Traceability system and access management method for distribution history

Abstract

To make it possible, in a traceability system using an RF tag, to access distribution history information on a product managed in association with a code stored in the RF tag without reading the RF tag.SOLUTION: A traceability system 6 is composed of at least an information display label 1 in which a second code is printed on a surface of an RF tag 10 storing a first code, and a distribution history management device 3 that manages distribution history information on a product 2 in linkage with the first code. The distribution history management device 3 stores the second code in linkage with the first code, when receiving tag reading information including the first code from a terminal device, updates the distribution history information corresponding to the first code included in the tag reading information, and when receiving an access request including the second code from the terminal device, permits the terminal device to access the distribution history information corresponding to the first code linked to the second code included in the access request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for managing the distribution history of products using RF tags. [Background technology]

[0002] The distribution of counterfeit goods is one of the major social problems. A traceability system using radio frequency (RF) tags that can read and write data without contact using radio waves has been proposed as a system that can track the distribution route of goods.

[0003] A traceability system is a system that manages the distribution history of the products it manages. In a traceability system that uses RF tags, an RF tag that stores a code that identifies the product is attached to the product. The code stored in the RF tag attached to the product is read by a distributor in the product's distribution route. The distributor that reads the code from the RF tag registers the distributor information indicating the distributor and the product reading record including the RF tag code in a distribution history management device that is common to distributors in the product's distribution route. The distribution history management device stores the distribution history information, with the reading records arranged at least in chronological order, for each code.

[0004] By referring to the distribution history information stored in the distribution history management device, it is possible to determine whether the actual distribution route of the product is a legitimate distribution route. The authenticity of the product can be determined by whether the actual distribution route is a legitimate distribution route or not (for example, Patent Document 1). In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the reading record received from the distributor is registered in the distribution history management device, the vendor information (location information) received from the distributor is checked. By checking the vendor information received from the distributor, it is possible to check the vendor who read the code from the RF tag.

[0005] Furthermore, in conventional traceability systems, the authenticity of a product can be determined by checking the code received from the distributor and reading the code from the RF tag by the distributor (for example, Patent Document 2).A method has also been proposed in which an RF tag combined with a barcode is used to determine the authenticity of a product to which an RF tag is attached by decrypting the encrypted product ID read from the barcode with an encryption key read from the RF tag (for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-197937 A [Patent Document 2] WO2014 / 207890 publication [Patent Document 3] WO2012 / 124084 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in conventional traceability systems using RF tags, a product's distribution history information was managed in association with a code stored in the RF tag, and the code stored in the RF tag was required to access the product's distribution history information.

[0008] RF tags attached to products are configured to be able to detect multiple RF tags at once. If it is necessary to read the RF tags attached to products when accessing the distribution history information of a product to determine its authenticity, there is a possibility that not only the RF tag attached to the product being determined for authenticity, but also other RF tags present in the vicinity of the product will be detected.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable, in a traceability system using RF tags, access to product distribution history information that is managed in association with the code stored in the RF tag, without reading the RF tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems comprises an information display label having a second code printed on the surface of an RF tag storing a first code unique to each product; A third code attached to the product in a form that cannot be seen from the outside, and a distribution history management device that manages distribution history information of a product by linking the second code to the first code, and the third code and upon receiving tag reading information including the first code from a terminal device, updating distribution history information corresponding to the first code included in the tag reading information; Furthermore, the second code and the third code linked to the first code included in the tag reading information received from the terminal device are validated, When an access request including the second code is received from a terminal device, the terminal device is permitted to access distribution history information corresponding to the first code linked to the second code included in the access request. death , When an access request including the third code is received from a terminal device, the terminal device is permitted to access distribution history information corresponding to the first code linked to the third code. This is a traceability system characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0016] In the present invention, a code for accessing the distribution history of a product is provided on the product in a form that is not stored in an RF tag, and the distribution history of the product can be accessed using this code. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traceability system. [Diagram 2] A diagram explaining the product. [Diagram 3] A diagram explaining an information label attached to a product. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an RF tag included in an information display label. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first terminal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second terminal device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a distribution history management device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a process for updating distribution history information. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process for managing access from a first terminal device. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a process for managing access from a second terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] From here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the drawings are schematic diagrams drawn to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a traceability system 6 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a product 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an information display label 1 attached to the product 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an RF tag 10 included in the information display label 1.

[0020] The traceability system 6 according to this embodiment is a system for managing the distribution history of a product 2 by using an RF tag 10. The product 2 for which the distribution history is managed can include not only finished products, but also semi-finished products 2 that are in the middle of being manufactured and raw materials for the product 2.

[0021] The traceability system 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a product 2 to which an information display label 1 in the form of a barcode 11 printed on the surface of an RF tag 10 is attached, and a distribution history management device 3 having a database 32 for storing distribution history information of the product 2. The barcode 11 encoding the second code may be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode. Furthermore, the traceability system 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a first scanning device 42a for reading the RF tag 10 of the information display label 1, a second scanning device 42b for reading the barcode 11 of the information display label 1, and a first terminal device 4 and a second terminal device 5 for accessing the distribution history management device 3.

[0022] In Fig. 1, the distribution channel of a product 2 with an RF tag 10 attached includes a manufacturer 6a that produces the product 2 as distributors that handle the product 2, a wholesaler 6b that purchases the product 2 from the manufacturer and sells it to retailers, a distribution center 6c that distributes the product 2 to retailers, and a retailer 6d that sells the product 2 to consumers. Furthermore, the distribution channel illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a consumer 6e who has purchased the product 2. The first scanning device 42a, the second scanning device 42b, and the first terminal device 4 are devices used by distributors included in the distribution channel. The second terminal device 5 is a device used by a consumer 6e who has purchased the product 2.

[0023] In the traceability system 6 according to this embodiment, three codes are used to manage the distribution history of the product 2. The first code is a first code that is individually assigned to one product 2. The first code is a unique code for each product 2. For example, an EPC (Electronic Product Code) can be used as the first code. The second code is a second code linked to the first code. The second code is a code used by distributors when accessing the distribution history management device 3. The third code is a third code that is linked to the first code, similar to the second code. The third code is a code used by consumers 6e when accessing the distribution history management device 3.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first code, the second code linked to the first code, and the third code are simultaneously generated by the distribution history management device 3 or the like. The second code may have the same value as the first code to which the second code is linked, or may have a different value from the first code to which the second code is linked. The third code will have a different value from the first code to which it is linked. The reason why the third code has a different value from the first code to which it is linked is so that only the consumer 6e can handle the third code.

[0025] The second code and the third code are linked to the first code and stored in the database 32 of the distribution history management device 3. By linking the second code and the third code to the first code, the distribution history information linked to the first code is also linked to the second code and the third code. If the second code and the third code are provided on the product 2 in a form that is not stored in the RF tag 10, the distribution history information linked to the first code can be accessed by using the second code or the third code without reading the RF tag 10.

[0026] The product 2 shown in Fig. 2 is in the form of a product body packed in a package. The information display label 1 is attached to the surface of the product 2 (surface of the package). As shown in Fig. 3, the RF tag 10 of this embodiment is in the form of a sticker. The information display label 1 is in the form of a barcode 11 printed on the surface of the sticker-like RF tag 10.

[0027] 4, the RF tag 10 of the information display label 1 according to this embodiment has a structure including a UHF band antenna 100 and an IC chip 101 connected thereto. The RF tag 10 that uses the UHF band can be read multiple times simultaneously.

[0028] It is rare for the products 2 to be transported individually. It is common for the products 2 to be transported in multiple units. Therefore, in this embodiment, a unique first code for each product 2 is stored in an RF tag 10 that can be read multiple times simultaneously, making it possible to read multiple first codes all at once.

[0029] The second code printed on the surface of the RF tag 10 of the information display label 1 is a code that is read individually for each product 2. In this embodiment, a barcode 11 encoding the second code is printed on the surface of the RF tag 10 so that the second code can be read mechanically. Furthermore, in this embodiment, text 11a of the second code encoded in the barcode 11 is printed below the barcode 11 so that the second code can also be read visually.

[0030] In this embodiment, the third code is a code that can only be used by the consumer 6e who has opened the product 2. In Fig. 2, the text 20 of the third code is printed on the inner surface of the product 2 (the inner surface of the package) so that the third code cannot be seen from the outside. If the third code cannot be seen from outside the product 2, the form in which the third code is added to the product 2 is not limited to the form in Fig. 2. For example, if the product itself is not packed in a package, a cover sticker with the text 20 of the third code printed on the inner surface may be attached to the outer surface of the product 2.

[0031] A distributor included in the distribution route of the product 2 is provided with a first scanning device 42a that reads the first code from the RF tag 10, a second scanning device 42b that reads the second code from the barcode 11, and a first terminal device 4 for accessing the distribution history management device 3. The first scanning device 42a and the second scanning device 42b are connected to the first terminal device 4. The first terminal device 4 is connected to the distribution history management device 3 via a network 7.

[0032] The first scanning device 42a is a reader / writer compatible with the RF tag 10 mounted on the information display label 1. The first scanning device 42a is configured to read data (here, a first code) stored in the RF tag 10 using radio waves in a frequency band (here, UHF band) compatible with the RF tag 10. The second scanning device 42b is configured to capture an image of the barcode 11 printed on the surface of the information display label 1 and read data (here, a second code) encoded in the barcode 11.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the first terminal device 4. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the second terminal device 5. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the distribution history management device 3.

[0034] The first terminal device 4 is a general-purpose computer having a processor and memory. The first terminal device 4 is a device installed at a distributor included in the distribution route of the product 2. For this reason, a unique distributor code is registered in the terminal device for each distributor. The distributor code may be a code indicating the distributor, or may be an identification number of the first scanning device 42a. The distributor code may also be location information corresponding to the distributor, as in Patent Document 1.

[0035] Here, the first terminal device 4 will be described in functional units configured by a program that operates a processor. The first terminal device 4 has a tag reading unit 40 and a first distribution history viewing unit 41 as functions configured by a program that operates a processor. The tag reading unit 40 is a function that reads a first code from the RF tag 10 of the information display label 1 attached to the product 2, and transmits tag reading information including the first code read from the RF tag 10 to the distribution history management device 3. The first distribution history viewing unit 41 is a function that reads a second code from the bar code 11 of the information display label 1 attached to the product 2, and transmits an access request including the second code read from the bar code 11 to the distribution history management device 3.

[0036] The second terminal device 5 is a general-purpose computer having a processor and a memory. Here, the second terminal device 5 will be described in terms of functional units configured by a program that operates the processor. The second terminal device 5 has a second distribution history viewing unit 50 as a function configured by a program that operates the processor. The second distribution history viewing unit 50 is a function that transmits an access request including the third code entered by the consumer 6e to the distribution history management device 3.

[0037] The distribution history management device 3 is a system consisting of one or more general-purpose servers each having a processor and memory. Here, the distribution history management device 3 will be described in terms of functional units configured by a program that operates the processor. In addition to a database 32 that stores the distribution history information of the product 2, the distribution history management device 3 also includes a distribution history update unit 30 and an access management unit 31 as functions configured by a program that operates the processor.

[0038] The database 32 of the distribution history management device 3 stores distribution history information for each first code. Here, the distribution history information is information in which reading records including the first code are arranged in chronological order. The distribution history update unit 30 of the distribution history management device 3 is a function that updates the distribution history information corresponding to the first code included in the tag reading information when tag reading information including the first code is received from a terminal device. The access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 is a function that manages access to the database 32 from the first terminal device 4 and the second terminal device 5.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second code or the third code is required to access the database 32 of the distribution history management device 3. The second code is data that the first terminal device 4 reads from the barcode 11 on the information display label 1. Therefore, the access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 uses the second code transmitted from the first terminal device 4 to manage the access of the first terminal device 4 to the database 32. The third code is data that the consumer 6e enters into the second terminal device 5. Therefore, the access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 uses the third code transmitted from the second terminal device 5 to manage the access of the second terminal device 5 to the database 32.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a diagram explaining the process of updating distribution history information. Fig. 9 is a diagram explaining the process of managing access from a first terminal device 4. Fig. 10 is a diagram explaining the process of managing access from a second terminal device 5. Note that the explanations of Figs. 8 to 10 also serve as an explanation of the method according to the present invention, i.e., the method of managing access to the distribution history.

[0041] The process of updating the distribution history information will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] When the tag reading unit 40 of the first terminal device 4 receives an instruction to read the RF tag 10, it detects the RF tag 10 using the first scanning device 42a connected to the first terminal device 4 (S1). Here, the first scanning device 42a detects the RF tag 10 of the information display label 1 attached to the product 2. Next, the tag reading unit 40 of the first terminal device 4 uses the first scanning device 42a to read the first code from each of the detected RF tags 10 (S2). Then, the tag reading unit 40 of the first terminal device 4 transmits tag reading information including at least all of the first codes read from the RF tags 10, the vendor code stored in the terminal itself, and the date and time information at this time to the distribution history management device 3 (S3). Note that the tag reading information can include information other than the first code, the vendor code, and the date and time information.

[0043] When the distribution history update unit 30 of the distribution history management device 3 receives tag reading information from the first terminal device 4, it enables the second code linked to each first code included in the tag reading information received from the first terminal device 4, and if a third code is linked to the first code, it also enables the third code (S4). A flag that manages whether the second code and the third code are enabled or disabled is added to each of the second and third codes, and the distribution history update unit 30 of the distribution history management device 3 enables this flag when the flag of the second code and the third code linked to the first code is disabled. When this flag is disabled, it becomes impossible to access distribution history information in which the first code has not been read.

[0044] Next, the distribution history update unit 30 of the distribution history management device 3 generates a read record related to the first code for each first code included in the tag reading information received from the first terminal device 4 (S5). Then, the distribution history update unit 30 of the distribution history management device 3 adds the read record to the distribution history information corresponding to the first code, thereby updating the distribution history information corresponding to the first code received from the first terminal device 4 (S6). The read record includes date and time information, a vendor code, etc.

[0045] The distribution history update unit 30 of the distribution history management device 3 can perform authentication based on data received from the first terminal device 4 in the process of updating the distribution history information. By checking whether the first code received from the first terminal device 4 is registered in the distribution history management device 3, the distribution history management device 3 can verify the validity of the first code received from the first terminal device 4. Also, by checking whether the trader code received from the first terminal device 4 is registered in the distribution history management device 3, the distribution history management device 3 can verify the validity of the trader code received from the first terminal device 4. Furthermore, by checking whether the date and time information at which the first code was read is included in a predetermined period, the distribution history management device 3 can verify the validity of the date and time information received from the first terminal device 4.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 9, the process when the first terminal device 4 accesses the distribution history management device 3 will be described.

[0047] When the first distribution history viewing unit 41 of the first terminal device 4 receives an instruction to read the barcode 11, it activates the second scanning device 42b connected to the first terminal device 4 to read the second code printed on the information display label 1 attached to the product 2 handled by the distributor (S10). Next, the first distribution history viewing unit 41 of the first terminal device 4 transmits an access request including the second code read from the barcode 11 to the distribution history management device 3 (S11).

[0048] When the access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 receives an access request including the second code from the first terminal device 4, it searches the database 32 for the first code linked to the second code (S12). If the access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 can search for this first code, it permits the first terminal device 4 that transmitted the second code to access the distribution history information corresponding to the searched first code (S13).

[0049] Furthermore, if the first terminal device 4 is configured to transmit the second code and the vendor code to the distribution history management device 3, the access record related to the first terminal device 4, including the vendor code, can be included in the distribution history information corresponding to the first code to which the second code is linked.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 10, the process when the second terminal device 5 accesses the distribution history management device 3 will be described.

[0051] When a consumer 6e opens a product 2 to which an information display label 1 is attached, the consumer 6e inputs the third code printed on the inner surface of the product 2 into the second terminal device 5, and the second distribution history viewing unit 50 of the second terminal device 5 acquires the third code from the consumer 6e (S20). Next, the second distribution history viewing unit 50 of the second terminal device 5 transmits an access request including the third code acquired from the consumer 6e to the distribution history management device 3 (S21).

[0052] When the access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 receives an access request including the third code from the second terminal device 5, it searches the database 32 for the first code that associates the third code (S22). If the access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 is able to search for this first code, it permits the second terminal device 5 that transmitted the third code to access the distribution history information corresponding to the searched first code (S23). The access management unit 31 of the distribution history management device 3 can include an access record including the third code in the distribution history information of the first code that is linked to the third code. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Information Label 10 RF Tag 11. Barcode 2 Products 20 Text of the 3rd Code 3. Distribution History Management Device 30 Distribution History Update Department 31 Access Control Department 32 Database 4. First terminal device 40 Tag reader 41 1st Distribution History Viewing Section 5. Second terminal device 50 2nd Distribution History Viewing Section 6. Traceability System

Claims

[Claim 1] The information display label includes an information display label having a second code printed on the surface of an RF tag storing a first code unique to each product, a third code attached to the product in a form that cannot be seen from the outside, and a distribution history management device that manages distribution history information of the product by linking the third code to the first code, the distribution history management device stores the second code and the third code in association with the first code, and when tag reading information including the first code is received from a terminal device, the distribution history management device updates the distribution history information corresponding to the first code included in the tag reading information, and further validates the second code and the third code linked to the first code included in the tag reading information received from the terminal device, and when an access request including the second code is received from the terminal device, the distribution history management device permits the terminal device to access the distribution history information corresponding to the first code linked to the second code included in the access request, and when an access request including the third code is received from the terminal device, the distribution history management device permits the terminal device to access the distribution history information corresponding to the first code linked to the third code. A traceability system characterized by:

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