Two-dimensional color code, preparing and restoring method for the code and apparatus therefor

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional color code comprises a reading section (2) for reading an original image object (20) to output it to processing means (3); processing means having a code conversion section (11) to output two-dimensional color codes corresponding to gradations of shades of color separately of CMY colors in original image data of one pixel read; and a printing section (4) for printing on a printing sheet. An apparatus for restoring a two-dimensional color code reads the two-dimensional color code at the reading section to output the gradations of shades of color separately of CMY colors. The printing section prints (4) restored image data on a printing body on the basis of the gradations of shades of color.

Description: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional color code, preparing and restoring method for the code and apparatus therefor in which data is coded by a recording apparatus having a color code reading function, recorded and stored in a recording medium, and original data is restored from the coded data. In the ensuing explanation. a printing apparatus is used as a recording apparatus, and recording on a recording medium will be explained by way of printing on a printing sheet as a specific embodiment. Bar codes so far well known that area plurality of bars having a predetermined length are arranged in a row. Data are coded into a predetermined form in a state in which data can be read by an optical reading device, and data is represented by changing the width of bars and the width of a space between bars. Further, it has been contemplated that the bar codes are colored in order to increase information amount thereof, which is known, for example, from Japanese Published Examined Patent Application No. Sho 61-217887 If there are a plurality of writable and readable colors as bar codes, the information amount recordable with the same density increases accordingly. Also, a two-dimensional code has been contemplated as a means for increasing the information amount. Examples of two-dimensional codes known include one in which plural stages of one-dimensional bar codes are superposed of the constitution in which a plurality of bars are laterally arranged in one row and one in which a two-dimensional matrix is formed in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and data is represented by a combination of states of pixels of the matrix. Coloring of one-dimensional bar codes and coding of large amounts of information by use of two-dimensional codes has been realized. However, there is mere use such that goods information in the physical distribution and production is coded to make use of information thereof. On the other hand, kinds of information that can be coded include not only systematic information applied with codes constituted by English Figures in accordance with predetermined rules as in goods information, but also plain information not systemized in which analog data is merely digitalized such as image information and voice information. The latter information amount is much more than the former. If full color image data is to be coded, coded printed matter having a large area several times of a printing area of the original data would be required. Further, when the coded printed matter is made substantially equal to the printing area of the original data, very poor resolution of the restored image results since information per unit area of the code is less. Accordingly, in this method, the data amount capable of being bar-coded is limited and cannot correspond to coding of full color image data or the like. Therefore, a system using a disk or the like applied with a magnetic memory as a storage medium is generally used as compared with a system using coded printed matter as a storage medium. There are merits and demerits according to difference in storage media. Data storage using printed matter has the merit in that no space is occupied and the medium itself is cheap and tends to be lower in cost. A procedure capable of coding much information with less area has been demanded. The present invention aims to solve the above-described problem. It is an object of the present invention to provide a code, and preparing and restoring method for the code and apparatus therefor, which can code high information amounts with less area and can use printing sheets as the storage media even for large amounts of data. EP-A-0,388,204 and US-A-5,454,054 are prior art documents to this application. US-A-5,369,261 discloses a two-dimensional color code according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention is characterized by the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1. The present invention also includes apparatus and methods as claimed in the claims. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIG. 1 is a view showing the form of a two-dimensional color code; FIG. 2 is a view showing a combination of colors printed on two partial areas of the two-dimensional color code; FIG. 3 is a block diagram shpwing the preparing and restoring apparatus of the two-dimensional color code according to the present invention; FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing original image objects, FIG. 4A being an entire view of the original image object, FIG. 48 being an enlarged view showing one pixel of the original image object; FIGS. 5A and 58 are views showing printing sheets, FIG. 5A being an entire view of the printing sheet, FIG. 58 being an enlarged view showing one code of the printing sheet; FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing constitutional examples of the preparing and restoring apparatus of the two-dimensional color code according to the present invention, FIG 6A being a view showing the entire constitution, FIG. 6B being a view showing a reading and printing apparatus according to another constitutional example; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the fundamental operation of the preparation of the two-dimensional color code according to the present apparatus; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the color conversion process in the color conversion processing; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the code conversion process in the code conversion section; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the data output process in the data output section; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the fundamental operation of the preparation of the restored image data according to the present apparatus; FIG 12 is a flowchart showing the code conversion process in the code conversion section; FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the data output process in the data output section; FIGS. 14A to 14D are views showing a printing example of the two-dimensional color code according to another embodiment, FIG. 14A being a view showing a printing sheet on which the two-dimensional color code is printed, FIG. 14B being a view showing one block of the two-dimensional color code, FIG. 14C being an enlarged view of the one block, FIG. 14D being a view showing the dot constitution of the pixel; FIG. 15A is a view showing one block of the two-dimensional color code, and FIG. 15B being an enlarged view of the one block; FIG. 1 is a view showing a two-dimensional color code. It is supposed here that the kind of data to be coded is full color image data read as multi-gradation data by means of a scanner or the like. FIG. 1 shows one example of a code array when one pixel portion of image data read from an original image object is coded. Accordingly, it is necessary for coding all the image data of the original image object to longitudinally and laterally array two-dimensional color codes shown in FIG. 1 in at least the same number as that of pixels unless compression is applied. The image data of one pixel portion are expressed by three color areas, cyan C, magenta M and yellow Y, and each color area is composed of a partial area divided into two parts as C1, C2, M1, M2, Y1, Y2. These three color areas show gradations of colors (cyan, magenta and yellow) used when a code is read to obtain one pixel of restored image data. Predetermined colors corresponding to the gradations are printed on these three color areas. A two-dimensional color code is formed by this printing. For example, color based on a combination of colors, cyan, magenta and yellow, is code-printed on the color area C of cyan. FIG. 2 is a view showing a combination of colors printed on two partial areas. As shown in FIG. 2, eight colors can be prepared by a combination of cyan, magenta and yellow. Seven colors (white, yellow, magenta, red, cyan, green and blue) except black are used in the partial areas C1, C2, M1, M2, Y1, Y2. White is color of a printing paper of sheet (white sheet) and is obtained by not applying code printing. Thereby, for example, a combination of the partial areas C1 and C2, cyan, divided into two parts, is a combination of 7-color x 7-color, to obtain 49 combinations. In FIG. 2, numbers from 0 to 48, totalling 49, are indicated with respect to all the combinations of C1 and C2. Thereby, colors to be printed with C1 and C2 can be primarily specified by selecting one out of these suitable numbers. Therefore, if a cyan component of multi-gradation data read from the original image object can be expressed within 49 gradations, it is possible to derive, without fail, a combination of C1 and C2 corresponding to gradations of shades of color of the cyan component of a certain pixel. For example, in the case where when original image data of one pixel of the original image object is read, the gradations of shades of color corresponding to cyan color are 27, the partial area C1 to be code-printed on a printing sheet is printed with "blue" and C2 is printed with "red" on the basis of the combination shown in FIG 2. Similarly, also with respect to magenta and yellow, gradations of shades of color of 49 levels are coior-printed on a printing sheet with color by the color areas M and Y. Since one in which an original image object is subjected to two-dimensional color coding is printed on this printing sheet, it is possible to obtain restored image data again using the printing sheet Thereby, even if the original image object is lost or discolored, it can be restored using a printing sheet Further, image data can be stored and transported without the original image object becoming known in the surroundings. When restored image data is obtained using a printing sheet, the color area C of cyan is read. When reading, cyan colors are that C1 is "blue" and C2 is "red", so that discrimination is made that the gradations of shades of color are 27 on the basis of the combinations shown in FIG. 2. The gradation of shade of color = 27 indicates the required gradation of shades of the cyan color used in that pixel when restored image data is obtained. Code prints C, M, and Y of one pixel indicate a mixing degree of cyan, magenta and yellow in the whole area of one pixel of restored image data. That is, a mixture of these cyan, magenta and yellow with gradations of shades of color is image-formed in the whole area of range of one pixel when restored image data is prepared. Since the original image object is an assembly having a plurality of original image data of one pixel unit, two-dimensional color codes on a printing sheet are also composed of an assembly in which a plurality of pixelsshown in FIG. 1 are arranged in a predetermined array. A first embodiment of an apparatus, for preparing and restoring a two-dimensional color code, according to the present invention will be explained hereinafter. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an apparatus 1 for prepaying and restoring a two-dimensional color code. A printing sheet is prepared in which a two-dimensional color code is printed from an original image object. Conversely, the same restored image data as the original image object is printed by the two-dimensional color code of a printing sheet. This apparatus 1 generally comprises processing means 3 comprising hardware such as CPU, ROM, and RAM and software such as a control program for executing the operation of CPU stored in ROM, a reading section 2 such as a scanner, and a printing section 4 such as a printer. The scanner canstituting the reading section 2 reads an original image object or a two-dimensional color code described later. The two-dimensional color code is produced from the original image object. For the convenience's sake, in ensuing explanation of various embodiments reading of an original image object will be first explained, and others will follow FIG. 4A is an entire view showing an original image object 20. The original image object 20 comprises printed matter such as letters or characters, images, etc., photographs (colored, monochromatic), etc. The reading section 2 has a predetermined resolution and reads original image data of the original image object 20. For example, the reading section 2 reads longitudinal 6 dots x lateral 8 dots (here, 12 dots/mm) as one pixel, as shown in FIG 4B, and reads gradations of shades of color of RGB (red, green and blue) in one pixel to output them to the processing means 3. When the size of the original image object 2 is lateral 100 mm x longitudinal 150 mm, the reading section 2 reads the original image data with a resolution of lateral 1200 dots (150 pixels) x longitudinal 1800 dots (300 pixels). The total number of pixels of the original image object 20 is 45,000 pixels. The reading section 2 repeats the procedure for the main scanning reading in which several lines are simultaneously read in one scanning in a lateral direction of pixel, after which the original image object 20 is moved in a sub-scanning direction, and the main scanning reading for next lines The reading section 2 has the performance capable of reading the shades of colors of RGB with multi-gradations. Although described later, in the present embodiment, the gradations of shades of color in the processing means 3 are set to 49 gradations, and the reading section 2 can perform reading corresponding to the aforesaid gradations. Data of various types are input into a data input section 6 of the processing means 3, and the data input section 6 performs the process for taking them into the apparatus. The data input section 6 seqventially takes in original image data sequentially output from the reading section 2 to output them to a color conversion section 8. Predetermined areas of a memory section 7 are used for a temporary storage as a RGB image memory. The color conversion section 8 converts original image data of RGB output from the data input section 6 to colors of CMY. The conversion from RGB (the three primary colors of additive color mixture) to CMY (the same of substractive color mixture) is carried out by the processing technique using a universal conversion system. By this conversion process, gradations of shades of color separately of RGB read by the reading section 2 is replaced by gradations of shades of color separately of CMY. At this color conversion, predetermined areas of the memory section 7 are used for temporary storage. An image processing section 10 processes original image data of colors output from the color conversion section 8 to output them to a code conversion section 11. At this time, predetermined areas of the memory section 7 are used for temporary storage for processing images The contents of image processing include processes such as correction of original image data, interpolation, error diffusion, dither method, etc., which are suitably selected corresponding to the contents of original images. The code conversion section 11 converts original image data of CMY output from the image processing section 10 into two-dimensional color codes of a predetermined conversion type. In this conversion type, with respect to the respective CMY of original image data of one pixel, gradations of shades of color of 49 levels input are represented as a single code with a combination of two partial areas, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, a conversion table 12 stores a conversion table shown in FIG. 2. While FIG. 2 shows a conversion table of cyan C out of original image data, it is noted that magenta and yellow are to be stored in a similar conversion table. Two-dimensional color codes converted by the code conversion section 11 are developed in an area of a coded memory of a part of the memory section 7. By this development, color areas CMY indicative of gradations of shades of color by colors laterally are formed as shown in FIG. 5B, each color area being divided into two partial areas C1, C2, M1, M2, Y1, Y2 longitudinally. The code conversion section 11 outputs a synchronous timing indicative of division of each two-dimensional color code. A synchronous timing producing section 13 adds synchronous timing data to a two-dimensional color code developed in the memory section 7 on the basis of the synchronous timing output from the code conversion section 11. This synchronization is necessary to recognize the division of a plurality of two-dimensional color codes when the two-dimensional color codes are read and scanned. When a synchronous timing is provided every two-dimensional color code, a predetermined color is developed in a timing area BK of lateral 2 dots x longitudinal 6 dots at the end of main scanning direction of a single two-dimensional color code, as shown in FIG. 5B. Since the timing area BK is continuously provided on the line of partial areas C1, C2 to Y1, Y2, colors other than those used in the partial areas C1, C2 to Y1, Y2 are used. In this example, black is used. The timing area BK can be provided in various places while adjusting to the modes of the two-dimensional color codes. However, if the reading section 2 is of the constitution in which the main scanning is carried out with one line, when the two-dimensional color code is read, the timing area BK is provided along the arrangement of the two-dimensional color codes. An error correcting section 14 is used when an error is corrected as will be described later. However, in the following explanation, the error correction is not carried out but the passage of signals will be explained. The constitution of the error correcting section 14 will be described later. A data output section 15 outputs the two-dimensional color code to various external apparatuses externally of the processing means 3. Therefore, The section 15 converts the code into an input type of the external apparatus to output it. The two-dimensional color code converted by the code conversion section 11 is output to the printing section 4, and is code-printed on a printing sheet 25 shown in FIG. 5A. Accordingly, the data output section 15, when outputting to the printing section 4, outputs the two-dimensional color code in the type corresponding to the input type of the printing section 4. The printing section 4 prints the two-dimensional color code output from the processing means 3 on the printing sheet 25. The printing section 4 is composed of a dot printer which prints one pixel of longitudinal 6 dots x lateral 8 dots with a resolution of 12 dots/mm, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example. Cyan C, magenta M and yellow Y are printed two by two rows (two-dimensional) with lateral 2 dots x longitudinal 3 dots in the range of one pixel to prepare a single two-dimensional color code Further, a timing area BK with the size of lateral 2 dots x longitudinal 6 dots is printed in black continuous to the printing of CMY. The printing section 4 repeats the procedure of main scan printing moving one line in a lateral direction of a two-dimensional color code, then subscanning in a longitudinal direction, and main scan printing next line. Accordingly, the printing section 4 can have all the original image data of the original image object 20 two-dimensional color coded to print them if there is provided a printing sheet 25 with the size of lateral 1200 dots (150 pixels) x longitudinal 1800 dots (300 pixels). In this case, the size of the printing sheet 25 is lateral 100 mm x longitudinal 150 mm, which is the size similar to the original image object 20. That is, there is obtained a printing sheet 25 with the original image object 20 two-dimensional color coded with the size similar to the original image object 20. In this case, the total number of codes on the printing sheet 25 is 45,000 codes. The processing means 3 has an operating section 18 such as a keyboard and a display section 19 such as CRT connected thereto for various settings and inputs and display of operating contents. A description will be made hereinafter of the constitution of apparatus for obtaining a restored image object 30 using a printing sheet 25 on which a two-dimensional color code printed. The explanation of the constitutions previously explained will be omitted. The printing sheet 25 having the two-dimensional color code printed thereon is read by the reading section 2. The reading section 2 is provided with a synchronizing section 2a to read the timing area BK added to the two-dimensional color code to synchronize the reading and scanning. For example, when one timing area BK is provided every code as shown in FIG. 5B, synchronization can be made every time one code is read. By this synchronization, it is possible to prevent erroneous reading due to a difference in reading and scanning speed. Data output from the reading section 2 is converted in color from RGB to CMY by the color conversion section 8 through the data input section 6 of the processing means, after which it is output to the image processing section 10 and subjected to image processing as necessary. The code conversion section 11 outputs gradations of shades of color corresponding to the two-dimensional color codes using the conversion table 12 separately of colors CMY. That is, the conversion table 12 is used with reverse conversion unlike the processing for obtaining the two-dimensional color codes from the original image object. At that time, corresponding gradations of shades of color (predetermined gradations out of 49 gradations) are obtained on the basis of a combination of two partial areas C1 and C2, M1 and M2 and Y1 and Y2 by colors shown in FIG. 5B. The synchronous timing producing section 13 is not operated at the time of restoring and processing of a restored image object 30 on the basis of the two-dimensional color code. The data output section 15 designates gradations of shades of color by colors CMY to output them to various external apparatuses externally of the processing means 3. The printing section 4 prints restored image data on a printing body on the basis of gradations of shades of color of colors CMY output from the processing means 3. The restored image object 30 has the size similar to that of the original image object 20 shown in FIG. 4A. The restored image data are constituted by an assembly of one pixel shown in FIG. 4B. That is, this restored image object 30 corresponds to a restored object of the original image object 20. The apparatus 1 for preparing and restoring a two-dimensional color code of the present invention according to the aforementioned construction prepares the printing sheet 25 having a two-dimensional color code printed from the original image object 20 and obtains the restored image object 30 from the printing sheet 25. Further, a plurality of restored image objects 30 are obtainable from a single printing sheet 25. FIG. 6A shows an example of specific constitution of the apparatus 1 for preparing and restoring a two-dimensional color code. The reading section 2 is composed of a scanner device shown, and the printing section 4 is composed of a color printer. The processing means 3 is composed of a personal computer provided with CPU, and the scanner and printer are connected to input/output ports of the personal computer. An operating section 18 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse not shown, and a display section 19 is composed of CRT. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, there can be used a reading and printing device 28 provided with functions of the reading section 2 and the printing section 4. The reading and printing device 28 is provided with only one carrying path, and all the printing sheets for printing an original image object and a two dimensional color code and printing sheets for printing a restored image are fed and ejected by one and the same carrying path. The reading section 2 and the printing section 4 within the reading and printing device 28 are fixed to each other, and both reading scanning and printing scanning can be realized by one and the same scanning mechanism, thus simplifying the constitution. In the following, the operation of the apparatus constructed as described above will be explained in greater detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the fundamental operation for preparing a two-dimensional color code. The original image object 20 is set on a reading surface of the reading section 2 (SP 1), and the reading section 2 is started (SP 2). Then, the reading section 2 line-moves the original image object 20 in a main scanning direction to start reading The data input section 6 of the processing means 3 inputs original image data of RGB output from the reading section 2 (SP 3) to store it in the RGB image memory of the memory section 7 (SP 4). The reading section 2 continuously reads the original image object 20 to its final line, and original image data for one surface portion of the original image object 20 is stored in the memory section 7 accordingly (SP 5). Next, the color conversion section 8 reads the original image data of RGB stored in the memory section 7 to perform color conversion from RGB to CMY (SUB 1). The original image data after color conversion is subjected to image processing by the image processing section 10 (SUB 2). The original image data after image processing is converted into the two-dimensional color code by the code conversion section 11 (SUB 3). The thus converted two-dimensional color code is output to the printing section 4 from the data output section 15, and the two-dimensional color code is printed on the printing sheet 25 (SUB 4). By the aforementioned operation, the printing sheet 25 on which two-dimensional color code is printed using the original image object 20 is prepared. The above-described subroutines (SUB 1 to SUB 4) will be explained hereinafter. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a subroutine (SUB 1) showing the color conversion processing in the color conversion section 8. The color conversion section 8 sets a RGB image memory address and a CMY image memory address to an initial value (0) at the start of color conversion (SP 10). Both the RGB image memory address and the CMY image memory are formed in a predetermined area of the memory section 7. The RGB image memory stores original image data when read by the reading section 2, and original image data after color conversion is stored in the CYM image memory. Next, original image data for one pixel is read from an address designated by the RGB image memory (SP 11). Then, the original image data is stored in the CMY image memory converted to color of CMY corresponding to RGB using the color conversion table (SP 12). After this, the RGB image memory address and the CMY image memory address are made incremental (SP 13). Thereafter, judgement is made whether or not the RGB image memory address reaches a final address (SP 14). When not reached, processes after SP 11 are continued. Thereby, the original image data in the whole area of the original image object 20 are converted in color from RGB to CYM. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine (SUB 3) showing the preparing process for a two-dimensional colon code in the code conversion section 11. The code conversion section 11 sets a CMY image address and a coded memory address to an initial value (0) at the start of code conversion (SP 30). Both the CMY image memory and the coded memory are formed in a predetermined area of the memory section 7. Next, the original image data for one pixel portion is read from the address designated by the CMY image memory (SP 31). Since one pixel is formed by colors, CMY, they are individually read with respect to C, M and Y. The code conversion section 11 first converts a gradation of shades of color of C (cyan color) read into a combination of two colors using the conversion table 12 (see FIG. 2). After conversion, colors corresponding to the gradation of shade of color are assigned to the partial areas C1 and C2 of the color area C. As previously mentioned, for example, in a case where gradation of shade of cyan is 27. the partial area C1 is "blue", and the C2 is "red". Similarly, also with respect to colors, M and Y, of one pixel, colors corresponding to gradations of shades of color are assigned to the color areas M and Y. One pixel of the original image data is converted, by the above-described processing, into the two-dimensional color code from the gradations of shades of color of colors CMY. After this, synchronous timing data is added to the two-dimensional color code by the synchronous timing producing section 13 (SP 33). The synchronous timing data is added in black to a timing area BK portion provided in a portion after the color area CMY of the two-dimensional color code of one pixel. The two-dimensional color code after added is stored in the coded memory. Hereafter, the CMY image memory address and the coded memory address are made incremental. After this, judgement is made whether or not the CMY image memory address reached a final address (SP 35). When not reached, the processes after SP 31 are continued. Thereby, the original image data in the entire area of the original image object 20 are converted into the two-dimensional color codes. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a subroutine (SUB 4) showing the data output processing of the data output section 15. With respect to the printing section 4 where output has done, a description will be here made, as an example, a color printer of TPH type for the printing and scanning by N pixel line The data output section 15 sets a coded memory address to an initial value (0) at the start of code conversion, and sets pixel line No to an initial value (0) (SP 40). Next, a two-dimensional color code is read from the coded memory. A two-dimensional color code corresponding to the entire original image object is developed in the coded memory. Further, a dot constitution when printing is predetermined in the printing section 4. For example, when one pixel is printed with lateral 8 dots x longitudinal 6 dots shown in FIG. 5B, the two-dimensional color code developed in the coded memory is placed in conformity with the dot constitution. By the conformity, the color area CMY of colors and the timing area BK are set to lateral 2 dots x longitudinal 6 dots Further, the color area CMY is set to the partial areas C1, C2 to Y1, Y2 divided by the lateral 2 dots x longitudinal 3 dots. Then, the data output section 15 outputs the two-dimensional color code with the dot constitution set to a serial memory in the data output section 15 by one pixel (SP 41). Thereafter, the coded memory address is made incremental (SP 42). Then, judgement is made whether or not the serial memory address reached an address of one pixel line termination (SP 43) When not reached, the processes after SP 41 are continued. Next, the two-dimensional color code stored in the N pixel line portion in the serial memory is output to the printing section 4 (SP 43). When the printing sheet 25 has the size as shown in FIG 5A, the printing section 4 prints 150 pixels in the printing and scanning of N pixel line. In this case, the data output section 15 output the 150 pixels as the N pixel line to the printing section 4 It is noted that the serial memory outputs data for previous N pixel line portion (two-dimensional color code) when next data for N pixel line portion is input. While the two-dimensional color code is output by N pixel line to the printing section 4 as described above, the number of color codes are corresponding to the original image objects 20. In the example of FIG. 5, there are 300 pixels longitudinally, i.e., 300 lines. Thereby, the data output section 15 judges whether or not the final line (the 300th pixel line) is reached (SP 45). When not reached, the line No is made incremental till the final line is reached (SP 46), and the processes after SP 41 are continued. The two-dimensional color data in the final line is output to the printing section 4, whereby the two-dimensional color codes corresponding to the original image objects 20 are printed on the printing sheet 25. Next, the operation for obtaining restored image data from the two-dimensional color code prepared will be explained. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the fundamental operation relating to the restoration. The printing sheet 25 is set to the reading surface of the reading section 2 (SP 50), and the reading section 2 is started (SP51) Then, the reading section 2 line-moves the printing sheet 25 in a main scanning direction to start reading the two-dimensional color code. The data input section 6 of the processing means 3 inputs the two-dimensional color codes of RGB output from the reading section 2 (SP 52) to store them in the RGB image memory of the memory section 7. The reading section 2 continuously reads the printing sheet 25 to its final line, and the two-dimensional color code for one surface portion of the printing sheet 25 is stored in the memory section 7 (SP 54). Next, the color conversion section 8 reads the two-dimensional color codes of RGB stored in the memory section 7 to perform the color conversion from RGB to CMY (SUB 1). The color conversion process is carried out in the process similar to that of reading of the original image object 20 previously mentioned, which explanation will be omitted. The two-dimensional color codes after color conversion are stored in the CMY image memory. Thereafter, the two-dimensional color codes are converted into the restored image data by the code conversion section 11 (SUB 5). The converted restored image data are output to the printing section 4, and the printing section 4 prints the restored image objects 30 on the printing sheet 25. By the above-described operation, it is possible to obtain the restored image object 30 using the printing sheet 25 having the two-dimensional color codes printed thereon. Next, the aforementioned sub-routines (SUB 5 and SUB 6) will be explained. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the sub-routine (SUB 5) showing the preparing process of restored image data by the code conversion section 11. The code conversion section 11 sets a CMY memory address and a dither matrix memory address to an initial value (0) (SP 60). Both the CMY memory address and the dither matrix memory address are formed in a predetermined area of the memory section 7. Next, the two-dimensional color code for one pixel portion is read from the address designated by the CMY image memory (SP 61). Since one pixel is formed by colors, CMY, they are individually read with respect to C, M, and Y. The code conversion section 11 first reads colors of the partial areas C1 and C2 of C (cyan color). Then, the reverse conversion process is carried out to obtain gradation of shade of color of the cyan color using the conversion table 12. For example, when the partial area C1 is "blue" and C2 is "red", the shade of color is 27. Similarly, also with respect to colors, M and Y, of one pixel, they are reversely converted to obtain shades of color using the conversion table 12. The gradations of shades of color of CMY colors of one pixel of the restored image data are obtained by the above-described process, which are stored in the dither matrix memory (SP 62). Thereafter, the CMY image memory address and the dither matrix memory address are made incremental (SP 63). After this, judgement is made whether or not the CMY image address reached the final address (SP 64). When not reached, the processes after SP 61 are continued. Thereby, the two-dimensional color codes in the entire area on the printing sheet 25 are converted into the restore image data. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-routine (SUB 6) showing the data output process in the data output section 15. The data output section 15 sets a dither matrix memory address to an initial value (0) at the start of code conversion, and sets the line No to an initial value (0) (SP 70). Next, restored image data are read from the dither matrix memory. This reading is carried out in conformity with the dot constitution of the printing section 4 (one pixel is printed with lateral 8 dots x longitudinal 6 dots). The data output section 15 outputs restored image data of one pixel to the area of the dot constitution set. At this time, the restored image data have gradations of shades of color separately of CMY colors The expression of gradations of colors is carried out by changing the number of dots printed in 48 dots of one pixel according to the gradations of shades of color. The restored image data are stored one by one pixel in the serial memory in the data output section 15 (SP 71). Thereafter, the dither matrix memory address is made incremental (SP 72). Next, judgement is made whether or not the dither matrix memory address reached an address corresponding to the N pixel line of main scanning of the printer 4 (SP 73). When not reached, the processes after SP71 are continued. Thereafter, the restored image data stored in N pixel line in the serial memory are output to the printing section 4 (SP 74). Here, the data output section 15 outputs 150 pixels as one pixel line in the main scanning direction, similarly to that previously mentioned. The sub-scanning direction is 300 pixel lines. The data output section 15 judges whether or not reaching the final line (the 300th pixel line) (SP 75). When not reached, the line No is made incremental till reaching the final line (SP 76), and the processes after SP 71 are continued. The restored image data in the final line are output to the printing section 4, whereby printing corresponding to the two-dimensional color code is applied onto the restored printed matter This restored image object 30 corresponds to a restored object in which original image data of the original image object 20 is restored. A second embodiment of an apparatus for preparing and restoring a two-dimensional color code according to the present invention will be explained hereinafter. In this embodiment, the error correcting section 14 is provided at the rear stage of the code conversion section 11 shown in FIG. 3 to carry out the error correcting process. In the error correcting section 14, a predetermined error correcting symbol is added to a two-dimensional code when a two-dimensional color code is prepared. When the restored image object 30 is prepared, a restored image data is corrected on the basis of the error correcting symbol. The adding process of the error correcting symbol when the two-dimensional color code is prepared is shown in a ftowchart of FIG. 9. The error correcting section 14 performs an error correcting computation every two-dimensional color code of a predetermined number of pixels to produce an error correcting symbol. For example, when two-dimensional color codes for 10 pixel portions are prepared and stored in the coded memory, a predetermined correcting arithmetic calculation is carried out on the basis of two-dimensional color codes for 10 pixel portions to obtain correcting error data. The error correcting data is converted into an error correcting symbol of a predetermined color corresponding to the data content, and stored in an area of the 11th pixel of the coded memory (SP 38). An error correcting symbol is added to the error correcting section 14 every time the two-dimensional color codes are prepared for 10 pixel portions. Thereby, the error correcting symbol for one pixel portion is printed on the printing sheet 25 every 10 pixels The error correcting process when the restored image object 30 is prepared is shown by SP 68 in a flowchart of FIG. 12. The error correcting section 14 performs an error correcting computation on the basis of a two-dimensional color code of a predetermined number of pixels and an error correcting symbol corresponding thereto to judge a reading error. In a case of the above-described example, the correcting arithmetic calculation is carried out by the two-dimensional color codes for 10 pixel portions to discriminate the coincidence with the error correcting symbol of the 11th pixel. When coincided, judgement is made that the reading of color of the two-dimensional color code is normally carried out, and the error correction is not carried out. That is, the correcting process with respect to the two-dimensional color code stored in the dither matrix memory is not added. On the other hand, when is not coincided, judgement is made that the reading of color of the two-dimensional color code is not normally carried out, and the error correction is carried out. At this time, the correcting process with respect to the two-dimensional color code stored in the dither matrix memory is added. For example, in a case where the image process in the image processing section 10 performs the dither process, a dither pattern is corrected according to the content of difference. By adding the error correcting symbol, even if the printing sheet 25 is contaminated, an image of the original image object can be restored using the printing sheet 25 without being affected by the contamination. A third embodiment of the apparatus for preparing and restoring a two-dimensional color code according to the present invention will be explained hereinafter. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the synchronous timing data added to the two-dimensional color code previously mentioned is changed. In the aforementioned embodiment, the timing area BK is provided at the end of the two-dimensional color code of one pixel prepared corresponding to one pixel of the original image data. However, in this embodiment, the timing area BX is not provided every pixel, but the color code is provided separately from the synchronous timing area. Thereby, the color codes are continuously formed in the main scanning direction. FIG. 14 is a view showing the printing sheet 25 having the two-dimensional color code according to this embodiment. Color codes are printed per block unit (1 to n) on the printing sheet 25. However, color codes corresponding to the original image data are two dimensionally arranged by the whole blocks 1 to n on the printing sheet 25. FIG. 14B shows the constitution of 1 block and FIG. 14C is an enlarged view of the block Each block is composed of lateral 401 pixels x longitudinal 41 pixels. As shown in FIG. 14D, one pixel is composed of lateral 3 dots x longitudinal 3 dots. Color areas of C (cyan), M (magenta) and Y (yellow) are set one by one pixel in order of the main scanning direction (in this example, the code area is 398 pixels). The original image data for one pixel portion of the original image object 20 are coded into gradations of shades of color separately of colors CMY by the code conversion section 11. In this embodiment, the coding of gradations of shades of color of cyan (C) is carried out merely referring to the table corresponding to one partial area C1 of the code conversion table 12. That is, in this embodiment, there is not present the aforementioned partial area C2, and only a single color area C is used. Therefore, cyan color of the original image data of one pixel is coded by seven gradations (7 colors). M and Y are also likewise coded by seven gradations At the edge of each block is frame-formed a synchronous timing data BD one by one pixel. Synchronous timing data BD5 are provided in a main scanning direction in a longitudinal intermediate position (21st pixel) of 1 block. The synchronous timing data BD5 are provided at intervals of one pixel. These synchronous timing data BD are provided in the aforementioned arrangement in the color codes developed in coded memory by the synchronous timing producing section 13. For these synchronous timing data BD, black not used in the color code is used similarly to the aforementioned embodiment. The preparation of restored image data using the printing sheet 25 having the two-dimensional color code printed will be explained below. The reading section 2 uses a scanner which reads the whole area of 1 block (lateral 401 pixels x longitudinal 41 pixels) in one scan. That is, there is used a serial scanner for simultaneously reading longitudinal 41 pixels and main scanning them in a lateral direction. When reading by the reading section 2, the synchronizing section 2a obtains the synchronism of the start of block by the synchronous timing data BD1, and simultaneously obtains the longitudinal (sub-scanning) range of block by the synchronous timing data BD2, 3. Subsequently, color codes of CMY are read in a (lateral) main scanning direction. At this time, since the block is provided with synchronous timing data BD5 at intervals of one pixel in the main scanning direction, the synchronous section 2a can obtain the synchronism every time the synchronous timing data BD5 are read. Further, the end position of the main scanning can be again obtained by the synchronous timing data BD4. Thereby, the reading of the color codes in the block can be carried out accurately. While in this embodiment, the color area CMY of one pixel of the original image data are provided with one pixel without dividing them, it is to be noted that they can be vertically divided into two parts by predetermined dot number (for example, the color area CMY comprises the partial areas C1, C2 to Y1, Y2). FIG. 15 shows a modified example of the above-described constitution. As shown in FIG. 15A, synchronous timing data BD6, 7 provided vertically of 1 block are provided at intervals of one pixel in the main scanning direction. The upper synchronous timing data BD6 and the lower synchronous timing data BD7 are alternately arranged in the main scanning direction. The longitudinal (sub-scanning)range of the block can be obtained by the synchronous timing data BD6, 7, and simultaneously, the synchronism can be obtamed every time the synchronous timing data BD6, 7 are read. In the synchronous timing data BD6, 7, black pixel portions are alternately arranged, and when the original image object 20 (printing sheet) having the original image data printed thereon is oblique with respect to the reading section 2, it is possible to calculate an oblique degree from either relative position in the sub-scanning direction, thus correcting the obliqueness. FIG. 15B is a view showing a storage area of data for error correcting prepared by the error correcting section 14. As shown, in the rear stage of the color area in 1 block (the rear stage in the main scanning direction of each 1 line) is stored data for correcting error prepared in the color area of the 1 line. In the illustrated example, about 1/4 behind 1 block comprises a storage area ER of error correcting code. The error correcting section 14 prepares one error correcting symbol every time 10 pixel portions of two-dimensional color codes are prepared, storing them in order of the first pixel of the error correcting area ER. In the error correcting process at the preparation of the restored image object 30, error correcting computation is carried out on the basis of two-dimensional color codes of a predetermined number of pixels and error correcting codes read from the error correcting area ER corresponding thereto to judge a reading error. In a case of the aforementioned embodiment, the aforementioned correcting arithmetic calculation is accomplishes by two-dimensional color codes for 10 pixel portions at first of the color area to discriminate the coincidence with the error correcting symbol of the first pixel in the error correcting area, and the error correcting process is executed similarly to the above. The present invention has the effects as follows: According to the two-dimensional color code of the present invention, it is possible to prepare or restore bar codes which are two-dimensional and use colors so that much information can be coded as compared with conventional two-dimensional codes. Thereby, according to this two-dimensional color code, it is possible to print and preserve a large capacity of data without increasing the size of a printing sheet to be printed. Each color area is constituted by partial areas further divided into two parts, and colors are combined by the partial areas whereby a large capacity of data can be coded. While in the above-described embodiments, a printing sheet has been used as a recording medium, it is to be noted that its material is not limited to paper but known materials capable of forming an image such as plastic sheets, resin films or clothes may be used. Further, with respect to the recording section, a description has been made of an example of a printing section using a thermal head system, it is to be noted that the recording section is not limited thereto but known recording systems such as an ink jet or other known recording techniques may be employed. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, the gradations of shades of color of cyan, magenta and yellow of the original image data of one pixel of the original image object are read, the codes of colors corresponding to the gradations of shades of color are arranged in three color areas by colors provided in one pixel, and printing is done on a printing sheet in the printing section. Therefore, in a case of scores of gradations, it is possible to print and store original image data of the entire original image object as two-dimensional color codes on the printing sheet having the same size as the original image object Resolution into other colour components may be used. Since the image content of the original image object can be stored in the printing sheet, even if the original image object becomes contaminated, it is possible to obtain a restored original image object corresponding to the original image objects using the printing sheet. Further, since the image content of the original image object is replaced by the two-dimensional color data, it is possible to provide a state in which the image content of the original image object cannot tell merely by seeing the printing sheet, and it can be used to keep a secret of the original image object. The restoring apparatus is possible to obtain restored image data merely by performing the process reverse to the process in which the two-dimensional color code is prepared by the preparing apparatus. Therefore, these preparing apparatus and restoring apparatus can be used in common by one and the same apparatus. The two-dimensional color code printed on the printing sheet as described above is provided with synchronous timing data or error correcting code whereby reading by the reading section can be done accurately and stably. Moreover, when the relation between the data content of input data and the color code is stored in advance in the conversion table, it is possible to prepare the color code merely by referring to the conversion table by the code conversion section. When the input data is the image data, the conversion table designates color codes on the basis of the gradations of shades of color of colors, cyan, magenta and yellow input to prepare two-dimensional color codes. When restored image data is obtained from the two-dimensional color code, the gradations of shades of color of colors can be easily obtained by the reverse conversion.

Claims: A recording medium including two-dimensional color code having color areas (C1,C2,M1,M2,Y1,Y2) in which data are expressed by color codes corresponding to said data, and wherein a plurality of said color areas are arranged two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions corresponding to the plurality of data; and characterized by : having synchronous timing data (BK, BD1-BD7) which is a reference for synchronism when the two-dimensional color code is read; and wherein said synchronous timing data is formed from color not used as codes expressing said color areas. A recording medium as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said color areas is constituted by a plurality of divided partial areas (C1,C2,M1,MZ,Y1,Y2), and one color out of a plurality of colors obtained by a combination of three primary colors is arranged in each partial area. A method for preparing a two-dimensional color code of an image pixel, the color code having color areas (C1,C2,M1,M2,Y1,Y2) in which data are expressed by color codes corresponding to said data, and wherein a plurality of said color areas are arranged two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions corresponding to the plurality of data, the color code further having synchronous timing data (BK, BD1-BD7) which is a reference for synchronism when the two-dimensional color code is read and wherein said synchronous timing data is formed from color not used as codes expressing said color areas; the method including: a first step of inputting (SP3) original image data of an original image object (20); a second step of determining the gradations of shade of color of the three primary color components cyan, magenta and yellow of a pixel of the original image data (20); a third step of preparing (SP32) color areas (C,M,Y) expressing numerical values indicative of the gradations of shade of color of said three primary color components from which the color code of the pixel is derived; a fourth step of adding (SP33) said synchronous timing data; and a fifth step of recording (SUB4) the color code two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions of a recording medium. A method for restoring an image pixel from a two-dimensional color code having color areas (C1,C2,M1,M2,Y1,Y2) in which data are expressed by color codes corresponding to said data, and wherein a plurality of said color areas are arranged two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions corresponding to the plurality of data, the color code further having synchronous timing data (BK, BD1-BD7) which is a reference for synchronism when the two-dimensional color code is read and wherein said synchronous timing data is formed from color not used as codes expressing said color areas; the method comprising: a first step of reading (SP52) the colors of the color areas (C,M,Y) coding an image pixel recorded on a recording medium, the reading of the colors being synchronized by reading the synchronous timing data; a second step of calculating numerical values indicative of the gradations of shade of the three primary color components of the image pixel coded by said color areas from the combination of colors constituting said color areas (C,M,Y) of said color code; a third step of setting the gradations of shade of color of said three primary color components of the pixel on the basis of said numerical values to obtain restored pixel image data; and a fourth step of recording (SUB6) said restored pixel image data on the recording medium to obtain a restored image pixel. An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional color code of an image pixel, the color code having color areas (C1,C2,M1,M2,Y1,Y2) in which data are expressed by color codes corresponding to said data, and wherein a plurality of said color areas are arranged two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions corresponding to the plurality of data, the color code further having synchronous timing data (BK, BD1-BD7) which is a reference for synchronism when the two-dimensional color code is read and wherein said synchronous timing data is formed from color not used as codes expressing said color areas; the apparatus including: a reading section (2) for inputting image data of an original image pixel; processing means (3) for converting the input image data into said color code data, said processing means (3) having: a code conversion section (11) for dividing said input data into three color-coded components formed from said three primary colors, cyan, magenta and yellow; means for determining the gradations of shade of color of cyan, magenta and yellow of the image pixel and; a color code preparation means (3) for preparing color areas expressing numerical values indicative of said gradations of shade of color of said color components from which the color code of the pixel is derived; the apparatus further including means for adding synchronous timing data; and a recording section (4) for recording the color code two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions of a recording medium. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the reading section (2) determines the gradations of shade of RGB color components of the image pixel; the processing means includes a color coordinate conversion section (8) for color-coordinate converting said gradations of shade of color in the RGB color coordinate system output from said reading section into a cyan, magenta and yellow color coordinate system and a conversion table (12) in which color codes corresponding to the gradations of shade of color as cyan, magenta and yellow colors are stored in advance; and the code conversion section (11) converts said gradations of shades of color into corresponding color codes by referring to said conversion table (12). An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein plural colors of color codes obtained by a combination of the three primary colors, cyan, magenta and yellow are stored in said conversion table (12) in the form of a combination of two longitudinal and lateral rows, and said code conversion section (11) is arranged with two color codes output from said conversion table (12) divided into two within the corresponding color areas. An apparatus for obtaining restored image data from a two-dimensional color code having color areas (C1,C2,M1,M2,Y1,Y2) in which data are expressed by color codes corresponding to said data, and wherein a plurality of said color areas are arranged two-dimensionally in longitudinal and lateral directions corresponding to the plurality of data, the color code further having synchronous timing data (BK, BD1-BD7) which is a reference for synchronism when the two-dimensional color code is read and wherein said synchronous timing data is formed from color not used as codes expressing said color areas; the apparatus comprising: a reading section (2) for reading the colors of the color areas (C,M,Y) coding an image pixel recorded on said recording medium, the reading being synchronized by reading the synchronous timing data; a processing means including means (11) for calculating numerical values indicative of the gradations of shade of colour of the three primary color components of an image pixel coded by said color areas from the combination of colors constituting said color areas (C,M,Y) of said color code, and means for setting the gradations of shade of color of said three primary color components of the image pixel on the basis of said numerical values; and a recording section (4) for recording restored image data on the recording medium by recording a pixel of color having the gradations of shade of color of the three primary color components determined by the processing means. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said reading section (2) reads colors in the color areas by the RGB coordinate system, the processing means includes a color coordinate conversion section (8) for converting said gradations of shade of color in the RGB color coordinate system output from said reading section into a cyan, magenta and yellow color coordinate system and a conversion table (12) in which color codes corresponding to the gradations of shade of the color as cyan, magenta and yellow colors are stored in advance; and said conversion table (12) providing numerical values of the gradations of shade of color of color components of the coded image pixel as cyan, magenta and yellow colors on the basis of the color of said color areas, and a code conversion section (11) refers to said conversion table components to output numerical values indicative of gradations of shade of color of color components corresponding to the two-dimensional color codes; and said recording section (4) records said restored image data on the recording medium on the basis of the gradations of shade of the color of the color components in cyan, magenta and yellow.

Inventors: IKEDA HIROYUKI, TAKAHASHI JUNJI, IKEDA, HIROYUKI, TAKAHASHI, JUNJI, Ikeda, Hiroyuki, c/o Riso Kagaku Corp., TAKAHASHI, JUNJI, C/O RISO KAGAKU CORP.
Applicants: RISO KAGAKU CORP, RISO KAGAKU CORPORATION
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G06K19
IPC codes: G06K19, G06K7, G06K1