodiment [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of information capable of specifying a group code and the like in the embodiment [Figure 6A]FIG. showing an example of the result of group code assignment in the same embodiment [Figure 6B] FIG. showing an example of the result of group code assignment in the same embodiment [Figure 7] FIG. showing an example of the result of group code assignment in the same embodiment [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a computer system in the same embodiment [Figure 9] FIG. showing an example of the configuration of a computer system in the same embodiment [Figure 10] FIG. for explaining an example of the use of a conventional group code

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, a code assignment device, a code assignment method, and a program according to the present invention will be described using embodiments. In the following embodiments, components and steps denoted by the same reference numerals are the same or corresponding, and repeated descriptions may be omitted. The code assignment device according to the present embodiment assigns group codes so as not to overlap.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a code assignment device 1 according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a code assignment device 1 and a plurality of information processing devices 2 that are communicably connected via a communication line 500. The communication line 500 may be, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a public telephone network, or the like. The information processing device 2 is used by a user who requests the assignment of a group code, and may be, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. The user may be, for example, an individual, a company, an organization, a group, or the like. In the present embodiment, the case where the user is a company will be mainly described.

[0020] Referring to Figure 2, the code assignment device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, an assignment unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a transmission unit 15. The code assignment device 1 may further include, as an example, a billing unit 16. The code assignment device 1 may also be a server that assigns group codes in response to the reception of request information transmitted from the information processing device 2.

[0021] The memory unit 11 stores information that can identify a group code composed of multiple two-dimensional codes, and a group code identifier corresponding to that group code. A group code is a code composed of a predetermined number of two-dimensional codes. The predetermined number is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more, but for example it may be 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more. In this embodiment, the case where the predetermined number is 2 will be mainly described.

[0022] The two-dimensional codes included in a group code may, for example, be rectangular. The rectangular codes may be square, or rectangular codes other than square. This embodiment will mainly describe the former case. Multiple two-dimensional codes included in a group code may be arranged so that their sides are close together and facing each other, as shown in Figure 10. It is preferable to have a gap between adjacent two-dimensional codes to distinguish each code, but this is not required. When a group code includes three or more two-dimensional codes, these three or more two-dimensional codes may be arranged in a straight line, or in other shapes. In the latter case, for example, four two-dimensional codes may be arranged in a 2x2 matrix, or three or more two-dimensional codes may be arranged in an L-shape.

[0023] The two-dimensional code is not particularly limited, but may be a color code such as Chameleon Code (registered trademark), a QR code (registered trademark), an AR marker, or any other code. The AR marker may be, for example, an ArUco marker. It is preferable that the two-dimensional code can read multiple codes simultaneously. In this embodiment, the case where the two-dimensional code is an AR marker will be mainly described.

[0024] The information that can identify a group code is information that can identify an image of the group code, and may be, for example, the group code itself, i.e., an image of the group code, or the code identifiers of multiple 2D codes contained in the group code, or other information that can uniquely identify an image of the group code. It is preferable that the image of the target group code can be identified by using the information that can identify a group code. The code identifier of a 2D code may be, for example, the information indicated by the 2D code (i.e., the information obtained by reading the 2D code itself), or it may be information that is managed in association with the information obtained by reading the 2D code.

[0025] Furthermore, a group code identifier corresponding to a certain group code may be the information indicated by that group code (i.e., the information itself obtained by reading that group code), or it may be information that is managed in association with the information obtained by reading that group code.

[0026] In the storage unit 11, information that can identify a group code and a group code identifier corresponding to that group code may be stored in association with each other. For example, the storage unit 11 may store multiple pairs of information that can identify a group code and a group code identifier corresponding to that group code.

[0027] A group code may include, for example, a global code used by multiple users and a local code used by a single user. For instance, a local code might be a group code used only within a specific company, while a global code might be a group code used by multiple companies such as manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. A global group code and a local group code may differ in type, for example. Furthermore, a global group code may have multiple types. The same applies to local group codes.

[0028] The type of group code is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be a type corresponding to the number of 2D codes included in the group code, or a type corresponding to the number of cells in the 2D codes included in the group code, or both. If the type of group code is a type corresponding to the number of 2D codes included in the group code, for example, a group code consisting of 2 2D codes and a group code consisting of 3 2D codes are different types of group codes. Also, if the type of group code is a type corresponding to the number of cells in the 2D codes included in the group code, for example, a group code consisting of 2 2D codes with 6 cells on each side, a group code consisting of 2 2D codes with 7 cells on each side, and a group code consisting of a 2D code with 6 cells on each side and a 2D code with 7 cells on each side are all different types of group codes.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the three types of group codes. Figure 4 shows that the group code for type ID "C001" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "type C001," and the same applies to other types) consists of two 2D codes with 7 cells on each side, the group code for type C002 consists of two 2D codes with 6 cells on each side, and the group code for type C003 consists of two 2D codes with 5 cells on each side. Note that the group codes for types C001 and C002 are global codes, while the group code for type C003 is a local code. Furthermore, the total number of group codes for each type differs depending on the number of cells in the 2D codes included in the group code. Group codes composed of 2D codes with more cells have a larger total number of group codes. For example, the total number of group codes for type C001 is 25 × 10 10 There are individual group codes. As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that group codes of a type with a large number of group codes be used as global codes.

[0030] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 is not relevant. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 via a recording medium, or information transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 is preferably implemented using a non-volatile recording medium, but it may also be implemented using a volatile recording medium. The recording medium may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0031] The receiving unit 12 receives request information requesting the assignment of group codes. The request information may be transmitted, for example, from the information processing device 2. The request information may include, as an example, a user identifier that identifies the user who sent the request information, the number of group codes to be assigned, information indicating whether the requested assignment is for global codes or local codes, and information indicating the type of group code to be assigned. If the type of group code determines whether a group code is a global code or a local code, the type of group code to be assigned included in the request information may also serve as information indicating whether the requested assignment is for global codes or local codes.

[0032] The receiving unit 12 may or may not include a wired or wireless receiving device (e.g., a modem or network card) for receiving data. The receiving unit 12 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver for operating the receiving device.

[0033] Furthermore, when request information is received, authentication processing related to that request information may be performed. In this case, for example, the request information may include a user identifier that identifies the sending user and a password, and authentication may be performed using that user identifier and password. If the authentication is deemed legitimate, a group code corresponding to the request information will be assigned, and if the authentication is deemed illegitimate, a group code corresponding to the request information may not be assigned.

[0034] The assignment unit 13 assigns a group code in response to the receipt of the request information. Assigning a group code may mean making the assigned group code available for use by the user who sent the request information. It is preferable for the assignment unit 13 to assign group codes in a way that avoids duplication, based on the assignment results of the group codes stored by the storage unit 14. In other words, it is preferable for the assignment unit 13 to ensure that no single group code is assigned more than once, based on the assignment results of the group codes.

[0035] The allocation unit 13 may, for example, allocate the number of group codes requested if that number is included in the request information, or it may allocate a predetermined number of group codes if that number is not included in the request information.

[0036] When a global code assignment is requested, the assignment unit 13 shall assign a group code that is a global code. Similarly, when a local code assignment is requested, the assignment unit 13 shall assign a group code that is a local code. When assigning a global code, the assignment unit 13 may assign a group code to all users in a way that does not result in duplicates, and when assigning a local code, it may assign a group code to the requesting user in a way that does not result in duplicates. In other words, for a group code that is a global code, once it is assigned, it will not be assigned a second time. On the other hand, for a group code that is a local code, once it is assigned to a user, the same user will not be assigned a second time, but it will be assigned to a different user. The requesting user may be the user who sent the request information. The assignment unit 13 may determine whether the group code to be assigned is a global code or a local code based on information included in the request information that indicates whether the target of the assignment request is a global code or a local code.

[0037] Furthermore, when the assignment unit 13 assigns a global code in response to the reception of a single request information, it may assign only one type of global code. In this case, for example, when assigning 100 group codes which are global codes, the assignment unit 13 will assign either 100 group codes of type C001 or 100 group codes of type C002, and will not assign 50 group codes of type C001 and 50 group codes of type C002. As a result, for example, a user using an assigned global code which is a group code can configure their code reader to read only a specific type of group code, and even if multiple types of group codes are assigned to the target of the group code assignment, they will be able to read only the desired group code.

[0038] The storage unit 14 stores the group code assignment results from the assignment unit 13. The group code assignment results are information used to prevent the assignment of duplicate group codes. Therefore, the group code assignment results can be any information as long as this objective is achieved.

[0039] For example, the assignment result of a global code group code may include identification information for already assigned group codes. This identification information may be, for example, a code identifier for the group code, or any other information that identifies a group code. Furthermore, if global codes group codes are assigned sequentially, the assignment result of a global code group code may include, for example, information indicating the order of the last assigned global code group code, or information indicating the order of the next global code group code to be assigned.

[0040] Furthermore, the assignment result of a local code group code may, for example, include a user identifier that identifies the user who requested the assignment of the local code, and identification information of the group code already assigned to that user. Also, if the local codes group codes are assigned sequentially, the assignment result of a local code group code may include, for example, a user identifier that identifies the user who requested the assignment of the local code, information indicating the order of the last local code group code assigned to that user, or information indicating the order of the next local code group code to be assigned to that user.

[0041] If there are multiple types of group codes, for example, the group code assignment results may be managed separately for each type of group code. The storage unit 14 may, for example, store the group code assignment results in the storage unit 11, or it may store them in another recording medium. In this embodiment, the former case will be mainly described.

[0042] If the group code assignment result includes identification information for already assigned group codes, the assignment unit 13 may assign a group code other than the one identified by the identification information for already assigned group codes when making a new assignment. Also, if the group code assignment result is information indicating the order of the last assigned group code or information indicating the order of the next group codes to be assigned, the assignment unit 13 may assign group codes in order starting from the next group codes to be assigned as indicated by that information.

[0043] The transmitting unit 15 transmits information that identifies the assigned group code and a group code identifier corresponding to that group code. The two may be transmitted in a manner that indicates their correspondence. For example, multiple pairs of information that identifies the assigned group code and a group code identifier corresponding to that group code may be transmitted. The recipient of this information may be, for example, the source of the request information.

[0044] The transmitting unit 15 may or may not include a transmitting device (e.g., a modem or network card) for transmitting data. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 15 may be implemented by hardware or by software such as a driver for operating the transmitting device.

[0045] The billing unit 16 charges the user who sent the request information in accordance with the group code assignment by the assignment unit 13. The billing unit 16 may, for example, obtain the number of group codes assigned by the assignment unit 13 for each user and charge the user according to that number. The charge amount may, for example, be an amount corresponding to the number of group codes assigned. In this case, the more group codes assigned, the higher the charge amount will be. The charge amount may, for example, be calculated by multiplying the charge amount corresponding to the assignment of one group code by the number of assigned codes. The billing unit 16 may also, for example, charge each time a group code is assigned, or charge at predetermined intervals. In the latter case, for example, charge may be made once a month for each user. In this case, for each group code assignment, the user identifier of the assigned user and the charge amount or the number of group codes assigned may be stored, and the charge processing may be performed using the stored information at the time of billing.

[0046] Furthermore, the billing unit 16 may charge different rates for the allocation of global codes and the allocation of local codes. In this case, the charge for the allocation of a group code, which is a global code, may be higher than the charge for the allocation of a group code, which is a local code. For example, the charge for the allocation of one group code, which is a global code, may be set higher than the charge for the allocation of one group code, which is a local code. Since a group code, which is a global code, cannot be allocated to all users more than once, once a group code, which is a global code, is allocated, that group code cannot be allocated again. On the other hand, a group code, which is a local code, cannot be allocated to each user more than once, so even if a group code, which is a local code, is allocated to one user, the same group code can be allocated to another user. Thus, it may be possible to charge a group code, which is a local code, multiple times, but it is not possible to charge a group code, which is a global code, multiple times, so the charges are usually as described above.

[0047] The billing unit 16 may, for example, output the billing amount corresponding to the group code assignment and a user identifier that identifies the user making the charge. This output may be the billing process. Using this outputted information, for example, a process to bill the amount may be performed. This output may be displayed on a display device, transmitted via a communication line (for example, sending an invoice by email), printed by a printer (for example, printing a payment slip or invoice), or stored on a recording medium. The billing unit 16 may also, for example, use information that associates the user identifier with the address of the user identified by that user identifier to obtain the address corresponding to the user identifier, and send information to the obtained address to bill the billing amount. The billing unit 16 may also, for example, perform a process to deduct the billing amount from the account of the user identified by the user identifier. Note that the specific billing process when the billing destination and the billing amount are determined is already publicly known, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

[0048] Next, the operation of the code assignment device 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3. (Step S101) The receiving unit 12 determines whether it has received the request information. If it has received the request information, it proceeds to step S102; otherwise, it repeats the process in step S101 until it receives the request information.

[0049] (Step S102) The assignment unit 13 assigns a group code in response to the receipt of the request information. The assignment unit 13 assigns group codes in a way that avoids duplication, based on the accumulated group code assignment results.

[0050] (Step S103) The storage unit 14 stores the group code assignment results from the assignment unit 13 in the storage unit 11.

[0051] (Step S104) The transmission unit 15 transmits information that can identify the group code assigned by the assignment unit 13, and a group code identifier corresponding to that group code.

[0052] (Step S105) The billing unit 16 charges the user who sent the request information according to the group code assigned by the allocation unit 13. Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0053] Note that the order of processing in the flowchart in Figure 3 is just one example, and the order of each step may be changed if the same results can be obtained. For example, the processes in steps S103 to S105 may be executed in a different order than that shown in the flowchart in Figure 3. Also, in the flowchart in Figure 3, processing ends due to power off or processing termination interrupt.

[0054] Next, the operation of the code assignment device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using a specific example. In this example, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 stores three types of group codes as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the storage unit 11 stores the type ID, the number, information that can identify the group code, and the code identifier of the group code in association with each other. The number is a number assigned sequentially from 1 for each type of group code. In this example, it is assumed that the group codes are assigned sequentially starting from the group code with the smallest number. The information that can identify the group code is a pair of code identifiers for two 2D codes that constitute the group code. For example, in Figure 5, it is shown that the group code with the number "1" in type C001 consists of two 2D codes identified by the code identifiers "S7-123456" and "S7-123457," respectively. It is assumed that the images of the 2D codes identified by the code identifiers are known. Furthermore, the code identifier that identifies the group code number "1" in type C001 is "ID123456789012".

[0055] First, suppose a user identified by user identifier U001 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "user U001") sends request information from the information processing device 2 to the code assignment device 1 requesting the assignment of 100 global codes of type C001. The request information includes the user identifier "U001". The request information is received by the receiving unit 12, the type ID and other information are passed to the assignment unit 13, and the address of the sender of the request information is passed to the transmitting unit 15 (step S101).

[0056] Upon receiving the type ID "C001", the instruction to assign 100 global codes, and the user identifier "U001", the assignment unit 13 refers to the assignment results stored in the storage unit 11. Let's assume the assignment results are as shown in Figure 6A. The assignment results shown in Figure 6A indicate the numbers of the group codes that will be assigned next for each type of group code. In Figure 6A, for both types C001 and C002, the number of the group code that will be assigned next is "1", meaning that no codes have been assigned yet. Therefore, the assignment unit 13 reads the information that can identify group codes from number 1 to number 100 for type C001 stored in the storage unit 11 and the code identifier of that group code, passes it to the transmission unit 15, and also passes a message to the storage unit 14 indicating that codes have been assigned up to number 100 for type C001 (step S102). The assignment unit 13 also passes a message to the billing unit 16 indicating that 100 global codes have been assigned to user U001.

[0057] When the storage unit 14 receives notification that numbers up to 100 have been assigned to type C001, it updates the next number to be assigned to the group code of type C001 to "101," which is the value obtained by adding 1 to the last assigned group code number "100" (step S103). The resulting assignment after the update is shown in Figure 6B.

[0058] Furthermore, upon receiving 100 pairs of information that can identify a group code and a code identifier of the group code, the transmitting unit 15 transmits these 100 pairs to an address previously received from the receiving unit 12 (step S104). The transmitted 100 pairs of information that can identify a group code and a code identifier of the group code are received by the information processing device 2 of user U001, and user U001 becomes able to use a unique group code that does not overlap with group codes used by other users.

[0059] Furthermore, upon receiving notification that user U001 has been assigned 100 global codes, the billing unit 16 performs billing processing for user U001 corresponding to the assignment of 100 global codes (step S105).

[0060] Subsequently, when the code assignment device 1 receives request information requesting the assignment of a global code of type C001, the global codes will be assigned sequentially starting from number "101" according to the assignment results shown in Figure 6B.

[0061] Furthermore, if user U001 transmits request information requesting the assignment of a group code, which is a local code of type C003, the code assignment device 1 will similarly perform the assignment process for the local code group code and store the assignment results (steps S101 to S105). In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the assignment results may store the group code numbers that will be the next to be assigned, associated with the user identifier "U001". In the case of local codes, it is sufficient that duplicate assignments are not made for each user. For example, even after assigning group codes, which are local codes of type C003, from number 1 to number 100 to user U001, other users can be assigned the same group codes, which are local codes of type C003, from number 1 to number 100.

[0062] As described above, the code assignment device 1 according to this embodiment can avoid situations where the same group code is used by multiple users by assigning group codes in a way that avoids duplication. Furthermore, if the group code includes both a global code and a local code, it is possible to assign the same local code to multiple users, thereby making effective use of the group code that is a local code. In addition, if the group code that is a global code and the group code that is a local code are of different types, for example, the code reader that reads the group code can be set to read only the group code of the type corresponding to the global code, thereby preventing the reading of the group code that is a local code, or vice versa.

[0063] Furthermore, when assigning a global code, such as a group code, it is possible to assign only one type of global code, so that, for example, a single type of group code is assigned to a product. In this case, for example, when reading the group code assigned to a product, it is possible to set it to read only a predetermined type of group code, thereby preventing the reading of unnecessary group codes. Also, for example, by assigning different types of global codes to the food industry and the construction industry, it is possible to prevent the reading of a group code in the food industry from reading a group code in the construction industry.

[0064] Furthermore, by charging based on the allocation of group codes, the costs associated with group code allocation can be recovered from users. Additionally, by, for example, setting a higher fee for global code allocation than for local code allocation, appropriate pricing can be implemented depending on whether or not a user monopolizes the group code.

[0065] In this embodiment, the case where the group code includes both a global code and a local code has been mainly described, but this is not required. The group code may, for example, consist only of a global code, or only of a local code. Also, in this embodiment, the case where the group code has types has been mainly described, but this is not required. The group code may not have types.

[0066] Furthermore, when using existing codes such as ArUco markers as 2D codes, there is a possibility that the same group code assigned by the code assignment device 1 may be used by a third party other than the user of the code assignment device 1. To distinguish between the group code used by such a third party and the group code assigned by the code assignment device 1, a check digit may be included in the group code assigned by the code assignment device 1. In this case, the information read from at least one of the 2D codes constituting the group code subject to assignment by the code assignment device 1 may include a check digit. When reading the group code, a consistency check is performed using the check digits included in the multiple 2D codes constituting the group code. If they are consistent, it may be determined that it is a group code assigned by the code assignment device 1 and a predetermined process is performed; if they are not consistent, it may be determined that it is not a group code assigned by the code assignment device 1 and a predetermined process is not performed. In this way, the possibility of inappropriate processing being performed based on a group code used by a third party can be reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each process or function may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or by distributed processing by multiple devices or multiple systems.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exchange of information between each component may, for example, be performed by outputting information from one component and receiving information from the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically different, or by moving from the processing phase corresponding to one component to the processing phase corresponding to the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically the same.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information received, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, as well as information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used by each component in processing, may be temporarily or for a long period of time stored in a recording medium (not shown), even if not explicitly stated in the above description. The storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). The reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the information used in each component, such as thresholds, addresses, and various setting values ​​used by each component in processing, can be changed by the user, then even if not explicitly stated in the above description, the user may be allowed to change such information as appropriate, or not. If the user can change such information, the change may be implemented, for example, by a receiving unit (not shown) that receives change instructions from the user and a changing unit (not shown) that changes the information in response to those change instructions. The receiving unit (not shown) may receive change instructions from an input device, receive information transmitted via a communication line, or receive information read from a predetermined recording medium.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if two or more components included in the code assignment device 1 have communication devices, input devices, etc., the two or more components may have a single physical device, or they may have separate devices.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be made up of dedicated hardware, or, if it is a component that can be realized by software, it may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing the storage unit or recording medium. The software that realizes the code assignment device 1 in the above embodiment is as follows: In other words, this program causes a computer that can access a storage unit that stores information that can identify a group code composed of a plurality of two-dimensional codes and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code to function as a receiving unit that receives request information requesting the assignment of a group code, an assignment unit that assigns a group code in response to the receipt of the request information, a storage unit that stores the results of the group code assignment by the assignment unit, and a transmitting unit that transmits information that can identify the assigned group code and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code, and the assignment unit assigns group codes in a way that does not duplicate based on the stored group code assignment results.

[0073] Furthermore, the functions implemented by the above program do not include any functions that can only be implemented by hardware. For example, functions that can only be implemented by hardware such as modems and interface cards in the receiving unit that receives information or the transmitting unit that sends information are not included in the functions implemented by the above program.

[0074] Furthermore, this program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or by being read from a predetermined recording medium (for example, an optical disc such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disc, or a semiconductor memory). This program may also be used as a program constituting a program product.

[0075] Furthermore, the computer running this program may be a single computer or multiple computers. That is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0076] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a computer that executes the above program to realize the code assignment device 1 according to the above embodiment. The above embodiment can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon.

[0077] In Figure 8, the computer system 900 includes a computer 901 with a CD-ROM drive 905, a keyboard 902, a mouse 903, and a monitor 904.

[0078] Figure 9 shows the internal configuration of the computer system 900. In Figure 9, the computer 901 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 905, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 911, a ROM 912 for storing programs such as boot-up programs, a RAM 913 connected to the MPU 911 for temporarily storing instructions for application programs and providing temporary storage space, a hard disk 914 for storing application programs, system programs, and data, and a bus 915 that interconnects the MPU 911, ROM 912, etc. The computer 901 may also include a network card (not shown) that provides connectivity to a LAN or WAN.

[0079] The program that causes the computer system 900 to execute the functions of the code assignment device 1 according to the above embodiment may be stored on a CD-ROM 921, inserted into a CD-ROM drive 905, and transferred to the hard disk 914. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to a computer 901 via a network (not shown) and stored on the hard disk 914. The program is loaded into RAM 913 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 921 or the network. Furthermore, the program may be loaded into the computer system 900 via another recording medium (e.g., a DVD) instead of the CD-ROM 921.

[0080] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 901 to execute the functions of the code assignment device 1 according to the above embodiment. The program may include only the instruction portion that calls appropriate functions or modules in a controlled manner to obtain the desired result. How the computer system 900 operates is well known, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0081] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are illustrative examples for specifically carrying out the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments, and modifications within the literal scope and equivalent meaning of the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Code assignment device 11 Storage section 12 Receiver 13. Allocation Section 14 Storage section 15 Transmitter 16. Billing Section

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores information that can identify a group code composed of multiple two-dimensional codes, and a group code identifier corresponding to said group code, A receiving unit receives request information requesting the assignment of a group code, An assignment unit that assigns a group code in response to the receipt of the aforementioned request information, A storage unit that stores the group code assignment results by the aforementioned assignment unit, It comprises a transmitting unit that transmits information that can identify the assigned group code and a group code identifier corresponding to the said group code, The aforementioned assignment unit is a code assignment device that assigns group codes in a way that avoids duplication, based on the assignment results of accumulated group codes.

2. Group codes include global codes used by multiple users and local codes used by a single user. The aforementioned request information includes information indicating whether the requested allocation is for a global code or a local code. The code assignment device according to claim 1, wherein the assignment unit assigns a group code to all users in a manner that does not overlap when assigning a global code, and assigns a group code to the requesting user in a manner that does not overlap when assigning a local code.

3. The code assignment device according to claim 2, wherein the group code, which is a global code, and the group code, which is a local code, are of different types.

4. There are several types of group codes, which are global codes. The code assignment device according to claim 2, wherein the assignment unit assigns one type of global code when assigning a global code in response to the receipt of the request information.

5. The code assignment device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the type of group code is at least one of a type corresponding to the number of two-dimensional codes included in the group code and a type corresponding to the number of cells of the two-dimensional codes included in the group code.

6. A code assignment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a billing unit that charges the user who sent the request information in accordance with the assignment of a group code by the assignment unit.

7. The system further includes a billing unit that charges the user who sent the request information in accordance with the assignment of a group code by the aforementioned assignment unit. The code assignment device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the billing unit performs different billing for the assignment of global codes and the assignment of local codes.

8. The code assignment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information read from at least one of the two-dimensional codes constituting the group code includes a check digit.

9. A code assignment method processed using a storage unit that stores information that can identify a group code composed of multiple two-dimensional codes, and a group code identifier corresponding to said group code, a receiving unit, an assignment unit, a storage unit, and a transmission unit, The receiving unit receives request information requesting the assignment of a group code, The assignment unit, upon receiving the request information, takes the step of assigning a group code. The storage unit includes the step of storing the group code assignment results in the step of assigning the group code, The transmission unit includes the step of transmitting information that can identify the assigned group code and a group code identifier corresponding to the group code, A code assignment method in which, in the step of assigning the aforementioned group codes, group codes are assigned in a way that does not duplicate based on the accumulated results of assigning group codes.

10. A computer that can access a storage unit that stores information that can identify a group code composed of multiple two-dimensional codes, and a group code identifier corresponding to said group code. A receiving unit receives request information requesting the assignment of a group code. In response to receiving the aforementioned request information, the assignment unit assigns a group code. A storage unit that stores the group code assignment results by the aforementioned assignment unit, It functions as a transmission unit that transmits information that can identify the assigned group code and the group code identifier corresponding to that group code. The aforementioned assignment unit is a program that assigns group codes in a way that avoids duplication, based on the assignment results of accumulated group codes.

Images