Extended two-dimensional codes, methods for generating and reading extended two-dimensional codes, and generation and reading systems.

Abstract

To provide an extended two-dimensional code that maintains the size of each data cell constituting the two-dimensional code, and enables the representation of more information than binary values, even if each data cell is colored using only two colors (light and dark). [Solution] A single data cell constituting the extended two-dimensional code 1 is divided into three or more non-rotationally symmetrical first virtual regions and a third virtual region, and each virtual region is colored individually. Specifically, the shape of the first virtual region 10 is an isosceles triangle with one of the four sides of the data cell as the base and the opposite side as the vertex angle, and the second virtual region 20 and the third virtual region 30, which are right-angled triangles, are arranged on either side of this. Furthermore, by rotating the direction of the vertex angle of the first virtual region in four directions, it is possible to represent more than 26 values ​​of information per data cell without changing the division shape. By assigning a 4-digit binary number, a 2-digit quaternary number, a hexadecimal number, etc. to this data cell, a variety of information representations are possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extended two-dimensional code that enables information representation exceeding two values even when rectangular data cells are arranged in a matrix and the coloring pattern of each data cell is composed of only two light and dark colors without increasing the area of the data cells.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an extended two-dimensional code that enables information representation of, for example, 26 values even with a single data cell by dividing a single data cell into at least three virtual regions and individually coloring each virtual region. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a generation / reading method and a generation / reading system for generating, reading, and restoring the extended two-dimensional code to the original data.

Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, two-dimensional codes have been used for the purpose of identifying products and guiding users to product information sites on the Internet. These two-dimensional codes are mainly formed by arranging rectangular data cells in a matrix vertically and horizontally, and any information can be indicated as a binary number by coloring the data cells arranged at desired positions with light and dark colors.

[0004] These two-dimensional codes can be easily read by well-known two-dimensional code readers or imaging with smartphones, and it is easy to add any information by printing the code. Therefore, their use is spreading in reception and payment management in restaurants, identification of specimens in medical institutions, etc. However, conventional two-dimensional codes can only assign two light and dark values to a single data cell. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of information, it was necessary to increase the number of rows and columns of data cells.

[0005] However, reducing the size of data cells to increase the number of rows and columns requires high-resolution readers, which presents a challenge in terms of reading accuracy with already widely available equipment. On the other hand, increasing the number of rows and columns without changing the size of the data cells reduces the likelihood of reading errors, but it increases the overall area of ​​the two-dimensional code. Depending on the product, there may be constraints on the area where the two-dimensional code can be attached or printed, making it unsuitable to increase the number of rows and columns.

[0006] Specifically, in the case of PTP sheets containing tablets, the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law mandates that the drug name, manufacturer's name, and active ingredient content be displayed on the back. Printing large 2D codes in such cases has been difficult. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can expand the amount of information contained in a single data cell and increase information density within a limited area.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for information display tags having a two-dimensional information pattern. According to the technology described in this document, a rectangular data cell is divided into two diagonal sections, and the two divided regions are colored individually, thereby expanding the amount of information in the data cell to six values. However, there was a problem in that the amount of information per unit cell was less than 3 bits (8 values), so the information density could not be significantly improved.

[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for two-dimensional code sheets for information processing. Similar to Patent Document 1, the technology described in this document allows for the expansion of the amount of information contained in a single data cell by dividing the data cell into multiple regions. Specifically, it discloses a configuration in which the amount of information in a data cell is expanded to 256 values ​​by dividing it into four grid-like sections and further dividing it with two diagonal lines, and then individually coloring the eight divided regions.

[0009] However, the technology described in Patent Document 2 represents large amounts of information that cannot be represented by a single data cell by arranging multiple data cells in a matrix with spacing between them. As a result, there are blank spaces between data cells that do not contain information, and it was not possible to arrange the data cells at high density.

[0010] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, the data cell is divided into four small squares in a grid pattern. This is essentially equivalent to treating four small squares arranged vertically and horizontally as a single data cell. Therefore, it merely divides the small squares diagonally in half, and the amount of information in the entire two-dimensional code does not significantly improve the information density compared to Patent Document 1.

[0011] Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for information codes that can increase the amount of information. According to the technology described in this document, a stylized pattern is contained within the data cell, and the amount of information that can be displayed by one data cell is expanded to three or more values. Examples of stylized patterns include circles, rhombuses, isosceles triangles, and quarter-circle arcs, and the internal area of ​​the stylized pattern and the area enclosed by the stylized pattern and the outer edge of the data cell (external area) are colored in different colors.

[0012] When the stylized pattern is an isosceles triangle, the interior is black and the exterior is white, or the interior is white and the exterior is black. In the case of an isosceles triangle, eight different patterns are possible by orienting the vertex angle in any direction (up, down, left, or right). However, in the case of a circle or rhombus, due to rotational symmetry, the shape of the interior does not change even when rotated by a quarter turn, so there are only two possible patterns.

[0013] As described above, the technology described in Patent Document 3 merely colored the internal and external regions of the data cell with different colors. Therefore, in order to represent more than 8 values ​​of information in a single data cell, it was necessary to use a combination of many different stylized patterns, which resulted in poor usability. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-6969 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-96296 Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-186826 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an extended two-dimensional code that divides a single data cell into at least three virtual regions without relying on diagonal division or grid division, and enables the representation of at least 26 values ​​of information per data cell. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a code generation and reading method and a code generation and reading system that generate the extended two-dimensional code, read it, and restore it to the original data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The first aspect of the present invention is an extended two-dimensional code comprising rectangular data cells arranged in a matrix, comprising an information expansion structure for increasing the amount of information without increasing the area of ​​a single data cell, wherein the information expansion structure includes a region division structure and a coloring structure, wherein the region division structure provides a rotationally asymmetric virtual region in which the data cell includes at least a first virtual region, a second virtual region, and a third virtual region, the first virtual region having one of the four sides of the data cell as its base and having a vertex angle or a top shorter than the base on the side opposite the base, the second and third virtual regions being divided and arranged on both sides of the first virtual region, and further comprising the coloring structure, which individually colors all of the virtual regions with two or more colors, wherein the amount of information in each data cell is configured to be expandable to at least 26 values.

[0017] The information expansion structure may be provided in all data cells, or only in data cells at arbitrary positions. Specifically, the data cells for position detection provided at the three corners of the code may only have two values ​​(bright / dark), as in the conventional technology. On the other hand, the remaining data cells that indicate arbitrary information (data cells for information recording) may be configured to include the information expansion structure.

[0018] The "region division structure" and "coloring structure" that constitute the "information expansion structure" in this invention represent functional configurations for information representation constituting the extended two-dimensional code. For example, when the extended two-dimensional code is formed as a printed material, the region division structure is realized as a region configuration that virtually divides data cells, and the coloring structure is realized as a color assigned to each virtual region. On the other hand, when the extended two-dimensional code is represented as digital data such as image data, the region division structure is realized as a data structure that indicates region divisions within data cells, and the coloring structure is realized as digital data that indicates color information for each virtual region.

[0019] Due to the domain division structure, each data cell has a virtual domain that includes at least the first to third virtual domains. The shape of the first virtual domain is a figure with one of the four sides constituting the contour of the data cell as its base, and a vertex angle on the side opposite the side with the base, or a top that is shorter than the base. Therefore, the second and third virtual domains, which are divided sub-regions, are formed on both sides of the first virtual domain. The boundaries between the first and second virtual domains, and between the first and third virtual domains, are defined by solid lines or virtual lines (referred to as domain division lines), and may or may not be displayed.

[0020] Examples of shapes used to divide data cells in this way include roughly triangular, roughly trapezoidal, and roughly T-shaped forms, none of which possess rotational symmetry. Therefore, even without changing the division shape of the data cells by the first virtual region, four different shape patterns can be created simply by swapping the base of the first virtual region with one of its top, bottom, left, or right sides—in other words, by rotating the orientation of the vertex or top of the first virtual region by 90 degrees each.

[0021] Furthermore, because the coloring structure selects and colors each virtual region individually, even with three virtual regions and two colors (light and dark), eight (2 to the power of 3) coloring patterns can be constructed. On the other hand, if all regions are colored with the same color and the region dividing lines are hidden, rotating the orientation of the vertex angle / top of the first virtual region by 90 degrees does not produce any visual difference, so three of the four shape patterns will overlap. Therefore, three patterns overlap for each color. Of course, it is also possible to have more than three colors.

[0022] According to the first invention of this invention, a total of 26 values ​​of information can be represented in a single data cell, even with only two colors (light and dark), by combining a simple shape pattern and a coloring pattern. Specifically, out of 4 shape variations × 8 coloring variations = 32 variations, 3 when the entire area is black and 3 when the entire area is white, for a total of 6 variations, the appearance is identical when the area division lines are hidden, so 32 variations - 6 variations = 26 variations. Correspondingly, it becomes possible to represent at least 26 values ​​of information. As a result, even while maintaining the area of ​​the data cell at a size that is easy to read, the information representation is expanded to 26 values ​​or more (more than 13 times compared to conventional two-value two-dimensional codes), which is an unprecedented advantage.

[0023] The second invention of the present invention is an extended two-dimensional code of the first invention, characterized in that it is possible to assign at least four binary digits to the figures shown in the data cells, and that it is possible to assign a two-dimensional code, in which the amount of information for each data cell is composed of two values, to each digit of the binary digit, and that, due to this assignment structure, multiple two-dimensional codes can be superimposed on one extended two-dimensional code.

[0024] In the present invention, since at least 26 values can be represented by one data cell, a 4-digit binary number (4 bits) can be assigned. If a assignment structure is adopted in which a two-dimensional code composed of 2 values (1 bit) is associated with each digit of this 4-digit binary number, an information representation in which 4 two-value two-dimensional codes are superimposed can be achieved. In other words, the pseudo three-dimensional information represented by the superimposed two-dimensional codes can be aggregated and displayed on a two-dimensional plane. The pseudo three-dimensional information referred to here means that multi-dimensional information is represented on a two-dimensional plane by associating different information dimensions with a plurality of layers of two-dimensional codes respectively.

[0025] As a result, it is suitable for information analysis of three-dimensional data, and even if the area of the entire code is the same, a large amount of information can be attached, and it has an advantageous effect of being suitable for attachment to pharmaceuticals and the like that are subject to many legal regulations. In addition, when restoring the extended two-dimensional code to the original data, it can be restored in the same manner as the conventional two-dimensional code indicated by light and dark two values, so system development is also easy.

[0026] The third invention of the present invention is the extended two-dimensional code of the first invention, which is configured such that any one of a quaternary number of 2 digits or more, a hexadecimal number of 1 digit or more, or 26 letters of the alphabet can be assigned to the figure shown in the data cell.

[0027] According to the third invention, for the numerical values that can represent information in the data cell, any one of a quaternary number, a hexadecimal number, and an alphabet is assigned. If a 2-digit quaternary number is assigned, it is suitable for gene analysis of the 4 bases of DNA and RNA and analysis by a quantum computer with 2 qubits. If a hexadecimal number is assigned, Unicode (registered trademark), which can represent various languages including Chinese characters and symbols by using continuously arranged data cells, can be used. Also, 26 letters of the alphabet may be assigned to 26 values. As a result, it is possible to provide a highly versatile extended two-dimensional code that is also easy to handle various information representations.

[0028] The fourth invention of the present invention is an extended two-dimensional code of the first invention, characterized in that, by the region division structure, the data cell comprises four or more virtual regions formed by further dividing at least one region from the first to the third virtual regions, and the amount of information in the data cell is configured to be expandable to at least 52 values.

[0029] According to the fourth invention, the data cell is divided into four or more virtual areas. For example, the data cell may be divided by a diagonal line, or the first virtual area may be divided into two by a median line, or any other configuration may be used. This makes it possible to expand the amount of information in the data cell to at least 52 values ​​or more without increasing the number of colors used to color the data cell beyond two colors (light and dark).

[0030] The fifth invention of the present invention is an extended two-dimensional code of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that the extended two-dimensional code includes a first data cell and a second data cell, the first data cell consists of a data cell whose information volume has been expanded by the information volume expansion structure, and the second data cell is divided into a virtual region having a different shape from the first data cell, and is arranged at the three corners of the extended two-dimensional code, and is configured to function as a data cell for position detection.

[0031] According to the fifth invention, the extended two-dimensional code is provided with second data cells positioned at the three corners and functioning as data cells for position detection. Furthermore, the second data cells are divided into virtual regions with a different shape from the first data cells so that they can be distinguished regardless of the coloring state of the first data cells. In other words, the second data cells are a configuration adopted when an identification pattern cannot be secured in the form of the first data cells. As a result, all areas except the three corners can be covered with first data cells having an information expansion structure, and the amount of information per unit area can be increased even if the number of rows and columns of data cells remains the same.

[0032] The sixth invention of the present invention is a method for generating and reading an extended two-dimensional code according to the first to fourth inventions, comprising, in order, a rule generation step, an information type determination step, a raw data acquisition step, an information conversion step, an appearance information reading step, and a reconversion step, wherein in the rule generation step, an assignment rule is generated by assigning numerical values ​​or alphabets sequentially from 0 to figures indicated by the shape and color state of at least three virtual regions; in the information type determination step, it is determined, based on the acquired information type, which assignment rule to use for conversion to an extended two-dimensional code; in the raw data acquisition step, raw data to be converted to an extended two-dimensional code is acquired; in the information conversion step, the raw data is converted to an extended two-dimensional code based on the assignment rule and the acquired information type; in the appearance information reading step, the appearance information of the extended two-dimensional code is read; and in the reconversion step, the acquired extended two-dimensional code is reconverted to the raw data based on the assignment rule.

[0033] Each step of the code generation and reading method of the present invention can be implemented as a program to be executed by a computer using a processing means (e.g., a CPU). Hereinafter, data cells indicating information assignment rules and information types will be collectively referred to as "data cells for assignment rules." Data cells for assignment rules indicate at least "information type" and identification information for specifying the "correspondence between form and numerical value." In the rule generation step, assignment rules are generated in which numerical values ​​or alphabets are assigned sequentially from 0 to the figures indicated by the shape and coloring of the virtual area. Specifically, unique assignment rules are generated when representing information in binary, quaternary, hexadecimal, and alphabetic forms.

[0034] This assignment rule also predefines the types of information. For example, it can be defined that the first data cell, excluding the data cell for position detection, is treated as an exception and used as the data cell for the assignment rule. Alternatively, the shape and color of the data cell for position detection can be changed for each type of information, so that the data cell for position detection also serves as the data cell for the assignment rule. The placement of the data cell for the assignment rule is not limited to a specific position and can be set to any position.

[0035] Furthermore, in the information type determination step, the information type of the extended two-dimensional code is determined, that is, whether the information will be represented in binary, quaternary, hexadecimal, or alphabet. In the information conversion step, the original data is converted into the extended two-dimensional code based on the assignment rules. For example, when representing information in binary, the acquired original data is converted into the data cell information that constitutes the extended two-dimensional code based on the binary assignment rules. For example, the bit sequence corresponding to each data cell can be assigned one-to-one with the combination of shape and coloring of the virtual area determined according to the assignment rules.

[0036] In the appearance information reading step, the appearance information of the extended two-dimensional code is read using a well-known code reading device or camera. In the re-conversion step, if the extended two-dimensional code contains data cells for assignment rules, the information type is identified from those data cells, and the data is re-converted to the original data based on the assignment rules applicable to that information type. For example, from the data cells for assignment rules that constitute the extended two-dimensional code, it may be necessary to identify that each data cell represents a binary number and the assignment rule, and then restore the remaining data cells for information recording to the corresponding binary machine code.

[0037] Furthermore, within the same organization, one type of information may be used, and the generation of data cells for assignment rules may be omitted. In addition, if the extended two-dimensional code does not have data cells for assignment rules, a step or configuration may be added to determine the information type by user input or external settings. This provides the advantageous effect of allowing the extended two-dimensional code to use various information representations such as binary, quaternary, hexadecimal, and alphabet. Moreover, by superimposing multiple two-dimensional codes to integrate information and reducing the number of data cells for position detection, the overall information density of the extended two-dimensional code can also be improved.

[0038] The seventh invention of the present invention is an extended two-dimensional code generation and reading system according to the first to fourth inventions, comprising a processing means, a storage means, an input means, and a reading means, wherein the processing means functions as a rule generation means, an information conversion means, and a re-conversion means, the rule generation means generates assignment rules that assign numerical values ​​or alphabets sequentially from 0 to figures indicated by the shape and color state of at least three virtual regions based on information input from the input means, the storage means stores the generated assignment rules, and when information type that determines which assignment rule to use to convert to an extended two-dimensional code and original data are input from the input means, the information conversion means converts the original data to an extended two-dimensional code based on the assignment rules and the information type, the reading means reads the appearance information of the extended two-dimensional code, and the re-conversion means re-converts the acquired extended two-dimensional code back to the original data based on the assignment rules.

[0039] According to the seventh invention, similar to the sixth invention, the extended two-dimensional code offers the advantageous effect of being able to use a variety of information representations, such as binary, quaternary, hexadecimal, and alphabetic representations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to the first aspect of the present invention, even while maintaining the area of ​​the data cell at a readable size, the information representation is expanded to 26 values ​​or more (more than 13 times compared to conventional two-value two-dimensional codes), which is an unprecedented advantage. According to the second invention of this invention, it is suitable for information analysis of 3D data, and even if the total area of ​​the code is the same, it is possible to attach a large amount of information, which is advantageous as it is suitable for attachment to pharmaceuticals and other products that are subject to many legal regulations.

[0041] According to the third invention of this present invention, it is possible to provide a highly versatile extended two-dimensional code that can easily accommodate various forms of information representation. According to the fourth invention of this invention, the amount of information in a data cell can be expanded to at least 52 values ​​or more without increasing the number of colors used to color the data cell beyond two colors (light and dark). According to the fifth invention of this invention, all areas except the three corners can be covered with first data cells having an information expansion structure, and even if the number of rows and columns of data cells remains the same, the amount of information per unit area can be increased. According to the sixth and seventh inventions of this invention, the extended two-dimensional code offers the advantageous effect of being able to use a variety of information representations, such as binary, quaternary, hexadecimal, and alphabetic representations. Furthermore, by superimposing multiple two-dimensional codes to integrate information and suppressing the number of data cells for position detection, the overall information density of the extended two-dimensional code can also be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram of an extended two-dimensional code (Example 1). [Figure 2] A specific example of a partitioning pattern using a region partitioning structure (Example 1). [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram of an extended two-dimensional code (Example 1) formed by superimposing four two-dimensional codes representing binary values. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of an extended two-dimensional code assigned to an alphabet character (Example 2). [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram of an extended two-dimensional code assigned a two-digit quaternary number (Example 3). [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram of an extended two-dimensional code assigned to hexadecimal numbers (Example 4). [Figure 7] A specific example (Example 5) in which one data cell is divided into four or more regions. [Figure 8] Block diagram of the extended 2D code generation and restoration system (Example 6). [Figure 9] Processing flow diagram of the generation / restoration system (Example 6). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] An extended two-dimensional code was created by incorporating an information expansion structure into a two-dimensional code consisting of rectangular data cells arranged in a matrix. The information expansion structure includes a region division structure that divides a single data cell into at least three virtual regions, and a coloring structure that individually colors each virtual region. Even when coloring with two values ​​(light / dark), it is possible to represent 26 or more values ​​of information. By assigning a 4-digit binary number, a 2-digit quaternary number, a hexadecimal number, or an alphabet to each data cell, a wider variety of information representation than that of a two-dimensional code with two values ​​(light / dark) is made possible. In the embodiment described below, a specific example is explained in which a desired assignment rule is applied to a data cell equipped with the information expansion structure, and the form (shape and color) of the data cell is associated with a numerical value. [Examples]

[0044] In Example 1, an extended two-dimensional code 1 assigned a 4-digit binary number will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1(A) shows a specific example of the extended two-dimensional code. Figure 1(B) shows a specific example of a data cell assigned decimal numbers from 0 to 15 as 4-digit binary numbers, and Figure 1(C) shows a specific example of a data cell assigned decimal numbers from 16 to 25 as 5-digit binary numbers. These 4-digit or 5-digit binary numbers correspond to "26 different forms" that can be represented by the combination of the shape pattern and color pattern.

[0045] The 26 forms described above are obtained by excluding visually identical forms from combinations of 4 shape patterns and 8 color patterns, as described in paragraphs 0020 to 0022. In this embodiment, each numerical value is treated as a fixed-length 5-digit bit string, but for numbers from 0 to 15, the most significant bit (5th digit) is omitted to facilitate understanding, and they are shown as 4-digit binary numbers. Specifically, "1100" is synonymous with "01100", with the 5th digit "0" omitted. Note that the number of digits in the bit string is not limited to a fixed length; a variable-length coding scheme may be used, where numbers from 0 to 15 are treated as 4-digit bit strings and numbers 16 and above are treated as 5-digit bit strings. In this case, the number of digits should be defined in an identifiable way in the assignment rules.

[0046] Extended 2D Code 1 is constructed by arranging data cells, each capable of representing 26 pieces of information, in a row of 6 horizontally and 6 vertically (see Figure 1(A)). Hereafter, the horizontal arrangement of data cells will be defined as the Mth row (where M is an integer), and the vertical arrangement as the Nth column (where N is an integer). Of course, the number of rows and columns of data cells is not limited to these.

[0047] The extended two-dimensional code 1 has data cells 100 for information recording positioned at all locations except the three corners: the first row, first column; the first row, sixth column; and the sixth row, first column. Data cells 200 for position detection are positioned at these corners (see Figure 1(A)). The data cells 100 are divided into three virtual regions, from the first to the third virtual region, by a region division structure that forms an information expansion structure. Each virtual region is individually colored with at least two values ​​(light and dark, or black and white) by a coloring structure. In this case, the region division structure has an isosceles triangle in the center with right triangles on either side.

[0048] The detailed shape of the first virtual region 10 is an isosceles triangle with one side of the data cell 100 as its base 11 and the opposite side 12 having a vertex angle 13 (see Figure 2(A)). The detailed shape of the second virtual region 20 is a right-angled triangle adjacent to the left side of the first virtual region 10, with the region division line as its hypotenuse. The third virtual region 30 is a right-angled triangle adjacent to the right side of the first virtual region 10, with the region division line as its hypotenuse. When divided in this way, the division patterns do not overlap even when rotated, except when all virtual regions are colored the same color, so a large amount of information can be represented even with just two colors, light and dark. For ease of understanding, the region division lines of each virtual region are shown here, but it is optional whether or not to display the region division lines in the data cell.

[0049] Specifically, if only the first virtual region 10 is colored black, the orientation of the vertex angle 13 can be changed (rotated) to represent four values ​​of information (see Figure 1(B)). These are assigned the binary numbers 0000 to 0011 (0 to 3 in decimal). Similarly, if only the second virtual region 20 is colored black, it is assigned the binary numbers 0100 to 0111 (4 to 7 in decimal).

[0050] When only the third virtual area 30 is colored black, it is assigned the binary numbers 1000 to 1011 (decimal 8 to 11). Furthermore, when both the second virtual area 20 and the third virtual area 30 are colored black, they are assigned the binary numbers 1100 to 1111 (decimal 12 to 15). This makes it possible to represent information with a 4-digit binary number in a unit cell. These assignment rules are illustrative and not limiting; a random 4-digit binary number may be assigned to the data cell format. Of course, multiple assignment rules may also be defined.

[0051] In addition to these, five-digit binary numbers are assigned to decimal numbers from 16 to 25 (see Figure 1(C)). Specifically, when the first virtual area 10 and the second virtual area 20 are colored black, binary numbers from 10000 to 10011 (16 to 19 in decimal) are assigned, and when the first virtual area 10 and the third virtual area 30 are colored black, binary numbers from 10100 to 10111 (20 to 23 in decimal) are assigned. Even in these cases, for trapezoids with right angles on the left two sides or the right two sides, four-value information representation is possible by changing (rotating) the orientation of the top of the trapezoid to four directions.

[0052] In addition, when the first virtual area 10 to the third virtual area 30 are all set to white, the binary number 11000 (24 in decimal) is assigned, and when the first virtual area 10 to the third virtual area 30 are all set to black, the binary number 11001 (25 in decimal) is assigned. The aforementioned five-digit binary number can be used as a data cell 200 for position detection, a data cell for empty information (Empty), a data cell for assignment rules indicating the assignment rules and information types, etc.

[0053] For example, multiple assignment rules may be defined in advance for each form of data cell, and the system may determine which assignment rule to apply when restoring the information shown in the extended two-dimensional code into human-readable information. The arrangement of data cells for assignment rules is not limited, but if they are placed in specific locations, such as adjacent to data cells for position detection, it becomes easier to identify the assignment rule for the extended two-dimensional code read by a code reader such as a camera.

[0054] By defining multiple assignment rules, applications that cannot determine which assignment rule constitutes a data cell will find it difficult to reconstruct the information contained in the extended 2D code, thus providing a simple means of making identification difficult. Note that if only one type of assignment rule is used, the placement of data cells for that assignment rule is unnecessary.

[0055] Here, specific examples of how virtual regions are divided using a region division structure will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2(A) has been described above, so its explanation will be omitted here. Figure 2(B) shows an example where the first virtual region is an isosceles trapezoid shape. Figure 2(C) shows an example where the first virtual region is an inverted T shape in a data cell with a size of 3 dots vertically and horizontally. In Figure 2(C), the boundaries of each dot are shown with dashed lines for ease of understanding.

[0056] When the first virtual region 14 is divided into an isosceles trapezoid shape (Figure 2(B)), the second virtual region 21 and the third virtual region 31, both right-angled triangles, are positioned on either side of the isosceles trapezoid, where the top 15 is shorter than the base 11, on opposite sides 12. Even when the first virtual region is an isosceles trapezoid, the division patterns do not overlap when the first virtual region is rotated, similar to the isosceles triangle shape, making it possible to represent 26 values ​​of information per data cell. Of course, the hypotenuses of the isosceles triangles and isosceles trapezoids may be displayed as steps if the resolution is low.

[0057] When the first virtual region 16 is divided into an inverted T-shape (Figure 2(C)), the second virtual region 22 and the third virtual region 32, both rectangular in shape consisting of 2 vertical dots, are arranged on the left and right sides of the inverted T-shape, which has a top edge 17 with a width of 1 dot on the opposite side 12. Since the boundaries of each virtual region do not include diagonal lines, the boundaries between the first and second virtual regions, and between the first and third virtual regions, are easily distinguishable in both printing and imaging. Therefore, even if the area of ​​the data cells is reduced to further improve information density, it is less likely that data will be missing in the print and less likely that data reading errors will occur.

[0058] Here, the four two-dimensional codes 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 that constitute the extended two-dimensional code, and the steps of their superposition processing, will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a two-dimensional code on the upper left side that stores data of 0 or 1 corresponding to each digit of the four-digit binary number mentioned above. Areas colored white indicate "0", and areas colored black indicate "1". In addition, in the extended two-dimensional code 1, the three corners where the position detection data cells 200 are located are marked with an "x" to indicate empty data.

[0059] Each data cell in the four two-dimensional codes corresponds to the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st digits of each data cell 100 that make up Extended Two-Dimensional Code 1, in order from the top of the two-dimensional code. For example, the data cell in the 1st row, 2nd column stores the data "white (0)", "black (1)", "white (0)", and "black (1)" in order from the top of the two-dimensional code in the diagram. Therefore, when the four two-dimensional codes are superimposed, the data in the 1st row, 2nd column is converted to data cell 101 corresponding to "0101" and the data is stored there.

[0060] By performing this process for all data cells except for the empty data cell 300, a superimposed code 400 can be generated in which the empty data cell 300 is placed in the three corners. Superimposition here refers to the process of logically associating each data cell of multiple two-dimensional codes and converting them to the shape and color of the corresponding data cell based on predetermined assignment rules. In other words, it is the process of condensing data cells at the same position in multiple binary two-dimensional codes into a single cell in the extended two-dimensional code while retaining the amount of information.

[0061] Furthermore, an extended two-dimensional code 1 can be generated by replacing the empty data cells 300 located at the three corners of the superimposed code 400 with data cells 200 for position detection. Here, the empty data cells 300 are replaced with data cells (11001) filled in black to become data cells 200 for position detection. Since there are only three data cells 200 for position detection at the corners, the number of data cells for position detection is smaller compared to conventional two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark), allowing for a higher proportion of data cells for information recording.

[0062] As described above, by superimposing four binary two-dimensional codes, it is possible to reduce each data cell while retaining 4 bits of ordered information. In other words, 16 different pieces of information, represented by combinations of four binary data cells and ordered information, can be associated and stored in a single data cell. This makes it possible to integrate information, including the digit order of the bit sequence, while maintaining it, unlike simply increasing the number of states due to multi-level encoding.

[0063] In addition, since the number of data cells for position detection can be reduced compared to conventional methods, information that previously required four or more two-dimensional codes can be integrated into a single extended two-dimensional code without changing the area and number of rows and columns of the data cells. When restoring the extended two-dimensional code 1 to four two-dimensional codes, the reverse of the superposition processing step should be performed. The process of extracting information from two-color two-dimensional codes (light and dark) can be the same as in conventional technology, so the explanation is omitted. Furthermore, when analyzing point cloud data used in topographic maps, etc., multiple extended two-dimensional codes 1 may be read sequentially and the data integrated to create three-dimensional information for analysis.

[0064] A specific application example of the present invention is the analysis of structures. By associating information in the height direction of a structure with each layer of the two-dimensional code that constitutes the extended two-dimensional code, pseudo-three-dimensional information can be represented. More specifically, by generating information about obstacles in the height direction in the building space as multiple two-dimensional codes and reading the extended two-dimensional code that superimposes these codes, information equivalent to three-dimensional point cloud data can be acquired by other information processing devices without using external storage media or communication lines. Therefore, high-dimensional information can be easily shared even in environments where restrictions on information export and communication are imposed. [Examples]

[0065] Examples 2 and below describe specific cases in which different assignment rules are applied to the same region division structure. Example 2 describes a specific example of Extended Two-Dimensional Code 2 in which alphabets are assigned to data cells, with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4(A) shows a list of alphabet assignments. Figure 4(B-1) shows a specific example of Extended Two-Dimensional Code 2. Figure 4(B-2) shows an explanatory diagram in which each data cell of Extended Two-Dimensional Code 2 is converted to the corresponding alphabet, etc. Examples 2 and below are similar to Example 1 in that they are based on assignment rules that associate the form of data cells with information.

[0066] In the Extended Two-Dimensional Code 2, 26 types of data cells 100 are associated with numerical values ​​that are sequentially assigned the letters a through z (see Figure 4(A)). For example, the decimal number "1" is associated with "a", the number "2" with "b", ... the number "26" with "z". Therefore, in addition to the data cells for recording information assigned with letters (first data cells 110), the Extended Two-Dimensional Code 2 includes a second data cell 210 with a unique shape used for location identification, etc. Here, the second data cell 210 has a structure in which the data cell is divided into a central circle and two virtual regions.

[0067] The second data cell 210 is defined as a data cell that serves as both a data cell for position detection and a data cell for assignment rules, with the circular portion colored white and the remaining portion colored black. A data cell with the circular portion colored black and the remaining portion colored white is defined as an empty data cell 211. The division of the virtual area in the second data cell is not limited to a circle, but a shape that is easily distinguishable from the first data cell 110 is preferable. If not a circle, it is preferable to divide it so that it is bisected by a diagonal. In addition to data cells for position detection and empty data cells (spaces), it is preferable to define data cells corresponding to commas and periods.

[0068] According to Extended Two-Dimensional Code 2, information can be directly represented as the alphabet, which is a natural language. Therefore, the process of converting binary numbers, which represent information using two brightness values, back into natural language, as in conventional technology, can be omitted. For example, alphabetical information such as "KONOHATSUMEIHANIJIGENCODENIKANSUEUHATSUMEIDESU (This invention relates to a two-dimensional code)" can be directly attached, and a large amount of information can be recorded (see Figure 4(B-2)). As a result, it is not necessary to read the two-dimensional code and obtain detailed information via internet communication as in conventional technology, and the information can be used without being restricted by the presence or absence of a communication environment. [Examples]

[0069] In Example 3, a specific example of an extended two-dimensional code in which quaternary numbers are assigned to data cells will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Here, only the data cells constituting the extended two-dimensional code are shown, and a specific example in which the four types of base sequences constituting an amino acid sequence are assigned will be explained. Figure 5(A) shows a list in which the sequence of the first and second bases of the three base sequences constituting an amino acid sequence are assigned to two-digit quaternary numbers. Figure 5(B) shows a list in which the third base of the base sequence is assigned in combination with the base sequence separator "■". Figure 5(C) shows a data cell that can be arbitrarily used as a data cell for position detection, etc. Here, for ease of understanding, a variable-length coding scheme is used for the number of digits in the quaternary number, but it is of course possible to use a fixed length.

[0070] There are four types of bases that make up an amino acid sequence: adenine [A], thymine [T], guanine [G], and cytosine [C]. These bases form sets of three consecutive bases, such as G·A·A or C·A·G, and various amino acids are formed by these combinations. Since proteins are formed by the sequence of these amino acids, DNA analysis is performed by dividing the sequence into sets of three consecutive bases. In Example 3, the three base sequences will be described as follows: the base at the beginning will be called the first base, the base in the middle will be called the second base, and the base at the end will be called the third base.

[0071] Base sequences are essentially quaternary information, and information representation efficiency can be maximized by adopting a cardinality that matches this information structure. However, in conventional technology, the cardinality of data cells was binary, based on light and dark. Therefore, to represent the 64 possible combinations of the first to third bases, at least six consecutive data cells were required, necessitating a large number of data cells. Moreover, considering the identification codes that indicate the boundaries of base sequences, more than six consecutive data cells were needed, making it impossible to handle large amounts of base sequence information without increasing the size of the two-dimensional code. Thus, in conventional technology, the mismatch between the cardinality structure of the information and the cardinality of the data cells prevented improvements in the information representation efficiency of the two-dimensional code.

[0072] In contrast, the extended two-dimensional code of the present invention can represent information by combining two-digit quaternary numbers (16 possibilities) and three-digit quaternary numbers (4 possibilities) assigned to each data cell. As a result, information about 16 × 4 = 64 possible base sequences can be represented by the combination of just two consecutive data cells. Specifically, the numbers from

[00] to

[33] , which can be represented by two-digit quaternary numbers, are assigned combinations in which two bases selected from four types of bases (A, T, G, C) are sequentially arranged as the first and second bases (see [AA] to [CC] in Figure 5(A)).

[0073] Furthermore, combinations are assigned to the numbers

[0100] to

[0103] , which can be represented as three-digit quaternary numbers, in which one base selected from four types of bases and the identification information "■" indicating the delimiter are arranged in order (see [A■] to [C■] in Figure 5(B)). By assigning information in this way, one base and the delimiter of the base sequence can be represented as one data cell, eliminating the need to place the identification information indicating the delimiter as a separate data cell within the extended two-dimensional code, thereby improving the efficiency of information representation.

[0074] Even with this allocation, 20 data cells are sufficient, so the six unused data cells from

[0110] to

[0121] can be arbitrarily used as data cells for position detection, data cells for allocation rules, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, the extended two-dimensional code of Example 3 is not limited to the analysis of base sequences, but can be applied to any technical field where analysis using quaternary numbers is suitable depending on the characteristics of the information. For example, it may be used for analysis by a quantum computer operating in quaternary numbers. As described above, because the extended two-dimensional code assigns a multi-level number as the base to the data cell, it enables highly efficient encoding that is suited to the essential structure of the target information, resulting in the advantageous effect of improving not only recording efficiency but also the expressibility of the information structure.

[0076] In addition to the above, this invention may also be applied to information that inherently has a quaternary structure, such as CMYK quaternary color information in the printing field. Conventionally, when recording such information in a two-dimensional code, it was necessary to convert it to image data and then perform compression encoding. In contrast, according to the present invention, since quaternary color information can be directly assigned to data cells as quaternary numbers, information conversion processing can be omitted, and recording and reading can be performed while preserving the structure of the color information. Moreover, since the present invention can structure and record only the minimum necessary information, it does not include personal appearance information or surrounding environment information as in captured images, and is advantageous from the viewpoint of privacy protection in terms of information structure. [Examples]

[0077] In Example 4, a specific example of the extended two-dimensional code 3, in which hexadecimal numbers are assigned to data cells, will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(A) shows a specific example in which kanji characters are represented as information using the extended two-dimensional code 3. Figure 6(B) shows a list in which hexadecimal numbers from 0 to E are assigned to data cell 120. Figure 6(C) shows data cell 500 assigned the Unicode®-specific leading code "U+", data cell 501 for assignment rules, data cell 502 assigned "Empty", and data cell 503 for position detection. Note that Figure 6 only shows 20 types of data cells, and the remaining 6 types of data cell forms are omitted from the illustration.

[0078] The extended two-dimensional code 3 consists of 6 rows and 6 columns of data cells, with position detection data cells 503 placed at the three corners (1st row, 1st column; 1st row, 6th column; and 6th row, 1st column), and assignment rule data cell 501 placed in the data cell at the first position (1st row, 2nd column), excluding the position detection data cells (see Figure 6(A)). Here, for ease of understanding, the data cells from 1st row, 3rd column to 1st row, 5th column, and from 2nd row, 1st column to 5th row, 1st column are treated as empty data cells (Empty), but the leading code "U+" can function as an identification code indicating the delimiter of information, so the empty data cells may be omitted.

[0079] In the extended two-dimensional code 3, as in the above embodiment, hexadecimal numbers from "0" to "F" are mapped one-to-one to the form of data cell 120 based on predetermined assignment rules (see Figure 6(B)). Here, since data cell 501 for the assignment rules is placed in the first row, second column, it is possible to identify which assignment rule is being used to generate the extended two-dimensional code, even if multiple assignment rules are defined (see Figures 6(A) and 6(C)).

[0080] Extended 2D code 3 allows for 65,536 different information representations by combining four consecutive data cells assigned the characters "0" through "F" as described above. Furthermore, to indicate that these 65,536 information representations are linked to Unicode (registered trademark), a leading code "U+" is added, allowing any language to be represented using a total of five data cells. For languages ​​requiring four or more digits, the leading code "U+" functions as an identifier indicating the delimiter between characters, so characters can be represented using a variable-length method by arranging six or more data cells.

[0081] Conventionally, when encoding character information using binary numbers, for example, representing a kanji character requires at least 16 bits (16 digits) of data cells. Furthermore, considering the identification code that indicates the delimiter between characters, even more bits (data cells) are required. In contrast, the Extended Two-Dimensional Code 3 uses hexadecimal numbers as the base for information representation, making it possible to represent information, including the identification code, with only five data cells. Thus, according to the present invention, existing character code systems can be recorded directly as combinations of data cells without conversion.

[0082] As described above, all of the present inventions are based on the "radix compatibility concept," which involves selecting an appropriate radix according to the nature of the information to be represented and assigning a data cell format of base N (where N is an integer) corresponding to that radix. In other words, it is not limited to conventional binary information representation, but can adopt various radixes such as base 4 and base 16. This makes it possible to efficiently record information, including delimiters, with a small number of data cells, thereby improving the efficiency of information representation. [Examples]

[0083] In Example 5, a specific example of dividing a data cell into four or more virtual areas will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7(A) shows a specific example in which the virtual area is divided into four. Figure 7(B) shows a specific example in which the virtual area is divided into five.

[0084] To divide the virtual region into four parts, for example, the first virtual region 10 can be divided into two halves by a perpendicular line extending from the vertex angle 13 to the base 11 (see Figure 7(A-1)). Hereafter, the left side of the divided first virtual region will be called region 1a 10a, and the right side will be called region 1b 10b. The first virtual region 10 had two coloring patterns, white and black, but by coloring region 1a and region 1b individually, the number of coloring patterns for the first virtual region increases to four, including patterns where only region 1a is colored black and patterns where only region 1b is colored black (see Figures 7(A-1) to 7(A-4)).

[0085] Therefore, while the region division configuration of Example 1 allowed for 26 different information representations per data cell, the region division configuration of Example 5 allows for twice as many, or 52 different, information representations per data cell. This makes it possible to assign two-digit numbers with bases of 5, 6, and 7. Furthermore, even when assigning alphabets as in Example 2, case sensitivity becomes possible.

[0086] To divide the virtual region into five parts, for example, the first and second virtual regions can each be divided into two by a diagonal line 23 extending from the top-left vertex to the bottom-right vertex of the data cell (see Figure 7(B)). Hereafter, the two divided first virtual region 10 will be referred to as the first α region and the first β region, and the two divided second virtual region 20 will be referred to as the second α region and the second β region.

[0087] The first virtual region 10 can have four different coloring patterns by individually coloring the first α region 10α and the first β region 10β (see Figures 7(B-1) to 7(B-4)). Similarly, the second virtual region 20 can have four different coloring patterns by individually coloring the second α region 20α and the second β region 20β. This increase in coloring patterns allows for 104 different information representations per data cell (see Figures 7(B-5) to 7(B-8)).

[0088] This makes it possible to assign two-digit numbers with bases of 8, 9, and 10. In this way, the present invention expands the number of information representations that a single data cell can take place by extending the number of virtual area division patterns using the area division structure to four or more. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly select the optimal base according to the base structure of the information to be represented, resulting in the effect of achieving highly efficient encoding that is suited to the structure of the target information. It should be noted that the division pattern shown in Example 5 is just one example and is not limited thereto, and the number of divisions may be six or more.

[0089] In Example 6, the configuration of the extended two-dimensional code generation and reading system 4 and its processing flow will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows a block diagram of the generation and reading system. Figure 9 shows a processing flow diagram from the generation of the extended two-dimensional code to its reading and re-conversion to the original data. The generation and reading method will be omitted from the explanation as it overlaps with the processing flow.

[0090] The generation and reading system 4 comprises a general-purpose computer 600 and input means 700, display means 710, and reading means 720 connected thereto (see Figure 8). A printing means 730 is further provided when printing the extended two-dimensional code on a sticker or the like. The general-purpose computer 600 includes a processing means 610 and a storage means 620. The processing means 610 functions as a rule generation means 611 that generates the above-mentioned assignment rules by reading the application 621 according to the present invention from the storage means 620, an information conversion means 612 that converts the original data into an extended two-dimensional code, and a reconversion means 613 that reconverts the read extended two-dimensional code back into the original data.

[0091] The processing means 610 only needs to be capable of determining the data cell format and matching it with the assignment rules, and may be, for example, a well-known central processing unit (CPU), image processing unit (GPU), etc. Furthermore, when using a cloud computing service, the processing means constituting the server computer can be made to perform the extended two-dimensional code generation process, and only the processing results can be obtained on the user's operating terminal.

[0092] The storage means 620 stores at least the application 621 and the allocation rules 622 relating to the first data cell. The allocation rules 622 include the type of information, such as binary or quaternary numbers, the shape of the virtual area, the coloring pattern, and the correspondence between numerical values ​​and data cell forms. When the second data cell described above is used in combination, the storage means 620 also stores the allocation rules 623 for the second data cell. The storage means can be any well-known HDD, SSD, etc.

[0093] The input means 700 can be a well-known mouse or keyboard, and is used to input data for generating a desired assignment rule through user operation, as well as raw data to be converted into an extended two-dimensional code. The raw data may be input by reading it from an external storage medium such as a USB memory or from a separate folder on the HDD of a general-purpose computer. The input means may also allow the user to selectively input which assignment rule to use when converting the read extended two-dimensional code back into the raw data. For example, a pull-down menu may be displayed on the user interface, allowing selection of binary assignment rules 1 and 2, quaternary assignment rules 1 and 2, etc. The display means 710 can be a well-known monitor, and the processing status by the processing means is visualized and displayed to the user.

[0094] The reading means 720 only needs to be able to read the extended two-dimensional code and have it acquired by a general-purpose computer, and can be a well-known camera, optical reader, etc. The printing means 730 only needs to be able to print the created extended two-dimensional code onto a sticker or the like to be attached to the object to be identified when the extended two-dimensional code is used as analog information. Alternatively, printing may be performed by laser engraving or the like instead of printing.

[0095] The following describes the series of processes performed by the processing means with reference to Figure 9. First, the application is launched from the storage means on a general-purpose computer. Then, in the rule generation step (S100), an arbitrary assignment rule is generated based on the information entered by the management user. By having the management user generate an arbitrary assignment rule, it becomes difficult for other companies to obtain the original data from the extended two-dimensional code even if they use a common application, and thus it can be used as one of the means of making identification difficult. It should be noted that the rule generation step only needs to be performed during the initial setup and may be performed in advance by the application provider.

[0096] Steps S200 and below are processing steps for general user use. In the information type determination step (S200), in response to a general user inputting a desired information type, the processing means determines which assignment rule it is required to generate an extended two-dimensional code for. For example, if the input information type is "a four-digit binary number", the processing means reads the assignment rule corresponding to the information type "a four-digit binary number" from the storage means.

[0097] In the raw data acquisition step (S300), a general user inputs the raw data to be converted into an extended two-dimensional code. For example, text data or point cloud data can be selected and read from a USB memory. In the information conversion step (S400), the processing means reads the assignment rules from the storage means based on the information type acquired in S200, and converts the raw data acquired in S300 into an extended two-dimensional code in the format desired by the general user. The printing step (S500) is executed only when analog information is required, and prints the created extended two-dimensional code onto a sticker or the like. When printed on a sticker, it is suitable for use on curved members such as small diameter pipes, or small parts such as pathological diagnostic slides.

[0098] In the appearance information reading step (S600), the appearance information of the extended two-dimensional code is acquired by the reading means. This extended two-dimensional code may be printed analog information or digital information such as JPG data. In the reconversion step (S700), for each data cell of the acquired extended two-dimensional code, the shape and coloring state of the virtual area are compared with the assignment rule to convert it into the corresponding numerical value or alphabet to restore the original data. Here, if the extended two-dimensional code contains a data cell for the assignment rule, the information type can also be identified from that data cell, so the user can omit inputting the information type. On the other hand, if there is no data cell for the assignment rule, the process should be executed to prompt the user to input the information type.

[0099] (others) Furthermore, when multiple assignment rules are established for the same information representation, such as base-4 numbers, it is advisable to pre-place a specific data cell at a specific location to determine which assignment rule is being used. For example, if a specific data cell is placed adjacent to a data cell used for position detection, the information contained in that data cell corresponds to the initial information of the original data, and the reconstruction of the remaining data cells is performed sequentially based on the assignment rule indicated by the specific data cell. Therefore, individual algorithm modifications are not required in the appearance information reading step and the re-conversion step. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not limited to the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1, 2, 3… Extended 2D code, 4… Generation / reading system, 100... (Data cell for information recording), 101... Data cell corresponding to "0101", 110...First data cell, 120… (Data cell to which a hexadecimal number has been assigned), 10...First virtual region (of an isosceles triangle shape), 11...Base, 12...Opposite sides, 13...Vertex angle, 14...First virtual region (of an isosceles trapezoid shape), 15...Top, 16...the first virtual region (inverted T-shape), 17...the top, 18...Perpendicular line, 10a...Region 1a, 10b...Region 1b, 10α...first α region, 10β...first β region, 20, 21… (Second virtual region in the shape of a right triangle), 22… (Second virtual region in the shape of a rectangle), 23...diagonal, 20α...second α region, 20β...second β region, 30, 31… (Third virtual region in the shape of a right triangle), 32… (Third virtual region in the shape of a rectangle), 200… (Data cell for position detection) 210...Second data cell, 211...Empty data cell, 300... Empty data cell, 400... Superimposed cord, 500...Data cell assigned "U+", 501...Data cell for assignment rules, 502...Data cell assigned to Empty, 503...Data cell for position detection, 600... General-purpose computer, 610... Processing means, 611... Rule generation means, 612... Information conversion means, 613... Re-conversion means, 620...Memory means, 621...Application, 622...Assignment rules, 623... Assignment rules for the second data cell, 700...Input means, 710...Display means, 720...Reading means, 730...Printing means, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004… QR codes

Claims

1. An extended two-dimensional code consisting of rectangular data cells arranged in a row and column, It features an information expansion structure that increases the amount of information without increasing the area of ​​a single data cell, The aforementioned information expansion structure includes a region division structure and a coloring structure, The domain partitioning structure provides the data cell with a non-rotationally symmetric virtual region configured to include at least a first virtual region, a second virtual region, and a third virtual region. The first virtual region has a shape in which one of the four sides of the data cell is the base, and the side opposite the base has a vertex angle or a top that is shorter than the base. The second and third virtual regions are arranged on either side of the first virtual region. Furthermore, with the aforementioned coloring structure, all of the aforementioned virtual regions are individually colored with two or more colors. The amount of information in each of the data cells is configured to be expandable to at least 26 values. An extended two-dimensional code characterized by the following features.

2. The figure shown in the data cell can be assigned at least four binary digits. The system is configured to assign a two-dimensional code, where the amount of information for each data cell is composed of two values, to each digit of the aforementioned binary number. This assignment structure allows multiple two-dimensional codes to be displayed superimposed on a single extended two-dimensional code. The extended two-dimensional code according to feature 1.

3. The data cell is configured to allow the assignment of either a quartic number with two or more digits, a hexadecimal number with one or more digits, or a 26-letter alphabet. The extended two-dimensional code according to feature 1.

4. The domain partitioning structure allows the data cell to have four or more virtual domains formed by further partitioning at least one of the first to third virtual domains. The amount of information in the aforementioned data cell is configured to be expandable to at least 52 values. The extended two-dimensional code according to feature 1.

5. The extended two-dimensional code includes a first data cell and a second data cell, The first data cell consists of a data cell whose information capacity has been expanded by the information capacity expansion structure, The second data cell is divided into a virtual region with a different shape from the first data cell, and is positioned at the three corners of the extended two-dimensional code, and is configured to function as a data cell for position detection. The extended two-dimensional code according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for generating and reading an extended two-dimensional code according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The process includes, in order, a rule generation step, an information type determination step, a raw data acquisition step, an information conversion step, an appearance information reading step, and a re-conversion step. In the rule generation step, an assignment rule is generated in which numerical values ​​or letters are assigned sequentially from 0 to the figures indicated by the shapes and coloring states of at least three virtual regions. In the information type determination step, the method for determining which assignment rule to use to convert to an extended two-dimensional code is determined based on the acquired information type. In the above raw data acquisition step, raw data to be converted into an extended two-dimensional code is acquired, In the information conversion step, the raw data is converted into the extended two-dimensional code based on the assignment rule and the acquired information type. In the aforementioned appearance information reading step, the appearance information of the extended two-dimensional code is read, In the reconversion step, the acquired extended two-dimensional code is reconverted to the original data based on the assignment rule. A method for generating and reading extended two-dimensional codes, characterized by the features described herein.

7. A system for generating and reading extended two-dimensional codes according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Including processing means, storage means, input means, and reading means, The processing means functions as a rule generation means, an information conversion means, and a re-conversion means. The rule generation means generates assignment rules that assign numerical values ​​or letters sequentially starting from 0 to the figures represented by the shapes and coloring states of at least three virtual regions, based on the information input from the input means. The storage means stores the generated assignment rules, When the input means receives the type of information that determines which assignment rule to use to convert to an extended two-dimensional code, and the original data, The information conversion means converts the original data into the extended two-dimensional code based on the assignment rule and the information type. The reading means reads the appearance information of the extended two-dimensional code, The re-conversion means re-converts the acquired extended two-dimensional code back into the original data based on the assignment rule. A system for generating and reading extended two-dimensional codes, characterized by the following features.

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