Appropriateness level acquisition system, appropriateness level acquisition method, label, package, label manufacturing method, and package manufacturing method

Abstract

An appropriateness level acquisition system according to the present invention comprises a data acquisition circuit, an application reception circuit, an appropriateness level acquisition circuit, a benefit data generation circuit, and a benefit data output circuit. The data acquisition circuit acquires the following from a terminal apparatus: data to be appraised, said data being acquired from a product that is to be subjected to an evaluation of authenticity and being used to evaluate said authenticity; and application data that is acquired from the product and is used to request for a benefit associated with the product. The application reception circuit receives the request for the benefit on the basis of a request identifier included in the application data. The appropriateness level acquisition circuit acquires an appropriateness level, which indicates the degree of possibility that the product is a genuine product and is based on the data to be appraised as included in the application data. The benefit data generation circuit generates a result, as to whether to grant the benefit, on the basis of the appropriateness level and the request identifier. The benefit data output circuit outputs the benefit data to the terminal apparatus without outputting the appropriateness level.

Description

Appropriateness acquisition system, appropriateness acquisition method, label, package, label manufacturing method and package manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for obtaining appropriateness, a method for obtaining appropriateness, a label, a package, a method for manufacturing a label, and a method for manufacturing a package. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-020191 filed on February 14, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, there are technologies for determining whether a product is genuine. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for determining whether an admission ticket is a ticket issued by an event organizer or a counterfeit ticket. There is also a technology that allows even consumers who do not have special equipment or specialized knowledge to determine whether a product is genuine using their own mobile terminal and know the results.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-023965

[0004] However, there is a possibility that the judgment may be in error, resulting in a genuine product purchased by a consumer being judged to be an ungenuine product. If the judgment result becomes known to consumers and they spread the information that the retailer from which the product was purchased is selling ungenuine products, there is a risk that the impression will be created that the product sold is ungenuine, even if the retailer purchased the product from an authorized retailer, which could result in damage to the retailer. In addition, if consumers purchase a product while suspecting that it may be ungenuine, they may be reluctant to have it judged as genuine or not, which would make their purchase known. On the other hand, manufacturers and distributors have a desire to understand the distribution of ungenuine products. In order to judge whether a product is genuine or not, users must provide data about the product.

[0005] In addition, products may be provided with an application identifier (such as a barcode) that is information for applying for benefits that accompany the product. Such application identifiers can also be used as data to be authenticated for evaluating the authenticity of the product. If this application identifier (data to be authenticated) is exposed on the exterior of the product, there is a possibility that a consumer who has not yet purchased the product may read the application identifier and fraudulently apply for the benefit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has as its object to collect data for analyzing the distribution status of non-genuine products without consumers being aware of the results of the judgment as to whether a product is genuine. Another object of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized reading of information before a product is purchased.

[0007] [1] One aspect of the present invention is an appropriateness assessment system that includes: an application data acquisition circuit that acquires application data from a terminal device operated by a consumer, the application data including authentication target data used to assess authenticity, which is acquired from a product whose authenticity is to be assessed, and an application identifier acquired from the product, which is used to apply for a benefit associated with the product; an application acceptance circuit that accepts applications for the benefit based on the application identifier included in the application data; an appropriateness assessment circuit that acquires an appropriateness indicating the likelihood that the product is genuine based on the authentication target data included in the application data; a benefit data generation circuit that generates a result indicating whether or not to grant the benefit based on the appropriateness acquired by the appropriateness assessment circuit and the application identifier; and a benefit data output circuit that outputs a result indicating whether or not to grant the benefit to the terminal device without outputting the appropriateness to the terminal device. The product has a benefit application area from which the authentication target data can be acquired and a benefit application area from which the application identifier can be acquired. Both benefit application areas may be the same, or both benefit application areas may be separate. The two benefit application areas may overlap partially or completely, or may not overlap at all. The benefit application area from which the data to be verified can be acquired holds the data to be verified. The benefit application area from which the application identifier can be acquired stores the application identifier.

[0008] [2] One aspect of the present invention is a suitability acquisition method that acquires application data from a terminal device operated by a consumer, the application data including authentication target data used to evaluate authenticity, which is obtained from a product whose authenticity is to be evaluated, and an application identifier obtained from the product and used to apply for a benefit attached to the product; accepts an application for the benefit based on the application identifier included in the application data; acquires a suitability that indicates the degree of likelihood that the product is genuine, which is generated based on the authentication target data included in the application data; generates a result of whether or not to grant the benefit based on the acquired suitability and the application identifier; and outputs the result of whether or not the benefit will be granted to the terminal device without outputting the suitability.

[0009] [3] One aspect of the present invention is a label having an adhesive surface and being readable by a system for evaluating authenticity, the label comprising: a hologram forming layer having fine irregularities; a metal layer formed on the hologram forming layer and arranged between the hologram forming layer and the adhesive surface in the thickness direction of the label; and an information printing layer arranged between the metal layer and the adhesive surface in the thickness direction, on which information used for evaluating authenticity is printed and which is visible from the adhesive surface.

[0010] [4] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a label that is read by a system for evaluating authenticity, which comprises preparing a hologram forming layer having fine irregularities and a metal layer formed on the hologram forming layer, providing an information printing layer on the opposite side of the metal layer from the hologram forming layer, providing an adhesive surface on the opposite side of the information printing layer from the metal layer so that the information printing layer is visible from the adhesive surface, and printing information to be used for evaluating the authenticity on the information printing layer.

[0011] According to the above aspects of the present invention, data for analyzing the distribution status of pirated copies can be collected without the consumer being aware of the results of the judgment as to whether the product is genuine. Furthermore, according to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent unauthorized reading of information before purchasing a product.

[0012] 14B is a diagram for explaining an example of an aspect of the suitability acquisition system. FIG. 14C is a block diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the suitability acquisition system. FIG. 14D is a diagram for explaining a guide displayed on the first display when capturing an image. FIG. 14E is a diagram for explaining an example of a displayed heat map. FIG. 14F is a diagram for explaining an example of correspondence data stored in a storage. FIG. 14F is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow of the suitability acquisition device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14C is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow of the suitability acquisition device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14F is a diagram for explaining a bonus application area in the third embodiment. FIG. 14C is a diagram for explaining a bonus application area in the third embodiment. FIG. 14F is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow of the suitability acquisition device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14F is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing flow of the suitability acquisition device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14A is an example of a label according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14B is a diagram for explaining an example of the function of the label according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14C is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of using the label according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14F is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of manufacturing the label according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of region 14B shown in FIG. 14B. FIG. 14C is a diagram for explaining a state following FIG. 14D. FIG. 14E is a diagram for explaining a state following FIG. 14F. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a label according to a sixth embodiment; 10B and 10C are diagrams showing an example of a label according to a seventh embodiment;

[0013] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, regarding the appropriateness obtaining system, appropriateness obtaining method, label, package, label manufacturing method, and package manufacturing method. The embodiments of the present invention can be combined to produce synergistic effects. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention may also include embodiments in which the components are replaced with components having equivalent functions. The components described below may also include those that would be easily conceivable by a person skilled in the art. The components described below can be combined to produce synergistic effects. The present invention also allows for various combinations, omissions, substitutions, or modifications of non-essential components.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appropriateness obtaining system. First, a product G will be described. The product G includes a bonus application area AP from which data to be authenticated can be acquired. The bonus application area AP is used to obtain the appropriateness of the product G. The bonus application area AP may be referred to as the first portion. The bonus application area AP includes data to be authenticated. The data to be authenticated is data used to obtain the appropriateness of the product G. The data to be authenticated may be, for example, check data. The bonus application area AP may be, for example, a two-dimensional code, a barcode, a digital watermark, a character string, or the like. The bonus application area AP may be configured to prevent counterfeiting by using artifact metrics, a unique material, or the like. In embodiment 1, the bonus application area AP may be configured to provide confidentiality and invisibility by using infrared-absorbing materials, fluorescent materials, or the like for the two-dimensional code, barcode, digital watermark, symbol, or the like. Furthermore, the bonus application area AP may be configured to obtain the data to be authenticated using visible light by using pearl ink, magnetic ink, or a hologram. In other words, the data to be authenticated can be obtained from image data captured by photographing the bonus application area AP. This image data may be obtained as one or more frames of a video. This allows the data to be authenticated to be obtained using a regular smartphone camera. The product G also has a bonus application area AC from which an application identifier can be obtained. The bonus application area AC is used by consumer C to apply for a bonus. The bonus application area AC is sometimes referred to as the second portion. The bonus application area AC has an application identifier. The application identifier is data for identifying the application for a bonus. The application identifier is recorded as a code in the bonus application area AC. For example, a two-dimensional code, a barcode, a character string, etc. is recorded in the bonus application area AC. The bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP may be directly provided on the product G by being printed or engraved on the surface of the product G. The bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP may also be indirectly provided on the product G by a tag attached to the product G, printed on the packaging, or a label attached to the packaging or product.This label has a bonus application area AP printed on its front or back. Inkjet printing or laser printing can be used to print this packaging and label. Both the function of the bonus application area AC containing the application identifier and the function of the bonus application area AP containing the data to be authenticated can be combined into one area. This allows consumer C to apply, and the application data and the data to be authenticated can be obtained at the same time. Alternatively, separate adjacent areas may each play their own unique role. This makes it easy to obtain the data to be authenticated and the application data.

[0015] Consumer C acquires product G through purchase, transfer, or other means. To apply for a benefit associated with product G, consumer C operates the terminal device 10 and outputs images (application data II) of the benefit application area AC and the benefit application area AP to the appropriateness acquisition device 20. The benefit application area AC and the benefit application area AP may be the same. In other words, the benefit application area AC and the benefit application area AP can be used interchangeably. The benefit may be, for example, participation in a prize draw or lottery, monetary benefits such as points that can be used for payment or discount coupons, coupons that can be exchanged for specific products or specific services, acquisition of privileges and loyalty programs, or the provision of specific information about product G. The benefit may display brand information about product G. The specific product may be a physical product or digital data such as an e-book or virtual item. The privilege may be special treatment in a physical store or special treatment in a virtual space. The specific information may be undisclosed information about the product, product history, product materials, compliance with standards, certificates of authenticity, product details, and detailed product usage instructions. The offer to enter the special offer will increase consumer C's motivation to submit the entry data II.

[0016] The appropriateness obtaining device 20 obtains the appropriateness of whether the product G is genuine based on the bonus application area AP displayed in the image captured by the terminal device 10. The appropriateness obtaining device 20 does not output the appropriateness to the terminal device 10, but instead outputs the result of whether or not a bonus will be awarded, such as winning or losing a lottery (bonus data RI). Therefore, the consumer does not realize that the determination of whether the product G is genuine is being made. This allows even a consumer who intentionally purchased a non-genuine product to read the bonus application area AP or the bonus application area AP without thinking that their fraud will be discovered. It also prevents damage to the retailer caused by information being spread on social media, etc., when a genuine product is mistakenly identified as non-genuine.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an appropriateness assessment system. The appropriateness assessment system 1 includes a terminal device 10, an appropriateness assessment device 20, and a management device 40. The terminal device 10, the appropriateness assessment device 20, and the management device 40 may be digital circuits. The digital circuits may include semiconductor chips capable of processing digital signals, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, wiring, elements, boards, connection interfaces, storage, and the like. Examples of semiconductor chips include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The terminal device 10 and the appropriateness assessment device 20, and the appropriateness assessment device 20 and the management device 40, are connected to each other via a network NW for mutual communication. The network NW is a digital communication network that transmits and receives digital data via wired or wireless connections. It is preferable that the transmitted and received digital data be encrypted to prevent interception. Each functional unit of the terminal device 10, the appropriateness assessment device 20, and the management device 40 may be implemented using electronic circuits as needed. Furthermore, each functional unit does not have to be included in a single device, and each of the terminal device 10, the suitability obtaining device 20, and the management device 40 may be configured from a plurality of devices.

[0018] The terminal device 10, operated by the consumer C, applies for a benefit and displays the result of whether the benefit will be granted. The consumer C is a person who has purchased a genuine or unauthentic product G. The consumer C may have an account registered in the terminal device 10. The consumer C can apply for a benefit using this account. The terminal device 10 includes a first operation device 11, a camera device 12, a first display 13, a position acquisition device 14, an application data output circuit 15, and a benefit data acquisition circuit 16. The terminal device 10 may be a smartphone or a tablet. The terminal device 10 may also be a wearable device. The wearable device may be a smartwatch or a head-mounted device.

[0019] The first operation device 11 accepts operations by the consumer C operating the terminal device 10. The first operation device 11 may include a touch panel and a touch panel controller for controlling the touch panel. The touch panel may be a capacitive panel. The first operation device 11 may also be a voice input device. The voice input device may include a microphone, an AD conversion circuit, and a voice analysis circuit. The first operation device 11 acquires response data, as a string or integer, regarding the content of responses to questions entered in a questionnaire or application page, etc., through the consumer C's operation. The questions entered in the questionnaire or application page may include, for example, information that serves as an index when the administrator M analyzes the origin and distribution channel of the product G. The index information may include, for example, information about the source of the product G, such as the name of the retailer or mail-order app where the product G was purchased, and information that identifies the consumer C, such as their name, gender, nationality, age, address, and telephone number. That is, the response data includes information on where the product G was obtained, such as the name of the retailer or mail-order app where the product G was purchased, and information that identifies the consumer C, such as the name, gender, nationality, age, address, and telephone number. The first operation device 11 outputs the acquired response data to the application data output circuit 15. The first operation device 11 also transmits control signals to the camera device 12 and the position acquisition device 14. The control signals are signals that control the camera device 12 and the position acquisition device 14. The control signals include, for example, a signal that controls the camera device 12 to capture an image and a signal that controls the position acquisition device 14 to acquire position data. The control signals may include parameters necessary for capturing an image and acquiring position data.

[0020] The camera device 12 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of a field of view located in front of the subject. The camera device 12 includes one or more cameras. The camera may include a lens and a focal plane array. The focal plane array may be sensitive to visible light. The focal plane array may be sensitive to infrared light. The focal plane array may be a CCD or CMOS. The camera may include a focus adjustment device and a zoom device. The camera includes a camera controller that controls the camera. The camera controller may be an electronic circuit having an IC chip. The camera device 12 may include a light. The camera device 12 receives a control signal from the first operation device 11. The camera device 12 captures an image once or multiple times at regular intervals in accordance with the control signal. The captured image data may be a still image or a video. The file format of the image data may be JPEG or MPEG. The camera device 12 outputs the captured image data to the first display 13 and the application data output circuit 15.

[0021] The first display 13 is, for example, a display screen of the terminal device 10. The first display 13 may be a flat panel display. The flat panel display may be an LCD, an organic EL, or a micro LED display device. The first display 13 may, for example, display an image of the imaging data output from the camera device 12, or may display the result of whether or not a bonus will be granted based on the bonus data RI output from the bonus data output circuit 26. The first display 13 may also display, for example, a questionnaire to be answered by the consumer C, an application page, etc.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a guide displayed on the first display 13 during imaging. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a guide display GF and a guide message GM are superimposed on the image of imaging data captured by the camera device 12 on the first display 13. The guide display GF is a display that specifies the area in which the bonus application area AC is displayed on the first display 13. The guide message GM is a text that informs the consumer C that the bonus application area AC must fit within the area indicated by the guide display GF. The guide display GF and guide message GM may display content that prompts the consumer C to capture the entire illustration, packaging, tag, etc. that includes the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP. On the display screen of the terminal device 10, the guide display GF is displayed in a position such that when the bonus application area AC is captured so that it fits within the guide display GF, the bonus application area AP also fits within the imaging area. In this figure, the guide display GF is positioned vertically in the center of the display screen. This ensures that an appraisable area APA is secured above the guide display GF and within the display screen area of ​​the terminal device 10, such that the bonus application area AP fits within the imaging area. No guides, such as a frame line, are displayed for this appraisalable area APA. By arranging the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP close to each other and displaying the guide display GF and guide message GM on the first display 13, consumer C will unconsciously capture the bonus application area AP when capturing an image of the bonus application area AC. This reduces the likelihood that consumer C will wonder why they are capturing an image of the bonus application area AP. Furthermore, by displaying the guide display GF and guide message GM on the first display 13, consumer C can capture an image of both the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP in one go. This reduces the effort required to apply for a bonus and prevents consumer C from losing motivation to apply for a bonus.

[0023] The position acquisition device 14 acquires a control signal from the first operation device 11. The position acquisition device 14 acquires position data indicating the position of the terminal device 10 in accordance with the control signal. The position data may be digital data indicating the latitude and longitude of the terminal device 10 on a map. The latitude and longitude may be expressed as floating point numbers. The position data may be a digital data structure in which the latitude and longitude are expressed as floating point numbers. The position acquisition device 14 may acquire the position data using, for example, a satellite positioning system (Global Navigation Satellite System). Specific examples of satellite positioning systems may be satellite positioning systems that cover the entire Earth, such as global positioning satellite systems, global navigation satellite systems, or global navigation satellite systems. Specific examples of satellite positioning systems that cover the entire Earth include the United States' GPS, Russia's GLONASS, Europe's Galileo, and China's Beidou. The position acquisition device 14 may acquire data indicating the approximate location from a base station or the like of the network to which the terminal device 10 is connected. The position acquisition device 14 outputs the acquired position data to the application data output circuit 15. The position acquisition device 14 includes an antenna and a receiver circuit. The position acquisition device 14 also has an interface for receiving control signals and outputting position data. The position acquisition device 14 may have an antenna, receiver circuit, and interface mounted on a substrate. The receiver circuit may be composed of a coil, a capacitor, a resistor, a semiconductor chip, and wiring.

[0024] The application data output circuit 15 acquires response data from the first operation device 11. The application data output circuit 15 may include a network interface, a bus, a semiconductor chip capable of calculations, and a memory. The application data output circuit 15 also acquires image data from the camera device 12. Furthermore, the application data output circuit 15 acquires location data from the location acquisition device 14. Hereinafter, the appraisal target data, application identifier, response data, location data, etc. may be collectively referred to as application data II. The application data output circuit 15 outputs the application data II to the suitability acquisition device 20 via the network NW.

[0025] The bonus data acquisition circuit 16 acquires bonus data RI from the suitability acquisition device 20 via the network NW. The bonus data acquisition circuit 16 may include a network interface, wiring, a memory, and a semiconductor chip for performing calculations. The bonus data acquisition circuit 16 outputs the acquired bonus data RI to the first display 13.

[0026] The suitability acquisition device 20 includes an application data acquisition circuit 21, an application acceptance circuit 22, an suitability generation circuit 23, an suitability acquisition circuit 24, a bonus data generation circuit 25, a bonus data output circuit 26, a distribution data acquisition circuit 31, a storage 32, an extraction condition acquisition circuit 33, an extraction circuit 34, and an extracted data output circuit 35. The application data acquisition circuit 21, the application acceptance circuit 22, the suitability generation circuit 23, the suitability acquisition circuit 24, the bonus data generation circuit 25, and the distribution data acquisition circuit 31 may be electronic circuits. The bonus data output circuit 26 may be a communication device. The communication device may be a wireless and / or wired device. The storage 32 may be a hard disk drive, SSD, DRAM, tape drive, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the storage 32 may be a distributed ledger on a network.

[0027] The application data acquisition circuit 21 captures images of the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP to acquire application data II. The application data acquisition circuit 21 outputs the image data of the bonus application area AC, which is part of the application data II, to the application receiving circuit 22. The application data acquisition circuit 21 also outputs the image data of the bonus application area AP, which is part of the application data II, to the appropriateness generation circuit 23. That is, the application data acquisition circuit 21 outputs the image data to the application receiving circuit 22 and the appropriateness generation circuit 23. Furthermore, the application data acquisition circuit 21 outputs the response data and position data, which are part of the application data II, to the storage 32.

[0028] The application acceptance circuit 22 acquires the image data showing the bonus application area AC from the application data acquisition circuit 21. That is, the application acceptance circuit 22 acquires an application identifier from the image data. Upon acquiring the application identifier for product G, the application acceptance circuit 22 accepts an application for the bonus attached to product G. The application acceptance circuit 22 outputs the image data showing the bonus application area AC to the bonus data generation circuit 25.

[0029] The appropriateness generating circuit 23 acquires image data depicting the bonus application area AP from the application data acquisition circuit 21. The appropriateness generating circuit 23 acquires data to be authenticated, i.e., check data, from the image of the bonus application area AP in the image data. The appropriateness generating circuit 23 may acquire the check data, for example, from the arrangement of cells (e.g., white or black dots constituting a two-dimensional code) in the image of the bonus application area AP in the image data, or may acquire the check data by performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the symbol image in the image data. The appropriateness generating circuit 23 also references the storage 32 to acquire pre-stored check data. The appropriateness generating circuit 23 compares the acquired check data with the check data stored in the storage 32 to generate an appropriateness indicating the degree of likelihood that the product G is genuine. The appropriateness may be the probability that the product G is genuine. Alternatively, a range from an upper limit to a lower limit of the degree of likelihood that the product is genuine may be divided according to arbitrary conditions, and the appropriateness may be an index indicating each of the divided ranges. In other words, the appropriateness generating circuit 23 can also evaluate authenticity. The appropriateness generating circuit 23 outputs the acquired check data and the generated appropriateness to the appropriateness acquiring circuit 24 .

[0030] The appropriateness obtaining circuit 24 obtains the check data and the appropriateness from the appropriateness generating circuit 23. The appropriateness obtaining circuit 24 outputs the obtained appropriateness to the bonus data generating circuit 25. The appropriateness obtaining circuit 24 also outputs the appropriateness and the check data to the storage 32.

[0031] The bonus data generation circuit 25 acquires a captured image showing the bonus application area AC from the application acceptance circuit 22. The bonus data generation circuit 25 acquires an application identifier by reading the bonus application area AC shown in the captured image. The application identifier is printed as a code in the bonus application area AC. This printing may be security printing. This code may be a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or an individual code based on artifact metrics. An example of a one-dimensional code is a barcode, and an example of a two-dimensional code is a QR code (registered trademark). The application identifier may also include a hash or checksum. The artifact metrics may be unique traces of the product that are accidentally formed during processing. Examples of artifact metrics include bleeding and chipping in printed materials, burrs, chips, and pinholes in transferred or laser printing, and differences in electrical characteristics such as the frequency response of semiconductor chips. When artifact metrics are used, the check data may be the artifact metrics and their features. The bonus data generation circuit 25 also references the storage 32 to acquire pre-stored application identifiers, information about bonuses to be granted, bonus winning / losing information, and bonus application history, etc. Furthermore, the bonus data generation circuit 25 acquires the appropriateness from the appropriateness acquisition circuit 24. Based on the acquired application identifier, the pre-stored application identifier, the appropriateness (the result of comparing the acquired check data with the pre-stored check data), and bonus information, the bonus data generation circuit 25 generates a result indicating whether a bonus will be granted. The result indicating whether a bonus will be granted may include, for example, information indicating whether the bonus will be granted, information about the bonus granted (e.g., coupons or points), and information indicating that the bonus application was unsuccessful. Specifically, the bonus data generation circuit 25 references pre-stored check data for the acquired application identifier using the acquired application identifier, and generates information about the bonus to be granted and whether the bonus has been awarded if the referenced check data matches the acquired check data and if no bonus application has been made using the application identifier. The threshold for this match may be different for determining whether the application can be made and for detecting fraud.Typically, the threshold for detecting fraud may require a stricter match than the threshold for determining whether or not to apply. This allows products suspected of being fraudulent to be detected. Because the same application identifier may be used for counterfeit goods, fraud may be detected even if the application identifier has already been used for an application. The bonus data generation circuit 25 outputs bonus data RI indicating whether or not a bonus will be granted to the bonus data output circuit 26. The bonus data generation circuit 25 also outputs the application identifier and history data indicating that the application identifier was used to apply for a bonus to the storage 32. This allows consumer C to recognize that he or she has already applied.

[0032] The bonus data output circuit 26 acquires bonus data RI from the bonus data generation circuit 25. The bonus data output circuit 26 outputs the acquired bonus data RI to the terminal device 10 via the network NW. At this time, the bonus data output circuit 26 does not output the appropriateness to the terminal device 10. As a result, even if the appropriateness acquisition device 20 is unable to accurately read the application identifier or check data, or if it makes an erroneous judgment, such as calculating a lower appropriateness for a genuine product due to a system malfunction, the result of the judgment as to whether the product is genuine is not known to the consumer C. Therefore, the fact that the appropriateness was calculated to be lower than the genuine product, i.e., that a genuine product was erroneously judged to be non-genuine, is not spread to the consumer C. This prevents social confusion due to damage to the brand image of the authorized retailer selling the product G and the occurrence of economic losses.

[0033] The distribution data acquisition circuit 31 acquires distribution data (product tracking data), which is information regarding the distribution of the product G. The distribution data acquisition circuit 31 may acquire the distribution data from, for example, the management device 40, a reading device (not shown) that reads the bonus application area AC or bonus application area AP during distribution, a POS (Point of Sale) system, or the like. The distribution data includes, for example, geographical information indicating the bases used in the distribution of the product G (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as distribution bases). The geographical information indicating the distribution bases may be, for example, the names of locations, regions, or countries where packaging, shipping, storage, sales, etc. are performed, or identifiers assigned to the product G at each process. The distribution data may also include temporal information, such as the date and time the product G was stored at each distribution base. Furthermore, the distribution data may also include information that determines the distribution destination in advance, such as the region and time when the product G is planned to be sold. The distribution data acquisition circuit 31 transmits the acquired distribution data to the storage 32.

[0034] Data GI related to the product G is pre-stored in the storage 32 at the time of manufacture. The data GI related to the product G may include information capable of identifying the product G, such as a lot number, serial number, manufacturing location, and product name. The data GI related to the product G may also include, for example, an application identifier for identifying the special offer application area AC of the product G. Furthermore, the data GI related to the product G may also include, for example, check data for identifying the special offer application area AP of the product G and data to be assessed, such as the type of special offer application area AP. The data GI related to the product G may also include information related to the special offer, such as information about the special offer to be granted, winning or losing information, and a history of whether the special offer has been applied for. The application identifiers and check data to be issued may be pre-stored in the storage 32. The issued application identifiers and check data may be assigned to the product G and then read and stored in the storage 32. The storage 32 may also store an account for the consumer C. The account may be a pair of an account ID and an encrypted password. The consumer's biometric features may be stored together with or instead of the encrypted password. Furthermore, the account may contain or be linked to information that can identify the consumer, such as the consumer's name, address, gender, nationality, age, address, telephone number, etc. Since this information is necessary to apply for a benefit, there is a high possibility that accurate information will be registered in this account.

[0035] The storage 32 acquires the response data and location data from the application data acquisition circuit 21. The storage 32 also acquires the appropriateness and check data from the appropriateness acquisition circuit 24. The storage 32 also acquires the application identifier and history data indicating that the benefit has been applied for from the bonus data generation circuit 25. The storage 32 also acquires distribution data from the distribution data acquisition circuit 31. The storage 32 associates the acquired information with data GI related to the product G and stores it. Hereinafter, this associated and stored information may be simply referred to as correspondence data CI. By associating and analyzing information such as appropriateness, response data, location data, and distribution data with data GI related to the product G, factors that are likely to result in low appropriateness (e.g., specific regions) can be estimated. Using the factors that are likely to result in low appropriateness as clues, the administrator M can statistically infer characteristics of crimes such as the manufacturing bases of pirated goods, the distribution channels and sales methods of counterfeit and illegally distributed goods. The administrator M monitors and analyzes the purchase status of the target genuine product and the distribution status of counterfeit products, and manages the proper distribution of the genuine product. The administrator M may be multiple individuals who have been given pre-certification. The management device 40 may be installed in a room with locked access. The administrator M may also possess an ID card and use that ID card to enter and exit the room where the management device 40 is located. The occurrence of pirated copies can be displayed as a heat map in pseudo-color on a map based on the location data and suitability of the consumers who applied. FIG. 4 shows an example of a displayed heat map. The example in FIG. 4 shows a heat map showing the location and frequency of readings for product G determined to be "genuine," "suspected of being counterfeit," or "non-genuine." This heat map may also represent the number of times a product was determined to be "genuine," "suspected of being counterfeit," or "non-genuine" by changing the density and size of the dots and circles displayed. The heat map may also be displayed in a variety of ways. That is, areas with a high concentration of low-quality application data can be displayed in red, areas with a medium concentration of low-quality application data can be displayed in yellow, etc. Areas with a high concentration of medium-quality application data can be displayed in low-saturation pink.Areas with a moderate occurrence of application data with a medium degree of relevance may be displayed in low-saturation green. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence of pirated copies based on the relevance and the density of that data, enabling efficient crackdowns. This data analysis may also be displayed by time of day, such as morning, afternoon, evening, or late night. It may also be displayed by the account attributes of the consumer who applied, such as address, nationality, gender, and age. This allows for a more detailed understanding of the occurrence of pirated product G.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence data stored in storage. The correspondence data can be a record. The correspondence data CI shown in FIG. 5 associates an application identifier, check data, product name, serial number, manufacturing location, planned sales region, reading location, appropriateness, application results for a predetermined benefit, application history, retailer, and the registration ID of the consumer who applied. The product name, serial number, manufacturing location, planned sales region, reading location, appropriateness, application results for a predetermined benefit, application history, retailer, and the application consumer's account ID are each stored as digital data elements in a data record, and multiple data records can be stored in a data table. The data table can be maintained as a distributed ledger using server storage or a blockchain on a network. The information for the product name, manufacturing location, planned sales region, retailer, and account ID can be a character string. The serial number, reading location, and appropriateness can be numerical values ​​such as integers or floating-point numbers. The application results and application history for a predetermined benefit can be enumerated or Boolean types indicating status. Corresponding data CI-1 to CI-4 illustrate that there are multiple pieces of corresponding data CI to which the above-mentioned information is associated. For product G in corresponding data CI-2, the intended sales region is "Kanto," but the reading location is "Kansai." According to the appropriateness acquisition system 1, by collecting information that benefits were applied for in regions, countries, and times when product G is not actually sold, this information can be used for statistical analysis of illegal distribution, resale, stolen goods, etc.

[0037] The extraction condition acquisition circuit 33 acquires extraction condition data indicating conditions for extracting data from the corresponding data CI from the management device 40. The extraction condition acquisition circuit 33 outputs the acquired extraction condition data to the extraction circuit .

[0038] The extraction circuit 34 acquires extraction condition data from the extraction condition acquisition circuit 33. The extraction circuit 34 also references the storage 32 to acquire corresponding data CI. The extraction circuit 34 extracts data that satisfies the extraction conditions from the corresponding data CI. The extraction circuit 34 outputs extracted data, which is data extracted from the corresponding data CI, to the extracted data output circuit 35. The extracted data may be referred to as product collection data. The product collection data may include, for example, at least one of response data, location data, and distribution data, as well as appropriateness. Information extracted from the corresponding data CI under arbitrary conditions makes it easier to analyze the origin of counterfeit or diverted products G.

[0039] The extracted data output circuit 35 acquires the extracted data from the extraction circuit 34. The extracted data output circuit 35 outputs the acquired extracted data to the management device 40 via the network NW.

[0040] The management device 40 is operated by an administrator M. The management device 40 includes a second operation device 41, an extraction condition output circuit 42, an extracted data acquisition circuit 43, and a second display 44.

[0041] The second operation device 41 accepts an operation from the administrator M. The second operation device 41 acquires extraction condition data through the operation from the administrator M. The second operation device 41 outputs the acquired extraction condition data to the extraction condition output circuit 42.

[0042] The extraction condition output circuit 42 acquires extraction condition data from the second operation device 41. The extraction condition output circuit 42 outputs the acquired extraction condition data to the suitability obtaining device 20 via the network NW.

[0043] The extracted data acquisition circuit 43 acquires the extracted data from the appropriateness acquisition device 20. The extracted data acquisition circuit 43 transmits the acquired extracted data to the second display 44.

[0044] The second display 44 is, for example, a display screen of the management device 40. The second display 44 displays, for example, content corresponding to the extracted data output from the extracted data acquisition circuit 43.

[0045] 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing by the appropriateness obtaining device according to embodiment 1. The processing by the appropriateness obtaining device 20 will be specifically described with reference to the same figure.

[0046] [During Product Manufacturing] An application identifier is generated (issued) in advance (Step S101). The generated application identifier and check data are stored in storage 32 (Step S102). Information about the application identifier is recorded in the bonus application area AC. The check data can be read from a label attached to the bonus application area of ​​the product G. The check data can be a feature readable from the optical properties of the label. This feature can be a hologram that displays different colors depending on the angle from which the bonus application area AC is photographed, pearl ink, or magnetic ink. This feature can be an artifact metric, a feature unique to each label. Since these artifact metrics cannot be intentionally formed, they can prevent counterfeiting. An encryption key can be stored in the transponder's IC chip, and the check data can be a decryption key that pairs with the encryption key. A label is affixed or printed in the bonus application area AC, and the application identifier is recorded therein (Step S103). Note that Steps S102 and S103 may be performed first, or may be performed later.

[0047] [During Product Distribution] The bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP may be read at the time of packaging, shipping, storage, sale, etc. (Step S104). Distribution data such as the location, date and time when the reading was performed is stored in the storage 32 (Step S105).

[0048] [When applying for a bonus] The application receiving circuit 22 included in the suitability obtaining device 20 obtains application data including image data from the terminal device 10 (step S106). The application data is stored in the storage 32 (step S107). The suitability obtaining circuit 24 obtains check data by reading the bonus application area AP in the image of the image data, and the bonus data generating circuit 25 obtains an application identifier from the image of the bonus application area AC in the image data (step S108).

[0049] The suitability generation circuit 23 and the bonus data generation circuit 25 may be unable to read the bonus application area AC or the bonus application area AP due to dirt or scratches on the bonus application area AC or the bonus application area AP, blurring of the captured image, the bonus application area AC or the bonus application area AP not being entirely visible in the captured image, etc. If the bonus application area AC or the bonus application area AP cannot be read (step S108; unreadable), the suitability acquisition device 20 outputs "unreadable" to the terminal device 10 as the bonus application result (step S109).

[0050] If the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP can be read (step S108; readable), the appropriateness generation circuit 23 compares the acquired check data with pre-stored check data (step S110).

[0051] If the check data do not match as a result of the comparison (step S110; no match), the check data acquired by the appropriateness generation circuit 23 is stored in the storage 32 (step S111). The appropriateness acquisition device 20 may output to the terminal device 10 a message saying, "This product is not eligible for the benefit application" (step S112). In addition, in step S112, the appropriateness acquisition device 20 may output a message indicating that the benefit application was unsuccessful, such as "loser," as the result of the benefit application.

[0052] If the check data matches as a result of the comparison (step S110: match), the bonus data generating circuit 25 calls up a pre-stored application identifier from the acquired application identifier and compares it (step S113).

[0053] If the result of the comparison is that the two application identifiers do not match (step S113; mismatch), the application identifier acquired by the bonus data generation circuit 25 is stored in the storage 32 (step S114). The appropriateness acquisition device 20 outputs to the terminal device 10 the same content as when the check data do not match (step S112). By storing the mismatched application identifier and check data, the administrator M can use this as a clue to detect a system malfunction in which the application identifier or check data was not previously stored in the storage 32, or a counterfeit product in which the application identifier or check data has been forged.

[0054] If the matching result indicates a match (step S113; match), the bonus data generation circuit 25 determines whether the application identifier is being used based on the history of bonus applications contained in the correspondence data CI (step S115). The matching process for determining whether the application identifiers match may include a process for comparing the features of images captured of multiple bonus application areas AC. Alternatively, the digital data of the application identifier may be matched, or integrity may be confirmed by cryptographic processing using a checksum, hash, or the like contained in the application identifier. This allows the determination of whether the product is genuine.

[0055] If the benefit has already been applied for, i.e., the application identifier has already been used (step S115; used), the appropriateness obtaining device 20 may output to the terminal device 10 the same content as when the check data or application identifier do not match (step S112). In addition, the appropriateness obtaining device 20 may output content indicating that a duplicate application for a benefit has been made, such as "application has already been made." If consumer C is committing fraud, such as applying for a benefit using a forged application identifier or check data, or applying for a benefit using a used application identifier again, repeated fraudulent acts can be prevented by informing consumer C that duplicate applications are not possible.

[0056] If the benefit has not yet been applied for, i.e., the application identifier is unused (step S115; unused), the suitability acquisition device 20 outputs information on the lottery results and information on the benefit that has been granted to the terminal device 10 as the result of the benefit application (step S116).

[0057] In the case of a counterfeit product, the benefit application area AC may contain information on a duplicated application identifier or an application identifier that is not stored in the storage 32. In this case, the consumer C may be notified that the application cannot be made by outputting an application result such as "Application has already been made," "Failed to read," "Not an eligible product," or "Please contact the manufacturer." In other words, in the case of a counterfeit product, the consumer C may be informed that the application for the benefit was accepted but that the benefit will not be granted because the consumer lost the lottery or the like.

[0058] The suitability obtaining device 20 may execute steps S108, S110, S113, and S115 in an order different from that shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the suitability obtaining device 20 may execute a plurality of these steps simultaneously.

[0059] Until now, it has been difficult to obtain information about counterfeit products unless the producer of the product G, the manager M, or the like actively investigates counterfeit products. The propriety acquisition system 1 makes it possible to increase opportunities to obtain information about counterfeit products and illegally distributed products by utilizing the opportunity to apply for a special offer. Furthermore, until now, it has been impossible to monitor the product G after it has been sold, making it difficult to collect information about the product G that has been released on the market. The propriety acquisition device 20 makes it possible to obtain information about the product G after it has been delivered to the consumer C by utilizing the opportunity to apply for a special offer.

[0060] In the above-described first embodiment, an example is shown in which the bonus application area AC has information about an application identifier. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example. If the information is about applying for a bonus, such as a link to a bonus application page, the bonus application area AC does not need to have information about the application identifier. In this case, the bonus data generation circuit 25 does not necessarily need to compare the application identifier. Furthermore, at least one of the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP may use wireless communication technology such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). In this case, the suitability acquisition device 20 does not necessarily need to acquire imaging data.

[0061] [Embodiment 2] The appropriateness acquisition system 1A according to Embodiment 2 is similar to the appropriateness acquisition system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it uses image data of the bonus application area AC of a product G and the bonus application area AP of the product G. The appropriateness acquisition system 1A differs from the appropriateness acquisition system 1 in that it uses feature points, which are physical characteristics of each product G, as the appraisal target data to identify each product G and acquire the appropriateness. That is, the appropriateness acquisition system 1A according to Embodiment 2 uses artifact metrics technology. In the appropriateness acquisition system 1A, for example, the surface condition of the product G, ink bleeding, color unevenness, distortion, etc. of the bonus application area AC or printed matter affixed to the product G may be used as feature points. Feature points are formed accidentally during manufacturing but are difficult to form artificially. Therefore, the appropriateness acquisition system 1A according to Embodiment 2 can prevent counterfeiting of the bonus application area AP, and ultimately the product G and the bonus application area AC. In the following description, explanations of matters already described may be omitted.

[0062] The storage 32 stores in advance feature points extracted from the product G during manufacturing, etc., of the product G. These feature points are typically arranged on a two-dimensional plane. Alternatively, they may be arranged at the spatial coordinates of the reproduction point of the hologram. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 acquires the feature points of the product G by reading the bonus application area AP represented in the imaging data. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 compares the acquired feature points with feature points included in the correspondence data CI, i.e., feature points previously stored in the storage 32. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 may, for example, generate an appropriateness based on the similarity between the feature points obtained as a result of comparing the acquired feature points with the feature points stored in the storage 32. Furthermore, the appropriateness generation circuit 23 may, for example, determine a match when the appropriateness is equal to or greater than an arbitrary threshold, and determine a mismatch when the appropriateness is less than the arbitrary threshold.

[0063] 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the appropriateness obtaining device according to the second embodiment. The processing of the appropriateness obtaining device 20A according to the second embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the same figure.

[0064] The bonus application area AC is attached to each product G (step S201). Feature points that can identify each product G are extracted based on the surface condition of the product G (step S202). The extracted feature points (or individual codes based on the feature points) and the application identifier are stored as digital data in the storage 32 (step S203).

[0065] The bonus application area AC and characteristic points are read at the time of packing, shipping, storage, sale, etc. (Step S204). Distribution data such as the location at the time of reading is stored in the same manner as in Step S105.

[0066] The same processing as in steps S106 to S107 is performed to acquire image data. The suitability generation circuit 23 and the bonus data generation circuit 25 read the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP (step S108). The suitability generation circuit 23 acquires feature points of the product G by reading the bonus application area AP. If the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP can be read (step S108; readable), the suitability generation circuit 23 compares the acquired feature points with feature points pre-stored in the storage 32 (step S210). If the feature points cannot be read (step S108; unreadable), the same processing as in step S109 is performed.

[0067] If the feature points do not match as a result of the comparison (step S210; no match), the appropriateness generating circuit 23 stores the acquired feature points in the storage 32 (step S211). Thereafter, the same process as in step S112 is performed.

[0068] If the feature points match as a result of the comparison (step S210; match), the same processing as that from step S113 onward is performed. The suitability obtaining device 20A may perform steps S108, S210, S113, and S115 in an order different from that shown in FIG. 7, or may perform two or more of these steps simultaneously.

[0069] [Embodiment 3] The appropriateness acquisition system 1B according to embodiment 3 is similar to the appropriateness acquisition system 1 and the appropriateness acquisition system 1A in that it uses image data of the bonus application area AC of product G and the bonus application area AP of product G. The appropriateness acquisition system 1B differs from the appropriateness acquisition system 1 in that it uses a bonus application area AP that does not have check data. The bonus application area AP according to embodiment 3 may include, for example, a hologram, an optically variable device using ink or liquid crystal, or an invisible electronic watermark. In other words, the appropriateness acquisition system 1B according to embodiment 3 uses anti-counterfeiting technology in the bonus application area AP.

[0070] 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the bonus application area in embodiment 3. In embodiment 3, the bonus application area AP is arranged near the bonus application area AC. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the bonus application area AP is arranged around the bonus application area AC, or in which the bonus application area AP functions as both the bonus application area AP and the bonus application area AC. FIG. 8B shows an example in which the bonus application area AC is arranged in a specific direction within the bonus application area AP. FIG. 8C shows an example in which the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP are arranged adjacent to each other. The bonus application area AP may also be provided on the product G as a base for the bonus application area AC. Furthermore, the bonus application area AP may be arranged at a distance from the bonus application area AC within a range in which both the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP can be imaged together. The bonus application area AP in embodiment 1 generates a suitability score by comparing the check data information of the arrangement pattern of ink, markings, etc., of the bonus application area AP. In contrast, the bonus application area AP according to embodiment 3 generates the suitability using a property (e.g., invisibility) of the bonus application area AP. With the bonus application area AP according to embodiment 3 that does not have check data, the suitability generation circuit 23 can generate the suitability even if the bonus application area AP is adjacent to the bonus application area AC, overlaps with the bonus application area AC, or is arranged in any shape.

[0071] The storage 32 stores information about an authentication algorithm for authenticating whether the bonus application area AP is genuine. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 can obtain information about the authentication algorithm by referring to the storage 32. An authentication program can be read from the storage 32. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 reads the bonus application area AP of the product G from the image data. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 uses the authentication algorithm to obtain an appropriateness that indicates the degree of likelihood that the read bonus application area AP is genuine. Furthermore, the appropriateness generation circuit 23 may, for example, determine that the bonus application area AP is genuine if the appropriateness is equal to or greater than an arbitrary threshold, and may determine that the bonus application area AP is fake if the appropriateness is less than the arbitrary threshold.

[0072] 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow of the appropriateness obtaining device according to the third embodiment. With reference to the same figure, the processing of the appropriateness obtaining device 20B according to the third embodiment will be specifically described.

[0073] An application identifier is generated (issued) in advance (step S301). The generated application identifier and an authentication algorithm for the bonus application area AP to be attached to the product G are stored in the storage 32 (step S302). The bonus application area AC containing information on the generated application identifier and the bonus application area AP are attached to the product G (step S103).

[0074] The suitability generation circuit 23 and the bonus data generation circuit 25 perform the same processes as in steps S105 to S108, and read the bonus application area AC and the bonus data generation circuit 25. If the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP can be read (step S108; readable), the suitability generation circuit 23 uses an authentication algorithm to authenticate whether the bonus application area AP is genuine (step S310; fake). If the bonus application area AP is authenticated as fake (step S310; genuine), the suitability generation circuit 23 performs the same processes as in step S112. If the bonus application area AP is authenticated as genuine (step S310; genuine), the suitability generation circuit 20B performs the same processes as in step S113 and onward. The suitability acquisition device 20B may perform steps S108, S310, S113, and S115 in an order different from that shown in FIG. 9, or may perform two or more of these steps simultaneously.

[0075] [Embodiment 4] The appropriateness acquisition system 1C according to Embodiment 4 is similar to the appropriateness acquisition system 1A according to Embodiment 2 in that it uses image data of a bonus application area AC having an application identifier and a bonus application area AP having no check data. The appropriateness acquisition system 1C differs from the appropriateness acquisition system 1A in that it uses a feature of a product G as the bonus application area AC. In other words, the appropriateness acquisition system 1C makes it difficult to counterfeit the product G and prevents counterfeiting by using a feature that is difficult to form artificially and a bonus application area AP that requires advanced technology to manufacture.

[0076] The storage 32 stores feature points extracted from the product G during manufacturing of the product G, etc., and information about the authentication algorithm. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 may generate the appropriateness based on the degree of likelihood that the bonus application area AP read using the authentication algorithm is genuine. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 may also generate the appropriateness based on, for example, the similarity between feature points acquired by the bonus data generation circuit 25 reading the bonus application area AC and the feature points stored in the storage 32. The appropriateness generation circuit 23 may also generate the appropriateness using any method (e.g., multiplication) based on the similarity between the feature points and the degree of likelihood that the bonus application area AP is genuine.

[0077] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow of the appropriateness obtaining device according to the fourth embodiment. With reference to the same figure, the processing of the appropriateness obtaining device 20C according to the fourth embodiment will be specifically described.

[0078] A bonus application area AP is attached to the product G (step S401). Feature points of the product G are extracted from the bonus application area AP attached to the product G, the printed matter, the surface condition of the product G, etc. (step S402). The extracted feature points and the authentication algorithm for the bonus application area AP are stored in the storage 32 (step S403).

[0079] The characteristic points and the special offer application area AP are read at the time of packing, shipping, storage, sale, etc. (Step S404). Distribution data such as the location at the time of reading is stored in the same manner as in Step S105.

[0080] The suitability acquisition device 20 performs the same processes as in steps S106 and S107 to acquire image data. The suitability generation circuit 23 and the bonus data generation circuit 25 read the bonus application area AC and the bonus application area AP (step S108). The bonus data generation circuit 25 acquires feature points of the product G by reading the bonus application area AC. If the feature points and the bonus application area AP can be read (step S108; readable), the suitability generation circuit 23 uses an authentication algorithm to authenticate whether the bonus application area AP is genuine (step S410). If the bonus application area AP is authenticated as fake (step S410; fake), the same process as in step S112 is performed.

[0081] If the bonus application area AP is authenticated as genuine (step S410; genuine), the bonus data generation circuit 25 compares the acquired feature points with pre-stored feature points (step S413). If the comparison results in a mismatch of the feature points (step S413; mismatch), the bonus data generation circuit 25 stores the acquired feature points in the storage 32 (step S414). If the comparison results in a match of the feature points (step S413; match), the appropriateness acquisition device 20C performs the processes from step S115 onward. The appropriateness acquisition device 20C may execute steps S108, S410, S413, and S115 in an order different from that shown in FIG. 10, or may execute two or more of these steps simultaneously.

[0082] In the above-described fourth embodiment, the suitability acquisition system 1C uses a difficult-to-counterfeit bonus application area AP and feature points. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example. Feature points may be used as the bonus application area AP and bonus application area AC. Specifically, the feature points and application identifiers are associated and stored in the storage 32. The suitability generation circuit 23 acquires the feature points of the product G by reading the bonus application area AP represented in the image data. The suitability generation circuit 23 acquires the similarity between the acquired feature points and pre-stored feature points. The bonus data generation circuit 25 also generates a result indicating whether or not a bonus will be granted using the application identifier associated with the read feature points. This allows the consumer C to apply for a bonus by reading the surface condition of the product G (e.g., ink bleeding).

[0083] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, an example is shown in which the application receiving circuit 22 and the appropriateness generating circuit 23 are provided in the appropriateness obtaining device 20. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this example. The application receiving circuit 22 and the appropriateness generating circuit 23 may be provided in the terminal device 10.

[0084] In addition, all or part of the functions of each unit provided in the terminal device 10, appropriateness obtaining device 20, appropriateness obtaining device 20A, appropriateness obtaining device 20B, appropriateness obtaining device 20C, and management device 40 in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4 may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system. Note that the "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0085] [Embodiment 5] A label 50 according to embodiment 5 is attached to a product G whose authenticity is to be evaluated by the appropriateness acquisition systems 1 to 1C according to embodiments 1 to 4, and is read by the appropriateness acquisition systems 1 to 1C to evaluate the authenticity. For example, the label 50 is provided with the above-mentioned bonus application area AP (data to be authenticated) and bonus application area AC (application identifier). In the following description, a case will be described in which the printing section 53a (described below) of the label 50 functions as both the bonus application area AP (data to be authenticated) and the bonus application area AC (application identifier).

[0086] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a label 50 according to embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 11, the label 50 has a surface S1 and an adhesive surface S2 located on the opposite side of the surface S1. The label 50 is also referred to as a blunt protection label 50. The adhesive surface S2 is also referred to as a back surface S2.

[0087] Before use of the label 50, a release film 60 may be attached to the adhesive surface S2. The release film 60 is made of, for example, a transparent material (e.g., resin). The release film 60 is also called a separator 60. The release film 60 may also be transparent to laser light, which will be described later.

[0088] The label 50 and the release film 60 may be collectively referred to as a "label unit 70." The label 50 may be distributed in the form of the label unit 70. When the label 50 is used, the release film 60 may be removed (peeled) from the label 50 (label unit 70).

[0089] In the following description, the thickness direction of the label 50 (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the adhesive surface S2) will be simply referred to as the "thickness direction Z." The direction from the adhesive surface S2 toward the surface S1 along the thickness direction Z will be referred to as the "upward direction" and will be represented by the +Z direction in the drawings. The direction from the surface S1 toward the adhesive surface S2 along the thickness direction Z will be referred to as the "downward direction" and will be represented by the -Z direction in the drawings. In other words, the surface S1 corresponds to the upper surface of the label 50, and the adhesive surface S2 corresponds to the lower surface of the label 50.

[0090] 11 , the label 50 according to this embodiment includes a film layer 51, a hologram section 52, an information printing layer 53, an adhesive layer 54, and a scattering layer 55. The hologram section 52 includes a hologram-forming layer 52 a and a metal layer 52 b. The film layer 51, the hologram-forming layer 52 a, the metal layer 52 b, the information printing layer 53, and the adhesive layer 54 are layered in this order from top to bottom (i.e., from the surface S1 to the adhesive surface S2).

[0091] The film layer 51 is provided on the upper surface of the hologram portion 52. The film layer 51 has the function of protecting the hologram portion 52. The film layer 51 may also function as a carrier during the manufacture of the hologram portion 52. To fulfill these functions, the thickness of the film layer 51 is preferably 10 μm or more. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the film layer 51 corresponds to the surface S1. The film layer 51 is made of a transparent material.

[0092] For example, various plastic films can be used as the film layer 51. Specific examples of plastic films constituting the film layer 51 include films made of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefins such as polypropylene, and synthetic resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene, and polyamide. However, the material constituting the film layer 51 can be changed as appropriate.

[0093] The hologram portion 52 has desired optical properties such as diffraction, light reflection suppression, isotropic or anisotropic light scattering, refraction, polarization / wavelength selective reflection, transmission, and light reflection suppression. The hologram portion 52 has unique optical properties (optical variability) corresponding to each individual label 50 (product G). By providing such a hologram portion 52 on the label 50, it becomes easy to distinguish between the product G to which the label 50 is provided and a counterfeit product G. In other words, the hologram portion 52 can be provided with data to be authenticated. In other words, the hologram portion 52 can be used as a bonus application area AC.

[0094] The hologram forming layer 52a is formed on the lower surface of the film layer 51. The hologram forming layer 52a is also referred to as a relief layer 52a. The film layer 51 has a fine uneven structure (fine unevenness) formed on the lower surface of the film layer 51 (i.e., the surface in contact with the metal layer 52b). This fine unevenness can be concave or convex, or both. The fine unevenness has, for example, a pitch of 0.1 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less and a depth of 0.25 μm or more and 0.75 μm or less. The fine unevenness allows the hologram portion 52 to exhibit the optical properties described above. Specific examples of the fine unevenness include a moth-eye structure and a deep lattice structure.

[0095] The hologram-forming layer 52a is formed, for example, from a transparent resin. Specific examples of materials for forming the hologram-forming layer 52a include polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyvinyl resin, polyurethane resin, polyacrylic resin, and copolymers of these resins. The transparent resin may be a thermoplastic resin. It may also be a resin that hardens with ultraviolet light or heat. The above-mentioned fine irregularities may be formed, for example, by pressing a microfabrication plate against these transparent resins. However, the materials constituting the hologram-forming layer 52a and the method for forming the hologram-forming layer 52a are not limited to these and may be changed as appropriate. The hologram-forming layer 52a may contain silicone oil. The hologram-forming layer 52a may be a single layer or multiple layers. The hologram-forming layer 52a may have two or more layers and five or fewer layers.

[0096] The metal layer 52b is formed on the lower surface of the hologram-forming layer 52a by vapor deposition or the like. As a result, the metal layer 52b is located between the hologram-forming layer 52a and the adhesive surface S2 in the thickness direction Z. The metal layer 52b is also referred to as a transparent reflective layer 52b. The metal layer 52b reflects and blocks visible light. The reflection of visible light by the metal layer 52b enhances the optical characteristics of the hologram portion 52 formed by the hologram-forming layer 52a.

[0097] Specific examples of the metal material forming the metal layer 52b include metal oxides such as alumina and silica, but the metal material forming the metal layer 52b is not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.

[0098] A structure layer having a visual identification effect for preventing counterfeiting may be provided on the hologram portion 52. The structure layer may be a relief formed by embossing a metal surface or a structure using micro-optics.

[0099] The information printing layer 53 is formed on the lower surface of the metal layer 52b. As a result, the information printing layer 53 is located between the metal layer 52b and the adhesive surface S2 in the thickness direction Z. The information printing layer 53 has a printing section 53a on which an application identifier is printed. The printing section 53a of the information printing layer 53 may be printed with data to be authenticated. The printing section 53a can be used as a bonus application area AC.

[0100] The information printing layer 53 is, for example, a coloring layer that develops color when exposed to laser light. In this case, the information printing layer 53 (coloring layer) contains, for example, a material that carbonizes or blackens when exposed to laser light. The information printing layer 53 may be mainly composed of a resin, and the resin may be carbonized or blackens when exposed to laser light.

[0101] The printing section 53a may be, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). Alternatively, the printing section 53a may be a one-dimensional barcode, a data matrix, a dot code, a character string, etc. The information printed on the printing section 53a may be unique information corresponding to each individual label 50 (product G).

[0102] The adhesive layer 54 is formed on the lower surface of the information printing layer 53. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the adhesive layer 54 corresponds to the adhesive surface S2. The adhesive layer 54 is made of a transparent material that exhibits adhesive strength.

[0103] The adhesive layer 54 may contain, for example, polyester resin, epoxy resin, hydrophobic silica, etc. However, the material forming the adhesive layer 54 can be changed as appropriate as long as it is a transparent material that exhibits adhesive strength.

[0104] The size of the label 50 as viewed in the thickness direction Z is preferably 10 mm x 10 mm or more. This value takes into consideration the readability of the printed portion 53 a and its optical effect, as well as the ease of processing and application as a label. However, the size of the label 50 may be less than 10 mm x 10 mm.

[0105] In the label 50 configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 12 , the printed portion 53 a cannot be seen from the surface S1 (i.e., from above). This is because the metal layer 52 b, which blocks visible light, is provided above the information printing layer 53 on which the printed portion 53 a is printed. On the other hand, when the label 50 is in use (i.e., after the release film 60 is removed), the printed portion 53 a can be seen from the adhesive surface S2 (i.e., from below). This is because the adhesive layer 54, which is provided below the information printing layer 53, is made of a transparent material that transmits visible light. As such, the label 50 according to this embodiment can achieve a label in which the printed portion 53 a is visible from the adhesive surface S2 but is not visible from the surface S1.

[0106] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of how to use the label 50 according to this embodiment. Figure 13 shows an example in which the label 50 is attached to the outer surface of a transparent packaging film 80 that packages the product G, with the adhesive surface S2 facing the product G. That is, in this example, after the release film 60 is removed from the label unit 70 (label 50), the adhesive surface S2 of the label 50 is attached to the outer surface of the packaging film 80. The process of attaching the label 50 to the packaging film 80 corresponds to steps S103, S201, and S401 in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0107] Hereinafter, the label 50 and the packaging film 80 may be collectively referred to as the "packaging body 90." In the packaging body 90, the adhesive surface S2 is attached to the outer surface of the packaging film 80, and the adhesive surface S2 faces the product G. Therefore, unless the product G is removed from the packaging body 90, the consumer C cannot see the printed portion 53a.

[0108] 13 shows an example in which, for example, a consumer C tears the packaging film 80 to remove the product G from the packaging film 80 (packaging body 90). When the product G is removed from the packaging film 80 (packaging body 90), the printed portion 53a can be seen from the inner surface of the packaging film 80 because the packaging film 80 is transparent. The printed portion 53a is then read by a terminal (for example, the terminal device 10 in any of the first to fourth embodiments) used to evaluate the authenticity of the product G. When reading the printed portion 53a, at least a portion of the packaging film 80 may be torn in order to facilitate the terminal's reading (imaging) of the printed portion 53a.

[0109] In this way, by adopting a label 50 in which the printed portion 53a is visible from the adhesive surface S2 but not from the surface S1, the consumer C cannot see the printed portion 53a unless he or she removes the product G from the packaging film 80. This prevents unauthorized reading of the printed portion 53a before purchasing the product G. Furthermore, by preventing reading of the printed portion 53a before purchase, information transmitted from the terminal device 10, etc., is more likely to accurately reflect information regarding the purchase date or start date of use, the place (area) of purchase (use), the product and its lot, etc. In other words, the reliability of the information transmitted from the terminal device 10, etc. is improved. By performing statistical analysis on such information, it is possible to efficiently identify and expose illegal distribution.

[0110] Furthermore, in order to counterfeit label 50, it is necessary to counterfeit both hologram section 52 and printed section 53a. Since hologram section 52 and printed section 53a must be counterfeited separately and then combined, the difficulty of counterfeiting label 50 can be significantly increased.

[0111] Furthermore, many brand protection products, which are an example of product G, already have a hologram attached. The label 50 according to this embodiment can also be applied to such brand protection products. In this case, the printed portion 53a is provided on the back side of the hologram (hologram portion 52), which reduces design constraints and reduces the degradation of the package image. Furthermore, the hologram portion 52 and the printed portion 53a are provided facing different surfaces (i.e., the front surface S1 and the back surface S2). This allows the label 50 to be mounted in the same size as current labels while achieving both the visual effect of the hologram portion 52 and the readability of the printed portion 53a. This also reduces the cost of the label 50. While there are conventional labels in which the hologram and printed portion (e.g., barcode) are provided on the same surface, this label can achieve size and cost reductions compared to such labels.

[0112] Furthermore, since the label 50 can be attached after the product G is wrapped in the wrapping film 80, there is no need to make any changes to the manufacturing process of the wrapping film 80 at package manufacturers, etc. This reduces the difficulty of introducing the label 50.

[0113] Next, a description will be given of an example of a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned label 50. Figures 14A to 14G are diagrams showing an example of a method for manufacturing the label 50 according to this embodiment.

[0114] First, a preparation step is performed to prepare laminate 50′. Laminate 50′ is a structure in which film layer 51 and hologram portion 52 described above are stacked in thickness direction Z. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B , the preparation step may be performed by pulling out laminate 50′ from roll W1 around which laminate 50′ is wound.

[0115] 14C , in the first forming step, the information printing layer 53 is formed on the lower surface of the hologram portion 52. As a result, the information printing layer 53 is provided on the side opposite the hologram forming layer 52a from the metal layer 52b.

[0116] 14D , in the second forming step, an adhesive layer 54 is formed on the lower surface of the information printing layer 53. As a result, an adhesive surface S2 is provided on the side of the information printing layer 53 opposite the metal layer 52b. Since the adhesive layer 54 is transparent as described above, the adhesive surface S2 is provided so that the information printing layer 53 can be seen from the adhesive surface S2.

[0117] The laminate including the layers 51 to 54 at the end of the second forming step may be referred to as an unprinted label 50''.

[0118] Following the second forming step, a laminating step is performed, in which a release film 60 is attached to the adhesive surface S2 as shown in Fig. 14D.

[0119] The laminating step is followed by a removing step, in which unnecessary portions of the unprinted label 50'' are removed, as shown in Fig. 14E.

[0120] The removing step is followed by the printing step. As shown in Fig. 14F, in the printing step, a laser LS is used to irradiate the information printing layer 53 with laser light LL, thereby printing information on the information printing layer 53. That is, in the printing step, a printed portion 53a is provided on the information printing layer 53 by the laser light LL. Here, the laser light LL may be irradiated onto the information printing layer 53 through the release film 60 and the adhesive layer 54. Such irradiation is possible because the release film 60 and the adhesive layer 54 are transparent.

[0121] By carrying out the above-described preparation step, first forming step, second forming step, laminating step, removing step, and printing step, the manufacture of the label unit 70 including the label 50 is completed.

[0122] A winding process may be performed after the printing process. In the winding process, the label unit 70 is wound to form a wound body W2. A slitting process may be performed between the printing process and the winding process, in which slits are applied to the label unit 70. The slitting process may be performed before the printing process.

[0123] The timing of the printing process can be changed as long as it is performed after the first forming process. For example, the printing process may be performed before the removing process, before the laminating process, or before the second forming process. In this case, the release film 60 may be made of an opaque material. However, performing the printing process after the laminating process or the removing process is preferable in that it reduces the possibility of defects in the label 50. Furthermore, a configuration in which the label 50 is made of a transparent material is preferable in that the printed portion 53a is visible through the release film 60, making it easy to manage the information printed on the printed portion 53a.

[0124] [Embodiment 6] A label 50A according to embodiment 6 is similar to the label 50 according to embodiment 5 in that it is attached to a product G whose authenticity is to be evaluated by the appropriateness acquisition systems 1 to 1C according to embodiments 1 to 4, and is read by the appropriateness acquisition systems 1 to 1C for the evaluation of the authenticity. The label 50A according to embodiment 6 is also similar to the label 50 according to embodiment 5 in that it includes a film layer 51, a hologram portion 52, an information printing layer 53, and an adhesive layer 54. In the following description, explanations of matters that have already been explained may be omitted.

[0125] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a label 50A according to embodiment 6. As shown in Fig. 15, the label 50A according to embodiment 6 differs from the label 50 according to embodiment 5 in that it further includes a scattering layer 55 (see also Fig. 11).

[0126] The scattering layer 55 is disposed between the metal layer 52b and the information printing layer 53 in the thickness direction Z. The scattering layer 55 scatters the laser light.

[0127] By providing such a scattering layer 55, the heat of the laser light LL when printing the print area 53a is less likely to reach the metal layer 52b. If the heat of the laser light LL reaches the metal layer 52b, there is a possibility that the information that the laser light LL attempts to print on the information printing layer 53 will be printed not only on the information printing layer 53 but also on the metal layer 52b. In this case, the printed information will be visible from the surface S1 through the layers 51 and 52a. By providing the scattering layer 55, this possibility can be reduced.

[0128] The scattering layer 55 may also be white. In this case, reflection and heating of the laser light LL can be prevented, and the reading contrast of the printed portion 53a can be improved. Furthermore, the energy of the laser light LL can be reduced, suppressing damage to the metal layer 52b. If the metal layer 52b melts, there is a possibility that the printed portion 53a may be visible from the surface S1. By suppressing damage to the metal layer 52b with the scattering layer 55, this possibility can also be reduced.

[0129] If the concealment rate of the scattering layer 55 is 10% or less, the effect of suppressing damage to the metal layer 52b is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the concealment rate of the scattering layer 55 is greater than 10%. Furthermore, if the concealment rate of the scattering layer 55 is 70% or more, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the pattern of the hologram portion 52 from above the scattering layer 55. This makes it easy to scan and reuse the printed portion 53a, creating an opportunity for counterfeiting by, for example, attaching a barcode or the like to paper. Therefore, from the perspective of security, it is preferable that the concealment rate of the scattering layer 55 is less than 70%.

[0130] The label 50A having the scattering layer 55 as described above can be manufactured, for example, by further performing a third forming step in addition to the steps included in the manufacturing method of embodiment 5. The third forming step is performed between the preparation step and the first forming step. In the third forming step, the scattering layer 55 is formed on the lower surface of the hologram section 52. Furthermore, in the first forming step of this embodiment, unlike embodiment 5, the information printing layer 53 is provided on the lower surface of the scattering layer 55, not on the lower surface of the hologram section 52.

[0131] [Embodiment 7] A label 50B according to embodiment 7 is similar to the label 50 according to embodiment 5 in that it is attached to a product G whose authenticity is to be evaluated by the appropriateness acquisition systems 1 to 1C according to embodiments 1 to 4, and is read by the appropriateness acquisition systems 1 to 1C for the evaluation of the authenticity. The label 50B according to embodiment 7 is also similar to the label 50 according to embodiment 5 in that it includes a film layer 51, a hologram portion 52, an information printing layer 53, and an adhesive layer 54. In the following description, matters that have already been described may be omitted.

[0132] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a label 50B according to embodiment 7. As shown in Fig. 16, the label 50B according to embodiment 7 differs from the label 50 according to embodiment 5 in that the information printing layer 53 and the adhesive layer 54 are realized by a single layer (information printing / adhesive layer 56) (see also Fig. 11).

[0133] The information printing / adhesive layer 56 has both the function of the information printing layer 53 and the function of the adhesive layer 54. That is, in this embodiment, the information printing layer 53 (information printing / adhesive layer 56) has an adhesive surface S2. Specifically, the lower surface of the information printing layer 53 (information printing / adhesive layer 56) corresponds to the adhesive surface S2.

[0134] Such information printing / adhesive layer 56 (information printing layer 53) can be realized, for example, by using a material that absorbs and carbonizes laser light as the material for the adhesive layer 54, or by including a material that blackens due to carbonization or chemical reaction caused by the heat of laser light in the adhesive layer 54. The information printing / adhesive layer 56 does not have to be transparent. Because the printed portion 53a is located on the underside of the information printing / adhesive layer 56 (i.e., the adhesive surface S2), the printed portion 53a can be visible from the adhesive surface S2 even if the information printing / adhesive layer 56 is opaque. The adhesive layer 56 can be made of an acrylic adhesive, a urethane adhesive, or a urethane-acrylic adhesive. The adhesive layer 56 can be single-layer or multi-layer. A single-layer adhesive layer allows for inexpensive production of the label itself. A multi-layer adhesive layer facilitates both improved label storage and application speed. The label 50B may have regions with strong and weak adhesive strength between the information printing layer 53, the metal layer 52b, and the adhesive layer 56. This difference in adhesive strength may be caused by the presence or absence of laser light irradiation. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 56 may have regions where the adhesive strength to the object to which it is affixed is strong and regions where the adhesive strength is weak. Alternatively, the label 50B may have regions where the adhesive strength between the metal layer 52b and the adhesive layer 56 is strong and regions where the adhesive strength is weak. Because of this difference in adhesive strength, the metal layer 52b breaks when the label is peeled off, and a reattached label can be detected by the broken metal layer 52b.

[0135] The label 50B having the above-described information printed / adhesive layer 56 can be manufactured, for example, by performing a fourth forming step instead of the first forming step and the second forming step included in the manufacturing method of embodiment 5. In the fourth forming step, the information printed / adhesive layer 56 is formed on the lower surface of the hologram portion 52. The fourth forming step can also be interpreted as a step in which the first forming step and the second forming step are performed simultaneously.

[0136] In the above-described fifth to seventh embodiments, a color-developing layer that develops color when exposed to laser light has been given as an example of the information printing layer 53, but the configuration of the information printing layer 53 is not limited to this. For example, the information printing layer 53 may be a layer on which the printing portion 53a is printed by on-demand printing such as thermal or inkjet printing. When a thermal printing method is adopted, the information printing layer 53 may be blended with or coated with a material that blackens when exposed to heat.

[0137] In the above-described fifth to seventh embodiments, the printing section 53a may perform only one of the functions (first function) of the bonus application area AP (data to be authenticated) and the bonus application area AC (application identifier). In this case, a component other than the printing section 53a that performs the other function (second function) of the bonus application area AP and the bonus application area AC may be provided on the labels 50 to 50C. For example, the hologram section 52 may perform the second function. Alternatively, information performing the second function may be printed on a portion of the information printing layer 53 or the information printing / adhesive layer 56 other than the printing section 53a. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the data to be authenticated and the application identifier is printed on the information printing layer 53 (printing section 53a).

[0138] In the above-described fifth to seventh embodiments, the labels 50 to 50B do not have to be provided on the product G whose authenticity is to be evaluated by the appropriateness obtaining systems 1 to 1C. That is, the labels 50 to 50B (printed section 53a) may be read by a system that evaluates authenticity other than the appropriateness obtaining systems 1 to 1C. In this case, the information printed on the information printing layer 53 (printed section 53a) does not have to be the above-described application identifier or data to be authenticated. The content and form of the information printed on the information printing layer 53 (printed section 53a) can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is information used in evaluating authenticity.

[0139] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations described in the above-described embodiments and examples can be combined.

[0140] Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the claimed features, but includes each and every disclosed feature and any and all combinations of such features.

[0141] The terms "structure," "part," "element," "region," "area," "section," "unit," "display," "article," and "object" used in this disclosure may exist physically, primarily by indicating the form of a solid substance or the space surrounded by a substance. These may have inherent properties associated with them, operate as specific functions, and exhibit synergistic effects, either alone or in combination.

[0142] The terms used in the description of this application, the embodiments of the invention, and particularly in the claims are generally intended as "open" terms. For example, the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.

[0143] Furthermore, when interpreting terms, configurations, features, properties, aspects, and embodiments, reference should be made to the drawings as necessary. Matters that can be directly and unambiguously derived from the drawings should be the basis for amendment, equivalent to the text.

[0144] Furthermore, where a particular number of introduced claims is intended, such intention will be expressly recited in the claim; absent such recitation, no such intention exists. The indefinite articles "a" or "an" should not be construed as directly limiting to one and only one, nor should plural nouns be construed as directly limiting to two or more.

[0145] 1...suitability acquisition system, 10...terminal device, 11...first operation device, 12...camera device, 13...first display, 14...position acquisition device, 15...application data output circuit, 16...privilege data acquisition circuit, 20...suitability acquisition device, 21...application data acquisition circuit, 22...application acceptance circuit, 23...suitability generation circuit, 24...suitability acquisition circuit, 25...privilege data generation circuit, 26...privilege data output circuit, 31...circulation data acquisition circuit, 32...storage, 33...extraction condition acquisition circuit, 34...extraction circuit, 35...extracted data output circuit path, 40...management device, 41...second operation device, 42...extraction condition output circuit, 43...extraction data acquisition circuit, 44...second display, 50...label, 52a...hologram forming layer, 52b...metal layer, 53...information printing layer, 54...adhesive layer, 55...scattering layer, 60...release film (film), 80...packaging film, 90...packaging body, II...application data, CI...correspondence data, GI...data related to product G, M...administrator, C...consumer, AC...benefit application area, AP...benefit application area, G...product, S2...adhesive surface, LL...laser light

Claims

1. An appropriateness acquisition system comprising: an application data acquisition circuit that acquires application data from a terminal device operated by a consumer, the application data including authentication target data used to evaluate authenticity, which is obtained from a product whose authenticity is to be evaluated, and an application identifier obtained from the product and used to apply for a benefit attached to the product; an application acceptance circuit that accepts applications for the benefit based on the application identifier included in the application data; an appropriateness acquisition circuit that acquires an appropriateness indicating the degree of likelihood that the product is genuine, based on the authentication target data included in the application data; a benefit data generation circuit that generates a result as to whether or not to grant the benefit, based on the appropriateness acquired by the appropriateness acquisition circuit and the application identifier; and a benefit data output circuit that outputs a result as to whether or not to grant the benefit to the terminal device, without outputting the appropriateness to the terminal device.

2. The suitability acquisition system described in claim 1, wherein the data to be authenticated is obtained from an image of a first part of the object for which the authenticity of the product is to be evaluated, taken by a camera of the terminal device; the application identifier is obtained from an image of a second part of the object to be used in applying for the benefit, taken by the camera; the terminal device displays a guide on the display screen of the terminal device to guide the consumer, when taking an image of the second part, to take an image that includes both the first part and the second part; and the application data includes an image of the first part and the second part taken together.

3. The suitability acquisition system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the application data includes information that serves as an indicator for estimating the source of acquisition of the product, obtained from the terminal device when applying for the benefit.

4. The suitability acquisition system of claim 3 further comprises: a distribution data acquisition circuit that acquires distribution data regarding the distribution of the product; a storage that stores the distribution data, the suitability, and the application data in association with each other; an extraction circuit that extracts, from the information stored in the storage, at least one of information that can be used as an indicator for estimating the origin of the product and the distribution data, and the suitability; and an extracted data output circuit that outputs the information extracted by the extraction circuit to a management device operated by an administrator.

5. The product is provided with a label having an adhesive surface, the label comprising: a hologram forming layer having fine irregularities; a metal layer formed on the hologram forming layer and arranged between the hologram forming layer and the adhesive surface in the thickness direction of the label; and an information printing layer arranged between the metal layer and the adhesive surface in the thickness direction, on which at least one of the data to be authenticated and the application identifier is printed and which is visible from the adhesive surface; and the label is attached to the outer surface of a transparent packaging film that packages the product, with the adhesive surface facing the product.

6. A method of obtaining application data from a terminal device operated by a consumer, the application data including data to be authenticated used to evaluate authenticity, obtained from a product whose authenticity is to be evaluated, and an application identifier obtained from the product and used to apply for a benefit attached to the product; accepting an application for the benefit based on the application identifier included in the application data; obtaining a suitability level that indicates the degree of likelihood that the product is genuine, generated based on the data to be authenticated included in the application data; generating a result of whether or not to grant the benefit based on the obtained suitability level and the application identifier; and outputting a result of whether or not the benefit will be granted to the terminal device without outputting the suitability level.

7. A label having an adhesive surface and readable by a system for evaluating authenticity, comprising: a hologram-forming layer having fine irregularities; a metal layer formed on the hologram-forming layer and disposed between the hologram-forming layer and the adhesive surface in the thickness direction of the label; and an information printing layer disposed between the metal layer and the adhesive surface in the thickness direction, on which information used in evaluating authenticity is printed and which is visible from the adhesive surface.

8. The label according to claim 7, wherein the information printing layer is a color-developing layer that develops color when exposed to laser light.

9. The label according to claim 8, further comprising a scattering layer disposed between the metal layer and the information printing layer to scatter laser light.

10. The label of any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a transparent adhesive layer having the adhesive surface.

11. The label according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the information printing layer has the adhesive surface.

12. A package comprising: a transparent packaging film for packaging a product; and a label according to any one of claims 7 to 11, the adhesive surface of which is attached to the outer surface of the packaging film.

13. A method for manufacturing a label that can be read by a system for evaluating authenticity, comprising: preparing a hologram forming layer having fine irregularities and a metal layer formed on the hologram forming layer; providing an information printing layer on the opposite side of the metal layer from the hologram forming layer; providing an adhesive surface on the opposite side of the information printing layer from the metal layer so that the information printing layer is visible from the adhesive surface; and printing information used for evaluating authenticity on the information printing layer.

14. A method for manufacturing a label as described in claim 13, wherein the information printing layer is a coloring layer that develops color when exposed to laser light, and the information is printed on the coloring layer by irradiating the coloring layer with laser light through a transparent film attached to the adhesive surface.

15. A method for manufacturing a package, comprising: preparing a transparent packaging film for packaging a product; and a label manufactured by the manufacturing method described in claim 13 or 14; and bonding the adhesive surface of the label to the outer surface of the packaging film.

Images