Printed materials and the arrangements used for proof of their use.

Abstract

To provide a printed matter capable of providing a reliable proof of use.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a printed matter consisting of a medium printed in advance in a predesignated manner, where the medium is provided with unique identification information assigned to each printed matter and a two-dimensional code storing arbitrary character string information, and has a cutting line for cutting the medium to divide the two-dimensional code.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to printed matter such as gift certificates and tickets, and an arrangement used for proving its use.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been used to impart added value (hereinafter also referred to as "digital value") to used, i.e., invalidated, gift certificates and tickets.

[0003] This makes it possible to provide digital value to users. For example, when this technology is applied to concert tickets, bonus points, premium presents, etc. can be given to ticket purchasers after ticket use.

[0004] In order to reliably give this type of bonus points to ticket purchasers, it is necessary to apply a technology with an authenticity determination function that can reliably prove that the ticket is an invalidated one.

[0005] This is because if authenticity cannot be determined, a malicious person can fake that the ticket is invalidated when it is not, receive digital value fraudulently, and also receive digital value even after it has actually been invalidated, enabling illegal multiple receipt.

[0006] As a prior art regarding proof of this type of ticket invalidation, there is Cited Document 1.

[0007] In Cited Document 1, barcodes are printed separately on the main ticket part and the half-ticket part, and when the split barcode printed on the main ticket part and the split barcode printed on the half-ticket part are physically connected, the barcode is completed and the barcode information can be read. A technology is disclosed.

[0008] According to this technology, in an unused ticket, the split barcode printed on the main ticket portion and the split barcode printed on the stub portion cannot be physically linked. Therefore, if the barcode information is read correctly, it can be determined that the ticket has been used. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-31364 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, this conventional technology cannot prevent unauthorized reading.

[0011] For example, if you copy an unused ticket and then physically connect the two split barcodes using the copied ticket, you can read the barcode information even if the ticket remains unused.

[0012] Thus, with conventional technology, reliable proof of use cannot be obtained, and there is a risk that barcodes may be illegally read through counterfeit means, such as copied tickets, and that digital value may be illegally acquired.

[0013] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a printed material that can reliably prove its use, and an arrangement used for that proof of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

[0015] A first aspect of the present invention is a printed material comprising a pre-printed medium, wherein a two-dimensional code containing unique identification information assigned to each printed material and arbitrary string information is arranged on the medium, and cutting lines for cutting the medium are provided to divide the two-dimensional code.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention is a printed document of the first aspect, wherein the string information consists of a random combination of at least one of numbers, letters, and symbols.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention is a printed material of the first aspect, wherein the predetermined printing is performed using special inks or platemaking.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a configuration body provided with a first configuration location and a second configuration location for arranging a first portion and a second portion separated from a printed material by cutting the printed material along a cutting line according to the first aspect.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an arrangement of the fourth aspect, wherein an isolation region is provided between the first arrangement location and the second arrangement location to isolate the first arrangement location and the second arrangement location.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an arrangement of the fifth aspect, wherein the isolated area is colored with a color not used in the two-dimensional code.

[0021] A seventh aspect of the present invention is an arrangement of the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the shape of the isolation area is rectangular.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the present invention is an arrangement of the seventh aspect, wherein the isolation distance separating the first arrangement location and the second arrangement location of the isolation area is determined according to the error correction level of the two-dimensional code.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present invention is an arrangement according to the eighth aspect, wherein the error correction level is Q or higher, and the isolation distance is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0024] The tenth aspect of the present invention is an arrangement according to the seventh aspect, in which, among the first side and the second side that are two sides extending in a direction orthogonal to the isolation direction for isolating the first placement location and the second placement location of the isolation region, the first portion is arranged at the first placement location such that the side cut along the cutting line is overlapped with the first side, and the second portion is arranged at the second placement location such that the side cut along the cutting line is overlapped with the second side.

[0025] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is an arrangement according to the seventh aspect, in which corner bumps are respectively arranged at four corners of the isolation region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printed matter for which reliable usage proof is possible and an arrangement used for such usage proof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a printed matter according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an authenticity determination device to which the authenticity determination method according to the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic circuit configuration of an image recognition server. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a flowchart (1 / 2) showing an example of the operation of the authenticity determination device according to the present embodiment. [[ID=-34]] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a flowchart (2 / 2) showing an example of the operation of the authenticity determination device according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the sizes of the parts, etc., are not necessarily the same as those of reality. Furthermore, even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may be represented differently in the drawings. In this specification and each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are the same as those described above with respect to previously shown drawings, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0029] (Printed material) First, a printed material according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an example of a printed material according to this embodiment.

[0031] The printed material 10 according to this embodiment consists of a medium 11 on which a predetermined print 12 has been made. The printed material 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is an example of a gift card worth ¥10,000, but the printed material 10 is not limited to a gift card and can also be, for example, a ticket for a concert or event.

[0032] Printed material 10 also includes advertisements for digital value, such as bonus points, and instructions on how to apply for these digital values ​​after using printed material 10. Alternatively, this advertisement and instructions may be provided via a dedicated URL on the web instead of being printed on printed material 10.

[0033] The medium 11 is preferably paper, and can be, for example, high-quality paper, OCR paper, or coated paper. Holograms or special materials may be embedded in the paper.

[0034] Furthermore, the medium 11 is not limited to paper, but can also be plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or oriented polypropylene (OPP).

[0035] The print 12 can be a picture or image formed by special inks or plate making, but it must be readable by a smartphone camera. The printing method can be offset, gravure, flexographic, silkscreen, etc., and can also be done using an inkjet, thermal transfer, or laser printer. The print 12 can cover the entire surface or a portion of the medium 11.

[0036] Although Figure 1 shows an example where printing 12 is done on the front side of the printed material 10, printing 12 may also be done on the back side of the printed material 10.

[0037] A two-dimensional code 13 is placed on the medium 11. A QR code (registered trademark) is preferred as the two-dimensional code 13. Therefore, the following explanation will describe the case where a QR code is used as the two-dimensional code 13.

[0038] QR codes should ideally be at least 10mm x 10mm in size, version 4 or higher, and error correction level Q or higher. Furthermore, each QR code stores unique identification information N assigned to every 10 printed items, and arbitrary string information R, which is difficult to guess due to the random combination of numbers, letters, and symbols, resulting in a mix of letters, numbers, etc. The unique identification information N can be a ticket number or a management number. Additionally, a URL address can be added to the string information R.

[0039] The medium 11 is further provided with cutting lines 14 for cutting the medium 11, such that the two-dimensional code 13 is divided. The cutting lines 14 can be formed with perforations, for example, where the ratio of perforated portion to non-perforated portion is 3:1, and the lengths of the perforated portion to non-perforated portion are, for example, 1.5 mm:0.5 mm.

[0040] The paper weight will be 70kg to 135kg for the 4x6 size. This weight will allow the user who is applying for the digital value (for example, the owner of the printed material 10) to properly cut the paper along the cutting line 14 without damaging the 2D code 13.

[0041] The printed material 10 is cut along the cutting line 14 when it is used (for example, when entering the event venue if the printed material 10 is an event ticket). This separates the printed material 10 into the main ticket portion (first part) 10A and the stub portion (second part) 10B. Accordingly, the two-dimensional code 13 is also divided into two parts: a two-dimensional code piece 13A on the main ticket portion 10A side and a two-dimensional code piece 13B on the stub portion 10B side. The printing 12 is done on both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B.

[0042] (arranged body) Next, an arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0043] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement according to this embodiment.

[0044] The instructions for the digital value application method, provided by printing on printed material 10 or by posting on the web, instruct users to take an image of the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B placed in the designated locations on the placement unit 20, and to send the image data to the designated destination. Thus, since the placement unit 20 is used for authenticating used printed material 10, it can be considered part of the authenticity determination device 30 shown in Figure 3, which will be described later.

[0045] The display unit 20 can be a base made of paper material 21, but it does not necessarily have to be paper material 21; it may also be made of plastic. Furthermore, a flat surface such as a desk or a building wall can be used as the display unit 20. It also does not necessarily have to be tangible; it can be implemented using a screen displayed on a PC, tablet, or smartphone.

[0046] The arrangement body 20 is provided with an arrangement space 22A for arranging the main ticket portion 10A, an arrangement space 22B for arranging the stub portion 10B, and an isolation area 23 provided between the arrangement space 22A and the arrangement space 22B to separate the arrangement space 22A and the arrangement space 22B.

[0047] The isolation area 23 is rectangular in shape, and physically separates placement location 22A from placement location 22B by an isolation distance t, which is the length of the shorter side. In addition, corner registration marks 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, for example printed in black, are placed at each of the four corners of the isolation area 23.

[0048] The length of the isolation distance t is determined according to the error correction level of the 2D code 13. For example, if the version of the 2D code 13 is 4 or higher and the error correction level is Q or higher, setting the isolation distance t to 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less will divide the 2D code 13, and even if the 2D code piece 13A and the 2D code piece 13B are separated by an isolation distance t, the error correction capability of the error correction level Q or higher will allow the identification information N and string information R stored in the 2D code 13 to be read.

[0049] The isolated area 23 is colored with a color not used in the 2D code 13. For example, if the 2D code 13 is implemented using a combination of black and white, the isolated area 23 can be colored red. The color of the areas of the arrangement body 20 other than the isolated area 23 is different from that of the isolated area 23, and it is preferable that they have a white background so as not to reduce the visibility of the corner marks 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, which are preferably black.

[0050] In the digital value application method, which is done by printing on printed material 10 or by making an announcement on the web, it is instructed to place the main ticket portion 10A at placement location 22A so that the edge cut along the cutting line 14 of the main ticket portion 10A overlaps with the edge 24a-24c between the corner crop marks 24a and 24c, and to place the half ticket portion 10B at placement location 22B so that the edge cut along the cutting line 14 of the half ticket portion 10B overlaps with the edge 24b-24d between the corner crop marks 24b and 24d.

[0051] The placement body 20 ensures that, through the placement of corner marks 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d and the coloring of the isolation area 23, the user can reliably place the main ticket portion 10A at placement location 22A so that the edges 24a-24c overlap with the edges cut along the cutting line 14 of the main ticket portion 10A, and place the half ticket portion 10B at placement location 22B so that the edges 24b-24d overlap with the edges cut along the cutting line 14 of the half ticket portion 10B.

[0052] (Authenticity determination device and authenticity determination method) Next, an authenticity determination device and authenticity determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0053] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an authenticity determination device to which the authenticity determination method according to this embodiment is applied.

[0054] The authenticity determination device 30 is a device for determining whether an application for digital value has been made correctly using printed materials 10 such as used gift certificates or tickets, and is implemented by an image recognition server 40 and an imaging unit 49. As mentioned above, the arrangement 20 may also be considered as part of the authenticity determination device 30.

[0055] The imaging unit 49 can be implemented using a camera built into a communication terminal 60 such as a smartphone or tablet, as illustrated in Figure 3. This allows the user to, for example, use their smartphone to capture an image of the arrangement 20 with the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B arranged on it, and then use the smartphone's communication function to transmit the captured image data A to the image recognition server 40, which is the destination specified in the digital value application method, via a communication network 70 such as the internet.

[0056] In Figure 3, only a simplified configuration of the image recognition server 40 is shown, which includes only the communication unit 43, determination unit 51, registration unit 52, and storage device 46.

[0057] The communication unit 43 can communicate with the communication terminal 60 via the communication network 70. Therefore, the communication unit 43 can receive image data A transmitted from the communication terminal 60 by the user. It can also obtain individual user information from the source of the image data A.

[0058] The determination unit 51 determines whether or not the image data A is genuine by performing image processing on the image data A.

[0059] The registration unit 52 registers the combination of identification information N and string information R stored in the two-dimensional code 13 of the image data A, which has been determined to be authentic by the determination unit 51, into the database 46a of the storage device 46.

[0060] The details of the configuration of this image recognition server 40 will be explained using Figure 4.

[0061] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic circuit configuration of an image recognition server.

[0062] The image recognition server 40 comprises a CPU 42, a communication unit 43, a recording medium reading unit 44, a storage device 46, a display screen 47, an input unit 48, and memory 50. These are connected to each other by a bus 41. Such an image recognition server 40 can be implemented not only by a single server, but also by multiple servers with distributed functionality, similar to a cloud.

[0063] The display screen 47 is not limited to any particular type of display, but it can be a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0064] The input unit 48 may include, but is not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, and a scanner. It may also include a microphone for receiving audio input.

[0065] Memory 50 stores the determination program 51 and the registration program 52. The determination program 51 implements the determination unit 51 described above, and the registration program 52 implements the registration unit 52 described above.

[0066] These programs 51-52 may be pre-stored in memory 50, or they may be read into memory 50 from an external recording medium 45 such as a memory card via the recording medium reading unit 44. These programs 51-52 are designed to be unrewritable.

[0067] In addition to these non-rewritable areas, memory 50 also includes a writable data area 59 for storing rewritable data.

[0068] The storage device 46 consists of, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores the database 46a.

[0069] The communication unit 43 receives image data A transmitted from the communication terminal 60. It can also obtain user-specific information from the source of image data A. Then, it outputs image data A and user-specific information to the memory 50.

[0070] The CPU 42 is a computer that controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the programs 51 to 52 stored in the memory 50, and the software and hardware work together as described below.

[0071] As described above, the determination program 51 implements the determination unit 51 shown in Figure 3 and determines whether the image data A output from the communication unit 43 to the memory 50 is genuine or not.

[0072] Specifically, the determination program 51 first performs image recognition on the image data A to determine whether or not the pre-specified printing 12 has been applied to both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B (first determination).

[0073] For image recognition, AI-based pattern matching can be used. In addition, to detect if copies of the 2D code piece 13A and / or 2D code piece 13B have been fraudulently created by cutting and pasting, the image recognition also measures the size ratio of the 2D code 13 on the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B.

[0074] In this manner, the judgment program 51 performs the first judgment described above on both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B. For certainty, it is preferable to perform the first judgment on both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B two or more times. If the judgment result for both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B is positive, the program determines that there is a possibility that the image data A is genuine and performs the second judgment described later. On the other hand, if the judgment result for at least one of the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B is negative, the program determines that the application is fraudulent, rejects the digital value application, and terminates the judgment.

[0075] In the second determination, the determination program 51 determines from the image data A whether the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B are placed in the designated locations on the placement body 20, that is, whether the main ticket portion 10A is correctly placed in placement location 22A and the stub portion 10B is correctly placed in placement location 22B (second determination).

[0076] The second determination method is not particularly limited, but can be performed by image processing of image data A. That is, if the image processing confirms the existence of an isolation region 23 with a width t (± predetermined error) between the two-dimensional code piece 13A and the two-dimensional code piece 13B, it can be determined that the placement is correct; otherwise, it can be determined that the placement is incorrect. As mentioned above, the isolation region 23 is colored with a different color from the two-dimensional code 13, so it is easy to recognize the isolation region 23 by image processing. The predetermined error is set to an appropriate value considering the manufacturing error of the placement body 20 and the user's placement error of the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B on the placement body 20.

[0077] Furthermore, if the 2D code 13 is square, like a QR code, the combined area of ​​the isolated region 23 and the 2D code pieces 13A and 13B placed on either side of it will not have a 1:1 aspect ratio. Therefore, for example, if the combined area of ​​the isolated region 23 and the 2D code pieces 13A and 13B placed on either side of it has a 1:1 aspect ratio, it can be determined that the code is not correctly positioned.

[0078] In this way, the judgment program 51 performs the second judgment described above. If the judgment result is positive, it determines that image data A may be genuine and performs the third judgment described later. On the other hand, if the judgment result is negative, it determines that the application is fraudulent, rejects the digital value application, and terminates the judgment.

[0079] Furthermore, the first and second judgments may be performed in reverse order; that is, the second judgment is performed first, and if the result is negative, the application is deemed fraudulent, the digital value application is rejected, and the judgment is terminated. On the other hand, if the result is positive, the first judgment is performed next, and if the result is negative, the application is deemed fraudulent, the digital value application is rejected, and the judgment is terminated. On the other hand, if the result is positive, the third judgment, as described later, may be performed.

[0080] In the third determination, the determination program 51 reads the identification information N and string information R stored in the two-dimensional code 13 from the image data A. The two-dimensional code 13 is divided into two parts, two-dimensional code piece 13A and two-dimensional code piece 13B, and is placed on the arrangement body 20 separated by an isolation distance t. For example, by setting the version of the two-dimensional code 13 to 4 or higher, the error correction level to Q or higher, and the isolation distance t to 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, the error correction capability of the two-dimensional code 13 allows the identification information N and string information R stored in the two-dimensional code 13 to be read even from the isolated two-dimensional code piece 13A and two-dimensional code piece 13B.

[0081] The determination program 51 decodes the read identification information N and string information R. If the decoding is successful, the determination program 51 accesses the database 46a in the storage device 46 and checks whether the decoded combination of identification information N and string information R is registered in the database 46a.

[0082] Database 46a contains combinations of identification information N and string information R that were previously determined to be authentic by the judgment program 51.

[0083] Therefore, if the combination of identification information N and string information R read in the third determination is not registered in database 46a, then this combination is being read for the first time, and the determination program 51 determines that image data A is authentic and accepts the digital value application.

[0084] The registration program 52 registers the combination of identification information N and string information R read from image data A, which has been determined to be authentic by the determination program 51, into the database 46a of the storage device 46.

[0085] On the other hand, if the combination of identification information N and string information R read in the third determination is already registered in database 46a, then it means that a digital value application has been made again using the same image data A. Since this is an invalid digital value application, the determination program 51 rejects this digital value application and terminates the determination.

[0086] If the judgment program 51 accepts the digital value application, the applicant user is awarded points equivalent to the digital value. The points are awarded by a user management server (not shown) that manages user information, separate from the image recognition server. Alternatively, the awarding may be performed by the image recognition server 40 instead of a separate user management server. If the awarding is performed by the image recognition server 40, the point awarding function can be assigned to the registration program 52, and when the registration program 52 registers the combination of identification information N and string information R in the database 46a of the storage device 46, it can also register the points in association with the individual user information. As mentioned above, the individual user information is transmitted from the communication unit 43 to the memory 50.

[0087] Next, the flow of the authenticity determination method according to this embodiment will be explained using a flowchart that shows an example of the operation of the authenticity determination device 50.

[0088] Figures 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing examples of operation of the authenticity determination device according to this embodiment.

[0089] After using a gift card or ticket, the user can use the used gift card or ticket printout 10 to apply for digital value such as bonus points. To apply for this, the user cuts the used gift card or ticket printout 10 along the perforated cutting line 14. This separates the printout 10 into the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B, and the 2D code 13 is also divided into two parts: 2D code piece 13A and 2D code piece 13B (S1).

[0090] To apply for digital value, the user must place the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B in the designated locations on the display unit 20, take an image of the arrangement, and send it to the specified address, in accordance with the application method printed on the printed document 10 or announced on a dedicated URL on the web.

[0091] This application method instructs that the main ticket portion 10A be placed at placement location 22A so that the edge cut along the cutting line 14 of the main ticket portion 10A overlaps with the edge 24a-24c between the corner marks 24a and 24c of the placement body 20, and that the half ticket portion 10B be placed at placement location 22B so that the edge cut along the cutting line 14 of the half ticket portion 10B overlaps with the edge 24b-24d between the corner marks 24b and 24d.

[0092] The isolation area 23 of the placement body 20 is colored with a color not used in the 2D code 13, such as red, and the corner registration marks 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are clearly printed on the placement body 20, for example in black. The user then places the main ticket portion 10A at placement location 22A so that the edges cut along the cutting line 14 of the main ticket portion 10A overlap with the edges 24a-24c, and places the half ticket portion 10B at placement location 22B so that the edges cut along the cutting line 14 of the half ticket portion 10B overlap with the edges 24b-24d. This ensures that the main ticket portion 10A and the half ticket portion 10B are placed in the designated locations on the placement body 20 (S2).

[0093] Next, the user takes an image of the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B arranged in the designated locations on the assembly 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "application image") using, for example, a camera built into their smartphone (S3), and transmits the captured image data A to the image recognition server 40, which is the destination specified by the digital value application method, via the communication network 70 using the communication function of the smartphone (S4).

[0094] Image data A of the application image sent to the image recognition server 40 is received by the communication unit 43 of the image recognition server 40. The communication unit 43 also obtains user-specific information from the source of image data A. Image data A and user-specific information are output from the communication unit 43 to the memory 50 (S5).

[0095] Based on the image data A output to memory 50, the determination program 51 determines whether or not the printed document 10 is genuine (S6).

[0096] Specifically, the determination program 51 performs image recognition on the image data A and determines whether or not the pre-specified printing 12 has been applied to both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B (first determination) (S7, S9).

[0097] Image recognition can be performed, for example, using pattern matching with AI. Furthermore, image recognition can also measure the size ratio of the two-dimensional code 13 on the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B. This allows for the detection of fraudulently created application images created by cutting and pasting copies of the two-dimensional code piece 13A and / or the two-dimensional code piece 13B.

[0098] In this way, the determination program 51 performs a first determination on both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B (S7, S9). If the determination result for both the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B is positive (S7: OK, and S9: OK), it is determined that the image data A may be genuine, and the program proceeds to the second determination described later.

[0099] On the other hand, if the determination result for at least one of the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B is negative (S7:NG, or S9:NG), it is determined that the application is based on image data A of a fraudulent application image (S8, S10), the digital value application is rejected (S23), and the determination is terminated.

[0100] Examples of fraudulent application images of this type include those forged using color photocopies, or those created by folding a genuine printed document 10 along a cutting line 14 and placing a forged stub 10B onto the display unit 20.

[0101] In Figure 5, an example is shown in which the first determination (S7, S8) for the main ticket portion 10A is performed first, followed by the first determination (S9, S10) for the stub portion 10B. However, the order may be reversed; the first determination (S9, S10) for the stub portion 10B may be performed first, followed by the first determination (S7, S8) for the main ticket portion 10A.

[0102] Next, the determination program 51 performs a second determination. In the second determination, it is first determined from the image data A whether the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B are placed in the designated locations on the placement body 20, that is, whether the main ticket portion 10A is correctly placed in placement location 22A and the stub portion 10B is correctly placed in placement location 22B (S11).

[0103] The method of this determination is not particularly limited, but it can be performed by image processing of image data A. That is, if the image processing confirms that there is an isolation region 23 with a width t (± predetermined error) between the two-dimensional code piece 13A and the two-dimensional code piece 13B, it is determined that they are correctly positioned; otherwise, it is determined that they are not correctly positioned (S12).

[0104] As mentioned above, the isolated region 23 is colored with a different color than the color used in the 2D code 13, so it is easy to recognize the isolated region 23 using image processing.

[0105] In this way, the judgment program 51 performs a second judgment. If the judgment result is positive (S12: OK), it is determined that image data A may be genuine, and the program proceeds to the third judgment. On the other hand, if the judgment result is negative (S12: NG), it is determined that there is fraud in the application screen, such as placing the printed material 10 on the placement unit 20 without cutting it along the cutting line 14 (S13), and the digital value application is rejected (S30), and the judgment ends.

[0106] The first and second determinations may be performed in reverse order. That is, the second determination (S11, S12) may be performed first, and if the determination result is negative (S12:NG), it may be determined that the application is fraudulent (S13), the digital value application may be rejected, and the determination may be terminated. On the other hand, if the determination result is positive (S12:OK), the first determination (S7, S9) may be performed next, and if the determination result is negative (S7:NG or S9:NG), it may be determined that the application is fraudulent (S8, S10), the digital value application may be rejected, and the determination may be terminated. On the other hand, if the determination result is positive (S7:OK, S9:OK), the process may proceed to the third determination.

[0107] In the third determination, the determination program 51 reads the identification information N and string information R stored in the two-dimensional code 13 from the image data A (S14). The two-dimensional code 13 is divided into two parts, two-dimensional code piece 13A and two-dimensional code piece 13B, and is placed on the arrangement body 20 separated by an isolation distance t. However, since the version of the two-dimensional code 13 is set to 4 or higher, the error correction level is set to Q or higher, and the isolation distance t is set to 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, the error correction capability of the two-dimensional code 13 allows the identification information N and string information R stored in the two-dimensional code 13 to be read and decoded even from the separated two-dimensional code piece 13A and two-dimensional code piece 13B (S15).

[0108] If decoding is successful (S15: OK), the determination program 51 checks whether the decoded combination of identification information N and string information R (hereinafter referred to as "code") is registered in the database 46a (S17).

[0109] Database 46a contains combinations of identification information N and string information R (i.e., "codes") that have been read from image data A that have been previously determined to be authentic by the judgment program 51. Therefore, if the code obtained by decoding is not registered in database 46a, it means that this code has been read for the first time, and the judgment program 51 determines that image data A is authentic (S18: OK), the application for digital value is accepted (S20), and data necessary for assigning digital value, such as individual user information, the read code, and the points to be assigned, is sent from the communication unit 43 of the image recognition server 40 to the user management server 80 (shown in Figure 5) via the communication network 70.

[0110] When the user management server 80 receives the data necessary to grant these digital values, it generates a user record based on the individual user information and completes the point granting by registering points equivalent to the digital value in this record (S21). The granted points are notified to the user by email or other means, and the user can access the user management server 80 when necessary and use the granted points to receive prizes or otherwise utilize the digital value.

[0111] It is also possible to award points using the image recognition server 40 instead of the user management server 80. In this case, the point awarding function can be assigned to the registration program 52, and when the registration program 52 registers the combination of identification information N and string information R in the database 46a of the storage device 46, it can also register the points in association with the individual user information.

[0112] Regardless of whether the points are awarded by the user management server 80 or the image recognition server 40, after the digital value application is accepted in step S20, the code determined to be genuine is registered in the database 46a by the registration program 52 (S21).

[0113] Furthermore, if decoding fails in step S15 due to reasons such as the inability to distinguish between the identification information N and the string information R (S15:NG, S16), the determination program 51 rejects the digital value application (S30), and the determination is terminated.

[0114] Furthermore, in step S18, if the code obtained by decoding is already registered in database 46a (S18:NG), it is considered that a duplicate digital value application has been made again using the same image data A (S19). Since this is an invalid digital value application, the judgment program 51 rejects this digital value application (S30), and the judgment is terminated.

[0115] As described above, according to this embodiment, a printed document 10 that can reliably prove its use, an arrangement 20 used for the proof of its use, and an authenticity determination device 30 to which an authenticity determination method is applied to determine whether or not the application for digital value has been made correctly using the used printed document 10 can be realized through the above-described operation.

[0116] Specifically, the authenticity determination device 30 determines whether or not there is fraud in the digital value application, and if there is no fraud, it accepts the digital value application. Specifically, the determination is carried out in a series of steps, as explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0117] As a result, the authenticity determination device 30 can not only detect fraudulent digital value applications with high reliability, but also, if a fraudulent application is detected, it can categorize the cause of the fraud, such as whether it is simply due to an application error, a malicious and intentional fraud using counterfeit tickets or color copies, or a fraudulent duplicate application using printed materials 10 that have already been assigned digital value.

[0118] Furthermore, performing multiple judgment processes as a series of steps not only improves the accuracy of the judgment but also makes it more difficult to imitate the judgment method. In other words, the judgment method employed in the authenticity judgment device 30 is extremely complex, making it very difficult to imitate. Therefore, even if a malicious person were to reverse engineer the authenticity judgment device 30 in order to discover a weakness in the authenticity judgment method and attempt to submit a new fraudulent application, it would be virtually impossible to discover such a weakness.

[0119] The realization of such an authenticity determination device 30 offers service providers who create gift certificates, tickets, etc. the advantage of being able to confidently develop businesses that add digital value to increase user purchasing intent, even when using conventional paper printed materials 10.

[0120] Furthermore, from the user's perspective, applying for digital value is simpler than traditional application procedures such as postal mail. It requires placing the main ticket portion 10A and the stub portion 10B of the used printed document 10 in the designated locations on the display unit 20, taking a picture of this state with a smartphone, and sending the image data A. This significantly reduces the effort required and shortens the time it takes to receive the digital value, allowing users to access and utilize it sooner.

[0121] Furthermore, it is known that this type of digital value-added service has traditionally been implemented by applying scratch-off printing to printed materials 10. Applying scratch-off printing to printed materials 10 in this way has been burdensome for the printer, the distributor, the store, and the user.

[0122] However, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to develop a digital value-added business without applying scratch-off printing to the printed material 10, which has the advantage of simplifying operations for the printing side, shipping side, store side, and user side.

[0123] The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Within the scope of the invented technical idea of ​​the claims, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0124] For example, instead of a two-dimensional code 13 placed on the printed material 10, a one-dimensional barcode may be used.

[0125] Alternatively, the functions performed by the image recognition server 40 may be implemented using an application accessible from a smartphone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 Printed matter 10A Main ticket section (Part 1) 10B Stub portion (second part) 11 Medium 12 Print 13 2D code 13A, 13B 2D code fragments 14 Cutting line 20 arrangement body 21 Paper media 22A, 22B location 23 Quarantine area 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d Corner Dragonfly 30 Authenticity determination device 40 Image Recognition Server 41 Bus 42 CPU 43 Communications Department 44 Recording medium reading unit 45 External recording media 46 Storage device 46a Database 47 Display screen 48 Input section 49 Imaging Department 50 memory 51 Judgment unit, judgment program 52 Registration Section, Registration Program 59. Writable data area 60 Communication terminals 70 Communication Networks 80 User Management Server A Image Data N Identification Information R string information t separation distance

Claims

1. A printed material comprising a medium on which a predetermined print has been made, wherein a two-dimensional code storing unique identification information assigned to each printed material and arbitrary string information is arranged on the medium, and a cutting line for cutting the medium is provided to divide the two-dimensional code, and the printed material is cut along the cutting line, thereby providing a first arrangement location and a second arrangement location for arranging a first part and a second part separated from the printed material.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein an isolation area is provided between the first arrangement location and the second arrangement location, separating the first arrangement location and the second arrangement location.

3. The arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the isolated area is colored with a color not used in the two-dimensional code.

4. The arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the shape of the isolation region is rectangular.

5. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the isolation distance separating the first arrangement location and the second arrangement location of the isolation area is determined according to the error correction level of the two-dimensional code.

6. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the error correction level is Q or higher, and the isolation distance is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

7. Of the two sides of the isolation region, the first side and the second side, which are two sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the isolation direction that separates the first placement location and the second placement location, The first portion is placed in the first placement location such that the side cut along the cutting line overlaps the first side. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the second portion is arranged in the second arrangement location such that the side cut along the cutting line overlaps the second side.

8. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein corner dragonflies are placed at each of the four corners of the isolated area.

Images