Item identification tag, item identification system, and item identification method

Abstract

A tag for article identification according to the present invention is attached to an article, the tag comprising a first tag part that includes a fine substance representing a first identifier and a second tag part, it being possible to acquire a second identifier from the second tag part through a method that is different from the method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an item identification tag, an item identification system, and an item identification method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2012-212288 A) discloses the following individual identification device: That is, the individual identification device is an individual identification device that individually identifies articles comprising a substrate on which fine substances having reflectivity different from that of the substrate are randomly arranged, and is equipped with: storage means that extracts and stores distribution position information of the fine substances attached to a reference article as reference feature point data; object feature point extraction means that extracts distribution position information of the fine substances attached to an article to be identified as object feature point data; and discrimination means that compares the object feature point data extracted by the object feature point extraction means with the reference feature point data stored in the storage means to determine whether the article to be identified and the reference article are the same individual.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (JP 2022-10248 A) discloses the following individual identification device: That is, the individual identification device includes a storage means for storing, for each type of object that is the subject of individual identification, a position indicating a photographing location for identifying the individual of the object, an overall information acquisition means for acquiring overall information that is an image of the entire object, an identification means for identifying a type of object that is similar to the overall information, and an output means for outputting the stored position based on the identified type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-212288 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-10248 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The item identification tag of the present disclosure is an item identification tag that is attached to an item, and comprises a first tag portion containing a microscopic substance that indicates a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the second identifier can be obtained from the second tag portion by a method different from the method of obtaining the first identifier from the first tag portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an item identification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an item identification tag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an item identification tag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an item identification tag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of metadata generated by a registration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of an item identification process in an item identification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Conventionally, techniques for individual identification using fine substances have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining whether an object to be identified and a reference object are the same object by using an individual identification device that individually identifies objects on which fine substances are randomly arranged.

[0008] [Problem to be solved by this disclosure] There is a need for a technology that goes beyond the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and is capable of flexibly identifying individual articles in accordance with the differences in security levels required in different situations.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an item identification tag, an item identification system, and an item identification method that can flexibly identify individual items in accordance with the differences in security levels required in different situations.

[0010] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the present disclosure, individual items can be flexibly identified in accordance with the different security levels required in different situations.

[0011] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] (1) An item identification tag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an item identification tag that is attached to an item, and comprises a first tag portion containing a microscopic substance that indicates a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the second identifier can be obtained from the second tag portion by a method different from the method for obtaining the first identifier from the first tag portion.

[0013] In this way, by having a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating the first identifier and a second tag portion capable of acquiring the second identifier by a method different from the method of acquiring the first identifier, when identifying an individual item, the first identifier and the second identifier can be selectively used to identify the individual item depending on the required security level and the identifier obtainable from the item identification tag. Therefore, individual identification of an item can be flexibly performed depending on the difference in the security level required in different situations.

[0014] (2) In the above (1), the second tag portion may include a code indicating the second identifier.

[0015] With this configuration, the second identifier can be obtained from the item identification tag using a simple reading device that can read the code, making it possible to perform individual identification using the second identifier at low cost and easily, for example, in situations where a low level of security is required.

[0016] (3) In the above (2), the second tag portion may be provided on the item side of the first tag portion, and the code in the second tag portion may be optically readable through the first tag portion.

[0017] This configuration allows the item identification tag to be made smaller than a configuration in which the first tag portion and the second tag portion are arranged side by side on the item. Furthermore, by using a reading device that can acquire both the first identifier and the second identifier by optically reading the pattern of the microscopic substance in the first tag portion and the code in the second tag portion, individual identification using both the first identifier and the second identifier can be performed while reducing the reading process, which includes two alignments and focusing operations of the reading device, to one.

[0018] (4) In (2) or (3) above, the item identification tag may further include a third tag portion, and the third identifier may be obtainable from the third tag portion by a method different from the method for obtaining the first identifier from the first tag portion, and the third tag portion may include a wireless tag indicating the third identifier.

[0019] With this configuration, when identifying an item, the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier can be selectively used to identify the item depending on the required security level and the identifier that can be obtained from the item identification tag.

[0020] (5) In the above (4), the third tag portion may be provided on the article side of the second tag portion.

[0021] With this configuration, the item identification tag can be made smaller than a configuration in which the second tag portion and the third tag portion are arranged side by side on the item.

[0022] (6) In the above (1), the second tag portion may include a wireless tag indicating the second identifier.

[0023] With this configuration, the first 2 A simple reader that can acquire the identifier is used to read the item identification tag. 2 Since the identifier can be obtained, for example, in a situation where a low security level is required, 2 The identifier can be used to easily identify individuals at low cost.

[0024] (7) An item identification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, wherein the item identification tag comprises a first tag portion containing a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier and a second tag portion, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from the method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, and the item identification system comprises: a first device that registers the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with item information regarding the item; and a second device that provides at least one of the first identifier acquired from the first tag portion and the second identifier acquired from the second tag portion to the database to acquire the item information.

[0025] In this way, by registering the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with item information and providing at least one of the first identifier acquired from the first tag unit and the second identifier acquired from the second tag unit to the database to acquire item information, item information can be shared among multiple devices via the database. Furthermore, in situations where individual item identification is required, item information can be acquired using the first identifier and the second identifier selectively depending on the required security level and the identifier obtainable from the item identification tag, and individual item identification can be performed using the acquired item information. Therefore, individual item identification can be performed flexibly depending on differences in the security levels required in different situations.

[0026] (8) In (7) above, the second tag portion may include a code indicating the second identifier, and the second tag portion may be provided on the item side of the first tag portion, and may be equipped with a reading device that acquires both the first identifier and the second identifier by optically reading the pattern of the microscopic substance and the code in the first tag portion.

[0027] This configuration allows the item identification tag to be made smaller than a configuration in which the first tag portion and the second tag portion are arranged side by side on the item. Furthermore, the reading process, which includes two alignment and focusing steps of the reader, can be reduced to one step, while still obtaining both the first identifier and the second identifier, and individual identification can be performed using the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0028] (9) In the above (7) or (8), the database may be provided by an autonomous distributed system.

[0029] Such a configuration can improve the tolerance to database failures.

[0030] (10) In the above (9), the first device may register in the database information that is part of the product information and that can be made public.

[0031] With this configuration, confidential information can be protected while publicly available information can be selectively shared with other devices.

[0032] (11) An item identification method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an item identification method in an item identification system that identifies an item to which an item identification tag is attached, wherein the item identification tag comprises a first tag portion containing a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier and a second tag portion, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method of acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, and the item identification method includes a step in which a first device registers the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with item information regarding the item, and a step in which a second device provides at least one of the first identifier acquired from the first tag portion and the second identifier acquired from the second tag portion to the database to acquire the item information.

[0033] In this way, by registering the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with item information and providing at least one of the first identifier acquired from the first tag unit and the second identifier acquired from the second tag unit to the database to acquire item information, item information can be shared among multiple devices via the database. Furthermore, in situations where individual item identification is required, item information can be acquired using the first identifier and the second identifier selectively depending on the required security level and the identifier obtainable from the item identification tag, and individual item identification can be performed using the acquired item information. Therefore, individual item identification can be performed flexibly depending on differences in the security levels required in different situations.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0035] [Configuration and basic operation] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an item identification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the item identification system 601 includes an item generation device 201, a tag generation device 202, a registration device 211, processing devices 221, 321, 421, and 521, a tag reader 231, code readers 241, 341, and 541, wireless tag readers 251, 351, and 451, an optical reader 471, storage devices 261, 361, and 461, and a database 151. The registration device 211 is an example of a first device. The processing devices 221, 321, 421, and 521 are examples of a second device. The optical reader 471 is an example of a reading device.

[0036] The item identification system 601 is a system for identifying an item 1 to which an item identification tag 101 is attached. The item identification system 601 realizes traceability of the item 1 in a supply chain by individually identifying the item 1 using the item identification tag 101. The item 1 may be a product, a raw material for a product, equipment, or a packaged item in which any of these are packaged.

[0037] For example, the product generation device 201, tag generation device 202, registration device 211, processing device 221, tag reader 231, code reader 241, wireless tag reader 251, and storage device 261 are provided in a manufacturing facility 200 of a manufacturer that produces, controls quality, and ships the product 1. Some or all of the processes described below by the product generation device 201, tag generation device 202, registration device 211, processing device 221, tag reader 231, code reader 241, and wireless tag reader 251 are executed in response to instructions from the manufacturer.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, the processing device 321, the code reader 341, the wireless tag reader 351, and the storage device 361 are provided in a logistics establishment 300 of a logistics company that transports and delivers the item 1. Some or all of the processes described below by the processing device 321, the code reader 341, and the wireless tag reader 351 are executed in response to instructions from the logistics company.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the processing device 421, optical reader 471, wireless tag reader 451, and storage device 461 are provided in a sales establishment 400 of a distributor that manages inventory and sells the item 1. The distributor may be an agent, a wholesaler, or a retailer. Some or all of the processes described below by the processing device 421, optical reader 471, and wireless tag reader 451 are executed in response to instructions from the distributor.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the processing device 521 and the code reader 541 are provided in the home 500 of the end user of the item 1. The code reader 541 is, for example, a mobile phone with a camera. Some or all of the processes described below by the processing device 521 and the code reader 541 are executed in response to instructions from the end user.

[0041] The registration device 211 and the processing devices 221, 321, 421, and 521 can access the database 151 via the network 161 and refer to information about the item 1 stored in the database 151. For example, the database 151 is provided by an autonomous distributed system. More specifically, the database 151 is a distributed database, a blockchain, or a distributed ledger.

[0042] <Item identification tag> The item identification tag 101 is attached to the item 1, for example, via an adhesive. The item identification tag 101 indicates an identifier unique to the item 1 to which the item identification tag 101 is attached.

[0043] 2 to 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of an item identification tag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an item identification tag 101. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the item identification tag 101 attached to an item 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3.

[0044] 2 to 4, the item identification tag 101 includes a fine substance tag portion 10, a code tag portion 20, and a wireless tag portion 30. For example, the fine substance tag portion 10, the code tag portion 20, and the wireless tag portion 30 have a flat plate-like shape. The fine substance tag portion 10 is an example of a first tag portion. The code tag portion 20 is an example of a second tag portion. The wireless tag portion 30 is an example of a third tag portion.

[0045] The code tag unit 20 is provided on the item 1 side of the fine substance tag unit 10. The wireless tag unit 30 is provided on the item 1 side of the code tag unit 20. More specifically, when the item identification tag 101 is attached to the item 1, the code tag unit 20 is provided between the fine substance tag unit 10 and the item 1, for example, so as to overlap with the fine substance tag unit 10. Furthermore, when the item identification tag 101 is attached to the item 1, the wireless tag unit 30 is provided between the code tag unit 20 and the item 1, for example, so as to overlap with the code tag unit 20. In other words, when attached to the item 1, the item identification tag 101 has a layered structure in which the wireless tag unit 30, the code tag unit 20, and the fine substance tag unit 10 are arranged in this order from the item 1 side. For example, the item identification tag 101 is produced by stacking the wireless tag unit 30, the code tag unit 20, and the fine substance tag unit 10 in this order, and then attached to the item 1. The item identification tag 101 may be formed on the surface of the item 1 by laminating the wireless tag portion 30, the code tag portion 20, and the fine substance tag portion 10 in this order from the item 1 side.

[0046] (Fine substance tag section) The fine substance tag portion 10 includes a resin layer 12 and a plurality of fine substances 11 provided in the resin layer 12. For example, the size of the fine substances 11 is within a range from several micrometers to several hundred micrometers. The resin layer 12 is formed from a transparent resin.

[0047] The arrangement of the plurality of fine materials 11 in the fine material tag section 10 or the crystal orientation of the plurality of fine materials 11 indicates an identifier IDA of the item 1. More specifically, a unique feature is extracted from the arrangement of each fine material 11 or the crystal orientation of each fine material 11 in the fine material tag section 10 of the item identification tag 101, and the feature is converted into a unique identifier IDA by digital processing using machine learning, number theory, etc. The information volume of the identifier IDA is, for example, 128 bits. The identifier IDA is an example of a first identifier.

[0048] The identifier IDA of the item 1 can be obtained by using a tag reader 231 or an optical reader 471 to optically read the arrangement of each microscopic substance 11 or the crystal orientation of each microscopic substance 11 in the microscopic substance tag portion 10 of the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, extracting features from the read arrangement or crystal orientation, and converting the features using the above-mentioned digital processing.

[0049] For example, the density, size, and transmittance of the fine material 11 in the fine material tag portion 10 are designed to be values ​​that allow the optical reader 471 and the code readers 241, 341, and 541 to optically read the two-dimensional code 21 by passing through the fine material tag portion 10. As an example, the fine material 11 is made of a colorless mineral such as diamond or quartz, and has a size of 100 μm or less.

[0050] (Code tag part) The code tag unit 20 includes a two-dimensional code 21, a substrate 22, and a covering material 23. The two-dimensional code 21 is printed on the main surface of the substrate 22 on the side of the microscopic substance tag unit 10. The covering material 23 covers the two-dimensional code 21 printed on the substrate 22.

[0051] The two-dimensional code 21 indicates an identifier IDB of the item 1. More specifically, the two-dimensional code 21 in the code tag portion 20 of the item identification tag 101 indicates an identifier IDB unique to the item 1 to which the item identification tag 101 is attached. The amount of information in the identifier IDB is, for example, 128 bits. QR Code (registered trademark) and Data Matrix are examples of the two-dimensional code 21. The identifier IDB is an example of a second identifier.

[0052] In the item identification tag 101, the identifier IDB can be obtained from the code tag unit 20 by a method different from the method for obtaining the identifier IDA from the fine substance tag unit 10. More specifically, the identifier IDB of the item 1 can be obtained by using the optical reader 471 or the code reader 241, 341, 541 to optically read the two-dimensional code 21 in the code tag unit 20 of the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and converting the symbol of the read two-dimensional code 21 into a character string. For example, the two-dimensional code 21 can be optically read by passing through the fine substance tag unit 10.

[0053] (wireless tag section) The wireless tag unit 30 includes a wireless tag 31 and a covering material 32. The covering material 32 covers the wireless tag 31.

[0054] The wireless tag 31 indicates an identifier IDC of the item 1. More specifically, the wireless tag 31 in the wireless tag section 30 of the item identification tag 101 indicates an identifier IDC that is unique to the item 1 to which the item identification tag 101 is attached. The wireless tag 31 has an integrated circuit and an antenna that comply with RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier). The amount of information in the identifier IDC is, for example, 128 bits. The identifier IDC is an example of a third identifier.

[0055] In the item identification tag 101, the identifier IDC can be obtained from the wireless tag portion 30 by a method different from the method for obtaining the identifier IDA from the fine substance tag portion 10. More specifically, the identifier IDC of the item 1 can be obtained from the wireless tag 31 by using the wireless tag readers 251, 351, 451 to transmit radio waves of a predetermined frequency to the wireless tag 31 in the wireless tag portion 30 of the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1.

[0056] <Processing at manufacturing facilities> (Metadata registration) 1 again, the product generation device 201 generates the product 1, for example, periodically. The product generation device 201 transmits product information about the generated product 1 to the registration device 211, and transmits a tag generation instruction to the tag generation device 202 indicating that a product identification tag 101 to be attached to the product 1 should be generated. For example, the product information includes the product name of the product 1, the model number of the product 1, the manufacturing date of the product 1, and internal information about the product 1. The internal information is confidential information that should not be disclosed outside the manufacturing facility 200.

[0057] For example, the product generation device 201 generates product 1A, which is product 1, transmits product information regarding product 1A to the registration device 211, and transmits a tag generation instruction to the tag generation device 202 indicating that a product identification tag 101 to be attached to product 1A should be created.

[0058] The registration device 211 stores the product information received from the product production device 201 in the storage device 261 in association with the product 1A.

[0059] The tag generating device 202 receives the tag generating instruction from the product generating device 201 and generates a product identification tag 101 that indicates an identifier unique to the product 1A.

[0060] More specifically, the tag generating device 202 determines identifiers IDB and IDC unique to the item 1A. The tag generating device 202 prints a two-dimensional code 21 indicating the determined identifier IDB on a substrate 22, and generates the code tag part 20 by covering the two-dimensional code 21 printed on the substrate 22 with a covering material 23. The tag generating device 202 also generates a wireless tag part 30 including a wireless tag 31 in which the determined identifier IDC is written, and laminates the generated wireless tag part 30 on the code tag part 20. The tag generating device 202 also mixes fine substances 11 with resin, which is the material of the resin layer 12, and applies and hardens the resin mixed with the fine substances 11 onto the code tag part 20, thereby laminating the wireless tag part 30, code tag part 20, and fine substance tag part 10 in this order. Product Identification Tags 101 The tag generating device 202 attaches the generated item identification tag 101 to the item 1A. Note that instead of applying resin mixed with fine substances 11 onto the code tag portion 20, the tag generating device 202 may be configured to apply resin mixed with fine substances 11 into a plate or sheet shape and harden it to generate a fine substance tag portion 10 having a transparency of a predetermined value or more, and then laminate the generated fine substance tag portion 10 onto the code tag portion 20. Also, instead of generating the item identification tag 101 and then attaching it to the item 1A, the tag generating device 202 may be configured to laminate the wireless tag portion 30, code tag portion 20, and fine substance tag portion 10 on the item 1A in this order.

[0061] The tag generation device 202 also notifies the registration device 211 of the determined identifiers IDB and IDC, and transmits an instruction to the tag reader 231 to read the generated item identification tag 101.

[0062] The tag reader 231 receives a reading instruction from the tag generation device 202 and acquires an identifier IDA unique to the item 1A by optically reading the pattern of the fine substance 11 in the fine substance tag portion 10 of the item identification tag 101 generated by the tag generation device 202. The tag reader 231 notifies the registration device 211 of the acquired identifier IDA.

[0063] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of metadata generated by a registration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, the registration device 211 generates metadata 41 including the identifier IDA of the item 1A notified from the tag reader 231, the identifiers IDB and IDC of the item 1A notified from the tag generation device 202, public information, which is a portion of the item information related to the item 1A received from the item generation device 201, and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for obtaining private information, which is a portion of the item information that cannot be made public. The public information includes the item name, model number, and manufacturing date of the item 1 of the item 1. The private information is internal information related to the item 1. A person with access rights to the private information can obtain the private information using the URL.

[0064] The registration device 211 associates the identifier IDA notified from the tag reader 231 and the identifiers IDB and IDC notified from the tag generation device 202 with the item information about the item 1A and registers them in the database 151. For example, the registration device 211 registers URLs for obtaining public information from the item information and private information from the item information in the database 151. More specifically, the registration device 211 generates metadata 41 for each item 1 and stores the generated metadata 41 in the database 151 via the network 161.

[0065] (Metadata update) 1 again, for example, an inspection device (not shown) checks the quality of the item 1A to which the item identification tag 101 is attached, and transmits quality information indicating the quality of the item 1A to the processing device 221. Also, the code reader 241 optically reads the two-dimensional code 21 on the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1A to obtain the identifier IDB of the item 1A, and notifies the processing device 221 of the obtained identifier IDB.

[0066] The processing device 221 receives the quality information of the product 1A from the inspection device, and stores the received quality information in the storage device 261 in association with the product 1A.

[0067] In addition, the processing device 221 transmits a data request including the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 241 to the database 151 via the network 161, thereby obtaining metadata 41 of the item 1A including the identifier IDB from the database 151 via the network 161.

[0068] The processing device 221 adds a URL for acquiring quality information of the product 1A to the acquired metadata 41. The processing device 221 updates the metadata 41 of the product 1A in the database 151 via the network 161 to the metadata 41 to which the URL has been added.

[0069] When quality check of the item 1A is completed and the item 1A is ready for shipment, the tag reader 231 acquires the identifier IDA of the item 1A by optically reading the pattern of the fine material 11 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1A, and notifies the processing device 221 of the acquired identifier IDA. In addition, the code reader 241 acquires the identifier IDB of the item 1A by optically reading the two-dimensional code 21 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1A, and notifies the processing device 221 of the acquired identifier IDB. In addition, the wireless tag reader 251 acquires the identifier IDC of the item 1A by transmitting radio waves to the wireless tag 31 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1A, and notifies the processing device 221 of the acquired identifier IDC.

[0070] The processing device 221 transmits a data request including the identifier IDA of the item 1A notified by the tag reader 231 to the database 151 via the network 161, thereby obtaining metadata 41 including the identifier IDA from the database 151 via the network 161.

[0071] The processing device 221 compares the identifier IDB contained in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifier IDB of the item 1A notified from the code reader 241, and compares the identifier IDC contained in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifier IDC of the item 1A notified from the wireless tag reader 251.

[0072] If the identifier IDB included in the metadata 41 does not match the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 241, the processing device 221 determines that the two-dimensional code 21 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1A is counterfeit or that a printing defect has occurred in the two-dimensional code 21, and notifies the administrator of the manufacturing facility 200 of the determination result. Also, if the identifier IDC included in the metadata 41 does not match the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 251, the processing device 221 determines that the wireless tag 31 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1A is counterfeit or that a defect has occurred in writing the identifier IDC to the wireless tag 31, and notifies the administrator of the manufacturing facility 200 of the determination result.

[0073] On the other hand, if the identifier IDB included in the metadata 41 matches the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 241, and if the identifier IDC included in the metadata 41 matches the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 251, the processing device 221 determines that the item identification tag 10 attached to the item 1A is the same as the identifier IDB included in the metadata 41 and the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 251. 1 is normal and item 1A is determined to be ready for shipment.

[0074] If the processing device 221 determines that the item 1A can be shipped, it adds shipping information indicating the shipping date of the item 1A, etc., to the metadata 41 of the item 1A. The processing device 221 updates the metadata 41 of the item 1A in the database 151 via the network 161 to the metadata 41 to which the shipping information has been added. The processing device 221 also stores the shipping information of the item 1A in the storage device 261 in association with the item 1A.

[0075] <Processing at logistics facilities> At the logistics facility 300, when an item 1 arrives at the logistics facility 300, the wireless tag reader 351 acquires the identifier IDC of the item 1 by transmitting radio waves to the wireless tag 31 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 321 of the acquired identifier IDC.

[0076] The processing device 321 uses the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 351 to store management information indicating the quantity of the item 1 received and the like in the storage device 361 .

[0077] For example, the processing device 321 transmits a data request including the identifier IDC of the item 1A notified from the wireless tag reader 351 to the database 151 via the network 161, thereby obtaining the metadata 41 of the item 1A including the identifier IDC from the database 151 via the network 161.

[0078] The processing device 321 adds arrival information indicating the arrival date of the item 1A, etc., to the acquired metadata 41. The processing device 321 updates the metadata 41 of the item 1A in the database 151 via the network 161 to the metadata 41 to which the arrival information has been added. The processing device 321 also stores the arrival information of the item 1A in the storage device 361 in association with the item 1A.

[0079] When the item 1 is ready for delivery, the code reader 341 optically reads the two-dimensional code 21 on the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1 to obtain the identifier IDB of the item 1, and notifies the processing device 321 of the obtained identifier IDB.

[0080] The processing device 321 updates the management information in the storage device 361 using the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 341 .

[0081] For example, the processing device 321 transmits a data request including the identifier IDB of the item 1A notified from the code reader 341 to the database 151 via the network 161, thereby obtaining the metadata 41 of the item 1A including the identifier IDB from the database 151 via the network 161.

[0082] The processing device 321 adds tracking information indicating the destination of the item 1A, etc., to the acquired metadata 41. The processing device 321 updates the metadata 41 of the item 1A in the database 151 via the network 161 to the metadata 41 to which the tracking information has been added. The processing device 321 also stores the tracking information of the item 1A in the storage device 361 in association with the item 1A.

[0083] <Processing at sales offices> The processing device 421 in the sales establishment 400 uses the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC of the item 1 to determine whether the item 1 is authentic or not.

[0084] More specifically, when the item 1 arrives at the sales establishment 400, the optical reader 471 acquires the identifiers IDA and IDB of the item 1 by optically reading the pattern of the fine substance 11 and the two-dimensional code 21 on the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1. As described above, the two-dimensional code 21 can be optically read by passing through the fine substance tag portion 10, so the optical reader 471 can acquire the identifiers IDA and IDB in a single reading process. The optical reader 471 notifies the processing device 421 of the acquired identifiers IDA and IDB.

[0085] In addition, the wireless tag reader 451 acquires the identifier IDC of the item 1 by transmitting radio waves to the wireless tag 31 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 421 of the acquired identifier IDC.

[0086] The processing device 421 provides the identifier IDA obtained from the minute object tag unit 10 to the database 151 to obtain the item information.

[0087] More specifically, the processing device 421 attempts to obtain metadata 41 including the identifier IDA and item information by sending a data request including the identifier IDA notified by the optical reader 471 to the database 151 via the network 161.

[0088] If the processing device 421 is unable to obtain the metadata 41 including the identifier IDA from the database 151 via the network 161, it determines that the item 1 is a counterfeit.

[0089] On the other hand, if the processing device 421 is able to obtain metadata 41 including the identifier IDA from the database 151 via the network 161, it compares the identifier IDB contained in the obtained metadata 41 with the identifier IDB notified by the optical reader 471, and compares the identifier IDC contained in the obtained metadata 41 with the identifier IDC notified by the wireless tag reader 451.

[0090] If the identifier IDB contained in the metadata 41 does not match the identifier IDB notified by the optical reader 471, or if the identifier IDC contained in the metadata 41 does not match the identifier IDC notified by the wireless tag reader 451, the processing device 421 determines that the item 1 is a counterfeit.

[0091] On the other hand, if the identifier IDB contained in the metadata 41 matches the identifier IDB notified by the optical reader 471, and the identifier IDC contained in the metadata 41 matches the identifier IDC notified by the wireless tag reader 451, the processing device 421 determines that the item 1 is an authentic item and not a counterfeit.

[0092] For example, if the processing device 421 determines that the item 1 is genuine, it stores information indicating the quantity of the item 1 received, the stock, etc. in the storage device 461 using the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC.

[0093] The processing device 421 may be configured to provide the database 151 with the identifier IDB or the identifier IDC instead of the identifier IDA to acquire the item information. For example, the processing device 421 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDB by transmitting a data request including the identifier IDB notified from the optical reader 471 to the database 151 via the network 161. In this case, the processing device 421 determines whether the item 1 is authentic based on whether the metadata 41 has been acquired and the results of comparing the identifiers IDA and IDC included in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifiers IDA and IDC notified from the optical reader 471 and the wireless tag reader 451. Alternatively, the processing device 421 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDC by transmitting a data request including the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 451 to the database 151 via the network 161. In this case, the processing device 421 determines whether or not the item 1 is genuine based on whether or not the metadata 41 has been acquired and the results of comparing the identifiers IDA and IDB contained in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifiers IDA and IDB notified by the optical reader 471.

[0094] For example, when a sales contract for item 1A is concluded, the optical reader 471 obtains the identifier IDB of item 1A by optically reading the two-dimensional code 21 on the item identification tag 101 attached to item 1A, and notifies the processing device 421 of the obtained identifier IDB.

[0095] For example, the processing device 421 obtains metadata 41 of the item 1A including the identifier IDB from the database 151 via the network 161 by sending a data request including the identifier IDB notified from the optical reader 471 to the database 151 via the network 161.

[0096] The processing device 421 adds sales information indicating the sales date, purchaser, etc. of the item 1A to the acquired metadata 41. The processing device 321 updates the metadata 41 of the item 1A in the database 151 via the network 161 to the metadata 41 to which the sales information has been added. The processing device 421 also stores the sales information of the item 1A in the storage device 461 in association with the item 1A.

[0097] <Processing at the end user's home> The processing device 521 in the end user's home 500 uses the identifier IDB of the item 1 to determine the authenticity of the item 1.

[0098] More specifically, when the item 1 is delivered to the end user's home 500, the code reader 541, in accordance with the user's operation, optically reads the two-dimensional code 21 on the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1 to obtain the identifier IDB of the item 1, and notifies the processing device 521 of the obtained identifier IDB.

[0099] The processing device 521 provides the identifier IDB obtained from the code tag portion 20 to the database 151 to obtain the product information.

[0100] More specifically, the processing device 521 attempts to obtain product information for the product 1 including the identifier IDB by sending a data request including the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 541 to the database 151 via the network 161.

[0101] If the processing device 521 can obtain product information for the product 1 including the identifier IDB from the database 151 via the network 161, it determines that the product 1 is a genuine product and not a counterfeit. On the other hand, if the processing device 521 cannot obtain product information for the product 1 including the identifier IDB from the database 151 via the network 161, it determines that the product 1 is a counterfeit. The processing device 521 notifies the user of the determination result regarding the authenticity of the product 1.

[0102] For example, if the user is notified of the determination result from the processing device 521 and desires a more rigorous authentication, the user delivers the item 1 to the manufacturing facility 200 or the sales facility 400 and requests an authentication.

[0103] <Authenticity verification at manufacturing facilities> At a manufacturing facility 200 that has been requested by a user to determine the authenticity of an item 1, a tag reader 231 acquires an identifier IDA of the item 1 by optically reading the pattern of the microscopic material 11 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 221 of the acquired identifier IDA. Also, a code reader 241 acquires an identifier IDB of the item 1 by optically reading the two-dimensional code 21 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 221 of the acquired identifier IDB. Also, a wireless tag reader 251 acquires an identifier IDC of the item 1 by transmitting radio waves to the wireless tag 31 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 221 of the acquired identifier IDC.

[0104] The processing device 221 uses the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC notified from the tag reader 231, the code reader 241, and the wireless tag reader 251 to determine the authenticity of the article 1.

[0105] More specifically, the processing device 221 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDA notified by the taggent reader 231 by sending a data request including the identifier IDA to the database 151 via the network 161.

[0106] If the processing device 221 is unable to obtain the metadata 41 including the identifier IDA from the database 151 via the network 161, it determines that the item 1 is a counterfeit.

[0107] On the other hand, if the processing device 221 is able to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDA from the database 151 via the network 161, it compares the identifier IDB contained in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 241, and compares the identifier IDC contained in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 251.

[0108] If the identifier IDB contained in the metadata 41 does not match the identifier IDB notified by the code reader 241, or if the identifier IDC contained in the metadata 41 does not match the identifier IDC notified by the wireless tag reader 251, the processing device 221 determines that the item 1 is a counterfeit.

[0109] On the other hand, if the identifier IDB contained in the metadata 41 matches the identifier IDB notified by the code reader 241, and if the identifier IDC contained in the metadata 41 matches the identifier IDC notified by the wireless tag reader 251, the processing device 221 determines that the item 1 is an authentic item and not a counterfeit.

[0110] The processing device 221 notifies the manager at the manufacturing facility 200 of the determination result regarding the authenticity of the item 1. The manager notifies the user who requested the authenticity determination of the determination result.

[0111] The processing device 221 may be configured to provide the database 151 with the identifier IDB or the identifier IDC instead of the identifier IDA to acquire the item information. For example, the processing device 221 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDB by transmitting a data request including the identifier IDB notified from the code reader 241 to the database 151 via the network 161. In this case, the processing device 221 determines whether the item 1 is authentic based on whether the metadata 41 has been acquired and the results of comparing the identifiers IDA and IDC included in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifiers IDA and IDC notified from the taggan reader 231 and the wireless tag reader 251. Alternatively, the processing device 221 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDC by transmitting a data request including the identifier IDC notified from the wireless tag reader 251 to the database 151 via the network 161. In this case, the processing device 221 determines whether or not the item 1 is genuine based on whether or not it was able to acquire the metadata 41 and the results of comparing the identifiers IDA and IDB contained in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifiers IDA and IDB notified by the tag reader 231 and the code reader 241.

[0112] <Authenticity verification at sales offices> At a sales establishment 400 that has been requested by a user to determine the authenticity of an item 1, an optical reader 471 acquires the identifiers IDA and IDB of the item 1 by optically reading the pattern of the microscopic material 11 and the two-dimensional code 21 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 421 of the acquired identifiers IDA and IDB. In addition, a wireless tag reader 451 acquires the identifier IDC of the item 1 by transmitting radio waves to the wireless tag 31 in the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, and notifies the processing device 421 of the acquired identifier IDC.

[0113] The processing device 421 uses the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC notified by the optical reader 471 and the wireless tag reader 451 to determine the authenticity of the item 1 in the same manner as when the item 1 arrives at the sales establishment 400.

[0114] The processing device 421 notifies the result of the authenticity determination of the item 1 to the administrator at the sales establishment 400. The administrator notifies the result of the determination to the user who requested the authenticity determination.

[0115] [Operation flow] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of an item identification process in an item identification system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, first, the tag generating device 202 receives a tag generation instruction from the product generating device 201, generates a product identification tag 101 indicating an identifier unique to the product 1, and attaches it to the product 1 (step S11).

[0117] Next, the registration device 211 generates metadata 41 including the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC indicated by the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, public information about the item 1, and a URL for obtaining private information about the item 1 (step S12).

[0118] Next, the registration device 211 registers the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC indicated by the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1 in the database 151 in association with item information related to the item 1. More specifically, the registration device 211 stores the generated metadata 41 in the database 151 via the network 161 (step S13).

[0119] Next, the processing device 221 updates the metadata 41 in the database 151. More specifically, the processing device 221 receives quality information of the item 1 from an inspection device (not shown), and updates the metadata 41 of the item 1 in the database 151 to metadata 41 to which a URL for obtaining the quality information has been added. Furthermore, when the item 1 is ready for shipment, the processing device 221 updates the metadata 41 of the item 1 in the database 151 to metadata 41 to which shipping information indicating the shipping date of the item 1, etc. has been added (step S14).

[0120] Next, the processing device 321 updates the metadata 41 in the database 151. More specifically, when the item 1 arrives at the logistics establishment 300, the processing device 321 updates the metadata 41 of the item 1 in the database 151 to metadata 41 to which arrival information indicating the arrival date of the item 1 and the like has been added. Furthermore, when the processing device 321 is ready to deliver the item 1, it updates the metadata 41 of the item 1 in the database 151 to metadata 41 to which tracking information indicating the destination of the item 1 and the like has been added (step S15).

[0121] Next, when the item 1 arrives at the sales establishment 400, the processing device 421 obtains the item information by providing the identifier IDA of the item 1 to the database 151. More specifically, the processing device 421 obtains the metadata 41 including the identifier IDA of the item 1 by sending a data request including the identifier IDA of the item 1 to the database 151 via the network 161 (step S16).

[0122] Next, the processing device 421 can obtain metadata 41 including the identifier IDA from the database 151 via the network 161, and if the identifiers IDB, IDC included in the obtained metadata 41 match the identifiers IDB, IDC indicated by the item identification tag 101 attached to the item 1, it determines that the item 1 is an authentic item and not a counterfeit (step S17).

[0123] Next, the processing device 421 updates the metadata 41 in the database 151. More specifically, when a sales contract for the item 1 is concluded, the processing device 421 updates the metadata 41 for the item 1 in the database 151 to metadata 41 to which sales information indicating the sales date, purchaser, etc. of the item 1 has been added (step S18).

[0124] Next, when the item 1 is delivered to the end user's home 500, the processing device 521 obtains the item information by providing the identifier IDB of the item 1 to the database 151. More specifically, the processing device 521 obtains the item information of the item 1 by transmitting a data request including the identifier IDB of the item 1 to the database 151 via the network 161 (step S19).

[0125] Next, if the processing device 521 can acquire the product information of the product 1 from the database 151 via the network 161, it determines that the product 1 is a genuine product that is not a counterfeit (step S20).

[0126] Although the item identification tag 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as including the fine substance tag portion 10, the code tag portion 20, and the wireless tag portion 30, this is not limiting. The item identification tag 101 may be configured without either the code tag portion 20 or the wireless tag portion 30. In the item identification tag 101 that does not include the code tag portion 20, the wireless tag portion 30 is an example of a second tag portion, and the identifier IDC indicated by the wireless tag portion 30 is an example of a second identifier.

[0127] Furthermore, although the item identification tag 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has a laminated structure in which the wireless tag unit 30, the code tag unit 20, and the fine substance tag unit 10 are laminated in this order from the item 1 side, this is not limited to this. The item identification tag 101 may also have a structure that does not have a laminated structure. More specifically, the wireless tag unit 30 may be provided so as not to overlap the code tag unit 20. Furthermore, the code tag unit 20 may be provided so as not to overlap the fine substance tag unit 10.

[0128] Furthermore, in the item identification tag 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the code tag unit 20 is configured to include the two-dimensional code 21, but this is not limited to this. The code tag unit 20 may be configured to include a one-dimensional code such as a barcode instead of the two-dimensional code 21.

[0129] Furthermore, in the item identification system 601 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical reader 471 is configured to acquire the identifiers IDA and IDB of the item 1 by optically reading the pattern of the fine substances 11 and the two-dimensional code 21 in the item identification tag 101, but this is not limited to this. The optical reader 471 may be configured to acquire the identifier IDA by optically reading the pattern of the fine substances 11 in the item identification tag 101, but not to read the two-dimensional code 21 or acquire the identifier IDB. In this case, the item identification system 601 may be configured to further include a code reader provided in the sales establishment 400 that acquires the identifier IDB by optically reading the two-dimensional code 21.

[0130] Furthermore, in the item identification system 601 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the database 151 is configured to be provided by an autonomous distributed system, but this is not limiting. The database 151 may also be configured to be provided by a centralized system.

[0131] Furthermore, in the item identification system 601 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the registration device 211 is configured to register URLs for obtaining public information from the item information and private information from the item information in the database 151, but this is not limited to this. The registration device 211 may also be configured to register private information in the database 151 in addition to the public information.

[0132] Furthermore, in the item identification system 601 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing device 421 in the sales establishment 400 is configured to provide the identifier IDA acquired from the fine substance tag unit 10 to the database 151 to acquire item information, but this is not limited thereto. The processing device 421 may also be configured to acquire item information by providing the identifier IDB acquired from the code tag unit 20 to the database 151 instead of the identifier IDA. More specifically, the processing device 421 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDB by transmitting a data request including the identifier IDB notified from the optical reader 471 to the database 151 via the network 161. The processing device 421 then determines whether the metadata 41 has been acquired and whether the item 1 is authentic based on the results of comparing the identifiers IDA and IDC included in the acquired metadata 41 with the identifiers IDA and IDC notified from the optical reader 471 and the wireless tag reader 451.

[0133] The processing device 421 may also be configured to provide both the identifier IDA and the identifier IDB to the database 151 to acquire product information. More specifically, the processing device 421 attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDA by sending a data request including the identifier IDA to the database 151 via the network 161. The processing device 421 also attempts to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDB by sending a data request including the identifier IDB to the database 151 via the network 161. For example, if the processing device 421 is able to acquire metadata 41 including the identifier IDA and metadata 41 including the identifier IDB, it compares the product information in the metadata 41 including the identifier IDA with the product information in the metadata 41 including the identifier IDB, and if the two match, it determines that the product 1 is authentic. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the processing device 421 determines that the product 1 is a counterfeit.

[0134] However, different security levels may be required depending on the situation in which the individual item is to be identified, and there is a need for technology that can flexibly identify the individual item in accordance with the differences in the security levels required in different situations.

[0135] Conventionally, manufacturers, logistics companies, retailers, end users, and the like have proposed technologies for identifying individual objects using one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes, or wireless tags. However, while one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, and wireless tags can be read using simple reading devices, individual identification methods using these codes have low resistance to copying and tampering, resulting in low reliability in distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit products. Therefore, individual identification technologies using one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, and wireless tags are not suitable for determining the authenticity of goods.

[0136] The individual identification technology described in Patent Document 1 is highly resistant to duplication and tampering, but requires a dedicated and expensive reading device. Therefore, it is not realistic for all businesses and end users who perform individual identification to own such a reading device in terms of the cost and usability of the reading device.

[0137] In contrast, an item identification tag 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to an item 1. The item identification tag 101 comprises a fine substance tag unit 10 including a fine substance 11 indicating an identifier IDA, a code tag unit 20, and a wireless tag unit 30. In the item identification tag 101, the identifiers IDB and IDC can be obtained from the code tag unit 20 and the wireless tag unit 30 by a method different from the method for obtaining the identifier IDA from the fine substance tag unit 10.

[0138] In this way, with a configuration including a fine substance tag unit 10 containing a fine substance 11 indicating the identifier IDA, and a code tag unit 20 and a wireless tag unit 30 capable of acquiring the identifiers IDB and IDC by a method different from the method of acquiring the identifier IDA, when identifying an item 1, the item can be identified by selectively using the identifiers IDA, IDB, and IDC depending on the required security level and the identifier that can be acquired from the item identification tag 101. Therefore, the individual identification of an item can be flexibly performed depending on the difference in the security level required in different situations.

[0139] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0140] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] An item identification tag attached to an item, a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicative of a first identifier; a second tag portion; The second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, the second tag portion includes a code indicating the second identifier, The item identification tag further comprises: A third tag portion is provided, a third identifier can be acquired from the third tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion; the third tag portion includes a wireless tag indicating the third identifier, An article identification tag, wherein the first tag portion, the second tag portion, and the third tag portion are stacked in this order.

[0141] [Appendix 2] An item identification tag attached to an item, a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicative of a first identifier; a second tag portion; The second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, the second tag portion includes a code indicating the second identifier, The second tag portion is provided on the article side of the first tag portion, The article identification tag, wherein the fine substance is formed from a colorless mineral.

[0142] [Appendix 3] An item identification tag attached to an item, a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicative of a first identifier; a second tag portion; The second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, the second tag portion includes a code indicating the second identifier, The second tag portion is provided on the article side of the first tag portion, An item identification tag, wherein the size of the fine substance is 100 μm or less. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1 article 10 Fine substance tag section 11 Fine matter 12 Resin layer 20 Code tag section 21 2D code 22 Base material 23 Covering material 30 Wireless tag section 31 Wireless tag 32 Covering material 41 Metadata 101 Item Identification Tags 151 databases 161 Network 200 manufacturing establishments 201 Article generation equipment 202 Tag Generator 211 Registration Device 221,321,421,521 Processing equipment 231 Tagan Reader 241,341,541 Code Reader 251,351,451 Wireless tag reader 261,361,461 Storage device 471 Optical Reader 300 Logistics Office 400 sales offices 500 End user's home 601 Item Identification System

Claims

1. An item identification tag attached to an item, a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicative of a first identifier; a second tag portion; The first identifier can be acquired by optically reading the crystal orientation of the microscopic material; An item identification tag, wherein a second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion.

2. The item identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the second tag portion includes a code indicating the second identifier.

3. the second tag portion is provided on the article side of the first tag portion, The item identification tag according to claim 2 , wherein the code in the second tag portion is optically readable through the first tag portion.

4. The item identification tag further comprises: A third tag portion is provided, the third identifier can be acquired from the third tag portion by a method different from a method of acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, The item identification tag according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third tag portion includes a wireless tag indicating the third identifier.

5. The item identification tag according to claim 4 , wherein the third tag portion is provided on the item side of the second tag portion.

6. The item identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the second tag portion includes a wireless tag indicating the second identifier.

7. The first tag portion further includes a transparent resin layer, 3. The item identification tag according to claim 1, wherein the fine particles are colorless and are provided in the transparent resin layer.

8. An item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, comprising: The item identification tag comprises a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the first identifier can be acquired by optically reading the crystal orientation of the microscopic substance, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from the method of acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, The item identification system includes: a first device that registers the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with product information related to the product; and a second device that provides at least one of the first identifier obtained from the first tag portion and the second identifier obtained from the second tag portion to the database to obtain the item information.

9. the second tag portion includes a code indicating the second identifier, the second tag portion is provided on the article side of the first tag portion, 9. The item identification system according to claim 8, further comprising a reading device that acquires both the first identifier and the second identifier by optically reading the pattern of the microscopic substance and the code in the first tag portion.

10. 10. The item identification system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the database is provided by an autonomous distributed system.

11. The item identification system according to claim 10 , wherein the first device registers, in the database, information that is part of the item information and that can be made public.

12. 1. An item identification method in an item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, comprising: The item identification tag comprises a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the first identifier can be acquired by optically reading the crystal orientation of the microscopic substance, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from the method of acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, The item identification method includes: a step in which a first device registers the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with product information related to the product; a step in which a second device provides at least one of the first identifier obtained from the first tag portion and the second identifier obtained from the second tag portion to the database to obtain the item information.

13. An item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, comprising: The item identification tag comprises a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the first identifier can be acquired by optically reading the crystal orientation of the microscopic substance, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from the method of acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, The item identification system includes: a first device that registers the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with product information related to the product; a second device that provides the first identifier acquired from the first tag portion to the database to acquire the product information, An item identification system, wherein the second device compares the second identifier corresponding to the acquired item information with the second identifier acquired from the second tag unit.

14. An item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, comprising: The item identification tag comprises a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the first identifier can be acquired by optically reading the crystal orientation of the microscopic substance, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from the method of acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion, The item identification system includes: a first device that registers the first identifier and the second identifier in a database in association with product information related to the product; a second device that provides the second identifier acquired from the second tag portion to the database to acquire the product information, The second device compares the first identifier corresponding to the acquired item information with the first identifier acquired from the first tag unit.

15. An item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, comprising: the item identification tag comprises a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion; The item identification system includes: a first device that registers metadata including the first identifier, the second identifier, and item information related to the item in a blockchain; a second device that provides the first identifier acquired from the first tag portion to the blockchain to acquire the metadata; An item identification system in which the second device adds information to the metadata in the blockchain if it determines that the item is genuine by comparing the second identifier included in the acquired metadata with the second identifier acquired from the second tag portion.

16. An item identification system for identifying an item to which an item identification tag is attached, comprising: the item identification tag comprises a first tag portion including a microscopic substance indicating a first identifier, and a second tag portion, and the second identifier can be acquired from the second tag portion by a method different from a method for acquiring the first identifier from the first tag portion; The item identification system includes: a first device that registers metadata including the first identifier, the second identifier, and item information related to the item in a blockchain; a second device that provides the second identifier acquired from the second tag portion to the blockchain to acquire the metadata; An item identification system in which the second device adds information to the metadata in the blockchain if it determines that the item is authentic by comparing the first identifier included in the acquired metadata with the first identifier acquired from the first tag portion.

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