Printed matter and printed matter identification system

Abstract

To provide a printed matter and a printed matter identification system that enable a person in charge to easily confirm route identification information, and that prevent a reseller from conducting actions of peeling off identification information.SOLUTION: A printed matter to be attached to the contents, the packaging or an accessory of an article includes a second layer 20 on which route identification information 23 indirectly indicating a distribution channel of the article is printed, under a first layer 10 on which an article display indicating the article is printed. The first layer 10 has a turn-over part 12 for turning over a part of the first layer 10, near the center. On the turn-over part 12, the whole or a part of the article display 11 is printed, and the route identification information 23 is printed in a region positioned under the turn-over part 12 of the first layer 10, out of the second layer 20, thus the route identification information 23 of the second layer 20 becomes visible by turning over the turn-over part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to printed matter and a printed matter identification system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for products such as luxury shampoos used in beauty salons and luxury cosmetics sold only in specific stores, distribution channels are set by the shipper so that the products are sold only in predetermined beauty salons and stores. However, there are people (hereinafter referred to as "resellers") who sell (resell) such products through distribution channels other than the official distribution channels and make a profit. Therefore, in order to prevent such resale activities, shippers may print identification information indicating the distribution channel, such as an identification number to identify the shipping destination, on the label, in addition to the usual labeling.

[0003] However, some resellers may remove such identification numbers to make it impossible to identify the shipping destination of the resold items. For this reason, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the inverted information of the identification information is printed and concealed under a concealing layer so that it cannot be seen from the outside, and Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the identification information is printed with invisible ink. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-113616 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-028154 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the inversion information (identification information) cannot be seen unless the label attached to the product is peeled off from the product, and there is a risk that the label may be torn when peeled off, making it impossible to confirm the inversion information. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 requires a special ink called invisible ink, which makes it expensive and also requires a black light to check, making it difficult to check easily. Therefore, there has been a demand for printed materials that enable shippers and other personnel to easily check route identification information.

[0006] Furthermore, in Japan, there are no laws that punish the resale of products, so resellers do not have to worry about being penalized if they remove the identifying information, which creates the problem of not being able to deter resellers from reselling.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a printed matter and a printed matter identification system that allows a legitimate person in charge of selling a product to easily check route identification information and that effectively prevents resellers from attempting to remove the route identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The printed matter of the present invention is a printed matter to be affixed to a container, packaging, or accessory of a product, and has a first layer on which a product marking indicating the product is printed and a second layer on which route identification information indirectly indicating the distribution route of the product is printed, the first layer having a turn-up portion for turning up a portion of the first layer, and all or part of the product marking is printed on the turn-up portion, the route identification information is printed in an area of ​​the second layer that is located below the turn-up portion of the first layer, and the route identification information on the second layer can be seen by turning up the turn-up portion. In the printed matter, the turn-over portion may be configured by forming a perforation, a cut, or a groove in the first layer. In the printed matter, a part of the product label is printed on the turn-over portion, and the product label can be damaged by turning up the turn-over portion. In the above printed matter, the first layer may be configured to be adhered to the second layer at the peripheral portion around the turning portion, and not to be adhered to the second layer in the area where the turning portion is located. In the above printed matter, the second layer may have a larger area than the first layer, and may have a concealed area covered by the first layer and a non-concealed area that is exposed and not covered by the first layer, and the route identification information may be printed in the concealed area and the non-concealed area, respectively. The printed matter identification system of the present invention includes the printed matter, an information processing device that stores a correspondence between the route identification information printed on the printed matter and route information corresponding to the route identification information, and outputs the route information based on the route identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the first layer has a turn-over section, and by turning up the turn-over section, the route identification information printed on the second layer can be seen, allowing the person in charge to easily check the route identification information. Also, because the product label is printed on the turn-over section, turning up the turn-over section can damage or remove the product label, potentially reducing the product value or violating laws regarding product labeling. This can deter resellers from turning up the turn-over section, thereby deterring the resale of products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A to 2C are plan views showing the first and second layers that constitute the printed matter according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3]1 is a plan view showing a state in which the turn-over portion of the first layer is turned up in the printed matter according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a configuration diagram of a printed matter identification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the printed matter according to the present embodiment is attached to a product container. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a printed matter according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention relates to a printed matter and a printed matter identification system for preventing resale of products. The printed matter according to the present invention is a label affixed to a product container, packaging, or accessory. Furthermore, product accessories are items such as shipping tags and instruction manuals that are in direct or indirect contact with the product container or packaging or are enclosed within the packaging and are distributed together with the product. In the following embodiment, the printed matter of the present invention will be described using as an example a label to be affixed to the container of a product such as cosmetics or luxury shampoo.

[0012] The printed matter according to the present invention can be affixed to the container, packaging, or accessories of a product before the product is shipped from a factory or the like (before the product is distributed along a logistics route), or when the product is shipped from a logistics warehouse or the like during the distribution process. Printed matter affixed to products delivered to a store in a store may be excluded from the scope of the present invention, as there is no possibility of resale. Furthermore, the printed matter according to the present invention is generally distributed in a form affixed to the product's container, packaging, or accessories, but when the printed matter itself is sold, it can be distributed without being affixed to the product's container, packaging, or accessories.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a printed matter 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first layer 10 and a second layer 20 constituting the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment, with (A) showing the first layer 10 and (B) showing the second layer 20. Furthermore, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment with the turn-up portion 12 of the first layer 10 turned up. Furthermore, FIG. 4 is a side view showing the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment has a first layer 10, a second layer 20, an adhesive layer 30, and a release layer 40, with the first layer 10 laminated on the second layer 20.

[0014] The first layer 10 is a film made of various synthetic resins, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first layer 10 has a required marking 11 printed on it. The required marking 11 is information identifying the product. For example, the required marking 11 may be a legal marking that violates the product labeling law if a person not responsible for the sale intentionally damages or removes the required marking 11, or a marking that reduces the value of the product if removed at the time of resale. Examples of the required marking 11 include, but are not limited to, the name, trade name, and address of the manufacturer / distributor, the product name, serial number or code, the names of ingredients, and expiration date. Examples include, but are not limited to, a serial number indicating the authenticity of the product, a trademark, or a logo. While the example shown in FIG. 2A illustrates a single area of ​​the required marking 11, multiple required markings 11 may also be arranged in separate locations.

[0015] The first layer 10 also has a turn-up portion 12. The turn-up portion 12 is a portion for turning up a portion of the first layer 10, and is formed near the center of the first layer 10 (not on the periphery). The turn-up portion 12 is configured by forming perforations 13 along part or all of the periphery that constitutes the turn-up portion 12 to make it easier to turn up. In this embodiment, the turn-up portion 12 is a rectangular region, and the turn-up portion 12 is configured by forming perforations 13 on two opposing sides of the rectangle. Note that this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which perforations 13 are formed in the first layer 10 to make it easier to turn up the turn-up portion 12, but a configuration in which grooves, notches, etc. are formed instead of perforations 13 may also be used.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a state in which a cut 14 is made from the left edge of the upper perforation 13 to the left edge of the lower perforation 13 of a pair of perforations 13, thereby separating the upper and lower two sides and the left side of the rectangular turning portion 12, and then folding back the right side and turning it up. When the turning portion 12 is not turned up, the second identification information 23 of the second layer 20 is printed in a position directly below the turning portion 12 of the first layer 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second identification information 23 of the second layer 20 can be seen by turning up the turning portion 12. This allows a staff member to easily check the second identification information 23 by turning up the turning portion 12.

[0017] In this embodiment, a portion of the required marking 11 is printed on the turn-over portion 12, and when the turn-over portion 12 is turned up, the required marking 11 is damaged as shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, when a reseller turns up the turn-over portion 12 in an attempt to peel off the second identification information 23, the required marking 11 is damaged, which reduces the value of the product and violates the law. This discourages resellers from attempting to peel off the second identification information 23, and as a result, discourages attempts to resell the product.

[0018] The first layer 10 is bonded to the second layer 20, but not at the turnover portion 12, but rather at the periphery of the turnover portion 12. This allows the turnover portion 12 of the first layer 10 to be easily turned up. In addition, in this embodiment, by forming perforations 13 in the first layer 10, it is preferable to adjust the viscosity of the adhesive used to bond the first layer 10 and the second layer 20 together so that when an attempt is made to peel the first layer 10 from the edge of the second layer 20, the first layer 10 tears at the perforations 13 and the required markings 11 are damaged. This also prevents resellers from removing the second identification information 23 by peeling the first layer 10 from the edge without peeling up the turnover portion 12.

[0019] Like the first layer 10, the second layer 20 is a film made of various synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene. FIG. 2(B) is a plan view showing the second layer 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second layer 20 is formed to have a larger area than the first layer 10, and is configured so that when the first layer 10 is laminated on the second layer 20, a portion of the second layer 20 is exposed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the second layer 20 has an exposed area 22 on which first identification information 21 is printed and which is exposed without being concealed by the first layer 10 when the first layer 10 is laminated, and a concealed area 24 on which second identification information 23 is printed and which is concealed by the first layer 10 when the first layer 10 is laminated.

[0020] The first identification information 21 is identification information that indicates the logistics route of the product, such as the production lot, shipping destination, sales destination, and shipping warehouse, and is printed with letters, numbers, barcodes, etc. in the exposed area 22 of the second layer 20. Similarly to the first identification information 21, the second identification information 23 is also identification information that indicates the logistics route of the product, such as the production lot, shipping destination, sales destination, and shipping warehouse, and is printed with letters, numbers, barcodes, etc. in the exposed area 22. The first identification information 21 is printed in a position in the exposed area 22 that is below the turning portion 12 (required markings 11) so that it is visible when the turning portion 12 of the first layer 10 is turned up.

[0021] The first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 can be the same letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof, or a barcode. Alternatively, they can be different identification information as long as they are associated with the same logistics information. For example, the first identification information 21 can be character information, and the second identification information 23 can be a barcode indicating the same distribution route as the first identification information 21. Furthermore, by using relatively simple letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof that indicate the shipping destination, buyer, or shipping warehouse according to certain rules, the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 can be information that allows the shipper (user) to identify the distribution route of the product without using the information terminal 3 or the server 4. In this embodiment, the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 can be stored in the server 4 in association with information indicating the distribution route, thereby enabling the product distribution route to be identified from the identification information.

[0022] As described above, in this embodiment, the person in charge (user) at the shipper can identify the distribution route of the product using the information terminal 3 or the server 4 based on the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 printed on the second layer 20. However, there are cases where the reseller knows that the identification information indicates the distribution route, and in such cases, the reseller may remove (erase) the exposed first identification information 21 from the container 2. However, even if the reseller removes the exposed first identification information 21 on the second layer 20, the person in charge (user) can identify the distribution route of the product from the second identification information 23 concealed on the second layer 20, and therefore it becomes possible to understand the distribution route through which the reseller resold the product.

[0023] Although the second identification information 23 is unlikely to be peeled off because it is concealed in the first layer 10, it is conceivable that some resellers may peel off the first layer 10 once in order to also peel off the second identification information 23, and then reattach the first layer 10 after peeling off the second identification information 23. However, as described above, with the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment, if a reseller peels up the turning portion 12 or peels off the first layer 10 from an edge, the required markings 11 may be damaged, reducing the value of the product, or the required markings 11 may be damaged or removed, resulting in a violation of product labeling laws. Therefore, resellers can be deterred from peeling off the second identification information 23, and as a result, resellers can be deterred from reselling products altogether.

[0024] Furthermore, the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment has an adhesive layer 30 and a release layer 40 for attaching the printed matter 1 to a container 2. The adhesive layer 30 is formed on the surface of the second layer 20 opposite to the surface on which the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 are printed (the surface in contact with the first layer 10), and the printed matter 1 can be attached to the container 2 by peeling the release layer 40 from the adhesive layer 30 and bringing the adhesive layer 30 into contact with the container 2. The adhesive layer 30 and the release layer 40 may be known layers that are commonly used for labels such as the printed matter 1.

[0025] Next, an identification information processing system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the identification information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the identification information processing system 100 according to this embodiment includes a product (product container 2) to which a printed matter 1 is attached, an information terminal 3 used by a user of the identification information processing system 100, such as a person in charge at the shipping source, and a server 4 capable of exchanging information with the information terminal 3 via the Internet or the like.

[0026] The product container 2 not only contains the product, but also has various indications printed on its outer surface indicating the contents of the product contained therein. Here, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the product container 2 according to this embodiment, and in particular shows the back surface of the product container 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the product container 2 according to this embodiment has the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment attached to its back surface.

[0027] The information terminal 3 is an information device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone, and includes a reading unit 31 for reading the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 printed on the second layer 20 of the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment. The information terminal 3 also stores a program for reading the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23. By executing the program, the reading unit 31 can read the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 and obtain the information of the read first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23. The reading unit 31 may be a camera or a dedicated reader. The reading unit 31 may be built into the information terminal 3 or may be an external device connected to the information terminal 3. The program may be stored in the information terminal 3 in advance, or the information terminal 3 may temporarily download the program from a server and execute the temporarily downloaded program on the information terminal 3. Furthermore, the information of the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 read by the information terminal 3 is not particularly limited, and the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 may be acquired as image information as is, or may be converted by a program into information such as binary information corresponding to the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 and acquired.

[0028] The server 4 communicates with the information terminal 3 via the Internet, thereby acquiring from the information terminal 3 the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 printed on the printed matter 1 affixed to the product container 2, extracting distribution channel information corresponding to the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23, and providing the information to the information terminal 3. Specifically, the server 4 has a database in which the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 printed on the printed matter 1 affixed to the product container 2 are stored in association with information indicating the product distribution channel. When the server 4 acquires the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 from the information terminal 3, the server 4 refers to the database and extracts information on the product distribution channel corresponding to the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23. The server 4 then transmits the extracted distribution channel information to the information terminal 3.

[0029] As a result, even if a product is resold through a distribution channel different from the official distribution channel, the person in charge (user) of the product shipper can obtain the resold product and read the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 printed on the printed matter 1 affixed to the product's container 2 with the information terminal 3 to obtain information indicating the distribution channel of the resold product from the server 4. Furthermore, even if a reseller removes or erases the exposed first identification information 21 on the printed matter 1 affixed to the product's container 2 when reselling the product, the person in charge (user) of the product shipper can read the second identification information 23 concealed in the printed matter 1 with the information terminal 3 and, based on the read second identification information 23, identify the distribution channel of the product corresponding to the second identification information 23, thereby inferring from which distribution channel (shipping destination, sales destination, shipping warehouse, etc.) the product was resold.

[0030] In addition, the second identification information 23 is printed on the second layer 20 so as to be positioned below the required markings 11 on the first layer 10. If a reseller were to attempt to remove the second identification information 23, they would also be removing the required markings 11 printed on the first layer 10, which would reduce the value of the product or be against the law, thereby deterring resellers from removing the second identification information 23.

[0031] As described above, the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment has a first layer 10 on which a required mark 11 identifying the product is printed, and a second layer 20 on which first identification information 21 and second identification information 23 that indirectly indicate the product's distribution route are printed. The first layer 10 has a turn-up portion 12 for turning up a portion of the first layer 10. All or part of the product mark 11 is printed on the turn-up portion 12. The second identification information 23 is printed in an area of ​​the second layer 20 that is located below the turn-up portion 12 of the first layer 10. By turning up the turn-up portion 12, the second identification information 23 on the second layer 20 becomes visible. As a result, even if a reseller removes the first identification information 21 exposed in the exposed area 22 to conceal the distribution route through which the product to which the printed matter 1 is affixed has been resold, a shipper or other person in charge can identify the product's distribution route based on the second identification information 23 hidden beneath the required mark 11.

[0032] In particular, in the printed matter 1 according to this embodiment, perforations 13 and the like are formed around the area forming the turning portion 12 to make it easy to turn over the turning portion 12, and by turning over the turning portion 12, a person in charge can easily confirm the second identification information 23 concealed beneath the required markings 11. Furthermore, by forming the turning portion 12, which is easy to turn over and has perforations 13, and configuring it so that a portion of the required markings 11 is printed on it, turning over the turning portion 12 can damage the required markings 11, which may reduce the value of the product or violate laws regarding product labeling. Therefore, resellers can be deterred from turning over the turning portion 12 to remove the second identification information 23, and as a result, resellers can also be deterred from reselling products themselves. In addition, even if a reseller attempts to peel off the first layer 10 from one edge in order to remove the second identification information 23, because the first layer 10 has perforations 13 for forming the turn-over portion 12, the perforations 13 and the turn-over portion 12 may tear while peeling off the first layer 10, which also discourages resellers from peeling off the second identification information 23. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the printed matter 1 is affixed to the product container 2, the printed matter 1 may also be affixed to packaging such as a box or bag that stores the product container 2, or to packaging such as a packaging film attached to the container 2, or the printed matter 1 may also be affixed to a shipping label that comes into direct or indirect contact with the product container 2, or to an instruction manual or card enclosed in packaging such as a box.

[0033] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments, and such modifications and improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0034] For example, in addition to the above-described embodiment, the information terminal 3 or the server 4 may be configured to have a function of creating the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 for each logistics route.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the server 4 stores the first identification information 21 and the second identification information 23 in association with information indicating a product's logistics route, and when the server 4 acquires the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 from the information terminal 3, it transmits the information on the logistics route corresponding to the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 to the information terminal 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the information terminal 3 may store the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23 in association with information indicating a product's logistics route, and when the reader 31 of the information terminal 3 acquires the information on the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23, it may acquire the information on the logistics route corresponding to the first identification information 21 or the second identification information 23. In this case, the identification information processing system including the product container 2, packaging, or accessory, which is a printed matter, and the information terminal 3, can identify the product's logistics information without having the server 4.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the area of ​​the second layer 20 is larger than the area of ​​the first layer 10 has been exemplified, but this configuration is not limited to this, and the area of ​​the second layer 20 and the area of ​​the first layer 10 may be the same size, or the area of ​​the first layer 10 may be larger than the area of ​​the second layer 20. In these cases, it is preferable to print the first identification information 21 not on the second layer 20 but on an area of ​​the first layer 10 that is not the turning-over portion 12, thereby enabling the first identification information printed on the first layer 10 to be confirmed without turning over the turning-over portion 12.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which part of the required mark 11 is printed on the turn-over portion 12, and when the turn-over portion 12 is turned up, the required mark 11 is damaged, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the entire required mark 11 may be printed within the turn-over portion 12, and when the turn-over portion 12 is turned up, the required mark 11 may be peeled off from the product container 2. In this case, too, peeling off the required mark 11 from the product container 2 may be a violation of the law regarding product labeling, and it is possible to deter reselling by resellers.

[0038] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a pair of upper and lower perforations 13 are provided, and turning-up portion 12 is turned up by making incisions 14 and separating this pair of perforations 13, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, perforations 13 may be U-shaped, or other configurations may be used in which perforations 13 are formed at positions on three sides where turning-up portion 12 is separated from first layer 10 when turning-up portion 12. This allows turning-up portion 12 to be easily turned up without making incisions 14.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, perforations 13 are formed in a straight line as shown in Fig. 1, but even if a reseller cuts off perforations 13 and turns up turn-over portion 12, it is expected that the reseller will be able to repair perforations 13 as if they had not been cut off. Therefore, perforations 13 can be formed in a zigzag shape or a wavy shape as shown in Fig. 7 so that repairing perforations 13 after cutting them off is difficult. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 100...Identification information processing system 1,1a...Printed matter 10,10a…1st layer 11…Required display 12...Turning section 13...Perforation 14...Notch 20…Second layer 21...First identification information 22...Exposed area 23...Second identification information 24...Hidden Area 30…Adhesive layer 40...Release layer 3...Information terminal 31...Reading unit 4. Server

Claims

1. A printed matter to be affixed to a product container, packaging, or accessory, Below the first layer, which has the product label printed on it, a second layer on which route identification information indirectly indicating the distribution route of the product is printed; the first layer has a turn-up portion for turning up a part of the first layer, The turning-over portion has all or part of the product display printed thereon, The route identification information is printed in an area of ​​the second layer that is located below the turning-over portion of the first layer, and the route identification information on the second layer can be viewed by turning up the turning-over portion.

2. The printed matter according to claim 1 , wherein the turning portion is formed by forming a perforation, a cut, or a groove in the first layer.

3. A part of the product display is printed on the turning portion, The printed matter according to claim 1 , wherein the product label is damaged by turning up the turning portion.

4. The printed matter according to claim 1 , wherein the first layer is adhered to the second layer at a peripheral edge around the turning portion, and is not adhered to the second layer in the region where the turning portion is located.

5. the second layer has an area larger than that of the first layer and includes a concealed area covered by the first layer and a non-concealed area that is not covered by the first layer and is exposed; The printed matter according to claim 1 , wherein the route identification information is printed in the concealed area and the non-concealed area.

6. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A printed matter identification system comprising: an information processing device that stores a correspondence between the route identification information printed on the printed matter and route information corresponding to the route identification information, and outputs the route information based on the route identification information.

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