Optical information reading device and optical information reading system

Abstract

To provide an optical information reader capable of determining unauthorized use of an information code without being connected to a network, when the information code is being read.SOLUTION: In an information code C to be displayed on a screen using a portable terminal 10, at least store information and serial number information are recorded. In a storage part 32, information on a place where a reader 20 is installed is stored in beforehand as installation place information, and serial number information read from an information code C which has been determined not to be unauthorizedly used is sequentially stored. Further, if store information read from the information code C does not match the installation place information stored in the storage part 32, or if serial number information read from the information code C is already stored in the storage part 32, the information code C is determined to be unauthorizedly used, whereby error notification processing is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical information reading device and an optical information reading system for optically reading optical information such as information codes.

Background Art

[0002] There are cases where it is desired to determine whether a user satisfies the conditions for entering and leaving a predetermined facility, such as when determining whether a customer has settled at self-checkout or when determining whether an entrant has paid an entrance fee at an entertainment facility. In such cases, at the time of entry and exit, a store clerk or the like can check the contents of the receipt to check whether the settlement content is correct, but there is a problem that the checking work is time-consuming. Therefore, by displaying an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark) on the mobile terminal of the user who has paid the fee and having the information code read by a reading device at the time of entry and exit for determination, it is possible to improve the efficiency of checking work and the like.

[0003] In an operation method of improving the efficiency of checking work and the like by using an information code in this way, when there is unauthorized use of the information code such as the use of a copied information code, it is necessary to detect the unauthorized use and give a predetermined notification. As a technique related to such unauthorized use detection, for example, a gated checkout system disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. In this gated checkout system, the transaction date and time or the date and time obtained by advancing the predetermined passage permission time from the transaction date and time are compared with the gate passage time, and based on the comparison result, it is determined whether passage is possible. Further, in the settlement monitoring device disclosed in Patent Document 2 below, when the transaction information associated with the payment station is not executed in the order in which it is registered, an alarm notification is output from the management server. Further, in the code validity determination system disclosed in Patent Document 3 below, the change information displayed on the screen together with the QR code at the user terminal is changed over time, and when the change over time of the change information imaged together with the QR code is detected, it is determined that the above QR code is valid.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5790145 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6102591 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-030583 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the gated checkout system described above, the clocks of the device that records the transaction date and time and the gate must be synchronized. Even if the clocks of the transaction date and time recording device and the gate are set to match at the time of installation, the internal clocks of the devices will have errors, so the two clocks will drift apart over time. Therefore, the gate, which functions as a reader, needs to be connected to a network to synchronize its time, which presents a problem in terms of costs for the gate itself and network construction. In addition, with the settlement monitoring device described above, an alarm is notified when the next transaction following fraudulent activity occurs, so by the time the alarm is notified, the fraudulent user may have already left the store, and there is a risk that the fraudulent user cannot be dealt with on the spot. Furthermore, although the code validity determination system described above does not require communication with a higher-level device for fraud detection, there is a risk that fraud will not be detected if the user's terminal screen is captured as a video.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide an optical information reading device that can determine the unauthorized use of information codes at the time of reading without being connected to a network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims is: A reading unit (31, 33) that optically reads the information code (C), A determination unit (31) determines whether the information code read by the reading unit is being misused, A notification unit (34, 36, 37) capable of notifying information regarding the determination result by the aforementioned determination unit, An optical information reading device (20) comprising, The aforementioned information code records at least reading location information and unique information. The optical information reading device is further provided with a storage unit (32) which stores in advance information about the location where the optical information reading device is installed as installation location information, and which sequentially stores the unique information read from the information code that has been determined by the determination unit not to be misused. The determination unit is characterized in that it determines that the information code is being misused if the reading location information read from the information code by the reading unit is not deemed to match the installation location information stored in the storage unit, or if the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the invention of claim 1, the information code records at least reading location information and unique information, and the storage unit pre-stores information of the location where the optical information reading device is installed as installation location information, and sequentially stores unique information read from information codes that the determination unit has determined not to be misused. The determination unit determines that the information code is being misused if the reading location information read from the information code by the reading unit is not deemed to match the installation location information stored in the storage unit, or if the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit.

[0011] As a result, if an already used information code is duplicated or otherwise used illegally, the unique information of that information code is stored in the memory unit, allowing the system to notify the user of the illegal use when the information code is read. Furthermore, information codes that are permitted for use at that store, i.e., information codes that record reading location information considered to match the installation location information, will not be judged as illegal use when read, while information codes that are not permitted for use at that store, i.e., information codes that record reading location information not considered to match the installation location information will be judged as illegal use when read. In this way, the optical information reading device can determine whether or not the read information code has been illegally used by using the reading result of the reading unit and the information stored in the memory unit, without receiving judgment information from a server or the like. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device that can determine the illegal use of information codes at the time of reading without being connected to a network.

[0012] In the invention of claim 2, the information code further records a check digit generated based on at least reading location information and unique information, and the determination unit further determines whether the information code is being misused based on the check digit read from the information code by the reading unit.

[0013] This means that even if reading location information and unique information are obtained illegally, a third party who does not understand how the check digit is calculated cannot forge the information code, thus improving the accuracy of detecting the misuse of the information code.

[0014] In the invention of claim 3, the information recorded in the information code is divided into a first data section in which reading location information and unique information are recorded, and a second data section in which additional information, which is the predetermined information encrypted to be in a predetermined format, is recorded. The determination unit then determines that the information code is being misused if the additional information read from the second data section of the information code by the reading unit is in a different format from the predetermined format.

[0015] In this way, by using the additional information from the second data section to determine the misuse of the information code, the accuracy of detecting misuse of the information code can be improved. In particular, since the determination criterion is whether or not the additional information is in a predetermined format, and decryption of the additional information is unnecessary, even optical information readers that cannot decrypt the predetermined information from the additional information can determine whether or not the information code has been misused. Furthermore, if an optical information reader can decrypt the predetermined information from the additional information, it can also perform other processing using the predetermined information, thus increasing the convenience of the optical information reader.

[0016] In the invention of claim 4, the information recorded in the information code is divided into a first data section in which reading location information and unique information are recorded, and a second data section in which additional information obtained by encrypting predetermined information is recorded, and the determination unit determines that the information code is being misused if decryption of the additional information fails.

[0017] As a result, third parties who cannot encrypt the specified information in a way that allows it to be decrypted using an optical information reading device cannot forge the information code, thus improving the accuracy of detecting unauthorized use of the information code.

[0018] In the invention of claim 5, the information recorded in the first data unit is encrypted in a way that it can be decrypted using an encryption key generated based on the additional information.

[0019] This prevents third parties who are unaware that the additional information stored in the second data section generates an encryption key to decrypt the information in the first data section, thus preventing them from forging the information code and improving the accuracy of detecting unauthorized use of the information code. Furthermore, with an optical information reading device, it is not necessary to obtain the encryption key to decrypt the information recorded in the first data section in advance, and the encryption key can be changed for each information code, thus enhancing security in detecting unauthorized use of the information code.

[0020] In the invention of claim 6, the information code is generated when the settlement process is completed on a portable terminal capable of displaying the information code on the screen, and the predetermined information includes information related to the settlement process.

[0021] Thereby, by causing the optical information reading device to read the information code displayed on the screen when the settlement process is completed, it is possible to notify that the information code has not been misused, that is, that the settlement process has been completed normally. In particular, since the predetermined information includes information related to the settlement process, it is possible to confirm the specific details of the settlement and the like if necessary.

[0022] In the invention of claim 7, when an information code for changing the reading location information is read by the reading unit, the reading location information stored in the storage unit is changed according to the reading result of the reading unit, and all the unique information stored in the storage unit is deleted.

[0023] Thereby, when moving the optical information reading device to another store or the like, it is only necessary to read an information code for changing to the reading location information corresponding to the other store or the like, and the reading location information is updated and all the unique information read at the previous store or the like is deleted. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the installation location of the optical information reading device.

[0034] Claim 8 In the invention of, the determination method by the determination unit is changed according to the reading result obtained by reading an information code for changing the determination method by the determination unit by the reading unit.

[0035] Thereby, since the determination method by the determination unit can be easily changed according to the usage environment of the optical information reading device and the like, the convenience of the optical information reading device can be enhanced.

[0036] Claim 9 In the invention of, the server transmits an information code generated in response to a request from the portable terminal to the portable terminal, and the portable terminal displays the information code received from the server on the screen in order to cause the optical information reading device to read it.

[0037] Even when configuring an optical information reading system in this way, the optical information reading device can determine whether or not the read information code has been misused by using the reading result from the reading unit and the information stored in the storage unit, without receiving judgment information from a server or the like. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device that can determine whether or not an information code has been misused at the time of reading, without being connected to a network.

[0044] Claim 10 In this invention, if the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the information code has not been misused if the unique information matches the latest unique information stored in the storage unit, and determines that the information code has been misused if the unique information does not match the latest unique information stored in the storage unit.

[0045] When an information code is read twice in a row, it is necessary to prevent the system from reporting a result indicating misuse because the read unique information is already stored in the memory. Therefore, if the unique information read from the information code is already stored in the memory, and that unique information matches the most recently stored unique information in the memory, the system can determine that an error has occurred and that the information code has not been misused, thereby resolving the problem of double reading.

[0046] Claim 11 In this invention, if the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the information code has not been misused if the elapsed time since the unique information was stored in the storage unit is within a predetermined allowable time, and determines that the information code has been misused if the elapsed time since the unique information was stored in the storage unit is not within the predetermined allowable time.

[0047] When a system wants to reread an information code that has been determined not to be misused (normal notification) to confirm that it is still being used correctly, it is necessary to prevent the system from reporting an error (declaring misuse) if the unique information read from the information code is already stored in the memory. Therefore, if the unique information read from the information code is already stored in the memory, the system determines that the information code has not been misused if the elapsed time since the unique information was stored in the memory is within a predetermined allowable time. This allows the system to re-declare a normal result each time the normally-declared information code is read several times. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the reading device and optical information reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which an information code is displayed on the screen of a mobile device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a mobile device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the reading device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the flow of the fraud detection process performed by the control unit of the reading device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the flow of the fraud detection process performed by the control unit of the reader device in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the flow of the fraud detection process performed by the control unit of the reading device in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the flow of the fraud detection process performed by the control unit of the reading device in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the time difference between the most recently stored date and time information and the generation date and time information, and the judgment result based on that time difference. [Figure 10]This is a time chart showing an overview of the optical information reading system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the flow of the fraud detection process performed by the control unit of the reader device in the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the optical information reading device and optical information reading system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The optical information reading system 1 according to the present invention is a system that determines whether or not an information code read by an optical information reading device is being misused. In this embodiment, when the optical information reading system 1 has the optical information reading device (hereinafter also referred to as the reading device 20) read a legitimate information code C displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal 10 that has completed payment processing at a self-checkout, the reading device 20 is configured to notify the surroundings that the payment processing on the mobile terminal 10 has been completed successfully if the information code C has not been misused.

[0050] The mobile terminal 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is, for example, a portable information processing terminal such as a smartphone capable of payment that is owned by the user. It is configured with an application program (hereinafter also referred to as the information code display app) installed to obtain an information code C from the server 2 after payment at a self-checkout and display it on the screen, indicating that the payment process has been completed. The outer casing of this mobile terminal 10 is made up of a housing formed in a substantially thin plate shape, and a display screen 14a capable of displaying the information code C is located in the center of the surface of the housing. By holding the information code C displayed on this display screen 14a over the reader 20, the reader 20 performs a fraud detection process to determine whether or not the information code C has been misused (whether or not the payment process by the mobile terminal 10 has been completed successfully).

[0051] The mobile terminal 10 mainly comprises a control unit 11 consisting of a CPU, etc., a storage unit 12 consisting of ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc., an imaging unit 13 configured as a camera equipped with a light receiving sensor (e.g., a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, etc.), a touch panel type display unit 14, an operation unit 15 that outputs signals to the control unit 11 in response to touch operations on the touch panel and operations on various operation keys, and a communication unit 16 configured as a communication interface that can communicate with external devices such as a server 2 via a predetermined network N such as the Internet.

[0052] In the mobile terminal 10 configured in this way, when a user completes payment at a self-checkout and leaves the store, the information code display application is launched, and an image of the information code C received from the server 2 is displayed on the display screen 14a. Specifically, when the information code display process is started by the control unit 11 in response to the launch of the information code display application, store information regarding the location of the store visited is acquired, and this store information is sent to the server 2 along with payment information regarding payment at the self-checkout. In response to this transmission, an image of the information code C received from the server 2 is displayed on the display screen 14a. The store information is an example of "read location information" and may be automatically acquired using GPS information or Bluetooth® communication, or it may be acquired by reading an information code on which the store information is recorded. Alternatively, the information code display application may be automatically launched when the mobile terminal 10 reads an information code on which the store information is recorded.

[0053] Server 2, upon receiving store information and payment information, generates an information code C by encrypting the store information, serial number information, and check digit using a predetermined encryption key, making them decryptable, and transmits an image of the information code C to the mobile terminal 10. Here, the serial number information is an example of unique information and is set as a serial number or the like to distinguish it from previously generated information codes C. The check digit is generated from the numerical value of the store information and the numerical value of the serial number information based on a predetermined check digit calculation formula, and in this embodiment, it is used for forgery detection. Note that the serial number information set by Server 2 does not always need to be set as a consecutive number as long as it can be distinguished from others, and the upper limit can be set to a number that can be stored in the reader 20, and it may be set to reset to 0 if the upper limit is exceeded. The capacity of the memory for storing serial number information in the reader 20 is such that, for example, if all usage for one year is to be stored, and there are 1,000 customers per day, then memory that can store up to 365,000 entries per entry is sufficient for 365,000 entries. When storing sequential number information up to 365,000 in the reader 20, 19 bits of memory are required per record. Storing 365,000 records requires approximately 867 kB of memory.

[0054] The reader 20 is a stationary information code reader that optically reads information codes such as QR codes and barcodes, and in this embodiment, it is installed along the aisle through which customers pass when they finish payment at a self-checkout and leave the store.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the reading device 20 includes a control unit 31 consisting of a CPU, a storage unit 32 consisting of ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc., an imaging unit 33, a display unit 34 consisting of a liquid crystal display, etc., an operation unit 35 consisting of various operation keys (not shown), a light-emitting unit 36 ​​consisting of an LED, etc., a buzzer 37, etc.

[0056] The storage unit 32 pre-stores, in an executable format by the control unit 31, a program for executing the fraudulent use detection process, and system programs capable of controlling each piece of hardware, such as the imaging unit 33 and the display unit 34. The storage unit 32 also pre-stores a predetermined encryption key used to decrypt the information code C, installation location information (such as information about the location of the store where the reader 20 is installed), and the predetermined check digit calculation formula used by the server 2. In this embodiment, the installation location information for the same store is set to match the aforementioned store information.

[0057] The imaging unit 33 is configured as a camera equipped with an area sensor (not shown) which has solid-state image sensors such as CMOS or CCD arranged in two dimensions, and a camera lens (imaging lens). This imaging unit 33 is positioned inside the housing 21 which constitutes the outer casing of the reading device 20, so as to image the area outward through a reading opening 22 provided in the center of the upper surface of the housing 21.

[0058] In the reading device 20 configured in this way, the control unit 31 performs a fraudulent use determination process to determine whether the payment process by the mobile terminal 10 has been completed successfully (whether or not the information code C has been used fraudulently) based on the reading result of the information code C captured by the imaging unit 33 through the reading port 22.

[0059] In this embodiment, the fraudulent use detection process performed by the control unit 31 of the reading device 20 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. When the control unit 31 starts the unauthorized use detection process, the imaging process shown in step S101 of Figure 5 is performed, and the imaging unit 33 processes to capture the information code held over the reading slot 22. The detection process in step S103 is determined to be No until the information code is captured, and the above imaging process is repeated.

[0060] When an information code is captured (Yes in S103), the decoding process shown in step S105 is performed to decrypt and decode the captured information code using a predetermined encryption key stored in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 and imaging unit 33 that perform the above-described imaging and decoding processes may correspond to an example of a "reading unit" that optically reads the information code C.

[0061] Next, in the determination process shown in step S107, it is determined whether or not the decryption has been successful. If the information code C displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 10 is held over the reader 22, the decryption using a predetermined encryption key stored in the storage unit 32 is successful (Yes in S107). In this case, the store information, serial number information, and check digit recorded in the information code C are decoded and obtained by the above decoding process.

[0062] Next, in the determination process shown in step S109, it is determined whether the read store information matches the installation location information stored in the storage unit 32. If the information code C, which records the store information acquired at the store where the reading device 20 is installed, is held over the reading slot 22, it is determined that the store information and the installation location information match (Yes in S109).

[0063] Next, in the determination process shown in step S111, it is determined whether the read check digit is correct or not. If the information code C displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 10 is held over the reader 22, the check digit calculated using a predetermined check digit calculation formula stored in the storage unit 32 from the numerical values ​​of the store information and serial number information acquired as described above will match the check digit acquired as described above, and therefore it is determined that the check digit is correct (Yes in S111).

[0064] Next, in the determination process shown in step S113, it is determined whether or not the read sequential number information is stored in the storage unit 32. Previously read sequential number information is stored in the storage unit 32 each time, as will be described later. If the information code C displayed on the mobile terminal 10 screen is being read for the first time, it is determined that the sequential number information is not stored in the storage unit 32 (No in S113).

[0065] Next, the sequential number information storage process shown in step S115 is performed, and the sequential number information read as described above is stored in the storage unit 32 as sequential number information of information code C that has not been misused. Then, the normal notification process shown in step S117 is performed, and the light-emitting unit 36 ​​lights up and the buzzer 37 sounds to notify the surroundings that the payment process has been successfully completed on the mobile terminal 10 held over the reading slot 22. With this notification, the surroundings are notified at the time of reading that the payment process has been successfully completed on the mobile terminal 10, and the misuse detection process ends. The control unit 31 that performs each of the above-described detection processes corresponds to an example of a "detection unit," and each detection process is not limited to being performed in the order described above. For example, the detection process in step S111 may be performed before the detection process in step S109, or they may be performed in a different order than described above. In addition, the light-emitting unit 36 ​​and the buzzer 37 may correspond to an example of a "notification unit" that can notify information regarding the detection result by the detection unit.

[0066] If a double reading occurs where the information code C displayed on the mobile terminal 10 screen is read consecutively, and it is determined that the read sequential number information is already stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S113), the determination process shown in step S119 determines whether the read sequential number information matches the latest sequential number information stored in the storage unit 32. In the case of the double reading described above, the read sequential number information matches the latest sequential number information stored in the storage unit 32, so it is determined to be Yes in step S119, and the fraudulent use determination process ends without performing the sequential number information storage process or normal notification process described above. This resolves the double reading problem.

[0067] On the other hand, if an information code different from information code C is used, for example, an information code forged to encrypt appropriate sequential information, decryption using a predetermined encryption key stored in the memory unit 32 will not succeed. Therefore, it is determined that information code C is being misused (No in S107), and the error notification process shown in step S121 is performed. In this process, the light-emitting unit 36 ​​lights up for error notification and the buzzer 37 sounds for error notification so as to notify those around that the payment process has not been completed successfully on the mobile terminal 10 held over the reader 22. This notification informs those around that the payment process has not been completed successfully on the mobile terminal 10 at the time of reading. This makes it possible to determine and notify those around that the misuse of the information code is being detected at the time of reading. In addition, in the error notification process described above, the screen display by the display unit 34 may be used to further notify those around that the payment process has not been completed successfully. Similarly, in the normal notification process described above, the screen display by the display unit 34 may be used to further notify those around that the payment process has been completed successfully. The display unit 34, which notifies information regarding the judgment result, can be considered an example of a "notification unit".

[0068] Furthermore, if a duplicate code is created by copying information code C used at another store, even if decryption is successful (Yes in S107), the store information of the other store read and the installation location information stored in the storage unit 32 do not match. Therefore, it is determined that information code C is being used illegally (No in S109), and the error notification process shown in step S121 above is performed.

[0069] Furthermore, in the case of a forged information code that encrypts store information and appropriate sequential number information using the predetermined encryption key mentioned above, even if the store information and installation location information match (Yes in S109), the check digit itself is not recorded or the correct check digit cannot be recorded, so it is determined that information code C is being misused (No in S111), and the error notification process shown in step S121 above is performed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the case of a duplicate code that is a copy of information code C already used at the same store, even if the check digit is determined to be correct (Yes in S111), the read sequential number information is already stored in the storage unit 32 in an outdated state (Yes in S113, No in S119), so it is determined that information code C is being used fraudulently, and the error notification process shown in step S121 above is performed.

[0071] As described above, in the reading device 20 according to this embodiment, the information code C displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 10 contains at least store information (reading location information) and serial number information (unique information). The storage unit 32 stores in advance information about the location where the reading device 20 is installed as installation location information, and sequentially stores the serial number information read from the information code C that has been determined not to be misused (S115). If the store information read from the information code C is not deemed to match the installation location information stored in the storage unit 32 (No in S109), or if the serial number information read from the information code C is already stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S113, No in S119), the information code C is determined to be misused, and an error notification process is performed (S121).

[0072] In the optical information reading system 1 according to this embodiment, the server 2 transmits an information code C generated in response to a request from the mobile terminal 10 to the mobile terminal 10, and the mobile terminal 10 displays the information code C received from the server 2 on its screen for the reading device 20 to read.

[0073] As a result, if an information code C that has already been used is duplicated or otherwise used illegally, the sequential number information of that information code is stored in the storage unit 32, so the system can notify the system of illegal use when reading the information code. Furthermore, information codes that are permitted for use at that store, i.e., information code C that records store information considered to match the installation location information, will not be judged as illegal use when read, while information codes that are not permitted for use at that store, i.e., information codes that record store information not considered to match the installation location information, will be judged as illegal use when read. In this way, the reader 20 can determine whether or not the read information code has been used illegally by using the reading result of the reader unit and the information stored in the storage unit 32, without receiving judgment information from the server 2 or the like. Therefore, a reader 20 that can determine the illegal use of information codes at the time of reading can be realized without being connected to a network.

[0074] In particular, information code C further records a check digit generated based on at least store information and serial number information, and it is determined whether or not information code C is being misused based on the check digit read from information code C.

[0075] As a result, even if store information and serial number information are obtained fraudulently, a third party who does not understand how the check digit is calculated cannot forge information code C, thus improving the accuracy of detecting fraudulent use of information code C.

[0076] Furthermore, in the fraud detection process described above, in order to resolve the problem of double reading, if it is determined that the read sequential number information is already stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S113), the process is not limited to determining whether the read sequential number information matches the latest sequential number information stored in the storage unit 32 (S119), but may also determine, for example, whether the elapsed time from the time the sequential number information associated with the sequential number information and stored in the storage unit 32 was acquired is within a predetermined allowable time.

[0077] Specifically, as a modification of this first embodiment, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 6, after it is determined that the serial number information is not stored in the storage unit 32 (No in S113), in the serial number information / acquisition time storage process shown in step S115a, the time the serial number information was acquired (the time the serial number information was read) is stored in the storage unit 32 as the acquisition time, associated with that serial number information. Then, if it is determined that the read serial number information is already stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S113), in the determination process shown in step S119a, it is determined whether the elapsed time from the acquisition time stored in the storage unit 32 associated with that serial number information is within a predetermined allowable time. If the above-mentioned double reading occurs, the elapsed time from the acquisition time will be within the predetermined allowable time, so it is determined to be Yes in step S119a, and the fraudulent use determination process ends without performing the above-mentioned serial number information / acquisition time storage process or normal notification process. In this way, the problem of double reading can also be resolved.

[0078] [Second Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device and an optical information reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this second embodiment, the information recorded in information code C is divided into a first data section in which store information and serial number information are recorded, and a second data section in which other data is recorded, which is the main difference from the first embodiment. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second data section of information code C stores additional information that is encrypted in a predetermined format, which is different from store information, serial number information, and check digits. Here, the predetermined format is, for example, a format that identifies the number of characters, the type of characters, and the position in which a particular character is placed. If the reader 20 has acquired information about the predetermined format, it can determine whether correct information is recorded in the second data section, that is, whether information code C is being misused, based on whether the additional information before decryption is generated in the predetermined format, without decrypting the additional information. In this embodiment, the information about the predetermined format is stored in the storage section 32 beforehand.

[0080] Therefore, in the fraud detection process in this embodiment, the information recorded in the second data unit is used to determine whether or not the payment process by the mobile terminal 10 has been completed successfully (whether or not information code C has been used fraudulently).

[0081] In this embodiment, the fraudulent use detection process performed by the control unit 31 of the reading device 20 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the control unit 31 starts the fraudulent use determination process, and when the store information, serial number information, and check digit recorded in the first data section of information code C are decrypted and obtained, and the additional information recorded in the second data section before decryption is obtained (Yes in S107 of Figure 7), the determination process shown in step S123 determines whether the information recorded in the second data section is in a predetermined format.

[0082] Here, if the information code C displayed on the mobile terminal 10 is held over the reader 22, additional information before decryption is obtained from the second data unit, and it is determined that the information recorded in the second data unit (additional information before decryption) is in a predetermined format to be stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S123). In this case, it is determined that the information code C has not been misused even considering the information recorded in the second data unit, and the processing from step S109 onwards is carried out.

[0083] On the other hand, if an information code is forged to encrypt arbitrary information and record it in the second data section, the information recorded in the second data section is determined not to be in the prescribed format (No in S123), so it is determined that the information code is being misused, and the error notification process shown in step S121 is performed.

[0084] As described above, in the reading device 20 and optical information reading system 1 according to this embodiment, the information recorded in the information code C is divided into a first data section in which store information (reading location information) and serial number information (unique information) are recorded, and a second data section in which additional information, which is encrypted to be in a predetermined format, is recorded. Then, in the fraudulent use determination process performed by the control unit 31, if the additional information read from the second data section of the information code is in a different format from the predetermined format (No in S123), it is determined that the information code has been used fraudulently.

[0085] In this way, by using the additional information in the second data section to determine the unauthorized use of information code C, the accuracy of detecting unauthorized use of information code C can be improved. In particular, since the determination criterion is whether or not the additional information is in a predetermined format, and decryption of the additional information is unnecessary, even a reader device 20 that cannot decrypt the predetermined information from the additional information can determine whether or not information code C is being used illegally.

[0086] Furthermore, if the reader 20 can decrypt predetermined information from the additional information, it can also perform other processing using the predetermined information, thereby increasing the convenience of the reader 20 and the optical information reading system 1. For example, by including information related to payment processing in the predetermined information, the reader 20 can be used to confirm the specific details of the payment when necessary. Alternatively, the specific details of the payment can also be confirmed using another reader that can decrypt predetermined information from the additional information.

[0087] As a first modification of this embodiment, assuming that an encryption key for the second data section for decrypting predetermined information from the additional information of the second data section is pre-stored in the storage unit 32, the above-mentioned fraudulent use determination process may use the encryption key for the second data section to decrypt the additional information of the second data section, and if the decryption of the additional information fails, it may be determined that the information code has been misused.

[0088] As a result, a third party who cannot encrypt the above-mentioned predetermined information in a way that allows decryption by the reader 20 cannot forge information code C, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting unauthorized use of information code C.

[0089] As a second modification of this embodiment, the information recorded in the first data section (store information, serial number information, check digit) may be encrypted in a way that allows decryption using an encryption key for the first data section generated based on the additional information stored in the second data section. In such a case, the information recorded in the second data section of information code C can be used to decrypt the information recorded in the first data section.

[0090] As a result, a third party who does not understand that an encryption key to decrypt the information in the first data section is generated from the additional information stored in the second data section cannot forge information code C, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting unauthorized use of information code C. Furthermore, the reader 20 does not need to acquire an encryption key for the first data section in advance to decrypt the information recorded in the first data section, and can change the encryption key for each information code C, thus improving security in detecting unauthorized use of information code C.

[0091] [Third Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device and an optical information reading system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this third embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that information related to the generation date and time of information code C is recorded in information code C. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0092] In this embodiment, information code C is generated after the completion of payment processing using a mobile terminal 10 capable of displaying information code C on its screen. Instead of the store information and serial number information mentioned above, information related to the generation date and time of information code C, specifically the completion time of payment processing using the mobile terminal 10, is recorded as generation date and time information in the information code C received from the server 2.

[0093] Then, in the unauthorized use determination process performed by the control unit 31 of the reading device 20, the generation date and time information read from the information code C that has been determined not to have been used fraudulently is stored in the storage unit 32 each time. If the generation date and time information read from the information code is older than the latest generation date and time information stored in the storage unit 32 (hereinafter also referred to as the latest stored date and time information) by a certain amount of time, it is determined that the information code has been used fraudulently. This is because the generation date and time information stored in an information code that has been copied from an information code C that has already been used will be older than the time of copying, and therefore will definitely be older than the generation date and time information (latest stored date and time information) recorded in another legitimate information code C that was read last time.

[0094] In this embodiment, the fraudulent use detection process performed by the control unit 31 of the reading device 20 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 8. When the control unit 31 starts the unauthorized use detection process, the imaging process shown in step S201 of Figure 8 is performed, and the imaging unit 33 processes to capture the information code held over the reading slot 22. The detection process in step S203 is determined to be No until the information code is captured, and the above imaging process is repeated.

[0095] Then, when the information code is captured (Yes in S203), the decoding process shown in step S205 is performed to decode (decode) the captured information code. The control unit 31 and imaging unit 33 that perform the above-described imaging and decoding processes may correspond to an example of a "reading unit" that optically reads the information code C.

[0096] If the decoding process described above is successful and the generation date and time information is read (Yes in S207), the determination process in step S209 determines whether the read generation date and time information is older than the latest stored date and time information stored in the storage unit 32 by a certain amount of time.

[0097] Here, if legitimate user A holds the information code C, which is received from server 2 and displayed on the screen of mobile terminal 10, over the reader 20, the read generation date and time information will be newer (advancing) than the latest stored date and time information, as illustrated in Figure 9. For this reason, the determination process in step S209 is determined to be No, and the generation date and time information storage process shown in step S211 is performed, and the generation date and time information read as described above is stored in the storage unit 32 as the generation date and time information of information code C that has not been misused. In this case, the read generation date and time information becomes the new latest stored date and time information. Then, the normal notification process shown in step S213 is performed, and, similar to the normal notification process shown in step S117 above, the light-emitting unit 36 ​​and buzzer 37, etc. are used to notify the surroundings at the time of reading that the payment process has been successfully completed on the mobile terminal 10, and this misuse determination process ends.

[0098] Subsequently, even if legitimate user B holds the information code C, which is received from server 2 and displayed on the screen of mobile terminal 10, over the reader 20, the reading generation date and time information will be newer than the latest stored date and time information (the generation date and time information read from the information code C held over by the previous legitimate user A), as illustrated in Figure 9. In this case as well, the determination process in step S209 will be determined to be No, and the processing from step S211 onwards will be carried out.

[0099] On the other hand, if an unauthorized user C holds an information code that is a copy of an information code C that has already been used over the reader 20, as illustrated in Figure 9, the read generation date and time information will be older than the latest stored date and time information (the generation date and time information read from the information code C held over by the previous legitimate user B). In this case, the determination process in step S209 is determined to be Yes, and the error notification process shown in step S215 is performed. Similar to the error notification process shown in step S121 above, the light-emitting unit 36 ​​and buzzer 37, etc. are used to notify the surroundings at the time of reading that the payment process has not been completed successfully by the mobile terminal 10. This makes it possible to determine and notify the surroundings of the unauthorized use of the information code at the time of reading.

[0100] As described above, in the reading device 20 and optical information reading system 1 according to this embodiment, information related to the generation date and time of the information code C is recorded as generation date and time information in the information code C, and the storage unit 32 stores the generation date and time information read from the information code C that has been determined not to be misused. If the generation date and time information read from the information code is older than the latest generation date and time information (latest stored date and time information) stored in the storage unit 32 by a certain amount of time (Yes in S209), it is determined that the information code has been misused.

[0101] As a result, the generation date and time information of the legitimate information code C read immediately before by the reader 20 is stored in the storage unit 32 as the latest generation date and time information. If an information code C that has already been used is duplicated or otherwise misused, the generation date and time information of that information code will definitely become outdated compared to the latest generation date and time information stored in the storage unit 32. Therefore, when the generation date and time information read from a duplicated information code becomes outdated by a certain amount of time compared to the latest generation date and time information stored in the storage unit 32, misuse can be reported at the time the information code is read. In this way, the reader 20 can determine whether or not the read information code has been misused by using the reading result of the reader unit and the information stored in the storage unit 32, without receiving judgment information from the server 2 or the like. In particular, since the reader 20 does not keep time, timing errors in the reader 20 are not a problem even when making a judgment using date and time information. Therefore, it is possible to realize a reader 20 that can determine the misuse of information code C at the time of reading without being connected to a network.

[0102] As a first modification of this embodiment, the information code C may further record the store information (reading location information) described in the first embodiment, and the storage unit 32 may pre-store installation location information in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this case, the fraudulent use determination process can determine that the information code C is being used fraudulently if the store information read from the information code C is not deemed to match the installation location information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0103] As a result, information code C that is permitted for use at that store, i.e., information code C that records store information considered to match the installation location information, will not be detected as unauthorized use when read, while information code C that is not permitted for use at that store, i.e., information code C that records store information not considered to match the installation location information, will be detected as unauthorized use when read. In this way, by considering location information in addition to date and time information, the accuracy of detecting unauthorized use of information code C can be improved.

[0104] As a second modification of this embodiment, the information code C may further record the sequential number information (unique information) described in the first embodiment, and the storage unit 32 may sequentially store the sequential number information read from the information code C that has been determined not to be misused, similar to the first embodiment. In this case, the misuse determination process can determine that the information code C is being misused if the sequential number information read from the information code C is already stored in the storage unit 32.

[0105] As a result, if someone tries to illegally use an already used information code C by copying it or otherwise, the sequential number information of that information code C is stored in the storage unit 32, so the system can notify the system of the illegal use when reading the information code. By considering the sequential number information of information code C in addition to the date and time information in this way, the accuracy of detecting the illegal use of information code C can be improved.

[0106] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this fourth embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that entry and exit in a predetermined monitoring area are monitored using an entry information code generated upon entry and an exit information code generated upon exit. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0107] The optical information reading system 1a according to this embodiment is configured to monitor entry and exit by having a reader 20 read an entry information code (hereinafter also referred to as entry code C1) displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal 10 when entering a predetermined monitoring area, for example, an entertainment facility such as a public bathhouse, and then having the reader 20 read an exit information code (hereinafter also referred to as exit code C2) displayed on the screen of the same mobile terminal 10 when leaving, and using the reading results at the time of entry and exit.

[0108] The mobile terminal 10 according to this embodiment is a portable information processing terminal having the same functions as the mobile terminal 10 described in the first embodiment, and is configured with an application program (hereinafter also referred to as the entry / exit code display application) installed for displaying the entry code C1 and exit code C2 on the screen. In addition, the storage unit 12 has a terminal ID for identifying the mobile terminal 10 stored in advance.

[0109] With this mobile terminal 10, when entering, the user launches the above-mentioned entry / exit code display application and performs the entry procedure, which causes the control unit 11 to perform an entry code generation process. In this entry code generation process, an entry code C1 is generated, which records information indicating entry and the terminal ID stored in the storage unit 12. This entry code C1 is then displayed on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds). At that time, the time when the entry code C1 was generated is stored in the storage unit 12 as entry code generation time information.

[0110] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 10 is exiting, the user launches the entry / exit code display application and performs an exit operation, which causes the control unit 11 to perform an exit code generation process. In this exit code generation process, an exit code C2 is generated, which records information indicating exit, a terminal ID stored in the storage unit 12, and terminal-side elapsed time, which is the elapsed time from the entry code generation time stored in the storage unit 12. This exit code C2 is then displayed on the display screen 14a of the display unit 14 for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds). The exit code C2 is updated and displayed at the aforementioned time intervals. After the aforementioned time interval has elapsed, a new exit code C2 is generated with a terminal-side elapsed time that is longer than the previous display by the aforementioned time interval, and this new exit code C2 is displayed on the display screen 14a for the aforementioned time interval. The control unit 11 that performs the entry code generation process and the exit code generation process may correspond to an example of an "information code generation unit".

[0111] Then, when the reader 20 reads an entry code C1 that records information indicating entry, information regarding the time the entry code C1 was read is stored in the storage unit 32 as entry time information, associated with the terminal ID recorded in the entry code C1.

[0112] Subsequently, when the reader 20 reads the exit code C2, which contains information indicating exit, the control unit 31 starts the fraudulent use determination process. Based on the time difference between the elapsed time from the entry time information stored in the storage unit 32 associated with the terminal ID read from the exit code C2 and the terminal-side elapsed time information read from the exit code C2, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the exit code C2 has been used fraudulently. The control unit 31 that performs the fraudulent use determination process described above may correspond to an example of a "determination unit".

[0113] In the optical information reading system 1a of this embodiment, the processes performed by the mobile terminal 10 and the reading device 20 during entry and exit will be described in detail below with reference to the time chart illustrated in Figure 10. When a legitimate user enters, they launch the entry / exit code display application on their mobile device 10 and perform the entry procedure. As illustrated in Figure 10, the entry code C1 is displayed on the display screen 14a from time t1 to time t3. At this time, time t1 is stored in the storage unit 12 as the entry code generation time. The reader 20 that reads this entry code C1 stores time t2, which is between time t1 and time t3, in the storage unit 32 as entry time information, associated with the terminal ID recorded in the entry code C1.

[0114] Subsequently, when a regular user leaves, they launch the entry / exit code display application on their mobile device 10 and perform the exit operation. As a result, the terminal-side elapsed time ΔT1, which is the elapsed time from time t1 (time t4 - time t1) stored in the memory unit 12 as the entry code generation time, along with exit information and the terminal ID, are recorded in the exit code C2, which is displayed on the display screen 14a from time t4 to time t6.

[0115] At time t5, which falls between time t4 and time t6, the reader 20 reads the exit code C2 and determines that the exit code C2 has not been misused if the time difference between the elapsed time ΔT2 from the entry time information (time t2) stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the terminal ID read from the exit code C2 and the terminal-side elapsed time ΔT1 read from the exit code C2 does not exceed a certain time.

[0116] Here, since the mobile terminal 10 cannot determine when the entry code C1 and exit code C2 are read by the reader 20, the above-mentioned fixed time is set based on the sum of the display interval of the entry code C1 (from time t1 to time t3) and the update interval of the exit code C2 (from time t4 to time t6). For example, if the entry code C1 is displayed for 30 seconds, the entry code C1 must have been read at some point during the display period, and the elapsed time ΔT2 measured by the reader 20 will have an error of up to 30 seconds compared to the actual time the entry code C1 was read. Also, regarding the update interval of the exit code C2, for example, if it is updated once every 10 seconds, the terminal-side elapsed time ΔT1 recorded in the exit code C2 will have an error of up to 10 seconds.

[0117] To give a specific example, if the entry time t1 is "2021 / 12 / 22 16:22:05", time t3 is "2021 / 12 / 22 16:22:35", time t2 is "2021 / 12 / 22 16:22:30", and the exit time t4 is "2021 / 12 / 22 16:32:10", time t5 is "2021 / 12 / 22 16:32:30", then the exit code C2 will record "10m5s" as the terminal-side elapsed time ΔT1, and the elapsed time ΔT2 from the entry time information (time t2) will be calculated as "10m0s". Therefore, since the time difference between the elapsed time ΔT2 from the entry time information and the terminal-side elapsed time ΔT1 is small and does not exceed a certain amount of time, it will be determined that the exit code C2 has not been misused.

[0118] On the other hand, if an unauthorized user enters or exits by having the reader 20 read a copy of the entry code C1 and exit code C2, the elapsed time ΔT2 measured by the reader 20 when the exit code C2 is read and the elapsed time ΔT1 on the terminal side read from the exit code C2 will diverge significantly, and the time difference between the two will exceed a certain amount of time, so it can be determined that the exit code C2 has been misused. When such a determination is made, the error notification process described above can be performed to detect the misuse of the exit code C2 at the time of reading and notify those around.

[0119] As described above, in the optical information reading system 1a according to this embodiment, entry and exit to a predetermined monitoring area are monitored according to the reading result obtained by reading the information code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 10 with a reader device 20 installed in a predetermined monitoring area. When entering, the mobile terminal 10 generates an entry code C1 which contains at least information indicating entry and a terminal ID for identifying the mobile terminal 10. When leaving, it generates an exit code C2 which contains at least information indicating exit, a terminal ID, and terminal-side elapsed time information which is the elapsed time since the generation of the entry code C1. The information codes thus generated are displayed on the screen of the display unit 14. In the reader device 20, information regarding the time when the entry code C1 was read is stored in the storage unit 32 as entry time information associated with the terminal ID. If the time difference between the elapsed time from the entry time information stored in the storage unit 32 associated with the terminal ID read from the exit code C2 and the terminal-side elapsed time information read from the exit code C2 exceeds a certain time, it is determined that the exit code C2 has been misused.

[0120] As a result, the reader 20 can determine whether the read exit code C2 has been misused by reading the entry code C1 and using the entry time information stored in the memory unit 32 and the terminal-side elapsed time information read from the exit code C2, without receiving any judgment information from the server 2 or the like. Therefore, it is possible to realize a reader 20 that can determine whether an information code has been misused at the time of reading without being connected to a network.

[0121] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this fifth embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that even when reading an information code in which sequential number information has already been stored in the storage unit 32, normal notification is performed under predetermined conditions. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] In the fraudulent use determination process in the first embodiment described above, if the sequential number information read from information code C is already stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S113 in Figure 5), and if the sequential number information matches the latest sequential number information stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S119), it is determined that information code C has not been fraudulently used. If the sequential number information does not match the latest sequential number information stored in the storage unit 32 (No in S119), it is determined that information code C has been fraudulently used.

[0123] When information code C is read twice in a row, it is necessary to prevent the system from reporting a result indicating misuse because the read sequential number information is already stored in the storage unit 32. For this reason, in the first embodiment described above, if the sequential number information read from information code C is already stored in the storage unit 32, and this sequential number information matches the latest sequential number information stored in the storage unit 32, the system determines that information code C has not been misused, thus resolving the problem of double reading.

[0124] Furthermore, in the unauthorized use determination process in the modified version of the first embodiment described above, if the sequential number information read from information code C is already stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes in S113 of Figure 6), and the elapsed time since the sequential number information was stored in the storage unit 32 (the elapsed time since the acquisition time associated with the sequential number information and stored in the storage unit 32) is within a predetermined allowable time (Yes in S119a), it is determined that information code C has not been used unauthorizedly. If the elapsed time since the sequential number information was stored in the storage unit 32 is not within the predetermined allowable time (Yes in S119), it is determined that information code C has been used unauthorizedly. This also resolves the problem of double reading.

[0125] In contrast, the fraudulent use detection process in this embodiment is characterized by issuing a normal notification each time, even when it is determined that the same information code C has been read multiple times in a short period of time (for example, when it has been read twice), in order to confirm that the information code C has not been fraudulently detected and to read it again. Even in this case, it is necessary to prevent the detection result of fraudulent use from being reported (error notification) because the read sequential number information has already been stored in the storage unit 32.

[0126] Therefore, in the fraudulent use detection process in this embodiment, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 11, if the sequential number information read from information code C is already stored in the storage unit 32 and matches the latest sequential number information (i.e., the last stored sequential number information) (Yes in S113, Yes in S119), and the elapsed time since the sequential number information was stored in the storage unit 32 (the elapsed time since the acquisition time associated with the sequential number information and stored in the storage unit 32) is within a predetermined allowable time (Yes in S119a), then it is determined that information code C has not been fraudulently used, and the normal notification process in step S117 is performed. As a result, even if the normally notified information code C is read several times, normal notification can be performed each time.

[0127] Furthermore, the determination process in step S119a is not limited to determining whether the elapsed time since the same sequential number information was stored in the storage unit 32 is within a predetermined allowable time, but may also determine whether the elapsed time since the latest sequential number information, including both the same and different sequential number information, was stored in the storage unit 32 is within a predetermined allowable time. In addition, in the fraudulent use determination process in the first embodiment, if the determination process in step S119 is determined to be Yes, the normal notification process in step S117 may be performed.

[0128] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which enables normal notification under predetermined conditions even when reading information code C in which sequential number information is already stored in the storage unit 32 (i.e., when a double reading occurs), can be applied to other embodiments as well.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be further embodied as follows, for example. (1) The present invention is not limited to being used in an optical information reading device and optical information reading system for determining whether an information code C displayed on a mobile terminal 10 after payment processing at a self-checkout counter has been misused, but may also be used in an optical information reading device and optical information reading system for determining whether an information code C displayed on a mobile terminal 10 after payment processing for facility admission fees, etc. Furthermore, the present invention may also be used in an optical information reading device and optical information reading system for determining whether an information code C displayed in response to processing other than payment, such as processing when entering a security area.

[0130] (2) In the first embodiment described above, if the installation location of the reader 20 is changed to another store, the store information stored in the storage unit 32 may be changed according to the reading result by having the reader 20 read an information code for changing the store information (reading location information), and all sequential number information (unique information) stored in the storage unit may be deleted. As a result, when the reader 20 is moved to another store, the store information is updated and all sequential number information read at the previous store is deleted simply by having the reader 20 read an information code for changing the store information to that other store. For this reason, the installation location of the reader 20 can be easily changed.

[0131] (3) In the fraud detection process described above, the detection method may be changed according to the reading result of reading a predetermined information code for changing the detection method in each detection process. For example, when changing the calculation method of the check digit on server 2, the detection method for the check digit is automatically changed by having the reader 20 read a predetermined information code for reflecting the change in the calculation method. This makes it easy to change the various detection methods in the fraud detection process according to the usage environment of the reader 20, thereby increasing the convenience of the reader 20.

[0132] (4) In the third embodiment described above, the information relating to the fixed time that serves as the criterion for judgment in step S209 may be stored in the storage unit 32 in a manner that can be changed according to the reading result obtained by imaging a predetermined information code for changing the fixed time with the imaging unit 33. This makes it possible to easily change the fixed time that serves as the criterion for judgment according to the usage environment of the reading device 20, thereby improving the convenience of the reading device 20 and the optical information reading system 1. Similarly, information relating to other time criteria may also be changed according to the reading result of a predetermined information code.

[0133] 1,1a…Optical information reading system 2… Server 10… Mobile devices 11...Control Unit (Information Code Generation Unit) 14...Display section 20…Reading device (optical information reading device) 31...Control unit (reading unit, determination unit) 32...Storage section 33…Imaging unit (reading unit) 34…Display unit (Notification unit) 36…Light-emitting unit (notification unit) 37... Buzzer (News Department) C... Information Code C1…Entry code (information code for entry) C2... Exit code (information code for exit)

Claims

1. A reading unit that optically reads information codes, A determination unit that determines whether the information code read by the reading unit is being misused, A notification unit capable of notifying information regarding the determination result by the determination unit, An optical information reading device comprising, The aforementioned information code records at least reading location information and unique information. The optical information reading device is further provided with a storage unit that stores in advance information about the location where the optical information reading device is installed as installation location information, and sequentially stores the unique information read from the information code that has been determined by the determination unit not to be misused. The optical information reading device is characterized in that the determination unit determines that the information code is being misused if the reading location information read from the information code by the reading unit is not deemed to match the installation location information stored in the storage unit, or if the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit.

2. The information code further records a check digit generated based on at least the reading location information and the unique information. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the determination unit determines whether or not the information code is being misused based on the check digit read from the information code by the reading unit.

3. The information recorded in the information code is divided into a first data section in which the reading location information and the unique information are recorded, and a second data section in which additional information is recorded, which is the information encrypted to be in a predetermined format. The optical information reading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination unit determines that the information code is being misused when the additional information read from the second data portion of the information code by the reading unit differs from the predetermined format.

4. The information recorded in the information code is divided into a first data section in which the reading location information and the unique information are recorded, and a second data section in which additional information, which is encrypted predetermined information, is recorded. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines that the information code is being misused when the decryption of the additional information fails.

5. The optical information reading device according to claim 3, characterized in that the information recorded in the first data section is encrypted so as to be decryptable using an encryption key generated based on the additional information.

6. The aforementioned information code is generated when the payment process is completed on a mobile device capable of displaying the information code on its screen. The optical information reading device according to claim 3, characterized in that the predetermined information includes information related to the settlement process.

7. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that when an information code for changing the reading location information is read by the reading unit, the reading location information stored in the storage unit is changed according to the reading result of the reading unit, and all of the unique information stored in the storage unit is deleted.

8. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination method by the determination unit is changed according to the reading result obtained by reading an information code for changing the determination method by the determination unit by the reading unit.

9. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, A mobile terminal capable of displaying the aforementioned information code on its screen, Server and An optical information reading system comprising, The server transmits the information code generated in response to the request from the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal. The aforementioned mobile terminal is characterized by displaying the information code received from the server on its screen in order to allow the optical information reading device to read it, thus forming an optical information reading system.

10. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit, the determination unit determines that the information code has not been misused if the unique information matches the latest unique information stored in the storage unit, and determines that the information code has been misused if the unique information does not match the latest unique information stored in the storage unit.

11. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines that the information code has not been misused if the time elapsed since the unique information read from the information code by the reading unit is already stored in the storage unit, and determines that the information code has been misused if the time elapsed since the unique information was stored in the storage unit is not within the predetermined allowable time.

Images