Information processing device, collation method, and program

Abstract

The present invention enables detection of individual information of a printed material without attaching an identification mark to the printed material itself or accessories thereof.　An information processing device (1) comprises: a numerical value generation unit (102) that generates a first identification value for uniquely identifying a target printed material from an image obtained by photographing a predetermined area in the target printed material; and a detection unit (103) that detects individual information of the target printed material by using: a database in which a first identification value generated from an image obtained by photographing a predetermined area in a printed material is recorded in association with the individual information of the printed material; and the first identification value generated for the target printed material.

Description

Information processing device, collation method, and program

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing device and the like.

[0002] The exchange and buying and selling of various cards, such as trading cards and game cards, has been widely practiced for a long time, and techniques for improving the safety and convenience of card buying and selling have also been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a grading system in which a customer reads a card with a scanner, generates status information, and sends it to a server computer, which then uses the status information to appraise the card and registers the results.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-259101

[0004] In the grading system of Patent Document 1, the appraisal results are recorded on a chip built into the card case that holds the card, thereby associating the card with the appraisal results. This makes it possible to read and use the appraisal results at any time, even if the subject of appraisal is a card made of paper, for which it is difficult to attach an identification mark to the card itself.

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 has the problem that the authentication results cannot be obtained from the card alone because the authentication results are recorded on a chip built into the card case. This problem is not limited to cards, but occurs commonly when detecting individual information on any printed matter.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize an information processing device or the like that is capable of detecting individual information of a printed matter without attaching an identification label to the printed matter itself or to an attachment thereto.

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a numerical value generation unit that generates an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target printed matter, from an image of a specified area of ​​the target printed matter; a database in which the identification value generated from the image of the specified area of ​​the printed matter is recorded in association with individual information of the printed matter; and a detection unit that detects the individual information of the target printed matter using the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

[0008] A matching method according to one aspect of the present invention is a matching method executed by one or more information processing devices, and includes a numerical generation step of generating an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target printed matter from an image of a specified area of ​​the target printed matter, and a detection step of detecting individual information of the target printed matter using a database in which the identification value generated from the image of the specified area of ​​the printed matter is recorded in association with individual information of the printed matter, and the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect individual information of a printed matter without attaching an identification mark to the printed matter itself or to an attachment thereto.

[0010] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main parts of an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of management information. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a matching method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining the authenticity of a printed matter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an overview of generation and recording of management information and determination information according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an overview of matching using management information and authenticity determination using determination information according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main parts of an information processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main parts of another information processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the information processing device shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the information processing device shown in FIG.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] [System Overview] An overview of an information processing system 1000 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the information processing system 1000. The information processing system 1000 is a system that collates printed materials. The information processing system 1000 is also a system that determines the authenticity of printed materials. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1000 includes an information processing device 1, an imaging device 2, and a terminal device 3. The information processing device 1 and the terminal device 3 can communicate with each other via a network.

[0012] The information processing device 1 is a device that generates and records an identification value of a printed matter and manages individual information of the printed matter based on the identification value. Additionally, the information processing device 1 is a device that determines the authenticity of a printed matter based on the identification value of the printed matter. The information processing device 1 is also a device that generates and records an identification value of an appraisal certificate that indicates the appraisal result of the printed matter. The configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described later. In the following description, the identification value of the printed matter will be referred to as the first identification value, and the identification value of the appraisal certificate will be referred to as the second identification value.

[0013] The first identification value is a numerical value generated from an image of a predetermined area of ​​the printed matter, and uniquely identifies the printed matter. The second identification value is a numerical value generated from an image of a predetermined area of ​​the appraisal certificate, and uniquely identifies the appraisal certificate. The individual information may be any information related to the printed matter. The individual information may be, for example, information indicating the appraisal result of the printed matter.

[0014] The printed matter may be, for example, a card, a label, or a tag. The card may be, for example, a trading card. The printed matter may also be, for example, a package for an item (such as a bottle or pouch), wrapping paper for wrapping an item, wrapping film, or a packaging container.

[0015] The predetermined area on the printed matter is a photographed area arbitrarily determined on the front or back of the printed matter. The predetermined area may be an area that includes the entire front or back of the printed matter, or an area that includes only a portion of the front or back of the printed matter. Furthermore, the predetermined area on the appraisal certificate is a photographed area arbitrarily determined on the front or back of the appraisal certificate. The predetermined area may be an area that includes the entire front or back of the appraisal certificate, or an area that includes only a portion of the front or back of the appraisal certificate.

[0016] In this embodiment, a trading card (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a card) is used as an example of a printed matter, and a mark area including a logo mark on the back of the card is used as an example of a predetermined area on the printed matter.

[0017] The photographing device 2 photographs the mark area AR of a target card TC, which is an example of a target printed matter from which individual information is to be detected. The photographing device 2 also photographs a predetermined area on a certificate of appraisal for the target card TC. The photographing device 2 inputs the photographed image including the mark area AR and an image including the predetermined area on the certificate of appraisal into the terminal device 3.

[0018] The terminal device 3 is a device used when verifying printed materials. The terminal device 3 has, for example, a function for displaying images, a function for accepting input of individual information, and a communication function. The terminal device 3 has a function for accepting input of an image including the mark area AR of the target card TC photographed by the photographing device 2. The terminal device 3 also has a function for accepting an image including a specified area of ​​the appraisal certificate of the target card TC photographed by the photographing device 2.

[0019] The terminal device 3 transmits the input individual information, an image including the mark area AR of the target card TC, and an image including the predetermined area in the appraisal certificate via the network to the information processing device 1. The terminal device 3 may also transmit images obtained by cutting out the mark area AR and the predetermined area from these images to the information processing device 1.

[0020] The information processing device 1 may be, for example, a server. The photographing device 2 and the terminal device 3 may be, for example, devices used in stores that buy and sell cards. The terminal device 3 may also include the functions of the photographing device 2.

[0021] [Configuration of Information Processing Device] The configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of the information processing device 1. Furthermore, the data structure of management information 111 managed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the management information 111.

[0022] 2, the information processing device 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls all the units of the information processing device 1, and a storage unit 11 that stores various data used by the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 also includes a communication unit 12 that enables the information processing device 1 to communicate with other devices, an input unit 13 that accepts input to the information processing device 1, and an output unit 14 that enables the information processing device 1 to output various data.

[0023] The control unit 10 includes an image acquisition unit 101, a numerical value generation unit 102, a detection unit 103, an output control unit 104, an input reception unit 105, a recording unit 106, and an authenticity determination unit 107. The storage unit 11 stores a database including at least one piece of management information 111.

[0024] The image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image of the mark area AR of the target card TC. The image acquisition unit 101 also acquires an image of a predetermined area in an appraisal certificate indicating the appraisal result of the target card TC. The image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image including the mark area AR or an image including the predetermined area from the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 12. The image acquisition unit 101 may also acquire an image including the mark area AR or an image including the predetermined area via the input unit 13. The image acquisition unit 101 may also acquire an image obtained by cutting out the mark area AR and the predetermined area.

[0025] The numerical value generating unit 102 generates a first identification value that uniquely identifies the target card TC from an image of the mark area AR of the target card TC. As described above, the image of the mark area AR is acquired by the image acquiring unit 101.

[0026] The numerical value generating unit 102 also generates a second identification value that uniquely identifies the certificate from an image of a predetermined area on the certificate of the target card TC. As described above, the image of the predetermined area on the certificate is also acquired by the image acquiring unit 101.

[0027] Appearance differences exist among individual products, not only among individually manufactured items and natural products, but also among mass-produced items that appear identical at first glance. For example, even among multiple items printed with the same design, subtle differences exist in their appearance. Therefore, the numerical value generation unit 102 can generate a first identification value that uniquely identifies a card from an image captured of a predetermined area (e.g., mark area AR) on a printed card. Furthermore, the numerical value generation unit 102 can generate a second identification value that uniquely identifies a certificate of authenticity from an image captured of a predetermined area on the certificate of authenticity.

[0028] Since images captured with a high-resolution camera reveal subtle differences that are indistinguishable to the naked eye, it is preferable to use a high-resolution camera as the camera device 2 when capturing images of an item to generate an identification value. This allows the numerical value generation unit 102 to convert minute features that are indistinguishable to the naked eye and are extremely difficult to replicate into identification values. The identification value generated in this manner can also be called a digital fingerprint. The numerical value generation unit 102 may generate an identification value using color information of the image, or may generate an identification value without using color information. In the latter case, it is sufficient to capture and record a black-and-white image, thereby reducing the amount of image data to be recorded. In particular, the information processing device 1 is advantageous in that it does not require the use of color information.

[0029] As described above, the position and range of the predetermined area, i.e., the photographed area, on the printed matter and the appraisal certificate can be determined arbitrarily and appropriately. The photographed area does not need to be subjected to special printing processes. Furthermore, the size of the photographed area on the printed matter should be at least large enough to generate an identification value that can uniquely identify the printed matter. Similarly, the size of the photographed area on the appraisal certificate should be at least large enough to generate an identification value that can uniquely identify the appraisal certificate.

[0030] The method for generating the identification value is not particularly limited as long as it can generate an identification value that can uniquely identify a printed matter or appraisal certificate from an image of the printed matter or appraisal certificate. For example, the numerical value generator 102 may detect multiple feature points from an image and generate an identification value that indicates each of the detected feature points and information indicating their positional relationship.

[0031] For example, if the printed matter is a card with characters from a certain work printed on it, various characters appearing in the work are printed on the front of each card. In other words, the design printed on the front of each card may be different. On the other hand, the design printed on the back of each card is the same. In this way, even if each card has a common design, the numerical value generation unit 102 can generate a different identification value for each card based on the slight differences between each card.

[0032] The detection unit 103 detects the individual information of the target card TC using a database in which a first identification value generated from an image of the mark area AR on the card is recorded in association with the individual information of the card, and the first identification value generated for the target card TC.

[0033] The database includes at least one piece of management information 111. The management information 111 is information managed by the information processing device 1 in order to detect the individual information of the target card TC or to determine the authenticity of the target card TC. The database records management information 111 for each type of card. Here, cards with the same design on the back are considered to be of the same type. The database records management information 111 for each type of card that is the target of individual information detection or authenticity determination. Furthermore, when the information processing device 1 detects individual information on the multiple types of printed matter (cards, labels, tags, packages, etc.) described above, the database records management information 111 for each of these printed matters.

[0034] 3 is an example of management information 111 containing information about a certain type of card. As shown in FIG. 3, the management information 111 associates a first identification value for each card of that type, generated from an image of each card, with individual information about that card. The management information 111 also associates the individual information about the card with a second identification value generated from an image of the card's appraisal certificate. In this way, the first identification value of a card is linked to the individual information about that card, and the second identification value of the card's appraisal certificate is linked to the individual information about that card, making it possible to obtain the individual information from either the first identification value or the second identification value.

[0035] The first identification value, the individual information, and the second identification value are recorded by the recording unit 106, which will be described later. When recording the first identification value, the recording unit 106 may assign an identification number (ID) to the first identification value. The ID is also an example of individual information. In this way, the management information 111 may be information that associates the first identification value, the individual information, and the second identification value for each card.

[0036] In the database of this embodiment, information indicating the appraisal result of a card is recorded as individual information. The appraisal result may include at least a portion of the appraisal content. The appraisal result may include, for example, at least one of a store ID, an appraiser ID, and an appraisal price. In this embodiment, the appraisal result is described as including the store ID, the appraiser ID, the appraisal date and time, and the appraisal price.

[0037] The store ID is information that can uniquely identify the store where the appraisal was performed. For example, suppose a card is brought to a store where the photographing device 2 and terminal device 3 are installed, and the first identification value and appraisal results obtained by photographing the card are recorded in a database (which can also be referred to as management information 111). In this case, the identification information of the store is recorded as the store ID. The store ID may be information (terminal ID) that can uniquely identify the terminal device 3. The appraiser ID is information that can uniquely identify the appraiser who appraised the card. Information input by the appraiser indicating the appraiser is recorded as the appraiser ID. The appraisal date and time is the date and time when the appraiser appraised the card. The appraisal date and time may be the date and time input by the appraiser via the terminal device 3, for example. The appraisal price indicates the appraised value of the card set by the appraiser as a result of the card's appraisal.

[0038] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the first identification value, individual information, and second identification value are directly associated in one database. However, the first identification value, individual information, and second identification value may be indirectly associated. For example, the first identification value and an external reference destination of the information processing device 1 may be associated and recorded in the storage unit 11 of the information processing device 1. In this case, the external reference destination may record the individual information and the second identification value. When the first identification value, individual information, and second identification value are indirectly associated, any of the first identification value, individual information, and second identification value may be recorded in the storage unit 11 of the information processing device 1.

[0039] The detection unit 103 compares the first identification value of the target card TC generated by the numerical value generation unit 102 with at least one first identification value recorded in the database. In this embodiment, the detection unit 103 compares the generated first identification value of the target card TC with at least one first identification value recorded in management information 111, which includes information about cards of the same type as the target card TC. If the management information 111 includes a first identification value that matches the first identification value of the target card TC, the detection unit 103 detects the individual information recorded in association with the first identification value in the management information 111 as the individual information of the target card TC.

[0040] When management information 111 corresponding to each of multiple types of cards is recorded, which management information 111 to use can be specified by input operation via the terminal device 3, etc. Note that the detection unit 103 may, for example, identify management information 111 containing information about cards of the same type as the target card TC based on the first identification value. Also, for example, when the first identification value is generated, a code indicating the type of card may be incorporated into the first identification value and recorded. In this case, the detection unit 103 can identify the type of card from the code included in the first identification value and perform matching using the management information 111 corresponding to that type.

[0041] In this embodiment, the detection unit 103 calculates the degree of match between the first identification value of the target card TC and the first identification value included in the management information 111. The degree of match may be the ratio of the number of numbers in the first identification value included in the management information 111 that match the number in the sequence indicated by the first identification value of the target card TC to the number of numbers in the sequence indicated by the first identification value of the target card TC.

[0042] The detection unit 103 determines whether the management information 111 includes a first identification value whose calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The first threshold is a threshold for individual identification and may be set appropriately depending on the required identification accuracy. When the calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the detection unit 103 considers that the pair of first identification values ​​for which the degree of match is calculated match. When the detection unit 103 determines that the management information 111 includes a first identification value whose calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the detection unit 103 detects the individual information recorded in association with the first identification value as the individual information of the target card TC. In other words, the detection unit 103 detects the individual information recorded in association with the first identification value that matches the first identification value of the target card TC, among the first identification values ​​included in the management information 111, as the individual information of the target card TC.

[0043] The output control unit 104 causes the output unit 14 to output the appraisal result indicated in the individual information detected by the detection unit 103 as the appraisal result of the target card TC. The output control unit 104 may output the appraisal result indicated in the individual information detected by the detection unit 103 to the terminal device 3 by transmitting it to the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 12 and a network. The output unit 14 and the terminal device 3 are examples of output devices that output the appraisal result.

[0044] By outputting the appraisal results in this manner, the appraisal results can be made known to the target person (e.g., a store clerk at the store where the terminal device 3 is installed, or the holder of the target card TC who has requested the store to buy the target card TC) without the need to appraise the target card TC again. For example, if the target person is a store clerk, the store clerk can determine whether to appraise the target card TC by checking the output appraisal results. For example, the store clerk can determine whether to appraise the target card TC by checking the store ID or appraiser ID included in the output appraisal results. Furthermore, if the store clerk determines that the output appraisal results are reliable, the store clerk can present the appraised price included in the appraisal results to the holder of the target card TC.

[0045] The input accepting unit 105 accepts input of the individual information of the target card TC when the detection unit 103 cannot detect a first identification value that matches the first identification value of the target card TC from the database. In this embodiment, when the detection unit 103 determines that a first identification value whose calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than a first threshold is not included in the management information 111, the input accepting unit 105 accepts input of the individual information of the target card TC. The detection unit 103 may also determine that the database does not contain a first identification value that matches the first identification value of the target card TC when it cannot identify the management information 111 that manages information on cards of the same type as the target card TC.

[0046] In this embodiment, the input receiving unit 105 receives input of the appraisal result of the target card TC as individual information of the target card TC. The input appraisal result may include the above-mentioned store ID, appraiser ID, appraisal date and time, and appraisal price.

[0047] The input receiving unit 105 may receive input of the individual information of the target card TC via the input unit 13. The input receiving unit 105 may also receive the individual information of the target card TC input in the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 12.

[0048] The appraisal of the target card TC does not have to be performed by an appraiser, but may be performed by, for example, an appraisal device. In this case, the input receiving unit 105 may receive the appraisal result of the target card TC output from the appraisal device as individual information of the target card TC.

[0049] The authentication device is a device that outputs an authentication result for the target card TC based on information about the target card TC. The authentication device may, for example, be equipped with a trained model that takes an image of the target card TC as input and outputs an authentication result for the target card TC. The authentication device may be included in a device different from the information processing device 1, such as the terminal device 3, or may be included in the information processing device 1.

[0050] The recording unit 106 associates the individual information input by the input receiving unit 105 with the first identification value generated for the target card TC and records them in the database. In other words, if the generated first identification value for the target card TC does not exist in the database, the recording unit 106 associates the first identification value of the target card TC with the input individual information of the target card TC and stores them in the database. As the recording unit 106 records the first identification value and the individual information in this way, a database is constructed in which the first identification value generated from an image of the mark area AR on a card is recorded in association with the individual information of the card. Therefore, the detection unit 103 can detect the individual information of the target card TC using an image of the mark area AR on the target card TC.

[0051] In this embodiment, the recording unit 106 associates the first identification value with the input individual information and records it in management information 111, which includes information about cards of the same type as the target card TC for which the first identification value was generated. This makes it possible to manage the management information 111 for each type of card.

[0052] When recording the generated first identification value in the management information 111, the recording unit 106 may assign an identification number to the first identification value and store the first identification value in association with the input individual information. The identification number may be set arbitrarily as long as it does not overlap among first identification values. Furthermore, if there is no management information 111 corresponding to a card of the same type as the target card TC, the recording unit 106 records the first identification value and individual information of the target card TC as new management information 111.

[0053] Furthermore, the recording unit 106 records the second identification value generated for the appraisal certificate of the target card TC in the database in association with the input individual information for the target card TC. In other words, if the generated first identification value of the target card TC is not present in the database, the recording unit 106 stores the generated second identification value in the database in association with the input individual information for the target card TC. By recording in this manner, a database in which the first identification value, individual information, and second identification value are recorded in association with each other is constructed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recording unit 106 records the generated second identification value in association with the input individual information in management information 111, which includes information about cards of the same type as the target card TC for which the first identification value was generated.

[0054] In this embodiment, the recording unit 106 records in the database the first identification value, individual information, and second identification value for a target card TC that has been identified as genuine by the authenticity determination unit 107 (described later). Therefore, the information about the card recorded in the database is information about a card that is known to be genuine.

[0055] The authenticity determination unit 107 determines whether the target card TC is authentic based on the degree of agreement between each first identification value generated from an image of a predetermined area on each of a plurality of cards known to be authentic and the first identification value generated for the target card TC. The predetermined area may be, for example, the mark area AR.

[0056] As described above, the first identification value is unique to the photographed card, but first identification values ​​generated from images of the same area of ​​a genuine card contain common features. On the other hand, first identification values ​​generated from images of a counterfeit card do not contain the common features. Therefore, when the first identification value of the target card TC highly matches the first identification values ​​of multiple genuine cards, it can be said that the target card TC is highly likely to be genuine. Therefore, the authenticity determination unit 107 can appropriately determine whether the target card TC is genuine.

[0057] The method for calculating the degree of match between the first identification value of each genuine card and the first identification value of the target card TC is not particularly limited. For example, the authenticity determination unit 107 may calculate the Euclidean distance between each first identification value (the first identification value of the genuine card) recorded in the database and the first identification value generated for the target card TC. If the first identification values ​​of cards of the same type are recorded in a single management information 111, the authenticity determination unit 107 may calculate the Euclidean distance for each first identification value recorded in the management information 111 corresponding to cards of the same type as the target card TC. Next, the authenticity determination unit 107 may calculate the average of the calculated Euclidean distances as an index value indicating the degree of match between the generated first identification value and each first identification value recorded in the database. Then, the authenticity determination unit 107 may compare the index value with a second threshold and determine that the target card TC is genuine if the index value is equal to or less than the second threshold.

[0058] The index value indicating the degree of match may be any index that serves as an evaluation index for the degree of match (or similarity) of the number sequence indicated by the first identification value, and may be any index value other than the average value of the Euclidean distance. The second threshold is a threshold for determining authenticity, and may be set appropriately depending on the required determination accuracy.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the first identification value used by the authenticity determination unit 107 for authenticity determination is the same as the first identification value used by the detection unit 103 for detecting individual information. In this case, the area to be photographed is an area where the printed content is the same on each card (for example, any area on the back of the card).

[0060] Furthermore, the first identification value used by the authenticity determination unit 107 for authenticity determination and the first identification value used by the detection unit 103 for detecting individual information may be different values. For example, the first identification value used by the authenticity determination unit 107 for authenticity determination may be generated from an image captured of an area on each card where the printing content is the same (e.g., an arbitrary area on the back of the card). On the other hand, the first identification value used by the detection unit 103 for detecting individual information may be generated from an image captured of an area on each card where the printing content is different (e.g., an arbitrary area on the front of the card). In this case, photographs are taken of both the back and front of the card, and the management information 111 records the first identification value generated from the image of the front side and used for detecting individual information, and the first identification value generated from the image of the back side and used for authenticity determination.

[0061] Furthermore, when the detection unit 103 detects a first identification value that matches the first identification value of the target card TC, the detection unit 103 may compare a second identification value stored in the database in association with the first identification value with a second identification value generated from an image of the certificate of authenticity for the target card TC. Then, when the detection unit 103 determines that these two second identification values ​​match, the detection unit 103 may determine that the certificate of authenticity for the target card TC is genuine.

[0062] As described above, the recording unit 106 records the second identification value generated for the card's certificate in the database in association with the individual information entered for the card. Therefore, the detection unit 103 can determine the authenticity of the certificate simply by taking a picture of a specified area on the certificate. This allows the appraiser or the holder of the target card TC to confirm the authenticity of the certificate.

[0063] The processing executed by the information processing device 1 may be shared among multiple information processing devices (which may also be referred to as computers). For example, the generation of the first identification value, the generation of the second identification value, the detection of individual information, the authentication of the target card TC, and the recording of various information in the database may each be executed by a separate information processing device.

[0064] In this embodiment, the database records management information 111 for each type of card, but this is not limiting. Information about cards does not need to be recorded in the database by classifying it by card type. In this case, the detection unit 103 may compare the generated first identification value of the target card TC with all first identification values ​​stored in the database.

[0065] [Summary of Information Processing Device] The information processing device according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure includes a numerical value generation unit that generates an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target printed matter, from an image of a specified area of ​​the target printed matter; a database in which the identification value generated from the image of the specified area of ​​the printed matter is recorded in association with individual information of the printed matter; and a detection unit that detects the individual information of the target printed matter using the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

[0066] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect the individual information of the target printed matter simply by photographing a predetermined area of ​​the target printed matter. Therefore, the above configuration has the effect of making it possible to detect the individual information of the target printed matter without attaching an identification mark (e.g., an IC chip) to the target printed matter itself or its accessories (e.g., its storage case).

[0067] An information processing device according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 1, provided with an output control unit that records information indicating the appraisal result of the printed matter as the individual information in the database, and outputs the appraisal result indicated in the individual information detected by the detection unit to an output device as the appraisal result of the target printed matter.

[0068] An information processing device according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure is, in aspect 1 or 2, provided with an input accepting unit that accepts input of individual information of the target printed matter when the detection unit is unable to detect an identification value from the database that matches the identification value of the target printed matter, and a recording unit that associates the individual information accepted by the input accepting unit with the identification value generated for the target printed matter and records them in the database.

[0069] In the information processing device of aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in aspect 3, the numerical value generation unit generates an identification value that uniquely identifies the appraisal certificate from an image of a specified area in the appraisal certificate showing the appraisal result of the target printed matter, and the recording unit records the identification value generated for the appraisal certificate in the database in association with the individual information input for the target printed matter.

[0070] An information processing device according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 4, is provided with an authenticity determination unit that determines whether a target printed matter is authentic based on the degree of coincidence between each identification value generated from an image of the specified area of ​​each of a plurality of printed matters known to be authentic and the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

[0071] [Matching Method] The matching method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the matching method. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for detecting individual information based on the result of matching the first identification values. Below, an example will be described in which the information processing device 1 executes the method for detecting individual information, but the process of Fig. 4 may be configured to be executed by a plurality of information processing devices in a shared manner. This also applies to Figs. 5, 10, and 11.

[0072] In S1, the image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image of the mark area AR of the target card TC via the communication unit 12. The image acquisition unit 101 may acquire an image in which the mark area AR is cut out.

[0073] Before the process of S1 is performed, the photographing device 2 photographs the mark area AR of the target card TC that has been brought into the store for purchase or appraisal. The image including the mark area AR is then input to the terminal device 3, which then transmits the input image including the mark area AR to the information processing device 1 via the network. At this time, the terminal device 3 may transmit an image of the mark area AR cut out to the information processing device 1. Furthermore, if the target card TC is brought in together with its appraisal certificate, the image acquisition unit 101 may also acquire an image of a predetermined area of ​​the appraisal certificate in S1.

[0074] In S2 (a numerical value generation step), the numerical value generation unit 102 generates a first identification value that uniquely identifies the target card TC from the image acquired in S1, i.e., an image of the mark area AR on the target card TC. Furthermore, if an image of a predetermined area of ​​the certificate is acquired in S1, the numerical value generation unit 102 may generate a second identification value from the image.

[0075] In S3, the detection unit 103 compares the first identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102 in S2 with at least one first identification value recorded in the database of the storage unit 11. In this embodiment, the detection unit 103 identifies management information 111 that records information about cards of the same type as the target card TC. If the detection unit 103 is able to identify the management information 111, the detection unit 103 compares the first identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102 with at least one first identification value included in the management information 111. Specifically, in comparing the first identification values, the detection unit 103 calculates the degree of agreement between the first identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102 and the first identification value included in the management information 111, and compares the calculated degree of agreement with a first threshold value that is a threshold value for individual identification.

[0076] In S4, the detection unit 103 determines, as a result of the comparison of the first identification values, whether a first identification value whose calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than a first threshold is included in the management information 111. If the detection unit 103 determines that the first identification value is included in the management information 111 (YES in S4), the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if the detection unit 103 determines that the first identification value is not included in the management information 111 (NO in S4), the process proceeds to S11 shown in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, even if the detection unit 103 cannot identify management information 111 that records information about cards of the same type as the target card TC in S3, the process may proceed to S11 shown in Fig. 5.

[0077] In S5, the detection unit 103 detects, as the individual information of the target card TC, the individual information recorded in the management information 111 in association with the first identification value whose calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Note that if the second identification value of the certificate is generated in S2 and the determination in S4 is YES, the detection unit 103 may also compare the second identification value. In this case, the detection unit 103 may detect the individual information on the condition that the comparison of both the first identification value and the second identification value is successful.

[0078] As described above, the database does not necessarily have to record management information 111 for each type of card. In this case, in S3, the detection unit 103 may compare the first identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102 with all first identification values ​​included in the database. Then, in S4, if the detection unit 103 determines that the database contains a first identification value whose calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the process may proceed to S5. If the detection unit 103 determines that the first identification value is not included in the database, the process may proceed to S11 shown in FIG. 5.

[0079] In this way, step S5 is a detection step in which the detection unit 103 detects individual information of the target card using the database and the first identification value generated for the target card TC.

[0080] In S6, the output control unit 104 outputs the appraisal result indicated in the individual information detected by the detection unit 103 to the output unit 14 as the appraisal result of the target card TC. The output control unit 104 may also output the appraisal result to the terminal device 3 as the appraisal result of the target card TC. The input accepting unit 105 may also accept updates to the appraisal result. For example, if appraisal is also performed at the store where the target card TC is brought, the input accepting unit 105 may accept input such as the store ID, appraiser ID, and appraisal result, and record them in the management information 111.

[0081] As described above, a matching method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a matching method executed by one or more information processing devices, and includes a numerical generation step of generating an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target printed matter, from an image of a specified area of ​​the target printed matter, and a detection step of detecting individual information of the target printed matter using a database in which the identification value generated from the image of the specified area of ​​the printed matter is recorded in association with individual information of the printed matter, and the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

[0082] According to the above method, it is possible to detect the individual information of the target printed matter simply by photographing a predetermined area of ​​the target printed matter. Therefore, the above method has the effect of making it possible to detect the individual information of the target printed matter without attaching an identification mark (e.g., an IC chip) to the target printed matter itself or its accessories (e.g., its storage case).

[0083] [Method for Determining the Authenticity of a Target Printed Material] A method for determining the authenticity of a printed material according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining the authenticity of a printed material.

[0084] 4 , if the answer is NO, that is, if nothing matching the first identification value of the target card TC is detected in the database, an authenticity determination is performed by the authenticity determination unit 107. In the authenticity determination, the authenticity determination unit 107 determines whether the target card TC is genuine or not based on the degree of match between each first identification value included in the database and the first identification value generated for the target card TC. The first identification values ​​included in the database are first identification values ​​generated from images obtained by capturing the mark area AR of each of a plurality of cards known to be genuine.

[0085] Specifically, in S11, the authenticity determination unit 107 calculates an index value indicating the degree of match between each first identification value recorded in the database and the generated first identification value. In this embodiment, the authenticity determination unit 107 calculates the Euclidean distance between each first identification value recorded in management information 111, which includes information about cards of the same type as the target card TC for which the first identification value was generated, and the generated first identification value. The authenticity determination unit 107 calculates the average of the calculated Euclidean distances as the index value.

[0086] In S12, the authenticity determination unit 107 determines whether the index value is equal to or less than a second threshold value, which is a threshold value for authenticity determination. If the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the index value is equal to or less than the second threshold value (YES in S12), the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, if the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the index value exceeds the second threshold value (NO in S12), the process proceeds to S21.

[0087] In S13, the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the target card TC is genuine. In this case, in S14, the input acceptance unit 105 accepts input of individual information of the target card TC. The input acceptance unit 105 may accept input of the individual information of the target card TC via the input unit 13, or may accept the individual information input in the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 12. Furthermore, the input acceptance unit 105 may accept, as the individual information, the results of automatic appraisal by an appraisal device included in the information processing device 1 or an appraisal device as an external device.

[0088] For example, if the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the target card TC is genuine, the output control unit 104 may cause the output unit 14 to output a notification prompting the input of individual information about the target card TC. The output control unit 104 may also cause the notification to be output to the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 12 and the network. This allows the appraiser or the holder of the target card TC to input the individual information about the target card TC that has been determined to be genuine into the input unit 13 or the terminal device 3.

[0089] However, the individual information of the target card TC may be input to the input unit 13 or the terminal device 3 at any timing before the target card TC is determined to be genuine. In this case, if the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the target card TC is genuine, the input acceptance unit 105 may accept input of the individual information stored in the memory unit 11. Furthermore, the input acceptance unit 105 may accept input of the individual information stored in the terminal device 3 by transmitting a request to send the individual information to the terminal device 3.

[0090] Furthermore, the authentication device may authenticate the target card TC at any timing before the target card TC is determined to be authentic. In this case, too, if the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the target card TC is authentic, the input receiving unit 105 may receive input of the authentication result from the authentication device stored in the memory unit 11. Furthermore, the input receiving unit 105 may receive input of the authentication result stored in the authentication device by transmitting a request to send the authentication result to an external authentication device. Note that, if there is no need to register individual information, the process of S14 may be omitted. Furthermore, a card ID may be automatically generated and recorded as individual information, and in this case, the process of S14 may also be omitted.

[0091] In S15, the recording unit 106 associates the individual information input by the input accepting unit 105 with the first identification value generated by the numerical value generating unit 102 in S2 of Fig. 4 and records them in the database. For example, the recording unit 106 may assign an identification number to the first identification value generated by the numerical value generating unit 102 and store the first identification value and the individual information in association with each other. Furthermore, the recording unit 106 may associate the first identification value with the input individual information and record it in management information 111 that includes information about cards of the same type as the target card TC for which the first identification value was generated.

[0092] In S16, the image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image of a predetermined area in the appraisal certificate indicating the appraisal result of the target card TC via the communication unit 12. The image acquisition unit 101 may acquire an image in which the predetermined area has been cut out.

[0093] Before the processing of S16 is performed, the photographing device 2 photographs a predetermined area in the appraisal certificate certifying the appraisal result input as individual information in S15, and then inputs the image including the predetermined area to the terminal device 3. The appraisal certificate may be issued, for example, at a store where the terminal device 3 is installed. The terminal device 3 transmits the input image including the predetermined area to the information processing device 1 via the network. The terminal device 3 may also transmit an image in which the predetermined area has been cut out to the information processing device 1.

[0094] In S17, the numerical value generating unit 102 generates a second identification value that uniquely identifies the certificate from the image (acquired by the image acquiring unit 101 in S16) of a predetermined area on the certificate of the target card TC. In S18, the recording unit 106 records the second identification value generated by the numerical value generating unit 102 in the database in association with the individual information accepted by the input accepting unit 105 in S14.

[0095] 5, only information about the target card TC that has been determined to be genuine by the authenticity determination unit 107 can be recorded in the database. In other words, only information about the target card TC that is highly likely to be genuine can be recorded in the database. Note that the processes of S16 and S17 may be performed at any timing before the process of S18. The process of S16 may be performed in parallel with S14, for example, after the target card has been determined to be genuine in S13.

[0096] Also, if the answer is NO in S12, in S21 the authenticity determination unit 107 determines that the target card TC is a counterfeit. Then, in S22, the output control unit 104 causes the output unit 14 to output a notification indicating that the target card TC is suspected to be a counterfeit. The output control unit 104 may also cause the notification to be output to the terminal device 3 via the communication unit 12 and the network. This allows the appraiser or the holder of the target card TC to know that the target card TC is likely a counterfeit.

[0097] 4 and 5, authenticity determination is performed when individual identification fails (when individual information cannot be detected), but authenticity determination may be performed first, and then individual identification may be performed if the product is determined to be genuine. Also, individual identification and authenticity determination do not necessarily need to be performed as a series of processes, and individual identification and authenticity determination may be performed independently.

[0098] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 11. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the generation and recording of management information and the verification using the management information are performed by different information processing devices. Also, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which determination information used for authenticity determination is generated and recorded, and the authenticity determination is performed using this determination information. Note that in this embodiment, the same reference numbers will be used for components similar to those in embodiment 1, and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of generating management information and determination information for a label to be attached to an item will be described. In this case, the label can be used to detect individual information about the item to which the label is attached and determine its authenticity. The same applies when generating management information and determination information for any accessory attached to the item, such as a sticker, tag, or packaging, in addition to a label. Note that the object for generating management information and determination information can be any item and is not limited to a label. Therefore, the term "label" in the following description can be read as any "item." Note that the "item" may be a printed material, or may be an item other than a printed material as long as it is mass-produced and cannot be distinguished from each other visually.

[0100] [Outline of Generation and Recording of Management Information and Determination Information] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of generation and recording of management information and determination information in this embodiment. When generating the management information and determination information, a predetermined area of ​​each of the multiple labels L is photographed by the photographing device 2A. Note that each label L is known to be genuine. For example, each label L may be photographed as part of the label L manufacturing process, thereby ensuring that each photographed image is of a genuine label L. Note that the label L may also be photographed after it has been affixed to a product.

[0101] Here, the predetermined area is an area where the printed content is the same for each label L. If the printed content is the same for the entire label L, the entire label L may be the predetermined area. Although there is no difference in appearance between the images obtained by photographing the predetermined area of ​​each label L, as described in the first embodiment, it is possible to generate an identification value that can uniquely identify each label L from each of these images.

[0102] The information processing device 1A acquires each image captured by the photographing device 2A. The method of acquiring the images is not particularly limited. For example, if the photographing device 2A has a communication function, the information processing device 1A may acquire each image from the photographing device 2A via communication. Alternatively, the information processing device 1A may acquire each image via another device, or a user of the information processing device 1A or the photographing device 2A may input each image to the information processing device 1A.

[0103] Next, the information processing device 1A generates an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies the label L appearing in the image, from the image acquired as described above. This process is performed for each of the acquired images. The information processing device 1A then generates management information 111A by associating the generated identification value with individual information about the label L, and records the generated management information 111A in the database 4A. Note that the information processing device 1A may generate determination information for authenticity determination, and another information processing device may generate the management information 111A.

[0104] 6, each label L is associated with unique identification information (ID) as individual information about the label L, and is also associated with individual information about the item to which the label L is affixed (specifically, product ID, production date, and lot number). In this way, when generating identification values ​​for accessories attached to items such as labels and sealed packages, information about the item to which the accessories are attached may be used as individual information. Note that information about the item may be recorded in another database, and a link for accessing that information may be recorded in the management information 111A.

[0105] Furthermore, the information processing device 1A generates determination information 112A to be used for authenticity determination from the identification values ​​generated as described above, and records the information in the database 4A. Since each of the generated identification values ​​includes the characteristics of a genuine label L, it is possible to generate the determination information 112A for authenticity determination by using these identification values.

[0106] The determination information 112A may be any information that can be used to determine authenticity. For example, the information processing device 1A may treat each identification value as a number sequence and extract a common portion of each number sequence as a master number sequence. In this case, the extracted master number sequence is the determination information 112A. When the master number sequence is used as the determination information 112A, if the degree of match between the identification value, i.e., number sequence, generated from a photographed image of the label to be subjected to authenticity determination and the master number sequence is equal to or greater than a threshold, the product can be determined to be authentic, and if it is less than the threshold, the product can be determined to be a counterfeit. Here, the result of determining the authenticity of a label can also be said to be the result of determining the authenticity of the target item to which the label is affixed.

[0107] It is not necessary to use all the identification values ​​to generate the determination information 112A, but it is sufficient to use as many identification values ​​as necessary to achieve the desired level of authenticity determination. The determination information 112A generated from some of the identification values ​​of the labels L produced at a certain time can be used to determine the authenticity of other labels L produced at that time, and can also be used to determine the authenticity of labels L produced thereafter.

[0108] [Outline of Verification Using Management Information and Authentication Determination Using Determination Information] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of verification (which can also be rephrased as individual identification) using management information 111A and authenticity determination using determination information 112A. In the example of Fig. 7, target item X is the subject of authenticity determination. If a label L is attached to a genuine item, authenticity can be determined based on the presence or absence of label L. However, target item X has attached thereto a label Lx that cannot be distinguished from label L in appearance, and its authenticity cannot be determined visually.

[0109] First, a predetermined area of ​​the target item X, specifically the label Lx affixed to the target item X, is photographed by the terminal device 3B having a photographing function. Next, the terminal device 3B transmits the photographed image to the information processing device 1B. Note that the photograph may be taken by a photographing device separate from the terminal device 3B, or the image may be transmitted from a photographing device having a communication function.

[0110] The information processing device 1B generates an identification value from a captured image of the label Lx. This identification value is a numerical value that uniquely identifies the label Lx, and can also be said to be a numerical value that uniquely identifies the target item X to which the label Lx is affixed. Next, the information processing device 1B determines whether the target item X is authentic or not using the generated identification value and the determination information 112A recorded in the database 4A. For example, if the above-mentioned master number sequence is recorded as the determination information 112A, the information processing device 1B may calculate the degree of match between the identification value of the label Lx, i.e., the number sequence, and the master number sequence, and determine the target item as authentic if the calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold, or as a counterfeit if it is less than the threshold.

[0111] If the result of the above determination is that the product is a counterfeit (not a genuine product), information processing device 1B notifies terminal device 3B of this fact. On the other hand, if the result of the above determination is that the product is a genuine product, information processing device 1B may detect individual information using management information 111A. Specifically, information processing device 1B may compare the identification value of label Lx with each identification value recorded in management information 111A to detect a match and detect individual information associated with the matched identification value. Furthermore, information processing device 1B may notify terminal device 3B of the detected individual information and cause it to be output.

[0112] It is not necessary to record the identification values ​​for all of the labels of genuine products in the management information 111A. If the identification values ​​for only some of the labels of genuine products are recorded in the management information 111A, it may be possible that the individual information cannot be detected even if the product is determined to be genuine. In this case, the information processing device 1B simply notifies the terminal device 3B of the determination result that the product is genuine and causes it to output it.

[0113] [Configuration of Information Processing Device 1A] The configuration of information processing device 1A will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of information processing device 1A. As shown in the figure, information processing device 1A includes a control unit 10A that controls each unit of information processing device 1A and a storage unit 11A that stores various data used by information processing device 1A. Furthermore, control unit 10A includes an image acquisition unit 101A, a numerical value generation unit 102A, a recording unit 106A, and a determination information generation unit 108A. Note that image acquisition unit 101A and numerical value generation unit 102A have the same functions as the components with the same names in embodiment 1, and therefore their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, information processing device 1A may include an input acceptance unit 105.

[0114] The recording unit 106A associates the identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102A from the image of the label L with individual information about the label L (which may be individual information about the item to which the label L is affixed, as described above), and records the associated information. This process is performed for each of the multiple labels L. For example, the recording unit 106A may associate the identification value with the individual information by generating management information 111A shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and record this in the database 4. The recording destination for the management information 111A is arbitrary; for example, the recording unit 106A may record the management information 111A in the storage unit 11A, or may transmit the generated management information 111A to the information processing device 1B for storage.

[0115] The determination information generating unit 108A generates determination information 112A to be used for determining the authenticity of labels of the same type as the label L (or for determining the authenticity of an article to which the label is affixed) from the multiple identification values ​​generated by the numerical value generating unit 102A from the images of the multiple labels L. The determination information generating unit 108A also records the generated determination information 112A in the database 4. The recording destination of the determination information 112A is also arbitrary; for example, the determination information generating unit 108A may record the determination information 112A in the storage unit 11A, or may transmit the generated determination information 112A to the information processing device 1B for storage.

[0116] As described above, the information processing device 1A includes a numerical value generation unit 102A that generates, for each of a plurality of items of the same type (e.g., label L) that are known to be authentic, an identification value that is a numerical value that uniquely identifies the item from an image of a predetermined area of ​​the item, and a determination information generation unit 108A that generates determination information 112A that is used to determine the authenticity of an item of the same type (e.g., label Lx in FIG. 7 ) from the identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102A for each of the plurality of items. By using this determination information 112A, the authenticity of the target item can be determined simply by photographing the target item or its accessories (e.g., label). In other words, the above configuration achieves the effect of facilitating authenticity determination and reducing costs.

[0117] [Configuration of Information Processing Device 1B] The configuration of information processing device 1B will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of information processing device 1B. As shown in the figure, information processing device 1B includes a control unit 10B that controls each unit of information processing device 1B and a storage unit 11B that stores various data used by information processing device 1B. Control unit 10B also includes an image acquisition unit 101B, a numerical value generation unit 102B, a detection unit 103B, an output control unit 104B, and an authenticity determination unit 107B. Note that image acquisition unit 101B and numerical value generation unit 102B have the same functions as the components with the same names in embodiment 1, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0118] When a target item to be subjected to authentication is determined to be genuine, the detection unit 103B detects individual information of the target item. More specifically, the detection unit 103B compares the identification value of the target item (e.g., label Lx) with each identification value recorded in the management information 111A to detect a match and detects individual information associated with the matched identification value.

[0119] The output control unit 104B outputs the determination result of the authenticity determination unit 107B and the individual information detected by the detection unit 103B to a predetermined output device. For example, the output control unit 104B may transmit the determination result of the authenticity determination unit 107B and the individual information detected by the detection unit 103B to the terminal device 3B and output them.

[0120] The authenticity determination unit 107B determines whether the target item is authentic or not using the identification value generated by the numerical value generation unit 102B from an image of the target item to be authenticated and the determination information 112A. The specific determination method depends on the type of determination information 112A used. For example, if the above-mentioned master sequence is recorded as the determination information 112A, the authenticity determination unit 107B may calculate the degree of match between the identification value of the target item, i.e., the number sequence, and the master sequence, and determine the target item as authentic if the calculated degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold, or as a counterfeit if it is less than the threshold. Note that the master sequence is merely one example of the determination information 112A, and information other than a number sequence can be used as the determination information 112A as long as it indicates characteristics of the identification value of an authentic item.

[0121] Furthermore, the determination information 112A may be, for example, information indicating a distribution range of the identification values ​​of genuine products. In this case, the authenticity determination unit 107B may determine that the target product's identification value is genuine if it falls within the distribution range indicated in the determination information 112A, or that the target product is a counterfeit if it falls outside the distribution range. When using such determination information 112A, the determination information generation unit 108A of the information processing device 1A may, for example, plot each identification value of a genuine product in a feature space to identify the distribution range of the identification values ​​of genuine products (in other words, the boundary between the space where genuine products are distributed and the space where they are not). Then, the determination information generation unit 108A may generate determination information 112A indicating this range or boundary. When using such determination information 112A, the authenticity determination unit 107B may plot the identification value of the target product to be authenticated in the feature space and determine whether the plot falls within the distribution range.

[0122] As described above, the information processing device 1B includes a numerical value generation unit 102B that generates an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target item (e.g., label Lx in FIG. 7 ) from an image of a predetermined area of ​​the target item to be authenticated; authentication information 112A that is generated using multiple identification values ​​generated from images of the predetermined areas of multiple items (e.g., label L in FIG. 6 ) of the same type as the target item that are known to be authentic; and an authenticity determination unit 107B that determines whether the target item is authentic using the identification value of the target item generated by the numerical value generation unit 102B. This configuration eliminates the need to process the target item itself in advance; authenticity determination can be performed using only an image of the target item. Therefore, this configuration achieves the effect of facilitating and reducing the cost of authenticity determination.

[0123] [Flow of Processing Executed by Information Processing Device 1A] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by information processing device 1 A. The processing shown in Fig. 10 includes each step of the determination information generating method according to this embodiment.

[0124] In S21, the image acquisition unit 101A acquires an image of a predetermined area of ​​each of a plurality of articles of the same type (for example, label L in FIG. 6) that are known to be genuine.

[0125] In S22 (a numerical value generation step), the numerical value generation unit 102A generates an identification value that uniquely identifies an item appearing in the image obtained in S21. This process is performed for each of the multiple images obtained in S21.

[0126] In S23, the recording unit 106A associates the identification value generated in S22 with the corresponding individual information and records it. This process is performed for each of the multiple identification values ​​generated in S22. For example, the recording unit 106A may associate the identification value with the individual information by generating the management information 111A shown in Figures 6 and 7, and record the generated management information 111A. Note that if the management information 111A is generated by another information processing device, the process of S23 may be omitted.

[0127] In S24 (judgment information generation step), the judgment information generation unit 108A generates judgment information 112A to be used to judge the authenticity of items of the same type as the item in question from the identification values ​​generated in S22 for each of the multiple items.

[0128] In S25, the determination information generation unit 108A records the determination information 112A generated in S24, thereby completing the processing in Fig. 10. Note that instead of performing the processing of S25, the determination information generation unit 108A may transmit the determination information 112A generated in S24 (and the management information 111A generated in S23) to the information processing device 1B.

[0129] As described above, the determination information generating method according to this embodiment is a method executed by one or more information processing devices, and includes a numerical value generating step (S22) of generating, for each of a plurality of articles of the same type that are known to be genuine, an identification value that is a numerical value that uniquely identifies the article from an image obtained by capturing a predetermined area of ​​the article, and a determination information generating step (S24) of generating, for each of the plurality of articles, determination information 112A that is used to determine the authenticity of articles of the same type as the article in question, from the identification value generated in S22. This configuration has the effect of making it possible to facilitate authenticity determination and reduce costs.

[0130] [Flow of Processing Executed by Information Processing Device 1B] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by information processing device 1 B. The processing shown in Fig. 11 includes each step of the authenticity determination method according to this embodiment.

[0131] In S31, the image acquisition unit 101B acquires an image of a predetermined area of ​​the target item (e.g., the label Lx in FIG. 7) to be subjected to authenticity determination. Then, in S32, the numerical value generation unit 102B generates an identification value that uniquely identifies the target item from the image acquired in S31.

[0132] In S33, the authenticity determination unit 107B determines whether the target item is authentic using the identification value of the target item generated in S32 and the determination information 112A. As described above, the determination information 112A is information generated using multiple identification values ​​generated from images of the above-mentioned predetermined areas of multiple items (e.g., label L in FIG. 6) that are known to be authentic and are of the same type as the target item. If it is determined in S33 that the item is authentic (YES in S33), the process proceeds to S34, and if it is determined that the item is not authentic (NO in S33), the process proceeds to S37.

[0133] In S37, the output control unit 104B causes a predetermined output device to output a notice indicating that the target item is suspected to be a counterfeit, thereby ending the processing of FIG.

[0134] Meanwhile, in S34, the detection unit 103B compares the identification value generated in S32 with each identification value recorded in the database 4 (more specifically, the management information 111A). Specifically, the detection unit 103B calculates the degree of match between the identification value generated in S32 and the identification value included in the management information 111A, and compares the calculated degree of match with a first threshold value for individual identification. This process is performed sequentially for each identification value included in the management information 111A. This process is performed until an identification value whose degree of match is equal to or greater than the first threshold is detected.

[0135] It is possible that no identification value contained in the management information 111A has a degree of match with the identification value generated in S32 that is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. In this case, the output control unit 104B causes a predetermined output device to output a notification indicating that the individual information of the target item has not been recorded, and the processing in FIG. 11 is then terminated.

[0136] In S35, the detection unit 103B detects, in the management information 111A, individual information recorded in association with an identification value whose degree of match with the identification value generated in S32 is equal to or greater than a first threshold, as individual information of the target item.

[0137] In S36, the output control unit 104B outputs the individual information detected in S35 to a predetermined output device as individual information of the target item. This ends the processing in Figure 11. Note that the processing in S34 to S36 (individual item identification processing) does not necessarily have to be performed together with the processing in S33 (authenticity determination processing). If the individual item identification processing is omitted, when a YES determination is made in S33, a notification indicating that the target item is authentic is output to a predetermined output device, and the processing in Figure 11 ends.

[0138] As described above, the authenticity determination method according to this embodiment is a determination information generation method executed by one or more information processing devices, and includes a numerical value generation step (S32) of generating an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target item to be determined for authenticity, from an image of a predetermined area of ​​the target item, and an authenticity determination step (S33) of determining whether the target item is authentic or not using determination information 112A generated using a plurality of identification values ​​generated from images of the predetermined areas of a plurality of items of the same type as the target item that are known to be authentic, and the identification value of the target item generated in the numerical value generation step. This configuration has the effect of making it possible to easily determine authenticity and reduce costs.

[0139] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 1A generates the management information 111A and the determination information 112A, and the information processing device 1B performs authenticity determination and individual identification using the management information 111A and the determination information 112A. However, the entity that generates each piece of information and executes each process using each piece of information is arbitrary and is not limited to the above example.

[0140] For example, a single information processing device having the functions of both information processing devices 1A and 1B may be used to perform processes from generating each piece of information to processing using that information, which has the advantage of being able to share the image acquisition units 101A and 101B and the numerical value generation units 102A and 102B.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, the generation of the management information 111A and the generation of the determination information 112A may be performed by different information processing devices, and the individual identification using the management information 111A and the authenticity determination using the determination information 112A may be performed by different information processing devices.

[0142] [Example of implementation using software] The functions of the information processing devices 1, 1A, and 1B (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 10, 10A, or 10B).

[0143] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0144] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0145] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0146] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0147] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0148] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing device 3 Terminal device (output device) 14 Output unit (output device) 102, 102A, 102B Numeric value generation unit 103 Detection unit 104 Output control unit 105 Input reception unit 106 Recording unit 107, 107B Authenticity determination unit 108A Determination information generation unit AR Mark area (predetermined area on target printed matter) TC Target card (target printed matter)

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a numerical value generation unit that generates an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target printed matter from an image captured of a specified area on the target printed matter; and a detection unit that detects individual information of the target printed matter using a database in which the identification value generated from the image captured of the specified area on the printed matter is recorded in association with individual information of the printed matter, and the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an output control unit that outputs the appraisal result indicated in the individual information detected by the detection unit to an output device as the appraisal result of the target printed matter, wherein the database records information indicating the appraisal result of the printed matter as the individual information.

3. An information processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an input accepting unit that accepts input of individual information of the target printed matter when the detection unit is unable to detect an identification value from the database that matches the identification value of the target printed matter; and a recording unit that associates the individual information accepted by the input accepting unit with the identification value generated for the target printed matter and records them in the database.

4. The information processing device described in claim 3, wherein the numerical value generation unit generates an identification value that uniquely identifies the appraisal certificate from an image of a specified area in the appraisal certificate showing the appraisal result of the target printed matter, and the recording unit records the identification value generated for the appraisal certificate in the database in association with the individual information input for the target printed matter.

5. An information processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising an authenticity determination unit that determines whether the target printed matter is authentic based on the degree of match between each identification value generated from an image taken of the specified area of ​​each of a plurality of printed matters known to be authentic and the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

6. An information processing device comprising: a numerical value generating unit that generates, for each of a plurality of items of the same type that are known to be genuine, an identification value that is a numerical value that uniquely identifies the item from an image captured of a specified area of ​​the item; and a determination information generating unit that generates, from the identification value generated by the numerical value generating unit for each of the plurality of items, determination information to be used for determining the authenticity of items of the same type as the item.

7. An information processing device comprising: a numerical value generation unit that generates an identification value, which is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target item from an image captured of a specified area of ​​the target item to be determined as to authenticity; and an authenticity determination unit that determines whether the target item is authentic or not using determination information generated using a plurality of identification values ​​generated from images captured of the specified areas of a plurality of items of the same type as the target item and known to be authentic, and the identification value of the target item generated by the numerical value generation unit.

8. A matching method executed by one or more information processing devices, comprising: a numerical generation step of generating an identification value that is a numerical value that uniquely identifies a target printed matter from an image captured of a specified area on the target printed matter; and a detection step of detecting individual information of the target printed matter using a database in which the identification value generated from the image captured of the specified area on the printed matter is recorded in association with individual information of the printed matter, and the identification value generated for the target printed matter.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 1, the program causing a computer to function as said numerical value generating section and said detecting section.

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