Patent Application
20150262051
The present invention relates to encoding of codes (numerical value and/or information) based on a dot pattern constituted by two or more dots.
A technology to express codes (numerical value and/or information) based on an arrangement (dot pattern) of two or more fine dots printed on a paper surface (or displayed by a display device) has prevailed widely.
Nowadays, as a dot pattern which circulates in a market, Grid Onput (Registered trademark) which is a standard of Gridmark Inc, in Japan, and is represented by Japanese patent No. 3706385 (Patent document 1) and Japanese patent No. 3771252 (Patent document 2) is well-known in particular.
PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 370685
PTL 2: Japanese Patent No. 3771252
An object of the present invention is to provide a new dot pattern where a technology thereof is a technology to realize definition of information based on not an arrangement position of a dot, but a distance and direction between two dots, and as compared with the dot pattern of the above-mentioned previously existing technology, (1) reading is possible even when print resolution and read resolution are low, (2) a large information amount can be defined by the small number of dots, (3) decoding can be carried out at high speed, (4) reading can be carried out easily even when an arrangement of an imaged dot pattern is deformed largely, and (5) decoding visually is difficult.
A dot pattern for solving this subject is a dot pattern provided with two or more information dots, and the dot pattern is provided with at least one set of a starting-point information dot that is an information dot to be a starting point, and an end-point information dot that is an information dot to be an end point, and the two or more information dots are arranged while an interval between information dots which adjoin each other in a prescribed order for the starting-point information dot has a prescribed distance value or prescribed distance value of a prescribed direction interval, and codes are encoded based on the prescribed distance value or prescribed distance value of a prescribed direction interval.
Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is constituted by one row (or column), and is a dot pattern where two or more dots are arranged in the row (or column).
This dot pattern is a kind of a two dimensional code, and is one where codes (numerical value or information) are encoded using a fine dot.
As for each dot pattern where a different code is encoded, an arrangement of information dots are determined so that an interval between information dots arranged adjacently may have a prescribed distance. Then, codes are encoded by at least any of lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a distance value of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently.
Hereafter, an aspect of such dot pattern will be described specifically.
In generation of the present dot pattern, first, a starting-point information dot P0 which is to be a starting point for arranging information dots in a prescribed order is arranged. Then, an information dot P1 is arranged with a prescribed distance. An information dot P2 is arranged at a position located at a prescribed distance from the information dot P1. In the same way, an information dot P3 is arranged, and an end-point information dot P4 which is to be an end point for arranging information dots is arranged, and a dot pattern is generated.
Encoding of codes is performed by at least any of lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a distance L1 between the information dots P0 and P1, a distance L2 between P1 and P2, a distance L3 between P2 and P3, and a distance L4 between P3 and P4. The lengths ranking is to rank the distances L1 to L4 of the interval between information dots from No. (1) to No. (4). Note that, when there are two distances having the same distance of the interval between information dots, the distances having a rank from No. (1) to No. (3) will be allocated to four of the interval between information dots. When there are three distances having the same distance, the distances having a rank from No. (1) to No. (2) will be allocated to four of the interval between information dots. When four of the distances are all the same, distances having a rank of only No. (1) will be allocated to four of the intervals between information dots. These ranks may be ranked in ascending order or descending order. For example, in
The ratio means a ratio of the distance L1 to L4 to a distance of a prescribed reference. For example, while a distance of a prescribed reference is assumed to be a distance L0 between P0 and P4, the ratio may be assumed to be a ratio of the distance L1 to L4 to the distance L0, and may be assumed to be a ratio to any one of distance of the interval between information dots (for example, distance L1).
With respect to each information dot, a straight line having a prescribed angle is drawn, and calculated is a distance between a straight line drawn with respect to a certain information dot and a straight line in the same direction drawn with respect to an adjacent information dot. This is a distance of a prescribed direction interval. In
A dot pattern like this is printed on a paper surface (or displaying by a display, and this dot pattern is photographed by a camera device, and the image data are analyzed by a processor, and thereby, codes can be decoded. Then, a variety of processing corresponding to the decoded codes, for example, outputting of contents such as a voice, an image and a video, execution of a program and operation instructions such as sound reproduction and video recording etc. are carried out.
In analysis of the image data, information dots are extracted from the image data, and a value of a distance of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently or a distance of a prescribed direction interval are calculated, and decoded is codes corresponding to lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations or ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a value of a distance of an interval between information dots etc.
In addition, when a value of the distance between dots is compared, a deviation in printing, a distortion of a printing medium, a camera inclination at the time of dot pattern reading are taken into consideration, and on the premise that an error of a value of a distance of an interval between information dots is within a prescribed percent (approximately, 5 to 10%), an analysis program is preferred to have been designed so that a distance of an interval between information dots are determined.
At this time, even when a dot arranged at the prescribed position on data has been printed (or read) while deviated actually from the prescribed position, if the position of the read dot is in a prescribed region with the prescribed position as a center, the analysis program is preferred to have been designed so that the dot may be recognized to have been arranged at the prescribed position on the data.
Note that various kinds of lines described in the specification and drawings such as a line segment connecting information dots mutually and a vertical line drawn with respect to each information dot are provided virtually, and do not exist in actually printed dot patterns. Descriptions of the present specification and drawings in the following are also the same as the above.
In this case, when P1 is arranged, for example, P1 is arranged in a pre-determined distance and direction (e.g., 15 degrees) from P0. P2 is arranged in a pre-determined distance and direction from P1. In the same way, P3 and P4 are arranged.
In this case, information dots P1 to P4 are arranged in pre-determined distances and directions from P0.
In this case, information dots are arranged in order of P1 and P2, and P3 and P4 in pre-determined distances and in the two directions from P0. As the result, P2 and P4 are arranged as end-point information dots. Although not illustrated, information dots are arranged in the plural directions more than three from P0, and end-point information dots may be arranged at end points in the plural directions.
First, the information dot P1 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle θ1 with P0 as a center from a vertical line passing through P0, and has the prescribed distance L1 from P0. Next, the information dot P2 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle 2θ with P1 as a center from a vertical line passing through P1, and has the prescribed distance L2 from P1. In the same way, information dots P3 and P4 are arranged.
Then, codes are encoded by at least any of length ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to the distances of the interval between information dots L1, L2, L3 and L4, or the distances of a prescribed direction interval of information dots W1, W2, W3 and W4.
First, the information dot P1 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle θ1 with P0 as a center from a vertical line passing through P0 and has the prescribed distance L1 from P0. Next, on the basis of a position that is located in a direction rotated by an angle α degrees with P1 as a center from a vertical line passing through P1, the information dot P2 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle θ2 with P1 as a center from the position and has the prescribed distance L2 from P1. Next, the information dot P3 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle θ3 with P2 as a center from a vertical line passing through P2 and has the prescribed distance L3 from P2. At the last, on the basis of a position that is located in a direction rotated by an angle β degrees with P3 as a center from a vertical line passing through P3, the information dot P4 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle θ4 with P3 as a center from the position and has the prescribed distance L4 from P3.
Note that, in
First, the information dot P1 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated clockwise by a prescribed angle θ1 with P0 as a center from a vertical line passing through P0 and has the prescribed distance L1 form P0. Next, the information dot P2 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated by a prescribed angle θ2 with P1 as a center from a straight line passing through P0 and P1 and ahs the prescribed distance L1 from P1. Next, the information dot P3 is arranged at a position that is located in a direction rotated by a prescribed angle θ3 with P2 as a center from a straight line passing through P1 and P2 and has the prescribed distance L3 from P2. In the same way, the information dot P4 is arranged.
Note that, in
After a dot pattern is read by an optical reader, if which information dot is the starting-point information dot cannot be distinguished in a processor, it may be impossible to analyze a dot pattern accurately, and to output contents corresponding to the dot pattern. Therefore, by making a size and shape of the starting-point information dot different from other information dots, it has been made to be possible to identify easily which information dot is the starting-point information dot.
Note that the starting-point information dot may be configured so as to be different from other information dots in colors, an arrangement position or optical characteristics in addition to a size and shape. In addition, it may be made for the starting-point information dot and other information dots to be identifiable by combining these.
As described in
Then, in
Note that specification of the order may be colors, an arrangement position, and optical characteristics of the information dot in addition to a size and shape of an information dot, and may be combinations of these. The arrangement position mentioned above means that an arrangement is carried out based on conditions such as the starting-point information dot is arranged at the end part of a specific direction. In addition, by collating the dot pattern with an arrangement pattern of information dots recorded in advance by pattern recognition, the arrangement order of information dots may be retrieved.
In examples mentioned above, by making a distance of an interval between information dots etc. different, codes have been encoded. In examples of
A rotation angle between the vertical line passing through P0 and the straight line connecting P0 and P1 (straight line between P0 and P1) is assumed to be θ1. A rotation angle between the straight line with the straight line between P0 and P1 extended rightward and the straight line between P1 and P2 is assumed to be θ2. A rotation angle between the straight line with the straight line between P1 and P2 extended rightward and the straight line between P2 and P3 is assumed to be θ3. A rotation angle between the straight line between P3 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P0 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P1 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P1 and P2 is assumed to be θ2. A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P2 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P2 and P3 is assumed to be θ3. A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P3 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P3 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. In the present example, the inclination of the straight line passing through each information dot is different for every information dot. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
A vertical line passing through the information dot P0 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. A vertical line passing through the information dot P1 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P1 and P2 is assumed to be θ2. A vertical line passing through the information dot P2 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P2 and P3 is assumed to be θ3. A vertical line passing through the information dot P3 is provided virtually, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P3 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
A vertical line passing through the starting-point information dot P0 is provided. A rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. In the same way, a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P2 is assumed to be θ2, a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P3 is assumed to be θ3, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
In examples mentioned above, codes have been encoded by making different a distance of an interval between information dots or the distance of a prescribed direction interval. In examples of
A rotation angle between the vertical line passing through P0 and the straight line (straight line between P0 and P1) connecting P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. A rotation angle between the straight line with the straight line between P0 and P1 extended rightward and the straight line between P1 and P2 is assumed to be θ2. A rotation angle between the straight line with the straight line between P1 and P2 extended rightward and the straight line between P2 and P3 is assumed to be θ3. A rotation angle between the straight line with the straight line between P2 and P3 extended rightward and the straight line between P3 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P0 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P1 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P1 and P2 is assumed to be θ2. A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P2 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P2 and P3 is assumed to be θ3. A straight line having an optional inclination passing through the information dot P3 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the straight line and the straight line between P3 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. In the present example, an inclination of the straight line passing through each information dot is different for every information dot. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
A vertical line passing through the information dot P0 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. A vertical line passing through the information dot P1 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P1 and P2 is assumed to be θ2. A vertical line passing through the information dot P2 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P2 and P3 is assumed to be θ3. A vertical line passing through the information dot P3 is provided, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P3 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
A vertical line passing through the starting-point information dot P0 is provided. A rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P1 is assumed to be θ1. In the same way, a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P2 is assumed to be θ2, a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P3 is assumed to be θ3, and a rotation angle made by the vertical line and the straight line between P0 and P4 is assumed to be θ4. Codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations, with respect to each rotation angle θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4.
As mentioned above, in the present dot pattern, by at least any of a sequence of numerical values (absolute value) with a distance value allocated, numerical value permutations, numerical value combinations, or lengths ranking permutations of distance values, lengths ranking combinations, codes are encoded.
For example, each distance of an interval between information dots is assumed to be L1=6, L2=7, L3=5, and L4=9, and a distance in a horizontal direction between each of information dots is assumed to be W1=6, W2=4, W3=5, and W4=8.
When codes are encoded by a sequence of numerical values, in a case where codes are encoded based on distance values between dots, codes encoded in the dot pattern will be 6759. When codes are encoded based on a distance in a prescribed direction between dots, codes encoded in the dot pattern will be 6458.
When codes are encoded by numerical value permutations, the encoding will be as follows.
When 1 to 10 are used as distance values, codes are encoded in the same way as the decimal system. Here, when all the distance values are different, in a case where encoding is carried out by permutations, codes of 10×9×8×7=5040 cases can be encoded, and in a case where encoding is carried out by combinations, codes of 10×9×8×7/4×3×2×1=210 cases can be encoded. Note that, when the same distances are included in distance values, it is needless to say that combinations increase furthermore.
In a case where 4 to 8, or 5 to 9 are used as distance values, encoding is carried out by permutations or combinations using four among them. In this case, in a case where encoding is carried out by permutations, codes of 5×4×3×2×120 cases can be encoded, and in a case where encoding is carried out by combinations, codes of 5×4×3×2/4×3×2×1=5 cases can be encoded. Note that, when the same distances are included in distance values, it is needless to say that combinations increase furthermore.
Here, as for a numerical value to be allocated, an actual distance value may be allocated. However, when a user reads a dot pattern by an optical reader, reading is carried out in many cases in a state where the optical reader is inclined. In that case, the actual distance value will have been changed. Therefore, it is preferable that not an actual distance, but a numerical value represented by a value existing in a prescribed range is allocated.
In the same way as
In the number of distance sections, encoding is carried out based on permutations and combinations of No. 1 rank to No. 4 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 3 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 2 rank and all the same ranks.
As illustrated in
When codes are encoded by five information dots, the number of distance sections will be four. Encoding is carried out based on permutations and combinations of No. 1 rank to No. 4 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 3 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 2 rank and all the same ranks.
As illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
At the last, as illustrated in
Note that the code allocations indicated in
In the present dot pattern, codes are encoded by at least any of size ranking permutations, size ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a value of a rotation angle.
A rotation angle in each information dot is as follows: θ1=80 degrees, θ2=120 degrees, θ3=80 degrees and θ4=70 degrees. Therefore, the code will be 801208070.
A rotation angle in each information dot is as follows: θ1=70 degrees, θ=110 degrees, θ3=70 degrees and θ4=90 degrees. Therefore, the code will be 701107090.
Note that, as for a numerical value to be allocated, a value of an actual rotation angle may be allocated. However, when a user reads a dot pattern by an optical reader, reading is carried out in many cases in a state where the optical reader is inclined. In that case, the actual distance value will have been changed. Therefore, it is preferable that not an actual rotation angle, but a numerical value represented by a value existing in a prescribed range is allocated.
In the same way as
In the number of rotation angle sections, encoding is carried out based on permutations and combinations of No. 1 rank to No. 4 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 3 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 2 rank and all the same ranks.
In the same way as
In the number of rotation angle sections, encoding is carried out based on permutations and combinations of No. 1 rank to No. 4 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 3 rank, No. 1 rank to No. 2 rank and all the same ranks.
As illustrated in the same
In this way, as for the dot pattern of the present invention, it is also possible that two or more dot patterns are arranged in vertical and horizontal directions, and one code is encoded based on a set of two or more dot patterns.
Thereby, it becomes possible to encode also contents having a large volume and data such as a program as a dot pattern.
Next, a second embodiment will be described. A dot pattern of the present embodiment is a dot pattern made up of two or more rows and two or more columns.
This dot pattern is one in which codes are encoded, and an arrangement of the information dots is determined so that each dot pattern in which a different code is encoded may have a distance of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently.
Specifically, in each row and each column, codes are encoded by at least any of lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations or ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a distance value of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently.
However, it is not necessary for all of the rows and columns to be used for encoding of codes, and only a part of rows and a part of columns may be used for encoding of codes.
Preferably, as for the dot pattern, in each row and each column, codes are encoded based only on at least any of lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations or ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a distance value of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently. Thereby, a belt-like dot pattern is arranged in two dimensions, and the number of codes which can be defined by each belt-like dot pattern, are combined, and thereby, the numbers of codes of each row and each column which can be encoded can be increased greatly.
Note that, since encoding of codes is the same as one which has been described in the first embodiment, descriptions are omitted, here.
The present invention has superiority in the point that information is encoded based only on relative evaluation of a distance between mutually adjacent dots without depending on encoding information based on whether to arrange a dot in an arrangement direction or prescribed position from a prescribed position (virtual point) as is a conventional way, and ahs contributed to solution of problems such as:
(1) computation for reading of a dot pattern can be simplified and speed enhancement thereof can be attained,
(2) improvement in security is attained since it is difficult to decode codes visually,
(3) an information amount for the small number of dots can be increased.
In addition, the dot patterns are usually connected in a prescribed interval in a vertical or horizontal direction.
The dot pattern is printed on a paper surface (or, displayed by a display measure), and this dot pattern is photographed by a camera device, and the image data are analyzed by a processor, and thereby, codes can be decoded.
Analyzing of the image data extracts an information dot from the image data, and calculates a value of a distance of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently, and decodes codes corresponding to lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a value of distance of an interval between information dots.
With respect to each row and each column used for encoding of codes, each row and each column calculate a distance of a prescribed direction interval in a prescribed direction which each starting-point information dot has. Since the way of calculating a distance of a prescribed direction interval is the same as one which has been described in the first embodiment, descriptions are omitted, here.
A dot pattern illustrated in
Each row and each column calculates a distance of a prescribed direction interval in a prescribed direction which each starting-point information dot has. Since the way of calculating a distance of a prescribed direction interval is the same as one which has been described in the first embodiment, descriptions are omitted, here.
In this way, by arranging reference dots in the end part of a dot pattern, a boundary section of a dot pattern connected with starting-point information dots (or end-point information dots) will be able to be specified easily.
The reference dot, if arranged so as to be able to specify a direction of the dot pattern, may be arranged in any arrangement, and may have any number. Note that it is preferable that at least one or more reference dots for representing dot patterns are arranged. When one reference dot is provided, it is necessary that a straight line (direction) including the reference dot is defined. This straight line (direction) may be calculated based on a direction of the dot pattern.
Even in a case of the same dot pattern, depending on whether which direction is assumed to be a normal direction, that is, whether which direction is assumed to be a reference for recognizing a dot pattern, an analysis result by a processor and a result of executed processing come to be different. Therefore, in order to make it recognized that on the basis of which direction the dot pattern is formed, it is preferred to define a direction of a dot pattern. In particular, although described later, when two or more dot patterns are arranged while connected or coupled, it becomes very important to recognize the direction of the dot pattern.
When an arrangement of reference dots is vertically and laterally symmetrical, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Therefore, by making the arrangement laterally (or vertically) asymmetrical, the direction of the dot pattern is made to be able to be discriminated.
In this dot pattern, reference dots are arranged only in the one side, and however, when two or more of the dot patterns are arranged in a prescribed interval, reference dots come to be arranged vertically and laterally, and if reference dots are vertically and laterally symmetrical in appearance, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Therefore, by making the arrangement vertically (or laterally) asymmetrical, the direction of the dot pattern has been enabled to be discriminated.
If reference dots are vertically and laterally symmetrical, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Therefore, by making the arrangement vertically (or laterally) asymmetrical, the direction of the dot pattern is made to be able to be discriminated.
In this dot pattern, reference dots are arranged only in the one side, and however, when two or more of the dot patterns are arranged in a prescribed interval, reference dots come to be arranged vertically and laterally, and if reference dots are vertically and laterally symmetrical in appearance, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Therefore, by making the arrangement laterally (or vertically) asymmetrical, the direction of the dot pattern has been enabled to be discriminated.
By the shift of the reference dot, the direction of the dot pattern can be defined. In
In this dot pattern, reference dots are arranged only in the one side, and however, when two or more of the dot patterns are arranged in a prescribed interval, reference dots come to be arranged vertically and laterally, and if reference dots are vertically and laterally symmetrical in appearance, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Then, by the shift of the reference dot, the direction of the dot pattern can be defined.
In
By the shift of the reference dot, the direction of the dot pattern can be defined. In
In this dot pattern, reference dots are arranged only in the one side, and however, when two or more of the dot patterns are arranged in a prescribed interval, reference dots come to be arranged vertically and laterally, and if reference dots are vertically and laterally symmetrical in appearance, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Then, by the shift of the reference dot, the direction of the dot pattern can be defined. In
Here, the direction of the dot pattern is preferred to be defined by the prescribed shape being expressed by an arrangement of all or a part of reference dots. Although this shape may be any type of shape if designed as a pattern in advance, when the shape shows non-axial symmetry which does not correspond to the shape before rotation even if rotated by 180 degrees with both ends of the reference dot as a center, the direction of the dot pattern can be defined from the shape itself. However, when two or more dot patterns are arranged while coupled, preferable is an arrangement such that an arrangement shape of the reference dot can be distinguished from the arrangement shape having a belt-like shape of the information dot.
In this dot pattern, reference dots are arranged only in the one side, and however, when two or more of the dot pattern are arranged in a prescribed interval, reference dots come to be arranged vertically and laterally, and if reference dots are vertically and laterally symmetrical in appearance, it becomes difficult to recognize the direction of the dot pattern. Then, the direction of the dot pattern is preferred to be defined by the prescribed shape being expressed by an arrangement of all or a part of reference dots. Although this shape may be any type of shape if designed as a pattern in advance, when the shape shows non-axial symmetry which does not correspond to the shape before rotation even if rotated by 180 degrees with both ends of the reference dot as a center, the direction of the dot pattern can be defined from the shape itself. However, when two or more dot patterns are arranged while coupled, preferable is an arrangement such that an arrangement shape of the reference dot can be distinguished from the arrangement shape having a belt-like shape of the information dot.
In this way, even in a case where the reference dots are arranged, not on a straight line, but with a prescribed shape, it is possible to arrange a reference dot furthermore at a position where a row direction and column direction in which reference dots are arranged intersect. Thereby, when two or more dot patterns are arranged, dots are arranged uniformly without dot dropouts, and a visual effect can be improved.
In this way, even in a case where the reference dots are arranged, not on a straight line, but with a prescribed shape, it is possible to arrange a reference dot furthermore at a position where a row direction and column direction in which reference dots are arranged intersect. Thereby, when two or more dot patterns are arranged while coupled, dots are arranged uniformly without dot dropouts, and a visual effect can be improved.
Note that
With respect to each row and each column used for encoding of codes, although each row and each column calculate a distance of a prescribed direction interval in a prescribed direction which each starting-point information dot has, the prescribed direction in a row direction and a column direction is each constant in
The vertical line and horizontal lines are easy to be configured, and analyzed by a processor. Therefore, with respect to information dots arranged adjacently in the row direction, the vertical direction is assumed to be the prescribed direction, and with respect to information dots arranged adjacently in the column direction, the horizontal direction is assumed to be the prescribed direction, and thereby, it becomes possible for the processor to calculate easily the distance of a prescribed direction interval.
The dot pattern illustrated in
The dot pattern illustrated in
The dot pattern illustrated in
The dot pattern illustrated in
In the present example, the prescribed direction held by information dots arranged adjacently in a row direction or in a column direction is assumed to be a direction of a line segment connecting tow reference dots.
The dot pattern illustrated in
The dot pattern illustrated in
In this way, the reference dots to be connected may not be adjacent reference dots mutually.
Note that in the example mentioned above, information may be defined also for the reference dot. That is, numerical values are defined also for at least any of lengths ranking permutations, lengths ranking combinations, ratio permutations, ratio combinations, or absolute values, absolute value permutations, absolute value combinations with respect to a distance between reference dots arranged adjacently or a distance value of a prescribed direction interval. Thereby, while the boundary section of connected dot pattern is also specified clearly, it becomes possible to encode much of information into the dot pattern.
In addition, according to a dot pattern of
Dot patterns illustrated in
In addition, as for dot patterns illustrated in
In addition, as for the dot pattern illustrated in
Here, a generation method of a dot pattern where the reference dot is arranged in both ends of the row and column, and encoding of codes based on a distance of a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots will be described using
When an interval between reference dots is assumed to be 10, centering on four points where the first and second virtual vertical lines and the first and second virtual horizontal lines intersect, and virtual points 5×5 for arranging information dots are arranged with an arrangement interval as vertically and horizontally 1 as illustrated in
As for combinations of distances in a prescribed direction between three information dots, when configured so that the total may be 30, there are four with respect to the lengths: (9,10,11), (9,9,12), (8,11,11) and (10,10,10). That is, the combinations in ascending order of lengths ranking are as follow: (No. (1), No. (2), No. (3)), (No. (1), No. (1), No. (2)), (No. (1), No. (2), No. (2)), and (No. (1), No. (1), No. (1)). When actually arranged, an arrangement order of a distance in a prescribed direction is based on codes encoded by permutations and combinations. As the result, since 13 ways of codes can be encoded by one row or column, 134=28,561 ways of codes can be defined by all the rows and columns. Here, a distance increment in a different prescribed direction is configured in an ascending order from the shortest distance while having differences no less than 10%. Considering a deviation in printing, a distortion of a printing medium, a camera inclination (30 to 40 degrees) at the time of dot pattern reading, this has been configured so that ranking of a distance of an interval between information dots may be determined accurately on the premise that an error of a value of a distance of an interval between information dots is approximately 5%. Thereby, when the error is less than 7.5% approximately, the distance is determined to be the same distance, and can be recognized to be at the same rank. However, in a camera inclination which most influences deformation of an arrangement position of dots, the error mentioned above changes depending on a camera resolution or lens performance, and therefore, it is necessary to configure the allowances after sufficient operation tests based on operating conditions have been carried out.
Here, as for an arrangement of vertical reference dots for specifying a direction of a dot pattern, reference dots of the second row are made to be shifted in an upper direction by 2. As the result, (8, 12, 10) from the top is obtained, and one which has a sequence having the same values as distances in a prescribed direction of an information dot does not exist, and it can be specified that this column (8, 12, 10) is the vertical reference dots. Thereby, since a region and direction of the dot pattern are specified, also with respect to the horizontal reference dots, codes of the same amount as permutations and combinations of distances in a prescribed direction between other three information dots can be configured. As the result, 135=371,293 ways of codes can be defined by all the rows, columns and horizontal reference dots.
b) illustrates an example where information dots are arranged actually. First, when a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots in a row direction is determined, it is determined that an information dot is arranged at any of five virtual points each in a vertical direction in the virtual points of 5×5. Next, when a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots in a column direction is determined, an information dots will be arranged at any of previous five virtual points, and arrangements of al the information dots are determined uniquely when codes are encoded.
Note that, although a distance between reference dots has been assumed to be 10, any numerical value may be applicable, and a shift of the reference dot and an arrangement of information dots may be configured by the same ratio on the basis of numerical values between reference dots. When a current printing technique, accuracy and performance of a camera and a photographing region are taken into consideration, a printing accuracy may be 600 DPI, and a distance between reference dots may be 10 pixels. Note that a size of a dot may be 1 pixel or 2×2 pixels. Although 1 pixel is acceptable considering a visual effect in a case of dot printing, when there are large dispersions in printing, a recognition rate can be avoided from being reduced while a size of a dot is made to be 2×2 pixels.
The reference dots in the left end have a permutation of (8), (10), (12) from the top with respect to a distance value. This permutation is not made to be used for permutations with respect to distances between other dots, and thereby, a direction and boundary of the dot pattern can be defined by the reference dots in the left end.
As illustrated in
When the number of codes which could be expressed by a dot pattern of a previously existing technology will be described on the same conditions as
Although the dot pattern made up of two or more rows and two or more columns has been described as the dot pattern of the second embodiment, it is possible that a three-dimensional dot pattern having a three-dimensional arrangement is generated while two or more dots are arranged also in a depth direction in addition to the row direction and column direction as illustrated in
As for codes in dots arranged in a depth direction, information can be encoded based on a value of a distance of an interval between information dots arranged adjacently in a depth direction, and in addition to this, it is possible to carry out encoding by the same method as the method already described in the second embodiment. As for this three-dimensional dot pattern, dots which can be recognized physically by a prescribed method such as recognizing electrically or optically, and magnetically are arranged in the inside of a solid substance (with contents packed) or a substance with a plane member stacked. As a matter of course, dots may be stored with elements integrated. In addition, coordinate values (XYZ value) of dots constituting a three-dimensional dot pattern are stored as digital information, and decoding thereof can be carried out. These are excellent in security since code information is not converted directly into a numerical value.
<Notes>
Note that, as the embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment (dot pattern constituted by one row (or column)), the second embodiment (dot pattern constituted by two or more rows and two or more columns), the third embodiment (dot pattern constituted by two or more rows, two or more columns, and two or more depths) have been each described, and however, the categories of these embodiments are not ones that categorize Claims claimed by Applicant in the present application.
That is, an implementation of the dot pattern of the second embodiment may include a total implementation of the first embodiment, and an implementation of the dot pattern of the third embodiment may include a total implementation of the first and second embodiments.
<Formation of Dot Pattern>
A dot pattern described in the present invention is generated by a program as image data on a computer, and is printed out onto printing media such as paper, and thereby, is formed on a printing surface. However, as for a method to form a dot pattern on a product, not only a method using a printer, but all known output devices may be used. In addition, a dot pattern may be displayed on a display device.
<Reading Device of Dot Pattern>
As for a dot pattern, encoded codes can be decoded by using a reading device. A reading device of a dot pattern is at least provided with an imaging device for imaging a dot pattern, a processing device, and a storage device.
Note that the reading device means both of a case where the imaging device, the processing device and the storage device are provided in one casing, and a case where the imaging device, the processing device and the storage device are provided in two or more casings.
In addition, the imaging device includes one which has employed a method to carry out reading with the reading device contacted to a medium where a dot pattern is printed, and one which has employed a method to carry out reading with the reading device in a state apart from a medium.
In one which has employed a method to carry out reading with the reading device contacted to a medium where a dot pattern is printed, various scanners etc. are all included in addition to so-called an electronic pencil or one which is a pen type referred to as a voice pen, one which is provided with an imaging device on a bottom face of a figure, and one which carries out reading while a medium where a dot pattern is printed is placed on a card reader.
In one which has employed a method to carry out reading with the reading device in a state apart from a medium, a mobile phone, a smart phone, one which carries out imaging using a camera built in a tablet type device, and one which carries out imaging using a usual camera are all included.
In the storage device, a program to be executed by a processing device is stored, and in this program, processing to detect a dot pattern from image data imaged by the imaging device and processing to decode codes encoded by a dot pattern are included.
Decoding of codes is carried out based on the described encoding algorithm of a dot pattern.
The decoded code can be used for the corresponding processing. With respect to what kind of processing is performed, usage may be possible for all kinds of processing.
For example, information corresponding to codes may be read and outputted from the storage device. Information corresponding to codes may be searched for from Internet. When an XY coordinate value is defined on codes, a medium where a dot pattern has been formed can be use for a mouse pad, a tablet, a touch panel and a map etc.
<First Example of Generation Method of Dot Pattern and Code Encoding>
The reference dots of the left column have a permutation of (8), (10) and (12) from the top with respect to a distance value. This permutation is made not to be used for permutations of distances between other dots, and thereby, can be distinguished from others, and it is possible to define a direction and boundary of the dot pattern based on the reference dots of the left column.
As illustrated in
When the number of codes which could be expressed by a dot pattern of a previously existing technology is verified based on the same number of dots as
Here, although an example of a dot pattern constituted by four rows×four columns has been illustrated, even when rows and columns are increased, a dot pattern can be arranged by the same generation method. Although not illustrated, in a dot pattern constituted by, e.g. five rows×five column, when 7×7 virtual points where dots are arranged are configured at nine places, permutations and combinations of distance lengths in a prescribed direction between all information dots are configured uniquely in the same way as
<Second Example of Generation Method of Dot Pattern and Code Encoding>
As mentioned above, in the generation method of a dot pattern where codes are encoded by permutations and combinations of distances lengths on the basis of a distance in a prescribed direction between reference dots, a method where encoding can be carried out uniquely when dots are arranged at prescribed positions has been described, and however, there are at least one or more candidates for a position where a dot is arranged when the following conditions are satisfied, and a dot may be arranged by any kind of algorithm. This means that the same code can be encoded even in a case of a different arrangement of dots, and it can be that the decryption of codes is difficult, and security is excellent.
(1) Distances in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots are assumed to be L1, L2 and L3 in an ascending order (when any two distances are the same distance, L1, L2, when three distances are the same, only L1).
(2) Second long distances are extended by more than α (α>1) times on the basis of this distance. Note that α is not needed to be all the same in each interval between information dots, and may be made to be changed for every interval between information dots.
αL1<L2, αL2<L3
(3) When imaging is carried out in a state where a camera at the time of dot pattern reading is inclined by approximately 30 to 40 degrees, the intervals between four information dots arranged at equal intervals on a straight line are deformed, and made short depending on a position. In addition, as for the minimum value due to errors on the basis of the maximum value of the intervals of information dots arranged on the straight line including also an influence of a deviation in printing and a distortion of a printing medium, a distance in a prescribed direction is assumed to be shortened by the maximum β times (1/β<α, β<1), approximately.
L1<βL2, L2<βL3
That is, it is necessary for L1L2 and L3 to be configured so as to be determined to be L1<βL2 and L2<βL3 still even if distortions are taken into consideration.
In addition, when a distance of an interval between information dots is the same, it is necessary to carry out configuring so as to be determined to be the same still even if distortions are taken into consideration.
For example, when three distances are each L1, L1 and L2, it is configured for L1, L1 and L2 to be determined to be L1=βL1 and L1<βL2.
When all of three distances are the same L1, it is configured for L1, L1 and L2 to be determined to be L1=βL1.
(4) In an ascending order of a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, a threshold value γ(1/βγ<α, γ>1) for performing determination of an interval between information dots having a second short distance is configured. Note that this threshold value γ is used in a case of decoding of codes.
γL1<L2<γαL1, γL2<L3<γαL2
As for determination that the shortest L1 of a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots and L1′ generated as the same distance are the same distance, or second short distance L2 and L2′ generated as the same distance are the same distance,
when L1 and L1′ are the same distance: γL1>L1′, and
when L2 and L2′ are the same distance: γL1<L2<γαL1 and γL1<L2′<γαL1.
(5) Here, compared with the multiplying factor β based on errors due to a dot arrangement deformation, a deviation in printing and a distortion of a printing medium of photographed images in a state where a camera is inclined, in determination of the multiplying factor α from the shorter one at the time of determining a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, it is preferred that a safety factor (design increment rate to error increment rate) is made to be 2 times approximately while a sufficient margin is taken.
That is,
2(1/β−1)=α−1 hence α=2/β−1 will be given.
The safety factor mentioned above is to be determined depending on to what extent a misidentification rate is to be suppressed including also how much the camera is inclined, and how much a deviation in printing and a distortion of a printing medium are generated, and while these are fully investigated minutely, the safety factor may be determined optionally.
(6) It is preferred for the threshold value γin (5) to take a value near an intermediate value between 1/β and α.
γ=1.5/β−0.5
may be applicable. Note that this threshold value γ is used in a case of decoding of codes.
Note that, in the present description, although only comparison of the distance is performed since the lengths ranking is given based on a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, and codes are encoded by permutations and combinations, a threshold value for specifying a numerical value of a prescribed distance of an interval between information dots which are read is configured, and a numerical value of the prescribed distance is calculated, and thereby, codes can be encoded using the distance numerical value itself.
In this case, when a distance numerical value configured at the time of generating the dot pattern is assumed to be D, errors due to a dot arrangement deformation, a deviation in printing and a distortion of a printing medium of photographed images in a state where a camera is inclined are also taken into consideration, and as for the threshold value in that case, γ1 and γ2 are configured as an absolute value, and D can be specified from γ1≦D≦γ2. Note that, this method is used and may be used in searching for the reference dot having a distance between reference dots which is different from the distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots. In addition, the read numerical values of a prescribed distance of an interval between information dots and the ranking of the distances can also be used while combined. This means that the same code can be encoded even in a case of a different arrangement of dots, and it can be that the decryption of codes is difficult, and security is excellent. In addition, varying information such as manufacturing and shipping date are allocated to a numerical value of a distance, and a serial number is given depending on the ranking of distances, and thereby, advanced traceability is realizable. Note that it is needless to say that information allocated to the combination of the numerical value of the distance and the ranking of the distance is may be reversed.
As mentioned above, although a generation method of a dot pattern and code encoding which encodes codes by permutations and combinations of distance lengths with respect to a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots have been described, the encoding conditions of (1) to (6) mentioned above are applicable in a dot pattern where codes are encoded by permutations and combinations of distance lengths with respect to a distance of an interval between information dots.
<Method to Read Dot Pattern Generated Based on Distance in Prescribed Direction of Interval Between Information Dots, and Decoding of Code>
As mentioned above, as for reading of a dot pattern by an optical reading device, (1) Binariziation of an imaged dot pattern image is performed, and pixels constituting the dot is specified.
(2) A representative point of a dot is calculated from coordinate values of pixels constituting the dot. XY coordinate values of pixels are each added simply, and divided by the number of pixels constituting this dot, and thereby, a center coordinate value (average coordinate value) of the dot is calculated, and the center coordinate value is made to be the coordinate value of the representative point. Alternatively, in order to calculate the coordinate value of the representative point still more accurately, while weighting is carried out for every pixel based on a darkness level when binarization is carried out in (1), the coordinate value of the representative point of the dot may be calculated by the above-mentioned method.
(3) A first dot sequence arranged on a straight line is searched for from coordinate values of dots, and a second dot sequence arranged on a straight line while intersected with the first dot sequence is searched for. Note that, although the above-mentioned intersection is a rectangular intersection usually, since the rectangular intersection is not maintained when the dot pattern is imaged with an optical reading device inclined against a paper surface, it is necessary to search for the second dot sequence while intersected at an angle in a prescribed range is taken into consideration.
(4) A reference dot sequence which specifies a direction of a dot pattern is searched for in the first or second dot sequences. As for the searching method, a distance between reference dots is assumed to be Dn (n denotes a number for any interval between reference dots), and threshold values nγ1 and nγ2 are configured as an absolute value, and Dn is specified from nγ1≦D≦nγ2, and a reference dot sequence is searched for.
(5) Next processing is will be executed when a reference dot sequence which specifies a direction of a dot pattern can be specified by any of the first or second dot sequence, and the other reference dot sequence also conforms to conditions, and however, otherwise, processing is performed again from (3), and other first or second dot sequence is searched for.
(6) By the direction of the dot pattern being specified, arrangements of information dots in a row direction and column direction are found, and in a row direction and column direction, ranking of each distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots from reference dots which are starting-point information dots is calculated by the above-mentioned comparison operation equation. Here, a region surrounded by reference dots arranged in a rectangle is not necessarily necessary for calculation, and as illustrated by the inside of a broken line frame in
(7) Decoding is carried out into codes using a decoding table illustrated in
Note that, regions indicated by a dashed line in
As mentioned above, although the method to read dot patterns and decoding of codes which decodes codes based on permutations and combinations of distance lengths of a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots have been described, the method of reading and decoding of codes of the above mentioned (1) to (7) are applicable in the dot pattern where codes is decoded based on permutations and combinations of distance lengths of a distance of an interval between information dots.
<Generation Method of Dot Pattern Generated Based on Distance of an Interval Between Information Dots, and Method of Reading>
A generation method of a dot pattern where codes are encoded based on a distance of an interval between information dots will be described using
The target dot pattern has reference dots arranged in rows and columns of both ends, and is constituted by four rows×four columns, and reference dots of the first row and fourth row among vertical reference dots arranged at equal intervals in the left and right columns are shifted in an upper direction, and direction of the dot pattern has been determined. Horizontal reference dots arranged in the upper and lower rows are arranged at equal intervals. Note that, it is needless to say that this way of determining the direction of dot pattern is equivalent to that reference dots of the first column and fourth column among the vertical reference dots arranged at equal intervals in the upper and lower rows are shifted in an upper direction, and a direction of the dot pattern is determined.
This arrangement of reference dots in the column direction is assumed to have a distance between reference dots which has a different distance from a distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots. As illustrated in
When a dot pattern where codes are encoded based on a distance of an interval between information dots is generated, a distance of an interval between information dots cannot be arranged uniquely while determined optionally. Therefore, the distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots configured in
In a dot pattern of four rows×four columns in
Here, when the above-mentioned sequences of distances of an interval between information dots are evaluated based on the condition (2) of <Second example of generation method of dot pattern and code encoding>, it turns out that all the sequences have satisfied this condition. However, 22r121r1 and 12r1 which are needed to be the same have become (10, 10.39, 10), and 10r1 and 12r1 (12r1) which are needed to be the same have become (11, 11.08, 8). Then, distances of the interval between information dots with 12r1 and 22r2 corrected are configured, and calculation is carried out again.
As for the correction as illustrated in
Next, as for correction of 12r1 (12r2) (11, 11.09, 8), as illustrated in
The above-mentioned convergence calculation is performed, and based on a distance of an interval between information dots, a dot pattern where codes are encoded can be generated, and however, an arrangement of the dot pattern may be generated by any method. In addition, without determining an arrangement of dots at the time of generating the dot pattern, arrangements of information dots to reproduce distances of information dots of all the combinations are calculated by computation in advance and stored it in a table, and the dot pattern may be generated while the table is referred to at the time of generation.
Here, although an example of a dot pattern constituted by four rows×four columns has been illustrated, dot patterns can be arranged by the same generation method even when the row and column are increased. Although not illustrated in a dot pattern constituted by five rows×five columns, for example, there are nine information dots except reference dots, and four information dots arranged at the corner among the nine adjoin two reference dots, and configure an initial value of the distance of the interval between information dots in the same way as
Next, a method of reading the dot pattern generated based on the distance of the interval between information dots will be described using
The present reading method is completely the same as the method to read a dot pattern described in (1) to (7) of <method to read dot pattern generated based on distance in prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, and decoding of code>, and a description of “distance in a prescribed direction of an interval between information dots” may be read as a “distance of an interval between information dots”.
Note that, a region illustrated with a dashed line in
Note that, in <Method to read dot pattern generated based on distance in prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, and decoding of code> and <Generation method of dot pattern generated based on distance of an interval between information dots, and method of reading>, as for the method to read the dot pattern and decoding of codes, although a method to decode codes by measuring directly the distance in a prescribed direction of the interval between information dots from an arrangement of dots in a photographed image has been described, it is needless to say that codes may be decoded by returning a dot arrangement which is deformed due to camera inclination to the original arrangement before the deformation. A typical method in that case is the method where a coordinate transformation matrix is calculated on the basis of deformation situation of arrangements of reference dots, which have been specified by (1) to (5) of <Method to read dot pattern generated based on distance in prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, and decoding of code>, and the matrix is multiplied by coordinate values of all the dots, and the arrangement before deformation is recovered. As other methods, there is a method where a coordinate transformation matrix is calculated form a change (gradation) of brightness f an image which is imaged, and the arrangement before deformation is recovered. In this method, after conversion of the coordinate value of the dot, (1) to (7) of <Method to read dot pattern generated based on distance in prescribed direction of an interval between information dots, and decoding of code> may be carried out. These methods need much calculation amount, and how suitable coordinate transformation matrix is calculated becomes the biggest subject, and however, a dot arrangement deformation due to a camera inclination which occupies the most influences in β is not necessary to be taken into consideration, and α configuration is able to be close to 1. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a pattern generated when arrangements of information dots are unevenly distributed, and make a visual effect enhanced. On the other hand, as or the present method, it becomes possible to configure finely steps for configuring the distance in a prescribed direction of the interval between information dots and the distance of the interval between information dots, and much more information can be defined.
As mention above, processing to read the dot pattern, and to calculate and decode the ranking of the distance in a prescribed direction of the interval between information dots or the lengths of the distance in a prescribed direction of the interval between information dots is carried out by a program and/or a circuit which are built-in in an optical reading device (camera).
Codes decoded by the optical reading device are transmitted through a radio or a cable from the optical reading device to electronic apparatuses such as various PCs, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a TV, a STB, an audio apparatus, a game machine and an IP, and corresponding processing is performed. Note that information corresponding to decoded codes may be transmitted. In addition, the optical reading device performs only imaging of the dot pattern, and transmits imaged dot pattern images to the above-mentioned electronic apparatus etc., and decoding may be carried out by the electronic apparatuses. In addition, in the optical reading device provided with an audio output device or a display device, information corresponding to decoded codes may read from a storage medium provided in the inside or the outside, and may be outputted. Information corresponding to the above-mentioned codes may not be data, but may be an address, file name and processing instructions, in which information are sorted. These codes and information are transmitted to a server (cloud) via the Internet, and corresponding information are transmitted from the server to the above-mentioned electronic apparatuses and optical reading device, and corresponding processing can be carried out furthermore.
The present invention can record a lot of information with few dot densities, and can be widely used for a security system, forgery prevention, purchase and distribution of music and video with accounting accompanied and catalog shopping since the recorded information is not able to be decoded easily by a third party from coordinate values where dots have been arranged. However, industrial applicability of the present invention is not limited to the above, and there is applicability in all kinds of aspects such as a conventional education system, a toy and a game etc.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-219902 | Oct 2012 | JP | national |
| 2012-244923 | Nov 2012 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2013/076722 | 10/1/2013 | WO | 00 |
