Identification card issuing method, identification card issuing system and authentication method

Abstract

To provide an identification card issuing system, an identification card issuing method, and an authentication method capable of issuing an identification card that can confirm that the issued identification card is genuine and that the owner is the person in question, even when a network connection with an external server is cut off.SOLUTION: An identification card issuing system includes an acquisition unit, a data creation unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires applicant information, which is information about an applicant requesting issuance of an identification card. The data creation unit converts the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit into a latent image, embeds it in the identification card, and creates output data. The output unit either prints the output data created by the data creation unit on a substrate to create the identification card, or outputs identification card data composed of the output data to a mobile terminal of the applicant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Traditionally, there have been many occasions in society where proof of personal identity is required, such as when opening a new account at a financial institution, or when requesting various documents, extracts, or transcripts from a public institution. In such cases, it is common to present a driver's license, employee ID, or other identification at the counter.

[0003] Furthermore, if an identification card is lost due to a disaster, etc., it is currently very difficult to prove one's identity, and it takes a great deal of time to do so. In order to solve this problem, a technology for issuing identification cards has been disclosed, for example, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technology having an identification request terminal, a registration unit, and an identification server. The identification request terminal transmits a certification request and biometric information of a person requesting certification via a communication line. The registration unit is provided in an identification authority for communicating with the identification request terminal via the communication line. The registration unit also pre-registers the requester's identification information and biometric information in correspondence with each other. The identification server then verifies the identity of the person by comparing the biometric information received from the identification request terminal with the registered biometric information in the registration unit, and transmits the corresponding registered identification information to the identification request terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-15086 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to issue an identification card, an identification request terminal, which is an information terminal, and an identification server must be connected via a network. Therefore, there is a problem in that an identification card cannot be issued when the network connection between the identification request terminal and the identification server is cut off due to a disaster or the like. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not include a means for verifying that the issued identification card is genuine, and it has been desired to issue an identification card that can verify that the issued identification card is genuine and that the owner is the person in question.

[0007] In consideration of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an identification card issuing system, an identification card issuing method, and an authentication method that can issue an identification card that can verify that the issued identification card is genuine and that the owner is the person in question, even when the network connection with an external server is cut off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The method for issuing an identification card of the present invention is a method for issuing an identification card that has a function capable of authenticating the identity of an applicant, and is characterized by including a process of acquiring applicant information, which is information about the applicant seeking issuance of an identification card; a process of converting the acquired applicant information into a latent image that can be visualized by an application provided in an information terminal, and creating output data to be embedded in the identification card; and a process of either printing the created output data on a substrate to produce the identification card, or sending identification card data consisting of the output data to the applicant's mobile terminal.

[0009] In addition, the identification card issuing system of the present invention is an identification card issuing system equipped with a function capable of authenticating the identity of an applicant, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires applicant information, which is information about the applicant requesting the issuance of an identification card; a data creation unit that converts the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit into a latent image that can be visualized by an application provided in an information terminal and creates output data to be embedded in the identification card; and an output unit that either prints the output data created by the data creation unit on a substrate to produce an identification card, or sends identification card data consisting of the output data to the applicant's mobile terminal.

[0010] The identification card issuing system of the present invention is characterized by comprising an information terminal having an acquisition section and a data creation section, and an output device that prints an image on a substrate.

[0011] In addition, the identification card issuance system of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a memory unit in which advance applicant information relating to the applicant is pre-registered, and after comparing the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit with the advance applicant information pre-registered in the memory unit, it creates output data.

[0012] The identification card issuing system of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a communication unit that transmits the issuance information, including the applicant information or the output data, to an external database.

[0013] Furthermore, the authentication method of the present invention is a method for authenticating an identification card or identification card data issued by an identification card issuing system equipped with a communication unit that transmits issuance information including the above-mentioned applicant information or output data to an external database, and is characterized in that it compares the identification card or identification card data submitted to the authentication counter with the issuance information stored in the external database transmitted by the identification card issuing system, and performs authentication processing to determine whether the identification card or identification card data submitted to the counter is an identification card or identification card data issued by the identification card issuing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above-described configuration of the identification card issuing system, identification card issuing method, and authentication method, even in the event of a disaster or other situation where the network connection to an external server is cut off, it is possible to issue an identification card that can determine the authenticity of the issued identification card and verify that the owner is the person in question. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification card issuing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart showing an identification card issuing method using the identification card issuing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification card issuing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification card issuing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification card issuing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification card issuing system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an identification card issuing system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an authentication method using an identification card issuing system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an identification card issued by the identification card issuing system. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the configuration of latent image elements formed on an identification card. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an identification card issued by the identification card issuing system. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other configurations of latent image elements formed on an identification card. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an image formed on an identification card. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an image formed on an identification card. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of an identification card issuing system, an identification card issuing method, and an authentication method will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14. Note that common members in the figures are given the same reference numerals.

[0017] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Configuration of the ID card issuing system First, the configuration of an identification card issuing system and an identification card issuing method according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an identification card issuing system (1).

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the identification card issuing system (1) includes an information terminal (2) consisting of a smartphone or tablet, and an output device (3) which is an example of an output unit. The output device (3) is connected to the information terminal (2) by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to receive information from the information terminal (2). It is also preferable that the information terminal (2) and the output device (3) have built-in power sources for supplying electric power. This is because the identification card issuing system (1) can be used even if the external power supply is cut off during a disaster, power outage, etc.

[0019] The information terminal (2) is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The information terminal (2) also has an acquisition unit that acquires applicant information necessary for issuing an identification card. Examples of the acquisition unit of the information terminal (2) include a camera that captures an image of the applicant and a receiving unit that receives the applicant information. The acquisition unit may also include an input unit that inputs applicant information by operating a keyboard or touch panel. That is, the information terminal (2) acquires the applicant information by capturing an image or receiving the information. When the applicant information is received by the receiving unit, the applicant information may be acquired from a mobile terminal owned by the applicant via wired or wireless communication.

[0020] Here, applicant information may include, for example, a facial image, biometric information (iris, fingerprints, etc.), name, date of birth, address, etc., or a combination of these pieces of information. If a camera is used as the acquisition unit of the information terminal (2), an image of the document on which the applicant has written his / her name, address, etc. may be captured and used as applicant information.

[0021] The information terminal (2) also has a data creation unit that converts the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit into a predetermined format and creates identification card data (output data). The data creation unit converts the applicant information into a latent image. The data creation unit may convert all of the applicant information into a latent image, or may convert only part of the applicant information into a latent image. The data creation unit then creates output data for embedding the converted latent image in the identification card. The information terminal (2) also transmits the output data created by the data creation unit to the output device (3). The output data and applicant information created by the data creation unit of the information terminal (2) may be stored in a memory unit of the information terminal (2).

[0022] The output device (3) is, for example, a printer that prints an image on a substrate such as paper or a plastic sheet. The printing method used by the printer may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a laser printer method, or any other printing method. The output device (3) then prints the output data created by the data creation unit onto the substrate to produce the identification card.

[0023] The configuration of the latent image into which the applicant information is converted by the data creation unit of the information terminal (2) and the method for verifying the latent image will be described in detail later. However, the identification card issued by the identification card issuance system (1) can be read using an information terminal on which an application for visualizing the latent image is installed. This makes it easy to determine the authenticity of the identification card and verify the identity of the applicant, even in a disaster when the network connection to the external server is cut off. The information terminal for reading the issued identification card may be the information terminal (2) that issues the identification card, or a terminal on which an application for visualizing the latent image is installed may be installed at the counter where the identification card is submitted. Note that if the output data and the applicant information are stored in the memory unit of the information terminal (2), when the issued identification card is read using the information terminal (2), the visualized latent image and at least one of the output data and the applicant information may be used to verify the identification card.

[0024] Conventional methods for determining the authenticity of identification documents include a technique in which, when a printed document is copied, some areas are not reproduced and the reproduced pattern appears as a latent image. In this case, it is impossible to confirm the authenticity without a copier. There is also a method for determining authenticity by checking the fluorescence emitted by ultraviolet or infrared light, but installing special light sources at all authentication counters is costly and has the problem that the authenticity of the identification document cannot be determined if there is no power supply. In contrast, identification documents issued by the identification document issuing system (1) can be read using an information terminal, allowing the authenticity of the identification document to be determined and the person to be identified without the use of special equipment.

[0025] 1-2. How to issue an ID card Next, a method for issuing an identification card using the identification card issuing system (1) having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the method for issuing an identification card.

[0026] 2, first, the applicant, for example, follows instructions from an operator and uses the acquisition unit of the information terminal (2) to take a photograph of the applicant's face or input various applicant information such as biometric information, name, date of birth, etc. As a result, the acquisition unit of the information terminal (2) acquires the applicant information (step S1).

[0027] Next, the data creation unit of the information terminal (2) converts the acquired applicant information into a latent image and creates output data to be embedded in the identification card (step S2). The data creation unit may convert all of the applicant information into a latent image, or may convert only part of the applicant information into a latent image. The information terminal (2) then transmits the output data created by the data creation unit to the output device (3).

[0028] Next, the output device (3) outputs the received output data (step S3). In the processing of step S3, the output device (3) prints the output data on a substrate to produce an identification card. As a result, an identification card is issued in which the applicant information is embedded as a latent image.

[0029] The applicant's information is embedded in the issued ID card as a latent image. Therefore, the applicant's information cannot be seen with the naked eye. This makes it difficult to counterfeit the ID card.

[0030] In addition, the embedded applicant information can be read by photographing the ID card with a device (hereinafter referred to as the "reader") that can read the latent image converted by the data creation unit of the information terminal (2). This makes it easy to determine whether the ID card is authentic and to confirm the identity of the applicant using the applicant information read by the reader.

[0031] Furthermore, as described above, the identification card issuing system (1) can issue an identification card with the applicant's information embedded therein without connecting to an external server via a network. This allows identification cards to be issued even in the event of a disaster when the network connection to the external server is cut off.

[0032] Furthermore, if an information terminal with an application that visualizes the latent image from the identification card is used when reading the applicant information, it is possible to easily determine the authenticity of the identification card and confirm the identity of the applicant even in a state where the network connection to the external server is cut off due to a disaster. The information terminal that reads the issued identification card may be the information terminal (2) that issues the identification card, or a terminal with an application that visualizes the latent image installed may be installed at the counter where the identification card is submitted.

[0033] 2. Second embodiment Next, an identification card issuing system (1A) according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification card issuing system (1A) according to the second embodiment. Note that, among the components constituting the identification card issuing system (1) according to the second embodiment, descriptions of the contents common to the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the identification card issuing system (1A) according to the second embodiment includes only an information terminal (2A). The information terminal (2A) includes an acquisition unit that acquires applicant information and a data creation unit that creates output data for embedding the acquired applicant information in a certificate. The information terminal (2A) also includes an output unit that outputs the output data created by the data creation unit to an external terminal as identification card data. That is, in the identification card issuing system (1A) according to the second embodiment, the identification card is output as data to an external device. The output destination of the identification card data from the information terminal (2A) is, for example, the applicant's mobile terminal. In this case, a series of processes can be performed, from transmitting applicant information to the information terminal (2A) using the applicant's mobile terminal to receiving the identification card data created by the information terminal (2A).

[0035] Methods for outputting output data to the applicant's mobile device include transferring data by connecting the identification card issuing system (1A) and the applicant's mobile device via USB, or transmitting and receiving output data via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth function). When transmitting and receiving output data via wireless communication, the output data can be encrypted (e.g., using a common key method or a public key method) before transmission to ensure the authenticity of the output data. For example, the mobile device transmits a public key used to encrypt the output data to the identification card issuing system (1A), and the identification card issuing system (1A) encrypts the output data using the public key and transmits it to the mobile device. The mobile device can confirm the output data issued by the identification card issuing system (1A) by decrypting the encrypted output data with a private key. In this way, secure data communication between the identification card issuing system (A1) and the applicant's mobile device can be achieved by transmitting and receiving encrypted data.

[0036] When the identification card issuing system (A1) of the second embodiment outputs output data to the applicant's mobile terminal, the output data received by the mobile terminal can be displayed on the screen at the counter where the identification card is submitted, and can be read using an information terminal with an application for visualizing latent images installed. Furthermore, when the output data is stored in the memory of the information terminal (2), the output data received by the mobile terminal (2) can be transmitted to the identification card issuing system (A1) via the above-described encrypted communication, and compared with the output data stored in the memory of the identification card issuing system (A1), thereby confirming the authenticity of the output data stored in the mobile terminal. To ensure the authenticity of the issuing identification card issuing system (1A), it is also preferable to digitally sign the output data using a private key held by the identification card issuing system (A1) before transmitting it to the applicant's mobile terminal.

[0037] The other configurations are the same as those of the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. The identification card issuing system (1A) having such a configuration can also obtain the same effects as those of the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment described above.

[0038] According to the second embodiment of the identification card issuing system (1A), if the applicant has a mobile terminal, an identification card can be issued by outputting the output data to the applicant's mobile terminal, which eliminates the need to provide an output device for printing on a substrate, and is preferable because it reduces the cost and maintenance effort of the identification card issuing system (1A).

[0039] 3. Third embodiment Next, an identification card issuing system (1B) according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification card issuing system (1B) according to the third embodiment. Note that, among the components constituting the identification card issuing system (1B) according to the third embodiment, descriptions of the contents common to the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the identification card issuing system (1B) according to the third embodiment has an output device (3B) that prints an identification card on a substrate. The output device (3B) also has an acquisition unit that acquires applicant information and a data creation unit that creates output data for embedding the acquired applicant information in the identification card. That is, the output device (3B) according to the third embodiment has an image processing function that creates output data for embedding applicant information in the identification card, and a communication function that acquires applicant information.

[0041] The identification card issuing system (1B) having such a configuration can also provide the same effects as the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment described above.

[0042] 4. Fourth embodiment Next, an identification card issuing system (1C) according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification card issuing system (1C) according to the fourth embodiment. Note that, among the components constituting the identification card issuing system (1C) according to the fourth embodiment, descriptions of the contents common to the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 5, the identification card issuing system (1C) according to the fourth embodiment includes an information terminal (2C), an output device (3), and a storage unit (4). The information terminal (2C) includes an acquisition unit and a data creation unit. The information terminal (2C) is also connected to the storage unit (4).

[0044] The storage unit (4) is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory (NVRAM), a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit (4) also stores information transmitted from an external database (5).

[0045] Database (5) stores pre-applicant information registered in advance by applicants applying for the issuance of an identification card. When a network connection to database (5) is possible, storage unit (4) receives and stores the pre-applicant information stored in database (5). When the pre-applicant information in database (5) is updated, storage unit (4) receives the updated pre-applicant information and updates the previous pre-applicant information stored in database (5).

[0046] The information terminal (2C) has a matching unit. When performing the identification card issuance process, the matching unit matches the applicant information acquired from the acquisition unit with the advance applicant information stored in the memory unit (4). Then, when the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit matches the advance applicant information, the data creation unit of the information terminal (2C) creates output data with the applicant information embedded and sends it to the output device (3). This allows for more accurate identification of individuals and allows for accurate issuance of identification cards.

[0047] In the present invention, the database (5) can be appropriately applied depending on the form of issuance of the identification card. For example, in the case of issuing an identification card in the event of a disaster as described above, the database (5) is a database in which personal information held by a local government is registered in advance. Furthermore, an applicant may have an identification card issued by a local government other than the local government in which the applicant resides. In this case, advance applicant information may be received from a database held by each local government and stored in the memory unit (4) of the identification card issuing system (1C) that applies for issuance of the identification card.

[0048] Furthermore, when the ID issuing system (1C) issues tickets for reserving facilities, travel tickets, or tickets for transportation such as airplanes and trains, the system becomes a database (5) in which applicant information held by the operating companies is registered in advance. Also, when issuing IDs for attendees of a conference with limited access, the system becomes a database (5) in which information on attendees of the conference held by the company or institution running the conference is registered in advance.

[0049] The identification card issuing system (1C) according to the fourth embodiment has been described as an example in which applicant information acquired by an acquisition unit of an information terminal (2C) is compared with advance applicant information stored in a memory unit (4). However, the information terminal (2C) may also be configured to include a memory unit (4), and when the information terminal (2C) is able to connect to a database (5) via a network, it receives and stores advance applicant information stored in the database (5). Other configurations are similar to those of the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted. An identification card issuing system (1C) having such a configuration can also achieve the same effects as those of the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment described above.

[0050] 5. Fifth embodiment Next, an identification card issuing system (1D) according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification card issuing system (1D) according to the fifth embodiment. Note that, among the components constituting the identification card issuing system (1D) according to the fifth embodiment, descriptions of the contents common to the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the identification card issuing system (1D) according to the fifth embodiment includes an information terminal (2D) and an output device (3). The information terminal (2D) also has a communication unit. The communication unit is connected to an external database (5) so as to be able to send and receive information. When a network connection to the database (5) is possible, the communication unit of the information terminal (2D) acquires advance applicant information pre-stored in the database (5). The comparison unit of the information terminal (2D) then compares the advance applicant information with the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit. As a result, when a network connection to the database (5) is possible, the applicant information can be compared with the advance applicant information, allowing for more accurate identification of individuals and accurate issuance of identification cards.

[0052] The other configurations are the same as those of the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. The identification card issuing system (1D) having such a configuration can also obtain the same effects as those of the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment described above.

[0053] 6. Sixth embodiment Next, an identification card issuing system (1E) according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification card issuing system (1E) according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an authentication method using the identification card issuing system (1E) according to the sixth embodiment. Note that, in each part of the identification card issuing system (1E) according to the sixth embodiment, a description of the contents common to the identification card issuing system (1) according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7, the identification card issuing system (1E) according to the sixth embodiment includes an information terminal (2E) and an output device (3E). The information terminal (2E) has a communication unit. The communication unit is connected to an external database (5E) provided at, for example, an authentication counter or an authentication institution so as to be able to transmit and receive information. When a network connection with the database (5E) is possible, the communication unit of the information terminal (2E) transmits output data created by the data creation unit, i.e., issuance information, to the database (5E). The database (5E) stores the issuance information transmitted from the information terminal (2E).

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the output device (3E) prints the output data sent from the information terminal (2E) on a substrate or outputs it to a terminal held by the applicant.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, when authenticating an issued identification card, the applicant submits a printed identification card (10) or identification card data output to a terminal at a counter where authentication is performed. Then, at the counter, the identification card (10) or identification card data is compared with the issuance information stored in the database (5E). At this time, authentication is performed to determine whether the submitted identification card (10) or identification card data is the identification card (10) or identification card data issued by the identification card issuing system (1E).

[0057] The form shown in Fig. 8 can be applied to, for example, a service that issues identification cards based on My Number cards at terminals in convenience stores, by having the terminals in convenience stores acquire facial images and applicant information to issue identification cards even to people who do not possess My Number cards. When determining the authenticity of an identification card issued by the identification card issuing system (1E) and verifying the identity of the person, a reader checks the latent image of the identification card (10) submitted at the counter and compares it with the issuance information stored in a database (5) of the local government, etc., thereby enabling more reliable determination of authenticity and identity verification.

[0058] Other configurations are the same as those of the identification card issuing system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The identification card issuing system (1E) having such a configuration can also obtain the same effects as those of the identification card issuing system 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0059] 7. Identification Next, an identification card (10) issued using the identification card issuing system (1) having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. In the identification card (10) shown in Figures 9 to 12, a facial photograph of the applicant is embedded as a latent image as applicant information.

[0060] 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing an example of an identification card 10. In the identification card 10 shown in Fig. 9(a) and 9(b), a latent image showing a facial photograph is displayed in monotone (single color).

[0061] As shown in Figure 9(a), an image (30) including latent image elements (31) that constitute a latent image and visible lines (32) that form a visible pattern visible to the naked eye is printed on the substrate of the identification document (10).

[0062] When the identification card (10) shown in Fig. 9(a) is observed with the reading device (20), the latent image element (31) is converted into a latent image (22) as the applicant's facial photograph, and the latent image is visibly displayed on the display unit (21). Here, the reading device (20) is, for example, a smartphone installed with an application that visualizes the latent image converted by the data creation unit of the information terminal (2).

[0063] As shown in Figure 9(b), an image (30B) containing only latent image elements (31) constituting the latent image is printed on the substrate of the identification card (10B), and does not have any visible pattern visible to the naked eye. When this identification card (10B) is observed with a reading device (20), the latent image elements (31) are converted into a latent image (22B) as the applicant's facial photograph, and the latent image (22B) is visibly displayed on the display unit (21).

[0064] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the latent image element (31) formed on the identification document (10, 10B) shown in FIG. 9. Here, the latent image element (31) printed on the identification document (10B) shown in FIG. 9(b) will be described as an example. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the latent image element (31) is composed of lines that are approximately equal in shape and size but that are angled differently from each other (hereinafter referred to as a "first line (33)" and a "second line (34)"). Note that in the example shown in FIG. 10, the second line (34) intersects the first line (33) at a 90-degree angle, but the configuration of the latent image element (31) may be any configuration that allows the first line (33) and the second line (34) to be distinguishably extracted by a reading device (20) that extracts the edges of the latent image element (31), and may be a dotted line, a broken line, a curved line, or a wavy line, as well as a straight line. Furthermore, the shapes of the first object line 33 and the second object line 34 are not limited to linear shapes, and may be, for example, oval, triangular, etc. The configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6976527 proposed by the present applicant can be used for the first object line 33 and the second object line 34.

[0065] The reader (20) visualizes the latent image by reading the difference in the angle or shape of the first image line (33) and the second image line (34). Specifically, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6976527, a differential filter is applied according to the angles of the first image line (33) and the second image line (34), thereby creating a difference in the number of white pixels in the output image. For example, the differential filter makes the first image line (33) less likely to have its edges emphasized, and makes the second image line (34) more likely to have its edges emphasized.

[0066] Next, the reading device (20) averages the image output by the differential filter per unit area and converts it into a density value. Finally, the reading device (20) displays the processed latent image (22B) on a screen, and the "face image" is visualized. Note that the image visualized by the reading device (20) is not limited to a still image, but may also be a video. In the case of a video, the above-mentioned process is repeated frame by frame. The reading device (20) may also be configured to acquire an image using a scanner connected to a computer, and display the visualized image on a display screen through processing by software installed on the computer.

[0067] 11(a) and 11(b) are diagrams showing other examples of identification cards. In the identification cards (30C, 30D) shown in Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b), latent images (22C, 22D) showing facial photographs are displayed in color.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11(a), an image (30C) is printed on the substrate of an identification card (10C). The image (30C) has latent image elements (31C) that are a combination of latent image elements constituting a latent image and visible lines that form a visible pattern visible to the naked eye. The width of the latent image elements (31C) is not uniform, but is set to vary depending on the location depending on the design and shading of the visible pattern. When this identification card (10C) is observed with a reading device (20), the latent image elements (31C) are converted into a color latent image (22C) as the applicant's facial photograph, and the latent image is visibly displayed on the display unit (21).

[0069] As shown in Figure 11(b), an image (30D) is printed on the base material of the identification card (10D). The image (30D) does not have a visible pattern visible to the naked eye, but is formed only by latent image elements (31D) that form a latent image. When this identification card (10D) is observed with a reading device (20), the latent image (31D) is converted into a color latent image (22D) as the applicant's facial photograph, and is visibly displayed on the display unit (21).

[0070] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the latent image elements (31C, 31D) formed on the identification documents (10C, 10D) shown in Figure 11, and here, the latent image element (31D) printed on the identification document (10D) shown in Figure 11(b) will be explained as an example. Details of the configuration in which the latent image (22D) is displayed in color are described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7323112, and as shown in Figure 12, the latent image element (31D) is composed of a first object line (35), a second object line (36), and a third object line (37) that are approximately equal in shape and size and angled differently from one another, and the first object line (35), the second object line (36), and the third object line (37) have different angles corresponding to the color components of the latent image displayed as the color latent image (22D). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the configuration of the latent image element (31D) may be such that the first image line (35), the second image line (64), and the third image line (37) can be distinguishably extracted by the reading device (20) that extracts the edges of the latent image element (31D).

[0071] The reading device 20 visualizes the latent image by reading the difference in the angle or shape of the first object line 35, the second object line 36, and the third object line 37. Specifically, as described in Japanese Patent No. 7323112, the reading device 20 visualizes the color latent image 22D by coloring the first object line 35, the second object line 36, and the third object line 37, which have different angles, in different colors and combining them.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0073] Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be implemented in hardware, in part or in whole, by, for example, designing them as integrated circuits. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be implemented in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function may be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0074] Although the examples in which a black and white latent image or a color latent image is used as the latent image have been described, the present invention is not limited to this and various other latent images may be used. Other examples of latent images that may be used in the identification card of the present invention will be described below.

[0075] (Another example of a latent image) Figure 13(a) is a diagram showing another identification card (10E) on which an image (30E) is printed using output data in which applicant information is embedded. For ease of explanation, an example will be described here in which a "cherry blossom" design is formed as the visible pattern and the characters "Japan" are formed as the latent image. That is, in the image (30E) shown in Figure 13(a), the characters "Japan" cannot be visually confirmed, and only the "cherry blossom" design can be visually confirmed. When the discrimination device (20) is used, the characters "Japan" are visibly displayed as a latent image on the display unit (21).

[0076] FIG. 13(b) is an enlarged view of a partial region of the image (30E) shown in FIG. 13(a). The image (30E) is formed by arranging a plurality of units (U) in which the first line element (41), the second line element (42), and the third line element (43) shown in FIG. 13(b) are formed, in a matrix. The first line element (41) is provided in the unit (U) at the position that constitutes the characters "Japan" of the latent image. The second line element (42) is provided in the unit (U) at the position that constitutes the background of the characters "Japan" of the latent image. By forming the first line element (41) and the second line element (42) of the same size in a plurality of units, the image (30E) has a pattern of uniform density, and visually, the characters "Japan" cannot be recognized.

[0077] The third line element (43) is provided in the unit (U) at the position corresponding to the pattern of "sakura" which is a visible pattern. The first line element (41), the second line element (42), and the third line element (43) are arranged in different phases in the unit (U) shown in FIG. 13(b). Note that the fact that the first line element (41), the second line element (42), and the third line element (43) are arranged in different phases means that, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the first line element (41) and the second line element (42) are arranged at positions shifted in the vertical direction within the unit (U), the first line element (41) and the third line element (43) are also arranged at positions shifted in the vertical direction within the unit (U), and the second line element (42) and the third line element (43) are also arranged at positions shifted in the vertical direction within the unit (U).

[0078] In this way, in the image (30E) formed by arranging each image element (41, 42, 43) at a different phase within the unit (U), the characters "Japan" are visually recognized as a latent image by sampling only the image element of the phase corresponding to the first image element (41) or the second image element (42). Note that FIG. 13 is a simplified explanation of the image (30E) formed on the identification card (10E). For the image (30E) with an embedded latent image, the configuration described in Japanese Patent No. 4635160 can be used, and for the method of reading the latent image, the reading method described in Japanese Patent No. 7024982 can be used. Furthermore, by placing a lenticular lens over the identification card (10E) printed by the identification card issuing system (1), the characters "Japan" can be recognized as a latent image pattern, making it possible to determine the authenticity of the identification card (10E) and verify the identity of the person.

[0079] (Another example of latent image 2) FIG. 14(a) shows another identification card (10F) on which an image (30F) is printed using output data in which applicant information is embedded. For ease of explanation, an example will be described in which the letter "A" is formed as a latent image pattern without forming a visible pattern. The image (30F) shown in FIG. 14(a) is composed of a latent image portion (the area of ​​the letter "A") made up of halftone dots (51) of a size that can be reproduced by a copier, and a background portion (around the letter "A") made up of halftone dots (52) that are not reproduced by a copier or are reproduced with reduced density. The size of the halftone dots reproduced by a copier is 50 μm or larger in diameter, depending on the copier's performance. The size of the halftone dots that are not reproduced by a copier or are reproduced with reduced density is smaller than 50 μm in diameter, depending on the copier's performance. Then, by narrowing the intervals between the halftone dots (52) arranged in the background portion relative to the intervals between the halftone dots (51) arranged in the latent image portion, the image (30F) as a whole has a uniform density, and the image (30F) has the letter "A" embedded as a latent image pattern.

[0080] The latent image pattern can also be visualized in the identification card (10F) shown in Figure 14(a) by the reading method described in Patent Publication No. 7024982. Furthermore, when the identification card (10F) printed by the identification card issuing system (1) is copied by a copier, the halftone dots in the latent image portion are reproduced as they are, while the halftone dots in the background portion are not reproduced or are reduced in density, allowing the letter "A" to be identified as the latent image pattern, enabling the authenticity of the identification card (10F) to be determined and the identity of the person identified.

[0081] Figure 14(b) shows an identification card (10G) bearing an image (30G) formed by replacing the halftone dots (51) of a size that can be reproduced by a copier in the image (30F) shown in Figure 14(a) with line images (61) of a size that can be reproduced by a copier. In this case, the width of the line images (61) reproduced by the copier is 50 μm or more, depending on the performance of the copier. Furthermore, by narrowing the spacing between the halftone dots (52) in the background area relative to the spacing between the line images (61) in the latent image area, the image (30G) has a uniform density as a whole, and the latent image pattern, the letter "A," is embedded in the image (30G).

[0082] The latent image pattern of the identification card (10G) shown in FIG. 14(b) can also be visualized by the reading method described in Japanese Patent No. 7024982. Furthermore, when the printed identification card (10G) is copied using a copier, the lines of the latent image are reproduced as they are, while the halftone dots in the background are not reproduced or are reduced in density, allowing the letter "A" to be identified as the latent image pattern, enabling the authenticity of the identification card (10G) and identity verification. The images (30F, 30G) shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are configured such that the latent image can be confirmed by partially losing or reducing the density of the image when copied. However, the configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 14, and configurations described in Japanese Patent Nos. 6991514 and 7024979 that achieve similar effects can also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Identification Card Issuance System 2, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E Information terminal 3, 3B, 3E output machine 4 Storage section 5, 5E database 10, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G Identification Card 20 Reading device 21 Display section 22, 22B, 22C, 22D Latent images 30, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G Images

Claims

1. A method for issuing an identification card having a function capable of authenticating the identity of an applicant, comprising: obtaining applicant information, which is information about the applicant requesting issuance of an identification card; converting the acquired applicant information into a latent image that can be visualized by an application installed in the information terminal, and creating output data to be embedded in the identification card; a process of printing the created output data on a substrate to produce the identification card, or sending identification card data consisting of the output data to the applicant's mobile terminal.

2. An identification card issuing system having a function capable of authenticating the identity of an applicant, an acquisition unit that acquires applicant information, which is information about the applicant requesting issuance of an identification card; a data creation unit that converts the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit into a latent image that can be visualized by an application installed in an information terminal, and creates output data to be embedded in the identification card; an output unit that prints the output data created by the data creation unit on a substrate to produce the identification card, or that transmits identification card data consisting of the output data to the applicant's mobile terminal.

3. further comprising a storage unit in which advance applicant information relating to the applicant is registered in advance; The identification card issuing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the output data is created after comparing the applicant information acquired by the acquisition unit with the advance applicant information pre-registered in the memory unit.

4. 3. The identification card issuing system according to claim 2, further comprising a communication unit that transmits the applicant information or the issuance information including the output data to an external database.

5. A method for authenticating the identification card or the identification card data issued by the identification card issuing system according to claim 4, comprising: An authentication method characterized by comparing the identification card or the identification card data with the issuance information stored in the external database transmitted by the identification card issuing system, and performing authentication processing to determine whether the identification card or the identification card data is the identification card or the identification card data issued by the identification card issuing system.

Images