Labels, labeled goods, and certification systems

Abstract

The present invention provides labels that can be easily manufactured and from which unique information can be extracted for each label. [Solution] The label 1 comprises a sheet-like substrate 10, a printed layer 20 formed on the first surface 10a of the substrate which functions as an identifier for artifact metrics, and a bonding layer 30 formed to cover the printed layer. The substrate is configured such that the printed layer is not visible when viewed from the second surface 10b opposite to the first surface, and when the bonding layer is attached to an article and then peeled off, fine irregularities are created on the bonding layer located on the printed layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to labels and labeled articles. The authentication system using such labeled articles will also be mentioned.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a sales promotion campaign in which a label printed with a two-dimensional code or the like that can be read by a machine is attached to an article. Specifically, different serial codes are printed on each label, and the serial code related to the purchased article is input into a predetermined site to confirm that a predetermined number of target articles have been purchased, or one lottery on the web is made possible for each serial code.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a label applicable to such uses. This label includes a shielded printing layer containing shielded information to be shielded, a shielding layer that at least shields the shielded information from the surface side of the shielded printing layer, and an adhesive layer provided on the back side of the shielded printing layer. When this label is attached to an article using the adhesive layer, the shielded printing layer is covered so as not to be visible by the shielding layer, and the shielded information is protected. Examples of the shielded information include a two-dimensional code for accessing the above site, a serial number, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When printing individual information such as serial numbers or codes on a large number of labels, digital printing is usually required, which limits cost reduction and improvements in manufacturing efficiency. The label described in Patent Document 1 has a two-layer structure with different adhesive strengths for the layer that adheres to the article in order to improve the visibility of the printed layer that is obscured, which may also increase costs.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a label that can be easily manufactured and from which information unique to each label can be extracted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a label comprising a sheet-like substrate, a printed layer formed on the first surface of the substrate and functioning as an identifier for artifact metrics, and a bonding layer formed to cover the printed layer. The substrate is constructed so that the printed layer is not visible when viewed from the second side opposite the first side. When the bonding layer is attached to an object and then peeled off, fine irregularities are created on the bonding layer located on the printed layer.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a labeled article comprising: an article body having a printed layer on its surface that functions as an identifier for artifact metrics; a sheet-like substrate; and a label attached to the article body having a bonding layer provided on the substrate, wherein the bonding layer covers the printed layer. The substrate is constructed so that the printed layer is not visible when viewed from the second side opposite the first side. When the label is peeled off the main body of the item, the bonding layer remains on the printed layer, creating fine irregularities on the surface of the remaining bonding layer.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is an authentication system using a label according to the first aspect or an article bearing a label according to the second aspect. This authentication system comprises an image acquisition unit that acquires an image containing feature points of the printed layer, a registration unit that extracts feature points from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit and registers them in a database, a matching unit that extracts feature points from an authentication image containing the printed layer that it has received, compares them with the feature points registered in the database, and identifies individuals with high similarity using artificial object metrics, and a display unit that displays the matching results from the matching unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide labels that can be easily manufactured and from which information unique to each label can be extracted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a label according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the label after it has been removed from an item. [Figure 3] This graph shows the relationship between the diameter of the scattering particle and the scattering efficiency of Mie scattering in the simulation. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the label with respect to a modified example. [Figure 5] This figure shows a bottle with a label attached according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the part of the bottle to which the label is affixed. [Figure 7] This figure shows the bottle with the label removed. [Figure 8] This figure shows the state of label peeling according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the peeling state of a labeled article according to a modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of label 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, label 1 comprises a base material 10, a printed layer 20 formed on the first surface 10a of the base material 10, and a bonding layer 30 formed to cover the printed layer 20.

[0013] The base material 10 is formed in the form of a film or sheet using a resin material. The base material 10 shown in Figure 1 is a single layer, but it may have multiple layers. The resin materials constituting the base material 10 include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), general polystyrene (GPPS), impact-reinforced polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticized polyvinyl chloride (flexible), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (rigid), polyamide (PA), nylon 6, nylon 6,6. Polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic resin, polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose resins (cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP)), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polysulfone (PSU), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), fluororesin (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluoroethylene propylene (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE)), biomass plastics (biopolyethylene, biopolypropylene), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene terephthalate Polybutylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycaprolactone (PCL), ionomer resin (ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA)), thermosetting resin (epoxy resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin), silicone resin, polyoxymethylene (POM), acetal resin, polybutylene (PB), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyurethane (PU), ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPM, EPDM), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polysaturates Examples include polyphosphate (PSF), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetherketone (PEK), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDF), polynitrile (PAN), barrier resins (polyamide MXD6, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC)), and other biodegradable resins (polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)). The base material 10 has a concealability such that when viewed from the second surface 10b side opposite to the first surface 10a, the printing layer 20 cannot be visually recognized. There are no particular restrictions on the specific embodiment of the base material 10 that realizes such concealability, but typical examples include the following. · Use a colored opaque film · A colored opaque concealment layer is formed by printing on either surface of a film having transparency. For example, a concealment layer is formed on the second surface 10b. Alternatively, a concealment layer is first formed on the first surface 10a, and the printing layer 20 is formed on this concealment layer. As another aspect, it is also possible to use various papers as the base material 10. Since paper basically has the above-mentioned concealability, it can be used as the base material 10 without requiring additional processing. When using paper having a certain transparency, the concealability may be imparted by the method as described above.

[0014] The printing layer 20 is formed on the first surface 10a of the base material 10 and constitutes an identifier used for an artifact metric (details will be described later). In one example, the identifier is any one of a code, characters, or a pattern, and in the figure, a character string is shown. The code can be configured as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. Examples of one-dimensional codes include JAN codes, etc., and examples of two-dimensional codes include QR codes (registered trademark), data matrices, etc. What is important is that the appearance of the printing layer 20 when viewed by a human is the same for all labels 1 manufactured in plurality, and it is not different for each sheet like a serial code or number.

[0015] The bonding layer 30 according to the present embodiment covers the entire first surface 10a side of the base material 10 including the printing layer 20, enabling the label 1 to be attached to a desired article. Further, the bonding layer 30 has transparency, and the printing layer 20 below it can be visually recognized through the bonding layer 30. The bonding layer 30 may be covered and protected with a separator S or the like as shown in FIG. 1 until the label 1 is attached.

[0016] The operation of the label 1 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained. For example, multiple labels 1, each having a two-dimensional code indicating a URL for accessing a campaign website as a printed layer 20, are manufactured and attached one by one to the target item. In this state, the label 1 is held on the item by the bonding layer 30, and the printed layer 20 is protected by the base material 10 so that it is not visible.

[0017] When a consumer who has purchased an item peels off label 1 from the item, the printed layer 20 becomes visible through the bonding layer 30. The consumer scans the printed layer 20 with a smartphone or similar device and accesses the campaign website.

[0018] The website displays a message instructing the user to retrieve the image from print layer 20 and send it to the site. The two-dimensional codes formed by the printed layer 20, while having the same basic appearance as those recognizable by the naked eye, have subtle differences that are not easily perceived by the human eye or code readers such as scanners. Examples include edge linearity at the edges, contrast between light and dark areas, differences in patterns (extra dark areas), and partial blurring or defects in printing. In other words, even though the printed layers 20 appear generally the same, each one is subtly different, and no two are perfectly identical.

[0019] In this embodiment, each label 1 is individually identified using a technique called artifact metrics, which performs individual identification of items based on such differences. Specifically, hardware such as a computer that processes campaign-related tasks compares the feature points of the printed layer 20 contained in the received image with feature points registered in the database, based on a program, to determine whether the same label has already been registered by a consumer.

[0020] In this case, the printed layer formed on a substrate made of resin film tends to have a smooth surface because the surface of the resin film is relatively smooth. When such a printed layer is imaged, a phenomenon called "white clipping" (also known as "overexposure") is likely to occur, where parts of the printed layer become white due to reflected light sources, etc. In such images, the above determination may become difficult because feature points disappear due to overexposure.

[0021] However, in the label 1 according to this embodiment, the printed layer 20 is covered by the bonding layer 30. Although the surface of the bonding layer 30 is relatively smooth immediately after the label 1 is manufactured, when it is peeled off from the item to which it is attached, minute deformation occurs on the surface. As a result, the surface of the bonding layer 30 on the peeled label 1 has fine irregularities, as shown in Figure 2, and the diffuse reflection of light caused by these irregularities makes it less likely for overexposure to occur. As a result, feature points are more easily retained in the acquired image of the printed layer 20, and individual identification of the label 1 using artificial object metrics can be performed smoothly. The dimensions of the fine irregularities on the surface of the bonding layer 30 that suitably produce the above effects can be effectively set to a size close to the wavelength of visible light (approximately 0.4 to 0.7 μm), taking into consideration optical scattering effects (e.g., Mie scattering). Specifically, it is possible to select a range of approximately 0.05 μm to 50 μm, more preferably approximately 0.1 μm to 10 μm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 μm to 5 μm. Note that the above dimensional range is not limiting to the present invention and can be appropriately changed depending on the imaging device used, illumination conditions, desired scattering effect, etc. As logical support, Figure 3 shows the simulation results of the relationship between the diameter of scattering particles and the scattering efficiency (Qsca) of Mie scattering. The results shown in Figure 3 indicate that the scattering efficiency (Qsca) is significant when the particle size is on the order of the visible light wavelength (approximately 0.1 to several μm), suggesting that sufficient suppression of overexposure can be expected through uniform and effective light scattering. This effect can be expected not only from particles but also from fine irregularities with similar refractive indices and dimensions. In Figure 3, the range from 0.05 μm to 50 μm is plotted, and it appears that a constant Qsca is maintained even beyond 50 μm. However, when the diameter exceeds 50 μm, the scattering pattern shifts from Mie scattering to geometric optical scattering, which may make it difficult to obtain the effect of suppressing overexposure due to uniform light diffusion. Therefore, the range of approximately 0.05 μm to 50 μm is considered most preferable.

[0022] In artifact metrics using label 1, the matching database may be created before or after the shipment of label 1. If the labels are created before shipment, the printed layer 20 of all labels 1 can be imaged through the bonding layer 30 at a desired timing before the separator is attached to the manufactured labels 1, and a database can be built using this image. In this case, it is possible to determine whether the label in the image sent by the consumer is a counterfeit product by checking whether the same feature points as those in the image exist in the database, and multiple registrations using the same label can be prevented by checking whether the consumer has already registered a label with the same feature points. If the database is created after shipment, the consumer registration and database construction can be carried out in parallel by sequentially adding feature points based on the images submitted by the consumer to the database. In this configuration, multiple registrations using the same label can be eliminated by determining whether the same feature point is already registered in the database before adding it.

[0023] As described above, the label 1 according to this embodiment does not require the contents of the printed layer 20 to be different for each label, so it can be manufactured simply and the manufacturing cost can be kept low. Furthermore, by covering the printed layer 20 with the bonding layer 30, the characteristic points generated during the formation of the printed layer 20 are suitably protected, and overexposure during image acquisition is suppressed, allowing for suitable individual identification using artificial object metrics.

[0024] In this embodiment, there are no particular restrictions on the material of the bonding layer 30. Various known adhesives and sealants can be appropriately selected and used, as long as they have the degree of transparency described above and the bonding to the article is not so strong that the label is damaged when peeled off. In cases where the bonding layer is formed using a material that can be peeled off relatively easily, the bonding layer 30 may contain scattering fine particles 31, as shown in the modified example in Figure 4. In this case, even if there is not much unevenness on the surface of the bonding layer of the label 1 peeled off from the article, the scattering of light by the scattering fine particles can suppress overexposure and other issues when acquiring the image of the printed layer 20, thereby achieving a similar effect. Examples of materials for the scattering fine particles 31 include silica.

[0025] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an article to which the label 51 according to this embodiment is attached, and a bottle (article body) 100 is shown as an example of the article. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the portion of the bottle 100 to which the label 51 is attached. In this embodiment, a printed layer 20, which functions as an identifier, is formed on the surface of the bottle 100 as shown in Figure 6. The label 51 has only a bonding layer 30 on the base material 10, and is attached to the bottle 100 such that the bonding layer 30 covers the entire printed layer 20.

[0027] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the bottle 100 according to this embodiment, however, if the bottle 100 is made of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass, the bottle 100 will be smooth, and overexposure is likely to occur when imaging the printed layer 20 formed on it.

[0028] In the label 51 according to this embodiment, unlike the label 1 according to the first embodiment, the adhesion between the base material 10 and the bonding layer 30 is weakened. As a result, when the label 51 attached to the bottle 100 is peeled off, the bonding layer 30 does not follow the base material 10 and peels off from the base material 10. Consequently, as shown in Figure 7, it remains on the bottle 100, covering the printed layer 20. The remaining bonding layer 30, as in the first embodiment, generates diffuse reflection on its surface, suppressing overexposure during imaging, and thus contributes to the smooth operation of artificial object metrics using the printed layer 20.

[0029] In this embodiment, the printed layer 20, which functions as an identifier, is provided on the article itself, which is different from the first embodiment. However, by using the label 51, the image of the printed layer can be obtained in good condition, as in the first embodiment, and campaign management using artificial object metrics can be carried out smoothly.

[0030] There are no particular limitations on the specific means for adjusting the adhesion force between the substrate 10 and the bonding layer 30 in the label 51, but one example is a method of providing a release layer on the surface of the substrate 10. If the release layer is formed in a halftone pattern by printing or the like, rather than covering the entire surface, the adhesion force can be adjusted more precisely by changing the density of the halftone dots.

[0031] In the above description, an example was given in which the printed layer 20 is directly provided on the surface of the bottle 100. Alternatively, the printed layer 20 may be provided on the bottle 100 by attaching a label with the printed layer formed on it to the bottle 100. In this case, the label 51 can be attached on top of the label.

[0032] In the artificial object metrics according to this embodiment, the construction of the matching database may be performed either before or after the shipment of bottle 100.

[0033] In summary, the authentication system using the label 1 according to the first embodiment and the bottle 100 as a labeled article according to the second embodiment comprises the following configuration as an example. • Image acquisition unit that acquires an image including feature points of the printed layer on a label or labeled article. The registration unit extracts feature points from the images acquired by the image acquisition unit and registers them in the database. • A matching unit extracts feature points from the received authentication image, including the printed layer image, and compares them with feature points registered in the database to identify individuals with high similarity. • Display unit for showing the matching results of the matching unit. If the database is built before shipment, the image acquisition unit is a camera or similar device owned by the label or product manufacturer. If it is built after shipment, the image acquisition unit is a camera or similar device used to acquire the image when the purchaser first sends it. The registration and verification sections typically correspond to computers or similar devices, often owned by the manufacturer of the goods, acting as servers.

[0034] One of the advantages of the above authentication system is its high level of security. Specifically, it is possible to achieve high security without using serial codes or the like by utilizing artificial object metrics. In particular, in the embodiment where the shape resulting from the cohesive failure of the adhesive layer, as described later, is used as a feature point, fine irregularities are created when the label is peeled off, so the feature points of each individual are not determined until peeling, and forgery is extremely difficult, thus contributing to the realization of an even higher level of security.

[0035] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and combinations of the configuration are also included without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0036] For example, in the label according to the present invention, the bonding layer may be configured to undergo cohesive failure within the layer upon peeling. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, for example, a bonding layer 30A with relatively large irregularities remains on the printed layer 20, changing the appearance of the imaged printed layer 20. Since the irregularity of the bonding layer 30A is generated only upon peeling and is irregular and uncontrollable, in this embodiment, the printed layer 20 and the bonding layer 30A function together as an identifier, and artificial object metrics can be applied. Examples of materials for the bonding layer that undergoes such cohesive failure include brittle acrylic adhesives, brittle epoxy resins, vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), phenolic resins, cyanoacrylate adhesives, brittle polyurethane adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives (with low cohesive strength), and water-soluble resins. Furthermore, the dimensions of the surface irregularities necessary for the bonding layer 30A to function are, for example, about 10 to 250 μm, and can be appropriately set according to the assumed resolution of the image used for feature point extraction and determination. Such a bonding layer can be applied to either the label of the first embodiment or the label of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, since the identifier is only completed when the label attached to the item is peeled off, the matching database can only be constructed after the item has been shipped.

[0037] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, a portion of the printed layer 20 may be removed together with the bonding layer 30 when the label 51A attached to the article is peeled off. In this case as well, since the portion of the printed layer 20 that is removed is irregular and uncontrollable, the artifact metrics can be applied in a way that the characteristic points of each printed layer are determined when the label is peeled off. In this embodiment as well, the matching database can only be constructed after the article has been shipped. Furthermore, if the identifier related to the printed layer 20 is a two-dimensional code or the like that is intended to be read by other devices, care should be taken to ensure that the degree of partial removal is not so as to render it unreadable. On the other hand, if the identifier related to the printed layer 20 is simply a string of characters or an image that is not intended to be read as described above, there is no need to precisely control the degree of partial removal. The degree of partial removal can be adjusted, for example, by changing the bonding strength of the bonding layer to the article. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1 label 10 Base material 10a Front page 10b Second side 20 printing layer 30, 30A bonding layer Labels 51 and 51A 100 bottles (product itself)

Claims

1. A sheet-like substrate, A printed layer formed on the first surface of the substrate, which functions as an identifier for artifact metrics, A bonding layer formed to cover the aforementioned printed layer, Equipped with, The substrate is configured such that the printed layer cannot be seen when viewed from the second side opposite to the first side. When the bonding layer is attached to an article and then peeled off, fine irregularities are created on the bonding layer located on the printed layer. label.

2. The dimensions of the aforementioned fine irregularities are 10 to 250 μm, and they constitute part of the identifier. The label according to claim 1.

3. A sheet-like substrate, A printed layer formed on the first surface of the substrate, which functions as an identifier for artifact metrics, A bonding layer formed to cover the aforementioned printed layer, Equipped with, The substrate is configured such that the printed layer cannot be seen when viewed from the second side opposite to the first side. The bonding layer contains scattering fine particles. label.

4. An article body having a printed layer on its surface that functions as an identifier for artifact metrics, A label having a sheet-like substrate and a bonding layer provided on the substrate, the label being attached to the article body such that the bonding layer covers the printed layer, Equipped with, The substrate is configured such that the printed layer is not visible when viewed from the second side opposite to the first side. When the label is peeled off the article body, a bonding layer remains on the printed layer, and fine irregularities are created on the surface of the remaining bonding layer. Labeled items.

5. An authentication system using a label according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or a labeled article according to claim 4, An image acquisition unit that acquires an image including the characteristic points of the printed layer, The image acquisition unit extracts feature points from the image acquired and registers them in a database. A matching unit that extracts feature points from an authentication image, including the image of the printed layer, which it has received, compares them with feature points registered in the database, and identifies individuals with high similarity using artificial object metrics, A display unit that displays the matching results of the matching unit, Equipped with, Authentication system.

Images