Patent ID: 8456486

Claim:
An image processing apparatus comprising: an information converting unit that converts binary information of y bits into an information expression image, the information expression image being a dot arrangement pattern among a plurality of dot arrangement patterns, the dot arrangement pattern expressed as a pattern of dots at lattice points in a unit of display area, the pattern of dots corresponding to an x-bit code word among a plurality of x-bit code words that is associated with one of an index value equal to the binary information among 2 y index values; and an output unit that arranges the converted information expression image, superimposes the converted information expression image on image information, and outputs the superimposed information expression image, wherein the plurality of dot arrangement patterns are 2 y dot arrangement patterns associated with the 2 y index values and corresponding to a subset of the plurality of x-bit code words having z bits or fewer of 1 or 0 value expressed as dots in the pattern of dots, and the dot arrangement pattern is readable by a machine, and wherein x, y, and z are positive integers and z is a maximum number of dots superimposed on the image information per the unit of display area without deterioration of the image information.