Abstract: For one-dimensional or two-dimensional images in which cells identified as bright-colored cells and cells identified as dark-colored cells are arranged in a matrix, the amount of information is further increased while the difficulty in reading information expressions are reduced. For this purpose, invented is a composite code comprising a first code, in which a plurality of cells each having a predetermined area are orderly arranged, and in which data is defined by each of the predetermined areas having one of two or more colors that can be distinguished from each other, and a second code in which special cells having an area other than the predetermined area form at least a part of the plurality of cells, and in which data is defined by distinguishable marks arranged at predetermined positions in the area other than the predetermined area.

Abstract: For one-dimensional or two-dimensional images in which cells identified as bright-colored cells and cells identified as dark-colored cells are arranged in a matrix, the amount of information is further increased while the difficulty in reading information expressions are reduced. For this purpose, invented is a composite code comprising a first code, in which a plurality of cells each having a predetermined area are orderly arranged, and in which data is defined by each of the predetermined areas having one of two or more colors that can be distinguished from each other, and a second code in which special cells having an area other than the predetermined area form at least a part of the plurality of cells, and in which data is defined by distinguishable marks arranged at predetermined positions in the area other than the predetermined area.