System and method

Abstract

To provide a system of reducing frauds in a technique of making actions of sterilization visible by using information code.SOLUTION: The authentication system uses an information printed material having an information code which can be read by optical means, the information printed material having a print region for forming the information code. Applying external stimulation on the print region changes a concentration distribution of the print region read by the optical means. The authentication system includes: an information acquisition unit for acquiring first information on the concentration distribution of the concentration before and after the external stimulation is applied; and an authentication unit for authentication using at least the second information acquired before the first information and the first information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system and an authentication method. [Background technology]

[0002] Cleaning and disinfecting actions are considered important, and technologies for visualizing these actions have been disclosed. Patent Document 1 visualizes disinfection operations during cleaning using an ultraviolet fluorescent material. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which the color of a pH-responsive dye changes when the disinfectant reacts with the dye.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose materials that can visualize the application of a disinfectant, but do not disclose how to record or manage the application status of the disinfectant when there are many objects to be sterilized. When there are many objects to be sterilized, if a person records by hand or by inputting the application of the disinfectant into a computer, etc., it is time-consuming and there is a possibility that the application status will be recorded incorrectly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,519,360 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0336373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have conceived a method for visualizing the sterilization process using a substrate that changes color when a sterilizing agent is applied, revealing an information code. If the sterilization process can be visualized by reading the information code, there will be fewer errors than if it were done by a human.

[0006] However, the present inventors have found that the information code can be easily copied using a camera, a copy machine, or the like, and therefore there is a possibility of it being used fraudulently.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that reduces such fraudulent use in a technology that visualizes sterilization actions using information codes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The authentication system of the present invention is an authentication system that uses an information printed matter having an information code that can be read by a detection means, wherein the information printed matter has a printed area that forms the information code, and when an external stimulus is applied to the printed area, the density distribution of the printed area read by the detection means changes, and the authentication system has an information acquisition means that acquires first information regarding the density distribution of the printed area before and after the application of the external stimulus, and an authentication means that performs authentication using at least second information regarding the density distribution of the printed area that was acquired before the first information and the first information.

[0009] The authentication method of the present invention is an authentication method using an information printed matter having an information code, wherein the information printed matter has a printed area on which the information code is formed, and when an external stimulus is applied to the printed area, the density distribution of the printed area to be read changes, and the authentication method includes an information acquisition process for acquiring first information regarding the density distribution of the printed area before and after the application of the external stimulus, and an authentication process for performing authentication using at least second information regarding the density distribution of the printed area acquired before the first information and the first information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the system of the present invention, fraud can be reduced by performing authentication using information regarding the density distribution of the print area before and after the application of an external stimulus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a disinfectant-visualizing sheet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0013] (system) The information acquisition system 100 according to this embodiment is an authentication system using an information printed matter having an information code readable by a detection means (detection unit) 101. The information printed matter has a printed area for forming the information code, and application of an external stimulus to this printed area changes the density distribution of the printed area read by the detection means 101. The information acquisition system includes an information acquisition means (information acquisition unit) 104 that acquires first information regarding the density distribution of the printed area before and after application of the external stimulus, and an authentication means 105 that performs authentication using at least second information regarding the density distribution of the printed area acquired before the first information and the first information. Here, the density distribution indicates, for example, the two-dimensional or three-dimensional distribution of the design, pattern, or other features of the information code. Furthermore, the external stimulus typically refers to the application of a disinfectant, but may also include other factors such as chemical reactions, heating associated with wiping furniture, and the application of external forces. The external stimulus will be described below using the application of a disinfectant as an example. 1, information acquisition means 104 is included in server device 120, but may be included in terminal device 110. In that case, information acquisition means 104 can be provided between detection means 101 and terminal communication means 102.

[0014] As in this embodiment, changes in the density distribution of the printing area forming the information code before and after applying the disinfectant are detected, and the changes are compared with the previous change or a reference change. If the correlation is greater than a predetermined value, it can be determined to be fraudulent. Normally, changes caused by the application of an external stimulus will not be the same between the previous and current changes, and a certain degree of difference will likely occur. If they are the same, it can be determined that information on the change has been obtained fraudulently.

[0015] The authentication unit in this embodiment can perform authentication based on the degree of correlation between the first information and the second information.

[0016] The first information and the second information may be the time change in density distribution of the print area. That is, by comparing the time change in density distribution of the print area indicated by the first information with the time change in density distribution of the print area indicated by the second information and calculating the correlation, if the two are found to match or can be considered to match, the information is determined to be fraudulent. This is because the second information was acquired before the first information was acquired, so there should be differences in the changes in density distribution between the two. If the first information and the second information are identical or can be considered to be identical, the information acquired as the first information can be determined to have been fraudulently acquired.

[0017] The first information and the second information may be spatial concentration distributions of the printed area. That is, the first information, which is the spatial (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) concentration distribution of the information code obtained by applying the disinfectant, may be compared with the second information, which is the spatial concentration distribution of the information code obtained before the first information was obtained, to calculate the correlation. In this example, too, if the concentration distributions of the two are identical or can be considered identical, it can be determined that the first information obtained was obtained fraudulently.

[0018] The storage means (storage unit) in this embodiment may be memory such as ROM or RAM, or may be storage media such as a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, or DVD.

[0019] (disinfectant) The disinfectant of this embodiment may be used for purposes such as sterilization, disinfection, and sterilization, and may be any liquid composition that reacts with a visualizing agent to change its color state. Examples of active ingredients include surfactants, basic components, acidic components, and alcohols. Examples of basic components include alkali, perchloric acid, hypochlorous acid, and sodium salts thereof. The reaction between the disinfectant and visualizing agent of this embodiment may occur in liquid or at a solid-liquid interface, and may occur under room temperature and pressure conditions, or under conditions of heating, cooling, or pressure application. Examples of the mechanism of this reaction include photochromism, thermochromism, electrochromism, acidichromism, solvatochromism, and vapochromism. The reaction may be irreversible or reversible. The disinfectant of this embodiment may be a weakly acidic material. Examples of weakly acidic materials include organic acids such as citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and succinic acid, as well as weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water.

[0020] (Detection means) The system according to this embodiment uses a detection means capable of reading the information code on the printed information material, such as a means for detecting optical changes.

[0021] In this embodiment, the means for detecting optical changes includes imaging means, such as a camera, a video camera, a terminal with a camera function, a smartphone or tablet, a surveillance camera, etc. It is also possible to use a camera (wearable camera, mobile camera) worn by the worker performing the sterilization procedure. A typical example of the means for detecting optical changes is an image information acquisition means, which may acquire still images or moving images.

[0022] If the image information acquisition means acquires moving images, the device may include a means for acquiring images of the sterilization target area from moving images acquired over a certain period of time. To acquire images of the sterilization target area from the moving images, the device may include a means for detecting change points in the moving images. In this case, from a security standpoint, it is preferable not to store images of areas other than the sterilization target area.

[0023] (Terminal communication means, server communication means) The terminal communication means and server communication means in this embodiment communicate information (data) such as determination results. For example, a LAN (Local Area Network) may be used, and the LAN may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The terminal communication means is realized by, for example, a wireless communication module, and controls communication with the server communication means and the communication network. The same applies to the server communication means.

[0024] (Terminal Device) An example of a terminal device 110 in this embodiment includes a detection means 101 and a terminal communication means 10 (FIG. 1).

[0025] The terminal in this embodiment may be a dedicated terminal for determining sterilization action, or may be a general-purpose smartphone or tablet.

[0026] (Server device) The server device 120 according to this embodiment communicates information (data) with the terminal device in the area to be sterilized, and performs functions such as storage and analysis (information comparison and authentication).

[0027] An example of the server device 120 will be described using the schematic diagram of FIG. 3. The server device 120 has a communication unit 301 (server communication means 103), a storage unit 302, an operation unit 303, a display unit 304, a ROM 305, a RAM 306, and a control unit 310. The communication unit 301 is implemented by a LAN card or the like, and controls communication with an external device (e.g., the terminal device 110) or a communication network. The ROM 305 is implemented by a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various programs and the like. The RAM 306 is implemented by a volatile memory or the like, and temporarily stores various types of information. The storage unit 302 is implemented by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a network attached storage (NAS), or the like, and stores various types of information. The operation unit 303 is implemented by a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and the display unit 304 is implemented by a display or the like, and displays various types of information to the user.

[0028] The control unit 310 has a data recording / updating unit 307 and a data processing unit 308. The data recording / updating unit 307 records the determination result that a sterilization action has been performed and information regarding the time and place where the sterilization action was performed in the storage unit 302, ROM 305, or RAM 306. The data processing unit 308 references, for example, a database stored in the storage unit 302, ROM 305, or RAM 306, and adds information to the read information, converts the information, or performs data processing on the information. The processing result may be communicated to the terminal device 110 using the communication unit 301.

[0029] (Authentication method) The authentication method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] First, when a disinfectant is applied (S501), the change in the pattern on the information printed material is captured as an image or video (S502), and the obtained video or image (still image) data is transmitted to the server device (S503). The data obtained in S503 includes first information, which includes information about the density distribution of the printing area forming the information code on the information printed material. The server device receives the data transmitted in S503 (S504), acquires the first information from the received data, and compares it with previously acquired information (reference pattern of the information code), specifically, compares it with the authentication pattern (S505). In S505, first, it determines whether the information code included in the first information indicates a predetermined pattern. To do this, the information code indicating the reference pattern is compared with the information code included in the first information, and if they match, proceed to the next step. If they do not match, return to S500. In S506, the data is compared with the previously acquired data (previous data), and if they are not considered to match (if they do not match), authentication is successful (S507).

[0031] The authentication method according to this embodiment will be described using an example in which an authentication system is used for seat use (FIG. 2).

[0032] First, the customer selects the seat they wish to use (S201). Disinfectant is applied to the seat, table, etc. (S202). As a result, changes in the information code pattern are captured in images (still images) or video on the information printed material (S203), and the resulting video and image data are sent to the server device (S204). The data obtained in S203 includes first information, which includes information about the density distribution of the printing area forming the information code on the information printed material. The server device receives the data sent in S204 (S205), acquires the first information from the received data, and compares it with previously acquired information (reference pattern of the information code), specifically, compares it with the authentication pattern (S206). In S206, first, it is determined whether the information code included in the first information indicates a predetermined pattern. To do this, the information code indicating the reference pattern is compared with the information code included in the first information, and if they match, proceed to the next step. If they do not match, return to before S202. In S207, the data is compared with the previously acquired data (previous data), and if it is deemed to match or not match (if it is not a match), the seat can be used (S208). At that time, the data to be used for the next authentication (previous data) may be updated (S209).

[0033] First Embodiment The system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the detection means 101 is a camera capable of reading the information code on the information printed matter in the area to be sterilized.

[0034] In this embodiment, a camera is used as the detection means 101 to read the information code in the area to be sterilized. Data including the first information obtained by reading is transmitted to the server device 120 using the terminal communication means. The storage means 102 of the server device 120 stores the data.

[0035] The information may be stored in the storage unit 302 in the same manner for a plurality of sterilization target areas.

[0036] (Information acquisition means) In this embodiment, the information acquisition means (information acquisition unit) 104 acquires first information relating to the density distribution of the print area before and after the application of an external stimulus. The information acquisition means (information acquisition unit) 104 is included in, for example, the data processing unit 308 in the control unit in FIG.

[0037] (Authentication method) In this embodiment, the authentication unit 105 performs authentication using at least the first information and second information related to the density distribution of the print area acquired before the first information. The authentication unit 105 is included in, for example, the data processing unit 308 in the control unit in FIG. 3.

[0038] Second Embodiment The system according to this embodiment uses a disinfectant visualization sheet when determining that a disinfecting action has been performed in the system according to the first embodiment. The disinfectant visualization sheet according to this embodiment visualizes a disinfectant by applying the disinfectant to the sheet. The disinfectant visualization sheet will now be described in detail.

[0039] (Disinfectant visualization sheet) The disinfectant visualization sheet 403 according to this embodiment has a base material 402 and a coloring portion 401 provided on the base material 402 (FIG. 4(a)). The coloring portion 401 contains a visualization agent (not shown) whose coloring state changes when a disinfectant is applied. Using the disinfectant visualization sheet according to this embodiment in this manner allows the application of the disinfectant to be confirmed simply by visually observing the change in coloring state, which is convenient. The disinfectant and the visualization agent are mixed when the disinfectant is applied to the disinfectant visualization sheet, and the time during which the disinfectant and the visualization agent are mixed is short. This facilitates long-term storage of the materials used. Here, application of the disinfectant means that the disinfectant reaches the visualization agent, and examples of such application include spraying the disinfectant or wiping with a duster containing the disinfectant.

[0040] (Colored part) The colored portion in this embodiment contains at least a visualization agent. The colored portion may contain a binder to improve adhesion to the substrate. The binder may be a resin, such as a urethane resin or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0041] The thickness of the colored portion is preferably 1 μm or more and 80 μm or less. It is more preferably 5 μm or more and 60 μm or less, and particularly preferably 15 μm or more and 50 μm or less. By making the thickness of the colored portion 80 μm or less, adhesion to the substrate is improved, and by making the thickness of the colored portion 1 μm or more, the colored state of the colored portion is improved. In this embodiment, the colored portion may be provided on at least a portion of the substrate, or may be provided on the entire surface. Examples of the colored portion provided on at least a portion of the substrate include a polka dot pattern and a checkerboard pattern. Furthermore, when wiping with a disinfectant, the starting and ending positions of wiping may be indicated by the formation pattern of the colored portion. Furthermore, when a colored portion is provided on a rectangular substrate, the formation pattern may be such that the formation area of ​​the colored portion near the center is smaller than that at the four corners.

[0042] (visualization agent) The visualizing agent in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it changes its color state upon reaction with the disinfectant. In this embodiment, the change in color state refers to a change in which the difference in color can be visually confirmed before and after application of the disinfectant. For example, this can include a change from an invisible state to a visible state, a change from a visible state to an invisible state, or a visually recognizable color change. Here, the visually recognizable color change also includes a change in color shade.

[0043] An example of a phenomenon in which the color state changes is chromism. Examples of chromism include photochromism, thermochromism, electrochromism, acidichromism, solvatochromism, and vapochromism. In this embodiment, a substance that exhibits these phenomena is called a chromic substance, and can be particularly called a photochromic substance, a thermochromic substance, an electrochromic substance, an acidichromic substance, a solvatochromic substance, or a vapochromic substance.

[0044] Acidichromic substances change color with changes in pH, and the color range varies depending on the properties of each substance. For example, metanil yellow, metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropaeoline O, 2,4-dinitrophenol, methyl yellow, bromophenol blue, Congo red, methyl orange, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl orange-xylene cyanol FF, 2,5-dinitrophenol, methyl orange-indigo carmine, methyl red, methyl orange-xylene cyanol FF-phenolphthalein, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, p-nitrophenol, bromocresol green-methyl red, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red The color may be at least one selected from the group consisting of red, methyl red-methylene blue, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, neutral red-bromothymol blue, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, bromothymol blue-phenol red, curcumin, phenolphthalein, cresol red-thymol blue, o-cresolphthalein, α-naphtholbenzein, thymolphthalein, thymol blue-phenolphthalein, Alizarin Yellow GG, Alizarin Yellow R, nitramine, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, indigo carmine, methyl violet, litmus, and methyl purple. Some pigments change color in either the acidic or alkaline pH range, while others, such as thymol blue, change color in both the acidic and alkaline ranges.Less toxic and more desirable are metanil yellow, metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropaeolin O, bromophenol blue, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl red, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alizarin yellow R, tropaeolin O, methyl violet, litmus, and methyl purple. More desirable are metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropaeolin O, bromophenol blue, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl red, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alizarin yellow R, litmus, and methyl purple, as they change color at pH levels between 3 and 11. It is desirable for the color to change when the disinfectant is alkaline, or when the disinfectant is acidic.

[0045] Furthermore, the visualizing agent changes color and recovers as the disinfectant and solvent evaporate. Here, recovery means returning to the state before the disinfectant was applied. This can also be expressed as the color state being reversible. That is, the visualizing agent in this embodiment can be one whose color state changes for a certain period of time when a disinfectant is applied, and then returns to the state before the disinfectant was applied. For example, when a disinfectant is applied to a visualizing agent that is invisible to the naked eye, the color state can change to a visible state, and after a certain period of time, the color state can return to the invisible state. In this way, the reversibility of the visualizing agent allows it to be used in situations where repeated disinfection is required.

[0046] Two or more types of visualization agents may be used. For example, it is desirable to use visualization agents that maintain their color for different periods of time, as this can serve as an indicator to show the time since the disinfectant came into contact.

[0047] The visualization agent may be a material outside the visible light range, and materials that absorb light of wavelengths in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges can be used. The ultraviolet and infrared ranges include near-ultraviolet and near-infrared. In this case, the observation system is provided in the surveillance camera. These materials and observation systems can be publicly known.

[0048] (base material) The substrate in this embodiment may be any substrate on which a color-developing portion is provided.

[0049] Resin sheets are preferred as the substrate because they are lightweight and flexible. Examples of resin sheets include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate / isophthalate copolymers; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylpentene; fluoroethylene resins such as polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene tetrafluoroethylene, and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers; aliphatic polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; vinyl polymer resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinylon; cellulose resins such as cellulose triacetate and cellophane; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, and polybutyl acrylate; and other synthetic resins such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyarylate, and polyimide. Resin sheets may be used singly or in combination or laminated form. It is preferred that a receiving layer for retaining the colored portion be provided on the substrate. This is because when the visualization agent is ink, it is easy for the receiving layer to retain the ink.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the receiving layer of the substrate does not react with the visualizing agent. For example, in the case of a visualizing agent that changes color in an alkaline environment, it is desirable that the receiving layer be neutral or acidic. If the visualizing agent reacts with the receiving layer, it will change color before reacting with the disinfectant, which is undesirable.

[0051] The substrate in this embodiment may be transparent, opaque, or colored. If the visualization agent is colored before it reacts with the disinfectant, it is desirable that the substrate have a color close to that color.

[0052] In this embodiment, the substrate may be made of release paper, metal plate, wood, or the like. An adhesive portion may be provided to adhere the substrate to another member. The adhesive portion may be provided on the entire surface of the substrate, or on a portion of the substrate. A portion of the adhesive portion is easy to peel. The adhesive portion may contain a UV-curable resin, which facilitates peeling.

[0053] When the substrate is paper, the color-developing portion may contain an anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactant to improve compatibility of the visualization agent with the paper. Preferred surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, and acetylene glycol compounds.

[0054] (holding part) The disinfectant visualization sheet 403 in this embodiment may have a holding portion 404 for holding a disinfectant on the coloring portion 401 (FIG. 4(b)). The holding portion 404 can hold the disinfectant for a longer period of time, thereby lengthening the time for the disinfectant to react with the visualization agent and develop a color. In addition, by appropriately selecting the material of the holding portion 404, the coloring time can be controlled. For example, the time it takes for the color to change from a visible color state to an invisible color state can be controlled.

[0055] Because of this function, the holding unit can also be called a decoloring time control unit.

[0056] The retaining portion desirably has voids to retain the applied disinfectant. For example, it can be formed from inorganic particles and resin that form voids. The inorganic particles used here are at least one selected from the group consisting of pearl necklace-shaped silica particles, chain-shaped silica particles, spherical colloidal silica particles, non-spherical colloidal silica particles, alumina particles, titania particles, and zirconia particles. The particle size of the inorganic microparticles, as measured by dynamic light scattering, preferably has a peak position of 1 nm to 300 nm. More preferably, it is 1 nm to 150 nm, and even more preferably, it is 1 nm to 60 nm. In particular, pearl necklace-shaped silica particles are desirably 20 nm to 50 nm. Furthermore, chain-shaped silica particles are desirably 1 nm to 10 nm. Larger particle sizes are undesirable because they reduce the voids. On the other hand, too small particle sizes are undesirable because the pore diameter of the voids formed by the inorganic particles becomes too small, slowing the absorption rate of the applied disinfectant. The pore diameter distribution curve preferably has a maximum peak in the range of 5 nm to 20 nm. If the pore diameter peak is 5 nm or less, the absorption rate of the disinfectant will be slow, and if it exceeds 20 nm, the haze may become high. If the haze becomes high, the whitishness will become more noticeable, which is undesirable as it reduces the visibility of the colored portion. The pore diameter can be measured by BET specific surface area measurement.

[0057] The resin used here can be selected from various resins, but when the disinfectant is water-based, a water-soluble resin is preferred.The water-soluble resin can be at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, cellulose binders such as methyl cellulose, methylhydroxyethyl cellulose, methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose, natural polymer resins or derivatives thereof such as starch and its modified products, gelatin and its modified products, casein, pullulan, gum arabic, karaya gum, and albumin, polyvinyl alcohol and its modified products, latexes and emulsions such as SBR latex, NBR latex, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and other vinyl polymers, polyethyleneimine, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and maleic anhydride or its copolymers.

[0058] The thickness of the retaining part does not have to be uniform. For example, the retention time of the disinfectant can be controlled by changing the thickness of a part of it. This is desirable because it allows the coloring time of the color-changing part to be controlled and can display the time since the disinfectant came into contact as an indicator.

[0059] (Protection Department) In this embodiment, a protective portion for protecting the colored portion may be provided on the colored portion. Here, "on the colored portion" may mean that the protective portion is provided so as to be in contact with the colored portion, or if a retaining portion is provided on the colored portion, the protective portion may be provided on the retaining portion. For example, if a water-soluble resin is used as the retaining portion, the surface becomes viscous, so it is preferable to coat it with a protective layer. As the protective portion in this embodiment, at least one selected from the group consisting of resins such as acrylic resins, vinyl acetate resins, vinyl chloride resins, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, urethane resins, polyolefin resins, and copolymer resins thereof can be used. In addition, the protective portion is preferably configured to allow permeation of a disinfectant sufficient to cause coloration of the visualization agent. Furthermore, the protective portion in this embodiment may contain a water-resistant material that improves water resistance. As the water-resistant material, the amount of hydrophilic resin can be reduced, and instead, a highly hydrophobic and hydrolyzable binder can be used. Specific examples include acrylic resins, polycarbonate-modified urethane resins, and polyether-modified urethane resins.

[0060] The protective portion in this embodiment may also contain a weather-resistant material to improve weather resistance. Examples of the weather-resistant material include ultraviolet absorbers and light stabilizers such as benzophenone-based, benzotriazole-based, and triazine-based compounds, and hindered amine-based compounds.

[0061] Furthermore, the decolorization time control unit is more preferable because it can provide durability to the disinfectant visualization sheet by repeatedly wiping the surface of the disinfectant visualization sheet with disinfectant.

[0062] (2D code) In the disinfectant visualization sheet according to this embodiment, the visualization agent can be provided in the form of a two-dimensional code.

[0063] The two-dimensional code is at least one selected from the group consisting of QR Code (registered trademark), Micro QR Code, SP Code, VeriCode, MaxiCode, CP Code, Data Matrix, Data Matrix ECC200, Code1, AztecCode, Intacta Code, Card e, Chameleon Code, PDF417, Micro PDF417, Code49, Code16K, Codablock, SuperCode, Ultra Code, RSS Composite, and AztecMesa. By providing the visualization agent on the substrate so as to form a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code can be read by the imaging means, and based on the image information, it can be determined that the disinfectant has been applied.

[0064] The two-dimensional code can provide information about the time the disinfectant was applied and the location where the disinfectant was applied. Furthermore, by reading the two-dimensional code, text or image information indicating that the disinfection (cleaning) has been completed may be displayed on the display of the terminal or other device that read the two-dimensional code. Furthermore, if the area to be disinfected is a place that requires payment of a usage fee, such as a store or coworking space, reading the two-dimensional code may connect to a system for paying the attached usage fee. Furthermore, by reading the two-dimensional code, text or other information such as points, rebates, discounts, or gifts that can be used at the store or other location may be displayed, thereby motivating users to disinfect (clean).

[0065] (Another example of a disinfectant visualization sheet) In another example of the disinfectant visualization sheet of this embodiment, the coloring portion may be provided with visualization particles containing a visualization agent and carrier particles that support the visualization agent. An aggregate of visualization particles can function as the coloring portion. When visualization particles are used, the positions of the retention layer and the layer containing the visualization particles can be microscopically designed, allowing for precise design of characteristics.

[0066] (invisible part) In yet another example of the disinfectant visualization sheet of this embodiment, in addition to the visualization portion, multiple principles can be used in combination. An invisible portion can be provided on a sheet having the visualization coloring portion. This is, for example, a form in which a material other than the visible light of the visualization agent is also applied. The invisible portion in this embodiment can be provided with an invisible material that absorbs light of wavelengths in the ultraviolet or infrared region. The ultraviolet and infrared regions include near ultraviolet and near infrared. The provision of an invisible agent enables additional confirmation from a third-party perspective in addition to visual confirmation of the application of the disinfectant.

[0067] Alternatively, the disinfectant visualization sheet of this embodiment can be used in combination with thermochromism. For example, a dye that changes color depending on temperature is used in the visualized color portion. This not only changes the color depending on the presence or absence of a disinfectant, but also changes the color when the temperature changes from the environment in which it is used. This makes it possible to indirectly determine the history of touch, etc. The thermochromic dye can be selected from known substances.

[0068] Among the invisible materials in this embodiment, the dye that absorbs light in the infrared region may be at least one selected from the group consisting of phthalocyanine dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, metal complex dyes, polymethine dyes, quinone dyes, azo dyes, diphenylmethane and triphenylmethane dyes, radical dyes, perimidine dyes, and Au nanorods. The dye that absorbs light in the ultraviolet region and emits fluorescence may be at least one selected from the group consisting of merocyanine, perylene, acridine, luciferin, pyranine, stilbene, rhodamine, coumarin, and fluorescein.

[0069] (visible wavelength range) In this embodiment, the visible wavelength range is light in the wavelength range of 360 nm to 830 nm, the infrared wavelength range is 900 nm to 14 μm, and the ultraviolet wavelength range is 100 nm to 400 nm.

[0070] (Marking composition) The colored portion provided on the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment may be provided as a marking indicating whether or not the disinfectant has been applied (whether or not the disinfectant has been cleaned). In this embodiment, the material for marking can be called a marking composition. The marking composition contains the visualization agent and a solvent, and examples of the solvent include hydrophobic solvents and aqueous solvents. Examples of the hydrophobic solvent include organic solvents such as heptane and petroleum ether, and examples of the aqueous solvent include water and alcohol.

[0071] The aqueous solvent in this embodiment can be water or a mixed medium in which water is the main solvent and a protic organic solvent or an aprotic organic solvent is used in combination. The organic solvent in this embodiment is preferably one that is miscible or soluble with water in any ratio, and it is preferable to use a homogeneous mixed medium containing 50% by mass or more of water. The water used is preferably deionized water (ion-exchanged water) or ultrapure water.

[0072] Protic organic solvents are organic solvents that have a hydrogen atom (acidic hydrogen atom) bonded to oxygen or nitrogen. Aprotic organic solvents are organic solvents that do not have an acidic hydrogen atom. Examples of organic solvents include alcohols, alkylene glycols, polyalkylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether esters, carboxylic acid amides, ketones, ketoalcohols, and cyclic ethers.

[0073] Suitable aqueous media include, for example, water, a water / ethanol mixed solvent, a water / ethylene glycol mixed solvent, or a water / N-methylpyrrolidone mixed solvent, etc. The water content is preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 50.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0074] The content of the water-soluble organic solvent in the composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 50.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0075] (Other additives) In addition to the above-mentioned components, the marking composition of this embodiment may optionally contain water-soluble organic compounds such as polyhydric alcohols (e.g., trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane), urea, urea derivatives (e.g., ethyleneurea), and the like. Furthermore, the marking composition of this embodiment may optionally contain various additives, such as surfactants, pH adjusters, rust inhibitors, preservatives, antifungal agents, antioxidants, antireducing agents, evaporation accelerators, chelating agents, and water-soluble resins. Examples of such surfactants include anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. The content of the surfactant in the marking composition is preferably 0.1% to 5.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.1% to 2.0% by mass, based on the total mass of the composition. Specific examples of such surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, and acetylene glycol-based compounds.

[0076] When the marking composition of this embodiment is ejected from an inkjet recording head to record an image on a recording medium, it is preferable to use a marking composition with appropriately controlled surface tension and viscosity. Specifically, the concentration of the color former compound in the marking composition is preferably about 5% to 20%. The surface tension of the composition at 25°C is preferably 10 mN / m or more and 60 mN / m or less, more preferably 20 mN / m or more and 60 mN / m or less, and particularly preferably 30 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less.

[0077] The viscosity of the composition at 25° C. is preferably 1.0 mPa·s or more and 10 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 1.0 mPa·s or more and 5 mPa·s or less.

[0078] (Image Recording Method (Method of Applying Marking Composition)) The image recording method of this embodiment relates to a method of applying the marking composition to a substrate. Various methods can be used for the image recording method of this embodiment, including, for example, an inkjet method, a flexographic method, a screen method, an offset method, and a spin coating method. For example, the inkjet method is a method in which the marking composition of this embodiment is ejected from an inkjet recording head to record an image on a recording medium. Methods for ejecting the marking composition include a method in which mechanical energy is applied to the marking composition and a method in which thermal energy is applied to the composition. Other than using the marking composition of this embodiment, known methods can be used for the steps of the inkjet recording method. In addition, an electrophotographic method can be used as the image recording method.

[0079] <Toner manufacturing method> The method for producing the toner in the electrophotographic method of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the following toner production methods (1) to (3).

[0080] (1) Pulverization method When producing a toner by the pulverization method, first, a visualization agent is thoroughly mixed with a binder resin serving as a dispersion medium and other additives in a mixer such as a Henschel mixer or a ball mill. The mixture is melted and kneaded in a thermal kneader that uses heat and mechanical shear force, such as a kneader or an extruder, to make the resins compatible with each other. The molten and kneaded mixture is cooled and solidified, and then the solidified product is pulverized and classified to obtain toner particles of the desired particle size.

[0081] (2) Suspension polymerization method In the suspension polymerization method, for example, a visualization agent, a polymerizable monomer capable of forming a binder resin, and optionally a polymerization initiator, a crosslinking agent, a charge control agent, and other additives are uniformly dispersed to obtain a polymerizable monomer composition. Thereafter, the obtained polymerizable monomer composition is dispersed and granulated in a continuous layer (e.g., an aqueous phase) containing a dispersion stabilizer using an appropriate stirrer, and a polymerization reaction is carried out using a polymerization initiator to obtain toner particles having a desired particle size.

[0082] (3) Emulsion aggregation method When producing toner by emulsion aggregation, first, materials such as a visualization agent, a binder resin, and other additives are dispersed and mixed in an aqueous medium containing a dispersion stabilizer. A surfactant may be added to the aqueous medium. Then, an aggregating agent is added to aggregate the particles to the desired toner particle size, and then, or simultaneously with the aggregation, the resin particles are fused together. If necessary, shape control is performed using heat to form toner particles. Then, the resulting mixture is filtered, washed, and dried to obtain toner particles.

[0083] Furthermore, if necessary, a step of dispersing the visualization agent in the binder resin may be included in the series of toner production processes. An example of a method for dispersing the visualization agent in the binder resin is a method using a masterbatch in the toner production process. That is, the visualization agent is mixed with a portion of the binder resin so as to have a high concentration, and melt-kneaded under high shear to produce a masterbatch in which the visualization agent is finely dispersed. The masterbatch is then melt-kneaded while being diluted with the remaining binder resin. Examples of melt-kneading devices suitable for use in producing the masterbatch include kneaders, Banbury mixers, two-roll mills, and three-roll mills, and these can be used alone or in combination. Examples of melt-kneading devices used in dilution kneading include twin-screw kneaders.

[0084] If necessary, a step of suppressing aggregation of the visualization agent may be provided during the toner production process.

[0085] An example of a method for suppressing aggregation of the visualization agent during toner production is rapid cooling after the melt-kneading step. For example, the molten mixture can be rapidly cooled by spreading it into a sheet on a water-cooled metal belt. Rapid cooling can suppress aggregation of the visualization agent that occurs during cooling. Examples of suitable cooling devices for rapid cooling include a "High Viscosity NR Double Belt Cooler (manufactured by Nippon Belting Co., Ltd.)," a "Cooling Solidification Belt Drum Flaker (manufactured by Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd.)," and a "Cooling Solidification Drum Flaker (manufactured by Katsuragi Kogyo Co., Ltd.)."

[0086] The step of dispersing the visualization agent in the binder resin and the method of suppressing aggregation of the visualization agent may be used in combination.

[0087] <Various additives> If necessary, the toner may contain one or more additives selected from wax, charge control agents, external additives, etc. Furthermore, the toner according to the present disclosure preferably does not contain a coloring component that would make the fixed image a visible image.

[0088] <Wax> The wax is not particularly limited, but colorless or light-colored waxes are preferred, and examples thereof include the following.

[0089] Hydrocarbon wax, ester wax, amide wax, higher aliphatic alcohol, higher fatty acid, etc. One type of wax may be used alone, or multiple types may be used in combination.

[0090] <Charge control agent> The charge control agent is not particularly limited, but colorless or light-colored charge control agents are preferred, and examples thereof include the following.

[0091] Aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, metal compounds of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids, boron compounds, quaternary ammonium salts, calixarenes, resins having sulfonic acid (salt) groups, resins having sulfonic acid ester groups, etc. The charge control agents may be used alone or in combination.

[0092] <External additives> The external additive is not particularly limited, but colorless or light-colored ones are preferred, and examples thereof include the following.

[0093] Silica, alumina, titanium oxide, strontium titanate, silicon nitride, polytetrafluoroethylene, zinc stearate, etc. The surface of the external additive may be subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

[0094] The average particle size of the primary particles of the external additive is preferably 1 / 10 or less of the weight average particle size (D4) of the toner particles.

[0095] <Developer> The toner can be used as a one-component developer, or it can be mixed with a carrier to be used as a two-component developer. The carrier can be magnetic particles made of known materials, such as metals such as iron, ferrite, and magnetite, or alloys of these metals with metals such as aluminum and lead. Alternatively, a coated carrier, in which the surface of the carrier is coated with a coating agent such as resin, or a resin-dispersed carrier, in which magnetic particles are dispersed in a binder resin, can also be used. The volume average particle diameter of the carrier is preferably 15 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 25 μm to 80 μm.

[0096] (disinfectant visualized particles) The disinfectant visualization particles 405 according to this embodiment change color upon application of a disinfectant. Specifically, they include a color portion 401 containing a visualization agent whose color changes upon application of a disinfectant, and support particles 410 supporting the visualization agent (FIG. 4(c)). The disinfectant visualization particles 405 according to this embodiment may also include a bleaching time control unit (not shown). The bleaching time control unit does not necessarily have to be layered. Porous particles can be used as the bleaching time control unit. For example, at least one selected from the group consisting of mesoporous silica particles, porous silica particles, porous titania particles, porous zirconia particles, porous ceria particles, porous zinc oxide particles, porous crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate particles, porous crosslinked polystyrene particles, and porous methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer crosslinked particles can be used. Disinfectant visualization particles having a color portion can be formed by impregnating the porous particles with a solution containing the visualization agent and drying the porous particles.

[0097] The surfaces of the porous particles may be treated to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. When the disinfectant is aqueous, hydrophilic is preferred, and when it is not aqueous, hydrophobic is preferred.

[0098] Furthermore, the disinfectant visualization particles are highly rigid, and therefore are highly durable even when wiped with disinfectant many times, which is preferable.

[0099] The particle size of the disinfectant-visualizing particles is preferably 30 nm or more and 5 μm or less, more preferably 50 nm or more and 3 μm or less, and particularly preferably 80 nm or more and 1 μm or less. A particle size smaller than 30 nm is undesirable because dispersion efficiency is poor and storage stability becomes an issue. A particle size larger than 5 μm is undesirable because the disinfectant-visualizing particles tend to settle when dispersed in a solution.

[0100] (Sheet using disinfectant visualized particles) The disinfectant-visualizing particles according to this embodiment can also be used as a sheet using disinfectant-visualizing particles by providing disinfectant-visualizing particles 405 on a substrate 402 as shown in FIG. 4(d).

[0101] (Coating solution and coated product of disinfectant visualized particles) The disinfectant-visualizing particles according to the present embodiment can also be used as a coating liquid such as a dispersion liquid or a slurry, and the coating liquid can also be applied to an article to form a coated product.

[0102] (Modification of disinfectant visualization particles) The disinfectant visualization particles according to this embodiment do not necessarily have to be in a particle shape. For example, they may be in a rod shape, a plate shape, or a film shape. In the case of a film shape, it is particularly desirable to provide a decolorization time control unit in order to maintain strength against wiping of the disinfectant.

[0103] (Other embodiments) Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computer in a system or apparatus (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and / or by a computer in a system or apparatus that includes one or more circuits that perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and by a method implemented by the computer in the system or apparatus, e.g., by reading and executing the computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and / or by controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments. The computer can include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)), and can include a separate computer or a network of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk (BD)), a flash memory device, a memory card, etc.

[0104] The present invention discloses the following configuration and method.

[0105] (Configuration 1) An authentication system using an information printout having an information code that can be read by a detection means, the information printed matter has a printing area for forming the information code, and when an external stimulus is applied to the printing area, the density distribution of the printing area read by the detection means changes; an information acquisition means for acquiring first information regarding the density distribution of the print area before and after the application of the external stimulus; second information relating to the density distribution of the printing area acquired before the first information; and an authentication means for performing authentication using at least the first information.

[0106] (Configuration 2) 2. The authentication system according to configuration 1, wherein the authentication means performs authentication based on a correlation between the first information and the second information.

[0107] (Configuration 3) 3. The authentication system according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first information and the second information are changes in density distribution of the print area over time.

[0108] (Configuration 4) 4. The authentication system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first information and the second information are information relating to a spatial density distribution of the print area.

[0109] (Method 1) An authentication method using an information printout having an information code, the information printed matter has a printing area for forming the information code, and when an external stimulus is applied to the printing area, the density distribution of the printing area read by the detection means changes; an information acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the density distribution of the print area before and after application of the external stimulus; an authentication step of performing authentication using at least second information relating to the density distribution of the print area acquired before the first information and the first information.

[0110] (Method 2) The authentication method according to Method 1, wherein the authentication step performs authentication based on a correlation between the first information and the second information.

[0111] (Method 3) 3. The authentication method according to Method 1 or 2, wherein the first information and the second information are changes in density distribution of the print area over time.

[0112] (Method 4) 3. The authentication method according to Method 1 or 2, wherein the first information and the second information are information relating to the spatial density distribution of the print area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100 Information acquisition device 101 Detection means 102 Terminal communication means 103 Server communication method 104 Information acquisition means 105 Authentication Methods 110 Terminal Equipment 120 Server Device

Claims

1. An authentication system using an information printout having an information code that can be read by a detection means, the information printed matter has a printing area for forming the information code, and when an external stimulus is applied to the printing area, the density distribution of the printing area read by the detection means changes; an information acquisition means for acquiring first information regarding the density distribution of the print area before and after the application of the external stimulus; second information relating to the density distribution of the printing area acquired before the first information; and an authentication means for performing authentication using at least the first information.

2. The authentication system described in Claim 1, characterized in that the first information is information regarding changes in the concentration distribution due to the application of an external stimulus.

3. 2. The authentication system according to claim 1, wherein said authentication means performs authentication based on a degree of correlation between said first information and said second information.

4. The authentication system according to claim 1 , wherein the first information and the second information are changes in density distribution of the print area over time.

5. The authentication system according to claim 1 , wherein the first information and the second information are information relating to a spatial density distribution of the print area.

6. The authentication system described in Claim 1, characterized in that the application of the external stimulus is the application of a disinfectant.

7. The authentication system described in Claim 3, characterized in that the authentication means determines that the correlation is fraudulent if the correlation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

8. An authentication system as described in claim 3, characterized in that when the authentication means determines that the authentication is successful, the second information is updated based on the first information.

9. An authentication system described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the information printed matter is a sterilization visualization sheet having a base material and a color that is placed on the base material and whose color state changes when a sterilizing agent is applied.

10. An authentication method using an information printout having an information code, the information printed matter includes a printing area for forming the information code, and when an external stimulus is applied to the printing area, a density distribution of the printing area to be read changes; an information acquisition step of acquiring first information regarding the density distribution of the print area before and after the application of the external stimulus; second information relating to the density distribution of the printing area acquired before the first information; and an authentication step of performing authentication using at least the first information.

11. The authentication method described in Claim 10, characterized in that the first information is information regarding changes in the concentration distribution due to the application of an external stimulus.

12. The authentication method according to claim 10 , wherein the authentication step performs authentication based on a correlation between the first information and the second information.

13. The authentication method according to claim 10 , wherein the first information and the second information are changes in density distribution of the print area over time.

14. The authentication method according to claim 10 , wherein the first information and the second information are information relating to a spatial density distribution of the print area.

15. The authentication method described in Claim 10, characterized in that the application of the external stimulus is the application of a disinfectant.

16. The authentication method according to claim 12, wherein in the authentication process, if the correlation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined to be fraudulent.

17. An authentication method as described in Claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises an update step in which, if the authentication is determined to be successful in the authentication step, the second information is updated based on the first information.

18. An authentication method described in any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the information printed matter is a disinfectant visualization sheet having a substrate and a coloring portion provided on the substrate and whose coloring state changes when a disinfectant is applied.

Images