Information code, information code generating device, and information code reading device

Abstract

To provide an information code having high convenience.SOLUTION: An information code Cd1 superimposes and records a first code Ci1 representing first information and a second code Ct1 representing second information on a common two-dimensional region. The first code Ci1 is displayed in the two-dimensional region in a readable manner by discrimination of brightness by a first reading method. The second code Ct1 is displayed in the two-dimensional region in a readable manner by a second reading method different from the first reading method due to an array of a plurality of colors regulated so as to make brightness discrimination by the first reading method constant. The first code Ci1 that can represent a display area smaller when respective data between the first code Ci1 and the second code Ct1 are represented by a non-compression format being a non-compression state is represented by the non-compression format. The second code Ct1 is represented by a compression format that compresses a display area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The information code disclosed in Patent Document 1 records a first code (Ci1, Ci2) representing first information and a second code (Ct1, Ct2) representing second information by overlapping them in a common two-dimensional area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <00000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The first code is displayed in a two-dimensional area in a readable state by determining the brightness using the first reading method. The second code is displayed in a two-dimensional area in a readable manner by a second reading method different from the first reading method, using a multi-color arrangement defined so that the brightness discrimination by the first reading method remains unchanged. Of the first and second codes, the code that can be represented in a smaller display area when its data is uncompressed is represented in the uncompressed format, while the other code is represented in a compressed format that reduces the display area.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an information code generation device comprising at least one processor, which generates an information code (Cd1, Cd2, Cd3) that records a first code (Ci1, Ci2) representing first information and a second code (Ct1, Ct2) representing second information superimposed on a common two-dimensional area, The processor is It is configured to generate a readable first code and a second code by determining brightness using a first reading method, In generating the first and second codes, one of the first and second codes, which can be represented in a smaller display area when its data is uncompressed, is generated in an uncompressed format, while the other code is generated in a compressed format with a reduced display area. The system is configured to further perform the synthesis of the first and second codes based on a synthesis rule that allows the second code to be read by a second reading method different from the first reading method, using a multi-color array defined so that the luminance discrimination of the first code by the first reading method remains unchanged.

[0008] In these configurations, when each data is represented in an uncompressed format, the uncompressed format is used for one code that can be represented in a smaller display area, while the compressed format, which compresses the display area, is used for the other code. By creating a difference between uncompressed and compressed formats, the difference between the display area of ​​the first code and the display area of ​​the second code can be reduced. As a result, the display area of ​​the superimposed information code can be made the same as, or close to, that of the code that can be represented in a smaller display area. Therefore, the applicability of the superimposed information code to the display layout can be improved, thereby achieving high convenience.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an information code reader comprising at least one processor, which reads an information code (Cd1, Cd2, Cd3) that includes a white cell (WHC), a black cell (BLC), a light color cell (LCC), and a dark color cell (DCC), and records an information code that superimposes a first code (Ci1, Ci2) representing first information and a second code (Ct1, Ct2) representing second information in a common two-dimensional area, and reads an information code (Cd1, Cd2, Cd3) including a white cell (WHC), a black cell (BLC), a light color cell (LCC), and a dark color cell (DCC), The processor is The first code is read by determining the brightness using a first reading method that distinguishes white cells and light color cells as having the same value, and black cells and dark color cells as having the same value. The system is configured to read a second code by determining brightness using a second reading method that distinguishes white cells and dark color cells as having the same value, and black cells and light color cells as having the same value. In at least one of reading the first code and reading the second code, the code represented in a compressed format with a reduced display area is identified, and the information stored in one of the codes is read according to the compression mode of the compressed format.

[0010] In this configuration, when a code represented in a compressed format with a reduced display area is identified, information is read according to the compression method of that compressed format. Therefore, when reading an information code in which a first code and a second code are superimposed, it is possible to correctly obtain the information even if at least one of the data in these codes is represented in a compressed format. Thus, convenience can be improved.

[0011] The symbols in parentheses included in the claims, etc., are illustrative examples illustrating the correspondence with the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram showing item codes, tracking codes, and combined information codes. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the traceability system in conjunction with the distribution management system. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating an example of the code generation process. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of a code reading process. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating item codes, tracking codes, and combined information codes. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating functional patterns. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the code generation process. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of a code reading process. [Figure 9] A diagram showing information codes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described based on the drawings. In each embodiment, corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configuration of other embodiments described previously can be applied to other parts of the configuration. In addition, not only the combinations of configurations explicitly shown in the description of each embodiment, but also the configurations of a plurality of embodiments can be partially combined with each other as long as there is no problem with the combination, even if not explicitly shown.

[0014] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the information code Cd1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is generated by a process of synthesizing two two-dimensional codes. The information code Cd1 stores two two-dimensional codes by superimposing them on a common two-dimensional area. The two-dimensional code that is the source of the information code Cd1 is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), and records information in a two-dimensional array of a plurality of cells. The information code Cd1 can be printed on a paper medium or the like and used in the state of a code printing medium such as a label, a sticker, and a tag. The information code Cd1 may be displayed on a display device such as a display and an electronic paper.

[0015] The information code Cd1 is generated by synthesizing a public code (for example, an item code Ci1) and a confidential code (for example, a tracking code Ct1). When the information code Cd1 is read using a normal reader such as a code reader 13 described later, the information code Cd1 is recognized as a public code. In this case, the information recorded in the public code (hereinafter, public information) is read out. On the other hand, by using a special reader such as a code scanner 23 described later, the confidential code can be read. In this case, the information recorded in the confidential code (hereinafter, confidential information) is read out.

[0016] Information code Cd1 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 the supply chain SC, which is constructed by including a large number of traders TR. The supply chain SC is the connection between traders TR to deliver products such as 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 Figure 2, the traders TR include farmers TR1, agricultural cooperatives TR2 which are collection facilities, transporters TR3, and retailers TR4.

[0017] The distribution management system 110 collects transaction records of items between traders (TRs) using item codes Ci1. In other words, item codes Ci1 are used by the distribution management system 110. The distribution management system 110 consists of an input terminal 11, a label printer 12, a code reader 13, and a system server 10, etc. The label printer 12 and code reader 13 are appropriately installed at the facilities of individual traders (TRs). The input terminal 11, label printer 12, and code reader 13 are connected to the system server 10, which is located in a data center or the like, via a network.

[0018] The input terminal 11 is, for example, a personal computer or a tablet terminal. Basic information about items supplied to the supply chain SC (hereinafter referred to as item information) is entered into the input terminal 11 according to a predetermined format. For example, the item name, place of production, production equipment, and producer are considered item information. The input terminal 11 transmits the item information of items shipped from the trader TR to the system server 10.

[0019] The label printer 12 is an output device for printing the item code Ci1 onto paper. The label printer 12 is configured to print in both color and grayscale. The paper printed with the item code Ci1 is attached to the package or outer box of the traded item being shipped and distributed attached to the item.

[0020] The code reader 13 is a reader that acquires public information recorded in the item code Ci1 by reading the item code Ci1. The code reader 13 acquires the public information recorded in the item code Ci1 and transmits the acquired public information to the system server 10.

[0021] 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 obtained 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 Ci1 that records this public information. As part of the process of issuing the item code Ci1, the system server 10 sends the image data of the generated item code Ci1 to the label printer 12 located at the source of the item information. When the illuminated item code Ci1 circulates with the item and is read by another trader TR's code reader 13, the system server 10 stores a record of the item transaction by this trader TR.

[0022] The traceability system 120 is used in conjunction with the distribution management system 110 and stores transaction records in the same way as the distribution management system 110. More specifically, 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 it. In addition to a record generation function that stores transaction records, the traceability system 120 has a record referencing function that makes the stored transaction records accessible. To prevent tampering with transaction records, the traceability system 120 utilizes blockchain technology for managing transaction records.

[0023] The traceability system 120 collects transaction records using an information code Cd1 based on an item code Ci1 issued by the system server 10. The traceability system 120 consists of a code output device 22, a code scanner 23, and a history management server 20, etc. Furthermore, the traceability system 120 utilizes the input terminal 11 and label printer 12, etc., of the distribution management system 110. The code output device 22, code scanner 23, and input terminal 11 are connected via a network to the history management server 20, which is stored in a data center or the like.

[0024] The code output device 22 is installed in the trading company TR facility where the label printer 12 is installed. The code output device 22 is installed in a way that it intercepts the communication line between the system server 10 and the label printer 12, and it acquires the item code Ci1 data that is sent from the system server 10 to the label printer 12. The code output device 22 then sends the acquired item code Ci1 data to the history management server 20.

[0025] The code output device 22 receives data for the information code Cd1, which is generated based on the transmitted item code Ci1, from the history management server 20. The information code Cd1 further records tracking information as confidential information used in the traceability system 120. The code output device 22 sends the information code data to the label printer 12 in place of the item code Ci1 data. Due to this intervention by the code output device 22, the label printer 12 prints the information code Cd1 on paper without recognizing the alteration (replacement) of the acquired code data. As a result, a code printout medium with the information code Cd1 printed on it instead of the item code Ci1 is attached to the item and distributed together with the item.

[0026] In this case, the label printing medium printed by the label printer 12 has the same layout as the medium on which the item code Ci1 was printed. Therefore, if the display area of ​​the information code Cd1, which is printed in place of the item code Ci1, becomes larger than the display area of ​​the item code Ci1, it may not fit on the label printing medium. For this reason, it is preferable that the display area of ​​the information code Cd1 is equal to or smaller than the display area of ​​the item code Ci1.

[0027] The code scanner 23 is a reader that reads confidential information added to the information code Cd1, separate from publicly available information, which is recorded in the information code Cd1. Since the code scanner 23 is configured to scan the same object as the code reader 13, it may be physically integrated with the code reader 13. The code scanner 23 consists of an imaging sensor made of a two-dimensional arrangement of CCD elements and a signal processing unit 41, etc. The imaging sensor is capable of reading information recorded in a two-dimensional area in a planar manner with a higher resolution than the code reader 13. The imaging sensor outputs an image of the information code Cd1 (hereinafter referred to as the code image) to the signal processing unit 41.

[0028] The signal processing unit 41 includes a storage unit for storing a code reading program, a processor and RAM that execute the code reading process described later based on the code reading program. The processor includes at least one type of core, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)-CPU. The signal processing unit 41 decodes the reading signal from the imaging sensor according to predetermined rules through the code reading process and acquires tracking information recorded in the information code Cd1. The signal processing unit 41 may also be able to perform readings with the history management server 20 based on the acquired tracking information.

[0029] 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 scanner 23. The history management server 20 is primarily a computer comprising a processing unit 31, RAM 32, storage unit 33, input / output interface, and buses connecting these. The processing unit 31 is hardware for arithmetic processing coupled with RAM 32, and is primarily composed of a processor such as a CPU. The processor includes at least one type as a core, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)-CPU. The processing unit 31 performs various processes related to data management by accessing RAM 32. The storage unit 33 stores a code generation program as one of the management programs related to data management, which causes the processing unit 31 to execute the code generation method according to this disclosure.

[0030] In the traceability system 120, one information code Cd1 may be continuously used across multiple traders (TRs), or a new information code Cd1 may be issued for each trader (TR). In the case where a new information code Cd1 is issued for each trader (TR), the latest hash value reflecting the transaction record is generated based on the occurrence of the transaction record at each trader (TR). The history management server 20 generates a new information code Cd1 with the latest hash value recorded as tracking information and provides the data of the new information code Cd1 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. Furthermore, since the tracking information is mainly based on hash values, the amount of data in the tracking information can be maintained at a constant level even if the trading of items progresses in the supply chain (SC).

[0031] Consumers of the final product can view the transaction records of the final product by using a traceability verification application installed on a user terminal 50, such as a smartphone or tablet. Specifically, when the user terminal 50 reads a code attached to the final product (which may be information code Cd1 or another additionally issued code), it sends a request to the history management server 20, which acts as the inquiry destination, along with a hash value, to access the transaction records. Upon receiving the access request, the history management server 20 extracts the item information and transaction records associated with the hash value and generates data for provision. The history management server 20 sends the generated data for provision to the user terminal 50, which was the source of the access request. Consumers of the final product can then use the traceability verification application to expand the data for provision received from the history management server 20 and confirm the transaction record history.

[0032] Next, the details of the information code Cd1 and its generation method will be explained. The flowchart in Figure 3 shows an example of how to generate the information code Cd1. The code generation process shown in S11 to S16 of Figure 3 is realized when the processing unit 31 of the history management server 20 executes the code generation program.

[0033] In the first step, S11, the history management server 20 prepares the item information. In other words, the history management server 20 obtains the data for the item code Ci1 through the code output device 22. The item information is a 14-digit string, such as "abcdefghijklmn". After processing in S11, the process proceeds to S12.

[0034] In S12, the history management server 20 generates an item code Ci1 based on the item information. For example, the item code Ci1, which is a QR code, is generated in 8-bit byte mode, version 2, and correction level H. The item code Ci1 is represented by a two-dimensional array of two-color cells: black cells BLC and white cells WHC. In the two-dimensional array of two-color cells, it may be assumed that black cells BLC are converted to 1 and white cells WHC are converted to 0. The generation of the item code Ci1 includes applying a mask pattern. After processing in S12, the process proceeds to S13.

[0035] Here, the 8-bit byte mode is a mode in which the hexadecimal hash value of a character is represented by an 8-digit binary number, i.e., 8 bits, as shown in Table 1. The 8-bit byte mode can be said to be an uncompressed format in which the data is uncompressed. The version indicates the size of the code, and the larger the version value, the larger the code size. The size of the code correlates with the number of cells and also with the display area. The correction level indicates the recovery capability to restore the data if part of the code is corrupted. For example, there are four levels of correction capability, from lowest to highest: Level L, Level M, Level Q, and Level H. [Table 1]

[0036] In S13, the history management server 20 prepares tracking information. The tracking information is a 64-digit string such as "fb8e20fc2e4c3f248c60c39bd652f3c1347298bb977b8b4d5903b85055620603". A hash function such as SHA-256 is used to generate the hash value used for such tracking information. The hash value is data that maintains a predetermined number of bits (for example, 256 bits). After processing in S13, the process proceeds to S14.

[0037] In S14, the history management server 20 generates a tracking code Ct1 based on the tracking information. For example, the tracking code Ct1 is generated in hexadecimal mode, version 2, and correction level L. The tracking code Ct1 is represented by a two-dimensional array of two-color cells, black cells BLC and white cells WHC. The generation of the tracking code Ct1 includes applying a mask pattern. After processing in S14, the process proceeds to S15.

[0038] Here, the hexadecimal mode, as shown in Table 2, is a mode in which the hexadecimal characters of the hash value are represented by a 4-digit binary number, i.e., 4 bits. The hexadecimal mode can be considered a compressed format. That is, by representing the tracking information in hexadecimal mode and reducing the correction level, even when the amount of tracking information is greater than the amount of item information, it becomes possible to display the size or display area of ​​the tracking code Ct1 in version 2, which is equivalent to the size or display area of ​​the item code Ci1. [Table 2]

[0039] The mode in a code can be determined by embedding a mode indicator in the code. The correspondence between modes and mode indicators can be set, for example, as shown in Table 3. As shown in Table 3, the hexadecimal mode can be determined by assigning a hexadecimal mode to the mode indicator. [Table 3]

[0040] Furthermore, the number of characters written in each mode can be read by embedding a character count indicator in the code. The number of bits in the character count indicator varies depending on the mode and version, but it is a multiple of 4. [Table 4]

[0041] In the code, the data structure is described in the following order, for example: mode indicator, character count indicator, data, termination pattern, padding bits, and padding word.

[0042] In S15, the history management server 20 combines the item code Ci1 and the tracking code Ct1. That is, the item code Ci1 and the tracking code Ct1 are superimposed and stored as the information code Cd1 in a common two-dimensional area. After processing in S15, the process proceeds to S16.

[0043] Here, we will explain how the item code Ci1 and the tracking code Ct1 are combined. The color of each cell in the combined information code Cd1 is determined mechanically according to a pre-set combination rule. The combination rule is, for example, the rule shown in Table 5. [Table 5]

[0044] According to the synthesis rules in Table 5, if the item code Ci1 is a black cell BLC and the tracking code Ct1 is a black cell BLC in superimposed cells, the synthesized information code Cd1 will be a black cell BLC. If the item code Ci1 is a white cell WHC and the tracking code Ct1 is a white cell WHC in superimposed cells, the synthesized information code Cd1 will be a white cell WHC. If the item code Ci1 is a black cell BLC and the tracking code Ct1 is a white cell WHC in superimposed cells, the synthesized information code Cd1 will be a dark color cell DCC. If the item code Ci1 is a white cell WHC and the tracking code Ct1 is a black cell BLC in superimposed cells, the synthesized information code Cd1 will be a light color cell LCC.

[0045] Dark colors are colors whose brightness, as recognized by the reader, is lower than that of white and light colors, such as red. Light colors are colors whose brightness, as recognized by the reader, is higher than that of black and dark colors, such as yellow. In this way, the synthesized information code Cd1 is represented by an array of cells of multiple colors (up to four colors).

[0046] In S16, the history management server 20 issues the synthesized information code Cd1. That is, the new information code Cd1 is printed on the label printing medium at the trader TR's facility label printer 12. At this time, because the display area of ​​the tracking code Ct1 was made to match the display area of ​​the item code Ci1 by using compression mode in the pre-synthesis tracking code Ct1, the display area of ​​the synthesized information code Cd1 also matches the display area of ​​the item code Ci1. Therefore, the label printing medium that previously printed the item code Ci1 can be reused. The series of processes ends with S16.

[0047] Next, we will explain the details of how to read the information code Cd1. The flowchart in Figure 4 shows an example of how to read the information code Cd1. The code generation process shown in S101 to S104 of Figure 4 is realized when the processor of the code scanner 23 executes a code reading program.

[0048] In the first step, S101, the code scanner 23 determines the location of the information code Cd1 based on the captured code image. After processing in S101, the process proceeds to S102.

[0049] In S102, the code scanner 23 reads the item code Ci1 using the first reading method. After processing in S102, the process proceeds to S103.

[0050] The first reading method is substantially the same as the method for reading codes represented in two colors, black and white, such as the item code Ci1 before synthesis. That is, the code scanner 23 reads the information by binarizing each cell of the code based on a luminance threshold. The luminance threshold is set between the luminance of the dark color and the luminance of the light color. Therefore, the black cell BLC and the dark color cell DCC are recognized as the black cell BLC. The white cell WH1 and the light color cell LCC are recognized as the white cell WHC.

[0051] Based on the synthesis rules in Table 5, the black cell BLC and dark color cell DCC of information code Cd1 correspond to the black cell BLC of item code Ci1, and the white cell WHC and light color cell LCC of information code Cd1 correspond to the white cell WHC of item code Ci1. Therefore, the item information stored in item code Ci1 of information code Cd1 can be read using the first reading method described above. When reading the item information, it is necessary to remove the mask pattern applied in S12.

[0052] In S103-S104, the code scanner 23 reads the tracking code Ct1 using a second reading method different from the first reading method. Specifically, in S103, the code scanner 23 performs image processing in which it converts the light color cell LCC to a black cell BLC and the dark color cell DCC to a white cell WHC among the cells of the information code Cd1 recognized in the code image. After processing in S103, the process proceeds to S104.

[0053] In S104, the code scanner 23 reads information from the information code Cd1 after image processing in S103 using the first reading method. That is, the black cell BLC and light color cell LCC of the information code Cd1 before image processing are recognized as black cell BLC. The white cell WHC and dark color cell DCC of the information code Cd1 before image processing are recognized as white cell WHC.

[0054] Based on the synthesis rules in Table 5, the black cell BLC and light color cell LCC of information code Cd1 correspond to the black cell BLC of tracking code Ct1, and the white cell WHC and dark color cell DCC of information code Cd1 correspond to the white cell WHC of tracking code Ct1. Therefore, the tracking information stored in tracking code Ct1 of information code Cd1 can be read using the second reading method described above. In other words, the synthesis rules in Table 5 are groundbreaking rules that enable tracking code Ct2 to be read using the second reading method by generating information code Cd1 using a multi-color array defined so that the luminance discrimination of item code Ci1 by the first reading method remains unchanged.

[0055] At this point, the code scanner 23 refers to the mode indicator and identifies that the information for the tracking code Ct1 is stored in hexadecimal mode. The code scanner 23 then refers to the character count indicator and identifies the range of cells to which hexadecimal mode is applied. The code scanner 23 then reads the tracking information by restoring the information of each cell according to the hexadecimal mode representation. When reading the tracking information, it is necessary to remove the mask pattern applied in S14. The process ends with the processing in S104.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the item code Ci1 corresponds to the "first code," and the item information corresponds to the "first information." The tracking code Ct1 corresponds to the "second code," and the tracking information corresponds to the "second information." The history management server 20 corresponds to the "information code generation device." The code scanner 23 corresponds to the "information code reading device."

[0057] According to the first embodiment described above, when each data is represented in an uncompressed format, the uncompressed format is used for one code that can be represented in a smaller display area, while the compressed format, which compresses the display area, is used for the other code. By creating a difference between uncompressed and compressed formats, the difference between the display area of ​​the first code and the display area of ​​the second code can be reduced. As a result, the display area of ​​the superimposed information code Cd1 can be made the same as, or close to, that of the code that can be represented in a smaller display area. Therefore, the applicability of the superimposed information code Cd1 to the display layout can be improved, thereby achieving high convenience.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by representing the hash value, which is a hexadecimal number represented by 8 bits per character in the uncompressed format, with 4 bits. By compressing the amount of data representing the hash value in this way, the display area can be easily compressed.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the information code Cd1 is displayed in a form printed on a code printing medium. When the information code Cd1 is printed on a code printing medium, it is more difficult to change the layout and size of the printing medium, so the adoption of superimposed codes using a compressed format is extremely preferable.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when a code represented in a compressed format with a reduced display area is identified, information is read according to the compression method of the compressed format. Therefore, when reading an information code Cd1 in which the first code and the second code are superimposed, it is possible to correctly obtain the information even if at least one of the data of these codes is represented in a compressed format. Thus, convenience can be improved.

[0061] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figures 5-8, the second embodiment is a modified version of the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the tracking code Ct2 employs a compressed format in which the functional patterns P1 to P5 are removed, along with a hexadecimal mode. Functional patterns P1 to P5 consist of multiple cells at predetermined positions. Functional patterns P1 to P5 do not record the data itself, but rather govern the function necessary to make the code readable. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the information code Cd2 is generated by a process that combines the item code Ci2, which includes functional patterns P1 to P5, and the tracking code Ct2, which has functional patterns P1 to P5 removed.

[0063] Figure 6 shows an example of code that includes functional patterns P1 to P5. For example, the functional patterns include a position detection pattern P1, a separation pattern P2, a timing pattern P3, a alignment pattern P4, and a quiet zone P5.

[0064] The position detection pattern P1 is also called the finder pattern. The position detection pattern P1 is placed in three of the four corners of the code (for example, the upper right, upper left, and lower left). One position detection pattern P1 consists of 49 cells, for example, in a 7x7 cell configuration. The position detection pattern P1 has the shape of three overlapping concentric squares and consists of a black 7x7 module, a white 5x5 module, and a black 3x3 module. Because the position detection pattern P1 is placed in the three corners, the code scanner 23 can identify the lower right direction of the code.

[0065] Separation pattern P2 is positioned in each position detection pattern P1 at the boundary portion excluding the outer periphery of the code. Separation pattern P2 is composed entirely of white cells (WHC), clearly separating it from the position detection pattern P1 and the rest of the code.

[0066] Timing pattern P3 is a linear pattern arranged to connect the two position detection patterns P1, and is configured to alternately arrange white cells WHC and black cells BLC. Timing pattern P3 is provided to determine the size of a single cell.

[0067] Alignment pattern P4 is a pattern that is placed one or more times within the code, depending on the version. One alignment pattern P4 consists of, for example, 25 cells in a 5x5 grid. Alignment pattern P4 has the shape of three overlapping concentric squares and may consist of a 5x5 black module, a 3x3 white module, and a central black module. When multiple alignment patterns P4 are placed, they are arranged with a predetermined interval between them. Alignment pattern P4 is provided to correct distortion and facilitate reading when distortion occurs on the display surface of the code printing medium, etc.

[0068] The Quiet Zone P5 is positioned to surround the entire outer perimeter of the chord. The Quiet Zone P5 is entirely composed of white cells (WHC), clearly separating the chord from everything else.

[0069] These functional patterns P1-5, in the example of the first embodiment, are common to both the item code Ci1 and the tracking code Ct1, so they do not need to be present in both codes. Therefore, by removing functional patterns P1-5 from the tracking code Ct2, which has more data, the display area of ​​the tracking code Ct2 can be easily adjusted to match the display area of ​​the item code Ci2.

[0070] Next, the details of the information code Cd2 and its generation method will be explained. The flowchart in Figure 7 shows an example of how to generate the information code Cd2. The code generation process shown in S21 to S27 of Figure 7 is realized when the processing unit 31 of the history management server 20 executes the code generation program.

[0071] S21-24 are the same as S11-14 in the first embodiment. However, in S21, the item information is a 13-digit number such as "1234567890123". The item code Ci2 is generated in numeric mode, version 1, and correction level L.

[0072] After processing in S24, proceed to S25. In S25, the history management server 20 deletes the functional patterns P1-5 of the tracking code Ct2. Here, all functional patterns P1-5 are deleted. After processing in S25, proceed to S26.

[0073] Here, the tracking code Ct2 generated in S23 is version 2. The number of cells required for functional patterns P1-4 in version 2 is 235 in total, as shown in Table 6. Since the total number of cells in version 2 is 625, the number of cells in tracking code Ct2 excluding functional patterns P1-5 is 390. The total number of cells in version 1 is 441, which is more than 390. In other words, by removing functional patterns P1-4 from tracking code Ct2 in version 2, information can be stored in a smaller display area than in version 1. [Table 6]

[0074] Furthermore, instead of generating a tracking code Ct2 that does not initially contain functional patterns P1-4, a tracking code Ct2 containing functional patterns P1-4 is first generated in S24, and then functional patterns P1-4 are removed in S25. This is because if a mask pattern is not applied in S24, it would be difficult to restore the tracking code Ct2, from which functional patterns P1-4 have been removed during reading, back to a normal code containing functional patterns P1-5.

[0075] In S26, the history management server 20 combines an item code Ci2 having functional patterns P1 to P5 and a tracking code Ct2 from which functional patterns P1 to P4 have been removed, as shown in Figure 5. The combination rule may be the same as in the first embodiment. After processing in S26, the process proceeds to S27. S27 is the same as S16 in the first embodiment. The series of processes ends with S27.

[0076] Next, we will explain the details of how to read the information code Cd2. The flowchart in Figure 8 shows an example of how to read the information code Cd2. The code generation process shown in S201~205 of Figure 4 is realized when the processor of the code scanner 23 executes a code reading program.

[0077] Steps S201-203 are the same as steps S101-103 in the first embodiment. However, after processing in S203, the process proceeds to S204.

[0078] In S204, the history management server 20 restores functional patterns P1-4 from the tracking code Ct2 from which functional patterns P1-4 have been removed. That is, by adding functional patterns P1-4 to the tracking code Ct2 from which functional patterns P1-4 have been removed, a tracking code Ct2 with the mask pattern applied is generated. After processing in S204, the process proceeds to S205. S205 is the same as S104 in the first embodiment. The series of processes ends with S205.

[0079] According to the second embodiment described above, the compressed format is a format that compresses the display area by removing at least some of the multiple functional patterns P1 to P5 that are used to recognize the code in the uncompressed format. For functional patterns that are common between the item code Ci2 and the tracking code Ct2, the functional pattern of the code to be compressed is deleted. As a result, the superimposed information code Cd2 retains the functionality provided by the functional patterns while exhibiting high applicability to the display layout.

[0080] (Third embodiment) As shown in Figure 9, the third embodiment is a modified version of the second embodiment. The third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

[0081] In the tracking code Ct2 of the second embodiment, the number of cells excluding functional patterns P1 to P5 is 390. Therefore, 51 cells remain that can be colorized, which is the difference from the 441 cells in version 1. In the third embodiment, a color sample area is formed in these cells to display a sample color.

[0082] Specifically, the information code Cd3 after synthesis in the third embodiment is constructed by superimposing a color sample area on a functional pattern. Of the functional patterns P1 to P5, the color sample area is superimposed on the upper left position detection pattern P1.

[0083] In other words, in the third embodiment, in S25, the history management server 20 deletes all functional patterns P1 to P5 of the tracking code Ct2 except for the upper left position detection pattern P1, leaving only the upper left position detection pattern P1. In S26, the history management server 20 does not apply the synthesis rules of Table 5 to the upper left position detection pattern P1, and instead superimposes a color sample area onto the position detection pattern P1 to form it.

[0084] For example, in the 7x7 region of position detection pattern P1, the lower 3x7 region P1a is composed of black cells BLC and white cells WHC, just like in a normal position detection pattern P1. In this case, the lower 3x7 region also serves as the sample region SBL for black cells BLC and the sample region SWH for white cells WHC.

[0085] On the other hand, in the upper 4x7 region P1b of the 7x7 region of position detection pattern P1, the black cell BLC is replaced with the dark color cell DCC, and the white cell WHC is replaced with the light color cell LCC. As a result, the upper 4x7 region P1b also serves as the sample region SDC for the dark color cell DCC and the sample region SLC for the light color cell LCC.

[0086] Four color sample areas, SBL, SWH, SDC, and SLC, are formed superimposed on the functional pattern P1. This allows the information code Cd3 to inform the reader of the color combination being used. Furthermore, when the information code Cd3 is printed with ink on a code printing medium such as paper, the ink may fade over time. However, since the same fading occurs in both the color sample area and the data storage area, it becomes possible to correct the color of the data storage area based on the color of the color sample area and read the code accordingly.

[0087] (Other embodiments) Although several embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0088] In other embodiments, the history management server 20 may generate the tracking code in 8-bit mode instead of hexadecimal mode, and then delete the functional patterns P1 to P5 to compress the tracking code to a display area that fits the item code.

[0089] In other embodiments, the history management server 20 may delete only some of the functional patterns P1 to P5 (for example, only the position detection pattern P1, which has the largest number of cells among the functional patterns P1 to P5). In that case, a deleted pattern identifier may be added to the data structure to identify which functional patterns P1 to P5 have been deleted.

[0090] In another embodiment, when the display area for item codes in an uncompressed format is larger than the display area for tracking codes in an uncompressed format, the history management server 20 may generate item codes in a compressed format and tracking codes in an uncompressed format.

[0091] In other embodiments, combinations of colors other than red and yellow may be used for the light and dark colors. For example, in information codes Cd1, Cd2, and Cd3 printed using only monochrome ink without color ink on the code printing medium, the light color may be light gray and the dark color may be dark gray. Furthermore, the intensity of the color does not have to be expressed by only one ink color, but may also be expressed by mixing multiple inks on the display surface of the code printing medium or by differences in ink density.

[0092] In other implementations, the final products supplied by the supply chain SC using information codes Cd1, Cd2, and Cd3 may be modified as appropriate. For example, various items such as automobiles, batteries, semiconductors, fresh food, seafood, soil, food products, flowers, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals can be managed by the traceability system 120.

[0093] In other embodiments, information codes Cd1, Cd2, and Cd3 may be used by systems other than the distribution management system 110 and the traceability system 120. Furthermore, the recorded information recorded in the pre-combination code is not limited to the item information and tracking information described above, and may be appropriately modified depending on the use of information codes Cd1, Cd2, and Cd3. For example, instead of the hash value described above, unique identification information (UID) that identifies items shipped from trader TR may be recorded as confidential information.

[0094] In other embodiments, the functions provided by the history management server 20 and the code scanner 23, etc., can also be provided by software and hardware that executes it, software only, hardware only, or a combination thereof. When such functions are provided by electronic circuits as hardware, each function can also be provided by digital circuits including a large number of logic circuits, or by analog circuits.

[0095] The control unit and method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer comprising a processor programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the apparatus and method described herein may be implemented by a dedicated hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the apparatus and method described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers comprising a combination of a processor that executes a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0096] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs alternately refer to preceding paragraphs. These paragraphs written in a multiple dependent form define several technical concepts.

[0097] <Technical philosophy 1> An information code that records a first code (Ci1, Ci2) representing the first piece of information and a second code (Ct1, Ct2) representing the second piece of information by superimposing them in a common two-dimensional area, The first code is displayed in the two-dimensional area in a readable manner by determining the brightness using the first reading method. The second code is displayed in the two-dimensional area in a readable manner by a second reading method different from the first reading method, using an array of multiple colors defined such that the determination of the brightness by the first reading method remains unchanged. An information code in which, of the first code and the second code, the code that can be represented in a smaller display area when the data is represented in an uncompressed format is represented in the uncompressed format, and the other code is represented in a compressed format in which the display area is compressed.

[0098] <Technical philosophy 2> The information code described in Technical Concept 1 is an information code in which the display area is compressed by representing the hash value, which is represented by 8 bits per character in the uncompressed format, with 4 bits.

[0099] <Technical philosophy 3> The information code according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by removing at least some of the multiple functional patterns (P1 to P5) used to recognize the code in the uncompressed format.

[0100] <Technical philosophy 4> The compression format is realized when a part of the functional pattern of the other code is removed, while other parts remain. An information code as described in Technical Concept 3, wherein in the area where the other part is displayed (P1a, P1b), all of the multiple colors are arranged as sample colors such that the determination of the brightness by the first reading method remains unchanged.

[0101] <Technical philosophy 5> The information code according to technical idea 3 or 4, wherein the other code includes an identifier for identifying the removed functional patterns and the remaining functional patterns among the multiple functional patterns.

[0102] <Technical philosophy 6> An information code as described in any one of the technical ideas 1 to 5, displayed in a printed form on a code printing medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 20: History management server (information code generation device), 23: Code scanner (information code reading device), Ci1, Ci2: Item code (first code), Ct1, Ct2: Tracking code (second code), Cd1, Cd2, Cd3: Information code, WHC: White cell, BLC: Black cell, LCC: Light color cell, DCC: Dark color cell

Claims

1. An information code that records a first code (Ci1, Ci2) representing first information and a second code (Ct1, Ct2) representing second information by superimposing them in a common two-dimensional area, The first code is displayed in the two-dimensional area in a readable manner by determining the brightness using the first reading method. The second code is displayed in the two-dimensional area in a readable manner by a second reading method different from the first reading method, using an array of multiple colors defined such that the determination of the brightness by the first reading method remains unchanged. An information code in which, of the first code and the second code, the code that can be represented in a smaller display area when the data is represented in an uncompressed format is represented in the uncompressed format, and the other code is represented in a compressed format in which the display area is compressed.

2. The information code according to claim 1, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by representing the hash value, which represents a hexadecimal number that is represented by 8 bits per character in the uncompressed format, with 4 bits.

3. The information code according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by removing at least a portion of the plurality of functional patterns (P1 to P5) for recognizing the code in the uncompressed format.

4. The compression format is realized when a part of the functional pattern of the other code is removed, while other parts remain. The information code according to claim 3, wherein in the areas (P1a, P1b) where the other parts are displayed, all of the multiple colors are arranged as sample colors such that the determination of the brightness by the first reading method remains unchanged.

5. The information code according to claim 3, wherein the other code includes an identifier for identifying the removed functional patterns and the remaining functional patterns among the plurality of functional patterns.

6. The information code according to claim 1, displayed in a form printed on a code printing medium.

7. An information code generation device comprising at least one processor, which generates information codes (Cd1, Cd2, Cd3) that record first codes (Ci1, Ci2) representing first information and second codes (Ct1, Ct2) representing second information by superimposing them in a common two-dimensional area, The aforementioned processor, The system is configured to generate a first code and a second code that can be read by determining brightness using a first reading method, In generating the first code and the second code, of the first code and the second code, the code that can be represented in a format with a smaller display area when the data is represented in an uncompressed format is generated in the uncompressed format, and the other code is generated in a compressed format with a compressed display area. An information code generation device further configured to synthesize the first code and the second code based on a synthesis rule that enables the second code to be read by a second reading method different from the first reading method, using a plurality of color arrangement defined such that the determination of the brightness of the first code by the first reading method remains unchanged.

8. The information code generation device according to claim 7, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by representing the hash value, which represents a hexadecimal number that is represented by 8 bits per character in the uncompressed format, with 4 bits.

9. The information code generating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by removing at least a portion of the plurality of functional patterns (P1 to P5) for recognizing the code in the uncompressed format.

10. An information code reader comprising at least one processor, which reads an information code (Cd1, Cd2, Cd3) that includes a white cell (WHC), a black cell (BLC), a light color cell (LCC), and a dark color cell (DCC), and records an information code by superimposing a first code (Ci1, Ci2) representing first information and a second code (Ct1, Ct2) representing second information in a common two-dimensional area, and which reads an information code The aforementioned processor, The first code is read by determining the brightness using a first reading method that determines the white cell and the light color cell to have the same value, and the black cell and the dark color cell to have the same value. The system is configured to read the second code by determining the brightness using a second reading method that determines the white cell and the dark color cell to have the same value, and the black cell and the light color cell to have the same value. An information code reader that, in at least one of reading the first code and reading the second code, identifies a code represented in a compressed format with a reduced display area, and reads information stored by the one according to the compression mode of the compressed format.

11. The information code reader according to claim 10, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by representing the hash value, which represents a hexadecimal number that is represented by 8 bits per character in the uncompressed format, with 4 bits.

12. The information code reader according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the compressed format is a format in which the display area is compressed by removing at least a portion of the multiple functional patterns (P1 to P5) for recognizing the code in the uncompressed format.

Images