JP6136484B2 - Information code display medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code display medium.

  In recent years, information codes are formed on various media such as tickets, commuter passes, and event admission tickets, and are widely used for confirming whether or not the subject is a legitimate subject. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a technique for managing a commuter pass with an information code. The commuter pass 1 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a commuter pass such as a boarding period and a departure station name. A commuter pass information printing unit 2 that prints information in characters and the like, and a two-dimensional bar code printing unit 3 on which a two-dimensional bar code indicating commuter pass information is printed are provided.

JP 2001-357417 A

  As in Patent Document 1, in the method of using an information code attached to a medium such as a commuter pass, it is easy to read the information code quickly and easily as long as the information code is appropriately put on the reading device. If it is used, it is convenient for both the operation side and the side that actually uses and uses the medium. Further, in the method of reading the medium recording information (commuter pass information) by the information code in this way, there is room for application if the information code can be formed when selecting the medium. The degree of freedom in selecting the etc. is great, which is also advantageous in this respect.

  However, in the method of simply forming the information code on the medium as in the commuter pass 1 of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the information code can be read by a normal reading position (reading by the reading apparatus) when the medium is read over the reading apparatus. There is a problem that it is difficult to accurately align the position. For example, in the case where the information code is opposed to a reading device (ie, a reading surface) in which the information code is opposed (that is, a reading device whose reading direction is upward), the commuter pass 1 of Patent Document 1 The information code must be aligned with the regular reading position after turning the commuter pass 1 over, and it is difficult to accurately align the information code that has disappeared facing downward with the regular reading position. There is a problem. In such a medium configuration, a reading failure due to an improper crease position is likely to occur, and there is a risk of an increase in work load due to a retry of reading and an increase in reading time. In addition, this problem is not limited to a reading device whose reading direction is upward, but also occurs in a reading device whose reading direction is horizontal or downward, and a simple and effective solution is desired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and when the information code formed on the medium is read by the reader, the position of the information code is also from the side opposite to the information code forming side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration that can easily recognize the information code more accurately and easily align the information code with an appropriate reading position.

The first invention is an information code display medium on which an information code is displayed,
The information code is attached, and includes a predetermined first surface and a second surface on the back side of the first surface, and a main body portion on which the information code is displayed on the first surface side,
In the main body, on the second surface side, a mark for specifying the position of the information code in a plane direction parallel to the first surface is displayed using a plurality of concave portions and convex portions. .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information code is displayed on the first surface side of the main body portion of the information code display medium, and the mark for identifying the position of the information code in the plane direction parallel to the first surface on the second surface side Is displayed using a plurality of concave and convex portions .
According to this configuration, when viewing the second surface side, the medium user can immediately specify which position is directly behind the information code on the first surface side. Therefore, for example, even when the information code display medium is turned over and the information code is read by the reading device in a state where the information code is not visible, the information code is properly recognized while recognizing the position of the information code from the second surface side. It is possible to move to the reading position. As a result, it is possible to prevent reading failure and reading delay due to an improper position of wandering, and to effectively improve the operability in performing the reading operation.

In the invention of claim 2, at least a portion to which the information code is attached is constituted by an opaque or translucent plate material or sheet material, and the main body portion is located behind the information code on the second surface side. A graphic or symbol as the mark is formed.
When the information code portion is made of an opaque or translucent plate material or sheet material, the background of the information code and the image of each cell are more stable when reading with a reader than when the portion is made transparent. It becomes easy to recognize. However, if this is done, the information code is invisible or very difficult to see from the back side (second surface side), and there is a problem that it is difficult to specify the position of the information code from the second surface side. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the mark for specifying the position of the information code is displayed on the second surface side, the information code is read in a state where the information code is not visible while enabling stable recognition of the information code. Even when the apparatus reads the information code, it is easy to accurately align the information code while looking at the mark on the second surface side.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the information code is formed on the portion of the main body, when the light of the first wavelength band including at least the visible light region is irradiated, one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color is obtained. An inversion region showing the other reflection characteristic of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of a second wavelength band having a wavelength different from that of the first wavelength band, and irradiated with light of the first wavelength band A non-inverted region that sometimes exhibits the one reflection characteristic of dark color or light color and exhibits the one reflection characteristic of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band, and the information The code includes a light color module and a dark color module, and one of the light color module and the dark color module has an area of one of the inversion area and the non-inversion area, and an area of the other module. Is the inversion region or It is other region of the non-inversion region.
In this configuration, when the visible light is irradiated, the light color module and the dark color module both show the same kind of reflection characteristics, so that the information code is visually recognized as a dark color region or a light color region as a whole, The presence of the information code is difficult to grasp. That is, even if an information code is read in an irradiation state of only visible light, the light color module and the dark color module cannot be distinguished, and it is difficult to read the information code with a general reading device. In addition, since a general copy apparatus generates a copy image that does not distinguish between light and dark, it is possible to prevent forgery such as copying.
On the other hand, when illumination light in the second wavelength band is irradiated, one of the light color module and the dark color module is inverted, and the other is not inverted. The module area can be clearly distinguished and the information code can be recognized. In other words, the reading device that can irradiate the illumination light in the second wavelength band can read the information code satisfactorily, and has a high security configuration that allows only reading by such a reading device. However, in this configuration, since the information code cannot be read unless the information code is accurately aligned at the position where the illumination light in the second wavelength band is irradiated, more accurate alignment is required, and the information code cannot be seen. This is a further problem when the medium is read by reading. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the position of the information code can be accurately recognized even from the second surface side, even when the medium is turned over and read, information is provided at the irradiation position of the illumination light in the second wavelength band. The code can be accurately aligned, and reading failures and delays can be more reliably reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically illustrating an information code reading system using an information code display medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is an explanatory view schematically illustrating the surface of the information code display medium of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the back surface of the information code display medium of FIG. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information code reading apparatus that constitutes the information code reading system of FIG. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the surface of the information code display medium according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the information code display medium of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the back surface roughly. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the surface of the information code display medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the information code display medium of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the back surface roughly. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the surface of the information code display medium according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state visually recognized when the surface is irradiated with visible light. is there. FIG. 6B shows a state visually recognized when the surface of the information code display medium of FIG. 6A is irradiated with infrared light. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information code reader capable of reading the information code display medium of FIG.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Configuration of information code reading system)
An information code reading system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is formed on an information code display medium 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as medium 10) on which an information code C1 having a light color module and a dark color module is formed. The information code reading device 20 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the reading device 20) that can read the information code C1 that has been read, the reading device 20 extracts and decodes the information code C1 formed on the medium 10. Thus, the data in the information code C1 can be acquired and output. Further, the medium 10 is used as, for example, a ticket, a commuter pass, an event entrance ticket, or the like, and can manage entry / exit of a user to a predetermined place based on information recorded on the medium 10. Has been.

(Configuration of information code display medium)
Next, the configuration of the information code display medium 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The information code display medium 10 includes a main body 12 that includes a first surface 12a on which the information code C1 is displayed and a second surface 12b on the back side of the first surface. The main body 12 is formed of, for example, an opaque or translucent plate material or sheet material (for example, an object made of paper, a resin member, or a metal member).

  As shown in FIG. 2A, on the first surface 12a side of the medium 10, an information code forming area A1 in which the information code C1 is formed by printing or the like, and a background area made up of characters, figures, symbols, patterns, etc. A2 is provided. In this configuration, the medium 10 is configured as a commuter pass, for example, and a boarding section, a commuter pass user name, and the like are printed in the background area A2 of the first surface 12a. In the information code C1, information printed in the background area A2 or other information that is not printed in addition to these information (for example, a boarding period, ticket issuing number, etc.) is recorded.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, on the second surface 12b side of the medium 10, a graphic or symbol (for example, a cross-shaped graphic) is used as a mark 14 at the back position of the information code C1 formed on the first surface 12a. Is formed. The mark 14 functions to specify the position of the information code C1 in the plane direction parallel to the first surface 12a on the second surface 12b. Specifically, the mark 14 is arranged so that the center position of the information code C1 in the plane direction parallel to the first surface 12a can be specified. For example, the mark 14 is an intersection position where a cross-shaped figure intersects. Is a position directly behind the center position of the information code C1. A broken line surrounding the mark 14 shown in FIG. 2B conceptually indicates the position directly behind the outer periphery of the information code C1 (the position directly behind on the second surface 12b side). Since it is configured in this manner, when the second surface side (back surface side) is viewed as shown in FIG. 2B, the position of the center of the information code C1 can be determined even if the first surface side is not visible. It becomes possible to grasp immediately.

  2B, on the second surface 12b side, an area other than the mark 14 is configured with a color different from the mark 14, and the area other than the mark 14 is different from the mark 14, for example. A single color or a pattern of multiple colors different from the mark 14 is formed. In addition, the mark 14 may be drawn on the 2nd surface 12b of a main-body part, and if it is the structure visible from the 2nd surface 12b side, it may not be on the 2nd surface 12b. For example, it may be a position deeper on the first surface 12a side than the second surface 12b. For example, the structure in which the mark 14 is drawn inside the thickness direction of the main body 12 may be used, or the structure drawn on the first surface 12a side may be used. In addition, it is sufficient that at least the area around the mark 14 is configured with a color different from the mark 14 so that the shape and position of the mark 14 can be specified, and the position deviated from the mark 14 (for example, in FIG. Various pictures, patterns, information, and the like can be displayed at a position outside the broken line.

  The information code C1 is configured by, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) and can be decoded by a known method. The information code C1 has a configuration in which cells (modules) 52 serving as units for displaying information are arranged in a matrix within a predetermined code area. In the information code C1 in FIG. 2 and the like, the “code area” is a rectangular area that can include all of the plurality of dark cells arranged. More specifically, three position detection patterns (cutout symbols) 54 are represented. It is the smallest square or rectangular area that contains everything. In the example of FIG. 2 and the like, a plurality of cells (modules) 52 are rectangular (for example, the outer diameter is square) light (white) cells (light module) 52a and dark (black) cells (dark module). ) 52b, and the cells 52 are arranged in a matrix within the code area. In the information code C1, a margin area is formed around the code area so as to surround the code area. In the example of FIG. Located adjacent to the perimeter of the area.

(Configuration of information code reader)
Next, the overall configuration of the information code reader 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the reading device 20 is configured as a code reader capable of reading a two-dimensional code in hardware, and an outer case is formed by a case (not shown), and various electronic components are accommodated in the case. The structure is made.

  The information code reading device 20 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, and an imaging lens 27, and a micro memory such as a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, and a liquid crystal display device 46. It is composed of a computer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system and a power supply system such as a power switch 41 and a battery 49. These are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a case (not shown).

  The optical system includes an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, a filter 25, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The illumination light source 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a diffusion lens, a condensing lens, and the like provided on the emission side of the LED. In the present embodiment, illumination light sources 21 are provided on both sides of the light receiving sensor 23, and the illumination light Lf can be emitted toward the information code display medium 10 through a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. It is configured.

  The light receiving sensor 23 is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the information code display medium 10 and the information code C1. For example, the light receiving sensor 23 is a solid-state image pickup device such as a C-MOS or CCD. An area sensor arranged in two dimensions corresponds to this. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The filter 25 is an optical low-pass filter that allows passage of light having a wavelength less than or equal to the wavelength of the reflected light Lr, for example, and can block passage of light exceeding the wavelength, and a reading port (not shown) formed in the case. And the imaging lens 27. Thereby, unnecessary light exceeding the wavelength equivalent of the reflected light Lr is prevented from entering the light receiving sensor 23. Further, the imaging lens 27 is constituted by, for example, a lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses accommodated in the lens barrel. In the present embodiment, a reading port (illustrated) formed in an opening shape in the case. The reflected light Lr incident on (substantially) is collected and a code image of the information code C1 is formed on the light receiving surface 23a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, a liquid crystal display device 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code C1 captured by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplification circuit 31 and amplified by a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, and the digital signal is converted from the analog signal. Is converted to The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area of the memory 35. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is composed of a semiconductor memory device or the like, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the above-described image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each piece of hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 23.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the entire information code reader 20, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In this embodiment, a power switch 41, an operation switch 42, an LED 43, a buzzer 44, A liquid crystal display device 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected. The communication interface 48 can be connected to a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the information code reader 20.

  The power supply system includes a power switch 41, a battery 49, and the like. When the power switch 41 managed by the control circuit 40 is turned on and off, the conduction of the drive voltage supplied from the battery 49 to each device and each circuit described above is established. Or shut off is controlled. The battery 49 is a secondary battery that can generate a predetermined DC voltage, and corresponds to, for example, a lithium ion battery.

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), the second surface 12b of the medium 10 has a figure or symbol (in the present embodiment, a cross shape in the back position of the information code C1 formed on the first surface 12a. ) Is formed. Thus, by specifying the figure or symbol, the position of the information code C1 in the plane direction parallel to the first surface 12a can be specified on the second surface 12b. The user of the information code display medium 10 can specify the position of the information code C1 displayed on the first surface side by the mark even when the second surface side is viewed. In the example described above, a cross-shaped figure is used as the mark 14, but the mark may be a figure or symbol other than this. For example, it may be a circle, a triangle, a square, a star, other patterns, etc., or may be letters, numbers, other symbols, or the like.

  Generally, when the user of the medium 10 causes the reading device 20 to read the information code C1 by flicking the medium 10, the user reads the first surface 12a side on which the information code C1 of the medium 10 is printed. Since it is necessary to face the apparatus 20, the user operates while visually observing the second surface 12b side of the medium 10. In this configuration, during such an operation, the user can accurately recognize the position of the information code C1 while looking at the second surface 12b side, and the opposite side that is not visible or difficult to see (opposite to the viewing side). Side) information code C1 can be accurately brought close to the target position. Accordingly, the information code C1 can be read by the reading device 20 more quickly and accurately, and the reading process and the reading operation are repeated (the reading process and the reading operation due to the improper position of the information code C1 and the like). Time and effort due to repetition) can be saved. In particular, when many users continue to use the same reading device, such as at a ticket gate at a station, etc., congestion is reduced by reducing the time spent for each user's reading operation. This can be avoided and the convenience for the user can be improved. Further, when the size of the medium 10 is significantly larger than the information code C1, or when a person unaccustomed to the operation of the medium 10 performs the reading operation, there is a concern that the reading operation as described above is repeated. However, even in such a case, in this configuration, it is easy to accurately align the information code C1 without visually checking the position where the information code C1 is displayed. It can be omitted.

Further, in this configuration, the main body 12 is formed of an opaque or translucent plate material or sheet material at least at a portion to which the information code C1 is attached, and the back of the information code C1 on the second surface 12b (back surface) side. A graphic or symbol as a mark 14 is formed at the position. Specifically, the base material of the medium 10 is configured by a sheet material made of, for example, an opaque or translucent resin material, paper material, metal material, and the like, and information is displayed on the surface (first surface 12a) of the sheet material. The code C1 and the like are drawn, and the portion where the information code C1 is drawn is also opaque or translucent. A mark 14 is drawn at a position directly behind the information code C1 on the back surface (second surface 12b) of the sheet material.
When the information code C1 is made of an opaque or translucent plate or sheet material in this way, the background (margin area) of the information code C1 or the like when reading with the reading device is compared with the case where the portion is made transparent. It becomes easy to recognize the image of each cell stably. However, if this is done, the information code C1 cannot be seen from the back side (second surface side) or is very difficult to see, which makes it difficult to specify the position of the information code C1 from the second surface 12b side. is there. On the other hand, in this configuration, since the mark 14 for specifying the position of the information code C1 is displayed on the second surface 12b side, the information code C1 can be stably recognized and the information code C1 cannot be seen. Thus, even when the information code C1 is read by the reading device, it is easy to accurately align the information code C1 while looking at the mark 14 on the second surface 12b side.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
The information code reading system according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an information code display medium 210 (hereinafter also simply referred to as medium 210) is used instead of the information code display medium 10. Is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Therefore, hereinafter, the information code display medium 210 will be described mainly.

(Configuration of information code display medium)
In the information code display medium 10 of the first embodiment, the configuration in which the mark 14 is formed at the back position of the information code C1 on the second surface 12b side is exemplified. However, in the information code display medium 210 of the present embodiment, the main body portion In 212, at least a part of the area (information code formation area A21) to which the information code C2 is attached is partially configured as a transparent part, and an opaque part is provided adjacent to the periphery of the transparent part. The reverse figure of the information code C2 is at least partially visible from the 212b side.

  The medium 210 of the present embodiment also includes a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped main body 212. The main body 212 has a first surface 212a on which the information code C2 is displayed and a second surface on the back side of the first surface 212a. 212b. Similarly to the medium 10 of the first embodiment, a background area A22 on which characters, figures, symbols, patterns, and the like are displayed is provided on the first surface 212a side of the medium 210. The information code display medium 210 is different from the information code display medium 10 of the first embodiment only in the information code formation area A21 (area in the rectangular frame AR1), and the information code formation area A21 (inside the rectangular frame AR1). Except for (region), the information code display medium 10 of the first embodiment is the same. Therefore, in the following, detailed description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the information code forming area A21 (area in the rectangular frame AR1) will be described mainly.

  The information code C2 displayed on the medium 210 is configured as a known two-dimensional code (QR code), and cells (modules) 252 are arranged inside the code area, and three position detection patterns (cutout symbols) 254 are provided. It has a configuration. Similarly to the information code C1 of the first embodiment, the plurality of cells (modules) 252 may be any one of a rectangular light color (white) cell (light color module) 252a and a dark color (black) cell (dark color module) 252b. These cells (modules) 252 are arranged in a matrix within the code area.

  In the main body 212 of the medium 210, the formation part where the information code C2 is formed (that is, the part of the information code formation area A21 in the rectangular frame AR1) is the area of the light color module 252a and the area of the dark color module 252b. Of the regions, each region of one module (for example, light color module 252a) is configured as a transparent portion, and each region of the other module (for example, dark color module 252b) is configured as an opaque or translucent portion. Yes.

  More specifically, the part in the information code forming area A21 (the part in the rectangular frame AR1) in the main body 212 is a part other than the dark color module 252b (that is, the margin area around the light color module 252a and the code area). Is configured as a transparent portion, and the transparent portion is configured such that light can be transmitted between the first surface 212a and the second surface 212b. On the other hand, each region of the dark color module 252b is configured as an opaque (or translucent) portion, and has a configuration with less light transmission than the transparent portion. In addition, the portion where the background region A2 is formed in the main body 212 (the portion outside the rectangular frame AR1) is configured as an opaque (or translucent) portion adjacent to the periphery of the margin region (transparent portion). . In the medium 210, since each area of the dark color module 252b including the position detection pattern (cutout symbol) 254 is configured as an opaque (or translucent) portion by, for example, black, the information code from the second surface 212b side. When C2 is viewed, each area (opaque or translucent part) of the dark color module 252b is visually recognized as a front-back inverted figure (a figure reversed from the figure when viewed from the first surface side). In addition, since each area of the light color module 252a is configured as a transparent portion, when the information code C2 is viewed from the second surface 212b side, each area (transparent portion) of the light color module 252a is an inverted figure. It will be visually recognized as (figure turned upside down when viewed from the first surface side).

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, light can be transmitted from the first surface 212a side to the second surface 212b side in each region of one module (for example, the light color module 252a) configured as a transparent portion, and the light is transmitted. The position on the second surface 212b side (the position where the front / back inverted figure of the information code C2 is formed) corresponds to the position on the back side of the information code C2. Therefore, even when the user of the medium 210 is viewing the second surface 212b side, the position of the information code C2 displayed on the first surface 212a side on the first surface 212a side can be specified. It becomes. Therefore, even when the medium 210 is operated while viewing the second surface 212b side, the information code C2 can be accurately brought close to the target position, and the operability of the medium 210 can be improved. In particular, since the specific position of each module can be specified in detail even from the second surface 212b side, the accuracy when aligning while looking at the second surface 212b side is further increased.

  In addition, when reading the information code C2 by illuminating the illumination light, one module (for example, the light color module 252a) configured as a transparent portion transmits the illumination light and is similar to the light color reflection characteristics. While the effect is detected and detected as a light color region, the other module (for example, the dark color module 252b) configured as an opaque or translucent portion does not transmit illumination light or reflects only partially transmits it. By doing so, it is detected as a dark color region. Therefore, the area of the light color module 252a and the area of the dark color module 252b can be clearly distinguished and detected, and the area of the light color module 252a and the dark color module 252b can be extracted to reliably recognize the information code C2. it can. Further, each area of one module (for example, the light color module 252a) configured as a transparent portion does not need to be printed when forming the information code, and the printing area on the information code display medium can be reduced. it can.

  In the above-described example, the light color module is configured as a transparent portion, and the dark color module is configured as an opaque portion or a translucent portion. However, these may be reversed. That is, the light color module may be configured as an opaque part or a semi-transparent part, and displayed in white or the like, and the dark color module may be configured as a transparent part. Moreover, in the example mentioned above, although the front-back inversion figure of the whole information code C2 can be visually recognized from the 2nd surface side, the structure which can visually recognize only a part of front-back inversion figure of the information code C2 from the 2nd surface side It may be.

[Third embodiment]
The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. The information code reading system according to the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that an information code display medium 310 (hereinafter also simply referred to as medium 310) is used instead of the information code display medium 210. 1 and 2nd embodiment (refer FIG.1, FIG.3 etc.). Therefore, hereinafter, the information code display medium 310 will be described mainly. Since the information code display medium 310 is the same as that of the second embodiment except for the configuration of the information code C3, the detailed description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment will be omitted below. The configuration will be explained mainly.

(Configuration of information code display medium)
The main body 312 of the information code display medium 310 in the present embodiment has the same configuration as the main body 212 of the information code display medium 210 in the second embodiment, and an area (rectangular frame) to which the information code C3 is attached. At least a part of the area in AR2 is partially configured as a transparent part, and an opaque part is provided adjacent to the periphery of the transparent part, and the reverse side figure of the information code C3 is visually recognized from the second surface 312b side. It is possible.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in the information code formation area A31 (area in the rectangular frame AR2), a mark 314 made of a figure or a symbol (for example, a cross-shaped figure) is provided at the position of the information code C3. It is configured to be printed. Specifically, the mark 314 is printed in a configuration overlapping with a code area constituted by a light color module and a dark color module. In the example of FIG. 5, a mark 314 is mainly drawn on a part of the light color module so that a cross-shaped figure can be grasped. However, the figure is drawn so as to overlap with a part of the dark color module. It may be.

  Further, when the mark 314 is attached as shown in FIG. 5, the color (bright color) of the brightness different from the brightness of the basic color of the light color module 352a (the color of the portion where the mark 314 is not arranged in the light color module 352a). It is desirable to consist of With this configuration, the mark 314 can be visually recognized separately from the basic color of the light color module 352a. At the time of reading, not only the basic color part but also the mark 314 part in the area of the light color module 352a. Can also be recognized as the area of the light color module. In other words, even if there is a region overlapping the mark 314 in the information code C3, the information to be corrected in advance is not included in the information code C3 and error correction is performed, and the reading device 20 can reliably check the information code C1. Can read information.

  In addition, as the mark 314, for example, by drawing an illustration of a character or the like on the information code C3, the information code C3 can be designed, and the design of the information code C3 can be improved.

  Note that the medium 310 of the present embodiment also has the same characteristics as those of the second embodiment. In other words, the formation portion where the information code C3 is formed in the main body 312 of the medium 310 is the area of each module of the light color module 352a and the area of the dark color module 352b (for example, the light color module 352a). The region is configured as a transparent portion, and each region of the other module (for example, the dark color module 352b) is configured as an opaque or translucent portion.

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, each area of one module (for example, the light color module 352a) is formed as a transparent portion, and a mark 314 made of a figure or a symbol (for example, a cross-shaped figure) is attached in a form superimposed on this portion. Therefore, when viewed from the second surface 312b side, the front / back reversed figure (or the reversed front / back symbol) of the mark 314 can be visually recognized together with the front / back reversed figure of the information code C3. The position where the front / back inverted figure of the information code C3 and the reverse side figure of the mark 314 are visually recognized corresponds to the position of the back side of the information code C3. Therefore, the user of the medium 310 looks at the second surface 312b side. Even in such a case, the position of the information code C3 displayed on the first surface 312a side on the first surface 312a side can be easily specified. Therefore, even when the medium 310 is operated while viewing the second surface 312b side, the information code C3 can be accurately brought close to the target position, and the operability of the medium 310 can be improved. Moreover, since the mark 314 can be visually recognized even from the back side, it becomes easy to improve the design of the back side.

[Fourth embodiment]
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a part of the information code display medium (configuration of the information code C4) and the configuration of the reading device 420. Therefore, the same configuration as the first embodiment is the same. The detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Configuration of information code display medium)
When the main body portion 412 of the information code display medium 410 is irradiated with light of the first wavelength band including at least the visible light region, it exhibits one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color. An inversion region showing the other reflection characteristic of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of a different second wavelength band, and one reflection characteristic of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the first wavelength band And a non-inverted region that exhibits one of the reflection characteristics of dark color or light color when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band.

  Specifically, among the areas of the information code C4 formed on the medium 410, each area of the dark color module 452b is displayed as a dark color when irradiated with visible light or infrared light. It is formed as a region. On the other hand, each area of the light color module 452a in the information code C4 shows a dark color reflection characteristic when irradiated with visible light and is displayed as a dark color, and exhibits a light color reflection characteristic when irradiated with infrared light. It is formed as an inversion region that is shown and displayed as a bright color.

  For example, each region of the light color module 452a has a configuration in which a dark color is given to the outer surface of a base (plate material or sheet material) having a light outer surface by infrared transmitting ink. , The infrared transparent ink is in a transmissive state (transparent state), and the light color of the substrate (plate material or sheet material) appears in the region (the region of the light color module 452a) as shown in FIG. 6B. , Has been recognized as a light color. On the other hand, each region of the dark color module 452b irradiates at least general dark ink (for example, infrared light even when irradiated with visible light) on the outer surface of a substrate (plate material or sheet material) having a light outer surface. Even when irradiated with visible light as shown in FIG. 6 (A), infrared light was applied as shown in FIG. 6 (B). Even now, it is recognized as dark (black). The margin area configured outside the code area in which the light color module 452a and the dark color module 452b are arranged may be configured as an inversion area similar to the light color module, or even when visible light is irradiated. It may be configured as a region displayed in a bright color even when irradiated with infrared light.

  Since it is configured in this manner, in a general reading apparatus that irradiates visible light as illumination light, each area of the light color module 452a and the dark color module 452b of the dark color module 452b as shown in FIG. Each area is displayed as a dark color, and all of the information code C4 is captured in a dark color. Therefore, it becomes difficult to extract the information code C. On the other hand, when imaging is performed while irradiating infrared light (illumination light in the second wavelength band) as in the reading device 420 described later, each region of the light color module 452a is bright as shown in FIG. The color code is inverted, and each area of the dark color module 452b can be imaged in the dark color, so that the information code C4 can be extracted.

  The configuration on the back side (second surface side) of the medium 410 is the same as that in FIG. 2B of the first embodiment, and the second surface side of the medium 410 (on the opposite side of the first surface 412a) A figure or symbol as a mark (for example, a cross-shaped figure similar to the mark 14 in FIG. 2) is formed at the back position of the information code C4 formed on the first surface 412a. The mark functions to specify the position of the information code C4 in the plane direction parallel to the first surface 412a (front surface) on the second surface (back surface). Specifically, the mark is arranged so that the center position of the information code C4 in the plane direction parallel to the first surface 412a can be specified. For example, the mark indicates the intersection position where the cross-shaped figure intersects. The position is directly behind the center position of the code C4. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, the margin area or the like may be configured as a transparent portion. In the configuration as shown in FIG. 6, the base portion of the light color module (the portion to which the infrared transmitting ink is applied) may be transparent.

(Configuration of information code reader)
Next, the overall configuration of the information code reader that reads the information code C4 will be described with reference to FIG. An information code reader 420 (hereinafter also referred to as a reader 420) used in the present embodiment is the same as the reader 20 of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the illumination light sources 421 and 422 and the configuration of the control circuit 440. Therefore, illustration of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted, and detailed description is omitted.

  In the reading apparatus 420 illustrated in FIG. 7, a first illumination light source 421 that irradiates illumination light in a first wavelength band and a second illumination light source 422 that irradiates illumination light in a second wavelength band are provided as illumination light sources. Yes. In addition, the first illumination light source 421 and the second illumination light source 422 are provided on both sides of an imaging unit (light receiving optical system) 428 configured by, for example, the filter 25, the imaging lens 27, and the light receiving sensor 23.

  A pair of 1st illumination light sources 421a and 421b are comprised by LED which irradiates visible light with a wavelength of 380 nm-750 nm, for example. Further, the second illumination light sources 422a and 422b arranged in pairs are configured by LEDs that emit infrared light having a wavelength of 750 nm or more. And the 1st illumination light source 421 and the 2nd illumination light source 422 are comprised so that illumination light can be irradiated toward the medium 410 via the reading port (not shown) formed in the case. In addition, the imaging unit 428 functions to image the medium 410 in a state where the illumination light is irradiated on the medium 410.

  For example, in this configuration, when the information code C4 as shown in FIG. 6 is read, the information code C4 is imaged by the imaging unit 428 in a state where infrared light is irradiated by the second illumination light sources 422a and 422b, thereby FIG. As shown in B), a code image in which the light color module is inverted to a light color is obtained. When a code image as shown in FIG. 6B is obtained, the control circuit 440 may decode the code image by a general decoding method. When reading a general information code, the information code may be imaged while irradiating visible light with the first illumination light source 421.

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, when the visible light is irradiated, the light color module and the dark color module both show the same kind of reflection characteristics, so the information code is visually recognized as a dark color area or a light color area as a whole. The presence of the information code is difficult to grasp. That is, even if an information code is read in an irradiation state of only visible light, the light color module and the dark color module cannot be distinguished, and it is difficult to read the information code with a general reading device. In addition, since a general copy apparatus generates a copy image that does not distinguish between light and dark, it is possible to prevent forgery such as copying.
On the other hand, when illumination light in the second wavelength band is irradiated, one of the light color module and the dark color module is inverted, and the other is not inverted. The module area can be clearly distinguished and the information code can be recognized. In other words, the reading device that can irradiate the illumination light in the second wavelength band can read the information code satisfactorily, and has a high security configuration that allows only reading by such a reading device. However, in this configuration, since the information code cannot be read unless the information code is accurately aligned at the position where the illumination light in the second wavelength band is irradiated, more accurate alignment is required, and the information code cannot be seen. This is a further problem when the medium is read by reading. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the position of the information code can be accurately recognized even from the second surface side, even when the medium is turned over and read, information is provided at the irradiation position of the illumination light in the second wavelength band. The code can be accurately aligned, and reading failures and delays can be more reliably reduced.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The information code reading system exemplified in the fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an information code display medium (not shown) different from the information code display medium 10 is used, and the reading device 20 is different from the first embodiment. They are the same (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Therefore, hereinafter, the information code display medium will be mainly described. Further, the information code display medium of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the information code display medium 10 (see FIG. 3) in the first embodiment except for the information code formation area.

(Configuration of information code display medium)
The information code display medium of this configuration is different from the information code display medium 10 of the first embodiment only in the configuration of the dark color module, for example. The information code used in the information code display medium of this configuration has been processed to form a through hole, a concave portion, or a convex portion in each region of one module (for example, a dark color module), and the second surface side The processing parts applied to each region of one module (for example, a dark color module) are visible. The configuration of the other module (light color module) can be the same as that of the information code display medium 10 of the first embodiment. For example, if it is configured as a region where light color (white) printing is performed. Good.

  The concave portion or the convex portion in each region of one module (for example, dark color module) can be formed by, for example, known direct marking that directly marks an object. That is, by marking the areas of the dark color modules from the first surface side of the main body, depressions are formed in the areas of the dark color modules on the first surface side, while on the second surface side. A convex portion is formed in each area of the dark color module. In this case, the area of each dark color module configured as a recess may not be particularly colored (that is, it may be the same color of the light color module), and the dark color such as black is added to the area of each dark color module. May be attached.

  Alternatively, by marking so as to press the areas of the dark color modules from the second surface side of the main body portion, concave portions are formed in the areas of the dark color modules on the second surface side, and each of the dark color modules on the one surface side is formed. You may comprise an area | region as a convex part. Also in this case, the area of each dark color module configured as a convex portion does not have to be particularly colored (that is, it may be the same color of the light color module), and the area of each dark color module is black. May be given a dark color.

  Or you may make it form a through-hole in each area | region of each dark color module by forming a hole so that the area | region of each dark color module in a main-body part may be punched out.

  In each example described above, one module is referred to as a “dark color module”, and an example in which a process of forming a through hole, a concave portion, or a convex portion is performed on each region of the dark color module is shown. A “light module” may be used, and a process for forming a through hole, a concave portion, or a convex portion may be applied to each region of the bright module. In this case, the configuration of the other module (dark color module) can be the same as that of the information code display medium 10 of the first embodiment. For example, it may be configured as an area on which dark color (black) printing is performed. .

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, when the medium user looks at the back side (second side), a part of the information code on the front side (first side) is seen as a processed part. It is possible to immediately identify where the position of is. Therefore, for example, even when the information code display medium is turned over and the information code is read by the reading device in a state where the information code is not visible, the information code is properly recognized while recognizing the position of the information code from the second surface side. It is possible to move to the reading position. As a result, it is possible to prevent reading failure and reading delay due to an improper position of wandering, and to effectively improve the operability in performing the reading operation. Furthermore, according to the present invention, each area of one module is formed as a through hole, a concave portion, or a convex portion, so that the user can specify the position of the information code by touching the medium. Become. Therefore, for example, it is easy to take a countermeasure such as grasping the position of the information code by touching the medium without much looking at the medium and reading the information code at the reading position.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, in the information code display medium, the information code is drawn on the first surface of the main body, but is configured to be displayed in a regular form on the first surface side (first surface). Information code formation position does not have to be on the first surface, but is deeper on the second surface side than the first surface. May be. For example, a configuration in which an information code is drawn inside the thickness direction of the main body may be used, or a configuration drawn on the second surface side may be used.

  In any of the first to fifth embodiments or the modified examples, the information code is not limited to the QR code (registered trademark) as shown in FIG. It may be a two-dimensional code or a known one-dimensional code such as a one-dimensional barcode.

  In the above embodiment, white is exemplified as the light color and black is exemplified as the dark color. However, the light color has only to have a lightness greater than the dark color, and the combination of the light color and the dark color is not limited to white and black.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information code reading system 10, 210, 310, 410 ... Information code display medium 12, 212, 312, 412 ... Main-body part 12a, 212a, 312a, 412a ... 1st surface 12b, 212b, 312b ... 2nd surface 14, 314 ... Mark C1, C2, C3, C4 ... Information code

Claims (4)

An information code display medium on which an information code is displayed,
The information code is attached, and includes a predetermined first surface and a second surface on the back side of the first surface, and a main body portion on which the information code is displayed on the first surface side,
In the main body, on the second surface side, a mark for specifying the position of the information code in a plane direction parallel to the first surface is displayed using a plurality of concave portions and convex portions. Information code display medium. The main body portion is formed of an opaque or translucent plate material or sheet material at least a portion to which the information code is attached,
2. The information code display medium according to claim 1, wherein a figure or symbol as the mark is formed at a back position of the information code on the second surface side. The portion where the information code is formed in the main body portion exhibits a reflection characteristic of one of a dark color and a light color when irradiated with light of a first wavelength band including at least a visible light region, and the first wavelength band And an inversion region showing the other reflection characteristic of dark or light when irradiated with light of the second wavelength band having a different wavelength, and dark or light when the light of the first wavelength band is irradiated. A non-inverted region showing the one reflection characteristic and showing the reflection characteristic of the dark color or the light color when irradiated with the light of the second wavelength band; and
The information code includes a light color module and a dark color module, and one of the light color module and the dark color module is set as one area of the inversion area or the non-inversion area, and the other module. 3. The information code display medium according to claim 1, wherein the area is the other area of the inversion area or the non-inversion area . 4. The information code has a light color module and a dark color module,
The mark is formed by forming a concave portion or a convex portion from the second surface side with respect to each region of one of the regions of the dark color module and the regions of the light color module. The information code display medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

Images