JP2009159474A - Authentication system, authentication device, authentication program and authentication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication system, an authentication device, an authentication program and an authentication method for deciding authenticity by applying a technology for embedding a code image in other image. <P>SOLUTION: A brand sticker 3 including an identification code applied to each merchandise G and a tilt correction code is imaged by a portable telephone set 4 with a digital camera, and the photographic image data is transmitted to an authentication device 2. The authentication device 2 acquires the photographic image data, extracts the identification code included in the photographic image data from the tilt correction code included in the photographic image data in the correct direction, decodes the identification information from the extracted identification code, inquires a database 1 about the merchandise information based on the decoded identification information, and authenticates the merchandise. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an authenticity determination system, an authenticity determination device for determining the authenticity of a product using a digital camera such as a mobile phone with a digital camera and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant: portable information terminal) to which the digital camera is connected. The present invention relates to an authentication program and an authentication method.

  As a system for determining the authenticity of a product using a mobile phone with a digital camera, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known. In these systems, a code image such as a two-dimensional code or a bar code attached to a product is read by a mobile phone with a digital camera, and code data decoded by the mobile phone is transmitted to a server for authenticity determination.

  In the system described in Patent Document 3, the image of a two-dimensional code attached to a product is read by a mobile phone with a digital camera, and the read image data is transmitted to a server to determine the authenticity of the product. Patent Documents 4 and 5 describe techniques for transmitting bar code image data read by a mobile phone with a digital camera to a server for analysis.

  On the other hand, in Patent Documents 6 and 7, as a technique capable of storing a larger amount of data than a two-dimensional code on paper, a difference in halftone dot shape is used so as not to change each gradation of an image to be embedded with computer data. The computer data code is converted into a screen code having a code value of one of 16 code values indicating 0 to 9 and A to F, and the encrypted screen code is encrypted. A method of embedding in an image and printing it on paper as a new image is described.

JP 2007-299179 A JP 2004-213372 A JP 2005-92690 A JP 2002-31270 A JP 2002-135451 A Japanese Patent No. 3829143 JP 2006-319632 A

  The images such as two-dimensional codes and barcodes used in the systems described in Patent Documents 1 to 5 are binary images of “0” and “1”, and can be easily recognized as code images. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine which part of the photographic image photographed by the digital camera of the mobile phone is the code image and perform the decoding process. However, since these two-dimensional codes can be easily copied, there is a security problem.

  Therefore, in the present invention, an authenticity determination system and an authenticity determination device that can perform authenticity determination by applying a technique capable of embedding a code image in another image as described in Patent Documents 6 and 7. An object of the present invention is to provide an authentication program and an authentication method.

  The authenticity determination system of the present invention is a database that manages product information for specifying a genuine product and identification information associated with each product information, and an image printed matter that is attached to each product. Information is encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels of gradations of 2 bits or more, and an image printed matter including an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the identification code and taken by a digital camera, Data acquisition means for acquiring photographic image data composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more including an image printed matter to be transmitted, and the correct orientation of the identification code included in the photographic image data from the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data A code extracting unit that extracts the identification information from the extracted identification code, and a decoding unit that decodes the identification information from the extracted identification code. Product information queries the database Te, are those composed of the authenticity determining apparatus having a determination means for determining authenticity of the product.

  Further, the authenticity determination device of the present invention is an authenticity determination device capable of inquiring a database that manages product information for specifying a genuine product and identification information associated with each product information. The printed image attached to each product is photographed and transmitted by the method, and the identification information is encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more, and the inclination of the identification code is determined. Data acquisition means for acquiring photographic image data composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more including an image print including an inclination correction code for correction, and from the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data to the photographic image data Code extracting means for extracting the included identification code in the correct orientation; decoding means for decoding the identification information from the extracted identification code; And the product information to query the database based on the identification information, and has a judging means for judging authenticity of the product.

  The authenticity determination program of the present invention is for causing a computer to function as the authenticity determination device.

  Further, the authenticity determination method of the present invention is an authenticity determination method by an authenticity determination device that can inquire a database that manages product information for specifying a genuine product and identification information associated with each product information. In addition, an image printed matter attached to each product photographed and transmitted by a digital camera, including identification information encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more, and the identification code Obtaining photographic image data composed of pixels of gradations of 2 bits or more including an image printed matter including an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the image, and converting the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data into the photographic image data Extracting the included identification code in the correct orientation, decoding the identification information from the extracted identification code, and based on the decoded identification information Product information queries the database Te comprises determining the authenticity of the product.

  According to these inventions, an image printed matter including an identification code and an inclination correction code attached to each product is photographed by the digital camera, and when the photographed photographic image data is transmitted to the authenticity judging device, the authenticity judging device Detects the tilt correction code contained in this photographic image data, extracts the identification code in the correct orientation, decodes the identification information from the extracted identification code, and queries the database for product information based on the decoded identification information Determine the authenticity of the product. In other words, when the identification information is an identification code composed of pixels of 2 bits or more, it is not as clear as a two-dimensional code or barcode, so which part of the photographic image data is the code image However, according to the present invention, even if the identification code is inclined by the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data, it can be accurately extracted and decoded. Based on the product information, the authenticity of the product can be determined.

  Here, it is desirable that the printed image includes a plurality of sets of identification codes and inclination correction codes at different angles. As a result, even when the photographed image data is tilted when the image printed matter is photographed by the digital camera, the image printed matter is more likely to include an identification code of the correct orientation, and the correct orientation of the identification code is increased. Extraction is easy.

  Further, at this time, the inclination correction code is composed of a set of a plurality of codes arranged so as to surround an area including the identification code, and the code extracting means constitutes the inclination correction code from the photographic image data. It is desirable that the identification code in the region surrounded by the detected plurality of codes is extracted as an identification code having the correct orientation by detecting a set of the plurality of codes. As a result, when a plurality of photographic image data including a plurality of sets of identification codes and tilt correction codes are tilted, the photographic image data is first separated from the photographic image data so as to surround an area including the identification code. By detecting the arranged inclination correction code, it is possible to easily extract an identification code having the correct orientation.

  Alternatively, the inclination correction code includes a plurality of sets of reference lines sandwiching an area including the identification code, and the code extraction unit detects a plurality of sets of reference lines from the photographic image data, and the detected plurality of lines It is desirable to adopt a configuration in which the inclination of the identification code in the region sandwiched between the plurality of detected reference lines is corrected and extracted from the inclination and interval of the reference line. As a result, when the photographic image data is tilted, it is possible to easily extract an identification code with the correct orientation by first detecting a set of a plurality of reference lines from the photographic image data.

(1) 2 bits including an image printed matter including identification information encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more and including an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the identification code Obtain photographic image data consisting of pixels of the above gradation, extract the identification code included in the photographic image data from the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data in the correct orientation, and decode the identification information from the extracted identification code Based on the decoded identification information, the product information is referred to the database and the authenticity of the product is determined, so that even if the identification code is tilted by the tilt correction code included in the photographic image data, it is accurately extracted and decoded. Therefore, merchandise information can be queried based on the decoded identification information to determine the authenticity of the merchandise. As a result, it is difficult to copy, and it is possible to make a safe authentication by using an identification code such as a screen code that can be embedded so as not to stand out in other images.

(2) According to the configuration in which the image printed matter includes a plurality of sets of identification codes and inclination correction codes at different angles, when the image printed matter is photographed by the digital camera, the photographed photographic image data is tilted. However, since it is highly possible that an identification code with the correct orientation is included in the printed image and the identification code can be easily extracted in the correct orientation, the burden on the authenticity determination device can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. .

(3) The inclination correction code is composed of a set of a plurality of codes arranged so as to surround an area including the identification code, and the code extracting means forms a plurality of inclination correction codes from the photographic image data. By detecting the code set, the identification code in the area surrounded by the detected multiple codes is extracted as the correct orientation identification code, and the tilt correction code is first detected from the photographic image data. By doing so, it becomes possible to easily extract the identification code of the correct orientation, and the load on the authenticity determination device can be further reduced.

(4) The inclination correction code is composed of a plurality of sets of reference lines sandwiching an area including the identification code, and the code extracting means detects a plurality of sets of reference lines from the photographic image data. First, a plurality of reference lines are extracted from the photographic image data by correcting and extracting the inclination of the identification code in the region sandwiched between the detected plurality of reference lines from the inclinations and intervals of the plurality of reference lines. By detecting this set, it is possible to easily extract an identification code with the correct orientation, and the load on the authenticity determination device can be reduced.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the whole authenticity determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of FIG.

  1, the authenticity determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a database (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) 1 that manages each product G, an authenticity determination device 2 that can make an inquiry to DB1, and each product G. DB1 regarding the brand seal 3 as an image printed matter attached to the mobile phone 4 with a digital camera that photographs the brand seal 3 and requests the authenticity determination device 2 to determine the authenticity, and each product G with the brand seal 3 And a registration device 5 for performing registration.

  The DB 1 records product information for specifying that each product G is a genuine product, identification information associated with the product information of each product G, and owner information regarding the legitimate owner of each product G. And managed. In the present embodiment, the DB 1 is configured in the authenticity determination device 2, but may be configured in the registration device 5. It is also possible to configure the authenticity determination device 2 and the registration device 5 with one computer and configure the DB 1 in this computer. Alternatively, DB1 can be configured in a completely separate computer.

  The authenticity determination device 2 is configured by a computer that executes an authenticity determination program. As shown in FIG. 2, the authenticity determination program includes a data acquisition unit 20 that acquires photographic image data transmitted from the mobile phone 4, a code extraction unit 21 that extracts an identification code from the photographic image data, Decoding means 22 for decoding the identification code, determination means 23 for referring to the product information in the DB 1 based on the decoded identification information, determining the authenticity of the product G, and determination result notification for notifying the mobile phone 4 of the determination result It is for functioning as means 24.

  The brand seal 3 is printed with trademark images such as logotypes, symbols and icons representing the product G itself to which the brand seal 3 is attached and the manufacturer of the product G. In addition, the trademark image includes identification information of each product G recorded in the DB 1 encoded in an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more. The identification information is different for each product G, and each brand seal 3 does not change in appearance, but is actually different one by one and there is no same thing. In addition, the trademark image includes an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the identification code. Details of these will be described later.

  The cellular phone 4 is capable of photographing the brand sticker 3 using a digital camera function and acquiring photographic image data including the brand sticker 3. The cellular phone 4 can transmit the acquired photographic image data to the authenticity determination device 2 through an electric communication line (not shown) such as a cellular phone communication network or the Internet. The transmission of the photographic image data from the mobile phone 4 to the authenticity determination device 2 is performed by a method using electronic mail or a method using a protocol such as http or ftp.

  The registration device 5 is configured by a computer that executes a registration program. The registration program, as shown in FIG. 2, encodes the computer 50 into the identification code composed of pixels having gradations of 2 bits or more, and encoding means 50 for encoding the identification information of each product G recorded in DB1. This is intended to function as the code issuing means 51 for issuing the identification code encoded by the means 50. The identification code issued by the code issuing means 51 is embedded in the trademark image of each product G together with the inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the identification code, and printed on the brand seal 3.

  Next, details of the identification code and the inclination correction code embedded in the trademark image will be described. In the following description, a set of one identification code obtained by encoding one piece of identification information and an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the one identification code is referred to as an identification code set. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an area to be photographed by the mobile phone 4, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one identification code set, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the identification code set in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the area F photographed by the mobile phone 4 is an area including the area A of the trademark image printed on the brand seal 3. The identification code set C shown in FIG. 4 is embedded in the area A of the trademark image. As a specific embedding method of the identification code set C, for example, the methods described in Patent Documents 6 and 7 can be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the identification code set C includes data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ representing one identification code obtained by encoding one identification information, and an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the one identification code. Is composed of correction code areas S _{1 to} S ₄ representing. The sets of correction code areas S _{1 to} S ₄ are arranged so as to surround the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ including the identification code. In the example of FIG. 4, the correction code areas S _{1 to} S ₄ are arranged at the four corners so as to surround the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ , and the identification code set C includes the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ and the correction code. A total of 4 × 4 = 16 areas are formed by combining the areas S _{1 to} S ₄ .

In the present embodiment, the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ and the correction code areas S _{1 to} S ₄ are each composed of 4 × 4 = 16 pixels. For example, when the inclination correction code of the correction code area S ₁ is “01”, it is represented as shown in FIG. Similarly, (b), (c), and (d) of FIG. 6 represent examples of inclination correction codes “02”, “03”, and “04” of the correction code areas S _{2 to} S ₄ , respectively. . Similarly, in (a) to (l) of FIG. 7, the values of the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ are “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, Examples of “7”, “8”, “9”, “A”, “B”, and “C” are shown. FIG. 8 shows an example in which respective values are represented in the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ and the correction code areas S _{1 to} S ₄ in FIG. 4, and the identification code represented by this identification code set C is shown. Is a value “123456789ABC” in which the values of the data areas D _{1 to} D ₁₂ are arranged in a line.

  Such an identification code set C is arranged in a circular shape with the inclination changed by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. For example, 360 identical identification code sets C are arranged with the inclination changed by 1 degree. The arrangement method may be arranged in a linear shape or a rectangular shape other than the circular shape, but each identification code set C is arranged by changing the direction by a predetermined angle.

  Next, the authenticity determination method by the authenticity determination system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when issuing the brand seal 3, the registration device 5 issues an identification code attached to each product G. The registration device 5 registers the identification information and product information of each product G in the DB 1 (step S100 in FIG. 9), and the identification information is constituted by the encoding means 50 and an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more. (Step S101). At this time, the identification information is encrypted and encoded. Then, the registration device 5 issues the identification code set C obtained by adding the inclination correction code to the identification code by the code issuing means 51 (step S102) and prints it on the brand seal 3 (step S103). The method for embedding the identification code set C in the area A of the trademark image of the brand seal 3 is as described above.

  Then, the brand seal 3 is attached to the product G (step S104) and sold. In step S105, the purchaser who purchases the product G photographs the brand seal 3 with the mobile phone 4 (step S106), and transmits the photographed image data to the authenticity determination device 2 (step S107). The photographic image data is transmitted by e-mail or http as described above. The authenticity determination device 2 acquires photographic image data by the data acquisition unit 20 (step S108), and extracts an identification code by the code extraction unit 21 (step S109).

Here, the code extraction means 21 searches for the inclination correction code from all the pixels of the photographic image data in the area F shown in FIG. If the identification code is correct orientation, inclination correction code in order to present the correction code area S ₁ to S ₄ of the four corners of the identification code set C as shown in FIG. 4, the correction code area S ₁ to S ₄ of the four corners Find an area that matches the pattern. At this time, in the photographic image data, a plurality of identification code sets C are arranged in a circular shape with different inclinations by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. There are areas that match the patterns of the correction code areas S _{1 to} S _{4 at} the four corners. Incidentally, it is determined that if you can not find the region that matches the pattern of the four corners of the correction code area S ₁ to S _4, brand seal 3 is fake.

The code extraction unit 21, finds a region that matches the pattern of the four corners of the correction code area S ₁ to S _4, the data area D ₁ to D within the region surrounded by the correction code area S ₁ to S _{4 The} identification code is extracted from ₁₂ . The identification code in this area is an identification code with the correct orientation as described above. Next, the authenticity determination device 2 decodes the identification information from the identification code extracted by the decoding means 22 (step S110), and based on the decoded identification information, the determination means 23 queries the product information to the DB1, The authenticity of the product G is determined (step S111). The determination result is notified to the mobile phone 4 by the determination result notifying means 24 (step S112). The notification of the determination result is performed using e-mail or http.

  Moreover, when the product G is authentic as a result of the determination, the determination unit 23 registers owner information regarding the valid owner of the product G in the DB 1 together with the determination result. As the owner information, the source address of the e-mail transmitted from the mobile phone 4 and the solid authentication number of the mobile phone 4 when using http are registered. As a result, when the photographic image data is transmitted again from the authorized owner and a determination request is made, it is possible to determine that the owner is the authorized owner.

In the above embodiment, in order to extract the identification code as an identification code having the correct orientation regardless of the inclination of the photographic image data, the inclination of the identification code set C is changed by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. Although the method of arranging in a circular shape in the brand seal 3 is adopted, as another example, as shown in FIG. 10, the inclination is caused by a set L of a plurality of reference lines L ₁ and L ₂ sandwiching the data area D including the identification code. It is also possible to configure a correction code and configure an identification code set by the set L of the reference lines L ₁ and L ₂ and the data area D.

In this case, the code extraction unit 21 detects a plurality of reference lines L _1, a set of L ₂ L from the photographic image data, from the detected plurality of inclination and spacing of the reference line L _1, L _2, The inclination of the identification code in the data area D sandwiched between the plurality of detected reference lines L ₁ and L ₂ is corrected and extracted. Even with this method, it is possible to extract the identification code as an identification code in the correct direction regardless of the inclination of the photographic image data, and it is possible to determine the authenticity of the product G as described above. .

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the identification code set is attached to each product G by pasting the brand seal 3 in which the identification code set C is embedded in the trademark image has been described. It is also possible to print directly on G or on the package of the product G.

  Further, instead of the cellular phone 4 in the present embodiment, a photographic image data is transmitted to the authenticity determination device 2 using a PDA to which a digital camera is connected, or photographic image data taken by another digital camera is transmitted to a personal computer. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the information is transmitted to the authenticity determination device 2.

  In this embodiment, the method of embedding the identification code set C in the trademark image of the brand seal 3 is adopted, but it is also possible to embed it in a two-dimensional code image 100 as shown in FIG. In this case, the two-dimensional code image 100 represents a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the authenticity determination device 2, and the identification code set C is embedded in the two-dimensional code image 100 by the method described above. The position where the identification code set C is embedded may be anywhere, but in order to eliminate the influence on the URL information included in the two-dimensional code image 100, the symbols 101, 102, 103 for detecting the position of the two-dimensional code image 100 are used. It is desirable to embed in.

  According to such a configuration, when the two-dimensional code image 100 is photographed by the mobile phone 4, it is converted into a URL by the standard function of the mobile phone 4, and the authenticity determination device 2 can be automatically accessed. . Then, by transmitting the two-dimensional code image 100 to the authenticity determination device 2, the authenticity determination device 2 extracts the identification code from the two-dimensional code image 100 in the same manner as described above. It is possible.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as an authenticity determination system, an authenticity determination device, an authenticity determination program, and an authenticity determination method for determining the authenticity of a product using a digital camera such as a cellular phone with a digital camera or a PDA to which a digital camera is connected. It is.

It is a schematic block diagram of the whole authenticity determination system in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the principal part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the area | region image | photographed with a mobile telephone. It is a figure which shows one identification code set. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of the identification code set of FIG. 4 in a trademark image. It is a figure which shows the example of the inclination correction code | cord | chord of a correction code area | region. It is a figure which shows the example of the value of each data area. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which respective values are represented in the data area and the correction code area of FIG. It is a flowchart of the authenticity determination by the authenticity determination system in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another example of an identification code set. It is a figure which shows the example which embedded the identification code set in the two-dimensional code image.

Explanation of symbols

G Product C Code Set 1 Database (DB)
2 authenticity determination device 3 brand seal 4 mobile phone 5 registration device 20 data acquisition means 21 code extraction means 22 decoding means 23 determination means 24 determination result notification means 50 encoding means 51 code issuing means

Claims (7)

A database for managing product information for identifying a genuine product and identification information associated with each product information;
Inclination correction for correcting the inclination of the identification code, which is an image printed matter attached to each product and includes the identification information encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more An image print containing the code,
Data acquisition means for acquiring photographic image data composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more including the image printed matter, which is photographed and transmitted by a digital camera, and the photographic image from an inclination correction code included in the photographic image data Code extracting means for extracting the identification code included in the data in the correct orientation; decoding means for decoding the identification information from the extracted identification code; and querying the database for product information based on the decoded identification information. An authenticity determination system comprising: an authenticity determination device having determination means for determining authenticity of a product.   The authenticity determination system according to claim 1, wherein the printed image includes a plurality of sets of the identification code and the inclination correction code at different angles. The inclination correction code is composed of a set of a plurality of codes spaced apart so as to surround an area including the identification code,
The code extraction means detects a set of a plurality of codes constituting the inclination correction code from the photographic image data, thereby determining an identification code in a region surrounded by the detected plurality of codes in a correct direction. The authenticity determination system according to claim 2, wherein the authentication code is extracted as an identification code. The inclination correction code is composed of a set of a plurality of reference lines sandwiching an area including the identification code,
The code extracting means detects the set of the plurality of reference lines from the photographic image data, and is sandwiched between the detected plurality of reference lines from the inclinations and intervals of the detected plurality of reference lines. 2. The authenticity determination system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication code is extracted by correcting the inclination of the identification code in the area. An authenticity determination device capable of querying a database that manages product information for identifying a genuine product and identification information associated with each product information,
An image printed matter attached to each product photographed and transmitted by a digital camera, wherein the identification information is encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels of 2 bits or more and the identification Data acquisition means for acquiring photographic image data composed of pixels of gradations of 2 bits or more including an image printed matter including an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of the code;
Code extraction means for extracting the identification code included in the photographic image data in a correct orientation from the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data;
Decoding means for decoding the identification information from the extracted identification code;
An authenticity determination device comprising: a determination unit configured to inquire product information in the database based on the decoded identification information and determine the authenticity of the product.   An authentication program for causing a computer to function as the authentication device according to claim 5. An authenticity determination method by an authenticity determination device capable of querying a database that manages product information for identifying a genuine product and identification information associated with each product information,
An image printed matter attached to each product photographed and transmitted by a digital camera, wherein the identification information is encoded and included in an identification code composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more, and the identification code Obtaining photographic image data composed of pixels having a gradation of 2 bits or more, including an image print including an inclination correction code for correcting the inclination of
Extracting the identification code included in the photographic image data in a correct orientation from the inclination correction code included in the photographic image data;
Decoding the identification information from the extracted identification code;
A method for determining authenticity, comprising: querying the database for product information based on the decoded identification information and determining the authenticity of the product.

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