Abstract: The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a?, 1a?, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer. When the information cells (1a? and 1a?) of the code layers 1 and 2 are superposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a?, 1a?, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear two-dimensional code which can be merged with an image without giving a user a feeling of disorder when the clear two-dimensional code is attached to the image and in which a readable situation and the like can be arbitrarily set; an article having the clear two-dimensional code attached thereto; a method for printing the two-dimensional code; and a method for displaying the two-dimensional code. Base cells and data cells are arranged in a matrix, and either the base cells or the data cells are clear. The clear two-dimensional code can be read only when a color shown on the clear cells consisting of either the base cells or the data cells and a color shown or non-clear cells consisting of either the base cells or the data cells have a contrast which can be read by a code recognition apparatus.