Anti-counterfeit package, authenticity determination device, authenticity determination system, and authenticity determination method

Abstract

A packaging container (PA) comprises: a two-dimensional code (C1) that is printed using a second ink at a location viewable from outside the packaging container (PA) only when the packaging container (PA) is unfolded, the second ink containing a substance for absorbing light of a wavelength band other than the ultraviolet region so as to emit light of a wavelength band in the visible light region; and a QR code (registered trademark) (C2) that is printed using a first ink at a location viewable from outside the packaging container (PA) when the packaging container (PA) is folded, the first ink containing a substance for selectively absorbing or emitting light of a visible-light wavelength band.

Description

Counterfeit prevention packaging, authenticity determination device, authenticity determination system, and authenticity determination method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to anti-counterfeit packaging, an authenticity determination device, an authenticity determination system, and an authenticity determination method.

[0002] Proposed is an anti-counterfeiting printed material having an identification code constructed using either multiple types of ink with different spectral reflectance characteristics to irradiated light or multiple types of ink with different coloring characteristics depending on temperature conditions, in which the ink used to print the identification code is different from the ink used to print an authenticity determination code mixed into the identification code (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-188756

[0004] Incidentally, there is a method for preventing counterfeiting of products and managing product logistics by printing a mixture of an identification code and an authenticity determination code on the surface of product packaging, as described in Patent Document 1. In this case, there is a possibility that the content of the authenticity determination code can be read by irradiating the authenticity determination code printed on the surface of the product packaging with infrared or ultraviolet light during the product logistics process.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide anti-counterfeiting packaging, an authenticity determination device, an authenticity determination system, and an authenticity determination method that can prevent the contents of an authenticity determination code from being read during the product logistics process.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the anti-counterfeiting package according to the present disclosure is an anti-counterfeiting package for packaging a product and preventing the product from being counterfeited, and includes: a first code printed using a first ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible wavelength range, at a position that is visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting package when at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting package is not deformed or processed; and a second code printed using a second ink containing a substance that absorbs light in wavelength ranges other than the ultraviolet range and emits light in the visible wavelength range, at a position that is visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting package only when at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting package is deformed or processed.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a first code is printed using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in a wavelength band of the ultraviolet light region and emits light in a wavelength band of the visible light region, at a position that is visible from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting package only when at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting package is deformed or processed. As a result, in order to read the content of the first code during the logistics process of the product, it is necessary to deform or process at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting package, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the first code from being read without the knowledge of the end user of the product during the logistics process of the product.

[0008] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an authenticity determination system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a packaging container containing a product according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a development view of the packaging container according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an authenticity determination device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the authenticity determination device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the authenticity determination system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an authenticity determination process performed by the authenticity determination device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an authenticity determination system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an authenticity determination system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the authenticity determination system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the authenticity determination system according to the second embodiment.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a counterfeit prevention package and an authenticity determination system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The counterfeit prevention package according to the present embodiment is a package for packaging a product and preventing counterfeiting of the product. This counterfeit prevention package includes: a first code printed with a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in a wavelength band other than the ultraviolet light band and emits light in a wavelength band of visible light, at a position that is visible from the outside of the counterfeit prevention package only when at least a portion of the counterfeit prevention package is deformed or processed; and a second code printed with a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible light wavelength band, at a position that is visible from the outside of the counterfeit prevention package when at least a portion of the counterfeit prevention package is not deformed or processed.

[0010] 1, the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment includes an authenticity determination device 1A owned by a manufacturer of product PR, an authenticity determination device 1B owned by a retailer that retails the product PR or a customer of the product PR, and a cloud server 2. The product PR is contained in a packaging container PA and arrives at the retailer from the manufacturer via multiple wholesalers. The authenticity determination device 1 and the cloud server 2 are capable of communicating with each other via a network NW1.

[0011] The packaging container PA is a counterfeit prevention package having a rectangular box shape, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and four rectangular sheet-like side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, and PAf, and two rectangular sheet-like lids PAc and PAd that cover both ends of the area surrounded by the four side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, and PAf. Here, as shown in Figure 3, when the packaging container PA is unfolded, the side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, and PAf are arranged so that they are aligned along their respective shorter sides. The lid PAc extends from one longitudinal end of the side wall PAa, and a tongue piece PAh is continuous with the end of the lid PAc opposite the side wall PAa. The lid PAd extends from one longitudinal end of the side wall PAb, and a tongue piece PAi is continuous with the end of the lid PAd opposite the side wall PAb. The tongue pieces PAj are continuous with both longitudinal ends of the side wall PAe, and the tongue pieces PAk are continuous with both longitudinal ends of the side wall PAf. The tongue pieces PAg are continuous with the end of the side wall PAb opposite the side wall PAf in the short direction, and serve as overlap portions when the side walls PAa, PAb, PAe, and PAf are assembled into a rectangular tube.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a QR code (registered trademark) C2 is printed on the side wall PAb of the packaging container PA, and a two-dimensional code C1 is printed on the tongue piece PAg. The two-dimensional code C1 is a first code printed with a first ink containing an ultraviolet light-emitting phosphor that is difficult to see under light in the wavelength band of visible light. This first ink has the property that the phosphor contained therein emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light-emitting phosphor is one that is excited by ultraviolet light and emits a spectrum whose peak when it returns to a lower energy level is light in the wavelength band of visible light, such as Ca ２ B ５ O ９ Cl:Eu ２＋ , CaWO ４ , ZnO:Zn ２ SiO ４ Mn, Y ２ O ２ S: Eu, ZnS: Ag, YVO ４ : Eu, Y ２ O ３ : Eu, Gd ２ O ２ S: Tb, La ２ O ２ S: Tb, Y ３ Al ５ O １２ : Ce, etc. The QR code C2 is a second code printed with, for example, a normal black second ink. The two-dimensional code C1 is printed on a tongue PAg that can be seen from the outside of the packaging container PA only when at least a portion of the packaging container PA is deformed or processed, i.e., when the packaging container PA is unfolded. The QR code C2 is printed on the outer wall of the side wall PAd when the packaging container PA is not deformed or processed, i.e., when assembled into a rectangular box.

[0013] This authenticity determination system is used together with terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D owned by, for example, a manufacturer, a wholesaler, and a retailer. Each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D is, for example, a smartphone equipped with a camera, and has a function of identifying product identification information of the product PR obtained by analyzing a QR code image obtained by capturing an image of a QR code C2 printed on a side wall PAb of the packaging container PA, and a function of generating logistics history notification information including the identified product identification information and logistics history information indicating the history of the product PR, and transmitting the information to the cloud server 2.

[0014] The cloud server 2 functions as a management server that manages information for determining the authenticity of product PR, and includes a logistics history storage unit (not shown) that stores logistics history information for the product PR, and a criterion information storage unit (not shown) that stores criterion information used to determine the authenticity of the product PR in association with product identification information. When the cloud server 2 acquires logistics history notification information transmitted from the terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, it extracts the product identification information and logistics history information contained in the acquired logistics history notification information, associates the extracted product identification information with the logistics history information, and stores the associated information in the logistics history storage unit. When the cloud server 2 acquires criterion notification information containing the criterion information and the product identification information transmitted from the authenticity determination device 1 (1A), it extracts the criterion information and the product identification information contained in the acquired criterion notification information, and associates the extracted criterion information with the product identification information and stores the associated information in the criterion information storage unit.

[0015] The authenticity determination device 1 operates in one of two modes: a product registration mode for registering a packaging container PA containing a product PR in the cloud server 2, and an authenticity determination mode for determining the authenticity of the product PR. As shown in FIG. 4 , the authenticity determination device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary memory 103, a display 104, an input unit 105, a communication unit 106, an imaging unit 151, an ultraviolet light source 107, and a bus 109 connecting the various components. The main memory 102 is a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory 103 is a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for implementing various functions of the authenticity determination device 1. The display 104 is a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like, and displays various information. The input unit 105 is, for example, a touchpad placed on the display unit 104, and receives various operation information in response to user operations and outputs the received operation information to the CPU 101. The communication unit 106 has an interface for connecting to the network NW1. The imaging unit 151 has a camera and transfers image information obtained by capturing an image of the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 to the CPU 101. The ultraviolet light source 107 has, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits ultraviolet light, and lights up the LED based on control information transferred from the CPU 101.

[0016] The CPU 101 reads out and executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102, thereby functioning as a reception unit 111, an imaging control unit 112, a display control unit 113, a code analysis unit 114, a light source control unit 115, a determination criterion information notification unit 116, a determination criterion information acquisition unit 117, and an authenticity determination unit 118, as shown in Fig. 5. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Fig. 4 also has a determination information storage unit 131, as shown in Fig. 5. The main storage unit 102 shown in Fig. 4 also has an image buffer 121 that temporarily stores an image captured by the imaging unit 151, as shown in Fig. 5. The determination information storage unit 131 stores two-dimensional code images obtained by capturing images of the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2, determination information obtained by analyzing the QR code images, and product identification information.

[0017] The reception unit 111 receives operation details performed by the user on the input unit 105, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation details, and notifies the image capture control unit 112, display control unit 113, code analysis unit 114, light source control unit 115, judgment criterion information notification unit 116, and judgment criterion information acquisition unit 117. When the reception unit 111 receives a product registration operation for reading a two-dimensional code C1 or a QR code C2 or a product history confirmation operation, the image capture control unit 112 controls the image capture unit 151 to perform an image capture process. At this time, the image capture unit 151 transfers captured image information obtained by the image capture process to the image buffer 121. The display control unit 113 displays the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121 on the display unit 104. Furthermore, when the display control unit 113 receives information indicating a judgment result (described later) from the authenticity determination unit 118, it forms a result notification image notifying the judgment result based on the notified information and displays the result on the display unit 104.

[0018] After the reception unit 111 receives the above-described product registration operation and product history confirmation operation, the code analysis unit 114 extracts a two-dimensional code image and a QR code image from the captured image indicated by the captured image information newly stored in the image buffer 121. Here, the code analysis unit 114 extracts the two-dimensional code image and the QR code image using an edge detection method for the two-dimensional code image and the QR code image, such as a graph cut method. Then, the code analysis unit 114 analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code image and the QR code image to identify the determination criterion information or the determination information and the product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image and the QR code image, and stores the identified determination criterion information or the determination information and the product identification information in the determination information storage unit 131.

[0019] When the reception unit 111 receives an operation for reading the two-dimensional code C1 in the above-described product registration operation or product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns on the ultraviolet light source 107. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 receives an operation for reading the QR code C2 in the above-described product registration operation or product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107.

[0020] After the reception unit 111 receives the above-mentioned product registration operation, and when new judgment criterion information and product identification information are stored in the judgment information storage unit 131, the judgment criterion information notification unit 116 generates judgment criterion notification information including the judgment criterion information and product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and transmits it to the cloud server 2. After the reception unit 111 receives the above-mentioned product history confirmation operation, the judgment criterion information acquisition unit 117 generates judgment criterion request information including the product identification information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and transmits it to the cloud server 2, thereby acquiring the judgment criterion information transmitted from the cloud server 2. The judgment criterion information acquisition unit 117 stores the acquired judgment criterion information in the judgment criterion information storage unit 132.

[0021] The authenticity determination unit 118 determines the authenticity of the product promotion based on the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and the determination criterion information stored in the determination criterion information storage unit 132. Specifically, the authenticity determination unit 118 determines whether the numerical values ​​indicated by the determination information and the numerical values ​​indicated by the determination criterion information match, and if they match, determines that the product promotion is genuine, and if they differ, determines that the product promotion is a counterfeit. The authenticity determination unit 118 notifies the display control unit 113 of information indicating the determination result.

[0022] Next, an example of a target for use of the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 1 , a manufacturer uses an authenticity determination device 1A to capture an image of a two-dimensional code C1 printed on an unfolded packaging container PA, analyze a first code image of the captured two-dimensional code, and identify criteria information that serves as a basis for authenticating the product PR indicated by the first code image. The authenticity determination device 1 also uses an image of a QR code C2 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA, analyzes a second code image of the captured QR code, and identifies product identification information that identifies the product PR indicated by the second code image. The authenticity determination device 1A then transmits the identified criteria information and product identification information to the cloud server 2. Next, the manufacturer places the product PR inside a packaging container PA assembled into a rectangular box, and then images the QR code C2 using a terminal device 3A. Terminal device 3A then analyzes the captured QR code image and transmits the product identification information obtained therefrom to the cloud server 2, along with logistics history information such as the shipping date and time. Next, the packaging container PA containing the product PR is shipped to a wholesaler of the product PR. After that, each wholesaler uses terminal devices 3B and 3C to capture an image of the QR code C2. At this time, terminal devices 3B and 3C transmit the product identification information obtained by analyzing the captured QR code image to the cloud server 2, along with logistics history information such as the arrival date and time. After that, when the packaging container PA arrives at the retailer, the retailer uses terminal device 3D to capture an image of the QR code C2. At this time, terminal device 3D transmits the product identification information obtained by analyzing the captured QR code image to the cloud server 2, along with logistics history information such as the arrival date and time. Next, the customer of the product PR unfolds the packaging container PA, and then uses the authenticity determination device 1B to image the two-dimensional code C1 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA, analyze a first code image of the two-dimensional code obtained by imaging, and identify determination information for determining the authenticity of the product PR indicated by the first code image. Also, using the authenticity determination device 1B, the customer images the QR code C2 printed on the unfolded packaging container PA, analyzes a second code image of the QR code obtained by imaging, and identifies product identification information for identifying the product PR indicated by the second code image.Then, the authenticity determination device 1B acquires the determination criteria information managed by the cloud server 2, and then performs an authenticity determination of the product PR based on the acquired determination criteria information and the specified determination information, and displays the determination result. In this way, the customer of the product PR can confirm the authenticity of the product PR using the authenticity determination device 1B.

[0023] Next, the operation of the authentication determination system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . First, a manufacturer performs a mode setting operation to set the operation mode of the authenticity determination device 1A to the product registration mode (step S1). Next, assume that the manufacturer performs a product registration operation on the authenticity determination device 1A. This product registration operation involves sequentially capturing images of the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 on the packaging container PA in an unfolded state. In this case, the authenticity determination device 1A captures the two-dimensional code C1 on the packaging container PA with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned on, and captures the QR code C2 with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned off (step S2). The authenticity determination device 1A then stores captured image information indicating the captured images of the two-dimensional code and the QR code in the image buffer 121.

[0024] Next, the authenticity determination device 1A extracts a two-dimensional code image and a QR code image from the captured image indicated by the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121, analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code image and QR code image, and identifies the determination criterion information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image and QR code image.The authenticity determination device 1A then stores the identified determination criterion information and product identification information in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S3).The authenticity determination device 1A then generates determination criterion notification information including the determination criterion information and product identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S4), and transmits the generated determination criterion notification information from the authenticity determination device 1A to the cloud server 2 (step S5).

[0025] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 2 acquires the judgment criteria notification information sent from the authenticity determination device 1 (1A), it extracts the judgment criteria information and product identification information contained in the acquired judgment criteria notification information, and stores the extracted judgment criteria information and product identification information in the judgment criteria information storage unit in correspondence with each other (step S6).

[0026] Next, assume that a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer performs a history registration operation on the terminal device 3 to register the logistics history of the product PR. In this history registration operation, the terminal device 3B or 3C is used to capture an image of the QR code C2 printed on the side wall PAb of the packaging container PA. In this case, the terminal device 3 analyzes the QR code image obtained by capturing the QR code C2 to identify product identification information for the product PR, and generates logistics history notification information including the identified product identification information and logistics history information indicating the history of the product PR (step S7). The generated logistics history notification information is then transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 2 (step S8). Meanwhile, upon receiving the logistics history notification information transmitted from the terminal device 3, the cloud server 2 extracts the product identification information and logistics history information included in the acquired logistics history notification information, and stores the extracted product identification information and logistics history information in association with each other (step S9).

[0027] After that, when a customer who purchased the product PR performs a mode setting operation on the authenticity determination device 1B to set the operating mode to the authenticity determination mode, the operating mode of the authenticity determination device 1B is set to the authenticity determination mode (step S10). Next, assume that the customer performs a product history confirmation operation on the authenticity determination device 1B. This product history confirmation operation involves sequentially capturing images of the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 on the packaging container PA in an unfolded state. In this case, the authenticity determination device 1B captures an image of the two-dimensional code C1 on the packaging container PA with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned on, and captures an image of the QR code C2 with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned off (step S11). Here, the authenticity determination device 1B stores captured image information indicating the captured images obtained by capturing the two-dimensional code and the QR code in the image buffer 121.

[0028] Next, the authenticity determination device 1B extracts a two-dimensional code image and a QR code image from the captured image indicated by the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121, analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code image and QR code image, and identifies determination information and commodity identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image and QR code image.The authenticity determination device 1B then stores the identified determination information and commodity identification information in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S12).The authenticity determination device 1B then generates determination criterion request information including the commodity identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S13), and transmits the generated determination criterion request information from the authenticity determination device 1B to the cloud server 2 (step S14).

[0029] Meanwhile, when the cloud server 2 acquires the criterion request information, it identifies the criterion information corresponding to the product identification information included in the acquired criterion request information from the criterion information stored in the criterion information storage unit (step S15). Next, the identified criterion information is transmitted from the cloud server 2 to the authenticity determination device 1B (step S16). Meanwhile, when the authenticity determination device 1B acquires the criterion information, it stores the acquired criterion information in the criterion information storage unit 132 (step S17). Next, the authenticity determination device 1B performs an authenticity determination of the product promotion based on the criterion information stored in the criterion information storage unit 131 and the criterion information stored in the criterion information storage unit 132 (step S18). Thereafter, the authenticity determination device 1B forms a result notification image indicating the result of the authenticity determination and displays it on the display unit 104 (step S19).

[0030] Next, the authenticity determination process executed by the authenticity determination device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 . This authenticity determination process is initiated when the authenticity determination device 1 is powered on. First, the reception unit 111 determines whether the aforementioned mode setting operation performed on the input unit 105 has been received (step S101). Here, as long as the reception unit 111 determines that the mode setting operation has not been received (step S101: No), the process of step S101 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 111 determines that the mode setting operation has been received (step S101: Yes), it determines whether the aforementioned product registration mode has been set (step S102). Here, if the reception unit 111 determines that the aforementioned authenticity determination mode has been set (step S102: No), the process of step S107, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 determines that the product registration mode has been set (step S102: Yes), it determines whether the above-mentioned product registration operation has been accepted (step S103). Here, if the reception unit 111 determines that the product registration operation has not been accepted within the preset period (step S103: No), the processing of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 determines that the product registration operation has been accepted (step S103: Yes), the light source control unit 115 turns on or off the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture an image of the two-dimensional code C1 or the QR code (step S104). Here, when the reception unit 111 accepts an operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the above-mentioned product registration operation, the light source control unit 115 turns on the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture an image of the two-dimensional code C1. On the other hand, when the accepting unit 111 accepts an operation to read the QR code C2 in the above-described product registration operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture an image of the QR code C2. At this time, the imaging unit 151 transfers captured image information obtained by the imaging process to the image buffer 121.

[0031] Next, the code analysis unit 114 extracts a two-dimensional code image and a QR code image from the captured image indicated by the captured image information newly stored in the image buffer 121. The code analysis unit 114 then analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code image and QR code image to identify judgment criterion information or judgment information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image and the QR code image, and stores the identified judgment criterion information in the judgment information storage unit 131 (step S105). Next, the judgment criterion information notification unit 116 generates judgment criterion notification information including the judgment criterion information stored in the judgment information storage unit 131 and transmits it to the cloud server 2 (step S106). Thereafter, the processing of step S101 is executed again.

[0032] Furthermore, in step S102, if the reception unit 111 determines that the authentication mode has been set (step S102: No), or if the reception unit 111 determines that the product registration mode has been set (step S102: Yes), it determines whether the product history confirmation operation has been received (step S107). Here, if the reception unit 111 determines that the product history confirmation operation has not been received within a preset period (step S107: No), the processing of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the reception unit 111 determines that the product history confirmation operation has been received (step S107: Yes), the light source control unit 115 turns on or off the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture an image of the two-dimensional code C1 or the QR code (step S108). Here, when the reception unit 111 receives an operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the above-mentioned product history checking operation, the light source control unit 115 turns on the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture an image of the two-dimensional code C1. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 receives an operation to read the QR code C2 in the above-mentioned product history checking operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107, and the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to capture an image of the QR code C2. At this time, the imaging unit 151 transfers captured image information obtained by the imaging process to the image buffer 121.

[0033] Next, the code analysis unit 114 extracts a two-dimensional code image and a QR code image from the captured image indicated by the captured image information newly stored in the image buffer 121. Then, the code analysis unit 114 analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code image and QR code image to identify determination information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image and the QR code image, and stores the identified determination information and product identification information in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S109). Next, the determination criterion information acquisition unit 117 generates determination criterion request information including the product identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and transmits it to the cloud server 2 (step S110), thereby acquiring the determination criterion information transmitted from the cloud server 2, and stores the acquired determination criterion information in the determination criterion information storage unit 132 (step S111).

[0034] Thereafter, the authenticity determination unit 118 determines the authenticity of the product PR based on the determination information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and the determination criterion information stored in the determination criterion information storage unit 132 (step S112). Next, the display control unit 113 forms a result notification image notifying the determination result based on the information indicating the result of the authenticity determination, and displays the result notification image on the display unit 104 (step S113). Then, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0035] As described above, in the packaging container PA according to the present embodiment, a two-dimensional code is printed on the tongue PAg, which is visible from the outside of the packaging container PA only when the packaging container PA is in an unfolded state, using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs ultraviolet light and emits light in the wavelength band of visible light. As a result, in order to read the contents of the two-dimensional code C1 during the logistics process of the product PR, the packaging container PA needs to be in an unfolded state, and therefore, reading of the two-dimensional code C1 without the end user of the product PR being aware of it during the logistics process of the product PR is suppressed.

[0036] The authenticity determination device 1 according to this embodiment operates in one of two modes: the aforementioned product registration mode and the authenticity determination mode. This allows the operating mode to be switched depending on the intended use of the manufacturer and the customer, thereby enhancing versatility.

[0037] (Embodiment 2) An authenticity determination system according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that it includes a terminal device that has the function of capturing an image of the first code and the second code of a package on which the first code and the second code described in Embodiment 1 are printed, and identifying determination information and product identification information corresponding to the first code and the second code, but does not determine the authenticity of the product. In this embodiment, apart from the terminal device, it includes determination standard information that serves as a standard for determining the authenticity of the product, indicating a combination of determination information and product identification information corresponding to the first code and the second code printed on the package, respectively, and an authenticity determination unit that determines the authenticity of the product based on the determination information and determination standard information identified by the terminal device.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8 , the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment includes a terminal device 2001 owned by, for example, a retailer that retails product PR or a customer of the product PR, a printer 2004 that prints a QR code C2 and a two-dimensional code C1 on a packaging container PA for the product PR, and a cloud server 2002. Note that in FIG. 8 , components similar to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 . The terminal device 2001, the cloud server 2002, and the printer 2004 are capable of communicating with each other via a network NW1. First, a printing company uses the printer 4 to manufacture a packaging container PA on which the QR code C2 and the two-dimensional code C1 are printed. This packaging container PA is, for example, the packaging container PA described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 3 . Then, as shown in FIG. 8 , the printing company supplies the manufactured packaging container PA to, for example, a manufacturer of the product PR. Meanwhile, the manufacturer of the product PR places the product PR in the packaging container PA. Then, the product PR contained in the packaging container PA is delivered from the manufacturer to the retailer.

[0039] 9 , the printer 2004 has a printing unit 41 that prints a QR code C2 and a two-dimensional code C1 on a packaging container PA, and a control unit 40. The printing unit 41 executes printing on the packaging container PA based on a control signal input from the control unit 40. The control unit 40 has a print control unit 411, a determination criterion information notification unit 412, and a print information storage unit 431. The print information storage unit 431 stores multiple types of predetermined determination information that form the basis of the two-dimensional code C1, and multiple types of predetermined product identification information that form the basis of the QR code C2.

[0040] The printing control unit 411 selects a combination of determination information and product identification information from the determination information and product identification information stored in the printing information storage unit 431. Next, the printing control unit 411 generates printing parameter information for printing the QR code C2 and printing parameter information for printing the two-dimensional code C1 based on the selected determination information and product identification information. The printing control unit 411 then generates control information including the generated printing parameter information and outputs it to the printing unit 41. The printing control unit 411 also notifies the determination criterion information notification unit 412 of the selected combination of determination information and product identification information.

[0041] The judgment criteria information notification unit 412 generates judgment criteria information indicating a combination of judgment information and product identification information notified from the print control unit 212, and generates judgment criteria notification information including the generated judgment criteria information and transmits it to the cloud server 2002.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 9, the terminal device 2001 has the same hardware configuration as the authenticity determination device 1 described in embodiment 2. The CPU 101 reads a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, thereby functioning as a reception unit 111, an imaging control unit 112, a display control unit 113, a code analysis unit 114, a light source control unit 115, a determination request unit 2116, and a determination result acquisition unit 2119, as shown in Fig. 10. Note that in Fig. 9, components similar to those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage unit 103 has a determination information storage unit 131, and the main storage unit 102 has an image buffer 121.

[0043] The reception unit 111 receives operation details performed by the user on the input unit 105, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation details, and notifies the imaging control unit 112, display control unit 113, code analysis unit 114, light source control unit 115, and judgment request unit 2116. When the reception unit 111 receives a product history check operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 or the QR code C2, the imaging control unit 112 controls the imaging unit 151 to perform imaging processing. When the display control unit 113 is notified of judgment result information described below from the judgment result acquisition unit 2119, it forms a result notification image notifying the judgment result based on the notified judgment result information and displays it on the display unit 104. When the reception unit 111 receives an operation to read the two-dimensional code C1 in the above-mentioned product history check operation, the light source control unit 115 turns on the ultraviolet light source 107. On the other hand, when the reception unit 111 receives an operation for reading the QR code C2 in the above-mentioned product history confirmation operation, the light source control unit 115 turns off the ultraviolet light source 107 .

[0044] After the reception unit 111 receives the above-mentioned product history confirmation operation, and new determination information and product identification information are stored in the determination information storage unit 131, the determination request unit 2116 generates determination request information including the determination information and product identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and transmits it to the cloud server 2002. After the reception unit 111 receives the above-mentioned product history confirmation operation, the determination result acquisition unit 2119 generates determination request information including the determination information and product identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 and transmits it to the cloud server 2002, thereby acquiring determination result notification information transmitted from the cloud server 2002. Then, the determination result acquisition unit 2119 extracts determination result information included in the acquired determination result notification information and notifies the display control unit 113.

[0045] 9 , the cloud server 2002 includes a CPU 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a communication unit 206, and a bus 209 connecting the various units. The CPU 201 has, for example, a multi-core processor for server use. The main memory unit 202 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 201, and the auxiliary memory unit 203 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 2002. The communication unit 206 has an interface for connecting to the wide area network NW1.

[0046] The CPU 201 reads out the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 into the main storage unit 202 and executes it, thereby functioning as a determination criterion information acquisition unit 2211, an authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212, an authenticity determination unit 2213, and a determination result notification unit 2214, as shown in Fig. 10. The auxiliary storage unit 203 shown in Fig. 9 also has a determination criterion information storage unit 2231, as shown in Fig. 10. The determination criterion information storage unit 2231 stores the above-mentioned determination information and product identification information in association with each other.

[0047] The criterion information acquisition unit 2211 extracts the criterion information included in the criterion notification information upon acquiring the criterion notification information transmitted from the printing machine 2004. Then, based on a combination of the criterion information indicated by the criterion information and the product identification information, the criterion information acquisition unit 2211 associates the criterion information with the product identification information and stores the criterion information in the criterion information storage unit 2231.

[0048] When the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 acquires the aforementioned determination request information transmitted from the terminal device 2001, it extracts the determination information and product identification information contained in the acquired determination request information, and notifies the authenticity determination unit 2213 of the extracted determination information and product identification information.

[0049] The authenticity determination unit 2213 determines the authenticity of the product PR based on the combination of determination information and product identification information stored in the determination criterion information storage unit 2231 and the combination of determination information and product identification information notified from the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212. Specifically, the authenticity determination unit 2213 determines whether the combination of determination information and product identification information notified from the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 exists among the combinations of determination information and product identification information stored in the determination criterion information storage unit 2231, and if it exists, determines that the product PR is authentic, and if it does not exist, determines that the product PR is a counterfeit. The authenticity determination unit 2213 notifies the determination result notification unit 2214 of determination result information indicative of the determination result. The determination result notification unit 2214 generates determination result notification information including the notified determination result information and transmits it to the terminal device 2001.

[0050] Next, the operation of the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . First, the printing company performs a print start operation to start printing the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 on the packaging container PA using the printing machine 2004, and the printing machine 2004 starts printing the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 on the packaging container PA (step S2001). Next, the printing company performs a print end operation to stop printing using the printing machine 2004, and the printing machine 2004 ends printing the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 on the packaging container PA (step S2002). Next, the printing machine 2004 generates determination criterion notification information including determination criterion information indicating a combination of determination information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 printed on the packaging container PA (step S2003). The generated determination criterion notification information is then transmitted from the printing machine 2004 to the cloud server 2002 (step S2004). On the other hand, when the cloud server 2002 acquires the aforementioned judgment criteria notification information transmitted from the printing machine 2004, it extracts the judgment criteria information contained in the acquired judgment criteria notification information, and stores the combination of judgment information and product identification information indicated by the extracted judgment criteria information in the judgment criteria information storage unit 321 (step S2005).

[0051] Suppose that a retailer of the product PR or a customer who purchased the product then performs the aforementioned product history confirmation operation on the terminal device 2001. In this product history confirmation operation, as described in the first embodiment, an operation is performed to sequentially capture images of the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 on the unfolded packaging container PA. In this case, the terminal device 2001 captures an image of the two-dimensional code C1 on the packaging container PA with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned on, and also captures an image of the QR code C2 with the ultraviolet light source 107 turned off (step S2006). Here, the authenticity determination device 1B stores captured image information indicating the captured images obtained by capturing the two-dimensional code and the QR code in the image buffer 121.

[0052] Next, the terminal device 2001 extracts a two-dimensional code image and a QR code image from the captured image indicated by the captured image information stored in the image buffer 121, analyzes the extracted two-dimensional code image and QR code image, and identifies determination information and product identification information corresponding to the two-dimensional code image and QR code image.The terminal device 2001 then stores the identified determination information and product identification information in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S2007).The terminal device 2001 then generates determination request information including the determination information and product identification information stored in the determination information storage unit 131 (step S2008), and transmits the generated determination request information from the terminal device 2001 to the cloud server 2002 (step S2009).

[0053] On the other hand, when the cloud server 2002 acquires the determination request information, it extracts the determination information and product identification information included in the acquired determination request information (step S2010). Thereafter, the cloud server 2002 performs an authenticity determination of the product PR based on the combination of the determination information and product identification information stored in the determination criterion information storage unit 2231 and the combination of the determination information and product identification information notified by the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 (step S2011). Next, the cloud server 2002 generates determination result notification information including determination result information indicating the determination result (step S2012), and transmits the generated determination result notification information from the cloud server 2002 to the terminal device 2001 (step S2013). On the other hand, when the terminal device 2001 acquires the judgment result notification information sent from the cloud server 2002, it extracts the judgment result information contained in the acquired judgment result notification information (step S2014), and forms a result notification image showing the result of the authenticity judgment based on the extracted judgment result information and displays it on the display unit 104 (step S2015).

[0054] Next, the authenticity determination process executed by the cloud server 2002 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . This authenticity determination process is initiated when a program for executing the authenticity determination process is launched in the cloud server 2002. First, the determination criterion information acquisition unit 2211 determines whether or not the aforementioned determination criterion notification information transmitted from the printing machine 2004 has been acquired (step S2101). If the determination criterion information acquisition unit 2211 determines that the determination criterion notification information has not been acquired (step S2101: No), the process of step S2103, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the determination criterion information acquisition unit 2211 determines that the determination criterion notification information has been acquired (step S2101: Yes), the determination criterion information acquisition unit 2211 extracts the determination criterion information included in the acquired determination criterion notification information. Then, the determination criterion information acquisition unit 2211 associates the combination of the determination information and the product identification information indicated by the determination criterion information with each other and stores them in the determination criterion information storage unit 2231 (step S2102).

[0055] Next, the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 determines whether or not it has acquired the aforementioned determination request information transmitted from the terminal device 2001 (step S2103). If the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 determines that it has not acquired the determination request information (step S2103: No), it executes the process of step S2101 again. On the other hand, if the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 determines that it has acquired the determination request information (step S2103: Yes), it extracts the determination information and product identification information included in the acquired determination request information (step S2104) and notifies the authenticity determination unit 2213 of the extracted determination information and product identification information. Next, the authenticity determination unit 2213 determines the authenticity of the product PR based on the combination of the determination information and the product identification information stored in the determination criteria information storage unit 2231 and the combination of the determination information and the product identification information notified by the authenticity determination request acquisition unit 2212 (step S2105), and notifies the determination result information indicating the determination result to the determination result notification unit 2214. Thereafter, the determination result notification unit 2214 generates determination result notification information including the notified determination result information and transmits it to the terminal device 2001 (step S2106). Next, the processing of step S2101 is executed again.

[0056] As described above, the authenticity determination system according to this embodiment eliminates the need for the manufacturer to register a combination of the determination information indicated by the two-dimensional code C1 and the product identification information indicated by the QR code C2, thereby reducing the workload of the manufacturer in determining the authenticity of product promotions.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, not only two-dimensional codes but also QR codes may indicate information for use in determining the authenticity of product promotions. In this case, the two-dimensional codes and QR codes may indicate numerical values, and the numerical values ​​may be set to form a random number sequence.

[0058] In an embodiment, a sheet on which the aforementioned two-dimensional code C1 and QR code C2 are printed so that they at least partially overlap each other may be attached to the outer wall of the packaging container. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the sheet SHE1 may be printed with the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 so that they partially overlap each other. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code C1 is a first code printed using ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range, and the QR code C2 is a second code printed using ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible wavelength range. Here, the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 may each have a different coding system, i.e., the information indicated by the two-dimensional code C1 may be different from the information indicated by the QR code C2.

[0059] According to this configuration, the authenticity of the product PR contained in the packaging container can be verified using the information indicated by the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2. Furthermore, since the wavelength bands of the light irradiated on the two-dimensional code C1 and the QR code C2 when reading them are different, misreading of the two-dimensional code C1 or the QR code C2 can be prevented.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the cloud server 2002 may include a logistics history storage unit that stores logistics history information of product promotions, similar to the first embodiment. When the cloud server 2002 acquires logistics history notification information transmitted from terminal devices owned by not only manufacturers and retailers but also intermediaries such as wholesalers, the cloud server 2002 may extract the product identification information and logistics history information included in the acquired logistics history notification information, and store the extracted product identification information and logistics history information in the logistics history storage unit in association with each other.

[0061] The various functions of the authentication device 1 according to the present disclosure may be implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. In this case, the software or firmware may be written as a program, and the program may be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or MO (Magneto-Optical Disc). A computer capable of implementing the aforementioned functions may be configured by loading and installing the program on a computer. Furthermore, if the functions are implemented by sharing the work between an operating system (OS) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the recording medium.

[0062] Furthermore, each program may be superimposed on a carrier wave and distributed over a network. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the network and distributed over the network. These programs may then be started and run under the control of the OS in the same way as other application programs, thereby enabling the above-described processing to be performed.

[0063] The present invention allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] The present disclosure is suitable as a packaging container and an authenticity determination system for ensuring the authenticity of a product.

[0065] 1, 1A, 1B: Authenticity determination device, 2, 2002: Cloud server, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 2001: Terminal device, 40: Control unit, 41: Printing unit, 101, 201: CPU, 102, 202: Main memory unit, 103, 203: Auxiliary memory unit, 104: Display unit, 105: Input unit, 106, 206: Communication unit, 107: Ultraviolet light source, 109, 209: Bus, 111: Reception unit, 112: Imaging control unit, 113: Display control unit, 114: Code analysis unit, 115: Light source control unit, 116: Judgment criterion information notification unit, 117: Judgment criterion information acquisition unit, 118, 2213: Authenticity determination unit, 121: Image Image buffer, 131: determination information storage unit, 132: determination criterion information storage unit, 151: imaging unit, 411: print control unit, 412: determination criterion information notification unit, 431: print information storage unit, 2004: printing machine, 2116: determination request unit, 2119: determination result acquisition unit, 2211: determination criterion information acquisition unit, 2212: authenticity determination request acquisition unit, 2214: determination result notification unit, C1: two-dimensional code, C2: QR code, PA: packaging container, PAa, PAb, PAe, PAf: side wall, Pac, PAd: lid, PR: product, PAg, PAh, PAi, PAj, PAk: tongue, SHE1: sheet, NW1: network

Claims

1. Anti-counterfeiting packaging for packaging a product and preventing the product from being counterfeited, comprising: a first code printed with a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range, in a position that can be seen from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging only when at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting packaging is deformed or processed; and a second code printed with a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible wavelength range, in a position that can be seen from the outside of the anti-counterfeiting packaging when at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting packaging is not deformed or processed.

2. The counterfeit prevention packaging according to claim 1, wherein the first code indicates information for use in determining the authenticity of the product, and the second code indicates product identification information for identifying the product.

3. The counterfeit prevention packaging according to claim 1, wherein the first code and the second code indicate information for use in determining the authenticity of the product.

4. The counterfeit prevention packaging according to claim 3, wherein the first code and the second code represent numerical values, and the numerical values ​​are set to form a random number sequence.

5. Anti-counterfeit packaging for packaging a product and preventing the counterfeiting of said product, comprising a sheet on which a first code printed with a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a second code printed with a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible wavelength range, are printed so that at least a portion of the two codes overlap, and the sheet is attached to the anti-counterfeit packaging in a position visible from the outside.

6. An authenticity determination device comprising: an imaging unit; an ultraviolet light source that emits light in the ultraviolet wavelength band; a code analysis unit that identifies determination information for determining the authenticity of a product corresponding to a first code image obtained by capturing an image of a first code printed on a package that packages a product using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength band and emits light in the visible wavelength band while being irradiated with light from the ultraviolet light source, by analyzing the first code image; a determination criterion information acquisition unit that acquires determination criterion information that serves as a standard for determining the authenticity of the product; and an authenticity determination unit that determines the authenticity of the product based on the determination information and the determination criterion information.

7. The authenticity determination device according to claim 6, wherein a second code is printed on the package using a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs or emits light in the wavelength band of visible light, the code analysis unit identifies product identification information that identifies the product corresponding to the second code image by analyzing the second code image obtained by capturing an image with the imaging unit, the determination criteria information acquisition unit acquires the determination criteria information based on the identified product identification information, and the authenticity determination unit determines the authenticity of the product based on the determination information and the acquired determination criteria information.

8. A terminal device having an imaging unit, an ultraviolet light source that emits light in the ultraviolet wavelength range, and a code analysis unit that identifies information for determining the authenticity of the product corresponding to the first code image by analyzing a first code image obtained by imaging a first code printed on a package that packages a product using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range while the first code is irradiated with light from the ultraviolet light source, and identifies product identification information for identifying the product corresponding to the second code image by analyzing a second code image obtained by imaging a second code printed using a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible wavelength range; and a printer that prints the first code and the second code on the package. an authenticity determination system comprising: determination standard information that serves as a standard for determining the authenticity of the product, the determination standard information indicating a combination of the determination information and the product identification information corresponding to the first code and the second code printed by the printing machine, respectively; and an authenticity determination unit that determines the authenticity of the product based on the determination information and the determination standard information specified by the terminal device.

9. A first authenticity determination device identifies criteria information serving as a basis for determining the authenticity of a product corresponding to a first code image by analyzing a first code image obtained by imaging a first code printed on a package that packages a product using a first ink containing a substance that absorbs light in the ultraviolet wavelength range and emits light in the visible wavelength range while being irradiated with light from an ultraviolet light source, the first code being captured by an imaging unit; a management server that manages information for determination of the authenticity of the product stores the identified criteria information; a second authenticity determination device different from the first authenticity determination device acquires the criteria information; and a second authenticity determination device identifies the criteria information corresponding to the first code image by analyzing a first code image obtained by imaging the first code with the imaging unit while being irradiated with light from the ultraviolet light source. the second authenticity determination device determining the authenticity of the product based on whether the determination standard information and the determination information match.

10. The authenticity determination method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: identifying product identification information for identifying the product corresponding to the second code image by analyzing a second code image obtained by capturing an image of the second code printed on the package using a second ink containing a substance that selectively absorbs and emits light in the visible wavelength band; the management server storing the identified criterion information in a criterion information storage unit in association with the identified product identification information; the second authenticity determination device identifying product identification information for identifying the product corresponding to the second code image by analyzing the second code image obtained by capturing an image of the second code using the imaging unit; the second authenticity determination device acquiring the criterion information corresponding to the identified product identification information from the criterion information stored in the criterion information storage unit; and the second authenticity determination device determining the authenticity of the product based on the criterion information and the criterion information.

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