JP2005169633A - Guarantee system, guarantee letter and guarantee method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a guarantee system capable of smoothly providing services while inexpensively preventing reproduction and an unauthorized use of a guarantee letter in high reliability. <P>SOLUTION: In the guarantee system 500 equipped with a guarantee letter 10 possessed by a customer for ensuring the provision of a commodity and services to the customer and a guarantee letter reading apparatus 100 for identifying whether the guarantee letter 10 is genuine or not, the guarantee letter 10 has a two-dimensional code 12, wherein at least a content of the guarantee letter is partially recorded, printed in a fluorescence ink to emit light by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. The guarantee letter reading apparatus 100 has a light source 20 for irradiating the guarantee letter 10 with the ultraviolet rays to make the fluorescence ink emit light, a reading section 30 for optically reading the two-dimensional code emitting light by irradiation with the ultraviolet rays, and an output section 40 for outputting information indicating that the guarantee letter 10 is genuine when the reading section 30 reads the two-dimensional code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a guarantee system, a guarantee letter, and a guarantee method for guaranteeing provision of goods or services to customers.

  Businesses that issue guarantees (or coupons, hereinafter unified with guarantees) to customers who have purchased goods or services, and provide predetermined products or services to customers in exchange for presenting the guarantees are becoming common. In such business, it is important to prevent unauthorized duplication and unauthorized use of the guarantee. In the unlikely event that such fraudulent activity is performed, there is a possibility that the company may suffer damage or cause troubles with customers due to the provision of unnecessary products or services. On the other hand, since copying technology using scanners and copiers has progressed year by year, there is a need for the development of technology that prevents unauthorized copying of important documents and the unauthorized use of such copying technology. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1.).

JPO Materials Room, Standard Technology Collection, “Digital Watermark Application Technology / Analog Watermark / Bill Counterfeit Prevention Technology”, [online], JPO, [December 3, 2003 search], Internet <URL: http: // www. jpo. go. jp / shiryou / s_sonota / hyoujun_gijutsu / denshi_sukawashi / 2_f_1. htm>

  However, it has been difficult to realize a system that can provide a service smoothly while preventing the duplication and unauthorized use of a warranty card with high reliability and low cost.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a guarantee that is possessed by a customer and guarantees the provision of goods or services to the customer, and whether or not the guarantee is authentic is determined. In the warranty system including the warranty card reading device, a two-dimensional code recording at least a part of the warranty content is printed on the warranty card with fluorescent ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. A light source that irradiates the warranty with UV light that emits light, a reading unit that optically reads the two-dimensional code emitted by the UV irradiation, and when the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code, the fact that the warranty is authentic is output Output unit. It is desirable that the two-dimensional code is visible only when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  In the guarantee certificate reading device, the reading unit may decode the contents of the guarantee recorded in the two-dimensional code, and the output unit may further output the contents of the guarantee decoded by the reading unit.

  The warranty card reading device further includes a transparent mounting unit for mounting the warranty card, the light source and the reading unit are arranged to face each other with the mounting unit interposed therebetween, and the reading unit is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the warranty card. The two-dimensional code may be read from the opposite side of the surface.

  The warranty card reader may further include a shade unit that shields at least the two-dimensional code from outside light.

  The fluorescent ink includes first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in the first and second colors, respectively, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The two-dimensional code includes a predetermined ratio of the first and second fluorescent inks. The reading unit measures the luminance of the first and second colors emitted from the two-dimensional code irradiated with ultraviolet rays to obtain the luminance ratio, and the output unit reads the reading unit. Only when the obtained luminance ratio matches the predetermined luminance ratio, it may be output that the warranty is authentic.

A luminance ratio database that stores the luminance ratio to be measured by the reading unit in accordance with the ratio of the distribution of the first and second fluorescent inks in association with the luminance ratio specifying information for specifying the luminance ratio; In the two-dimensional code, luminance ratio specific information is recorded by fluorescent ink,
The reading unit decodes the two-dimensional code to acquire the luminance ratio specifying information, reads the luminance ratio from the luminance ratio database using the luminance ratio specifying information as a key, and the output unit obtains the luminance ratio obtained from the luminance measurement result. Only when the brightness ratio read from the brightness ratio database matches, the fact that the guarantee is authentic may be output.

  In the two-dimensional code, the fluorescent ink is not printed on the portion that is normally printed in black, and the fluorescent ink is printed on the portion that is not normally printed, and the reading unit displays the high-luminance portion of the read two-dimensional code. It may be recognized as a white portion in a normal two-dimensional code, and a low luminance portion may be recognized as a black portion.

  In the two-dimensional code, fluorescent ink is printed on a portion that is normally printed in black, and the reading unit may decode the two-dimensional code after reversing the high-luminance portion and the low-luminance portion of the read two-dimensional code. .

  You may further provide the printing apparatus which prints at least 2D code | cord | chord which recorded the content of guarantee on the warranty card with the fluorescent ink light-emitted by ultraviolet irradiation.

  The printing apparatus uses first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in the first and second colors when irradiated with ultraviolet rays as the fluorescent ink, and the first and second fluorescent inks have a predetermined ratio. You may print a two-dimensional code by distributing by.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the warranty card possessed by the customer and guaranteeing the provision of goods or services to the customer, the two-dimensional code in which at least a part of the warranty content is recorded emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Printed with fluorescent ink.

  The fluorescent ink includes first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in the first and second colors, respectively, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the two-dimensional code distributes the first and second fluorescent inks with a predetermined distribution. You may print by making it adhere in a ratio.

  In the two-dimensional code, fluorescent ink may not be printed on a portion that is normally printed in black, and fluorescent ink may be printed on a portion that is not normally printed.

  The paper on which the two-dimensional code is printed may have a water repellent finish on the back surface in advance.

  A laminate film may be attached to both sides of the portion where the two-dimensional code is printed with the fluorescent ink after the printing.

  The guarantee may be created by printing a two-dimensional code with fluorescent ink on paper to which no bleach is added.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guarantee method for guaranteeing provision of goods or services to a customer who possesses a guarantee, in which a printing apparatus records a two-dimensional code in which at least a part of the guarantee contents is recorded with ultraviolet rays. In the guarantee certificate reading device that reads the warranty card with the fluorescent ink that emits light by the irradiation of the light source, the light source irradiates the warranty certificate with the ultraviolet light that emits the fluorescent ink, and the reading unit emits light by the irradiation of the ultraviolet light The method includes a step of optically reading the two-dimensional code and a step of outputting that the guarantee is authentic when the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code.

  The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are included. It is not necessarily essential for the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an outline of a service target period of a specific damage repair service according to an embodiment of the present invention. The specified damage repair service is a service in which an automobile dealer compensates for free repair of specified damage to a customer who purchases a new car who has joined or reserved car insurance with the company as an agent. Promote the acquisition of new automobile insurance policies and the continuation of maturity contracts by providing specific damage repair services to customers who purchase new cars.

  Specific damages are damages such as graffiti, glass damage, and key cylinder damage to new cars purchased by customers. The customer uses the specified damage repair service when the car insurance that is insured does not have compensation for the vehicle body or when the accident-free discount is reduced by using the insurance. By providing such a specific damage repair service, the automobile dealer can increase the insurance contract acquisition rate of new and switched insurance contracts when purchasing a new car.

  For customers who have already taken out insurance at another insurance company or insurance agent (hereinafter referred to as another company) and have not been able to obtain a new or renewed insurance contract at the time of new car sales, Provide specific damage repair services when a subscription is made to switch to a contract at a dealer (hereinafter referred to as “own”). The target period of the specified damage repair service is renewed within one year from the date of delivery of the new car, and is a maximum of two years. Hereinafter, the service target period from the delivery date to the first update is referred to as a first service target period, and the service target period for one year after the first update is referred to as a second service target period.

  A warranty for specific damage repair services is issued for each service period. For example, one warranty card may be issued for each service target period, or a plurality of service tickets corresponding to each of a plurality of service target periods may be printed and issued on one warranty card. The specific damage repair service can be used only once per warranty or service ticket.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow for acquiring a new contract for automobile insurance. First, car dealers provide customers with car insurance guidance when selling new cars (1. Insurance Guidance). In this case, the customer is provided with a condition that a specific damage repair service is added if he / she subscribes to automobile insurance. As a result, on-the-spot new contract acquisition, that is, a net new subscription by an entry user who had not owned a car up to that point, and a company that has already been insured by another company (hereinafter referred to as a third party customer) Switching to a contract is facilitated.

  For customers with other companies who have not been able to switch to an in-house contract at the time of new car sales, repair specific damages on the condition that they have a subscription to switch to the in-house contract when the current insurance expires Provide service. Here, the subscription includes the maturity information of insurance contracted by other companies. Therefore, by providing the specific damage repair service, it is possible to smoothly obtain the maturity information of the insurance contracted by another company. The auto dealer transfers the maturity information obtained at the time of subscription reservation to the call center of the insurance company with the customer's consent. The call center calls the customer at an appropriate time before the maturity date, for example, two months before the maturity date, and after the maturity, makes a solicitation to switch to the contract at the store where the target vehicle was purchased (2. Initial approach call). At this time, the contract can be obtained with high probability by presenting the customer with the condition that the specific damage repair service is extended only when the contract is made at the car dealership.

  The call center feeds back the customer's response to the initial approach call to the car dealer (3. feedback of the customer's response). The customer reaction is, for example, whether or not there is a willingness to switch contracts or a customer's request regarding compensation contents. Car dealers propose car insurance that meets customer needs based on feedback from the call center, and promptly apply for customers who want to join (4. Contract procedures according to customer needs) . According to this embodiment, the automobile dealer can smoothly obtain the maturity information from the customer by providing the specific damage repair service. Then, the call center makes an initial approach call based on the maturity information and feeds back the customer's reaction to the car dealer, so that the car dealer can carry out an accurate and efficient insurance business.

  In addition, the automobile agent obtains automobile information such as mileage, accident history, repair history, etc. from the in-vehicle terminal of the target automobile, creates an optimal compensation plan for the customer based on the automobile information, and sends it to the in-vehicle terminal May be. The customer may call the call center or the car dealer while confirming the compensation plan displayed on the in-vehicle terminal, and perform the personal authentication and the contract procedure through the communication line as they are. In this case, it is desirable to pay the insurance premium by electronic payment.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of a continuation procedure for car insurance. First, the car dealership sends the maturity renewal plan to the customer at an appropriate time before the maturity date, for example, two months before the maturity date. At this time, the car dealer transmits the contents of the maturity renewal plan sent to the customer and the maturity information to the call center (1. maturity renewal plan transmission). The call center calls the customer to request the continuation of the contract and proposes a review of the compensation content based on the maturity renewal plan sent from the car dealer (2. Maturity approach call based on the renewal plan). Call details for maturity approach calls include, for example, willingness to continue contracts, various requests, confirmation of customer information such as confirmation of time at home, guidance on insurance maturity, reporting of insurance diagnosis results, proposals for reviewing compensation plans, etc. It is. In the maturity approach call, the insurance contract continuation procedure can be completed only by telephone if the intention to continue the contract can be confirmed.

  The call center feeds back the call result of the maturity approach call to the car dealer (3. Call result / information is fed back). Based on the feedback from the call center, the car dealer will thank the customer who has completed the contract continuation procedure. On the other hand, for customers who have not been able to close the contract due to the maturity approach call, use the feedback from the call center to propose and solicit insurance in line with the customer's request (4. Customers using call results) Approach). In this way, the automobile dealer can carry out accurate and efficient insurance business. Then, for customers who wish to continue contracting, the contract procedure is immediately performed.

  Here, we will inform you that customers who have purchased insurance at the time of purchasing a new car will be able to use the specified damage repair service on the condition that they will continue on their own at the first continuation. As a result, the car dealership can increase the initial insurance continuation rate.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a service target period for each customer in the specific damage repair service. Customers who are eligible for the service are: (1) Entry users who are newly enrolled in automobile insurance, (2) Customers who cancel contracts of other companies and apply them in-house by applying the total insurance period special rules, (3) Contracts of other companies Customer who cancels mid-term and newly joins the company (normal mid-term renewal), (4) Customer who replaces our contract with new car purchase, (5) Switch to own contract at maturity while continuing the contract of other companies It is classified as a customer who makes a reservation.

  The beginning of the first service target period is the target car delivery date when any customer purchases a new car. On the other hand, the end of the first service target period is different for each customer. First, in the case of (1) an entry user, (2) a customer who applies the special insurance policy, and (3) a normal renewal customer, the maturity date or target of the insurance that was purchased at the time of purchase of the new car The earliest day of the response date one year after the date of delivery of the automobile is the end of the first service target period.

  Next, (4) the end of the first service target period of the customer who replaces the vehicle of the Company contract is earlier than the maturity date of the car insurance to replace the vehicle or the response date one year after the delivery date of the target vehicle Day. (5) The end of the first service period of the customer who makes the reservation for switching is the maturity date of auto insurance contracted by another company before purchasing the new car, or the response date one year after the delivery date of the target car It is an early day.

  The end of the first service target period is the start of the second service target period on the condition that the car insurance is continued or joined by the company. In either case, the end of the second service target period is a response date one year after the start of the second service target period. Therefore, the service target period in the specific damage repair service is a maximum of two years including the first service target period and the second service target period.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for issuing a guarantee according to the present embodiment. First, prior to issuing a warranty card, an automobile dealer acquires a warranty card number assigned to each dealer and usable for the warranty card from the head office. Next, collect car sales information related to new car sales, contract information of insurance contracts concluded at the time of new car sales, or other companies' maturity information of third party insured customers who have made reservations at maturity, and at least one of the collected information The warranty card 10 in which one of the copy and the previously acquired warranty card number is recorded on paper is output. Here, the maturity information collected from a customer with another company may be image data obtained by reading an insurance policy under another company's contract with a scanner or the like. The dealer issues a warranty card 10 to the customer when the new car is delivered. The warranty card 10 includes at least information indicating the service or product to be compensated and information for specifying the customer and the target vehicle, and a two-dimensional code 12a in which the description is recorded. The two-dimensional code 12a is printed with special ink that cannot be copied by a normal copier. This prevents the guarantee 10 from being duplicated.

  Next, the store sends the contents of the issued warranty card to the head office. The head office creates a warranty ledger by accumulating the reports received from the dealers. The dealer also sends other companies' maturity information received from customers with other companies to the head office. At this time, the image data of the insurance policy may be transmitted to the head office as the maturity information of the other company. The head office creates maturity guidance data based on the maturity information received from the store. The maturity guidance data includes the timing of the initial approach call and the coverage of the car insurance that the customer currently has.

  The head office may previously register the recording position of each item indicating the compensation content as a security form in the insurance policy having a different format for each insurance company. When the image data of insurance policy is received as the maturity information of other companies, the recorded contents of the received image data are recognized by OCR, etc., and the registered maturity information is inquired to obtain the maturity information of insured customers with other companies. You can register efficiently.

  The headquarters of the automobile sales company settles the premium for service cost insurance with the insurance company based on the guarantee ledger. As a result, the insurance company underwrites service cost insurance based on the guarantee issued by the dealer.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure when using the specific damage repair service. First, the customer who wishes to use the service presents the warranty card 10 to the service factory. The service factory uses the warranty card reader to determine whether or not the warranty card 10 is authentic, and inquires the head office of the validity of the warranty card number. When it is confirmed that the warranty card 10 is authentic and the warranty card number is valid, a service within a predetermined range is provided free of charge to the customer.

  Next, the service factory reports the contents of the service provided to the customer together with the guarantee number to the head office. Based on the report from the service factory, the head office records a flag indicating “used” in the warranty card number of the warranty card used for the service. The insurance company is insured according to the contents of the service used.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure for extending the service period of the specific damage repair service. First, the call center requests a continuation of the company contract or a switch from another company contract at a predetermined time before the maturity of the car insurance, and informs the dealer about the call result and customer needs. The dealer conducts business activities based on information from the call center and extends the service period of the specified damage repair service when the initial continuation of the company contract and the switching contract from the contract of other companies are established. The service period is extended by additionally printing a warranty card.

  The dealer additionally prints the service ticket 2 corresponding to the second service period on the warranty card possessed by the customer. Alternatively, a warranty card for the second service period may be printed on a new sheet. On the warranty card 10, a two-dimensional code 12b corresponding to the second service period is printed. The two-dimensional code 12b records at least a guarantee number common to the first and second service periods and a service period code indicating the service period. The dealer issues the warranty card 10 additionally printed in this way to the customer again.

  The dealer sends updated information regarding the extension of the service period of the specified damage repair service to the head office. The update information includes at least the warranty number of the corresponding warranty and the service period code indicating the updated service period. The head office validates the combination of the guarantee number and the service period code corresponding to the second service period, and invalidates the combination of the guarantee number and the service period code corresponding to the first service period. Finally, the headquarters of the car dealership settles the insurance premiums for service cost insurance according to the extension of the service period by the dealer.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a procedure for reissuing a guarantee. The customer requests the dealer to reissue the warranty if the warranty is lost or stolen. After confirming a predetermined identity, the dealer assigns a new warranty number, and newly prints and reissues a warranty that records the service extension history and service execution history. The new warranty number, service extension history, and service execution history are recorded in at least the two-dimensional code 12. The customer is notified that the previous warranty is invalidated by reissuance of the warranty, and that if the customer applies for the service with the invalid warranty, the actual cost will be incurred.

  The dealer sends the old and new warranty numbers to the service factory and the head office. The service factory and the head office invalidate the old warranty number and enable the new warranty number. If the service factory is requested to use the service with a warranty card with an invalid warranty card number, it will charge the customer for the actual cost.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the guarantee system 500 according to the present embodiment. The warranty system 500 is intended to smoothly operate the specific damage repair service and prevent duplication and unauthorized use of the warranty card 10. The warranty system 500 is a head office system 300 that communicates with the store terminal 250 and the warranty card reading device 100 via the network 400, the store terminal 250 and the printing device 200 installed in the car dealership, the warranty card reading device 100 installed in the service factory. And a luminance ratio database 310 managed by the head office system 300.

  The printing apparatus 200 is connected to the store terminal 250 and prints the warranty card 10 in response to an input from the store terminal 250. The warranty card 10 is printed with a two-dimensional code 12 in which at least the warranty details and the warranty card number are recorded. The store terminal 250 transmits the issued warranty card information to the head office system 300. The warranty card reading device 100 reads and decodes the two-dimensional code 12 printed on the warranty card 10, and displays the warranty content and the warranty card number obtained as a result of the decoding. The guarantee reading device 100 outputs that the guarantee 10 is authentic on condition that the two-dimensional code 12 has been successfully read. The guarantee reading device 100 inquires the head office system 300 about the validity of the guarantee number decoded from the two-dimensional code 12, and displays the inquiry result. Only when the service factory confirms that the warranty card 10 is valid based on the output of the warranty card reader 100, the service factory provides a free repair service for specific damages to the customer free of charge.

  The luminance ratio database 310 stores a reference for the luminance of the emission color of the two-dimensional code 12 when the warranty card reader 100 reads the warranty card 10. The brightness standard is determined in advance for each store, and the warranty card reading device 100 indicates that the warranty card 10 is valid when the emission color of the two-dimensional code 12 satisfies the standard read from the brightness ratio database 310. Is output.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the warranty card 10. On the warranty card 10, a two-dimensional code 12 that records at least the contents of the warranty is printed with fluorescent ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The details of the guarantee are printed such that the customer's name, car insurance information, target car information, and service period are visible with visible light. The two-dimensional code 12 is visible only when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. When the warranty card 10 is copied by a normal copying machine, the two-dimensional code 12 is not printed. Therefore, even if the warranty card 10 is copied by a copying machine, the service cannot be used.

  It is preferable that the paper on which the warranty card 10 is printed has a water-repellent finish on the back surface in advance. This prevents the back side of the portion where the two-dimensional code 12 is printed from becoming dirty. Accordingly, a reduction in the recognition rate is prevented particularly when the warranty card reader 100 reads the two-dimensional code 12 from the back surface. In addition, since the water repellent finish is applied in advance, the time required for issuing the warranty card 10 does not increase. Alternatively, a laminate film may be attached to both surfaces of the portion where the two-dimensional code 12 is printed after the printing. Thereby, not only is the dirt on both sides of the portion on which the two-dimensional code 12 is printed prevented, but also the deterioration of the fluorescent material contained in the fluorescent ink is prevented by blocking the air. Accordingly, a decrease in the recognition rate of the two-dimensional code 12 is prevented.

The paper on which the warranty card 10 is printed is a sheet to which a bleaching agent, which is a kind of fluorescent agent, is not added. Thereby, when the two-dimensional code 12 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the sheet does not fluoresce, and the recognition rate of the two-dimensional code 12 is further increased.
Two-dimensional codes 12 are recorded one by one corresponding to each service target period. When the warranty card 10 is first issued, the description and the two-dimensional code 12a corresponding to the first service target period are printed, and the description and the two-dimensional code 12b corresponding to the second service target period are not printed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the warranty card reading device 100. The warranty card reader 100 reads the two-dimensional code 12 printed on the warranty card 10 to determine whether or not the warranty card 10 is authentic. The configuration includes a light source 20 that irradiates the warranty card 10 with ultraviolet rays that emit fluorescent ink, a reading unit 30 that optically reads the two-dimensional code 12 emitted by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code 12. In this case, at least an output unit 40 that outputs that the warranty card 10 is authentic is provided. The reading unit 30 decodes the guarantee content recorded in the two-dimensional code 12, and the output unit 40 further outputs the guarantee content decrypted by the reading unit 30. Since the output unit 40 outputs the contents of the guarantee recorded in the two-dimensional code 12, it is further ensured that the guarantee 10 is authentic by comparing the output contents with the contents of the guarantee printed on the guarantee 10 To be confirmed.
The warranty card reading device 100 further includes a transparent mounting unit 50 on which the warranty card 10 is mounted, and the light source 20 and the reading unit 30 are arranged to face each other with the mounting unit 50 interposed therebetween. The reading unit 30 reads the two-dimensional code 12 from the opposite side of the warranty card 10 where the ultraviolet rays are irradiated. According to such a configuration, the light source 20 and the reading unit 30 can be efficiently arranged. That is, the arrangement of the light source 20 and the reading unit 30 is not obstructed by each other, and the two-dimensional code 12 can be irradiated and read with ultraviolet rays from an ideal position.
The warranty card reading apparatus 100 further includes a shade unit 60 that blocks at least the two-dimensional code 12 from external light. Accordingly, the reading unit 30 does not detect external light when reading the two-dimensional code 12, and a high recognition rate can be ensured.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a dot distribution of fluorescent ink for recording the two-dimensional code 12a. The fluorescent ink includes first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in the first and second colors, respectively, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Examples of the fluorescent ink include red (Red), yellow (Yellow), green (Green), and blue (Blue). The two-dimensional code 12 printed with these fluorescent inks emits light with a unique color for each fluorescent ink when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and is not visible under normal visible light. The two-dimensional code 12 is printed by distributing the first and second fluorescent inks at a predetermined ratio.

  For example, in the example of this figure, red (Red) and yellow (Yellow) fluorescent inks are printed at a distribution ratio of 1: 3. The distribution ratio is managed in the luminance ratio database 310 according to the luminance ratio for each emission color that the two-dimensional code 12 should emit when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The printing apparatus 200 prints the two-dimensional code 12 according to the distribution ratio read from the brightness ratio database 310. The luminance ratio for each luminescent color that the two-dimensional code 12 should emit is determined for each store and each issue month, and is managed in the luminance ratio database 310. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to copy the warranty card 10.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an emission spectrum when the two-dimensional code 12 illustrated in FIG. 12 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The reading unit 30 determines the luminance ratio by measuring the red and yellow luminances emitted from the two-dimensional code 12 when ultraviolet rays are irradiated. The reading unit 30 is, for example, a single-plate CCD camera that includes one CCD as an individual imaging device, and has a color filter corresponding to each pixel of the CCD. And the brightness | luminance of red (Red) and yellow (Yellow) is each measured from the detection level of each color. Alternatively, the reading unit 30 may be a three-plate CCD camera that detects light separated into three colors of RGB by a spectral prism with a dedicated CCD.

  The reading unit 30 obtains a luminance ratio from the measured luminance level of each color. For example, according to the example of this figure, the luminance ratio of red (Red) and yellow (Yellow) is R / Y = 0.5. The distribution ratio and the luminance ratio of the fluorescent ink usually do not match. This is because the light emission luminance of the fluorescent ink when irradiated with ultraviolet rays is different for each color. However, since there is a certain correlation between the distribution ratio of the fluorescent ink and the luminance ratio, the correlation is easily recorded according to the required luminance ratio by recording this correlation in advance and managing it with the luminance ratio database 310. Can be obtained.

  The luminance ratio to be emitted by the two-dimensional code 12 is managed in advance in the luminance ratio database 310. The reading unit 30 reads the determined luminance ratio from the luminance ratio database 310. The output unit 40 outputs that the warranty card 10 is authentic only when the luminance ratio calculated by the reading unit 30 matches the luminance ratio read from the luminance ratio database 310. In this way, since the warranty card 10 is authenticated using the brightness ratio determined for each store, the copy of the warranty card 10 becomes more difficult.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the brightness ratio database 310. The brightness ratio database 310 associates the color and distribution ratio of the fluorescent ink used for printing the two-dimensional code 12 and the brightness ratio to be measured by the reading unit 30 with the brightness ratio specifying information for specifying the brightness ratio. Storing. The brightness ratio specifying information is, for example, a store and an issue month. The luminance ratio specifying information is recorded in the two-dimensional code 12 with fluorescent ink. Therefore, the guarantee certificate reading device 100 reads the luminance ratio from the luminance ratio database 310 based on the luminance ratio specifying information read from the two-dimensional code 12, and compares the read luminance ratio with the measured luminance ratio, whereby the guarantee certificate 10 It can be easily confirmed whether it is authentic or not.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the warranty system 500 to print the warranty card 10. First, this flow starts when the printing apparatus 200 receives a print request for the guarantee 10 (S100). The printing apparatus 200 or the store terminal 250 reads out the color of the fluorescent ink for printing the two-dimensional code 12 and the distribution ratio from the luminance ratio database 310 using the information for identifying the store where the store is installed and the current month as keys (S102). ). Then, the two-dimensional code 12 is printed with the ink color and distribution ratio read from the luminance ratio database 310 (S104). In step 104, the printing apparatus 200 records at least a part of the guarantee content to be printed on the guarantee card 10 in the two-dimensional code 12 with fluorescent ink. This flow is completed. According to the above procedure, the guarantee system 500 can easily issue the guarantee 10 that is extremely difficult to duplicate.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the guarantee system 500 to confirm the guarantee 10. First, this flow is started by inserting the warranty card 10 into the warranty card reader 100 installed in a service factory or the like. First, the warranty card reader 100 recognizes the insertion of the warranty card 10 (S200). Next, the light source 20 irradiates the warranty card 10 with ultraviolet rays (S202). The reading unit 30 images the two-dimensional code 12 that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays (S204). Next, the reading unit 30 measures the luminance level of each emission color of the two-dimensional code 12 (S206). Then, the luminance ratio of each emission color is calculated (S208).

  Next, the reading unit 30 reverses the high luminance portion and the low luminance portion of the captured two-dimensional code 12, and then decodes the two-dimensional code (S210, S212). In this embodiment, a portion that should be recognized as black in a normal two-dimensional code emits light by fluorescence. Therefore, the two-dimensional code 12 can be decoded by a general-purpose algorithm by reversing the high luminance portion and the low luminance portion. Next, the reading unit 30 determines whether or not the two-dimensional code 12 can be decoded (S214). When the two-dimensional code 12 can be decoded (S214: Yes), the reading unit 30 reads the luminance ratio from the luminance ratio database 310 using the luminance ratio specifying information obtained as a result of the decoding as a key (S216). On the other hand, when the two-dimensional code 12 cannot be decoded (S214: No), the output unit 40 outputs an error (S226).

  Next, the brightness ratio read from the brightness ratio database 310 is compared with the brightness ratio calculated in step 208, and it is determined whether or not they match (S218). If it is determined that the luminance ratios match (S218: Yes), the head office system 300 is inquired whether the guarantee number decoded by the two-dimensional code 12 is valid (S219). On the other hand, when it is determined in step 218 that the luminance ratios do not match (S218: No), the output unit 40 outputs an error (S226). If the warranty card number is valid in step 219 (S219: Yes), the output unit 40 displays that the warranty card 10 is genuine and valid along with the decrypted warranty content (S222). On the other hand, if the warranty number is invalid in step 219 (S219: No), the output unit 40 outputs an error (S226).

  Next, an input as to whether or not the service based on the guarantee 10 has been implemented is accepted (S222), and if there is an input to the effect that the service has been implemented (S222: Yes), printing indicating that the service has been implemented. Is applied to the guarantee 10 (S224), and the history of the service is transmitted to the head office system 300 (S225). When the head office system 300 receives the service history, the head office system 300 records a flag indicating that the service in the service target period of the corresponding warranty certificate number has already been used. On the other hand, if there is no input indicating that the service has been performed in step 222, steps 224 and 225 are skipped. This flow is completed. According to the above flow, whether or not the warranty card 10 is valid can be easily confirmed with high reliability.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the two-dimensional code 12. In the two-dimensional code 12 of this embodiment, the fluorescent ink is not printed on a portion that is normally printed with black ink, and the fluorescent ink is printed on a portion that is not normally printed or a portion that is printed in white. A border of a certain width is printed around the two-dimensional code 12 by fluorescent ink. According to such printing, when the two-dimensional code 12 is read by the guarantee certificate reading device 100, a portion not printed with the fluorescent ink becomes a low luminance portion, and a portion printed with the fluorescent ink becomes a high luminance portion. . Accordingly, the reading unit 30 can recognize the high-intensity part of the read two-dimensional code 12 as a white part in the normal two-dimensional code and can recognize the low-intensity part as a black part. That is, unlike the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 16, it is not necessary to reverse the high luminance portion and the low luminance portion after photographing the two-dimensional code 12. Therefore, the processing load on the reading unit 30 can be reduced.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a guarantee system 500 that can provide a service smoothly while preventing duplication and unauthorized use of the guarantee 10 with high reliability and low cost.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the service object period of specific damage repair service. It is a figure which shows the flow of the new policy acquisition of car insurance. It is a figure which shows the flow of the continuation procedure of car insurance. It is a figure which shows the service object period for every customer in specific damage repair service. It is a figure which shows the procedure of warranty issuing. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of service use of specific damage repair service. It is a figure which shows the procedure which extends the service period of specific damage repair service. It is a figure which shows the procedure which reissues the guarantee certificate. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the guarantee system 500 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the warranty card. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a guarantee reading device 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a dot distribution of fluorescent ink that records a two-dimensional code 12. It is a figure which shows an example of the emission spectrum at the time of irradiating an ultraviolet-ray to the two-dimensional code shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the luminance ratio database 310. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the warranty system 500 to print a warranty card 10; 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a guarantee system 500 to confirm a guarantee 10. It is a figure which shows the modification of the two-dimensional code.

Explanation of symbols

10 warranty card, 12 two-dimensional code, 20 light source, 30 reading unit, 40 output unit, 50 mounting unit, 100 warranty card reading device, 200 printing device, 250 store terminal, 300 head office system, 310 brightness ratio database, 400 network, 500 Warranty system

Claims (18)

A warranty system comprising a warranty card possessed by a customer and guaranteeing the provision of goods or services to the customer, and a warranty card reader for determining whether or not the warranty card is authentic,
In the guarantee, a two-dimensional code that records at least a part of the guarantee is printed with fluorescent ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
The warranty reading device is:
A light source for irradiating the warranty with ultraviolet rays for emitting the fluorescent ink;
A reading unit that optically reads the two-dimensional code emitted by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays;
A guarantee system comprising: an output unit that outputs that the guarantee is authentic when the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code.   The guarantee system according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is visible only when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.   2. The guarantee certificate reading device, wherein the reading unit decodes the contents of the guarantee recorded in the two-dimensional code, and the output unit further outputs the contents of the guarantee decrypted by the reading unit. Warranty system as described in. It further has a transparent placement part for placing the warranty card,
The light source and the reading unit are arranged to face each other with the placement unit interposed therebetween,
The guarantee system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code from a side opposite to a surface irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the guarantee.   The guarantee system according to claim 1, further comprising a shade unit that shields at least the two-dimensional code from outside light. The fluorescent ink includes first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in first and second colors, respectively, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays;
The two-dimensional code is printed by distributing the first and second fluorescent inks at a predetermined ratio,
The reading unit measures the luminance of the first and second colors emitted by the two-dimensional code irradiated with ultraviolet rays to obtain a luminance ratio,
The guarantee system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs that the guarantee is authentic only when the luminance ratio obtained by the reading unit matches a predetermined luminance ratio. A brightness ratio database that stores the brightness ratio to be measured by the reading unit in accordance with the ratio of the distribution of the first and second fluorescent inks in association with brightness ratio specifying information that specifies the brightness ratio. Further comprising
In the two-dimensional code, the luminance ratio specifying information is recorded by the fluorescent ink,
The reading unit decodes the two-dimensional code to acquire the brightness ratio specifying information, reads the brightness ratio from the brightness ratio database using the brightness ratio specifying information as a key,
The guarantee according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs that the guarantee is authentic only when the brightness ratio obtained from the brightness measurement result matches the brightness ratio read from the brightness ratio database. system. In the two-dimensional code, the fluorescent ink is not printed on a portion that is normally printed in black, and the fluorescent ink is printed on a portion that is not normally printed,
The guarantee system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit recognizes a high-luminance portion of the read two-dimensional code as a white portion in a normal two-dimensional code and recognizes a low-luminance portion as a black portion. In the two-dimensional code, the fluorescent ink is printed on a portion that is normally printed in black,
The guarantee system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit decodes the two-dimensional code after reversing the high-luminance portion and the low-luminance portion of the read two-dimensional code.   The guarantee system according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing device that prints at least the two-dimensional code recording the guarantee contents on the guarantee card with fluorescent ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The printing apparatus uses, as the fluorescent ink, first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in the first and second colors, respectively, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
The guarantee system according to claim 10, wherein the two-dimensional code is printed by distributing the first and second fluorescent inks at a predetermined ratio. A warranty card held by a customer and guaranteeing the provision of goods or services to the customer,
A warranty card in which a two-dimensional code recording at least a part of the warranty content is printed with fluorescent ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The fluorescent ink includes first and second fluorescent inks that emit light in first and second colors, respectively, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays;
The warranty card according to claim 12, wherein the two-dimensional code is printed by attaching the first and second fluorescent inks at a predetermined distribution ratio.   The guarantee according to claim 12, wherein in the two-dimensional code, the fluorescent ink is not printed on a portion that is normally printed in black, and the fluorescent ink is printed on a portion that is not normally printed.   The guarantee card according to claim 12, wherein the paper on which the two-dimensional code is printed has a water-repellent finish on the back surface in advance.   The warranty card according to claim 12, wherein a laminate film is pasted on both surfaces of a portion where the two-dimensional code is printed with the fluorescent ink.   The guarantee according to claim 12, wherein the guarantee is created by printing the two-dimensional code with the fluorescent ink on a paper to which no bleach is added. A guarantee method for guaranteeing the provision of goods or services to customers possessing a guarantee,
A printing device printing a two-dimensional code on which at least a part of the guarantee content is recorded on the warranty with fluorescent ink that emits light by irradiation with ultraviolet rays;
In the warranty reading device that reads the warranty,
A light source irradiating the warranty with ultraviolet light for emitting the fluorescent ink;
A step of optically reading the two-dimensional code emitted by the irradiation of the ultraviolet light;
And a step of outputting, to the effect that the guarantee is authentic, when the reading unit reads the two-dimensional code.

Images