Anti-counterfeit label management system, program, and Anti-counterfeit label management method

Abstract

To provide an anti-counterfeit label management system and an anti-counterfeit label management method configured to, when anti-counterfeit labels are likely to run low, prompt a request from an anti-counterfeit label user to send labels and modification of a contractual upper limit of available labels.SOLUTION: An anti-counterfeit label management system includes: a contract information acquisition unit which acquires contract information on a contract related to provision of anti-counterfeit labels, between an anti-counterfeit label user who users an anti-counterfeit label for a product and an anti-counterfeit label provider who provides the anti-counterfeit label to the anti-counterfeit label user; a status of use acquisition unit which acquires a status of use of the anti-counterfeit label used by the anti-counterfeit label user; and a calculation unit which calculates the number of remaining anti-counterfeit labels available to the anti-counterfeit label user based on the contract, based on the contract information and the status of use information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a counterfeit prevention label management system, a program, and a counterfeit prevention label management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the information processing method as follows: "An information processing device executes a product information acquisition step in which an information processing device acquires product identification information capable of identifying the product to be matched from a serial code attached to the product to be matched or image information of the product to be matched; an optical image acquisition step in which an optical image information relating to an optical image obtained from a fine line pattern attached to the product to be matched; and a matching step in which an information processing device generates a matching result by matching the acquired optical image information with correct answer information relating to a correct answer label of the optical image corresponding to the product identification information." [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 054869 Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-counterfeit label management system comprising: a contract information acquisition unit that acquires contract information for a contract relating to the provision of anti-counterfeit labels between an anti-counterfeit label user who uses anti-counterfeit labels on products and an anti-counterfeit label provider who provides anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user; a usage status acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels by the anti-counterfeit label user; and a calculation unit that calculates the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user can use based on the contract, based on the contract information and the usage status.

[0004] The contract information may include an upper limit on the number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user.

[0005] The usage status may include at least one of the number of anti-counterfeit labels used by the anti-counterfeit label user by attaching them to products and the number of anti-counterfeit labels provided to the anti-counterfeit label user by the anti-counterfeit label provider.

[0006] The usage status acquisition unit may acquire at least one of the usage quantity and the supply quantity from a terminal used by a user of the anti-counterfeit label.

[0007] The usage status acquisition unit may acquire the provided quantity from a terminal used by a provider of the anti-counterfeit labels.

[0008] Any of the above anti-counterfeit label management systems may further include an alert information generation unit that generates alert information indicating that an anti-counterfeit label user may run out of anti-counterfeit labels based on the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels and / or their usage status, and an alert information output unit that outputs the alert information to a terminal used by the anti-counterfeit label user.

[0009] The alert information generating section may generate alert information when the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels is equal to or less than a predetermined standard.

[0010] The alert information generating unit may generate alert information when the speed at which a user of the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label uses the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard.

[0011] Any of the above anti-counterfeit label management systems may further include an expected supply quantity acquisition unit that acquires an expected quantity of anti-counterfeit labels that can be supplied by the anti-counterfeit label provider. The alert information generation unit may generate alert information based on the remaining number and / or usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels and the expected quantity.

[0012] The expected quantity may be based on the quantity of material for the anti-counterfeit labels held by the anti-counterfeit label provider.

[0013] Any of the above anti-counterfeit label management systems may further include a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information requesting the provision of anti-counterfeit labels from a terminal used by an anti-counterfeit label user, and a delivery request output unit that outputs a delivery request to a terminal used by an anti-counterfeit label provider in accordance with the request information, requesting that an anti-counterfeit label be delivered to the anti-counterfeit label user.

[0014] The contract information acquisition unit may acquire, when a contract related to the contract information is changed, changed contract information related to the changed contract from the terminal used by the anti-counterfeit label user. The calculation unit may calculate the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels based on the changed contract information and the usage status.

[0015] The alert information output unit may output, in addition to the alert information, recommendation information that recommends the user of the anti-counterfeit label to change the contract.

[0016] Any of the above anti-counterfeit label management systems may further include a contract information changing unit that automatically changes, within the range specified in the contract, the upper limit in the contract information on the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user.

[0017] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as any one of the above-described anti-counterfeit label management systems.

[0018] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-counterfeit label management method in which any of the above anti-counterfeit label management systems executes a contract information acquisition step of acquiring contract information of a contract relating to the provision of anti-counterfeit labels between an anti-counterfeit label user who uses the anti-counterfeit labels on their products and an anti-counterfeit label provider who provides the anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user; a usage status acquisition step of acquiring the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels by the anti-counterfeit label user; and a calculation step of calculating the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user can use based on the contract, based on the contract information and the usage status.

[0019] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of an authenticity determination system 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of a processing flow of the method of this embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of a processing flow of the method of this embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of a processing flow of the method of this embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows an example of a processing flow of the method of this embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of alert information generation. [Figure 7] 10 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information. [Figure 8] 10 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information. [Figure 9] 10 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information. [Figure 10] 10 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information. [Figure 11] 22 illustrates an example computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0022] 1 shows an example of an authenticity determination system 10 according to this embodiment. The authenticity determination system 10 includes an anti-counterfeit label management system 100, a terminal 510 used by an anti-counterfeit label user 410, and a terminal 520 used by an anti-counterfeit label provider 420.

[0023] The anti-counterfeit label management system 100 calculates the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels available to a user of the anti-counterfeit labels based on the contract information of the contract relating to the provision of anti-counterfeit labels between the anti-counterfeit label user who uses the anti-counterfeit labels and the provider of the anti-counterfeit labels, and the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels.

[0024] In the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 of this embodiment, a product refers to an item manufactured for sale. The product may be, for example, a bag, a wallet, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, ceramics, watches, food, etc. The product may be a high-priced product such as a brand-name product. In particular, in this embodiment, the target may be a product for which counterfeits may be distributed (for example, a high-priced product and / or a product that is well-known by consumers). In this specification, the term "product" refers to a single and / or multiple items.

[0025] Anti-counterfeit labels are attached to products by product manufacturers to indicate that the product is authentic. The anti-counterfeit label may include, for example, a high-definition pattern formed on a transparent film that is difficult to see and to counterfeit. Information indicating that the product is authentic may be recorded in a predetermined manner on the high-definition pattern, and by reading the pattern and decoding the recorded information, it is possible to determine whether the product is authentic or a counterfeit. As an example, the anti-counterfeit label may be Akliteia (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Kasei.

[0026] As the sale of products via e-commerce expands, there are cases where authenticity assessment is performed to distinguish and remove unauthorized products from genuine products during the product distribution process. By using anti-counterfeit labels that are difficult to forge, highly reliable authenticity assessment can be performed.

[0027] On the other hand, since anti-counterfeit labels use special manufacturing techniques, the number of label providers may be limited, and there is a possibility that the available anti-counterfeit labels may run short if, for example, the quantity of products shipped changes significantly. Therefore, the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 of this embodiment keeps track of the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels available under the contract based on the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels by anti-counterfeit label users. Furthermore, when there is a possibility of a label shortage, the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 of this embodiment prompts the anti-counterfeit label user to request the delivery of labels and to change the upper limit of labels available under the contract.

[0028] The counterfeit prevention label management system 100 of this embodiment includes an input unit 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, a communication unit 140, and a calculation unit 200.

[0029] The input unit 110 inputs necessary information and / or instructions to the calculation unit 200. The input unit 110 may be an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse connected to the calculation unit 200. The input unit 110 may input information and / or instructions via communication with an external terminal or the like, but is not limited to this.

[0030] The storage unit 120 stores information input by the input unit 110, information processed by the calculation unit 200, etc. The storage unit 120 may store contract information, the usage status of anti-counterfeit labels, etc. The storage unit 120 may be a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 120 may be called by the calculation unit 200 and provide the stored data to the calculation unit 200 as needed.

[0031] The display unit 130 displays the processing results of the calculation unit 200. As an example, the display unit 130 may be an output device such as a monitor connected to the calculation unit 200, but is not limited to this.

[0032] The communication unit 140 connects via the network 300 to a terminal 510 used by a counterfeit prevention label user 410 and a terminal 520 used by a counterfeit prevention label provider 420 .

[0033] The anti-counterfeit label user 410 is a person who affixes an anti-counterfeit label to a product and uses the label. The anti-counterfeit label user 410 may be a product manufacturer.

[0034] The anti-counterfeit label provider 420 is a party that provides anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The anti-counterfeit label provider 420 may be a service provider that manufactures and sells anti-counterfeit labels. The anti-counterfeit label provider 420 may own and operate the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 of this embodiment.

[0035] The anti-counterfeit label user 410 may receive anti-counterfeit labels from the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 based on a contract concluded with the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 regarding the provision of anti-counterfeit labels.

[0036] The calculation unit 200 is connected to the input unit 110, the storage unit 120, the display unit 130, and the communication unit 140, and performs calculations of the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 can use based on the contract, based on information acquired via the input unit 110 and the communication unit 140. The calculation unit 200 is a computer. The calculation unit 200 may be provided in one computer, or each function may be distributed and provided in multiple computers.

[0037] The calculation unit 200 may include a contract information acquisition unit 205, a usage status acquisition unit 210, a calculation unit 215, a remaining quantity output unit 220, an alert information generation unit 225, an alert information output unit 230, an expected provision quantity acquisition unit 235, a request information acquisition unit 240, a delivery request output unit 245, and a contract information change unit 250.

[0038] The contract information acquisition unit 205 acquires contract information of the contract regarding the provision of anti-counterfeit labels between an anti-counterfeit label user 410 who uses anti-counterfeit labels on products and an anti-counterfeit label provider 420 who provides anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0039] The contract is a contract that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 concludes with the anti-counterfeit label provider in order to use anti-counterfeit labels on products. The above contract may be a contract that specifies an upper limit on the number of anti-counterfeit labels provided to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 (sometimes simply referred to as "providing limit"). The contract may be a contract that allows the anti-counterfeit label user 410 to use anti-counterfeit labels up to the providing limit for a certain fee.

[0040] The contract information includes the above-mentioned supply upper limit. The contract information may further include the type of anti-counterfeit label (for example, the product name, model number, and specifications of the anti-counterfeit label) and / or information to be recorded on the anti-counterfeit label. Details of the contract information will be described later.

[0041] The contract information acquisition unit 205 may acquire the contract information from the terminal 510 of the anti-counterfeit label user 410 or from the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 .

[0042] The usage status acquisition unit 210 acquires the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels by the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The usage status includes at least either the number of anti-counterfeit labels used by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 by attaching them to products (sometimes simply referred to as the "used number") or the number of anti-counterfeit labels provided to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 (sometimes simply referred to as the "provided number").

[0043] The usage status acquisition unit 210 may acquire the usage status from a terminal 510 used by the counterfeit anti-label user 410, or may acquire the usage status from a terminal 520 used by the counterfeit anti-label provider 420. The usage status will be described in detail later.

[0044] The calculation unit 215 calculates the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels (sometimes simply referred to as "remaining number") that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 can use based on the contract, based on the above contract information and usage status. The remaining number is the number of anti-counterfeit labels remaining after subtracting the usage quantity from the supply limit, or the number of anti-counterfeit labels remaining after subtracting the supply quantity from the supply limit, at the time of calculating the remaining number. Details of the calculation of the remaining number will be described later.

[0045] The remaining number output unit 220 outputs the remaining number of counterfeit anti-counterfeit labels calculated by the calculation unit 215 to a terminal 510 used by the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0046] The alert information generating unit 225 generates alert information based on the remaining number and / or usage status of the counterfeit anti-counterfeit labels. The alert information is information indicating that the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label user 410 may run out of counterfeit anti-counterfeit labels.

[0047] The alert information generating unit 225 may generate alert information when the remaining number and / or usage status of anti-counterfeit labels meet a predetermined standard. For example, alert information may be generated when the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels, the usage status, and / or a value calculated based on the usage status (for example, the usage rate of anti-counterfeit labels, the number of labels in stock held by the anti-counterfeit label user 410) meet a predetermined standard. Details of the alert information will be described later.

[0048] The alert information output unit 230 outputs the alert information generated by the alert information generating unit 225 to the terminal 510 used by the counterfeit prevention label user 410 .

[0049] The expected supply quantity acquisition unit 235 acquires the expected quantity of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 can provide. The expected quantity is the quantity of labels that is expected to be provided to the anti-counterfeit label user 410, based on the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 can produce, etc. Details of the expected quantity will be described later. The expected supply quantity acquisition unit 235 may acquire the expected quantity from the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420.

[0050] The request information acquisition unit 240 acquires request information requesting the provision of anti-counterfeit labels from the terminal 510 used by the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The request information is information that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 requests the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 to provide. The request information may include the quantity and type of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 requests to be provided and / or the date by which the anti-counterfeit labels are to be provided (sometimes simply referred to as the "provision date").

[0051] The sending request output unit 245 outputs a sending request to the terminal 520 used by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 to request that the anti-counterfeit labels be sent to the anti-counterfeit label user 410, in accordance with the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 240. The sending request may include the number and type of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 is requested to provide and / or the due date for sending the anti-counterfeit labels.

[0052] The contract information modification unit 250 automatically modifies the upper limit (supply upper limit) in the contract information on the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. If the above contract allows the automatic modification of the supply upper limit when there is a high possibility that anti-counterfeit labels will run short, the contract information modification unit 250 may automatically modify the supply upper limit.

[0053] The range of the automatically changeable upper limit of the number of counterfeit anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided may be determined by the contract. If there are surplus anti-counterfeit labels, the contract information change unit 250 may automatically reduce the upper limit of the number of counterfeit anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided. By automatically reducing the upper limit, it is possible to reduce the burden on the anti-counterfeit label user 410 when the burden increases in accordance with the upper limit of the number of counterfeit anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided.

[0054] The anti-counterfeit label management system 100 of this embodiment allows the anti-counterfeit label user 410 to grasp at any time the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels that can be used under the contract. Furthermore, even if the shipment quantity of products to which the anti-counterfeit labels are affixed by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 changes, the upper limit on the number of labels that can be provided can be changed in accordance with the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels, preventing a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels and maintaining highly reliable authentication. In addition, the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 of this embodiment can reduce the computational and human resources consumed in grasping the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels and the possibility of a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a program is provided that is executed by a computer to cause the computer to function as the above-described anti-counterfeit label management system 100. The program may be stored in the storage unit 120 of the anti-counterfeit label management system 100.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows an example of the processing flow of the method of this embodiment. By performing the processing flow from S1010 to S1170 in Fig. 2, the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 executes a contract information acquisition step of acquiring contract information of a contract relating to the provision of anti-counterfeit labels between an anti-counterfeit label user 410 who uses the anti-counterfeit labels on products and an anti-counterfeit label provider 420 who provides the anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user 410, a usage status acquisition step of acquiring the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels by the anti-counterfeit label user 410, and a calculation step of calculating the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user can use based on the contract information and the usage status.

[0057] For ease of explanation, the processes from S1010 to S1170 will be explained in order, but at least some of these processes may be executed in parallel, or the steps may be interchanged as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, or some steps may be omitted as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] In the processing flow shown in FIG. 2, the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 executes a contract information acquisition step S1040, a usage status acquisition step S1100, a calculation step S1110, a remaining quantity output step S1120, an expected quantity acquisition step S1150, a step S1160 for determining the generation of alert information, and a step S1170 for determining whether to recommend a contract change.

[0059] In the flow shown in FIG. 2, first, in S1010, the terminal 510 used by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 outputs the terms and conditions of the contract for the provision of anti-counterfeit labels to the terminal 520 used by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420.

[0060] The contract conditions include the conditions desired by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 for the contract regarding the provision of anti-counterfeit labels. For example, the contract conditions may include an upper limit on the number of anti-counterfeit labels to be provided. The contract conditions may also include conditions such as the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels to be provided initially, the type of anti-counterfeit label (e.g., the product name, model number, and specifications of the anti-counterfeit label), and / or information to be recorded on the anti-counterfeit label.

[0061] Next, in S1020, the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 acquires the above-mentioned contract conditions. If the anti-counterfeit label user 410 and the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 agree on the contract conditions, a contract is concluded.

[0062] Next, in S1030, the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 outputs the contract information to the anti-counterfeit label management system 100. The contract information includes information about the contract for the provision of anti-counterfeit labels between the anti-counterfeit label user 410 who uses the anti-counterfeit labels on products and the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 who provides the anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The contract information may at least partially reflect the terms of the contract.

[0063] The contract information includes an upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels may be determined in the contract, and the range within which the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels can be changed may also be determined in the contract.

[0064] The supply limit may include a supply limit for the entire validity period of the contract (e.g., three years, one year, six months, etc.) and / or a supply limit for a divided period of the validity period of the contract (e.g., monthly, weekly).

[0065] Furthermore, the contract information may include the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels to be provided initially, the type of anti-counterfeit label (e.g., the product name, model number, and specifications of the anti-counterfeit label), and / or information to be recorded on the anti-counterfeit label.

[0066] After the initial provision, the anti-counterfeit labels may be provided only upon request of the anti-counterfeit label user 410. In this case, the contract information may further include the quantity of the initial anti-counterfeit labels and the date of provision.

[0067] Alternatively, after the first time, the labels may be provided to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 periodically (for example, on a specified date, monthly, weekly, or daily, etc.). In this case, the contract information may further include information such as the date on which the anti-counterfeit labels are provided and the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels to be supplied on each date (also referred to as the regular supply quantity).

[0068] The terminal 510 of the counterfeit anti-label user 410 may output the contract information to the counterfeit anti-label management system 100.

[0069] After S1030, in S1040, the contract information acquisition unit 205 acquires contract information.

[0070] After S1030, in S1050, the counterfeit prevention label provider 420 sends the counterfeit prevention label to the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0071] The process of S1050 may be executed not only for the initial provision of anti-counterfeit labels, but also in response to a request from the anti-counterfeit label user 410 in S1240 or S1330 described below, or for periodic provision.

[0072] The quantity of anti-counterfeit labels to be sent may be determined based on the above-mentioned contract information. When S1050 is executed in response to a request from the anti-counterfeit label user 410, the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels to be sent may be determined based on the number of anti-counterfeit labels included in a sending request, which will be described later.

[0073] After S1050, in S1060, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 receives the sent anti-counterfeit label.

[0074] After S1060, in S1070, the counterfeit prevention label user 410 attaches the counterfeit prevention label to a product for use. The counterfeit prevention label may be attached to the product's packaging, instruction manual, receipt, etc.

[0075] After S1070, in S1080, the terminal 510 of the counterfeit anti-label user 410 outputs the usage status of the counterfeit anti-label by the counterfeit anti-label user 410 to the counterfeit anti-label management system 100.

[0076] The usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels includes at least one of the number of anti-counterfeit labels used by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 by attaching them to products and the number of anti-counterfeit labels provided to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420.

[0077] If the usage status includes the usage quantity, the terminal 510 may output the usage quantity each time the anti-counterfeit label user 410 uses the anti-counterfeit label, or may output the usage quantity periodically (for example, monthly, weekly, or daily).

[0078] If the usage status includes the quantity provided, the terminal 510 may output the quantity provided each time the anti-counterfeit label user 410 receives a label from the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 (for example, the first time the label is provided and when the label is provided in response to a request from the anti-counterfeit label user 410), or may output the quantity provided periodically (for example, monthly, weekly, or daily).

[0079] In addition to or instead of executing S1080 after the label is used in S1070, S1080 may be executed before the label is used (for example, immediately after S1060 or after a certain period of time has elapsed).

[0080] After S1050, in S1090, the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 outputs the number of anti-counterfeit labels provided to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The process of S1090 may be omitted. For example, if the terminal 510 has output the number of provided labels in S1080, S1090 may be omitted.

[0081] The terminal 520 may execute the process of S1090 each time the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 provides a label to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 in S1050 (for example, the first time a label is provided and when a label is provided in response to a request from the anti-counterfeit label user 410), or periodically (for example, monthly, weekly, or daily).

[0082] After S1080 and / or S1090, in S1100 the usage status acquiring unit 210 acquires the usage status. The usage status acquiring unit 210 may acquire the usage status output by the terminal 510 of the anti-counterfeit label user 410 in S1080 and / or the usage status output by the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 in S1090.

[0083] Next, in S1110, the calculation unit 215 calculates the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 can use based on the contract, based on the contract information and usage status. The remaining number may be calculated from the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user 410, and the above-mentioned provided quantity and / or used quantity.

[0084] The calculation unit 215 may calculate the remaining number as the difference obtained by subtracting the cumulative usage quantity from the upper limit of provision. The calculation unit 215 may calculate the remaining number as the difference obtained by subtracting the cumulative provision quantity from the upper limit of provision. A specific example of calculation of the remaining number by the calculation unit 215 will be described later.

[0085] Next, in S1120, the remaining number output unit 220 outputs the remaining number calculated in S1110 to the terminal 510 of the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0086] Following S1120, in S1130, the terminal 510 of the anti-counterfeit label user 410 acquires the remaining number output in S1120. From the remaining number acquired by the terminal 510, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 can at any time grasp how many anti-counterfeit labels remain that can be used under the contract.

[0087] In S1140, the terminal 520 of the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 outputs to the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 the expected number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 is expected to be able to provide (sometimes simply referred to as the "expected number").

[0088] The expected quantity may be a quantity based on the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 can produce and / or the quantity of anti-counterfeit label materials held by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420. For example, the anti-counterfeit label materials may include films that make up the anti-counterfeit labels and inks for printing high-resolution patterns.

[0089] After S1140, in S1150, the expected supply quantity acquisition unit 235 acquires the expected supply quantity output in S1140. The expected supply quantity acquisition unit 235 may acquire the expected supply quantity periodically (for example, monthly, weekly, or daily). The processes of S1140 and S1150 may be omitted.

[0090] After the processes of S1040 and S1100, in S1160, the alert information generating unit 225 determines whether to generate alert information based on the remaining number and / or usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels.

[0091] The alert information is information that indicates the possibility that a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels may occur at the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The alert information generation unit 225 may decide to generate alert information based on the remaining number and / or usage status and predetermined criteria. Examples of criteria for generating alert information are shown below.

[0092] [First example of criteria for generating alert information] The alert information generating unit 225 may determine whether to generate alert information when the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. The standard may be set to generate alert information when the remaining number is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, the number obtained by multiplying the supply upper limit by a predetermined percentage (10% or 20%) or the number obtained by dividing the supply upper limit by the contract validity period (monthly or weekly)) that is previously set as the number that may cause a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels, or when the remaining number is equal to or less than a certain number above or below the threshold value.

[0093] [Second example of criteria for generating alert information] The alert information generating unit 225 may determine whether to generate alert information when the usage speed of the anti-counterfeit label user 410 using the anti-counterfeit labels is equal to or exceeds a predetermined standard. The usage speed may be expressed as the number of anti-counterfeit labels used per predetermined period (e.g., one month, one week, or one day). As the standard, alert information may be generated when the usage speed exceeds a threshold value (e.g., the number obtained by multiplying the supply upper limit by a predetermined percentage (10%, 20%, etc.) or the number obtained by dividing the supply upper limit by the contract validity period (e.g., in months or weeks)), or when the number exceeds or exceeds a certain number above or below the threshold value.

[0094] [Third example of criteria for generating alert information] The alert information generating unit 225 may calculate the number of anti-counterfeit labels in stock held by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 (sometimes simply referred to as "stock quantity") from the quantity provided and the quantity used, and may decide whether to generate alert information when the stock quantity is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. As the standard, alert information may be generated when the stock quantity is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, the average quantity used up to the determination point during the contract validity period or the quantity used in the previous month) or a quantity equal to or less than a certain amount above or below the threshold value.

[0095] [Fourth example of criteria for generating alert information] The alert information generation unit 225 may determine whether to generate alert information based on the remaining number and / or usage status of anti-counterfeit labels and the expected quantity. For example, if the expected quantity is smaller than the supply upper limit, the alert information generation unit 225 may determine to generate alert information using a threshold value that uses the expected quantity acquired in S1150 instead of the supply upper limit in the first or second example of the criteria for generating alert information.

[0096] The decision on whether to generate alert information may be made each time the usage status is acquired or updated in S1100, or periodically (for example, on a specified date, monthly, weekly, daily, etc.). A specific example of deciding to generate alert information will be described later.

[0097] If it is determined in S1160 that alert information will not be generated, the process proceeds to S1050 or S1070, whereby the provision of anti-counterfeit labels by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 or the use of anti-counterfeit labels by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 continues.

[0098] In S1170, the alert information generation unit 225 decides whether to generate recommendation information. Recommendation information is information that recommends the anti-counterfeit label user 410 to change the contract. The alert information generation unit 225 may decide to generate recommendation information when the remaining number and / or usage status of anti-counterfeit labels meets a predetermined standard. Examples of the standard for generating recommendation information are shown below.

[0099] [First example of criteria for generating recommendations] The alert information generation unit 225 may determine whether to generate recommendation information when the remaining number is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. The standard may be such that recommendation information is generated when the remaining number is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, the quantity obtained by multiplying the upper limit of supply by a predetermined percentage (10%, 20%, etc.) or the quantity obtained by dividing the upper limit of supply by the contract validity period (monthly, weekly, etc.)), or the quantity obtained by increasing or decreasing the threshold by a certain amount.

[0100] In the first example of the criteria for generating recommendation information, the threshold may be the same as the threshold in the first example of the criteria for generating alert information described in S1160, or a different threshold may be used. For example, the threshold may be a number obtained by subtracting a certain amount (e.g., 20% or 50%) from the threshold in the first example of the criteria for generating alert information.

[0101] [Second example of criteria for generating recommendations] The alert information generating unit 225 may determine whether to generate recommended information when the speed at which the anti-counterfeit label user 410 uses the anti-counterfeit labels is equal to or exceeds a predetermined standard. As the standard, the recommended information may be generated when the usage speed is equal to or exceeds a threshold value (for example, the quantity obtained by multiplying the upper limit of supply by a predetermined percentage (10%, 20%, etc.) or the quantity obtained by dividing the upper limit of supply by the contract validity period (monthly or weekly, etc.)), or when the quantity is equal to or exceeds a certain quantity above or below the threshold value.

[0102] In the second example of the criteria for generating recommendation information, the threshold may be the same as the threshold in the second example of the criteria for generating alert information described in S1160, or a different threshold may be used. For example, the threshold may be a number obtained by increasing the threshold in the second example of the criteria for generating alert information by a certain amount (for example, 20% or 50%).

[0103] A specific example of determining the generation of recommendation information will be described later.

[0104] If it is determined in S1170 that recommendation information will not be generated, the process proceeds to S1180 in the flow shown in Fig. 3. If it is determined in S1170 that recommendation information will be generated, the process proceeds to S1260 in Fig. 4 or S1340 in Fig. 5.

[0105] Next, the flow of Fig. 3 will be described. Fig. 3 shows an example of the processing flow of the method of this embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the subsequent flow when a decision is made to generate alert information in S1160 of Fig. 2 and a decision is made not to generate recommendation information in S1170.

[0106] In the flow shown in FIG. 3, the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label management system 100 executes an alert information generation step S1180, an alert information output step S1190, a request information acquisition step S1230, and a delivery request output step S1240.

[0107] 3, the alert information generating unit 225 generates alert information in response to the decision to generate alert information made in S1160. The alert information is information indicating that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 may run out of anti-counterfeit labels.

[0108] The alert information may include sentences, characters, symbols, etc., indicating that there is a possibility of a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels. The alert information may express the possibility of a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels as "Caution" or "Warning" and a scale of "1" to "5," etc.

[0109] In S1180, when the alert information is expressed as a scale rating, the threshold value used to decide to generate the alert information in S1160 (for example, the threshold values ​​of the first to fourth examples of the criteria for generating alert information described for S1160) can be used as the first threshold value, and in addition to the first threshold value, a second threshold value (or multiple second, third, etc. threshold values) can be set as a threshold value at which there is a relatively high possibility of a shortage in the anti-counterfeit label, and the alert information can be expressed as a scale rating according to each threshold value.

[0110] Next, in S1190, the alert information output unit 230 outputs the alert information to the terminal 510 used by the counterfeit anti-label user 410. In S1120, when the remaining number output unit 220 outputs the remaining number of counterfeit anti-labels to the terminal 510 of the counterfeit anti-label user 410, the alert information may be output together with the remaining number.

[0111] Next, in S1200, the terminal 510 of the counterfeit anti-label user 410 receives the alert information. As a result, the counterfeit anti-label user 410 can understand from the alert information output to the terminal 510 that there is a possibility that there will be a shortage of counterfeit anti-labels.

[0112] Next, in S1210, the terminal 510 receives a request for a counterfeit prevention label from the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0113] If the terminal 510 receives a request for anti-counterfeit labels in S1210, the terminal 510 proceeds to S1220. If the terminal 510 does not receive such a request (for example, if it determines that there will be enough labels even if no additional anti-counterfeit labels are provided and does not make a request), the terminal 510 proceeds to S1070 shown in Fig. 2. If anti-counterfeit labels are provided periodically, the process may proceed to S1060. This allows the use of anti-counterfeit labels or the periodic provision of anti-counterfeit labels to continue.

[0114] If the expected quantity acquired in S1140 and S1150 in FIG. 2 is smaller than the remaining quantity, the terminal 510 of the anti-counterfeit label user 410 may stop accepting requests for anti-counterfeit labels in S1210 until the expected quantity becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined quantity (e.g., the remaining quantity).

[0115] Next, in S1220, in response to the request for anti-counterfeit labels received in S1210, the terminal 510 outputs request information requesting the provision of anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label management system 100. The request information is information that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 requests the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 to provide anti-counterfeit labels. The request information may include the number and / or the provision date of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 requests the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 to provide.

[0116] Next, the request information acquiring unit 240 acquires the request information from the terminal 510 in S1230.

[0117] Next, in S1240, the delivery request output unit 245 outputs a delivery request to the terminal 520 used by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 in response to the request information, requesting that the anti-counterfeit labels be delivered to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The delivery request may include the quantity and / or delivery date of the anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 requests the anti-counterfeit label user 410 to deliver.

[0118] After the steps up to S1240 are completed, the process proceeds to S1050, where the counterfeit prevention label provider 420 sends the counterfeit prevention label to the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0119] Next, the flow of Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 4 shows an example of the processing flow of the method of this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the flow after a decision to generate alert information is made in S1170 of Fig. 2 and a decision to generate recommendation information is made in S1170.

[0120] In the flow shown in FIG. 4, the counterfeit anti-label management system 100 executes an alert information and recommended information generation step S1250, an alert information and recommended information output step S1260, a request information acquisition step S1320, and a delivery request output step S1330.

[0121] 4, the alert information generating unit 225 generates alert information and recommendation information. The explanation of the alert information may be the same as that of S1180.

[0122] The recommendation information may include a notification recommending a change to the upper limit of the amount of content provided. The notification may be expressed by sentences, characters, symbols, or the like, to recommend a change to the upper limit of the amount of content provided.

[0123] In addition to the notification, the recommendation information may include a change value of the upper limit of the supply of anti-counterfeit labels that is recommended to prevent a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels. The change value of the upper limit of the supply of anti-counterfeit labels may be calculated based on the remaining number and / or usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels.

[0124] For example, in the above-mentioned S1170, if a decision is made to generate recommendation information based on the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels, the alert information generation unit 225 may calculate a change value for the supply upper limit based on the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels and a predetermined criterion.

[0125] For example, the maximum or average quantity per period (month, week, or day) of the usage quantity or provision quantity up to the time of calculation may be calculated, and the change value of the provision upper limit may be calculated so that the quantity obtained by multiplying the maximum or average quantity by the contract validity period (month, week, or day) becomes equal to or greater than the quantity obtained.

[0126] In the above-mentioned S1160, if it is decided to generate alert information based on the usage speed of the anti-counterfeit label, the alert information generation unit 225 may calculate a change value for the provision upper limit based on the usage speed and a predetermined criterion.

[0127] For example, the change value of the upper limit of provision may be calculated so that the upper limit of provision is equal to or greater than the quantity obtained by multiplying the maximum or average value of the usage speed per predetermined period (month, week, or day) by the contract validity period (month, week, or day). Specific examples of generating recommendation information will be described later.

[0128] Next, in S1260, the alert information output unit 230 outputs the alert information and the recommendation information to the terminal 510 used by the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0129] Next, in S1270, the terminal 510 used by the counterfeit prevention label user 410 acquires the alert information and the recommendation information.

[0130] Next, in S1280, the terminal 510 receives a request for contract modification in accordance with the recommended information from the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label user 410. The counterfeit anti-counterfeit label user 410 may request a contract modification based on the change value of the provision upper limit included in the recommended information.

[0131] If terminal 510 receives a request to change the contract in S1280, terminal 510 advances the process to S1290. If terminal 510 does not receive such a request, terminal 510 advances the process to S1300.

[0132] After S1280, in S1290, the terminal 510 outputs the changed contract information to the contract information acquisition unit 205. The changed contract information may include a changed value of the upper limit of provision included in the recommendation information. After processing S1290, the counterfeit prevention label management system 100 acquires the changed contract information (S1040) and executes processes such as sending the counterfeit prevention labels (S1050).

[0133] After S1280, in S1300, the terminal 510 receives a request for a counterfeit prevention label from the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0134] If a request for anti-counterfeit labels is received in S1300, the terminal 510 proceeds to S1310. If such a request is not received (for example, if the anti-counterfeit label user 410 determines that there will be enough labels even if no additional anti-counterfeit labels are provided, and does not make a request), the terminal 510 proceeds to S1070 shown in Fig. 2. If anti-counterfeit labels are provided periodically, the terminal 510 may proceed to S1060. This allows the use of anti-counterfeit labels or the periodic provision of anti-counterfeit labels to continue.

[0135] When the terminal 510 receives a request for an anti-counterfeit label in S1300 above, in S1310 the terminal 510 outputs request information to the anti-counterfeit label management system 100. The above explanation may be applied to the request information as is.

[0136] After S1310, the request information acquisition unit 240 acquires request information from the terminal 510 used by the counterfeit prevention label user 410 in S1320.

[0137] Next, in S1330, the sending request output unit 245 outputs a sending request to the terminal 520 used by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 in response to the request information, requesting that the anti-counterfeit label be sent to the anti-counterfeit label user 410. The above explanation may be applied as is to the sending request.

[0138] After the steps up to S1330 are completed, the process proceeds to S1050, where the counterfeit prevention label provider 420 sends the counterfeit prevention label to the counterfeit prevention label user 410.

[0139] Next, the flow of Fig. 5 will be described. Fig. 5 shows an example of the processing flow of the method of this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a different flow from that of Fig. 4 after a decision to generate alert information is made in S1170 of Fig. 2 and a decision to generate recommendation information is made in S1170. The counterfeit prevention label management system 100 may execute the flow of Fig. 5 instead of the flow of Fig. 4.

[0140] In the flow shown in FIG. 5, the counterfeit prevention label management system 100 executes an alert information and recommendation information generation step S1340 and an automatic contract renewal step S1350.

[0141] 5, the alert information generating unit 225 generates alert information and recommendation information. The explanation of the alert information may be the same as that of S1180.

[0142] In S1350, the contract information changing section 250 automatically changes the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 in the contract information, within the range defined in the contract.

[0143] The contract information modification unit 250 may change the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided based on the recommended information. If the recommended information generated in S1350 includes a change value for the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided, the contract information modification unit 250 may modify the contract based on the change value for the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided. The calculation method in S1250 described above may be applied to calculate the change value for the upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided.

[0144] After execution of S1350, the process proceeds to S1040, where the contract information acquisition unit 205 acquires the changed contract information, and the process proceeds to the subsequent steps.

[0145] 6 shows an example of alert information generation, which includes a period 610, contract information 620, usage status 630, remaining quantity 640, criteria 650, alert information 660, and request information 670.

[0146] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the contract validity period is set to six months, and the period 610 column shows the contract validity period divided into months (October 2024 to March 2025). Contract information 620 shows the upper limit of supply during the validity period (e.g., 6,000 units / 6 months). Usage status 630 shows the monthly number of anti-counterfeit labels provided by the anti-counterfeit label provider 420 to the anti-counterfeit label user 410 and the number of anti-counterfeit labels used by the anti-counterfeit label user 410. Remaining number 640 shows the number of anti-counterfeit labels obtained by subtracting the monthly usage number from the upper limit of supply (e.g., 6,000 units / 6 months).

[0147] 6, criterion 650 represents a threshold value as a criterion for generating alert information 660 (for example, if the remaining number falls below 1000, which is the monthly limit of 6000 units / 6 months, a "warning" is generated, and if the remaining number falls between 1001 and 2000 units, a "caution" is generated as alert information). The request information 670 in Fig. 6 represents the number of anti-counterfeit labels requested by the anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0148] 6, in February 2025, when the remaining number fell to 1001 to 2000 or less, alert information 660 of "Caution" was generated in accordance with the above criteria. Upon receiving the alert information 660, the counterfeit prevention label user 410 responded by transmitting request information requesting the provision of 1000 counterfeit prevention labels.

[0149] 7 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information, which shows a period 710, contract information 720, usage status 730, remaining quantity 740, criteria 750, alert information 760, recommendation information 770, and request information 780.

[0150] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the contract validity period is set to six months, and the period 710 column shows the contract validity period divided into months (October 2024 to March 2025). Contract information 720 shows the upper limit of supply during the validity period (for example, 6,000 units / 6 months, changed to 8,400 units / 6 months). Usage status 730 shows the quantity supplied and the quantity used each month. Remaining quantity 740 shows the number of anti-counterfeit labels obtained by subtracting the quantity used each month from the upper limit of supply.

[0151] In Fig. 7, criterion 750 represents a threshold value used as a criterion for generating alert information 760 (for example, a "warning" is generated when the remaining number falls below 1000, which is the monthly limit of 6000 units / 6 months, divided by 1000 units, and a "caution" is generated as alert information when the remaining number falls between 1001 and 2000 units). Recommendation information 770 in Fig. 7 represents a change value to the recommended upper limit of supply for anti-counterfeit labels. The change value to the upper limit of supply is used as a criterion for generating recommendation information so that the upper limit of supply is the quantity obtained by multiplying the maximum monthly usage quantity by the contract validity period (6 months). Request information 780 represents the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels requested by the anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0152] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , in January 2025, when the remaining number of labels fell below 1,000, the anti-counterfeit label management system 100 generated alert information 760 with a "warning" in accordance with the above criteria. The anti-counterfeit label management system 100 also generated recommendation information 770 to amend the contract to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels to 2,400 labels per six months. The anti-counterfeit label user 410, upon receiving the alert information 760 and recommendation information 770, requested a contract amendment to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels to 8,400 labels per six months. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , in February 2025, when the remaining number fell below 1,001 to 2,000, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 generated alert information 760 with a "caution" in accordance with the above criteria. Upon receiving the alert information 760, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 sent request information requesting the provision of 1,000 anti-counterfeit labels.

[0153] 8 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information, which shows a period 810, contract information 820, usage status 830, remaining quantity 840, criteria 850, alert information 860, recommendation information 870, and request information 880.

[0154] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the contract validity period is set to six months, and the period 810 column shows the contract validity period divided into months (October 2024 to March 2025). Contract information 820 shows the upper limit of supply during the validity period (for example, 6,000 units / June, changed to 8,250 units / June). Usage status 830 shows the monthly supply quantity and usage quantity. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the supply quantity is set to 1,500 units in the first month of the contract validity period (October 2024), and from November 2024 to March 2025, the contract stipulates that the anti-counterfeit label user 410 will be provided with 100 anti-counterfeit labels in addition to the quantity used in the previous month. Remaining quantity 840 shows the number of anti-counterfeit labels obtained by subtracting the monthly supply quantity from the upper limit of supply.

[0155] In Fig. 8, criterion 850 represents a threshold value for classifying the possibility of a shortage of labels as a criterion for generating alert information 860 (for example, a "warning" is generated when the remaining number falls below 1000, which is the supply upper limit of 6000 per 6 months divided by the monthly limit, and a "caution" is generated as alert information when the remaining number falls between 1001 and 2000). Recommendation information 870 in Fig. 8 represents a change value to the recommended supply upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels. The change value to the supply upper limit is used as a criterion for generating recommendation information so that the quantity obtained by multiplying the average supply quantity by the contract validity period (6 months) becomes the supply upper limit. Request information 880 represents the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels requested by the anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0156] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , in January 2025, when the remaining number of labels fell below 1,000, alert information 860 with a "warning" and recommendation information 870 for amending the contract to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels provided by 2,250 labels per six months were generated in accordance with predetermined criteria. The anti-counterfeit label user 410, upon receiving the alert information 860 and recommendation information 870, requested a contract amendment to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels provided by 2,250 labels per six months. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , alert information 860 with a "caution" was generated in February 2025, when the remaining number fell below 1,001 to 2,000 labels, in accordance with predetermined criteria. Upon receiving the alert information 860, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 sent request information requesting the provision of an additional 500 anti-counterfeit labels, even though the provision quantity for March 2025 would be 1,000 labels (900 labels used in the previous month + 100 labels).

[0157] 9 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information, which shows a period 910, contract information 920, usage status 930, remaining quantity 940, criteria 950, alert information 960, recommendation information 970, and request information 980.

[0158] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the contract validity period is set to six months, and the period 910 column shows the contract validity period divided into months (October 2024 to March 2025). Contract information 920 shows the upper limit of supply during the validity period (for example, 6,000 units / 6 months, changed to 10,200 units / 6 months). Usage status 930 shows the monthly supply quantity, usage quantity, and usage speed. Remaining quantity 940 shows the number of anti-counterfeit labels obtained by subtracting the monthly usage quantity from the upper limit of supply.

[0159] In FIG. 9, the criterion 950 represents a threshold value for classifying the possibility of a shortage of labels as a criterion for generating alert information 860 (for example, a "warning" is generated when the remaining number is equal to or less than 1000, which is the monthly limit of 6000 labels / 6 months, or when the usage rate is equal to or greater than 1501 labels / month, and a "caution" is generated as alert information when the remaining number is between 1001 and 2000 labels or when the usage rate is between 1201 and 1500 labels). The recommendation information 970 in FIG. 9 represents a change value for the recommended upper limit of the number of anti-counterfeit labels to be provided. The change value for the upper limit of the provision is used as a criterion for generating recommendation information so that the quantity obtained by multiplying the maximum monthly usage rate by the contract validity period (6 months) becomes the upper limit of the provision. The request information 980 represents the number of anti-counterfeit labels requested by the anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0160] 9, in January 2025, when the remaining number of labels reaches 1001 to 2000 and the usage rate exceeds 1500 labels per month, warning alert information 960 and recommendation information 970 for amending the contract to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels provided by 4020 labels per 6 months are generated in accordance with the above criteria. Upon receiving the alert information 960 and recommendation information 970, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 requests a contract amendment to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit labels provided by 4020 labels per 6 months.

[0161] Fig. 10 shows an example of generating alert information and recommendation information. Fig. 10 shows a period 1010, contract information 1020, usage status 1030, remaining quantity 1040, inventory quantity 1050, criteria 1060, alert information 1070, recommendation information 1080, and request information 1090.

[0162] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the contract validity period is set to six months, and the period 1010 column shows the contract validity period divided into months (October 2024 to March 2025). Contract information 1020 shows the upper limit of supply during the validity period (for example, 6,000 units / 6 months, changed to 9,000 units / 6 months). Usage status 1030 shows the quantity supplied and the quantity used each month. Remaining quantity 1040 shows the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels obtained by subtracting the quantity used each month from the upper limit of supply. Stock quantity 1050 shows the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels held by the anti-counterfeit label user 410 at the end of the divided period (each month). Stock quantity 1050 is shown as the difference between the cumulative supplied quantity and the cumulative used quantity.

[0163] In FIG. 10, criterion 1060 represents a threshold value for classifying the possibility of a shortage of labels as a criterion for generating alert information 1070 (for example, a "warning" is generated when the remaining number is equal to or less than 1000, which is the monthly limit of 6000 labels per 6 months, and the inventory quantity is equal to or less than the usage quantity for the current month, and a "caution" is generated as alert information when the remaining number is between 1001 and 2000 labels or when the inventory quantity is equal to or less than the usage quantity for the current month). Recommendation information 1080 in FIG. 10 represents a change value for the recommended upper limit of supply of anti-counterfeit labels. The change value for the upper limit of supply is used as a criterion for generating recommendation information so that the quantity obtained by multiplying the maximum usage quantity by the contract validity period (6 months) becomes the upper limit of supply. Request information 1090 represents the quantity of anti-counterfeit labels requested by the anti-counterfeit label user 410.

[0164] In the example shown in FIG. 10 , in December 2024, when the inventory quantity fell below the usage quantity for that month, alert information 1070 of "Caution" was generated in accordance with the criteria. The anti-counterfeit label user 410, upon receiving the alert information 1070, sent request information requesting the provision of 2,000 anti-counterfeit labels. In the example of FIG. 10 , the remaining quantity fell below 1,000 in January 2025, and the inventory quantity also fell below the remaining quantity. Therefore, alert information 1070 of "Warning" and recommendation information 1080 to amend the contract to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit label provision by 3,000 labels per six months were generated in accordance with the criteria. The anti-counterfeit label user 410, upon receiving the alert information 1070 and recommendation information 1080, requested a contract amendment to increase the upper limit of anti-counterfeit label provision by 3,000 labels per six months.

[0165] The method flow of this embodiment allows the anti-counterfeit label user 410 to grasp at any time the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels available under the contract. Furthermore, even if the shipment quantity of products to which the anti-counterfeit labels are affixed changes, the anti-counterfeit label user 410 can change the supply upper limit in accordance with the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels, preventing a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels and maintaining highly reliable authentication. In addition, the method flow of this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the computational and human resources consumed in grasping the remaining number of anti-counterfeit labels and the possibility of a shortage of anti-counterfeit labels.

[0166] 11 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. Programs installed on the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus or one or more sections of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, and / or to perform a process or steps of a process according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0167] A computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0168] The CPU 2212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 2216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the graphics controller 2216 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0169] The communications interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0170] The ROM 2230 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 2200 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0171] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by realizing information manipulation or processing in accordance with the use of the computer 2200.

[0172] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded into the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0173] The CPU 2212 may also cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 2214, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0174] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches a condition specified by the attribute value of the first attribute from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0175] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable medium on or near the computer 2200. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can also be used as a computer-readable medium, thereby providing the programs to the computer 2200 via the network.

[0176] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0177] It should be noted that the execution order of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 10 Authentication System 100 Anti-counterfeiting label management system 110 Input section 120 Storage section 130 Display section 140 Communications Department 200 Arithmetic section 205 Contract Information Acquisition Department 210 Usage Status Acquisition Unit 215 Calculation Unit 220 Remaining number output section 225 Alert Information Generation Unit 230 Alert information output section 235 Estimated Quantity Acquisition Department 240 Request information acquisition unit 245 Sending request output unit 250 Contract Information Change Department 300 Network 410 Anti-counterfeiting label users 420 Anti-counterfeiting label provider 510, 520 terminals 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010 period 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020 contract information 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030 Usage 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040 remaining 650, 750, 850, 950, 1060 standards 1050 in stock 660, 760, 860, 960, 1070 Alert Information 670, 780, 880, 980, 1090 request information 770, 870, 970, 1080 Recommended Information 2200 Computer 2201 DVD-ROM 2210 host controller 2212 CPU 2214 RAM 2216 Graphics Controller 2218 Display Device 2220 Input / Output Controller 2222 communication interface 2224 hard disk drive 2226 DVD-ROM drive 2230 ROM 2240 I / O chip 2242 keyboard

Claims

1. a contract information acquisition unit that acquires contract information of a contract relating to the provision of the anti-counterfeit labels between an anti-counterfeit label user who uses the anti-counterfeit labels on products and an anti-counterfeit label provider who provides the anti-counterfeit labels to the anti-counterfeit label user; a usage status acquisition unit that acquires usage status of the anti-counterfeit label by the anti-counterfeit label user; a calculation unit that calculates the remaining number of the anti-counterfeit labels that can be used by the user of the anti-counterfeit labels based on the contract information and the usage status; An anti-counterfeiting label management system comprising:

2. the contract information includes an upper limit on the number of the anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user; The anti-counterfeit label management system according to claim 1 .

3. the usage status includes at least one of the number of the anti-counterfeit labels used by the anti-counterfeit label user by attaching them to products and the number of the anti-counterfeit labels provided by the anti-counterfeit label provider to the anti-counterfeit label user; The anti-counterfeit label management system according to claim 1 .

4. the usage status acquisition unit acquires at least one of the usage quantity and the provided quantity from a terminal used by a user of the anti-counterfeit label; The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 3 .

5. the usage status acquisition unit acquires the provided quantity from a terminal used by a provider of the anti-counterfeit label; The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 3 .

6. an alert information generating unit that generates alert information indicating a possibility that the anti-counterfeit label user will run out of the anti-counterfeit labels based on the remaining number and / or the usage status of the anti-counterfeit labels; an alert information output unit that outputs the alert information to a terminal used by the user of the counterfeit prevention label; The anti-counterfeit label management system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. the alert information generating unit generates the alert information when the remaining number of the anti-counterfeit labels is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 6 .

8. the alert information generating unit generates the alert information when the speed at which the user of the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label uses the counterfeit anti-counterfeit label is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard. The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 6 .

9. further comprising an expected supply quantity acquisition unit that acquires an expected quantity of the anti-counterfeit labels that can be provided by the anti-counterfeit label provider; the alert information generation unit generates the alert information based on the remaining number and / or the usage status and the expected quantity of the anti-counterfeit labels. The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 6 .

10. the expected quantity is based on the quantity of the material for the anti-counterfeit label held by the anti-counterfeit label provider; The anti-counterfeit label management system according to claim 9.

11. a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information requesting provision of the anti-counterfeit label from a terminal used by the anti-counterfeit label user; a delivery request output unit that outputs a delivery request to a terminal used by the anti-counterfeit label provider in response to the request information, the delivery request requesting that the anti-counterfeit label be delivered to the anti-counterfeit label user; The anti-counterfeit label management system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

12. the contract information acquisition unit acquires, when a change has been made to the contract related to the contract information, changed contract information related to the changed contract from a terminal used by the anti-counterfeit label user; the calculation unit calculates the remaining number of the anti-counterfeit labels based on the changed contract information and the usage status. The anti-counterfeit label management system according to claim 1 .

13. the alert information output unit outputs, in addition to the alert information, recommendation information that recommends the user of the anti-counterfeit label to change the contract. The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 6 .

14. a contract information changing unit that automatically changes the upper limit of the quantity of the anti-counterfeit labels that the anti-counterfeit label provider will provide to the anti-counterfeit label user in the contract information, within the range specified in the contract; The counterfeit prevention label management system according to claim 2 .

15. The method is executed by a computer, causing the computer to: The system functions as the anti-counterfeit label management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14. program.

16. The anti-counterfeit label management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a contract information acquisition step of acquiring contract information of a contract relating to the provision of the anti-counterfeit label between an anti-counterfeit label user who uses the anti-counterfeit label on a product and an anti-counterfeit label provider who provides the anti-counterfeit label to the anti-counterfeit label user; a usage status acquisition step of acquiring a usage status of the anti-counterfeit label by the anti-counterfeit label user; a calculation step of calculating the remaining number of the anti-counterfeit labels that can be used by the user of the anti-counterfeit labels based on the contract information and the usage status; Implement anti-counterfeiting label management methods.

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