Anti-counterfeiting packaging, authenticity determination device, authenticity determination system, and authenticity determination method

Abstract

To provide a forgery prevention package, an authenticity determination device, an authenticity determination system, and an authenticity determination method that can prevent contents of an authenticity determination code from being read during a logistics process of a product.SOLUTION: A packaging container PA includes: a two-dimensional code C1 that is printed using a second ink containing a substance that absorbs light in a wavelength band other than an ultraviolet light region and emits light in a wavelength band in a visible light region at a position that is visible from the outside of the packaging container PA only in a state where the packaging container PA is opened; and a QR code (R) C2 that is printed using a first ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs or emits light in a visible light wavelength band at a position that is visible from the outside of the packaging container PA in a state where the packaging container PA is not opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an anti-counterfeiting packaging, an authenticity determination device, an authenticity determination system, and an authenticity determination method.

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed an anti-counterfeiting printed matter having an identification code composed of any of a plurality of types of inks having different spectral reflection characteristics with respect to irradiation light, or a plurality of types of inks having different color development characteristics according to temperature conditions, wherein the type of ink for printing the identification code is different from the type of ink for printing an authenticity determination code mixed in the identification code (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, there is provided a method for preventing counterfeiting of a product and managing the logistics of the product by printing an identification code and an authenticity determination code as described in Patent Document 1 on the surface of the packaging of the product in a mixed manner. In this case, during the logistics process of the product, there is a possibility that the content of the authenticity determination code is read by irradiating the authenticity determination code printed on the surface of the product packaging with infrared rays or ultraviolet rays.

[0005] <从这里开始,我将按照你的要求进行翻译。 The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an anti-counterfeiting packaging, an authenticity determination device, an authenticity determination system, and an authenticity determination method capable of suppressing the reading of the content of the authenticity determination code during the logistics process of a product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the anti-counterfeiting packaging relating to this disclosure is A box-shaped anti-counterfeiting package for packaging a product and preventing the counterfeiting of the said product, It has three or more rectangular sheet-like side walls and two sheet-like lids that cover both ends of the area enclosed by the three or more side walls, and when unfolded it is a sheet-like structure having a tongue that is continuous with at least one of the three or more side walls and the two lids, and when assembled into a box shape the tongue is positioned on the inside, When the anti-counterfeiting packaging is assembled into a box shape, a substance that selectively absorbs or emits light in the visible light wavelength range is placed in a position visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging. 2 The number printed using ink 2 Code and, When the anti-counterfeiting packaging is unfolded, the tongue that is visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging has an ultraviolet light field region The material includes a substance that absorbs light in a specific wavelength range and emits light in the visible light wavelength range. 1 The number printed using ink 1 It includes a code and [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the anti-counterfeiting packaging includes a first code printed using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range, at a position that is visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging only when at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting packaging has been deformed or processed. As a result, in order to read the contents of the first code during the logistics process of the goods, at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting packaging must be deformed or processed, thus preventing the first code from being read without the end-user of the goods noticing during the logistics process of the goods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the authenticity determination system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the packaging container containing the product according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of the packaging container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the authenticity determination device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the authenticity determination device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the authenticity determination system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the authenticity determination process performed by the authenticity determination device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the authenticity determination system according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the authenticity determination system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the authenticity determination system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the authenticity determination system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the authenticity determination process executed by the cloud server according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing an example of a sheet relating to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Embodiment 1) The anti-counterfeiting packaging and authenticity determination system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The anti-counterfeiting packaging according to this embodiment is anti-counterfeiting packaging for packaging goods and preventing counterfeiting of those goods. This anti-counterfeiting packaging has an ultraviolet light field at a position that can only be seen from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging when at least a part of the anti-counterfeiting packaging has been deformed or processed. region A first code printed using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in a wavelength band and emits light in a wavelength band in the visible light region, and a second code printed using a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs or emits light in a wavelength band of visible light at a position visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging without deforming or processing at least a part of the anti-counterfeiting packaging.

[0010] The authenticity determination system according to the present embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, an authenticity determination device 1A owned by the manufacturer of the product PR, an authenticity determination device 1B owned by a retailer who retails the product PR or a customer of the product PR, and a cloud server 2. The product PR reaches the retailer from its manufacturer through a plurality of wholesalers while being housed in a packaging container PA. The authenticity determination device 1 and the cloud server 2 are communicable via a network NW1.

[0011] The packaging container PA is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the shape of a rectangular box, and is an anti-counterfeiting packaging having four rectangular sheet-like side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, PAf and two rectangular sheet-like lids PAc, PAd that cover both ends of the region surrounded by the four side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, PAf. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, in the unfolded state, the side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, PAf are arranged so as to be aligned along their respective short sides. The lid PAc extends from one end in the longitudinal direction of the side wall PAa, and a tongue piece PAh is continuous at the end of the lid PAc on the side opposite to the side wall PAa side. The lid PAd extends from one end in the longitudinal direction of the side wall PAb, and a tongue piece PAi is continuous at the end of the lid PAd on the side opposite to the side wall PAb side. Tongue pieces PAj are continuous at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the side wall PAe, and tongue pieces PAk are continuous at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the side wall PAf. Also, a tongue piece PAg, which is an adhesive margin portion when assembling the side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, PAf into a square tube, is continuous at the end of the side wall PAb on the side opposite to the side wall PAf side in the short side direction.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a QR code (registered trademark) C2 is printed on the side wall PAb of the packaging container PA, and a two-dimensional code C1 is printed on the tongue piece PAg. The two-dimensional code C1 is a first code printed with a first ink containing an ultraviolet light-emitting phosphor that is difficult to visually recognize under light in the wavelength band of visible light. This first ink has the property that when irradiated with ultraviolet light, the contained phosphor emits fluorescence. As the ultraviolet light-emitting phosphor, the peak of the spectrum emitted when excited by ultraviolet light and returning to a lower energy level is light in the wavelength band of visible light, for example, Ca2B5O9Cl:Eu 2+ , CaWO4, ZnO:Zn2SiO4Mn, Y2O2S:Eu, ZnS:Ag, YVO4:Eu, Y2O3:Eu, Gd2O2S:Tb, La2O2S:Tb, Y3Al5O 12 :Ce and the like. The QR code C2 is, for example, a second code printed with a normal black second ink. The two-dimensional code C1 is printed on the tongue piece PAg that can be visually recognized from the outside of the packaging container PA only in a state where at least a part of the packaging container PA is deformed or processed, that is, in a developed state. Also, the QR code C2 is printed on the outer wall of the side wall PAd in a state where the packaging container PA is not deformed or processed, that is, in a state assembled in a rectangular box shape.

[0013] This authenticity determination system is used together with, for example, terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D owned by a manufacturer, a wholesaler, and a retailer. The terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D are each, for example, a smartphone equipped with a camera, and have a function of specifying product identification information of a product PR obtained by analyzing a QR code image obtained by imaging the QR code C2 printed on the side wall PAb of the packaging container PA, and a function of generating logistics history notification information including the specified product identification information and logistics history information indicating the history of the product PR and transmitting it to the cloud server 2.

[0014] Cloud Server 2 functions as a management server for managing judgment information used to determine the authenticity of product PRs. It includes a logistics history storage unit (not shown) that stores the logistics history information of product PRs, and a judgment criteria information storage unit (not shown) that stores judgment criteria information used for determining the authenticity of product PRs in association with product identification information. When Cloud Server 2 acquires logistics history notification information transmitted from terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, it extracts the product identification information and logistics history information contained in the acquired logistics history notification information and stores the extracted product identification information and logistics history information in association with each other in the logistics history storage unit. Furthermore, when Cloud Server 2 acquires judgment criteria notification information containing judgment criteria information and product identification information transmitted from the authenticity determination device 1 (1A), it extracts the judgment criteria information and product identification information contained in the acquired judgment criteria notification information and stores the extracted judgment criteria information and product identification information in association with each other in the judgment criteria information storage unit.

[0015] The authenticity determination device 1 operates in one of two operating modes: a product registration mode for registering the packaging container PA containing the product PR with the cloud server 2, and an authenticity determination mode for determining the authenticity of the product PR. As shown in Figure 4, the authenticity determination device 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a display unit 104, an input unit 105, a communication unit 106, an imaging unit 151, an ultraviolet light source 107, and a bus 109 connecting the various units. The main memory unit 102 is a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a working area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 is a non-volatile memory such as semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the authenticity determination device 1. The display unit 104 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, etc., and displays various information. The input unit 105 is, for example, a touchpad placed on top of the display unit 104, which receives various operation information in response to user operations and outputs the received operation information to the CPU 101. The communication unit 106 has an interface for connecting to the network NW1. The imaging unit 151 has a camera and transmits image information obtained by capturing two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 to the CPU 101. The ultraviolet light source 107 has, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits ultraviolet light and lights up the LED based on control information transmitted from the CPU 101.

[0016] The CPU 101 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, thereby functioning as a reception unit 111, an imaging control unit 112, a display control unit 113, a code analysis unit 114, a light source control unit 115, a judgment criterion information notification unit 116, a judgment criterion information acquisition unit 117, and a genuine / fake judgment unit 118, as shown in Figure 5. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Figure 4 has a judgment information storage unit 131, as shown in Figure 5. The main storage unit 102 shown in Figure 4 has an image buffer 121 that temporarily stores the captured image captured by the imaging unit 151, as shown in Figure 5. The judgment information storage unit 131 stores two-dimensional code images obtained by capturing two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2, judgment information obtained by analyzing the QR code image, and product identification information.

[0017] The reception unit 111 receives the operation performed by the user on the input unit 105, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation, and notifies the imaging control unit 112, display control unit 113, code analysis unit 114, light source control unit 115, judgment criterion information notification unit 116, and judgment criterion information acquisition unit 117. When the reception unit 111 receives a product registration operation or product history confirmation operation that reads a two-dimensional code C1 or a QR code C2, the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to execute the imaging process. At this time, the imaging unit 151 transfers the image information obtained by the imaging process to the image buffer 121. The display control unit 113 displays the image information stored in the image buffer 121 on the display unit 104. Furthermore, when the display control unit 113 receives information indicating the judgment result, which will be described later, from the authenticity judgment unit 118, it forms a result notification image that notifies the judgment result based on the notified information and displays it on the display unit 104.

[0018] After the reception unit 111 receives the aforementioned product registration operation and product history confirmation operation, the code analysis unit 114 extracts two-dimensional code images and QR code images from the captured images indicated by the newly stored captured image information in the image buffer 121. Here, the code analysis unit 114 extracts the two-dimensional code images and QR code images using edge detection methods for two-dimensional code images and QR code images, such as the graph cut method. The code analysis unit 114 then analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code images and QR code images to identify the judgment criteria information or judgment information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code images and QR code images, and stores the identified judgment criteria information or judgment information and product identification information in the judgment information storage unit 131.

[0019] When the light source control unit 115 receives an operation from the reception unit 111 to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the aforementioned product registration operation or product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns on the ultraviolet light source 107. On the other hand, when the light source control unit 115 receives an operation from the reception unit 111 to read the QR code C2 in the aforementioned product registration operation or product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107.

[0020] After the reception unit 111 receives the aforementioned product registration operation, and when new judgment criteria information and product identification information are stored in the judgment information storage unit 131, the judgment criteria information notification unit 116 generates judgment criteria notification information including the judgment criteria information and product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and sends it to the cloud server 2. After the reception unit 111 receives the aforementioned product history confirmation operation, the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 117 generates judgment criteria request information including the product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and sends it to the cloud server 2, thereby acquiring the judgment criteria information transmitted from the cloud server 2. The judgment criteria information acquisition unit 117 stores the acquired judgment criteria information in the judgment criteria information storage unit 132.

[0021] The authenticity determination unit 118 determines the authenticity of the product PR based on the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and the determination criteria information stored in the determination criteria information storage unit 132. Specifically, the authenticity determination unit 118 determines whether the numerical value indicated by the determination information matches the numerical value indicated by the determination criteria information. If they match, it determines that the product PR is genuine; otherwise, it determines that it is counterfeit. The authenticity determination unit 118 notifies the display control unit 113 of the information indicating the determination result.

[0022] Next, an example of the target users of the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in Figure 1, the manufacturer uses the authenticity determination device 1A to image the two-dimensional code C1 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA, and analyzes the first code image of the two-dimensional code obtained from the image to identify the judgment criterion information that serves as the basis for determining the authenticity of the product PR indicated by the first code image. The authenticity determination device 1A also uses the authenticity determination device 1A to image the QR code C2 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA, and analyzes the second code image of the QR code obtained from the image to identify the product identification information that identifies the product PR indicated by the second code image. The authenticity determination device 1A then transmits the identified judgment criterion information and product identification information to the cloud server 2. Next, the manufacturer places the product PR inside the packaging container PA assembled into a rectangular box shape, and then uses the terminal device 3A to image the QR code C2. The terminal device 3A then analyzes the imaged QR code image and transmits the product identification information obtained, along with logistics history information such as the shipping date and time, to the cloud server 2. Next, the packaging container PA containing the product PR is shipped to the wholesaler of the product PR. At each wholesaler, terminal devices 3B and 3C are used to scan the QR code C2. At this time, terminal devices 3B and 3C analyze the scanned QR code image and transmit the product identification information obtained, along with logistics history information such as the date and time of arrival, to the cloud server 2. Subsequently, when the packaging container PA arrives at the retailer, the retailer scans the QR code C2 using terminal device 3D. At this time, terminal device 3D analyzes the scanned QR code image and transmits the product identification information obtained, along with logistics history information such as the date and time of arrival, to the cloud server 2. Next, the customer of the product PR unfolds the packaging container PA and uses the authenticity determination device 1B to scan the two-dimensional code C1 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA. The first code image of the scanned two-dimensional code is then analyzed to identify the authenticity determination information for the product PR indicated by the first code image. Furthermore, using the authenticity determination device 1B, the QR code C2 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA is imaged, and the second code image of the imaged QR code is analyzed to identify product identification information that identifies the product PR indicated by the second code image.Then, after obtaining the judgment criteria information managed by the cloud server 2, the authenticity determination device 1B performs an authenticity determination of the product PR based on the obtained judgment criteria information and the identified judgment information, and displays the determination result. In this way, customers of the product PR can use the authenticity determination device 1B to verify the authenticity of the product PR.

[0023] Next, the operation of the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. First, when the manufacturer performs a mode setting operation to set the operation mode of the authenticity determination device 1A to product registration mode, the operation mode of the authenticity determination device 1A is set to product registration mode (step S1). Next, suppose that the manufacturer performs a product registration operation on the authenticity determination device 1A. In this product registration operation, the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 of the unfolded packaging container PA are sequentially imaged. In this case, the authenticity determination device 1A images the two-dimensional code C1 of the packaging container PA with the ultraviolet light source 107 lit, and images the QR code C2 with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned off (step S2). Here, the authenticity determination device 1A stores the image information showing the imaged images obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code and the QR code in the image buffer 121.

[0024] Next, the authenticity determination device 1A extracts two-dimensional code images and QR code images from the captured images indicated by the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121, and analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code images and QR code images to identify the judgment criterion information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code images and QR code images. Then, the authenticity determination device 1A stores the identified judgment criterion information and product identification information in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S3). After that, the authenticity determination device 1A generates judgment criterion notification information including the judgment criterion information and product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S4), and the generated judgment criterion notification information is transmitted from the authenticity determination device 1A to the cloud server 2 (step S5).

[0025] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 2 receives the judgment criteria notification information transmitted from the authenticity determination device 1 (1A), it extracts the judgment criteria information and product identification information contained in the acquired judgment criteria notification information, associates the extracted judgment criteria information and product identification information with each other, and stores them in the judgment criteria information storage unit (step S6).

[0026] Next, assume that the manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer perform a history registration operation on terminal device 3 to register the logistics history of product PR. In this history registration operation, terminal devices 3B and 3C are used to image the QR code C2 printed on the side wall PAb of the packaging container PA. In this case, terminal device 3 analyzes the QR code image obtained by imaging the QR code C2 to identify the product identification information of product PR, and generates logistics history notification information that includes the identified product identification information and logistics history information indicating the history of product PR (step S7). Subsequently, the generated logistics history notification information is sent from terminal device 3 to cloud server 2 (step S8). Meanwhile, when cloud server 2 receives the logistics history notification information sent from terminal device 3, it extracts the product identification information and logistics history information contained in the acquired logistics history notification information, and stores the extracted product identification information and logistics history information in association with each other (step S9).

[0027] Subsequently, when a customer who has purchased a product PR performs a mode setting operation on the authenticity detection device 1B to set the operating mode to authenticity detection mode, the operating mode of the authenticity detection device 1B is set to authenticity detection mode (step S10). Next, suppose the customer performs a product history confirmation operation on the authenticity detection device 1B. This product history confirmation operation involves sequentially imaging the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 of the unfolded packaging container PA. In this case, the authenticity detection device 1B images the two-dimensional code C1 of the packaging container PA with the ultraviolet light source 107 lit, and images the QR code C2 with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned off (step S11). At this point, the authenticity detection device 1B stores the image information showing the images obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code and the QR code in the image buffer 121.

[0028] Next, the authenticity determination device 1B extracts two-dimensional code images and QR code images from the captured images indicated by the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121, and analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code images and QR code images to identify the determination information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code images and QR code images. Then, the authenticity determination device 1B stores the identified determination information and product identification information in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S12). After that, the authenticity determination device 1B generates determination criterion request information including the product identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S13), and the generated determination criterion request information is transmitted from the authenticity determination device 1B to the cloud server 2 (step S14).

[0029] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 2 acquires the judgment criterion request information, it identifies the judgment criterion information corresponding to the product identification information included in the acquired judgment criterion request information from the judgment criterion information storage unit that stores the judgment criterion information (step S15). Next, the identified judgment criterion information is transmitted from the cloud server 2 to the authenticity determination device 1B (step S16). Meanwhile, when the authenticity determination device 1B acquires the judgment criterion information, it stores the acquired judgment criterion information in the judgment criterion information storage unit 132 (step S17). Subsequently, the authenticity determination device 1B performs an authenticity determination of the product PR based on the judgment information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and the judgment criterion information stored in the judgment criterion information storage unit 132 (step S18). After that, the authenticity determination device 1B forms a result notification image showing the result of the authenticity determination and displays it on the display unit 104 (step S19).

[0030] Next, the authenticity determination process performed by the authenticity determination device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7. This authenticity determination process is started when power is supplied to the authenticity determination device 1. First, the reception unit 111 determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned mode setting operation performed on the input unit 105 (step S101). Here, as long as the reception unit 111 determines that it has not received the mode setting operation (step S101: No), the process in step S101 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 111 determines that it has received the mode setting operation (step S101: Yes), it determines whether or not it has been set to the aforementioned product registration mode (step S102). Here, if the reception unit 111 determines that it has been set to the aforementioned authenticity determination mode (step S102: No), the process in step S107, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 determines that it has been set to product registration mode (step S102: Yes), it determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned product registration operation (step S103). If the reception unit 111 determines that it has not received the product registration operation within a predetermined period (step S103: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 determines that it has received the product registration operation (step S103: Yes), the light source control unit 115 turns the ultraviolet light source 107 on or off, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture the two-dimensional code C1 or QR code (step S104). If the reception unit 111 receives the operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the aforementioned product registration operation, the light source control unit 115 turns the ultraviolet light source 107 on, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture the two-dimensional code C1. Meanwhile, when the reception unit 111 receives the operation to read the QR code C2 in the aforementioned product registration operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture the QR code C2. At this time, the imaging unit 151 transfers the captured image information obtained by the imaging process to the image buffer 121.

[0031] Next, the code analysis unit 114 extracts two-dimensional code images and QR code images from the captured image indicated by the newly stored captured image information in the image buffer 121. The code analysis unit 114 then analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code images and QR code images to identify the judgment criterion information or judgment information corresponding to the two-dimensional code images and QR code images, and stores the identified judgment criterion information in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S105). Subsequently, the judgment criterion information notification unit 116 generates judgment criterion notification information including the judgment criterion information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and sends it to the cloud server 2 (step S106). After that, the process in step S101 is executed again.

[0032] Furthermore, in step S102, if the reception unit 111 determines that it has been set to the aforementioned authenticity determination mode (step S102: No), or if it determines that it has been set to the product registration mode (step S102: Yes), it determines whether or not it has received the aforementioned product history confirmation operation (step S107). If the reception unit 111 determines that it has not received the product history confirmation operation within a predetermined period (step S107: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the reception unit 111 determines that it has received the product history confirmation operation (step S107: Yes), the light source control unit 115 turns the ultraviolet light source 107 on or off, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture the two-dimensional code C1 or QR code (step S108). Here, when the reception unit 111 receives an operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the aforementioned product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns on the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture the two-dimensional code C1. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 receives an operation to read the QR code C2 in the aforementioned product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture the QR code C2. At this time, the imaging unit 151 transfers the captured image information obtained by the imaging process to the image buffer 121.

[0033] Next, the code analysis unit 114 extracts two-dimensional code images and QR code images from the captured images indicated by the newly stored captured image information in the image buffer 121. The code analysis unit 114 then analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code images and QR code images to identify the judgment information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code images and QR code images, and stores the identified judgment information and product identification information in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S109). Subsequently, the judgment criterion information acquisition unit 117 generates judgment criterion request information including the product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and sends it to the cloud server 2 (step S110), thereby acquiring the judgment criterion information transmitted from the cloud server 2 and storing the acquired judgment criterion information in the judgment criterion information storage unit 132 (step S111).

[0034] Subsequently, the authenticity determination unit 118 determines the authenticity of the product PR based on the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and the determination criteria information stored in the determination criteria information storage unit 132 (step S112). Next, the display control unit 113 forms a result notification image that notifies the determination result based on the information indicating the result of the authenticity determination and displays it on the display unit 104 (step S113). Then, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the packaging container PA has a two-dimensional code printed on a tongue-shaped piece PAg that is visible from the outside of the packaging container PA only when the packaging container PA is unfolded, using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs ultraviolet light and emits light in the visible light wavelength range. As a result, in order to read the contents of the two-dimensional code C1 during the logistics process of the product PR, the packaging container PA must be unfolded, thus preventing the two-dimensional code C1 from being read without the end user of the product PR noticing during the logistics process of the product PR.

[0036] Furthermore, the authenticity determination device 1 according to this embodiment operates in either of the two operating modes described above: the product registration mode or the authenticity determination mode. This allows the operating mode to be switched according to the intended use by the manufacturer and the customer, thereby increasing versatility.

[0037] (Embodiment 2) The authenticity determination system according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has a function to image the first code and second code printed on a package that has the first code and second code described in Embodiment 1 printed on it, and to identify determination information and product identification information corresponding to the first code and second code, but includes a terminal device that does not perform authenticity determination of the product. Separately from the terminal device, this embodiment includes a determination criterion information that serves as a standard for determining the authenticity of the product, which indicates the combination of determination information and product identification information corresponding to the first code and second code printed on the package, and an authenticity determination unit that performs authenticity determination of the product based on the determination information and determination criterion information identified by the terminal device.

[0038] The authenticity determination system according to this embodiment includes, for example, a terminal device 2001 owned by a retailer or customer of a product PR that sells the product PR at retail, a printing machine 2004 that prints a QR code C2 and a two-dimensional code C1 on the packaging container PA of the product PR, and a cloud server 2002, as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 1. The terminal device 2001, the cloud server 2002, and the printing machine 2004 can communicate with each other via the network NW1. First, the printing company manufactures the packaging container PA with the QR code C2 and the two-dimensional code C1 printed on it using the printing machine 4. This packaging container PA is, for example, the packaging container PA described using Figure 3 in Embodiment 1. Then, as shown in Figure 8, the printing company supplies the manufactured packaging container PA to, for example, the manufacturer of the product PR. Meanwhile, the manufacturer of the product PR places the product PR into the packaging container PA. The product PR, in its packaged state, then arrives at the retailer from the manufacturer.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, the printing press 2004 includes a printing unit 41 that prints a QR code C2 and a two-dimensional code C1 on a packaging container PA, and a control unit 40. The printing unit 41 performs printing on the packaging container PA based on control signals input from the control unit 40. The control unit 40 includes a printing control unit 411, a judgment criterion information notification unit 412, and a printing information storage unit 431. The printing information storage unit 431 stores a plurality of pre-set judgment information that forms the basis of the two-dimensional code C1, and a plurality of pre-set product identification information that forms the basis of the QR code C2.

[0040] The print control unit 411 selects a combination of judgment information and product identification information from the judgment information and product identification information stored in the print information storage unit 431. Next, the print control unit 411 generates print parameter information for printing QR code C2 and print parameter information for printing two-dimensional code C1 based on the selected judgment information and product identification information. Then, the print control unit 411 generates control information including the generated print parameter information and outputs it to the print unit 41. The print control unit 411 also notifies the judgment criterion information notification unit 412 of the selected combination of judgment information and product identification information.

[0041] The judgment criteria information notification unit 412 generates judgment criteria information that shows the combination of judgment information and product identification information notified from the print control unit 212, and generates judgment criteria notification information including the generated judgment criteria information and sends it to the cloud server 2002.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the terminal device 2001 has the same hardware configuration as the authenticity determination device 1 described in Embodiment 2. The CPU 101 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so as shown in Figure 10, it functions as a reception unit 111, an imaging control unit 112, a display control unit 113, a code analysis unit 114, a light source control unit 115, a determination request unit 2116, and a determination result acquisition unit 2119. In Figure 9, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 5. The auxiliary storage unit 103 also has a determination information storage unit 131, and the main storage unit 102 has an image buffer 121.

[0043] The reception unit 111 receives the operation performed by the user on the input unit 105, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation, and notifies the imaging control unit 112, display control unit 113, code analysis unit 114, light source control unit 115, and judgment request unit 2116. When the reception unit 111 receives a product history confirmation operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 or QR code C2, the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to execute the imaging process. When the judgment result information described later is notified from the judgment result acquisition unit 2119, the display control unit 113 forms a result notification image that notifies the judgment result based on the notified judgment result information and displays it on the display unit 104. When the light source control unit 115 receives an operation from the reception unit 111 to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the aforementioned product history confirmation operation, it lights up the ultraviolet light source 107. On the other hand, when the light source control unit 115 receives an operation from the reception unit 111 to read the QR code C2 in the aforementioned product registration operation or product history confirmation operation, it turns off the ultraviolet light source 107.

[0044] After the reception unit 111 receives the aforementioned product history confirmation operation, and when new judgment criterion information and product identification information are stored in the judgment information storage unit 131, the judgment request unit 2116 generates judgment request information including the judgment criterion information and product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and sends it to the cloud server 2002. After the reception unit 111 receives the aforementioned product history confirmation operation, the judgment result acquisition unit 2119 generates judgment criterion request information including the product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and sends it to the cloud server 2, thereby acquiring the judgment result notification information sent from the cloud server 2002. The judgment result acquisition unit 2119 then extracts the judgment result information contained in the acquired judgment result notification information and notifies the display control unit 113.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the cloud server 2002 comprises a CPU 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a communication unit 206, and a bus 209 connecting these units. The CPU 201 is, for example, a multi-core processor for server applications. The main memory unit 202 is volatile memory and is used as a workspace for the CPU 201, while the auxiliary memory unit 203 is non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 2002. The communication unit 206 has an interface for connecting to the wide-area network NW1.

[0046] The CPU 201 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 into the main storage unit 202 and executes it, thereby functioning as a judgment criterion information acquisition unit 2211, a genuine / counterfeit judgment request acquisition unit 2212, a genuine / counterfeit judgment unit 2213, and a judgment result notification unit 2214, as shown in Figure 10. The auxiliary storage unit 203 shown in Figure 9 also has a judgment criterion information storage unit 2231, as shown in Figure 10. The judgment criterion information storage unit 2231 stores the aforementioned judgment information and product identification information in association with each other.

[0047] When the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 2211 acquires the aforementioned judgment criteria notification information transmitted from the printer 2004, it extracts the judgment criteria information contained in the acquired judgment criteria notification information. Then, based on the combination of judgment information and product identification information indicated by the judgment criteria information, the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 2211 associates the judgment information and product identification information with each other and stores them in the judgment criteria information storage unit 2231.

[0048] When the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 acquires the aforementioned determination request information transmitted from the terminal device 2001, it extracts the determination information and product identification information contained in the acquired determination request information and notifies the authenticity determination unit 2213 of the extracted determination information and product identification information.

[0049] The authenticity determination unit 2213 determines the authenticity of product PR based on the combination of determination information and product identification information stored in the determination criteria information storage unit 2231 and the combination of determination information and product identification information notified by the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212. Specifically, the authenticity determination unit 2213 determines whether the combination of determination information and product identification information notified by the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 exists among the combinations of determination information and product identification information stored in the determination criteria information storage unit 2231. If it exists, it determines that product PR is genuine; otherwise, it determines that it is counterfeit. The authenticity determination unit 2213 notifies the determination result notification unit 2214 of the determination result information indicating the determination result. The determination result notification unit 2214 generates determination result notification information including the notified determination result information and transmits it to the terminal device 2001.

[0050] Next, the operation of the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 11. First, when the printing company performs a printing start operation to begin printing the aforementioned two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 onto the packaging container PA using the printing press 2004, the printing press 2004 begins printing the two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 onto the packaging container PA (step S2001). Next, when the printing company performs a printing end operation to end printing by the printing press 2004, the printing press 2004 ends printing the two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 onto the packaging container PA (step S2002). Subsequently, the printing press 2004 generates judgment criterion notification information, which includes judgment criterion information indicating the combination of judgment information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 printed on the packaging container PA (step S2003). Then, the generated judgment criterion notification information is transmitted from the printing press 2004 to the cloud server 2002 (step S2004). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 2002 receives the aforementioned judgment criterion notification information transmitted from the printer 2004, it extracts the judgment criterion information contained in the acquired judgment criterion notification information and stores the combination of judgment information and product identification information indicated by the extracted judgment criterion information in the judgment criterion information storage unit 321 (step S2005).

[0051] Subsequently, the retailer promoting the product or the customer who purchased the product performs the aforementioned product history verification operation on the terminal device 2001. In this product history verification operation, as described in Embodiment 1, the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 of the unfolded packaging container PA are sequentially imaged. In this case, the terminal device 2001 images the two-dimensional code C1 of the packaging container PA with the ultraviolet light source 107 lit, and images the QR code C2 with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned off (step S2006). At this point, the authenticity determination device 1B stores the image information showing the imaged images obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code and the QR code in the image buffer 121.

[0052] Next, the terminal device 2001 extracts two-dimensional code images and QR code images from the captured images indicated by the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121, and analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code images and QR code images to identify the judgment information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code images and QR code images. Then, the terminal device 2001 stores the identified judgment information and product identification information in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S2007). Subsequently, the terminal device 2001 generates judgment request information including the judgment information and product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S2008), and the generated judgment request information is sent from the terminal device 2001 to the cloud server 2002 (step S2009).

[0053] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 2002 acquires judgment request information, it extracts the judgment information and product identification information contained in the acquired judgment request information (step S2010). Subsequently, the cloud server 2002 performs a judgment on the authenticity of the product PR based on the combination of judgment information and product identification information stored in the judgment criteria information storage unit 2231 and the combination of judgment information and product identification information notified by the authenticity judgment request acquisition unit 2212 (step S2011). Next, the cloud server 2002 generates judgment result notification information including judgment result information indicating the judgment result (step S2012), and the generated judgment result notification information is sent from the cloud server 2002 to the terminal device 2001 (step S2013). Meanwhile, when the terminal device 2001 receives the judgment result notification information transmitted from the cloud server 2002, it extracts the judgment result information contained in the acquired judgment result notification information (step S2014), and forms a result notification image showing the result of the authenticity judgment based on the extracted judgment result information, and displays it on the display unit 104 (step S2015).

[0054] Next, the authenticity determination process performed by the cloud server 2002 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 12. This authenticity determination process is started when the program for performing the authenticity determination process is launched on the cloud server 2002. First, the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 2211 determines whether or not it has acquired the aforementioned judgment criteria notification information transmitted from the printer 2004 (step S2101). If the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 2211 determines that it has not acquired the judgment criteria notification information (step S2101: No), the process in step S2103, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 2211 determines that it has acquired the judgment criteria notification information (step S2101: Yes), it extracts the judgment criteria information contained in the acquired judgment criteria notification information. Then, the judgment criteria information acquisition unit 2211 associates the combination of the judgment information indicated by the judgment criteria information and the product identification information with each other and stores it in the judgment criteria information storage unit 2231 (step S2102).

[0055] Next, the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 determines whether or not it has acquired the aforementioned determination request information transmitted from the terminal device 2001 (step S2103). If the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 determines that it has not acquired the determination request information (step S2103: No), the process in step S2101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 determines that it has acquired the determination request information (step S2103: Yes), it extracts the determination information and product identification information contained in the acquired determination request information (step S2104), and notifies the authenticity determination unit 2213 of the extracted determination information and product identification information. Next, the authenticity determination unit 2213 performs an authenticity determination of the product PR based on the combination of the determination information and product identification information stored in the determination criteria information storage unit 2231 and the combination of the determination information and product identification information notified by the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 (step S2105), and notifies the determination result information indicating the determination result to the determination result notification unit 2214. After that, the determination result notification unit 2214 generates determination result notification information including the notified determination result information and transmits it to the terminal device 2001 (step S2106). Next, the process of step S2101 is executed again.

[0056] As described above, in the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment, the manufacturer does not need to register the combination of the determination information indicated by the two-dimensional code C1 and the product identification information indicated by the QR code C2. Therefore, the workload for determining the authenticity of product PRs at the manufacturer can be reduced.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, not only two-dimensional codes but also QR codes may indicate judgment information used for determining the authenticity of product PR. In this case, the two-dimensional code and QR code may indicate a numerical value, and the numerical value may be set to constitute a random number sequence.

[0058] In this embodiment, a sheet may be attached to the outer wall of the packaging container, on which the aforementioned two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 are printed such that at least a portion of them overlap each other. Here, for example, as shown in Figure 13, the sheet SHE1 may be printed such that the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 overlap each other to some extent. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code C1 is a first code printed using an ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible light wavelength range, and the QR code C2 is a second code printed using an ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs or emits light in the visible light wavelength range. Here, the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 may each have separate code systems, that is, the information indicated by the two-dimensional code C1 and the information indicated by the QR code C2 may be different.

[0059] This configuration allows for the authenticity of product promotional materials contained in the packaging to be verified using the information indicated by the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2. Furthermore, because the wavelength bands of the light irradiated onto the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 are different when reading them, misreading of either the two-dimensional code C1 or the QR code C2 can be suppressed.

[0060] In Embodiment 2, the cloud server 2002 may be equipped with a logistics history storage unit that stores logistics history information for product PR, similar to Embodiment 1. When the cloud server 2002 acquires logistics history notification information transmitted from terminal devices held by intermediaries such as wholesalers, as well as manufacturers and retailers, it may extract product identification information and logistics history information contained in the acquired logistics history notification information, associate the extracted product identification information and logistics history information with each other, and store them in the logistics history storage unit.

[0061] Furthermore, the various functions of the authenticity determination device 1 relating to this disclosure may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. In this case, the software or firmware may be written as a program, and the program may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and MO (Magneto-Optical Disc) and distributed, and a computer capable of realizing the aforementioned functions may be configured by loading and installing the program on a computer. When each function is realized by a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the recording medium.

[0062] Furthermore, it is possible to superimpose each program onto the carrier wave and distribute it over a network. For example, the program could be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the network and distributed over the network. These programs could then be launched and executed under the control of the OS, just like other application programs, to perform the aforementioned processing. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] This disclosure is suitable as packaging containers and authenticity determination systems for ensuring the authenticity of goods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1,1A,1B: Authenticity Determination Device, 2,2002: Cloud Server, 3,3A,3B,3C,3D,2001: Terminal Device, 40: Control Unit, 41: Printing Unit, 101,201: CPU, 102,202: Main Memory Unit, 103,203: Auxiliary Memory Unit, 104: Display Unit, 105: Input Unit, 106,206: Communication Unit, 107: Ultraviolet Light Source, 109,209: Bus, 111: Reception Unit, 112: Image Capture Control Unit, 113: Display Control Unit, 114: Code Analysis Unit, 115: Light Source Control Unit, 116: Judgment Criteria Information Notification Unit, 117: Judgment Criteria Information Acquisition Unit, 118,2213: Authenticity Determination Unit, 121: Image Image buffer, 131: Judgment information storage unit, 132: Judgment criterion information storage unit, 151: Imaging unit, 411: Printing control unit, 412: Judgment criterion information notification unit, 431: Printing information storage unit, 2004: Printer, 2116: Judgment request unit, 2119: Judgment result acquisition unit, 2211: Judgment criterion information acquisition unit, 2212: Authenticity / counterfeiting judgment request acquisition unit, 2214: Judgment result notification unit, C1: Two-dimensional code, C2: QR code, PA: Packaging container, PAa, PAb, PAe, PAf: Side wall, PAc, PAd: Lid, PR: Product, PAg, PAh, PAi, PAj, PAk: Tongue, SHE1: Sheet, NW1: Network

Claims

1. A box-shaped anti-counterfeiting package for packaging a product and preventing the counterfeiting of the said product, It has three or more rectangular sheet-like side walls and two sheet-like lids that cover both ends of the area enclosed by the three or more side walls, and when unfolded it is a sheet-like structure having a tongue that is continuous with at least one of the three or more side walls and the two lids, and when assembled into a box shape the tongue is positioned on the inside, A second code is printed on the anti-counterfeiting packaging in a position visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging when the anti-counterfeiting packaging is assembled into a box shape, using a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs or emits light in the visible light wavelength range. The anti-counterfeiting packaging comprises a tab visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging when it is unfolded, and a first code printed on the tab using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range. Anti-counterfeit packaging.

2. The first code indicates judgment information used to determine the authenticity of the product, The second code indicates product identification information that identifies the product. The anti-counterfeiting packaging described in claim 1.

3. The first code and the second code indicate determination information used to determine the authenticity of the product. The anti-counterfeiting packaging described in claim 1.

4. The first code and the second code represent numerical values. The aforementioned numbers are set to form a random number sequence. The anti-counterfeiting packaging described in claim 3.

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