Marked container, markered container detection system, program for markered container detection system, and marker issuing system

Abstract

We provide a container equipped with a marker that significantly simplifies the management of the container. [Solution] The marker-equipped container 5 includes a container 7 and a marker 10 held in the container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a marker-equipped container, a marker-equipped container detection system, a program for a marker-equipped container detection system, and a marker issuing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a marker. The marker of Patent Document 1 is attached to an object. The marker described in Patent Document 1 includes a mark having a predetermined shape. An object can be detected based on an image of the mark. The position and orientation of an object can be determined based on an image of the mark. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-312521 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] A container, such as a package, container, or dish, can contain, cover, hold, or support an object. The inventors of this invention have found that applying a marker to the container can significantly simplify its management. Based on this finding, this disclosure relates to a marker-equipped container, including a marker and a container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A marker-equipped container according to one embodiment of this disclosure is Containment and, The system comprises a marker held in the aforementioned container.

[0006] A marker-equipped containment detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is: A marker-equipped container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, An imaging unit that captures the marker, and an arithmetic unit that performs arithmetic operations based on an image of the marker captured by the imaging unit.

[0007] A program for a marker-equipped container detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a step of capturing the marker by the imaging unit and a step of performing arithmetic operations by the arithmetic unit.

[0008] A marker issuing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a marker issuing system that issues a marker for a container with a marker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the marker including a base material layer and a display layer provided on a part of the base material layer, and includes a printer that transfer-prints the display layer onto the base material layer, where the printer has portability and includes an input unit that on-demand receives input of variable information regarding the display layer to be printed, and a printing unit that transfer-prints the display layer based on information input by the input unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the management of containers can be significantly simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of a container with a marker. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a longitudinal sectional view showing the container with a marker shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a longitudinal sectional view showing the container with a marker shown in FIG. 1A, and is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the installation position of the marker. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example of a container with a marker.​ [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing yet another example of a container with markers. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of a marker used in the marker-equipped containers shown in Figures 1A to 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the object before the markers shown in Figure 4 are placed on it. The cross-section shown in Figure 6 is the same as the cross-section shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, showing one modified example of the marker layer configuration. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, showing another modified example of the marker layer configuration. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a container with markers, illustrating one modified example of the placement of the markers. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a longitudinal section view of a marker-equipped container, illustrating other modifications relating to the placement of the markers. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a partial longitudinal section view of a marker-equipped container, illustrating yet another modification relating to the placement of the markers. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a partial longitudinal section view of a marker-equipped container, illustrating yet another modification relating to the placement of the markers. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A shows an example of a method and apparatus for manufacturing a marker-equipped container. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B shows an example of a method and apparatus for manufacturing a marker-equipped container. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C shows an example of a method and apparatus for manufacturing a marker-equipped container. [Figure 12D] Figure 12D shows an example of a manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for a marker-equipped container. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a marker-equipped containment detection system. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a marker issuing system. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] One embodiment of this disclosure is as follows: <1> ~ <15> Regarding.

[0012] <1> Containment and, A marker-equipped container comprising a marker held within the container.

[0013] <2> The aforementioned container is packaging, a container, or a dish. <1> Container marked with the description.

[0014] <3> The aforementioned housing is provided with a recess, The marker is located within the recess, <1> or <2> Container marked with the description.

[0015] <4> The marker is located inside the containment. <1> ~ <3> A marker-equipped containment body as described in any one of the items.

[0016] <5> The housing includes a housing body portion provided with a recess for housing the marker, and a covering portion that covers the marker located in the recess. <4> Container marked with the description.

[0017] <6> The aforementioned marker is 30 × 10 -6 Includes a layer made of a material having a linear expansion coefficient of less than / °C, <1> ~ <5> A marker-equipped containment body as described in any one of the items.

[0018] <7> The marker includes a base layer and a display layer provided on a portion of the base layer. The coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the portion of the container on which the marker is provided is smaller than the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the base layer. <1> ~ <5> Container marked with the description.

[0019] <8> The substrate layer includes a resin film. <7> Container marked with the description.

[0020] <9> The coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the portion of the container where the marker is provided is 30 × 10 -6 It is below / ℃. <1> ~ <5> , <7> , and <8> A marker-equipped containment body as described in any one of the items.

[0021] <10> The portion of the container on which the marker is provided includes a curved surface, The marker is positioned on the housing in a bent state. <7> ~ <9> A marker-equipped containment body as described in any one of the items.

[0022] <11> The marker displays either or both of the following: a plurality of shape marks located apart from each other, and an identification mark containing unique information. <1> ~ <10> A marker-equipped containment body as described in any one of the items.

[0023] <12> The aforementioned identification mark includes one or more of the following: a 2D barcode, a 3D barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), and ArUco. <11> Container marked with the description.

[0024] <13> <1> ~ <12> A marker-equipped containment as described in any one of the items, A camera unit for photographing the aforementioned marker, A marker-equipped container detection system comprising a calculation unit that performs calculations based on the image of the marker captured by the aforementioned imaging unit.

[0025] <14> <13> A program for a marker-equipped containment detection system as described above, On the computer, The steps include: the imaging unit taking a picture of the marker, The calculation unit performs the following steps: A program for the marker system to execute.

[0026] <15> <1> ~ <12> A marker for a marker-equipped container as described in any one of the above, comprising a base layer and a display layer provided on a portion of the base layer, and a marker issuing system for issuing a marker, The system includes a printer that transfers and prints the display layer onto the substrate layer. The printer is portable and includes an input unit that accepts variable information relating to the display layer to be printed on demand, A marker issuing system comprising: a printing unit that transfers and prints the display layer based on the information input by the input unit.

[0027] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios may be changed from those of the actual object as appropriate for ease of understanding. In the cross-sectional views, hatching may be omitted for ease of understanding. Configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings.

[0028] In this specification, terms such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical," as well as values ​​of length and angle, which specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees, are not limited to their strict meanings but are interpreted to include a range of values ​​to which similar functions can be expected.

[0029] In this specification, terms such as "sheet," "film," and "plate" are not distinguished from each other solely on the basis of differences in name.

[0030] In this specification, if multiple upper limit candidates and multiple lower limit candidates are given for a certain parameter, the numerical range of that parameter may be constructed by combining any one upper limit candidate and any one lower limit candidate. As an example, consider the statement, "Parameter B may be A1 or greater, A2 or greater, A3 or greater. Parameter B may be A4 or less, A5 or less, A6 or less." In this example, the numerical range of parameter B may be A1 or greater and A4 or less, A1 or greater and A5 or less, A1 or greater and A6 or less, A2 or greater and A4 or less, A2 or greater and A5 or less, A2 or greater and A6 or less, A3 or greater and A4 or less, A3 or greater and A5 or less, and A3 or greater and A6 or less.

[0031] To clarify directional relationships between drawings, some drawings use arrows with common symbols to indicate the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 as common directions. The tip of the arrow is the first side of each direction. The opposite side of the arrow is the second side of each direction. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a symbol with a dot inside a circle indicates an arrow pointing towards the viewer along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. For example, as shown in Figure 5, a symbol with an "x" inside a circle indicates an arrow pointing away from the viewer along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0032] Figures 1A to 1C show an example of a marker-equipped container 5. Figures 2 and 3 show other examples of marker-equipped containers 5. As shown in Figures 1A to 3, the marker-equipped container 5 includes a container 7 and a marker 10. The marker 10 is provided on the container 7. Multiple markers 10 may be provided on a single container 7. The container 7 holds the marker 10. The marker 10 includes a mark 15. The marker-equipped container 5 can be detected based on the observed image of the mark 15 displayed by the marker 10. The position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be calculated based on the observed image of the mark 15 displayed by the marker 10. Therefore, by using the marker 10, the management of the container 7 can be significantly simplified and made more accurate.

[0033] The container 7 is an article to which the marker 10 is to be placed. The container 7 may be transported by automatic control or classified by automatic control. The container 7 is an article intended to contain, cover, hold, support, place, arrange, or place some object. The object to be contained is not particularly limited.

[0034] In the examples shown in Figures 1A and 1C, the container 7 is a plate 7A as an example of a container 7. Plate 7A is a dish used for eating. Plate 7A is intended on which food or drink is placed. In this specification, "plate" is a concept that includes not only flat dishes but also dishes such as bowls and basins. In the example shown in Figure 2, the container 7 is a container 7B as an example of a container 7. Container 7B contains an object, is placed in an object, or receives an object. In the example shown in Figure 3, the container 7 is packaging 7C as an example of a container 7. Packaging 7C covers an object.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1B, the marker 10 may be placed on the inner (surface) 7Aa of the plate 7A where the food or drink is placed. In the example shown in Figure 1B, the mark 15 of the marker 10 can be observed from above in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 1C, the marker 10 may be placed on the outer (back) 7Ab of the plate 7A, opposite to the inner (surface) 7Aa. In the example shown in Figure 1C, the mark 15 of the marker 10 can be observed from below in the vertical direction.

[0036] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1A, the marker 10 may be placed on the side 7Ac of the plate 7A. In the example shown by the dashed line in Figure 1A, the mark 15 of the marker 10 can be observed from the side of the plate 7A. With the marker 10 placed on the side of the plate 7A, the mark 15 can be observed even when food or drink is placed on the plate 7A or when the inner surface (surface) 7Aa of the plate 7A is dirty. In other words, even when food or drink is placed on the plate 7A or when the inner surface (surface) 7Aa of the plate 7A is dirty, the container with the marker 5 can be detected and its position and orientation can be determined.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the marker 10 may be placed on the side 7Ba of the container 7B. In the example shown in Figure 2, the mark 15 of the marker 10 can be observed from the side of the container 7B. As shown in Figure 2, the marker 10 may also be placed on the end face 7Bb of the side 7Ba of the containment body 7. In the example shown in Figure 2, the mark 15 of the marker 10 can be observed from above in the vertical direction. Markers 10 placed on the side 7Ba of the container 7B and on the upper end face 7Bb of the side 7Ba are not covered by the object contained in the container 7B. In other words, even when an object is contained in the container 7B, the marker-equipped containment body 5 can be detected, and its position and orientation can be determined.

[0038] The housing 7 includes a holding portion 8 for holding the marker 10. The holding portion 8 is located at a position on the housing 7 where the marker 10 can be placed. The holding portion 8 faces the marker 10 of the housing 7. The holding portion 8 either directly contacts the marker 10 of the housing 7 or faces it via a bonding layer. The position of the holding portion 8 is not particularly limited, and is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1A to 3.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the marker 10 may include a base layer 20 and a display layer 25. The display layer 25 is located on a portion of the base layer 20. The marker 10 displays the mark 15 due to differences in color, brightness, etc., between the base layer 20 and the display layer 25.

[0040] The wavelength of light used for observing Mark 15 is not particularly limited. The light used for observing Mark 15 may be visible light or near-infrared light. Visible light is light with a wavelength between 380 nm and 780 nm. Near-infrared light is light with a wavelength greater than 780 nm and less than or equal to 1400 nm.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the marker 10 is in the form of a film, sheet, or plate. The marker 10 includes a first surface 10a and a second surface 10b. The first surface 10a and the second surface 10b face each other in a first direction D1. The first surface 10a and the second surface 10b constitute a pair of main surfaces of the marker 10. As shown in Figure 3, the marker 10 includes a base layer 20 and a display layer 25, in the order from the second surface 10b toward the first surface 10a. The display layer 25 is located on a portion of the base layer 20.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the first surface 10a is located on the first side in the first direction D1. The second surface 10b is located on the second side in the first direction D1. The display layer 25 is located on the first side in the first direction D1 relative to the base material layer 20. The base material layer 20 is located on the second side in the first direction D1 relative to the display layer 25.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the marker 10 is fixed to the housing 7 such that the second surface 10b faces the housing 7. The marker 10 may be joined to the housing 7 by the bonding layer that constitutes the second surface 10b, or by a bonding layer separate from the marker 10 that is joined to the second surface 10b. As shown in Figure 4B, the base material layer 20 is located between the housing 7 and the display layer 25 in the first direction D1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the marker 10 includes a first region 11 and a second region 12. The display layer 25 is located only in the first region 11 of the two regions 12 included in the marker 10. Due to the difference in optical properties between the first region 11 and the second region 12 caused by the presence or absence of the display layer 25, a mark 15 can be observed. That is, the first region 11 is observed as the mark 15. The shape of the first region 11 matches the pattern of the mark 15. In the example shown in Figure 4, the area shown in white within the marker 10 is the second region 12. The area shown in black within the marker 10 is the first region 11.

[0045] The mark 15 displayed by marker 10 is not particularly limited. Marker 10 may display various information by mark 15. Mark 15 may include an identification mark 16. The identification mark 16 contains unique information. The identification mark 16 may express a specific meaning through its pattern. The pattern of the identification mark 16 may be associated with a specific meaning.

[0046] The identification mark 16 may represent a unique number through its pattern. The identification mark 16 may also represent an alphabet through its pattern. Examples of identification marks 16 include 2D barcodes, 3D barcodes, QR codes (registered trademarks), ArUco, etc. The identification mark 16 may also include various identification codes, etc.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 4, identification mark 16 is ArUco. ArUco is a technology publicly available at the following internet URL: “Detection of ArUco Markers” [Accessed October 13, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / docs.opencv.org / 4.x / d5 / dae / tutorial_aruco_detection.html> This webpage also describes how to perform position and orientation measurement using ArUco. By measuring position and orientation using ArUco, the relative positional relationship between the shooting position and marker 10 (including the orientation of marker 10) can be detected. The detection of the relative positional relationship between the shooting position, camera position, or observer position and marker 10 will be referred to simply as position detection below.

[0048] Mark 15 may include multiple shape marks 17. Each shape mark 17 may be spaced apart, i.e., separate from the other shape marks 17. That is, each shape mark 17 may be identifiable independently of the other shape marks 17. In the illustrated example, Mark 15 includes four shape marks 17. The four shape marks 17 are located at the four corners of Mark 10, respectively.

[0049] The marker 10 may include three or more shape marks 17. Using three or more shape marks 17 allows for accurate detection of the relative position, tilt, orientation, etc., between the observation position (such as the imaging unit) and the marker 10. By using three or more shape marks 17, more information can be obtained regarding the position of the marker 10.

[0050] By using more than three shape marks 17, even if some shape marks 17 cannot be observed from the observation position (e.g., the imaging unit) for some reason, position detection can be performed from the other shape marks 17. By using more than three shape marks 17, stable and highly accurate position detection can be performed.

[0051] In the illustrated example, multiple shape marks 17 have the same shape. The illustrated shape marks 17 have a circular shape. Shape marks 17 may have shapes other than circular. Shape marks 17 may also be polygonal shapes such as triangular and quadrilateral shapes.

[0052] Based on the observation results of multiple shape marks 17, the relative positional relationship between the observation position (shooting position) and the marker 10 can be detected. The calculation method (measurement method) used by the calculation unit to calculate the dimensions or orientation of the shape marks 17 using the captured images of the shape marks 17 may be the method described in Hideyuki Tanaka, "Fundamentals and Latest Trends in AR Marker Technology," IEICE Journal Vol. 97, No. 8, 2014, pp. 734-740. Measurement of position and orientation using the shape marks 17 is more accurate than measurement of position and orientation using ArUco. The shape marks 17 are displayed by the shape of the first region 11 (the shape of the display layer 25), similar to the identification marks 16.

[0053] Specific examples of the marker-equipped container 5 and marker 10 shown in Figures 4 to 6 will be described in more detail below.

[0054] The marker 10 includes a base layer 20 and a display layer 25. The base layer 20 is located in both the first region 11 and the second region 12. The display layer 25 is located only in the first region 11. In the illustrated example, the marker 10 is composed only of the first region 11 and the second region 12.

[0055] The base layer 20 supports the layers contained in the marker 10. The base layer 20 serves as the base for providing the display layer 25. The material of the base layer 20 is not particularly limited. The material of the base layer 20 may be one that provides sufficient contrast with the display layer 25. The base layer 20 may include paper, resin film, etc.

[0056] The resin film may include one or more polyethylene terephthalate film, polymethyl methacrylate film, and polycarbonate film.

[0057] The base layer 20 may contain a pigment to ensure contrast with the display layer 25. The base layer 20 may contain a pigment and a binder component to hold the pigment. The pigment can be selected as appropriate. If the base layer 20 is a resin film containing a pigment, flexibility can be imparted to the marker 10. A flexible marker 10 can be deformed to conform to the surface shape of the holding portion 8 of the housing 7. Therefore, a flexible marker 10 can be stably held in the holding portion 8.

[0058] The thickness of the substrate layer 20 can be appropriately determined considering optical properties, flexibility, etc. The thickness of the substrate layer 20 may be between 1 μm and 200 μm.

[0059] The display layer 25 can be identified by differences in brightness and color from the base layer 20. Identification of the display layer 25 from the base layer 20 makes the mark 15 corresponding to the first region 11 observable. The material of the display layer 25 is not particularly limited. The material of the display layer 25 may be any material that provides sufficient contrast with the base layer 20. The display layer 25 may contain a pigment and a binder component. The binder component may be a resin. The binder component may contain one or more of the following: polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, epoxy resin, polyurethane, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride, etc. The display layer 25 may be formed in the first region 11 by printing. The display layer 25 may also be formed in the first region 11 by patterning the coating using photolithography technology.

[0060] The thickness of the display layer 25 may be adjusted to obtain the desired optical properties. The thickness of the display layer 25 may be between 1 μm and 200 μm.

[0061] As a specific example, as shown in Figure 13, the marker 10 may be installed on a container 7 that moves on the conveying device 405. Examples of such containers 7 include the dish 7A, container 7B, and packaging 7C shown in Figures 1A to 3. In particular, in the example shown in Figure 13, the dish 7A is being conveyed on the conveying device 405. In the example shown in Figure 13, the detection result of the marker-equipped container 5 using the marker 10 may be used for operation control of the conveying device 405 and management of the marker-equipped container 5 (container 7). In the example shown in Figure 13, a camera or other imaging unit 401 is installed on the conveying device 405. The imaging unit 401 photographs the marker-equipped container 5 moving on the conveying device 405. In the example shown in Figure 13, the mark 15 of the marker-equipped container 5 can be observed from above in the vertical direction, as in the example shown in Figure 1B.

[0062] In the application shown in Figure 5, the size of the marker 10 in plan view may be, for example, between 5 mm × 5 mm and 40 mm × 40 mm. Using a marker 10 of this size, position detection can be performed with high accuracy.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the first surface 10a and the second surface 10b face each other in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the thickness direction of the marker 10. The first direction D1 is the stacking direction of the multiple layers contained in the marker 10.

[0064] The marker 10 may be flat. A flat marker 10 may be placed on the planar surface of the container 7. The marker 10 may extend in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The marker 10 may be located on the plane defined by the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The marker 10 may be curved. In the example shown in Figures 1B and 13, the marker 10 is provided on the curved bottom surface of the dish 7A. In this example, the marker 10 is curved with respect to the plane defined by the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the first direction D1 is orthogonal to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In the illustrated example, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are orthogonal to each other.

[0066] The shape of the marker 10 is not particularly limited. In the example shown in Figure 4, the marker 10 has a square shape with chamfered corners when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0067] The marker 10 may have one or more of the following shapes when observed from a first direction D1: circular, elliptical, triangular, equilateral triangle, parallelogram, rhombus, pentagon, regular pentagon, hexagon, or regular hexagon. The corners of the marker 10, which are polygonal in plan view, may or may not be chamfered.

[0068] The size of the marker 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the size of a rectangular marker 10 having sides extending parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 may be 80 mm × 80 mm or less, 40 mm × 40 mm or less, 20 mm × 20 mm or less, or 10 mm × 10 mm or less when observed from the first direction D1.

[0069] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the marker 10 may include a first bonding layer 31 in addition to the base layer 20 and the display layer 25. The first bonding layer 31 is located between the base layer 20 and the display layer 25. The first bonding layer 31 bonds the base layer 20 and the display layer 25. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first bonding layer 31 is located only in the first region 11. The first bonding layer 31 is located facing the display layer 25.

[0070] Figures 4 and 5 show the marker 10 incorporated into the marker-equipped container 5. Figure 6 shows the marker 10 before it is placed on the container 7.

[0071] The material of the first bonding layer 31 is not particularly limited. The first bonding layer 31 may contain one or more of the following: ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, acrylic resin, polyvinylidene chloride, etc.

[0072] By using the first bonding layer 31, the display layer 25 can be laminated onto the base layer 20 by transfer printing, as described later. If the display layer 25 has transferability and can be bonded to the base layer 20, the first bonding layer 31 may be omitted. If the display layer 25 is directly formed on the base layer 20 by printing or the like, the first bonding layer 31 may be omitted.

[0073] The thickness of the first bonding layer 31 may be between 1 μm and 100 μm.

[0074] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the marker 10 may include a protective layer (surface layer) 33 in addition to the base layer 20 and the display layer 25. The protective layer 33 is located on the opposite side of the display layer 25 from the base layer 20 in the first direction D1. The display layer 25 is located between the protective layer 33 and the base layer 20 in the first direction D1. The protective layer 33 may constitute the surface of the marker 10. In the example shown in Figure 5, the protective layer 33 constitutes the first surface 10a.

[0075] The protective layer 33 covers the display layer 25. The protective layer 33 protects the display layer 25. The protective layer 33 may be located only in the first region 11. If the display layer 25 has sufficient strength, the protective layer 33 may be omitted.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the protective layer 33 is located in both the first region 11 and the second region 12. In the second region 12, the protective layer 33 covers the base layer 20. The protective layer 33 protects the display layer 25 and the base layer 20. If the display layer 25 and the base layer 20 have sufficient strength, the protective layer 33 may be omitted.

[0077] The protective layer 33 is translucent. Because the protective layer 33 is translucent, the base layer 20 and the display layer 25 can be observed from the first surface 10a. Translucency means that it transmits light used to observe the mark 15.

[0078] When observing mark 15 using visible light, the protective layer 33 is transparent to visible light. Transmittance to visible light means that the average spectral transmittance of visible light is 50% or more. Transmittance to visible light may also mean that the average spectral transmittance of visible light is 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more. The average spectral transmittance of visible light is the arithmetic mean of the spectral transmittances for wavelengths at 1 nm intervals in the range from 380 nm to 780 nm or less. The average spectral transmittance of visible light is the arithmetic mean of the spectral transmittances for integer wavelengths between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0079] The average spectral transmittance is defined as the arithmetic mean of five measured values ​​of average spectral transmittance. The five measured values ​​used for the arithmetic mean are the five values ​​obtained by subtracting the maximum and minimum values ​​from the seven average spectral transmittance measurements taken at the seven measurement locations included in the evaluation. The seven measurement locations are located at least 10 mm apart from each other.

[0080] When observing Mark 15 using near-infrared light, the protective layer 33 is transparent to near-infrared light. Transmissive to near-infrared light means that the spectral transmittance at a wavelength of 940 nm is 50% or more. Transmissive to visible light means that the average spectral transmittance of visible light may be 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more.

[0081] The spectral transmittance at a wavelength of 940 nm is the arithmetic mean of five measured spectral transmittance values. The five spectral transmittance values ​​used for the arithmetic mean are the five values ​​obtained by subtracting the maximum and minimum values ​​from the seven spectral transmittance values ​​measured at the seven measurement locations included in the evaluation. The seven measurement locations are located at least 10 mm apart from each other.

[0082] Spectral transmittance is the transmittance at the target wavelength. Spectral transmittance is measured using light spectrally separated to the target wavelength by a spectrophotometer. Before measuring spectral transmittance, the spectrophotometer's light source is lit for 15 minutes to stabilize the output of the light source. As an example of a spectrophotometer, the UV-Vis-Near Infrared Spectrophotometer "V-670" manufactured by JASCO Corporation is used. When measuring spectral transmittance, the angle of incidence to the sample is set to 0°. The angle of incidence is the angle between the direction of incidence and the direction normal to the incident surface. The light beam irradiated onto the sample contains only light traveling in a direction inclined to less than 5° with respect to its center line (optical axis). That is, the angle of incidence of the irradiation light beam incident on the sample is in the range of ±5°. The spectrophotometer's receiver collects the light transmitted from the sample using an integrating sphere. The spectral transmittance of the sample is measured under conditions in which the incident and exit surfaces of the sample form an interface with an air layer. All other conditions shall conform to JIS Z 8722:2009.

[0083] The test environment for measuring spectral transmittance shall be 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 5% relative humidity. The sample shall be placed in the test environment for 16 hours before the start of the test.

[0084] The material of the protective layer 33 is not particularly limited. The protective layer 33 may contain one or more of the following: epoxy resin, melamine resin, silicone, phenolic resin, polyester, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, etc.

[0085] The thickness of the protective layer 33 may be between 1 μm and 100 μm.

[0086] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the marker 10 may include a second bonding layer 35 in addition to the base layer 20 and the display layer 25. The second bonding layer 35 is located on the opposite side of the base layer 20 from the display layer 25 in the first direction D1. The base layer 20 is located between the second bonding layer 35 and the display layer 25 in the first direction D1. The second bonding layer 35 may constitute the surface of the marker 10. In the example shown in Figure 5, the second bonding layer 35 constitutes the second surface 10b.

[0087] The second bonding layer 35 attaches the marker 10 to the container 7. If the marker 10 is attached to the container 7 using a separate adhesive tape or adhesive film, the second bonding layer 35 may be omitted.

[0088] The material of the second bonding layer 35 is not particularly limited. The second bonding layer 35 may contain one or more adhesives such as acrylic adhesives and silicone adhesives.

[0089] In the illustrated example, the second bonding layer 35 extends not only to the first region 11 but also to the second region 12. The second bonding layer 35 extending to the second region 12 allows the marker 10 to be stably attached to the container 7.

[0090] As shown in Figure 6, the marker 10 may include a separator 37 laminated on the second bonding layer 35. When the marker 10 is attached to the container 7, the separator 37 is removed from the marker 10. The separator 37 may have easy-peel properties. The separator 37 is not particularly limited. Known separators and known release papers may be used as the separator 37.

[0091] Unlike the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base layer 20 may include multiple layers, as shown in Figure 7. In this example, the base layer 20 may include a first base layer 21 and a second base layer 22. The first base layer 21 may be located between the second base layer 22 and the display layer 25.

[0092] The first substrate layer 21 allows the mark 15 to be observed due to differences in color and brightness between it and the display layer 25. The material of the first substrate layer 21 is not particularly limited. The material of the first substrate layer 21 may be a material that provides sufficient contrast with the display layer 25. The first substrate layer 21 may contain a pigment and a binder component. The binder component may be a resin. The binder component may contain one or more of the following: polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, epoxy resin, polyurethane, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride, etc. The first substrate layer 21 may also be a coating film formed on the second substrate layer 22 by printing. The first substrate layer 21 may be a cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, for example, a cured product of an ultraviolet-curable resin composition.

[0093] The thickness of the first substrate layer 21 may be adjusted to obtain desired optical properties. The thickness of the first substrate layer 21 may be between 1 μm and 200 μm.

[0094] The second substrate layer 22 supports the layer contained in the marker 10. Together with the first substrate layer 21, the second substrate layer 22 constitutes the substrate layer 20.

[0095] An upper limit may be set on the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the second base material layer 22. The marker 10 may expand and contract with temperature changes. When the marker 10 is thermally deformed, the mark deforms. This deformation of the mark 15 may lead to problems such as a decrease in the detection accuracy of the container 7 on which the marker 10 is provided. The temperature of the marked container 5 can vary greatly depending on the ambient temperature of the transport path of the marked container 5. The temperature of the marked container 5 can also vary greatly depending on the object to be contained in the container 7.

[0096] This problem can be solved by setting an upper limit on the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the second base material layer 22. By setting an upper limit on the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the second base material layer 22, the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected with high accuracy based on the observation results of the mark 15, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0097] The linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the second base layer 22 may be 30×10 -6 / °C or less, may be 25×10 -6 / °C or less, may be 20×10 -6 / °C or less, may be 10×10 -6 / °C or less. The lower limit of the linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the second base layer 22 is not particularly set. The linear expansion coefficient of the material constituting the second base layer 22 may be 1.0×10 -6 / °C or more. The linear expansion coefficient is measured in accordance with JIS R3102.

[0098] The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be copper or a copper alloy. The linear expansion coefficient of the copper material or copper alloy material can be 17×10 -6 / °C or less. The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The linear expansion coefficient of the aluminum material or aluminum alloy material can be 23×10 -6 / °C or less. The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be duralumin mainly composed of aluminum and copper. The linear expansion coefficient of the duralumin material can be 27×10 -6 / °C or less.

[0099] The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be gold. The linear expansion coefficient of the gold material can be 14×10 -6 / °C or less. The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be silver. The linear expansion coefficient of the silver material can be 20×10 -6 / °C or less.

[0100] The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be stainless steel. The linear expansion coefficient of the stainless steel material can be 17×10 -6 / °C or less.

[0101] The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be glass. The linear expansion coefficient of the glass can be 10×10 -6 / °C or less, and can be reduced, for example, to about 3.2×10 -6 / °C. As the glass having a linear expansion coefficient of about 3.2×10 -6 / °C, EAGLE XG (registered trademark) manufactured by Corning is exemplified.

[0102] The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be ceramics. The coefficient of thermal expansion of ceramics is 10 × 10 -6 It can be reduced to below / ℃, for example, 2.8 × 10 -6 It can be reduced to approximately / ℃. 2.8×10 -6 Examples of ceramics with a linear expansion coefficient of approximately / °C include ceramics containing silicon nitride. An example of a ceramic containing silicon nitride is Denka SN Plate manufactured by Denka Co., Ltd.

[0103] The material constituting the second base layer 22 may be a ceramic containing one or more alumina, alumina zirconia, and aluminum nitride. The coefficient of linear expansion of these materials is 10 × 10 -6 The temperature can be reduced to below / ℃. The material constituting the second base layer 22 may contain titanium. The coefficient of linear expansion of the titanium second base layer 22 is 10 × 10 -6 It can be reduced to below / ℃, for example, 8.5 × 10 -6 It can be reduced to approximately / ℃.

[0104] An upper limit may be set on the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 of the housing 7. The holding portion 8 is the part of the housing 7 that holds the marker 10. By setting an upper limit on the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8, the above-mentioned problems, such as the decrease in detection accuracy of the marker-equipped housing 5 due to thermal deformation of the marker 10, can be solved. In other words, by setting an upper limit on the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8, the marker-equipped housing 5 can be detected with high accuracy based on the observation results of the mark 15, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped housing 5 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0105] The coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding part 8 is 30 × 10 -6 / ℃ or lower is also acceptable, 25 × 10 -6 / ℃ or lower is also acceptable, 20 × 10 -6 / ℃ or lower is also acceptable, 10 × 10 -6 It may be below / ℃. No lower limit is set for the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding part 8. The coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding part 8 is 1.0 × 10⁻⁶.-6 Temperatures above / ℃ are also acceptable. As mentioned above, the coefficient of linear expansion is measured in accordance with JIS R3102.

[0106] The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be the same material as that used to constitute the second base layer 22. For example, the material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or duralumin. The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be gold, silver, stainless steel, glass, or ceramics. The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be ceramics containing silicon nitride. The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be ceramics containing one or more of alumina, alumina zirconia, or aluminum nitride.

[0107] The coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 on which the marker 10 of the container 7 is located may be smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the base layer 20. By adjusting the coefficients of thermal expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 and the material constituting the base layer 20 in this way, the above-mentioned problems, such as the decrease in detection accuracy of the marker-equipped container 5 due to thermal deformation of the marker 10, can be solved. In other words, by making the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 on which the marker 10 of the container 7 is located smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the base layer 20, the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected with high accuracy based on the observation results of the mark 15, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0108] For example, in the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the material constituting the second base layer 22 described above may be used as the material constituting the holding portion 8, and the base layer 20 may be a resin film. In such an example, the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 on which the marker 10 of the container 7 is provided can be made smaller than the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the base layer 20.

[0109] When the base layer 20 is a resin film or contains a resin film, the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the base layer 20 tends to be greater than the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding part 8. The resin film may contain one or more of polyethylene terephthalate film, polymethyl methacrylate film, and polycarbonate film. The coefficient of linear expansion of polyethylene terephthalate film is 65 × 10⁻⁶. -6 The temperature will be approximately / °C. The coefficient of linear expansion of polymethyl methacrylate film is 50 × 10 -6 / ℃ or higher 90×10 -6 The temperature will be approximately below / ℃. The coefficient of linear expansion of polycarbonate film is 70 × 10 -6 It will be around / ℃.

[0110] The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be the same material as that used to constitute the second base layer 22. For example, the material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or duralumin. The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be gold, silver, stainless steel, glass, or ceramics. The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be ceramics containing silicon nitride. The material used to constitute the holding portion 8 may be ceramics containing one or more of alumina, alumina zirconia, or aluminum nitride.

[0111] In the examples shown in Figures 5 to 7, the protective layer 33 is a single layer. As shown in Figure 8, the protective layer 33 may include multiple layers. The protective layer 33 shown in Figure 8 includes a surface layer 33A, a resin substrate layer 33B, and an adhesive layer 33C. The surface layer 33A, the resin substrate layer 33B, and the adhesive layer 33C are positioned in this order from the first surface 10a to the second surface 10b in the first direction D1.

[0112] The surface layer 33A constitutes the first surface 10a. The surface layer 33A may exhibit specific functions as a layer forming the surface. The surface layer 33A may have low reflectivity, hard coat functionality, anti-fouling functionality, etc. The resin substrate layer 33B supports the surface layer 33A. The surface layer 33A may be made of a resin film. The adhesive layer 33C has an adhesive function. The adhesive layer 33C connects the surface layer 33A and the resin substrate layer 33B to the substrate layer 20 and the display layer 25.

[0113] As described above, the marker 10 may be joined to the container 7 and the container body 70a using the second bonding layer 35. Alternatively, the marker 10 may be attached to the container 7 and the container body 70a using a separate adhesive tape or adhesive film. By using a bonding layer or the like, the marker 10 can be easily joined to the container 7 and the container body 70a.

[0114] In the marker-equipped container 5 shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the marker 10 is positioned on the flat or curved surface of the container 7. The marker 10 may also be attached to the flat or curved surface of the container 7 using the second bonding layer 35 or a bonding layer separate from the marker 10.

[0115] As shown in Figure 9, the housing 7 may be provided with a recess 9. The marker 10 may be located within the recess 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, the entire marker 10 is located within the recess 9. Only a portion of the marker 10 may be located within the recess 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, the marker 10 may be held in the housing 7 by being fitted into the recess 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, the marker 10 may be fixed within the recess 9 using a second bonding layer 35 of the marker 10 or a bonding layer provided separately from the marker 10.

[0116] As shown in Figure 10, the marker 10 may be located inside the containment 7. The marker 10 may be completely surrounded by the containment 7.

[0117] In the marker-equipped container 5, the portion of the container 7 that covers the marker 10 when the marker 10 is being observed is translucent. Because the portion of the container 7 that covers the marker 10 when the marker 10 is being observed is translucent, the mark 15 can be observed by passing light through that portion. In other words, because the portion of the container 7 that covers the marker 10 when the marker 10 is being observed is translucent, the base material layer 20 and the display layer 25 can be observed from the first surface 10a. Translucency means, as described above, that it is transparent to the light used to observe the mark 15.

[0118] For example, in the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, when observing the mark 15 of the marker 10 from above in the vertical direction, the portion of the dish 7A located between the inner surface (front surface) 7Aa and the marker 10 is translucent. In the example shown in Figure 10, when observing the mark 15 of the marker 10 from below in the vertical direction, the portion of the dish 7A located between the outer surface (back surface) 7Ab and the marker 10 is translucent.

[0119] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the housing 7 may include a housing body 70a and a covering portion 70b. The housing body 70a is provided with a recess 9. The marker 10 may be located at least partially within the recess 9. In the illustrated example, the entire marker 10 is located within the recess 9 of the housing body 70a. The covering portion 70b covers the marker 10 located within the recess 9. In the illustrated example, the entire perimeter of the marker 10 is surrounded by the housing body 70a and the covering portion 70b. As a result, the marker 10 is located inside the housing 7.

[0120] In the example shown in Figure 11A, when observing the mark 15 of the marker 10 from above in the vertical direction, the portion of the housing body 70a located between the inner surface (surface) 7Aa and the marker 10 is translucent. In this example, the other portions of the housing body 70a and the covering portion 70b do not need to be translucent. In the example shown in Figure 11A, when observing the mark 15 of the marker 10 from below in the vertical direction, the covering portion 70b is translucent. In this example, the housing body 70a does not need to be translucent.

[0121] In the example shown in Figure 11B, when observing the mark 15 of the marker 10 from above in the vertical direction, the covering portion 70b is translucent. In this example, the housing body portion 70a does not need to be translucent. In the example shown in Figure 11B, when observing the mark 15 of the marker 10 from below in the vertical direction, the portion of the housing body portion 70a located between the outer surface (back surface) 7Aa and the marker 10 is translucent. In this example, the other parts of the housing body portion 70a and the covering portion 70b do not need to be translucent.

[0122] The container 7 and the container body 70a may be manufactured by injection molding. When the container 7 and the container body 70a are manufactured by injection molding, the marker 10 may be joined (welded) to the container 7 and the container body 70a by in-mold molding. Figures 12A to 12D show an example of a method for manufacturing the container 7 and the container body 70a holding the marker 10 by in-mold molding.

[0123] Figures 12A to 12D show a manufacturing apparatus 80 for manufacturing the container 7 and the container body 70a. The manufacturing apparatus 80 has a mold 80A. The manufacturing apparatus 80 produces the container 7 and the container body 70a by injecting heated thermoplastic resin into the cavity 85 of the mold 80A. The produced container 7 and the container body 70a contain thermoplastic resin. In the example shown in Figures 12A to 12D, the resin is injected into the cavity 85 where the marker 10 is placed. The container 7 and the container body 70a are obtained in a state where they are welded to the marker 10.

[0124] As shown in Figure 12A, the mold 80A includes a first mold 81 and a second mold 82. As shown in Figures 12A to 12D, the first mold 81 and the second mold 82 can move closer to each other and further apart from each other. As shown in Figure 12C, the first mold 81 and the second mold 82 can contact each other to form a cavity 85 between them. The cavity 85 has the same shape as or a corresponding shape to the housing 7 and housing body 70a to be manufactured. The first mold 81 has a protrusion 83 corresponding to a recess 9 to be formed. The protrusion 83 has a shape complementary to the recess 9 to be formed. The mold 80A has introduction holes 86 that serve as a supply path for resin to the cavity 85. In the illustrated example, the first mold 81 includes two introduction holes 86, and the second mold 82 includes two introduction holes 86.

[0125] An example of a manufacturing method for producing the containment body 7 and the containment main body 70a using the manufacturing apparatus 80 shown in Figures 12A to 12D will be described below.

[0126] As shown in Figure 12A, the manufacturing method may include a step of preparing a mold 80A. In this step, a mold 80A including a first mold 81 and a second mold 82 is prepared. Markers 10 are also prepared in this step.

[0127] As shown in Figure 12B, the manufacturing method may include a step of placing the marker 10 on one of the first mold 81 and the second mold 82. In this step, the marker 10 may be placed in the cavity 85. In the illustrated example, the marker 10 is placed on the first mold 81. Specifically, the marker 10 is placed on the protrusion 83.

[0128] As shown in Figure 12C, the manufacturing method includes the step of bringing the first mold 81 and the second mold 82 close together to form a cavity 85.

[0129] As shown in Figure 12C, the manufacturing method includes the step of supplying heated thermoplastic resin into the cavity 85 of the mold 80A. In this step, the resin is injected into the cavity 85 through the introduction hole 86. The thermoplastic resin supplied into the cavity 85 cools and solidifies within the cavity 85. The solidified thermoplastic resin forms the container 7 or the container body 70a. The thermoplastic resin is welded to the marker 10 when it solidifies. Therefore, the obtained container 7 or container body 70a is welded to the marker 10. The thermoplastic resin may be polyolefin such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer.

[0130] As shown in Figure 12D, the manufacturing method may include a step of removing the housing 7 or housing body 70a and the marker 10 from the mold 80A. In this step, the first mold 81 and the second mold 82 separate from each other. As a result, the combined housing 7 or housing body 70a and the marker 10 is removed from the cavity 85 of the mold 80A.

[0131] As a result, a housing 7 for holding the marker 10, or a housing body 70a for holding the marker 10, is obtained. The housing 7 for holding the marker 10 constitutes the housing 5 with a marker. Furthermore, by forming a covering portion 70b that covers the marker 10 on the housing body 70a for holding the marker 10, the housing 5 with a marker shown in Figures 11A and 11B is obtained.

[0132] Marker 10 may be issued by a marker issuing system 200 that is capable of on-demand issuance. The marker issuing system 200 may issue an identification mark 16 representing the ID required by the user each time. The marker issuing system 200 may also issue marker 10 by printing. On-demand issuance means issuing (creating) a marker 10 that includes an identification mark 16 representing the required ID. Depending on the purpose of use of marker 10, a marker 10 displaying an identification mark 16 representing an ID predetermined by the user of the marker-equipped container 5 may be issued (created). The mark 15 of the issued marker 10 may include the identification mark 16 and the shape mark 17, or it may include only the shape mark 17.

[0133] Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of the marker issuing system 200. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the blank 320 and transfer sheet 330 together with the thermal head 313. Figures 14 and 15 show an example of how the marker 10 shown in Figures 4-6 is manufactured.

[0134] In Figure 15, the blank 320, the transfer sheet (marker printing transfer sheet) 330, and the thermal head 313 are shown separately for ease of understanding. When transfer printing is performed, the blank 320, the transfer sheet 330, and the thermal head 313 come into close contact.

[0135] The marker issuing system 200 may include a printer 310. The printer 310 performs transfer printing on a blank 320. A transfer sheet 330 is used in the transfer printing. The marker 10 is produced (issued) by the transfer printing. In addition to the printer 310, the marker issuing system 200 may also include terminal devices such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer that are capable of communicating with the printer 310.

[0136] The printer 310 may include an input unit 311, a print control unit 312, and a thermal head 313. Markers 10 are issued by transferring a mark 15 onto a blank 320 using a transfer sheet 330. The printer 310 is portable. Being portable means that its size, shape, weight, etc., are configured to be suitable for carrying and transporting, and that it can be moved by at least human power. The printer 310 may have a size, shape, and weight that allows it to be easily carried with one hand.

[0137] The input unit 311 accepts variable information regarding the mark 15 to be transferred and printed on demand. Variable information regarding the mark 15 is, for example, a unique ID represented by the identification mark 16. The variable information may be any positive integer. The input unit 311 may accept input from an input operation unit such as a button or touch panel provided on the printer 310, or it may accept input from a terminal device (not shown).

[0138] The print control unit 312 controls the thermal head 313 and a transport mechanism (not shown) based on the information input by the input unit 311. The thermal head 313, controlled by the print control unit 312, transfers and prints the identification mark 16 onto the blank 320 using the transfer sheet 330. The print control unit 312 and the thermal head 313 constitute a printing unit that transfers and prints the mark 15 based on the information input by the input unit 311.

[0139] As shown in Figure 15, the blank 320 may include a base layer 20, a second bonding layer 35, and a separator 37. The base layer 20, the second bonding layer 35, and the separator 37 correspond to the base layer 20, the second bonding layer 35, and the separator 37 of the marker 10 described above. The blank 320 does not have a first bonding layer 31, a display layer 25, and a protective layer 33 laminated on it. The blank 320 may be mounted in the printer 310 in a wound roll state.

[0140] As shown in Figure 15, the transfer sheet 330 may include a release support 332 and a transfer layer 331. The release support 332 has release properties on one side. The transfer layer 331 is temporarily bonded to the release-propelled side of the release support 332. The release support 332 may be any known separator or known release paper, similar to the separator 37. The illustrated release support 332 includes a base layer 332a and a release layer 332b. The base layer 332a may be made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) resin, etc. The release layer 332b may be made of a silicone resin, fluororesin, nitrocellulose resin, polyamide resin, acrylic resin, etc.

[0141] As shown in Figure 15, the transfer layer 331 may include a first bonding layer 31, a display layer 25, and a protective layer 33. The first bonding layer 31, the display layer 25, and the protective layer 33 correspond to the first bonding layer 31, the display layer 25, and the protective layer 33 of the marker 10 described above, respectively. The first bonding layer 31, the display layer 25, and the protective layer 33 may be mounted to the printer 310 in a wound roll state before being laminated into a laminate including the separator 37, the second bonding layer 35, and the base material layer 20.

[0142] When printing the identification mark 16, the thermal head 313 and a transport mechanism (not shown) are driven and controlled considering the shape of the identification mark 16 corresponding to the ID etc. entered by the input unit 311. Only the position corresponding to the shape of the identification mark 16 to be printed is heated locally, the adhesive force of the first bonding layer 31 is activated, and the transfer layer 331 is partially bonded to the substrate layer 20.

[0143] As printing and transport progress, the blank 320 and the transfer sheet 330 separate. The area of ​​the transfer layer 331 in which the first bonding layer 31 is bonded to the base material layer 20 is transferred to the blank 320. With this, the transfer printing of the identification mark 16 is completed. After transfer printing, the blank 320 and a portion of the transfer layer 331 form the marker 10 and are ejected from the printer 310. A single-wafer marker 10 may be obtained by cutting the separator 37.

[0144] As a result, a marker 10 with an identification mark 16 displaying the desired ID printed on it is issued on demand.

[0145] Next, we will explain an example of how to use the marker-equipped containment unit 5.

[0146] Figure 13 shows a marker-equipped container detection system 500, which includes a marker-equipped container 5. The marker-equipped container detection system 500 includes a marker-equipped container 5, a camera (imaging unit) 401, and a calculation unit 402. The camera 401 photographs the marker 10 of the marker-equipped container 5. The calculation unit 402 performs calculations based on the image of the marker 10 captured by the imaging unit 401.

[0147] In the illustrated example, the marker-equipped container detection system 500 includes a conveying device 405. The conveying device 405 conveys the marker-equipped container 5. The marker-equipped container 5 may be conveyed by the conveying device 405 along a predetermined path. The conveying device 405 may be a conveyor such as a belt conveyor.

[0148] In the example shown in Figure 13, the camera 401 is positioned facing the transport path of the marker-equipped container 5 by the transport device 405. In the example shown in Figure 13, the marker 10 is attached to the curved bottom surface of the tray 7A. The camera 401 is positioned facing the transport path of the marker-equipped container 5 from above in a vertical direction. The camera 401 can photograph the marker 10 of the marker-equipped container 5 being transported by the transport device 405.

[0149] The arithmetic unit 402 is electrically connected to the camera 401. The arithmetic unit 402 can acquire images captured by the camera 401.

[0150] The transport device 405 may further include a control unit 403. The control unit 403 is electrically connected to the calculation unit 402. The control unit 403 is electrically connected to the transport device 405. The control unit 403 may control the transport device 405 based on the calculation results from the calculation unit 402.

[0151] The calculation unit 402 uses the image of the identification mark 16 of the marker 10 captured by the camera 401 to identify the unique information assigned to the identification mark 16. The control unit 403 can identify the type of marked container 5 being transported by the transport device 405 and its position on the transport path from the unique information of the identification mark 16 identified by the calculation unit 402. The transport device 405 may control the transport path of each marked container 5 based on the information of the type and position of the marked container 5 moving on the transport device 405. For example, the transport destination by the transport device 405 may be changed according to the type of marked container 5 or the position of the marked container 5.

[0152] The marker-equipped container detection system 500 may include multiple cameras 401. The multiple cameras 401 may face each other at different positions along the transport path of the marker-equipped container 5 by the transport device 405. By using multiple cameras 401, the transported marker-equipped container 5 can be detected at multiple locations.

[0153] The calculation unit 402 may use the image of the identification mark 16 to calculate the relative positional relationship between the camera 401 and the marker 10. The calculation method (measurement method) used by the calculation unit 402 to calculate the dimensions or orientation of the identification mark 16 using the captured image of the identification mark 16 is described in “Detection of ArUco Markers” [searched October 13, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / docs.opencv.org / 4.x / d5 / dae / tutorial_aruco_detection.html> Methods that are publicly available are also acceptable.

[0154] The marker 10 shown in Figure 4 includes both the identification mark 16 and the shape mark 17. The calculation unit 402 may use the image of the shape mark 17 to calculate the relative positional relationship between the camera 401 and the marker 10. The calculation method (measurement method) used by the calculation unit 402 to calculate the dimensions or orientation of the shape mark 17 using the captured image of the shape mark 17 may be the method described in Hideyuki Tanaka, "Fundamentals and Latest Trends in AR Marker Technology," IEICE Journal Vol. 97, No. 8, 2014, pp. 734-740.

[0155] A marked container 5 includes a container 7 and a marker 10. Container 7 is the article on which the marker 10 is to be placed. Container 7 is intended to contain, cover, hold, hold, place, support, place, arrange, or support an object. During use, container 7 often moves. Multiple containers 7 may move simultaneously while containing objects.

[0156] With the marker-equipped container 5, which has a marker 10 applied to the container 7, the position and orientation of the container 7 can be detected with high precision. By using the detection results of the position and orientation of the container 7, it becomes possible to transport the container 7 by automatic control. Furthermore, by using the identification mark 16, multiple containers 7 can be classified, and each container 7 can be transported by automatic control while taking the classification results into consideration. Therefore, by using the marker 10, the management of the containers 7 can be significantly simplified and made more accurate.

[0157] The calculation unit 402 and the control unit 403 may be configured by installing a computer program on a computer. The calculation unit 402 and the control unit 403 may be configured by installing an application program for the marker-equipped object detection system on a computer used to control the marker-equipped object detection system 500. The program may cause the computer to execute the steps of having the camera (imaging unit) 401 photograph the marker 10 and having the calculation unit 402 perform calculations.

[0158] The computer used to control the marker-equipped object detection system 500 may be a general-purpose smartphone, a general-purpose tablet device, or a general-purpose laptop computer. Alternatively, the computer used to control the marker-equipped object detection system 500 may be a dedicated computer specifically designed for controlling the system. A computer refers to an information processing device including a control unit and a memory device.

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 13, the calculation unit 402 and the control unit 403 may be located on a server or the like, which is installed separately from the transport device 405. The calculation unit 402 and the control unit 403 may communicate wirelessly with the camera 401 and the transport device 405. The calculation unit 402 and the control unit 403 may communicate with the camera 401 and the transport device 405 via wired communication.

[0160] As described above, during handling of the marker-equipped container 5, for example during transport, the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected by using the mark 15 displayed by the marker 10. On the other hand, during handling of the marker-equipped container 5, for example during transport, the marker 10 may fall off the container 7. If the marker 10 falls off the container 7, the position and orientation of the container 7 cannot be detected. In other words, the marker-equipped container 5 has a problem that needs to be solved: preventing the marker 10 from falling off the container 7. This problem can be solved by the configuration described above, as explained below.

[0161] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the housing 7 may be provided with a recess 9. The marker 10 may be located within the recess 9. When the marker 10 is placed within the recess 9, it does not protrude from the housing 7, or the amount of protrusion from the housing 7 is reduced. Therefore, the detachment of the marker 10 from the housing 7 can be suppressed. When the marker 10 is fitted into the recess 9, the detachment of the marker 10 from the housing 7 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0162] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the marker 10 may be located inside the housing 7. This example more effectively prevents the marker 10 from falling out of the housing 7.

[0163] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11A and 12B, the housing 7 may include a housing body portion 70a provided with a recess 9 for housing the marker 10, and a covering portion 70b that covers the marker 10 located in the recess 9. With this configuration, the marker 10 can be easily and stably placed inside the housing 7. As a result, the marker 10 can be more effectively prevented from falling out of the housing 7.

[0164] Incidentally, the temperature of the environment in which the marker-equipped container 5 is located can change. Along with the change in the environment temperature, the temperature of the marker 10 can also change. The marker 10 can expand as the temperature rises and contract as the temperature falls. According to in-mold molding and insert molding, as explained with reference to Figures 12A to 12D, the marker 10 is placed in a cavity 85 for manufacturing the container 7 by injection molding. The marker 10 can be greatly deformed by exposure to the heated manufacturing equipment 80 and heated thermoplastic resin. When the marker 10 expands or contracts, the mark 15 can be deformed. When the mark 15 is thermally deformed, the detection accuracy of the marker-equipped container 5 decreases. When the mark 15 is thermally deformed, the detection accuracy of the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 decreases.

[0165] In other words, there is a problem in that the accuracy of detecting the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 decreases due to thermal deformation of the marker 10. This problem can be solved by adjusting at least one of the coefficient of linear expansion of the base material layer 20 and the coefficient of linear expansion of the holding portion 8 of the container 7 that holds the marker 10, as described above.

[0166] In this embodiment, the marker 10 is 30 × 10 -6 The material may include a layer made of a material having a coefficient of linear expansion of 30°C or less. In the specific example described above, the base layer 20 of the marker 10 includes a first base layer 21 and a second base layer 22. The first base layer 21 displays the mark 15 in combination with the display layer 25. The second base layer 22 is 30 × 10 -6 It is made of a material having a coefficient of linear expansion of less than / °C.

[0167] By setting an upper limit on the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the layer contained in the marker 10, the expansion and contraction of the marker 10 due to temperature changes can be reduced. In other words, thermal deformation of the marker 10 can be suppressed. By reducing the amount of thermal deformation of the marker 10, the amount of deformation of the mark 15 can be reduced. Therefore, based on the observation image of the mark 15, the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected with high accuracy, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0168] In this embodiment, the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 on which the marker 10 of the containment body 7 is provided is set to 30 × 10 -6 It may be set to less than / °C. By setting an upper limit on the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding part 8, the expansion and contraction of the holding part 8 due to temperature changes can be reduced. In other words, thermal deformation of the holding part 8 can be suppressed. By reducing the amount of thermal deformation of the holding part 8, the deformation of the marker 10 provided on the holding part 8 is constrained. In other words, by reducing the amount of thermal deformation of the holding part 8, thermal deformation of the marker 10 can be suppressed. By suppressing the thermal deformation of the marker 10, the amount of deformation of the mark 15 can be reduced. Therefore, based on the observation image of the mark 15, the container 5 with the marker can be detected with high accuracy, and the position and orientation of the container 5 with the marker can be determined with high accuracy.

[0169] In this embodiment, the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 on which the marker 10 of the container 7 is provided may be smaller than the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the base layer 20. By making the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 smaller to a certain extent, as described above, thermal deformation of the marker 10 located on the marker 10 can be suppressed. By suppressing the thermal deformation of the marker 10, the amount of deformation of the mark 15 can be reduced. Therefore, based on the observation image of the mark 15, the container 5 with the marker can be detected with high accuracy, and the position and orientation of the container 5 with the marker can be determined with high accuracy.

[0170] By increasing the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the base layer 20 to a certain extent, it becomes easier to impart flexibility to the base layer 20. By imparting flexibility to the base layer 20, the marker 10 as a whole becomes flexible. The flexible marker 10 can be stably joined to various holding parts 8, such as the holding part 8 which has a curved surface. Therefore, by making the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material constituting the holding part 8 smaller than that of the material constituting the base layer 20, the marker 10 can be stably held by the holding part 8, and thermal deformation of the marker 10 can be suppressed. Therefore, based on the observed image of the mark 15, the container 5 with the marker can be detected with high accuracy, and the position and orientation of the container 5 with the marker can be determined with high accuracy.

[0171] In the marker-equipped container 5 according to this embodiment, the base layer 20 may include a resin film. By reducing the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 to a certain extent, a resin film with a relatively large coefficient of linear expansion can be used for the base layer 20. Even in a marker-equipped container 5 using a base layer 20 made of a resin film, the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected with high accuracy based on the observation image of the mark 15, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be determined with high accuracy. The marker 10 including the base layer 20 made of a resin film has high flexibility. Therefore, the marker 10 can be stably held by the container 7. The marker 10 including the base layer 20 made of a resin film can be manufactured quickly and easily on demand using the marker issuing system 200 described with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0172] In the marker-equipped container 5 according to this embodiment, the holding portion 8 on the container 7 to which the marker 10 is provided may include a curved surface. The marker 10 is positioned on the container 7 in a curved state. The marker 10, being flexible and capable of bending, is relatively susceptible to thermal deformation. However, as described above, thermal deformation of the marker 10 can be suppressed by reducing the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 that holds the marker 10 to a certain extent. Therefore, while improving the degree of freedom in selecting the container 7 on which the marker 10 is installed, the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected with high accuracy based on the observation image of the mark 15, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0173] In the marker-equipped container 5 according to this embodiment, the container 7 may be a package 7C, a container 7B, or a dish 7A. Containers 7 such as package 7C, container 7B, and dish 7A are susceptible to temperature changes of the contents. That is, containers 7 such as package 7C, container 7B, and dish 7A are prone to thermal deformation during use. However, as described above, by reducing the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the holding portion 8 of the container 7 to a certain extent, thermal deformation of the marker 10 held in the container 7 can be suppressed. Therefore, while improving the degree of freedom in selecting the container 7 on which the marker 10 is installed, the marker-equipped container 5 can be detected with high accuracy based on the observation image of the mark 15, and the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0174] In the embodiment described above, the marker-equipped container 5 includes a container 7 and a marker 10. The container 7 is the item on which the marker 10 is to be placed. The container 7 is intended to contain some kind of object. With the marker-equipped container 5, which has the marker 10 applied to the container 7, the position and orientation of the container 7 can be detected with high precision. By using the detection results of the position and orientation of the container 7, it becomes possible to transport the container 7 by automatic control. Therefore, by using the marker 10, the management of the container 7 can be significantly simplified and made more precise.

[0175] This embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples, but the above-mentioned examples do not limit this embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in various other examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions can be made without departing from its essence.

[0176] In the example described above, the marker 10 displays both a plurality of shape marks 17 located apart from each other and an identification mark 16 containing unique information. The marker 10 is not limited to this example and may display only the identification mark 16. In this example, the marker-equipped container detection system 500 can identify and detect the container 7 being transported by the transport device 405, and can also determine the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5. The marker 10 may display only the shape marks 17. In this example, the marker-equipped container detection system 500 can detect the container 7 being transported by the transport device 405, and can also determine the position and orientation of the marker-equipped container 5. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] D1: First direction, D2: Second direction, D3: Third direction, 5: Marked container, 7: Container, 7A: Dish, 7B: Container, 7C: Packaging, 8: Holding part, 9: Recess, 70a: Container body part, 70b: Covering part, 10: Marker, 10a: First surface, 10b: Second surface, 11: First area, 12: Second area, 15: Mark, 16: Identification mark, 17: Shape mark, 20: Base material layer, 21: First base material layer, 22: Second base material layer, 25: Display layer, 31: First bonding layer, 33: Protective layer, 33A: Surface layer, 33B: Resin substrate layer, 33C: Adhesive layer, 35: Second bonding layer, 37: Separator, 80: Manufacturing equipment, 80A: Molding die, 81: First die, 82: Second die, 83: Protrusion, 85: Cavity, 86: Inlet hole, 200: Marker issuance system, 401: Camera, 402: Calculation unit, 403: Control unit, 405: Conveying device, 500: Marker-equipped object detection system

Claims

1. Containment and, A marker-equipped container comprising a marker held within the container.

2. The marker-equipped container according to claim 1, wherein the container is packaging, a container, or a dish.

3. The aforementioned housing is provided with a recess, The marker is located within the recess, as described in claim 1.

4. The marker-equipped container according to claim 1, wherein the marker is located inside the container.

5. The marker-equipped container according to claim 4, wherein the container comprises a container body portion provided with a recess for accommodating the marker, and a covering portion that covers the marker located in the recess.

6. The aforementioned marker is 30 x 10 －６ A marker-equipped container according to claim 1, comprising a layer made of a material having a coefficient of linear expansion of less than or equal to / °C.

7. The marker includes a base layer and a display layer provided on a portion of the base layer. The marker-equipped container according to claim 1, wherein the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the portion of the container on which the marker is provided is smaller than the coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the base layer.

8. The marker-equipped container according to claim 7, wherein the base layer includes a resin film.

9. The coefficient of linear expansion of the material constituting the portion of the container where the marker is provided is 30 × 10 －６ A marker-equipped container according to claim 1, wherein the temperature is below / ℃.

10. The portion of the container on which the marker is provided includes a curved surface, The marker-equipped container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the marker is positioned on the container in a bent state.

11. The marker-equipped container according to claim 1, wherein the marker displays one or both of a plurality of shape marks located apart from each other and an identification mark containing unique information.

12. The marker-equipped container according to claim 11, wherein the identification mark includes one or more of a two-dimensional barcode, a three-dimensional barcode, a QR code, and ArUco.

13. A marker-equipped container according to claims 1 to 9, 11, or 12, A camera unit for photographing the aforementioned marker, A marker-equipped container detection system comprising a calculation unit that performs calculations based on the image of the marker captured by the aforementioned imaging unit.

14. A program for a marker-equipped container detection system according to claim 13, On the computer, The steps include: the imaging unit taking a picture of the marker, The calculation unit performs the following steps: A program for detecting marker-equipped containments to perform the following actions.

15. A marker for a marker-equipped container according to claim 1 to 9, 11, or 12, comprising a base layer and a display layer provided on a portion of the base layer, a marker issuing system for issuing a marker, The system includes a printer that transfers and prints the display layer onto the substrate layer. The printer is portable and includes an input unit that accepts variable information relating to the display layer to be printed on demand, A marker issuing system comprising: a printing unit that transfers and prints the display layer based on the information input by the input unit.

Images