Determination system and method for determining authenticity of determination code

Abstract

To provide a determination system for determining the authenticity of a determination code including an identifier providing visual information and a method for determining the authenticity of the determination code.SOLUTION: In a determination system 10, a server communicatively connected to an information terminal via a network NW includes: an image processing unit that extracts a plurality of regions from a first image obtained by photographing a first identifier of a determination code that includes the first identifier and a second identifier; a feature amount data generation unit that generates first feature amount data including a feature amount of each of the plurality of regions; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code; and a determination unit that identifies the first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature amount data and determines the correspondence between the first identification information and the second identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a determination system for determining the authenticity of a determination code. Also, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for determining the authenticity of a determination code. [Background technology]

[0002] With the globalization of products, the number of counterfeit goods is increasing, and sophisticated counterfeit goods are also circulating. These sophisticated counterfeit goods are often indistinguishable from genuine goods by visual inspection alone. Therefore, by attaching a certification label to the product and conducting a certification test on the certification label, it is possible to determine whether the product to which the certification label is attached is genuine or not.

[0003] QR Codes (registered trademark) are sometimes used as such verification labels. QR Codes can contain a variety of information, so they can provide information about products as well as verify authenticity. However, because the cells of a QR Code are formed by a simple array of dots, the QR Code can be easily copied using a copy machine or the like. For this reason, authenticity verification using verification labels that use QR Codes has not been sufficient in terms of preventing counterfeiting.

[0004] Holograms are also sometimes used for verification labels. Holograms are difficult to copy using a copy machine or the like, and are therefore widely used as a countermeasure against counterfeiting credit cards, banknotes, securities, and the like. For this reason, verification labels using holograms have higher accuracy in authenticating products than verification labels using QR codes. Known verification labels used for authenticating products include not only holograms but also verification labels with printed text or QR codes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-173300 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional verification labels using holograms, the hologram is visually confirmed by a user making the verification, so the result of the verification often depends on the user. In Patent Document 1, the hologram identification information is associated with a QR code, so the QR code can be used to verify the hologram. However, even in Patent Document 1, the hologram must be visually verified by the user, so a verification label that has been counterfeited using a similar hologram and a copied QR code may be determined to be genuine.

[0007] In view of the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention has an object to provide a determination system for determining the authenticity of a determination code including an identifier that provides visual information. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for determining the authenticity of a determination code including an identifier that provides visual information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A determination system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an image processing unit that extracts multiple regions from a first image obtained by photographing a first identifier of a determination code that includes a first identifier and a second identifier; a feature data generation unit that generates first feature data including features of each of the multiple regions; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing a second identifier of the determination code; and a determination unit that identifies the first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature data and determines a correspondence between the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0009] If the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination unit may generate determination result information indicating that the determination code is authentic.

[0010] The first identification information may be specified by determining the similarity between registered feature amount data registered in advance in a database and the first feature amount data.

[0011] A determination system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an image processing unit that extracts an nth first image corresponding to an nth area and an nth second image corresponding to the nth second identifier from an image obtained by photographing an nth area and an nth second identifier of a determination code including a first identifier divided into n areas (n is a natural number) and an nth second identifier assigned to each of the nth areas of the first identifier, and extracts multiple areas from the nth first image; a feature data generation unit that generates nth first feature data including features of each of the multiple areas of the nth first image; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires nth second identification information from the nth second image; and a determination unit that identifies the nth first identification information indicated by the nth area based on the nth first feature data and determines the correspondence between the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information.

[0012] The determination unit may generate a determination result that the determination code is authentic when the n-th first identification information and the n-th second identification information match in all of the n areas.

[0013] The determination unit may generate a determination result that the determination code is authentic when the n-th first identification information and the n-th second identification information match in a predetermined area.

[0014] The predetermined area may be a plurality of areas.

[0015] The n-th first identification information may be specified by determining the similarity between registered feature amount data registered in advance in a database and the n-th first feature amount data.

[0016] The registered feature amount data may include a plurality of feature amounts with different angles of the photographing direction.

[0017] The determination system may further include a sensor unit that detects the angle of the shooting direction and generates angle data, and the determination unit may select one of the multiple angles of the registered feature amount data based on the angle data.

[0018] The registered feature data may include a plurality of feature amounts with different light irradiation intensities.

[0019] The feature amount may be generated based on the pixel values ​​of a plurality of pixels included in the region.

[0020] The feature amount may be represented by an RGB value, a grayscale value, or a binary black and white value.

[0021] The first identifier may be a hologram.

[0022] The second identifier may be a QR code.

[0023] A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining the authenticity of a determination code that includes a first identifier and a second identifier, which method extracts multiple areas from a first image obtained by photographing the first identifier of the determination code, generates first feature data including features of each of the multiple areas, obtains second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code, identifies the first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature data, and determines the correspondence between the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0024] When the first identification information and the second identification information match in determining the correspondence, determination result information indicating that the determination code is authentic may be generated.

[0025] The first identification information may be specified by determining the similarity between registered feature amount data registered in advance in a database and the first feature amount data.

[0026] A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining the authenticity of a determination code that includes a first identifier divided into n areas (n is a natural number) and an nth second identifier assigned to each of the nth areas of the first identifier, and includes extracting an nth first image corresponding to the nth area and an nth second image corresponding to the nth second identifier from an image obtained by photographing the nth area and the nth second identifier, extracting a plurality of areas from the nth first image, generating nth first feature data including features of each of the plurality of areas of the nth first image, obtaining nth second identification information from the nth second image, identifying the nth first identification information indicated by the nth area based on the nth first feature data, and determining the correspondence between the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information.

[0027] In determining the correspondence, if the n-th first identification information and the n-th second identification information match in all of the n areas, determination result information may be generated to indicate that the determination code is authentic.

[0028] In determining the correspondence, if the n-th first identification information and the n-th second identification information match in a predetermined area, a determination result may be generated indicating that the determination code is authentic.

[0029] The n-th first identification information may be specified by determining the similarity between registered feature amount data registered in advance in a database and the first feature amount data.

[0030] A determination system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a feature data generation unit that generates first feature data including a histogram of pixel values ​​of a first image obtained by photographing a first identifier of a determination code that includes a first identifier and a second identifier; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing a second identifier of the determination code; and a determination unit that identifies the first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature data and determines a correspondence between the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0031] A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining the authenticity of a determination code that includes a first identifier and a second identifier, which generates first feature data including a histogram of pixel values ​​of a first image obtained by photographing the first identifier of the determination code, obtains second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code, identifies the first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature data, and determines the correspondence between the first identification information and the second identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] A determination system according to one embodiment of the present invention identifies first identification information indicated by a first identifier that provides visual information of a determination code, and determines the correspondence between the identified first identification information and second identification information obtained from the second identifier of the determination code. In other words, by using the determination system, it is possible to identify the first identification information indicated by the first identifier and determine the authenticity of the determination code without relying on the user's visual inspection. This reduces user dependency in authenticity determination (variation due to the user's visual inspection), improving the accuracy of determining the authenticity of the determination code. As a result, it is possible to prevent counterfeiting of products bearing determination codes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a block diagram illustrating an outline of a determination system according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention and a schematic diagram showing a determination code whose authenticity is determined by the determination system. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process of an determination code executed by a determination system according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the authenticity determination process of a determination system according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of step S170 of the authenticity determination process of the determination system according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of step S170A of the authenticity determination process of the determination system according to one embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating feature amounts of registered feature amount data registered in a registered feature amount database of a determination system according to one embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system according to one embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an authenticity determination process executed by a determination system according to one embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating feature amounts of registered feature amount data registered in a registered feature amount database of a determination system according to one embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an authenticity determination process executed by a determination system according to one embodiment (fifth embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the authenticity determination process of the determination system according to one embodiment (fifth embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process of an determination code executed by a determination system according to one embodiment (sixth embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an authentication code that is authenticated by an authentication system according to one embodiment (seventh embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process of an determination code executed by a determination system according to one embodiment (seventh embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an authentication code that is authenticated by an authentication system according to one embodiment (seventh embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system according to one embodiment (eighth embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process of an determination code executed by a determination system according to one embodiment (eighth embodiment) of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the authenticity determination process of the determination system according to one embodiment (eighth embodiment) of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0035] In order to clarify the description, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements having the same functions as those explained in the previous drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0036] In this specification and drawings, when multiple identical or similar components are collectively referred to, they may be referred to by the same reference numeral or the same reference numeral with an uppercase alphabet. When multiple parts of a single component are to be distinguished from one another, the same reference numeral may be used, and a hyphen and a natural number may also be used.

[0037] In this specification, the letters "first," "second," or "third" attached to each component are convenient labels used to distinguish each component, and have no other meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0038] First Embodiment The configuration of a determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] [1. Overview of the Judgment System 10] FIG. 1(A) is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(B) is a schematic diagram showing a determination code 500 whose authenticity is determined by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1(A), the determination system 10 includes an information terminal 100 and a server 200. The information terminal 100 is communicably connected to the server 200 via a network NW. The network NW may be wired or wireless. For example, the network NW may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, but is not limited to these.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1(B), the determination code 500 whose authenticity is determined by the determination system 10 includes a first identifier 510 and a second identifier 520. The first identifier 510 is an identifier that provides visual information, such as a hologram. The second identifier 520 is an identifier that includes identification information unique to the determination code 500, such as a QR code. The determination code 500 is formed by integrally forming the first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520. The determination code 500 may be a label or electronic data. When the determination code 500 is a label, it is attached to an item or the like and used, and when the determination code 500 is electronic data, it is displayed on a screen and used.

[0042] The determination system 10 determines the authenticity of the determination code 500 by photographing the determination code 500. The determination system 10 can also determine the authenticity of multiple types of determination codes 500. The first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520 included in one determination code 500 correspond one-to-one, and different types of determination codes 500 have different first identifiers 510 and different second identifiers 520. Therefore, by determining the correspondence between the first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500, it is possible to determine whether the determination code 500 is authentic or a counterfeit.

[0043] The information terminal 100 is a terminal that can photograph the determination code 500 and display the determination result. The information terminal 100 is, for example, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer. The information terminal 100 can also generate an image corresponding to the photographed determination code 500.

[0044] The server 200 is software or a computer that can receive an image from the information terminal 100 and determine the authenticity of the determination code 500. When the server 200 is a computer, the server 200 may be a single computer or multiple computers.

[0045] As described above, the determination system 10 includes the information terminal 100 and the server 200, and an image generated by the information terminal 100 is transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 executes an authenticity determination process based on the transmitted image, and generates determination result information. Note that the determination system 10 can also execute the authenticity determination process and generate determination result information using a cloud computing method or an ASP (Application Service Provider) method.

[0046] [2. Configuration of Determination System 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 2, the information terminal 100 of the determination system 10 includes an imaging unit 110, a display unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The server 200 of the determination system 10 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230.

[0048] The imaging unit 110 is an imaging device capable of photographing the determination code 500. The first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 are photographed separately. The imaging unit 110 can generate a first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 of the photographed determination code 500. Similarly, the imaging unit 110 can generate a second image corresponding to the second identifier 520 of the photographed determination code 500. The imaging unit 110 can be, for example, a camera, a video camera, or a scanner.

[0049] The display unit 120 is a display interface that can display the first image, the second image, or the determination result information. As the display unit 120, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an OLED display device can be used.

[0050] The communication unit 130 and the communication unit 230 are communication interfaces that can transmit or receive data or information by wire or wirelessly. The communication unit 130 and the communication unit 230 can be, for example, a LAN module or a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module.

[0051] The control unit 210 is a computer capable of performing arithmetic processing using data or information. The control unit 210 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MPU), or a random access memory (RAM). Specifically, the control unit 210 executes a program to cause the image processing unit 211, feature amount data generation unit 212, identification information acquisition unit 213, and determination unit 214 to function. Details of the image processing unit 211, feature amount data generation unit 212, identification information acquisition unit 213, and determination unit 214 will be described later.

[0052] The memory unit 220 is a storage capable of storing data or information. Specifically, the memory unit 220 can store a registered feature database 221. In the registered feature database 221, first feature data indicated by a first identifier 510 linked to second identification information included in a second identifier 520 is registered in advance for each different type of determination code 500. The memory unit 220 can be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a flash memory.

[0053] In the following, in order to distinguish between the data or information of the judgment code 500 used in authenticity judgment and the data or information registered in the registered feature database 221, for convenience, the first feature data and second identification information registered in the registered feature database will be described as registered feature data and registered identification information, respectively.

[0054] The image processing unit 211 can divide the first image into a plurality of regions and extract the plurality of regions according to a predetermined rule.

[0055] The feature data generation unit 212 can generate feature amounts for each of the multiple regions. Since the feature amounts for the multiple regions correspond to the feature amounts of the first identifier 510, for convenience, the feature amounts for the multiple regions will be described below as first feature data. In other words, the feature data generation unit 212 can generate the first feature data for the first identifier 510.

[0056] The identification information acquisition unit 213 can read the second image and acquire the second identification information included in the second identifier 520.

[0057] The determination unit 214 can use the first feature amount data to identify the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510. Furthermore, the determination unit 214 can determine the correspondence between the identified first identification information and the acquired second identification information, and generate determination result information.

[0058] In other embodiments described later, the image processing unit 211, the feature data generating unit 212, the identification information acquiring unit 213, and the determining unit 214 may be executed to perform functions other than those described above.

[0059] [3. Authenticity Determination Process of Determination System 10] Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the process of determining the authenticity of the determination code 500 executed by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the process of determining the authenticity of the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The authenticity determination process executed by the determination system 10 is started by the information terminal 100 executing a program for the authenticity determination process.

[0061] In step S100, the imaging unit 110 generates a first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 of the captured determination code 500.

[0062] In step S110, the generated first image is transmitted from information terminal 100 to server 200 via communication unit .

[0063] In step S120, the imaging unit 110 generates a second image corresponding to the second identifier 520 of the captured determination code 500.

[0064] In step S130, the generated second image is transmitted from the information terminal 100 to the server 200 via the communication unit 130.

[0065] In step S140, the image processing unit 211 divides the first image into a plurality of regions and extracts the plurality of regions. For example, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the image processing unit 211 can divide the first image 610 into regions in a matrix of 4 rows x 2 columns, and generate eight regions (first region 610-1 to eighth region 610-8). The image processing unit 211 only needs to divide the first image according to a predetermined rule, and the number of the plurality of regions is not particularly limited.

[0066] In step S150, the feature data generation unit 212 generates first feature data for the first identifier 510. That is, the feature data generation unit 212 generates feature data for each of the multiple regions. The feature data is, for example, an RGB value as shown in FIG. 4B. The RGB values ​​are the pixel values ​​of red pixels (R pixels), green pixels (G pixels), and blue pixels (B pixels). Therefore, the feature data expressed by the RGB values ​​includes an R feature data, a G feature data, and a B feature data. The R feature data, the G feature data, and the B feature data shown in FIG. 4B are the average values ​​of the pixel values ​​of multiple R pixels, multiple G pixels, and multiple B pixels included in the region, respectively. However, the feature data is not limited to the average pixel values. The feature data may also be an intermediate value of the pixel values. Although FIG. 4B shows feature data with 8-bit gradation (numeric values ​​from 0 to 255), the number of gradations is not limited to this. The feature data generation unit 212 can generate feature data according to a predetermined number of gradations.

[0067] If the number of gradations of the first image differs from the predetermined number of gradations, the image processing unit 211 may up-convert or down-convert the number of gradations of the first image in step S120. In this case, the image processing unit 211 divides the first image converted to the predetermined number of gradations into a plurality of regions.

[0068] In step S160, the identification information acquisition unit 213 reads the second image and acquires the second identification information included in the second identifier 520.

[0069] In step S170, determination unit 214 uses the first feature amount data to identify the first identification information indicated by first identifier 510. Furthermore, determination unit 214 determines the correspondence between the identified first identification information and the second identification information acquired in step S160, and generates determination result information. Here, details of the processing in step S170 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0070] 5 is a flowchart showing the process of step S170 of the authenticity determination process of the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the process of step S170 includes steps S171 to S176.

[0071] In step S171, the determination unit 214 calculates the degree of coincidence between the feature of the first feature data and the feature of the registered feature data. The degree of coincidence is calculated for each of a plurality of regions. The degree of coincidence is also calculated for all of the registered feature data registered in the registered feature database. For example, the degree of coincidence C between the feature of the nth region of the first feature data and the feature of the nth region of the mth registered feature data is calculated as follows: n m can be calculated based on (Equation 1).

[0072]

number

[0073] where R n , G n , and Bn are the R feature, G feature, and B feature of the n-th region of the first feature data, respectively. n m , G n m , and B n m are the R feature, G feature, and B feature of the n-th region of the m-th registered feature data, respectively. Also, k is the number of gradation bits. Note that k, m, and n are all natural numbers.

[0074] In step S172, the determination unit 214 determines the degree of match C calculated in step S171. n m The similarity is calculated using the following formula. The calculation of the similarity is performed for each registered feature data. For example, the similarity S between the first feature data and the m-th registered feature data is calculated using the following formula: m can be calculated based on (Equation 2).

[0075]

number

[0076] As can be seen from (Equation 2), the similarity S m is the degree of agreement C n m is the average value of

[0077] In step S173, the determination unit 214 determines the similarity S m has the largest value, as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510. In other words, the determination unit 214 identifies the registered identification information associated with the registered feature data that is most similar to the first feature data as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510.

[0078] In step S174, the determination unit 214 determines the correspondence between the first identification information identified in step S173 and the second identification information acquired in step S160. For example, the determination unit 214 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match. If the first identification information and the second identification information match (step S174: YES), step S175 is executed. On the other hand, if the first identification information and the second identification information do not match (step S174: NO), step S176 is executed.

[0079] In step S175, the determination unit 214 generates determination result information indicating that the determination code 500 is authentic.

[0080] In step S176, the determination unit 214 generates determination result information indicating that the determination code 500 is a forgery.

[0081] When step S175 or step S176 is executed, the process of step S170 ends.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 3 again, steps S180 and thereafter will be described.

[0083] In step S180, the generated determination result information is transmitted from the server 200 to the information terminal 100 via the communication unit 230.

[0084] In step S190, the display unit 120 displays the judgment result on the screen based on the judgment result information. For example, if the judgment result information is authentic, the display unit 120 displays "Judgment OK" on the screen, and if the judgment result information is forged, the display unit 120 displays "Judgment NG" on the screen.

[0085] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the first embodiment generates first feature data including feature amounts (feature amounts of multiple regions) of the first identifier 510 based on a first image obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500. The similarity of the first feature data with registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. Furthermore, the determination system 10 determines a correspondence relationship between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0086] In authenticity determination using the determination system 10 of the first embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependence in authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500.

[0087] The determination system 10 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications are possible. Below, several modifications of the determination system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. Note that, below, descriptions of configurations similar to those described above may be omitted.

[0088] <Modification 1 of the First Embodiment> The feature amounts generated by the feature data generation unit 212 may be grayscale values ​​instead of RGB values. In this case, in step S140 of Fig. 3, the image processing unit 211 converts the first image from RGB values ​​to grayscale values ​​and then divides the image into multiple regions. This allows the feature data generation unit 212 to generate feature amounts expressed in grayscale values ​​for each of the multiple regions in step S150 of Fig. 3. Note that in this modification, the feature amounts of the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 are also grayscale values.

[0089] In this modification, in step S171 of FIG. 5, the degree of coincidence C between the feature amount of the n-th region of the first feature amount data and the feature amount of the n-th region of the m-th registered feature amount data is calculated. n m can be calculated based on (Equation 3).

[0090]

number

[0091] where P n is the feature of the nth region of the first feature data expressed as a grayscale value, and P n m is the feature of the n-th region of the m-th registered feature data expressed in grayscale values. As can be seen from (Equation 1) and (Equation 3), in this modified example, the degree of match C n m This simplifies the calculations involved in calculating

[0092] As described above, in the authenticity determination by the determination system 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of the authenticity determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, the calculation amount of the authenticity determination process is reduced, thereby reducing the load on the server 200.

[0093] <Modification 2 of the First Embodiment> The feature amounts generated by the feature data generation unit 212 may be binary black and white values ​​instead of RGB values. In this case, in step S140 of FIG. 3, the image processing unit 211 converts the first image 610 from RGB values ​​to binary black and white values, and then divides the first image 610 into a plurality of regions. This allows the feature data generation unit 212 to generate feature amounts expressed in binary black and white values ​​for each of the plurality of divided regions in step S150 of FIG. 3. Note that in this modification, the feature amounts of the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 are also binary black and white values.

[0094] In this modification, in step S171 of FIG. 5, the degree of coincidence C between the feature amount of the n-th region of the first feature amount data and the feature amount of the n-th region of the m-th registered feature amount data is calculated. n m corresponds to the case where k=0 in (Equation 3). Therefore, in this modification, the degree of coincidence C n m This further simplifies the calculations in determining

[0095] As described above, in the authenticity determination by the determination system 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of the authenticity determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, the calculation amount of the authenticity determination process is reduced, thereby reducing the load on the server 200.

[0096] <Modification 3 of the First Embodiment> The information terminal 100 may include a control unit. That is, the control unit of the information terminal 100 may execute a program to perform functions similar to those of the image processing unit 211 and the feature amount data generation unit 212 described above.

[0097] In this modification, first feature amount data including the feature amount of first identifier 510 is generated based on the first image in information terminal 100. The first feature amount data generated in information terminal 100 is transmitted to server 200 via communication unit 130, and step S160 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 are executed.

[0098] As described above, in the authenticity determination by the determination system 10 relating to variant example 3 of the first embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500.

[0099] <Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment> The determination system 10 does not need to include the server 200. In this case, the information terminal 100 includes a control unit and a storage unit. That is, the control unit of the information terminal 100 may execute a program and perform functions similar to those of the image processing unit 211, the feature data generation unit 212, the identification information acquisition unit 213, and the determination unit 214 described above. Furthermore, the storage unit of the information terminal 100 may store the registered feature database 221.

[0100] In this modification, the information terminal 100 generates first feature data including features of the first identifier 510 based on the first image. The similarity of the first feature data with registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 of the storage unit of the information terminal 100 is calculated, and the information terminal 100 identifies the first identification information of the first identifier 510. The information terminal 100 also reads a second image capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500, and acquires the second identification information of the second identifier 520. The information terminal 100 then determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, it is determined whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0101] In this modified example, the process may be executed using a program installed in the information terminal 100, or may be executed by reading out a program stored on a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM).

[0102] As described above, in the authenticity determination by the determination system 10 according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of the authenticity determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, since the server 200 is not used, the authenticity determination of the determination code 500 can be performed using the information terminal 100 without depending on the communication state or communication speed. Therefore, the authenticity determination of the determination code 500 can be performed anywhere, improving user convenience.

[0103] Second Embodiment Another embodiment of the determination system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of step S170A of the authenticity determination process of the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] In this embodiment, step S170A is executed instead of step S170 in embodiment 1. Step S170A includes steps S172A and S173A instead of the above-described steps S172 and S173.

[0106] In step S172A, the determination unit 214 determines the degree of match C calculated in step S171. n m The number of valid regions of the first feature amount data for the registered feature amount data is calculated using the above formula. The calculation of the number of valid regions is performed for each registered feature amount data. For example, the number of valid regions N of the first feature amount data for the m-th registered feature amount data is calculated using the above formula. mis the degree of match C that is equal to or greater than the threshold set for the mth registered feature data. n m In other words, the determination unit 214 determines the number of regions having a matching degree C equal to or greater than the threshold value in the m-th registered feature amount data. n m The number of regions having the m-th registered feature vector data is counted, and the number of valid regions N of the first feature vector data for the m-th registered feature vector data is calculated. m The threshold value may be the same for each region or may be different for each region.

[0107] In step S173A, the determination unit 214 determines the number of valid areas N m The determination unit 214 specifies the registered identification information associated with the mth registered feature data having the largest number of regions that match the regions of the first feature data as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510. In other words, the determination unit 214 specifies the registered identification information associated with the registered feature data having the largest number of regions that match the regions of the first feature data as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510.

[0108] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the second embodiment generates first feature data including feature amounts of the first identifier 510 based on a first image obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500. The number of valid areas of the first feature data relative to the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. Furthermore, the determination system 10 determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0109] In authenticity determination using the determination system 10 of the second embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependence in authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500.

[0110] The determination system 10 according to the second embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications are possible. In the following, several modifications of the determination system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that, in the following, descriptions of configurations similar to those described above may be omitted.

[0111] <Modification of the second embodiment> In step S172A, the determination unit 214 may determine whether a predetermined area is included when counting the number of valid areas. If a characteristic pattern (for example, the "SECURE" portion in FIG. 1(B)) is included in a predetermined position of the first identifier 510, it is possible to calculate the number of valid areas with weighting on the characteristic pattern by determining that the predetermined area including the characteristic pattern is included in the number of valid areas. If the predetermined area is not included in the count of the number of valid areas, the determination unit 214 may calculate the number of valid areas as 0. Since step S174 in FIG. 6 is not executed for registered feature amount data for which the number of valid areas is 0, the amount of calculation in step S174 can be reduced.

[0112] The number of predetermined regions may be one or more, and the number of predetermined regions may be the same for each piece of registered feature amount data or may be different for each piece of registered feature amount data.

[0113] As described above, in the authentication determination of the determination system 10 according to the modified example of the second embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authentication determination and improving the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, since the amount of calculation required for the authentication determination process is reduced, the load on the server 200 can be reduced.

[0114] <Third embodiment> Another embodiment of the determination system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0115] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating features of registered feature data registered in the registered feature database 221B of the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the registered feature database 221B is stored in the storage unit 220 instead of the registered feature database 221 of the first embodiment.

[0116] The color of the first identifier 510 that provides visual information may vary depending on the shooting direction of the first identifier 510. Therefore, the registered feature data of the registered feature database 221B includes multiple feature amounts from different shooting direction angles. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first registered feature data of the registered feature database 221B includes not only feature amounts from a shooting direction at a first angle, but also feature amounts from a shooting direction at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Note that the number of shooting direction angles included in the registered feature data is not limited to two.

[0117] In this embodiment, in step S171 of FIG. 5, the determination unit 214 calculates the degree of match not only with the feature amount of the first angle but also with the feature amount of the second angle. That is, the degree of match between the feature amount of the first feature amount data and the feature amount of the registered feature amount data is calculated for each of the first angle and the second angle. Also, in step S172 of FIG. 5, the similarity between the first feature amount data and the registered feature amount data is calculated for each of the first angle and the second angle. Also, in step S173 of FIG. 5, the determination unit 214 specifies, as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510, the registered identification information associated with the registered feature amount data having the maximum value among all the calculated similarities.

[0118] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the third embodiment generates first feature data including feature amounts of the first identifier 510 based on a first image obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500. The similarity of the first feature data with the angles of multiple image capture directions of the registered feature data is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. Furthermore, the determination system 10 determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0119] In authenticity determination by the determination system 10 according to the third embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, which reduces user dependency in authenticity determination and improves the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, the angle of the imaging direction of the first identifier 510 is taken into consideration when identifying the first identification information of the first identifier 510, which further improves the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500.

[0120] The determination system 10 according to the third embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications are possible. In the following, several modifications of the determination system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that, in the following, descriptions of configurations similar to those described above may be omitted.

[0121] <Modification of the third embodiment> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] 8, the information terminal 100 of the determination system 10 according to this modification includes an imaging unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a sensor unit 140. The server 200 of the determination system 10 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230. The storage unit 220 stores a registered feature database 221B.

[0123] The sensor unit 140 is a sensor that can detect the angle of the information terminal 100 and generate angle data. As the sensor unit 140, for example, a gyro sensor or the like can be used.

[0124] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process executed by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 9, the authenticity determination process executed by the determination system 10 according to this modification further includes step S105B and step S115B in addition to the authenticity determination process described with reference to Fig. 3. In addition, the authenticity determination process of the determination system 10 according to this modification includes step S170B instead of step S170.

[0126] In step S105B, the sensor unit 140 detects the angle of the information terminal 100 when the first image is generated as the shooting direction of the first identifier 510, and generates angle data.

[0127] In step S115B, the generated angle data is transmitted from the information terminal 100 to the server 200 via the communication unit 130. This allows the server 200 to obtain angle data relating to the imaging direction of the first identifier 510.

[0128] In step S170B, the determination unit 214 selects a feature having an angle closest to the angle data from among the multiple angles included in the registered feature data, and calculates the degree of match. That is, in step S170B, the degree of match is calculated using one angle included in the registered feature data. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the degree of match for each of the multiple angles, and the amount of calculation of the degree of match is reduced.

[0129] As described above, in the authenticity determination by the determination system 10 according to the modified example of the third embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authenticity determination and improving the accuracy of the authenticity determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, since the angle of the imaging direction of the first identifier 510 is taken into consideration to identify the first identification information of the first identifier 510, the accuracy of the authenticity determination of the determination code 500 is further improved. Furthermore, since the amount of calculation in the authenticity determination process is reduced, the load on the server 200 can be reduced.

[0130] <Fourth embodiment> Another embodiment of the determination system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0131] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating features of registered feature data registered in the registered feature database 221C of the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the registered feature database 221C is stored in the storage unit 220 instead of the registered feature database 221 of the first embodiment.

[0132] The first identifier 510, which provides visual information, may have different colors depending on the intensity of light irradiated onto the first identifier 510. Therefore, the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221C includes multiple features with different light irradiation intensities. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first registered feature data in the registered feature database 221C includes not only a first light irradiation intensity but also a feature with a second light irradiation intensity different from the first light irradiation intensity. Note that the number of light irradiation intensities included in the registered feature data is not limited to two.

[0133] In this embodiment, in step S171 of FIG. 5, the determination unit 214 calculates the degree of agreement not only with the feature amount of the first light illumination intensity but also with the feature amount of the second light illumination intensity. That is, the degree of agreement between the feature amount of the first feature data and the feature amount of the registered feature data is calculated for each of the first light illumination intensity and the second light illumination intensity. Furthermore, in step S172 of FIG. 5, the similarity between the first feature data and the registered feature data is calculated for each of the first light illumination intensity and the second light illumination intensity. Furthermore, in step S173 of FIG. 5, the determination unit 214 identifies, as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510, the registered identification information associated with the registered feature data having the maximum value among all the calculated similarities.

[0134] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the fourth embodiment generates first feature data including feature amounts of the first identifier 510 based on a first image obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500. The similarity of the first feature data with the multiple light irradiation intensities of the registered feature data is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. The determination system 10 then determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0135] In authenticity determination by the determination system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, which reduces user dependency in authenticity determination and improves the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, the intensity of light irradiated to the first identifier 510 is taken into consideration when identifying the first identification information of the first identifier 510, which further improves the accuracy of authenticity determination of the determination code 500.

[0136] Fifth Embodiment Another embodiment of the determination system 10 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0137] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process of the determination code 500 executed by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the authenticity determination process of the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 12(A) is a schematic diagram of a first image 610, and Fig. 12(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating the first feature amount data.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 11, the authenticity determination process of the determination system 10 according to this embodiment includes steps S140D, S150D, and S170D instead of steps S140, S150, and S170 of the authenticity determination process described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0139] In step S140D, the image processing unit 211 extracts a first pattern region 611D-1 and a second pattern region 611D-2 from the first image 610. As shown in FIG. 12(A), the first image 610 includes a first pattern region 611D-1 and a second pattern region 611D-2 having characteristic patterns. Therefore, the image processing unit 211 can detect a predetermined characteristic pattern and extract the first pattern region 611D-1 and the second pattern region 611D-2. In addition, the image processing unit 211 acquires position information of each of the first pattern region 611D-1 and the second pattern region 611D-2.

[0140] In step S150D, the feature data generation unit 212 generates first feature data for the first identifier 510. Here, the feature data generation unit 212 generates, as the first feature data, feature amounts for each of the pattern regions 611D. That is, in step S130D, feature amounts for a plurality of predetermined pattern regions 611D are generated, rather than feature amounts for a plurality of regions.

[0141] In step S170D, the determination unit 214 uses the first feature amount data to identify the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510. Furthermore, the determination unit 214 determines the correspondence between the identified first identification information and the second identification information acquired in step S160, and generates determination result information.

[0142] In identifying the first identification information, the similarity between the first feature data and registered feature data registered in the registered feature database is calculated. The similarity is calculated for each registered feature data. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the determination unit 214 calculates the similarity based on not only the R feature, the G feature, and the B feature, but also the position information. The determination unit 214 also identifies the registered identification information associated with the registered feature data having the maximum similarity as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510.

[0143] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the fifth embodiment generates first feature data including features of the first identifier 510 based on a predetermined pattern area of ​​a first image obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500. The similarity of the first feature data with the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. The determination system 10 then determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0144] In the authentication determination by the determination system 10 according to the fifth embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authentication determination and improving the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, because the feature amount is generated based on the characteristic pattern region 611D, variation due to the shooting conditions is reduced, and the variation in the generated feature amount is also reduced. As a result, the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500 is further improved.

[0145] Sixth Embodiment Another embodiment of the determination system 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0146] The configurations of the information terminal 100 and the server 200 of the determination system 10 according to the sixth embodiment are similar to those described with reference to FIG. 8, and therefore will not be described here.

[0147] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process of determining the authenticity of the determination code 500 executed by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] In step S100E, the imaging unit 110 generates a first first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 photographed from the first photographing direction. The imaging unit 110 also generates a second first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 photographed from a second photographing direction different from the first photographing direction.

[0149] In step S105E, sensor unit 140 detects the angle of information terminal 100 when the first first image is generated as a first imaging direction of first identifier 510, and generates first angle data. Sensor unit 140 also detects the angle of information terminal 100 when the second first image is generated as a second imaging direction of first identifier 510, and generates second angle data.

[0150] In step S110E, the generated first first image and second first image are transmitted from the information terminal 100 to the server 200 via the communication unit .

[0151] In step S115E, the generated first angle data and second angle data are transmitted from information terminal 100 to server 200 via communication unit .

[0152] Steps S120 and S130 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0153] In step S140E, the image processing unit 211 divides each of the first primary image and the second primary image into a plurality of regions, and extracts the plurality of regions.

[0154] In step S150E, feature data generation unit 212 generates first feature data including the feature of first identifier 510. Here, feature data generation unit 212 generates a feature corresponding to the rate of change of the first image relative to the angle data. Specifically, feature data generation unit 212 generates a value obtained by dividing the difference between the pixel value of the first first image and the pixel value of the second first image by the difference between the first angle data and the second angle data as the feature. The feature is generated for each of a plurality of regions.

[0155] Step S160 and subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0156] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the sixth embodiment generates first feature data including features corresponding to the rate of change in the first identifier 510 based on a plurality of first images obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 from different imaging directions. The similarity of the first feature data with the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. The determination system 10 then determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0157] In the authentication determination by the determination system 10 according to the sixth embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authentication determination and improving the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, because the feature amount is generated based on the change between at least two first images, variation due to the shooting conditions is reduced, and the variation in the generated feature amount is also reduced. As a result, the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500 is further improved.

[0158] Seventh Embodiment Another embodiment of the determination system 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0159] 14 is a schematic diagram showing a determination code 500F whose authenticity is determined by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the determination code 500F is used instead of the determination code 500 used in the authenticity determination of the first embodiment.

[0160] 14, the determination code 500F includes a first identifier 510 and a second identifier 520F. The second identifier 520F is disposed near the first identifier 510. Therefore, when determining the authenticity of the determination code 500F, the first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520F can be photographed simultaneously.

[0161] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the authenticity determination process of the determination code 500F executed by the determination system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] In step S100F, the imaging unit 110 generates an image corresponding to the first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520F of the photographed determination code 500F.

[0163] In step S110F, the generated image is transmitted from information terminal 100 to server 200 via communication unit .

[0164] In step S118F, the image processing unit 211 extracts, from the image, a first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 and a second image corresponding to the second identifier 520F.

[0165] Step S140 and subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0166] As described above, the determination system 10 according to the seventh embodiment extracts a first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 and a second image corresponding to the second identifier 520F from an image of the determination code 500F, and generates first feature data including features of the first identifier 510 based on the first image. The similarity of the first feature data with the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads the second image and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520F. Furthermore, the determination system 10 determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520F. For example, the determination system 10 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500F is determined to be authentic.

[0167] In the authentication determination by the determination system 10 according to the seventh embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500F can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, which reduces user dependency in the authentication determination and improves the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500F. Furthermore, the first identifier 510 and the second identifier 520F can be photographed simultaneously, which improves user convenience.

[0168] The determination system 10 according to the seventh embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various modifications are possible. In the following, several modifications of the determination system 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. Note that, in the following, descriptions of configurations similar to those described above may be omitted.

[0169] <Modification of the Seventh Embodiment> FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an authentication code 500F' whose authenticity is verified by the authentication system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] 16, the determination code 500F' includes a first identifier 510, a first second identifier 520F'-1, a second second identifier 520F'-2, and a third second identifier 520F'-3. The first identifier 510 is divided into a first area 511F'-1, a second area 511F'-2, and a third area 511F'-3, and the first second identifier 520F'-1, the second second identifier 520F'-2, and the third second identifier 520F'-3 are identifiers assigned to the first area 511F'-1, the second area 511F'-2, and the third area 511F'-3, respectively. The first second identifier 520F'-1, the second second identifier 520F'-2, and the third second identifier 520F'-3 are arranged near the first area 511F'-1, the second area 511F'-2, and the third area 511F'-3, respectively. Therefore, when authenticating the determination code 500F', the first area 511F'-1 and the first second identifier 520F'-1 can be photographed simultaneously. Similarly, the second area 511F'-2 and the second second identifier 520F'-2 are photographed simultaneously, and the third area 511F'-3 and the third second identifier 520F'-3 are photographed simultaneously.

[0171] The number of divisions of first identifier 510 is not limited to 3. The number of divisions of first identifier 510 may be n (n is a natural number).

[0172] In the authenticity determination process of the determination system 10 according to this modification, the correspondence between the first first identification information indicated by the first area 511F'-1, the second first identification information indicated by the second area 511F'-2, and the third first identification information indicated by the third area 511F'-3 and the first second identifier information included in the first second identifier 520F'-1, the second second identifier information included in the second second identifier 520F'-2, and the third second identifier information included in the third second identifier 520F'-3, respectively, is determined. Furthermore, if all of the correspondences are determined to be authentic, the determination code 500F' is determined to be authentic. However, the determination of the correspondences is not limited to this. For example, if the first identification information and the second identification information in the predetermined area 511F' match, the determination code 500F' may be determined to be authentic. Note that the predetermined area 511F' used for the determination may be multiple.

[0173] As described above, in the determination system 10 according to the modified example of the seventh embodiment, a first image and a second image are generated from images of the area 511F′ of the determination code 500 for each of the multiple areas 511F′ of the first identifier 510, and first feature data including the feature of the first identifier 510 is generated based on the first image. The similarity of the first feature data with the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. In addition, the determination system 10 reads the second image and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520F′. Furthermore, the determination system 10 determines a correspondence between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520F′. For example, it is determined whether the first identification information and the second identification information in all areas 511F' match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information in all areas 511F' match, the determination code 500F' is determined to be authentic.

[0174] In the authentication determination by the determination system 10 according to the seventh embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500F' can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, thereby reducing user dependency in the authentication determination and improving the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500F'. Furthermore, since the authentication determination process is performed multiple times on one determination code 500F', the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500F' is further improved. Furthermore, even if the first identifier 510 is large, the authentication can be performed by dividing it into multiple areas 511F'.

[0175] Eighth Embodiment 17 to 19, a determination system 20 according to another embodiment of the determination system 10 will be described. Note that, in the following, description of the same configuration as that described above may be omitted.

[0176] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination system 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] 17, the information terminal 100 of the determination system 20 includes an imaging unit 110, a display unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The server 200 of the determination system 20 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230. The control unit 210 executes a program to cause a feature data generation unit 212, an identification information acquisition unit 213, and a determination unit 214 to function. The storage unit 220 includes a registered feature database 222.

[0178] Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the process of determining the authenticity of the determination code 500 executed by the determination system 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the process of determining the authenticity of the determination system 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] The determination process executed by the determination system 20 starts when the information terminal 100 executes a program for authenticity determination process.

[0180] In step S200, the imaging unit 110 generates a first image corresponding to the first identifier 510 of the captured determination code 500.

[0181] In step S210, the generated first image is transmitted from the information terminal 100 to the server 200 via the communication unit .

[0182] In step S220, the imaging unit 110 generates a second image corresponding to the second identifier 520 of the captured determination code 500.

[0183] In step S230, the generated second image is transmitted from the information terminal 100 to the server 200 via the communication unit .

[0184] In step S240, the feature data generation unit 212 generates first feature data including the feature of the first identifier 510. In the authenticity determination process of the determination system 20 according to this embodiment, feature amounts are generated for the entire first image without dividing the first image into multiple regions. The feature amounts are, for example, histograms representing the frequency of pixel values ​​of R pixels, G pixels, and B pixels, as shown in FIGS. 19(A) to 19(C). Such RGB histograms include features such as contrast or brightness for each of the RGB components of the first image, and these features are expressed as distribution shapes.

[0185] In step S250, the identification information acquisition unit 213 reads the second image and acquires the second identification information included in the second identifier 520.

[0186] In step S260, the determination unit 214 uses the first feature amount data to identify the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510. Furthermore, the determination unit 214 determines the correspondence between the identified first identification information and the second identification information acquired in step S260, and generates determination result information.

[0187] In identifying the first identification information, the similarity between the first feature data and registered feature data registered in the registered feature database is calculated. The similarity is calculated for each registered feature data. For example, the determination unit 214 calculates the similarity based on the position or number of peaks in the histogram, the ratio of overlapping areas, the average value, or the median value. The determination unit 214 also identifies the registered identification information associated with the registered feature data having the maximum similarity as the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510.

[0188] Furthermore, the determination unit 214 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match. When the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination unit 214 generates determination result information indicating that the determination code 500 is authentic. On the other hand, when the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, the determination unit 214 generates determination result information indicating that the determination code 500 is counterfeit.

[0189] In step S270, the generated determination result information is transmitted from the server 200 to the information terminal 100 via the communication unit 230.

[0190] In step S280, the display unit 120 displays the judgment result on the screen based on the judgment result information. For example, if the judgment result information is authentic, the display unit 120 displays "Judgment OK" on the screen, and if the judgment result information is forged, the display unit 120 displays "Judgment NG" on the screen.

[0191] As described above, the determination system 20 according to the eighth embodiment generates first feature data including feature amounts of the first identifier 510 based on a first image obtained by capturing the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500. The similarity of the first feature data with the registered feature data in the registered feature database 221 is calculated, and first identification information of the first identifier 510 is identified. The determination system 10 also reads a second image obtained by capturing the second identifier 520 of the determination code 500 and acquires second identification information of the second identifier 520. Furthermore, the determination system 20 determines a correspondence relationship between the identified first identification information of the first identifier 510 and the acquired second identification information of the second identifier 520. For example, the determination system 20 determines whether the first identification information and the second identification information match, and if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the determination code 500 is determined to be authentic.

[0192] In the authentication determination by the determination system 20 according to the eighth embodiment, the first identification information indicated by the first identifier 510 of the determination code 500 can be identified without relying on the user's visual inspection, which reduces user dependency in the authentication determination and improves the accuracy of the authentication determination of the determination code 500. Furthermore, since the first feature amount data is generated without dividing it into multiple regions, the amount of calculation required for the authentication determination process is reduced, and the load on the server 200 can be reduced.

[0193] In the determination system 20 according to the eighth embodiment, the authenticity determination can also be performed using a histogram as the feature of each of the multiple regions. For example, the feature data generation unit 212 can generate first feature data including a histogram of each of the multiple regions, for a predetermined multiple regions, or for multiple regions divided into regions having a characteristic pattern and regions not having a characteristic pattern.

[0194] The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design based on each embodiment, the addition, deletion, or modification of components is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is maintained.

[0195] Furthermore, even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 10, 20: Determination system, 100: Information terminal, 110: Imaging unit, 120: Display unit, 130: Communication unit, 140: Sensor unit, 200: Server, 210: Control unit, 211: Image processing unit, 212: Feature data generation unit, 213: Identification information acquisition unit, 214: Determination unit, 220: Storage unit, 221, 221B, 221C: Registered feature database, 230: Communication unit, 500, 500F, 500F': Determination code, 510: First identifier, 511, 511F': Area, 511F'-1: First area, 511F'-2: Second area, 511F'-3: Third area, 520, 520F: Second identifier, 520F'-1: First second identifier, 520F'-2: Second second identifier, 520F'-3: Third second identifier, 610: First image, 610-1: First region, 610-8: Eighth region, 611D: Pattern region, 611D-1: First pattern region, 611D-2: Second pattern region

Claims

1. an image processing unit that extracts a plurality of regions from a first image obtained by photographing the first identifier of a determination code including a first identifier and a second identifier; a feature data generating unit that generates first feature data including feature amounts of each of the plurality of regions; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code; a determination unit that specifies first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature amount data and determines a correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the second identification information, The determination system, wherein the first identifier is a hologram.

2. The determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit generates determination result information indicating that the determination code is authentic when the first identification information and the second identification information match.

3. 3. The determination system according to claim 1, wherein the first identification information is specified by determining a similarity between registered feature amount data registered in advance in a database and the first feature amount data.

4. an image processing unit that extracts an nth first image corresponding to the nth area and an nth second image corresponding to the nth second identifier from an image obtained by photographing an nth area and an nth second identifier of a determination code including a first identifier divided into n areas (n is a natural number) and an nth second identifier assigned to each of the nth areas of the first identifier, and extracts a plurality of areas from the nth first image; a feature data generation unit that generates n-th first feature data including feature amounts of each of the plurality of regions of the n-th first image; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires n-th second identification information from the n-th second image; a determination unit that identifies the nth first identification information indicated by the nth area based on the nth first feature amount data, and determines a correspondence relationship between the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information, The determination system, wherein the first identifier is a hologram.

5. The determination system of claim 4, wherein the determination unit generates a determination result indicating that the determination code is authentic if the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information match in all n areas.

6. The determination system according to claim 4 , wherein the determination unit generates a determination result indicating that the determination code is authentic when the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information match in a predetermined area.

7. The determination system according to claim 6 , wherein the predetermined area is a plurality of areas.

8. 8. The determination system according to claim 4, wherein the nth first identification information is identified by determining a similarity between registered feature data registered in a database in advance and the nth first feature data.

9. The determination system according to claim 3 or 8, wherein the registered feature amount data includes a plurality of feature amounts captured at different angles of the photographing direction.

10. a sensor unit that detects the angle of the imaging direction and generates angle data; The determination system according to claim 9 , wherein the determination unit selects one of a plurality of angles of the registered feature amount data based on the angle data.

11. The determination system according to claim 8 , wherein the registered feature amount data includes a plurality of feature amounts with different light irradiation intensities.

12. The determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the feature amount is generated based on pixel values ​​of a plurality of pixels included in the region.

13. The determination system according to claim 12 , wherein the feature amount is expressed as an RGB value.

14. The determination system according to claim 12 , wherein the feature amount is expressed as a grayscale value.

15. The determination system according to claim 12 , wherein the feature amount is expressed as a binary value of black and white.

16. The determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the second identifier is a QR code.

17. A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code including a first identifier and a second identifier, comprising: extracting a plurality of regions from a first image obtained by photographing the first identifier of the determination code; generating first feature amount data including feature amounts of each of the plurality of regions; acquiring second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code; Identifying first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature amount data; determining a correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the second identification information; A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code, wherein the first identifier is a hologram.

18. The method for determining the authenticity of a determination code according to claim 17, wherein, if the first identification information and the second identification information match in determining the correspondence, determination result information indicating that the determination code is authentic is generated.

19. The method for determining the authenticity of a determination code according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the first identification information is identified by determining the similarity between registered feature data pre-registered in a database and the first feature data.

20. A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code including a first identifier divided into n areas (n is a natural number) and n-th second identifiers assigned to the n-th areas of the first identifier, extracting an nth first image corresponding to the nth area and an nth second image corresponding to the nth second identifier from images obtained by photographing the nth area and the nth second identifier; Extracting a plurality of regions from the n first images; generating n-th first feature data including feature amounts of each of the plurality of regions of the n-th first image; acquiring n-th second identification information from the n-th second image; Identifying the nth first identification information indicated by the nth area based on the nth first feature amount data; determining a correspondence relationship between the n-th first identification information and the n-th second identification information; A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code, wherein the first identifier is a hologram.

21. A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code as described in claim 20, wherein, in determining the correspondence, if the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information match in all n areas, determination result information indicating that the determination code is authentic is generated.

22. A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code as described in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein, in determining the correspondence, if the nth first identification information and the nth second identification information match in a specified area, a determination result indicating that the determination code is genuine is generated.

23. 23. A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code described in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the nth first identification information is identified by determining the similarity between registered feature data registered in a database in advance and the nth first feature data.

24. a feature data generating unit that generates first feature data including a histogram of pixel values ​​of a first image obtained by capturing an image of the first identifier of a determination code including a first identifier and a second identifier; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code; a determination unit that specifies first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature amount data and determines a correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the second identification information, The determination system, wherein the first identifier is a hologram.

25. A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code including a first identifier and a second identifier, comprising: generating first feature amount data including a histogram of pixel values ​​of a first image obtained by photographing the first identifier of the determination code; acquiring second identification information from a second image obtained by photographing the second identifier of the determination code; Identifying first identification information indicated by the first identifier based on the first feature amount data; determining a correspondence relationship between the first identification information and the second identification information; A method for determining the authenticity of a determination code, wherein the first identifier is a hologram.

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