Label management systems, label management methods, and programs.

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

Label management system, label management method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for product management using labels, and a label management technology that makes this possible.

[0002] One technology that enables product management using labels involves printing a code (such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) containing product information (such as a GTIN) used to identify each product on a label, allowing the product to be tracked by reading the code. Another technology exists that embeds product information in a label using a digital watermark instead of a code. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses both of these technologies to print a product information code on a label and embed the same product information in the label using a digital watermark, thereby enabling the digital watermark to be used instead even if the code cannot be read due to distortion or dirt on the label.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-99918

[0004] In recent years, fraudulent activities such as the illegal diversion of goods have become commonplace, and in such fraudulent activities, in order to misuse the value of a product while avoiding tracking of the product, a person cuts out the portion of a label on which a code (information that enables tracking of the product) is printed, leaving only the portion on which information about the product's origin (information that increases the product's value, such as a brand name) is printed. To counter such fraudulent activities, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to obtain product information from a digital watermark printed on the remaining portion, even if the code is cut off, thereby enabling tracking of the product (monitoring of fraudulent activities).

[0005] However, printing product information using a digital watermark can lead to the following problems. Product information used to identify each product often includes information identifying the manufacturer or seller of the product and information indicating the product's classification. Therefore, the product information (printing of a code) on a label is generally done by the product manufacturer or seller after the product to which the label will be attached has been identified. However, if it becomes necessary to print such product information on a label using a digital watermark, the product manufacturer or seller will need to install a digital watermarking system, which places a significant burden on the product manufacturer or seller.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables the traceability of products to be strengthened without imposing a burden on the manufacturer or seller of the products.

[0007] The label management system according to the present invention is a system that enables product management using labels, and includes a code printing device, an information reading device, and a database. Label information used for identifying the individual label itself is printed as a digital watermark on the printing surface of the label, and the code printing device prints a product information code used for identifying the individual product to which the label is affixed on the printing surface of the label. The information reading device reads the label information and product information from the digital watermark and code printed on the printing surface of the label, respectively. The label information and product information read by the information reading device are stored in the database for each label, in a mutually associated state.

[0008] The label management method of the present invention enables product management using labels. Label information used for identifying the individual label itself is printed as a digital watermark on the printed surface of the label. First, a product information code used for identifying the individual product to which the label is affixed is printed on the printed surface of the label. Next, for each label, the label information and product information are read from the digital watermark and code printed on the printed surface of the label, respectively, and the information is stored in a database in a mutually associated state.

[0009] A program according to the present invention enables product management using labels. Label information used for identifying the individual label itself is printed as a digital watermark on the printing surface of the label, and the program causes a control device to execute the following processes. First, the program causes the control device to execute a process of causing a code printing device to print a product information code used for identifying the individual product to which the label is affixed on the printing surface of the label. Next, the program causes the control device to execute a process of causing an information reading device to read, for each label, the label information and product information from the digital watermark and code printed on the printing surface of the label. After that, the program causes the control device to execute a process of storing the label information and product information read by the information reading device in a database in a state where they are associated with each other.

[0010] According to the label management system, label management method, or program described above, even if fraudulent activity is committed by cutting out the portion of a label printed with a code used for tracking the product, leaving only the portion printed with product origin information (information that increases the product's value, such as the brand name), it is possible to read the label information from the remaining label and obtain the product information associated with the label information from a database. In other words, it is possible to obtain product information for the product to which the label is attached even from a label from which the code has been cut out. Therefore, even if fraudulent activity has been committed against a product's label, it is possible to track the product (identify its distribution route) based on the product information.

[0011] Furthermore, since labels with printed digital watermarks can be used in other systems or locations (such as label manufacturers), product manufacturers or sellers do not need to install a system for digital watermarks when introducing the label management system, and therefore the burden on product manufacturers or sellers is reduced.

[0012] In the label management system, label management method, or program, label information may be printed as a digital watermark on at least an area of ​​the printed surface of the label where the origin information of the product to which the label is attached is printed. With this configuration, the digital watermark is printed in an area where it is likely to remain even if fraudulent activity such as cutting out the portion of the label on which the code used for product tracking is printed is committed. Therefore, even if such fraudulent activity is committed, the digital watermark can remain on the label in a readable state.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the traceability of products without imposing a burden on the manufacturer or seller of the products.

[0014] Fig. 1(A) is a conceptual diagram showing a label management system according to an embodiment, and Fig. 1(B) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the label management system. Figs. 2(A) to 2(C) are conceptual diagrams showing three examples of labels used for product management. Fig. 3(A) is a conceptual diagram showing a plurality of labels arranged in a peelable state on a strip-shaped sheet, and Fig. 3(B) is a conceptual diagram showing labels on the strip-shaped sheet with digital watermarks printed on them. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing control processing executed by the label management system.

[0015] [1] Configuration of the label management system Fig. 1(A) is a conceptual diagram showing a label management system according to an embodiment, and Fig. 1(B) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the label management system. The label management system of this embodiment is a system that enables product management using labels K, and includes a code printing device 1, an information reading device 2, and a control device 3.

[0016] 2A is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a label K used for product management. As shown in this figure, a digital watermark 81 and a code 82 (such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) are printed on the printing surface 80a of the label K. In this embodiment, the digital watermark 81 is printed on the printing surface 80a of the label K by a system (a digital watermark system, not shown) separate from the label management system. On the other hand, the code 82 is printed by the label management system later on the printing surface 80a of the label K on which the digital watermark 81 has been printed.

[0017] As an example, the label K is a sticker with an adhesive surface on the side opposite to the printing surface 80a. In this case, to enable efficient printing on multiple labels K, multiple labels K can be arranged in a peelable state on a strip-shaped sheet 9 (specifically, a long sheet with a release agent applied to its surface) during printing (see FIG. 3A). When printing a digital watermark 81, a digital watermark system can print the digital watermark 81 sequentially on the labels K on the strip-shaped sheet 9 while unwinding the rolled strip-shaped sheet 9 (see FIG. 3B). The portions of the strip-shaped sheet 9 on which the digital watermark 81 has been printed can then be rewound into a roll. When printing a code 82, a label management system can print the code 82 sequentially on the labels K on the strip-shaped sheet 9 while unwinding the rolled strip-shaped sheet 9 (see FIG. 1A).

[0018] In this embodiment, the label management system not only enables product management using the code 82, but also enables product management using a digital watermark 81 printed by a separate system (a system for digital watermarks) before printing the code 82. The configuration of the label K and the configuration of each device included in the label management system will be specifically described below.

[0019] [1-1] Label <Digital Watermark> In this embodiment, the digital watermark 81 is label information used for individual identification of the label K itself (distinguishing it from other labels K) that is embedded imperceptibly into the printing surface 80a (see FIG. 2(A)). Here, the label information is simple information such as a number that is different for each label K, and it is sufficient if it includes the minimum amount of information that allows individual identification of the label K itself. In other words, the label information does not need to include information about the product to which the label K is affixed (such as product information that enables product tracking).

[0020] <Code> In this embodiment, the code 82 is a one-dimensional code (such as a barcode) or a two-dimensional code (such as a QR Code (registered trademark)) on the printing surface 80a that contains product information used to identify the individual product to which the label K is attached. Here, the product information is a one-dimensional arrangement of numbers, letters, and symbols, such as a GTIN, and includes a number that identifies the manufacturer or seller (such as a business) of the product and a number that indicates the classification of the product, in order to enable the individual identification of the product. The example in FIG. 2(A) shows a case in which the product information is written as a barcode. This type of product information makes it possible to track the product (identify the distribution route) by reading and recording the product information from the code 82 during the distribution process.

[0021] <Origin Information> In addition to the digital watermark 81 and the code 82, origin information 83 of the product to which the label K is attached may be printed on the printing surface 80a of the label K (see FIG. 2(B)). Here, the origin information 83 has the function of increasing the value of the product by clarifying the origin, such as a brand name. The example of FIG. 2(B) shows a case where "ABC" is written as the origin information 83.

[0022] <Printed Area> In fraudulent activities such as the illegal diversion of goods, in order to exploit the value of the goods while avoiding tracking of the goods, a person cuts out the part of the label K on which the code 82 used for tracking the goods is printed, leaving only the part on which the product's origin information 83 (information that increases the value of the goods, such as the brand name) is printed.

[0023] Therefore, in this embodiment, the digital watermark 81 is printed at least in the area where the origin information 83 is printed so that even if such fraudulent activity is committed, the label information can always be read from the remaining label K. With this configuration, the digital watermark 81 is printed in an area where it is highly likely to remain even if the above-mentioned fraudulent activity is committed. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned fraudulent activity is committed, the digital watermark 81 can remain on the label K in a readable state.

[0024] As an example, if the area where the origin information 83 is printed is the first printing area R1, the digital watermark 81 is printed in at least the first printing area R1 using a method called a background watermark, in which information is embedded in the background (base) of the origin information 83. The example in Fig. 2(A) shows a case where the digital watermark 81 is printed as a background watermark over the entire printing surface 80a, including the first printing area R1. Also, the example in Fig. 2(B) shows a case where the origin information 83 is printed in the first printing area R1.

[0025] As another example, if it is determined at the stage of printing the digital watermark 81 which area of ​​the printing surface 80a will become the first printing area R1, the digital watermark 81 may be printed as a background watermark only in the first printing area R1, as shown in Fig. 2(C) . Note that if the area where the code 82 is printed is designated as the second printing area R2, and if it is determined which area of ​​the printing surface 80a will become the second printing area R2, the area of ​​the printing surface 80a excluding the second printing area R2 can be designated as the area where the origin information 83 is printed (first printing area R1).

[0026] When the digital watermark 81 is printed as a background watermark in this way, the digital watermark 81 is printed so that it will always remain readable even if the source information 83 is subsequently printed. Specifically, multiple digital watermarks 81 with the same label information are printed as background watermarks (see FIG. 2A). This makes it easier for one of the multiple digital watermarks 81 to remain readable without being affected by the source information 83, even if the source information 83 is subsequently printed (see FIG. 2B).

[0027] With label K (see FIG. 2A ) having such a digital watermark 81 printed across the entire printing surface 80 a, regardless of where on the printing surface 80 a the code 82 or the source information 83 is printed after the digital watermark 81 has been printed, the digital watermark 81 will be printed in the required area of ​​the label K (the printing area of ​​the source information 83 or the area excluding the printing area of ​​the code 82) according to the printing position of the code 82 or the source information 83. In other words, there is no need to determine in advance which areas of the printing surface 80 a will be the first printing area R1 and the second printing area R2. This allows product manufacturers or sellers to freely determine the printing positions and printing areas of the code 82 and the source information 83.

[0028] The digital watermark 81 may be printed together with the source information 83 in a digital watermark system. In this case, the digital watermark 81 may be printed using a font watermark method in which information representing the source information 83 is embedded in characters or figures, instead of a background pattern watermark.

[0029] [1-2] Code Printing Device The code printing device 1 is a device that prints the above-mentioned code 82 on the printing surface 80a of the label K (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). In this embodiment, one code 82 for one label K is sent from the control device 3 to the code printing device 1. The code printing device 1 then prints the code 82 received from the control device 3 on the printing surface 80a of the label K (in this embodiment, the label K on which the digital watermark 81 is printed).

[0030] Furthermore, as described above, when the labels K are stickers and are arranged in multiple peelable states on the strip sheet 9 (see Figure 1 (A)), the label management system can use the code printing device 1 to print codes 82 sequentially on the labels K (labels K on which electronic watermarks 81 are printed) on the strip sheet 9 while unwinding the rolled strip sheet 9.

[0031] [1-3] Information Reading Device The information reading device 2 is a device (scanner, etc.) that reads, for each label K, label information and product information from the digital watermark 81 and code 82 printed on the printing surface 80a of that label K, respectively (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). As an example, the information reading device 2 is configured with a single scanner that can simultaneously scan the digital watermark 81 and code 82 to read the label information and product information. In FIG. 1A, the scan area Rs when the digital watermark 81 and code 82 are simultaneously scanned by such a scanner is indicated by a dashed dotted line. As another example, the information reading device 2 may include a scanner that reads label information from the digital watermark 81 and a scanner that reads product information from the code 82.

[0032] As described above, when the labels K are stickers and are arranged in multiple peelable states on the strip sheet 9 (see Figure 1 (A)), the label management system unwinds the rolled strip sheet 9, and after the code printing device 1 prints the code 82, the information reading device 2 scans the labels K on the strip sheet 9 in order (labels K on which both the electronic watermark 81 and the code 82 are printed), thereby reading the label information and product information from the labels K.

[0033] [1-4] Control Device The control device 3 is a device that controls the label management system (controls the code printing device 1, information reading device 2, etc.), and includes a storage unit 31 and a control unit 32 (see FIG. 1B).

[0034] The storage unit 31 is a section that stores information necessary for controlling the label management system, and is composed of storage devices such as ROM, RAM, etc. In this embodiment, a database Qk that enables information management for each label K is constructed in the storage unit 31, and the label information and product information read by the information reading device 2 are stored in association with each other for each label K in the database Qk.

[0035] The control unit 32 is a part that executes control of the label management system and is composed of a processing device such as a CPU. In this embodiment, the control unit 32 stores the label information and product information read by the information reading device 2 for each label K in the database Qk, thereby saving a one-to-one correspondence between the information in the database Qk. As a result, the label information and product information read by the information reading device 2 for each label K are stored in the database Qk in a state where they are associated with each other.

[0036] More specifically, the control unit 32 executes the following control processing in the label management system, including managing information for each label K using the above-mentioned database Qk. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control processing executed in the label management system. In this embodiment, the control processing is executed for each label K. In other words, this control processing is executed repeatedly for the number of labels K.

[0037] First, the control unit 32 controls the code printing device 1 to cause the code printing device 1 to print a code 82 on the printing surface 80a of the label K (in this embodiment, the label K on which the electronic watermark 81 is printed) (step S101).

[0038] Next, the control unit 32 controls the information reading device 2 to read the label information and product information from the electronic watermark 81 and code 82 printed on the printing surface 80a of the label K (step S102).

[0039] Thereafter, the control unit 32 stores the label information and product information read by the information reading device 2 in the database Qk, thereby saving the one-to-one correspondence between the information in the database Qk (step S103).

[0040] As an example, in the case where the labels K are stickers and are arranged in a peelable state on the strip sheet 9 as described above (see FIG. 1A ), in step S101, the control unit 32 controls the rotation of the rolled strip sheet 9 to feed out the strip sheet 9, while causing the code printing device 1 to print the code 82 on each label K on the strip sheet 9. In step S102, the control unit 32 causes the information reading device 2 to scan each label K on which the code 82 is printed, thereby causing the information reading device 2 to read the label information and product information from each label K. In step S103, the control unit 32 stores, for each label K, a one-to-one correspondence between the label information and product information read by the information reading device 2 in the database Qk.

[0041] Such control processing is executed by a processing unit (not shown) built in the control unit 32 of the control device 3. In this embodiment, the processing unit is configured as software by having the control unit 32 execute a program. Such a program may be stored in a readable state on a portable storage medium (for example, a flash memory, etc.), read from the storage medium, installed, and stored in the storage unit 31 of the control device 3, or may be stored in a downloadable state on another server, downloaded from the server, installed, and stored in the storage unit 31. The above processing unit may also be configured as hardware by building a circuit within the control device 3.

[0042] Furthermore, the series of steps executed in the label management system by the control process described above, such as printing the code 82 on the label K, reading the label information and product information from the label K, and storing that information in the database Qk, constitute a method (label management method) that enables product management using the label K.

[0043] According to the label management system described above, even if fraudulent activity is committed by cutting out the portion of a label K on which the code 82 used for tracking the product is printed, leaving only the portion on which product origin information 83 (information that increases the value of the product, such as a brand name) is printed, it is still possible to read the label information from the remaining label K and obtain the product information associated with the label information from the database Qk. In other words, it is still possible to obtain product information on the product to which the label K is attached, even from the label K from which the code 82 has been cut off. Therefore, even if fraudulent activity has been committed against a product's label K, it is still possible to track the product (identify the distribution route) based on the product information.

[0044] Furthermore, since the label K on which the electronic watermark 81 is printed can be used in another system or location (such as a label manufacturer), the manufacturer or seller of the product does not need to install a system for electronic watermarks when introducing the label management system, and therefore the burden on the manufacturer or seller of the product is less.

[0045] Therefore, the label management system described above makes it possible to strengthen product traceability without imposing a burden on the manufacturer or seller of the product.

[0046] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above-described embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent to the scope of the claims and fall within the scope thereof.

[0047] For example, the label management method described above may be performed using a means other than the label management system.

[0048] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Code printing device 2 Information reading device 3 Control device 9 Strip-shaped sheet K Label 31 Storage unit 32 Control unit 80a Printing surface 81 Digital watermark 82 Code 83 Source information Qk Database R1 First printing area R2 Second printing area Rs Scan area

Claims

DEPCT691. A label management system that allows for the management of products using labels. The label includes a printed surface with a digital watermark containing product information. The product information is the information that identifies the label itself. The label management system comprises: a coding device that prints the product information code on the printed surface of the label; product information is the information that identifies the product to which the label is attached; an information reader that reads the label information and product information from the digital watermark and the code printed, respectively, on the printed surface of the label for a single label unit; and a database to which the label information and product information read by the information reader are stored in a relational manner for a single label unit.

2. A label management system pursuant to claim 1 in which the label information is printed as a digital watermark in at least one area of ​​the printed surface of the label to which the source information about the product to which the label is attached is printed. 3.The label management method allows for the management of products using labels. Labels include printed surfaces inscribed with digital watermarks displaying label information. Label information is the identifying information about the label itself. The label management method involves printing product information codes on the printed label surface. Product information is the identifying information about the product to which the label is attached. It also involves reading label and product information from the digital watermarks and codes printed, respectively, on the label's printed surface, and storing this information in a relational manner within a database.The program allows for product management using labels. Labels include printed surfaces with digital watermarks displaying label information. Label information is the unique identifying information about the label itself. The program enables the controller to perform the following processes: a coding device prints the product information code onto the label's printed surface; product information is the unique identifying information about the product to which the label is attached; a reading device reads the label and product information from the digital watermark and code printed on the label's printed surface; and a process stores the label and product information read by the reading device in a relational database.

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