Abstract: A two-dimensional code and a predetermined figure pattern are printed on a medium. An error in the two-dimensional code is correctable during decoding of the two-dimensional code. A cell position corresponding to a position of the error is detectable. The predetermined figure pattern is made of special ink. The two-dimensional code and the predetermined figure pattern overlap each other at a specified place in the medium. The two-dimensional code is optically read from the medium. The two-dimensional code which has been optically read is decoded. In cases where error correction is executed during the decoding of the two-dimensional code, detection is given of an error correction position corresponding to a cell position having a related error. A determination is made as to whether or not the detected error correction position is in the specified place. Judging whether or not the medium is counterfeit is executed in response to a result of the determination.

Abstract: An information-code-image capturing apparatus operates for emitting light toward an article moving along a carry path, and receiving reflected light and capturing an image of an information code on the article. The information-code-image capturing apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting that the article reaches a predetermined position in the carry path. An image capturing device operates for capturing the image on the basis of the reflected light when a time interval has elapsed since a moment at which the detecting device detects that the article reaches the predetermined position. A positional information calculating device n operates for calculating positional information on the basis of the image captured by the image capturing device. The positional information enables an area of the information code to be determined in the captured image.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code includes a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined two-dimensional pattern. The code comprises an information recording region constituted by a plurality of blocks. Each block involves a recording mode designating code indicating a recording mode of the information recorded in each block. Partial decode processing is performed for decoding the recorded information in each block in accordance with the recording mode specified by the recording mode designating code. And, the information in the information recording region is read based on the partial decoding result of the plurality of blocks.