Code with reader-readable identifier printed thereon

Abstract

To discriminate an authentic commodity and an unauthorized commodity in a circulation process to prevent transaction of the unauthorized commodity.SOLUTION: A two-dimensional code, in which a reader-readable identifier is printed and a plurality of cells constituting the identifier are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, includes a series of recognizable marks and lines with a recognizable thickness whose presence cab be recognized by the reader, which are arranged in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet zone excluding four corners of the two-dimensional code. Furthermore, the series of marks and lines are composed of dropout colors and are arranged to surround a data area of the two-dimensional code. This allows the printed code to be read by the reader, while enabling users (for example, consumers, genuine product manufacturers, and distributors) to identify the product corresponding to the printed material with the printed code as a genuine product, and to identify the product corresponding to the printed material with the printed code that does not have minute marks arranged therein as an unauthorized commodity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a code having a reader-readable identifier printed thereon. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the trade of counterfeit and imitation goods that infringe trademarks and copyrights has been steadily increasing. The distribution of counterfeit goods, such as medical supplies, auto parts, toys, food, cosmetic brands, and electrical appliances, poses a risk to the health and safety of consumers in general. However, it is difficult to take effective measures against the trade of such counterfeit goods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-254037 [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-96490 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to distinguish genuine products from counterfeit products during the distribution process and to prevent the trade of counterfeit products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In the two-dimensional code according to the present invention, in which a reader-readable identifier is printed and a plurality of cells constituting the identifier are arranged two-dimensionally, a row of markers whose presence can be recognized by a reader and a ruled line whose presence can be recognized by a reader are arranged in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in the quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code. Furthermore, the row of markers and the ruled line are configured in a dropout color and arranged so as to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. This allows the code to be read by a reader, while allowing users (e.g., consumers, manufacturers and distributors of genuine products) to identify products corresponding to the printed matter on which the code is printed as genuine products and to identify products corresponding to the printed matter on which the code is printed without the minute markers as counterfeit products. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a two-dimensional code, which is an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a two-dimensional code, which is an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a one-dimensional code as an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a one-dimensional code, which is an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code in which minute markers are arranged according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a printing device for printing a code on which minute markings are arranged, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a code on which a reader-readable identifier is printed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a code (hereinafter referred to as a "printed code") 1, which is a code on which an identifier that can be read by a reader (also called a "scanner") is printed and on which minute marks that cannot be recognized by the reader are arranged. FIG. 1 also shows a two-dimensional code 10, which is an example of the printed code 1. Examples of the two-dimensional code 10 (which also applies to two-dimensional codes 30, 40, and 50 described later) include QR code (registered trademark), PDF417 (including micro PDF417, compact PDF417, etc.), DataMatrix (registered trademark), MaxiCode, AztecCode, Code49, EAN / UPC Composite, and GS1DataBar (RSS) Composite. Examples of the QR code include model 1, model 2, micro QR code, rMQR code, SQRC (registered trademark), frame QR (registered trademark), etc. Below, a case will be described in which the two-dimensional code 10 (which also applies to two-dimensional codes 30, 40, and 50 described later) is a QR code model 2, but is not limited to this case.

[0009] The two-dimensional code 10 (as well as codes 20, 30, 40, and 50 described below) is printed on a printed matter made of paper (including cardboard, paper with glue on one side (sticker), etc.), plastic (including plastic film, plastic film with glue on one side (sticker), etc.), vinyl, cloth (including nonwoven fabric, etc.), or the like. The printed matter constitutes, for example, the product itself, the product's packaging, or an accessory to the product (for example, an instruction manual or product label (including tags)), etc., and is distributed together with the corresponding product. Note that the printed matter may also constitute an advertisement for the product (including flyers, etc.) or a price list, etc., and be distributed separately from the corresponding product.

[0010] The two-dimensional code 10 is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet zone Q. The two-dimensional code 10 is a type of identifier in which a number of cells constituting an identifier are arranged two-dimensionally in the symbol S, and the cells represent information indicated by characters. The two-dimensional code 10 is obtained by converting information indicated by characters into a two-dimensional code according to certain rules. The two-dimensional code 10 is designed so that a reader (e.g., a two-dimensional code reader) can input and output the code as easily readable digital information. Note that the two-dimensional code 10 may also have a cut-out symbol, an alignment pattern, or the like, which constitutes an identifier, arranged in the symbol.

[0011] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code 10 has a sign arranged in at least one cell (symbol A in FIG. 1 indicates one of the cells) among a plurality of cells of the two-dimensional code 10 (illustrated in FIG. 2(A)). The sign is, for example, composed of at least one of characters (including language characters, numbers, symbols, etc.) or patterns. Language characters include characters representing a wide variety of languages, and refer to characters representing languages ​​such as Japanese (including hiragana, katakana, and kanji), English (including the alphabet), Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. Furthermore, for example, the sign may be composed of either one of characters and patterns, or a combination of these. Here, minute characters as minute signs are also called micro characters.

[0012] Furthermore, when a cut-out symbol (symbol B in FIG. 1 indicates one of the cut-out symbols) is disposed in the symbol, the marker may be disposed in a part or all of the cut-out symbol that constitutes the identifier (as shown in FIGS. 2(B) and (C)). Furthermore, when an alignment pattern (symbol C in FIG. 1 indicates an alignment pattern) is disposed, the marker may be disposed in a part or all of the alignment pattern that constitutes the identifier (as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B)). That is, the marker may be disposed only in the cut-out symbol of the two-dimensional code 10, or the marker may be disposed only in the alignment pattern. Furthermore, the marker may be disposed only in the cut-out symbol and the alignment pattern of the two-dimensional code 10, or the marker may be disposed in both the cut-out symbol (or the alignment pattern) and the cell.

[0013] 2(A) to (C) show partial enlarged views of a two-dimensional code 10. FIG. 2(A) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion A of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1. Meanwhile, FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of a first example of a portion B of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2(C) is an enlarged view of a second example of a portion B of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1. And, FIGS. 2(A) to (C) show examples in which characters are arranged as signs in the two-dimensional code 10. Note that in FIGS. 2(A) to (C), the size of the characters relative to the size of portions A and B is shown changed for convenience.

[0014] As shown in part A of FIG. 2(A), the two-dimensional code 10 has an alphabet "R" as an example of a character arranged as a marker in some cells in a color different from the color (hue, saturation, and brightness) of the cell (for example, in a black cell, the character is white or a color close to white, and in a white cell, the character is black, gray, or a chromatic color). Colors close to white include chromatic colors. It is not necessarily the case that the resolution of a QR code reader is high, and the resolution that can be recognized by a general-purpose device (for example, a smartphone) is at most about 0.25 [mm]. Therefore, it is preferable to set the character size to 0.25 [mm] or less. Character sizes of 0.25 [mm] or less include 0.7 [pt], 0.6 [pt], ..., etc.

[0015] Assuming that a user uses a magnifying glass to read characters in a cell (e.g., white characters in a black cell), if the character size is 0.25 [mm], it is preferable that the characters be placed in cells with a size of 0.25 [mm] or more, and if the character size is 0.18 [mm], it is preferable that the characters be placed in cells with a size of 0.18 [mm] or more. Also, if the character size is larger than the size of a single cell, the characters may be placed across multiple adjacent cells. For example, if the character size is 0.25 [mm] and one cell size is 0.17 [mm], the white characters are placed across four adjacent 2x2 black cells.

[0016] The characters may be the product name (or its initials) of the product corresponding to the printed matter, or the name of the manufacturer of the product (or its initials).

[0017] As shown in part B of FIG. 2(B), in two-dimensional code 10, the symbol "!(^^)!" as an example of a character is placed as a sign within some of the cut-out symbols in a color different from the color of the cut-out symbol (for example, if placed in a black portion of the symbol, the character is white or a color close to white, and if placed in a white portion of the symbol, the character is black, gray, or a chromatic color). Colors close to white include chromatic colors. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the character size be 0.25 mm or less.

[0018] As shown in part B of FIG. 2(C), in two-dimensional code 10, symbols "circle mark" and "umbrella mark" as examples of characters are placed as markers within some of the cut-out symbols in a color different from the color of the cut-out symbol (for example, if the characters are placed in a black portion of the symbol, the characters are white or a color close to white, and if the characters are placed in a white portion of the symbol, the characters are black, gray, or a chromatic color). Colors close to white include chromatic colors. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the character size be 0.25 mm or less.

[0019] 3(A) and (B) show partial enlarged views of a two-dimensional code 10. FIG. 3(A) is an enlarged view of a first example of a portion C of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3(B) is an enlarged view of a second example of a portion C of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3(A) is an example in which characters are arranged as signs in the two-dimensional code 10, and FIG. 3(B) is an example in which a pattern is arranged as a sign in the two-dimensional code 10. Note that in FIGS. 3(A) and (B), the size of the sign relative to the size of portion C is shown changed for convenience.

[0020] As shown in part C of FIG. 3(A), the two-dimensional code 10 has the kanji character "rose" (rose) as an example of a character arranged as a marker within the alignment pattern in a color different from the color of the alignment pattern (for example, if the character is arranged in a black portion of the alignment pattern, the character is white or a color close to white, and if the character is arranged in a white portion of the alignment pattern, the character is black, gray, or a chromatic color). Colors close to white include chromatic colors. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the character size be 0.25 mm or less.

[0021] As shown in part C of FIG. 3B, the two-dimensional code 10 has a pattern as a marker in an alignment pattern, which is arranged in a color different from the color of the alignment pattern (for example, if the dotted line pattern is arranged in a black portion of the alignment pattern, the dotted line pattern is white or a color close to white, and if the dotted line pattern is arranged in a white portion of the alignment pattern, the dotted line pattern is black, gray, or a chromatic color). Colors close to white include chromatic colors. As described above, the size of the pattern is preferably 0.25 mm or less. In other words, the pattern is arranged in each area formed in the alignment pattern with one side of 0.25 mm or less. In addition to the dotted line pattern, the pattern includes a stripe pattern, a lattice pattern, a mesh pattern, a wave pattern, a brick pattern, a checkerboard pattern, and the like.

[0022] Then, the two-dimensional code 10 with minute marks (e.g., letters) as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is printed on the printed matter. On the other hand, the minute marks of the two-dimensional code 10 can only be printed by rare printing devices (e.g., printing device 60 described later), and the two-dimensional code 10 cannot be completely copied because they are crushed by the periphery of the marks. Therefore, all products corresponding to printed matter with two-dimensional codes without minute marks can be considered to be counterfeit products. Users (e.g., consumers, manufacturers and distributors of genuine products) cannot read the marks placed on the two-dimensional code 10 with the naked eye, but can read them using a magnifying glass such as a loupe.

[0023] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the resolution of the QR code reader that reads the two-dimensional code 10 is at most about 0.25 [mm]. The mark placed on the two-dimensional code 10 is very small (0.25 [mm] or less) and is recognized by the reader as a symbol S without any missing parts due to being crushed by the periphery of the mark, so the two-dimensional code 10 can be read by the reader as if the mark did not exist.

[0024] 1 to 3, the two-dimensional code 10 can be read by a reader, and a user can identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which the two-dimensional code 10 is printed as a genuine product, and identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which a code without minute marks is printed as a counterfeit product. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products during the distribution process and to prevent the trade of counterfeit products.

[0025] Although the two-dimensional code 10 has been described as the printed code 1, the same concept can be applied to a one-dimensional code. The one-dimensional code will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] 4 shows a one-dimensional code 20, which is an example of the printed code 1. The one-dimensional code 20 is also called a barcode.

[0027] The one-dimensional code 20 is printed on a printed material. The one-dimensional code 20 is composed of a central data area (barcode symbol) S and quiet zones Q on the left and right. The one-dimensional code 20 is a type of identifier in which multiple lines (bars) constituting an identifier are arranged one-dimensionally in the barcode symbol S, and information indicating characters is expressed by the thickness of each line. The one-dimensional code 20 is a one-dimensional code in which the information indicated by characters is converted into a one-dimensional code according to certain rules. The one-dimensional code 20 is designed so that a reader (e.g., a one-dimensional code reader) can input and output the code as easily readable digital information.

[0028] Furthermore, in the one-dimensional code 20, a marker is placed within at least one of the multiple lines of the one-dimensional code 20. As described above, the marker is composed of at least one of, for example, a character and a pattern.

[0029] 5(A) and (B) show partial enlarged views of the one-dimensional code 20. FIG. 5(A) is an enlarged view of a first example of portion D of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in FIG. 4. Meanwhile, FIG. 5(B) is an enlarged view of a second example of portion D of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in FIG. 4. Also, FIGS. 5(A) and (B) show examples in which characters are arranged as signs in the one-dimensional code 20. Note that in FIGS. 5(A) and (B), the size of the characters relative to portion D is changed for convenience.

[0030] As shown in part D of FIG. 5(A), the one-dimensional code 20 has the numbers "1234..." as an example of characters arranged as a sign within some of the lines in a color different from the color of the lines (for example, if the lines are black, the characters are white or a color close to that). Colors close to white include chromatic colors. As described above, it is preferable that the character size is 0.25 [mm] or less. Assuming that a user uses a magnifying glass to read characters within a line (for example, white characters within a black line), if the character size is 0.25 [mm], it is preferable that the characters be arranged on a line that is 0.25 [mm] or thicker, and if the character size is 0.18 [mm], it is preferable that the characters be arranged on a line that is 0.18 [mm] or thicker.

[0031] As shown in part D of FIG. 5(B), in the one-dimensional code 20, within some of the lines, the alphabet "JPO", which is an example of a character, and the Chinese character "Japan", which is an example of a character, are arranged as markings in a color different from the color of the line (for example, if the line is black, the characters are white or a color close to it). A color close to white includes chromatic colors. As described above, it is preferable that the character size is 0.25 [mm] or less.

[0032] Then, the one-dimensional code 20 with minute markings (for example, characters) shown in FIG. 5 is printed on a printed matter. On the other hand, the minute markings of the one-dimensional code 20 can only be printed by a rare printing device (for example, the printing device 60 described later), and since they are crushed by the peripheral part of the markings, the one-dimensional code 20 cannot be completely copied. Therefore, all products corresponding to printed matters on which a one-dimensional code without minute markings is printed can be regarded as counterfeit products. Although a user can hardly read with the naked eye the markings arranged in the one-dimensional code 20, they can be read using a magnifying glass.

[0033] On the other hand, the resolution of the barcode reader for reading the one-dimensional code 20 in the height direction of the barcode is sufficiently large with respect to the minute size (0.25 [mm] or less). The markings arranged on the lines of the one-dimensional code 20 are of minute size, and since they are recognized by the reader as a straight line without being crushed or chipped by the peripheral part of the markings, the one-dimensional code 20 can be read by the reader as if no markings exist.

[0034] Note that, although an example in which characters as markings are arranged within some of the lines in the one-dimensional code 20 has been described, it is not limited to that case. For example, characters may be arranged in a blank area sandwiched between lines and having a certain width. For example, in the one-dimensional code 20, within some of the blank areas, characters are arranged as markings in a color different from the color of the blank area (for example, if the blank area is white, the characters are black, gray, or chromatic).

[0035] 4 and 5, the one-dimensional code 20 can be read by a reader, and a user can identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which the one-dimensional code 20 is printed as a genuine product, and identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which a code without minute marks is printed as a counterfeit product. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products during the distribution process and to prevent the trading of counterfeit products.

[0036] On the other hand, the markers may be arranged over the symbol S and quiet zone Q of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Fig. 1, or over the barcode symbol S and quiet zone Q of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in Fig. 4. The former case will be explained using Fig. 6. The latter case is similar.

[0037] FIG. 6(A) shows a two-dimensional code 30, which is an example of the printed code 1. The two-dimensional code 30 is printed on a printed matter in the same manner as the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet zone Q. FIG. 6(B) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion E of the two-dimensional code 30 shown in FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(B) shows an example in which characters are arranged as minute marks in the two-dimensional code 30. Note that in FIG. 6(B), the size of the characters relative to the size of portion E is shown changed for convenience.

[0038] As shown in part E of FIG. 6B, in the two-dimensional code 30, the alphabet "SAMPLE" as an example of a character is arranged as a sign diagonally across the symbol S (and the quiet zone Q) in a color different from the background color (for example, black, gray, or chromatic color). As described above, the character size is preferably 0.25 [mm] or less. Note that, although the characters are arranged on a diagonal straight line in FIG. 6B, this is not a limitation. For example, the characters may be arranged on a horizontal straight line or a vertical straight line. Furthermore, the characters do not have to be arranged on a straight line, but may be arranged in a wavy pattern, and may be arranged not only on a single straight line (or a wavy pattern) but also on multiple straight lines.

[0039] Then, the two-dimensional code 30 with minute marks (e.g., letters) arranged thereon is printed on the printed matter. On the other hand, the minute marks of the two-dimensional code 30 can only be printed by rare printing devices (e.g., printing device 60 described later), and the two-dimensional code 30 cannot be completely copied because they are obscured by the periphery of the marks. Therefore, all products corresponding to printed matter with a two-dimensional code without minute marks printed thereon can be considered to be counterfeit products. Although users cannot read the marks arranged on the two-dimensional code 30 with the naked eye, they can read them using a magnifying glass.

[0040] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the resolution of the QR code reader that reads the two-dimensional code 30 is at most about 0.25 [mm]. The mark placed on the two-dimensional code 30 is minute (0.25 [mm] or less) and is recognized by the reader as a complete symbol S (and a blank quiet zone Q) that is crushed by the periphery of the mark, so the two-dimensional code 30 can be read by the reader as if the mark did not exist.

[0041] According to the two-dimensional code 30 (or one-dimensional code) described with reference to FIG. 6, while the two-dimensional code 30 can be read by a reader, a user can identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which the two-dimensional code 30 is printed as a genuine product, and can identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which a code without a minute identifier is printed as a counterfeit product. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between genuine products and counterfeit products in the distribution process and suppress transactions of counterfeit products.

[0042] Further, the identifier may be arranged in the quiet zone Q of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1, or may be arranged in the quiet zone Q of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in FIG. 4. The former case will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The same applies to the latter case.

[0043] FIG. 7(A) shows a two-dimensional code 40 which is an example of a printed code 1. The two-dimensional code 40 is printed on a printed matter in the same manner as the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet zone Q. FIG. 7(B) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion F of the two-dimensional code 40 shown in FIG. 7(A). And FIG. 7(B) is an example in which characters as minute identifiers are arranged in one or a plurality of columns, for example, two columns, in the two-dimensional code 40. In FIG. 7(B), the size of the characters with respect to the size of the portion F is shown changed for convenience.

[0044] As shown in the portion F of FIG. 7(B), in the two-dimensional code 40, the Chinese characters "Japan" and "rose" as examples of characters are arranged in two columns in a color different from the background color (for example, black, gray, or a colored color) across the quiet zone Q as identifiers. As described above, it is preferable that the character size is 0.25 [mm] or less.

[0045] Also, across the quiet zone Q, ruled lines such as solid lines and broken lines (table ruling, medium-thin ruling, or star ruling, etc.) may be arranged. For example, a ruling line is arranged in one row in a color different from the background color (e.g., black, gray, or a chromatic color) between two columns of characters. The thickness of the ruling line is preferably 0.25 [mm] or less according to the character size.

[0046] On the other hand, FIG. 8(A) shows a two-dimensional code 50 which is an example of the print code 1. The two-dimensional code 50 is printed on a printed matter in the same manner as the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet zone Q. FIG. 8(B) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion G of the two-dimensional code 50 shown in FIG. 8(A). And FIG. 8(B) is an example in which characters as minute marks are arranged in one row or multiple rows, for example, three rows, in the two-dimensional code 40. Note that in FIG. 8(B), the size of the characters with respect to the size of the portion G is changed for convenience of illustration.

[0047] As shown in the portion G of FIG. 8(B), in the two-dimensional code 50, across the quiet zone Q excluding the four corners, Chinese characters "Japan" and "Rose" as examples of characters are arranged in three rows as marks in a color different from the background color (e.g., black, gray, or a chromatic color). As described above, the character size is preferably 0.25 [mm] or less.

[0048] Then, the two-dimensional code 40, 50 with minute marks (e.g., letters) is printed on the printed matter. On the other hand, the minute marks of the two-dimensional code 40, 50 can only be printed by a rare printing device (e.g., the printing device 60 described later), and the two-dimensional code 40, 50 cannot be completely copied because they are crushed by the periphery of the marks. Therefore, all products corresponding to the printed matter with the two-dimensional code without minute marks can be considered to be counterfeit products. The marks placed on the two-dimensional code 40, 50 are almost impossible for the user to read with the naked eye, but can be read with a magnifying glass. Also, even if the user cannot read the marks placed on the two-dimensional code 40, 50 with the naked eye, the user can recognize the presence of the marks with the naked eye.

[0049] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the resolution of the QR code reader that reads the two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 is at most about 0.25 [mm]. The signs placed on the two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 are minute (0.25 [mm] or less) and are recognized by the reader as a blank quiet zone Q because they are crushed by the sign periphery. Therefore, the two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 can be read by the reader as if the sign were not present.

[0050] According to the two-dimensional code 40, 50 (or one-dimensional code) described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the two-dimensional code 40, 50 can be read by a reader, while a user can identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which the two-dimensional code 40, 50 is printed as a genuine product, and identify a product corresponding to a printed matter on which a code without a minute mark is printed as a counterfeit product. In this case, a user can use a magnifying glass to identify the two-dimensional code 40, 50 as genuine, but can also identify the two-dimensional code 40, 50 as genuine without using a magnifying glass by recognizing the presence of minute marks (and lines). Therefore, genuine products can be identified from counterfeit products in the distribution process, and the trade of counterfeit products can be prevented. The two-dimensional code 50 shown in FIG. 8 is different from the two-dimensional code 40 shown in FIG. 7 in that the four corners of the quiet zone Q have blanks (notches) where no minute marks exist, so that a user can easily recognize the presence of minute marks by appearance.

[0051] Next, a printing device 60 that prints the print code 1 and a printing method using the same will be described.

[0052] 9 shows a printing device 60 that prints a printing code 1. The printing device 60 is a device that prints the printing code 1 on a printed material made of sheet-like paper, plastic, vinyl, cloth, etc. Below, a case where the printing device 60 prints the printing code 1 on paper will be described.

[0053] The printing device 60 includes a feed roll 61, a continuous form 62, an endless strip-shaped printing plate 63, a take-up roll 64, a cutting device 65, a plate cylinder 66, an impression cylinder 67, a plate cylinder 68, a guide cylinder (also called a "guide roller") 69, and ink rolls 70 and 71.

[0054] The printing device 60 is a rotary press type printing machine that uses an endless belt-like printing plate 63 to print a printing code 1 on a continuous form 62, which is a belt-like continuous paper (roll) unwound from a paper feed roll 61. The printing device 60 prints the entire surface of the printing code 1 on the continuous paper. Alternatively, the printing device 60 prints signs (e.g., signs (and ruled lines) shown in Figures 7 and 8) on the continuous paper before a printing device (not shown) that employs a flexographic printing method prints a conventional printing code (not including signs) on the continuous paper. Alternatively, after a printing device (not shown) that employs a flexographic printing method prints a conventional printing code on the continuous paper, the printing device 60 prints signs (e.g., at least one of the signs (and ruled lines) shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6(B), 7, and 8) on the printed conventional printing code.

[0055] The printed continuous form 62 is either wound up onto a take-up roll 64, or folded in a zigzag pattern by a folder (not shown) and stacked, or further cut into sheets by a cutter 65 and stored in a storage box (not shown).

[0056] The printing device 60 has a plate cylinder 66 equipped with an endless belt-shaped printing plate 63, and an impression cylinder 67 as a receiving cylinder. The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 is stretched between a plate cylinder 68 of the plate cylinder 66 and a freely rotating guide cylinder 69 which is a driven roller. The guide cylinder 69 is adjusted so as to be able to move toward and away from the plate cylinder 66, thereby adjusting the tension of the endless belt-shaped printing plate 63. The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 is circumscribed by a pair of ink rolls 70, 71 which face the plate cylinder 66, and are adapted to transfer ink onto the printing surface (plate surface) of the endless belt-shaped printing plate 63.

[0057] The plate cylinder 68 and impression cylinder 67a of the plate cylinder 66 are solid cylinders formed by machining or the like, and the plate cylinder 68 and impression cylinder 67a are not hollow cylinders but, for example, solid steel cylinders are used. A solid (steel) cylinder has good rotational balance, is easy to mold into a perfect circle, and has a large weight (e.g., 300 kg), so there is little wobble of the plate cylinder 66 due to the rebound of the printing pressure during printing. By making the plate cylinder 68 and impression cylinder 67a of the plate cylinder 66 solid cylinders, it is possible to reduce deflection due to printing pressure, and even when printing a mixture of solid and halftone dots, the halftone dots are not crushed or smudged, and the solids can be printed beautifully.

[0058] The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 has a longitudinal length that is appropriately selected between several tens of centimeters and several tens of meters. The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 is formed in an endless belt shape by connecting both ends of a long, thin, flexible, long resin letterpress printing plate. Alternatively, a plurality of long printing plates, for example 400 inches long, may be connected in sequence, and finally both ends may be connected to each other to form an endless belt shape of several meters to several tens of meters.

[0059] According to the printing device 60 shown in FIG. 9, the printing code 1 including a minute mark can be printed on a printed matter showing a product. Although the printing device 60 is described with reference to FIG. 9 as printing the entire printed code 1 (including a minute mark) or only the minute mark of the printed code 1, the present invention is not limited to this case, and any printing device and printing method can be used. It is extremely difficult to print a minute mark with an accuracy that can be recognized with a magnifying glass by adopting a flexographic printing method or a digital printing method (for example, printing using a laser printer or an inkjet printer). However, this does not exclude printing the entire printed code 1 or only the minute mark on a printed matter by a flexographic printing method or a digital printing method. Even if a printing device that prints the entire printed code 1 or only the minute mark by adopting a flexographic printing method or a digital printing method exists, it is very rare and is not considered to have versatility (widely available on the market), so it remains a rare printing device.

[0060] (Modification) In Figs. 7 and 8, two-dimensional codes according to the following (1) to (3) are shown. (1) In the quiet zone Q of the two-dimensional code 40, 50, or in the quiet zone Q excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code 40, 50, a row of tiny marks that cannot be detected by a reader and lines that are thick enough to be undetectable by a reader are arranged, and the row of marks and lines are arranged so as to surround the data area S. (2) A row of tiny markers whose presence cannot be detected by a reader is placed in the quiet zone Q of the two-dimensional code 40, 50, or in the quiet zone Q excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code 40, 50, and the row of markers is arranged so as to surround the data area S. (3) In the quiet zone Q of the two-dimensional code 40, 50, or in the quiet zone Q excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code 40, 50, a ruled line of a thickness that cannot be recognized by a reader is placed, and the ruled line is placed so as to surround the data area S.

[0061] However, the form of the mark and / or ruled line whose presence cannot be recognized by the reader within the white zone Q of the two-dimensional code is not limited to the above cases (1) to (3). For example, the following cases (4) to (6) are also possible. As described above, the mark may be composed of either a character or a design (e.g., a pattern), or may be composed of a combination of these. The pattern includes filling and shading (including dots (halftone dots), grids, diagonal lines, etc.). (4) In the quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in the quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code, a row of signs whose presence can be recognized by a reader and lines whose thickness can be recognized by a reader are arranged, the row of signs and lines are composed of a dropout color, and the row of signs and lines are arranged so as to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. (5) A row of signs whose presence can be recognized by a reader is placed in the quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in the quiet zone of the two-dimensional code excluding the four corners, the row of signs is composed of a dropout color, and the row of signs is placed so as to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. (6) In the quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in the quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code, a ruled line of a thickness that can be recognized by a reader is placed, and the ruled line is placed so as to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code.

[0062] That is, the above (1) to (3) are for controlling the size (including thickness) of the sign and / or the ruled line so that the reader cannot recognize the presence, while the above (4) to (6) are for controlling the color of the sign and / or the ruled line so that the reader cannot recognize the presence. It is preferable that the character size of the sign that can be recognized by the reader is more than 0.25 [mm]. Character sizes more than 0.25 [mm] include 0.8 [pt], 0.9 [pt], ..., etc. The dropout color means a color that has approximately the same reflectance as the background color (e.g., white) and cannot be read in mechanical processing. The dropout color is generally used for printing the non-readable part of an OCR (optical character reader) or an OMR (optical mark reader), but here, it is used for printing the non-readable part when reading a two-dimensional code with a general-purpose device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0063] The markings whose presence can be recognized by the reader are at least one of characters and patterns. If the markings whose presence can be recognized by the reader are characters, it is preferable that the size of the characters exceeds 0.25 [mm]. This is because users can easily recognize the characters without using a magnifying glass. The characters may be printed as the product name (or its initials) of the product corresponding to the printed matter, or the name of the manufacturer of the product (or its initials). On the other hand, if the markings whose presence can be recognized by the reader are lines, it is preferable that the thickness of the lines matches the size of the characters and exceeds 0.25 [mm].

[0064] The configuration within the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code according to (4) to (6) above is equivalent to the configuration within the data area S of the two-dimensional code 40, 50 according to (1) to (3) above. For example, a minute marker whose presence cannot be recognized by a reader can be placed in at least one of the multiple cells of the two-dimensional code according to (4) to (6) above. Also, for example, a minute marker whose presence cannot be recognized by a reader can be placed in the cut-out symbol or alignment pattern of the two-dimensional code according to (4) to (6) above. The method of printing the minute marker is as described above with reference to FIG. 9.

[0065] The arrangement of the ruled lines included in the quiet zone of the two-dimensional code according to (6) above includes a row of markers arranged in white (when the background color is white) within the ruled lines of the dropout color. The two-dimensional codes according to (4) to (6) above have the row of markers and / or ruled lines of the dropout color arranged at least in the quiet zone, so the row of markers and / or ruled lines of the dropout color may be arranged so as to extend outside the quiet zone. If the row of markers and / or ruled lines of the dropout color may be arranged so as to extend outside the quiet zone, the row of markers and / or ruled lines can be easily printed.

[0066] According to the two-dimensional code according to (4) to (6) above, the two-dimensional code can be read by a reader, while the user can identify the product corresponding to the printed matter on which the two-dimensional code is printed as a genuine product, and identify the product corresponding to the printed matter on which the code without the quiet zone mark is printed as a counterfeit product. In this case, the user can recognize the two-dimensional code as genuine by recognizing the presence of the mark (and the ruled line) without using a magnifying glass, since the size is sufficient even though the color is a dropout color. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish genuine products from counterfeit products in the distribution process and prevent the trade of counterfeit products. Note that the two-dimensional code according to (4) to (6) above, when imitating the two-dimensional code 50 shown in FIG. 8, has tiny blanks (notches) where no mark exists at the four corners of the quiet zone Q, unlike the case of imitating the two-dimensional code 40 shown in FIG. 7, so that the user can easily recognize the presence of the mark by appearance.

[0067] In the two-dimensional codes according to (4) and (5) above, when characters of a size that can be recognized by a reader are arranged in a shading in the quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in the quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code, the shading expressing the characters does not necessarily have to be composed of a dropout color. Even if the size is such that the presence can be recognized by a reader, if the characters themselves, not the background, are represented in a shading so that some parts are missing, the presence can be made unrecognizable by the reader, and the user can recognize the characters without using a magnifying glass. Even in this case, the same effect as the two-dimensional codes according to (4) to (6) above can be obtained.

[0068] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, genuine products can be distinguished from counterfeit products during the distribution process, and trade of counterfeit products can be prevented.

[0069] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1... A code in which tiny marks are placed (printed code) 10,30,40,50...2D code 20...One-dimensional code 60…Printing device S: Data area Q…Quiet Zone

Claims

1. A two-dimensional code in which a reader-readable identifier is printed and a plurality of cells constituting the identifier are arranged two-dimensionally, A row of markers whose presence can be recognized by the reader and a ruled line whose thickness can be recognized by the reader are arranged in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code, the rows of markers and the lines are configured in a dropout color; The row of marks and the ruled lines are arranged to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. Two-dimensional code.

2. A minute marker whose presence cannot be recognized by the reader is further disposed in at least one of the plurality of cells of the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code according to claim 1 .

3. A minute mark whose presence cannot be recognized by the reader is further arranged within the cut-out symbol or alignment pattern of the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code according to claim 1 .

4. The mark whose presence can be recognized by the reader is at least one of a character and a pattern. The two-dimensional code according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The sign whose presence can be recognized by the reader includes the characters, and the size of the characters exceeds 0.25 [mm]. The two-dimensional code according to claim 4.

6. A two-dimensional code in which a reader-readable identifier is printed and a plurality of cells constituting the identifier are arranged two-dimensionally, A row of markers whose presence can be recognized by the reader is arranged in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code excluding the four corners, the row of indicators is configured in a dropout color; The row of markers is arranged to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. Two-dimensional code.

7. A two-dimensional code in which a reader-readable identifier is printed and a plurality of cells constituting the identifier are arranged two-dimensionally, A ruled line having a thickness that allows the reader to recognize its presence is arranged in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code, The border is configured in a dropout color, The ruled lines are arranged so as to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. Two-dimensional code.

8. The layout of the ruled lines is such that a row of markers is arranged in white within the ruled lines of the dropout color. The two-dimensional code according to claim 7.

9. A two-dimensional code in which a reader-readable identifier is printed and a plurality of cells constituting the identifier are arranged two-dimensionally, Characters having a size that allows the reader to recognize their presence are arranged in a shaded manner in a quiet zone of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet zone excluding the four corners of the two-dimensional code, The characters expressed by the shading are arranged so as to surround the data area of ​​the two-dimensional code. Two-dimensional code.

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