JP2020006607A - Authentication system and member - Google Patents

Abstract

To adopt even a seal that is readily available as an authentication tool that is hardly counterfeited.SOLUTION: A pattern formation member 30 includes a casing 31, a pattern part 32, and a heater 33. The pattern part 32 is a part that shows a pattern to be formed by a seal. The pattern part 32 shows a wave type pattern. The pattern part 32 is formed of a member (for example, iron or copper) that has high rigidity and easily transmits heat. The heater 33 is a heat source such as a halogen lamp for directly or indirectly heating the pattern part 32. The pattern formation member 30 forms, when a stamp face of the seal is pressed against it, grooves showing a unique pattern (wave type pattern) on the stamp face. When the pattern part 32 that is the section being pressed against by the stamp face is heated, the pattern formation member 30 forms a pattern on the seal manufactured by a thermoplastic material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for authenticating an imprint.

  As a technique for authenticating a seal imprint, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-163,086 discloses a seal imprint information of a user whose identity has been identified from a seal imprint information database, and synthesizes a three-dimensional printing instruction based on the specified seal imprint information. A technique for creating a seal using the seal is disclosed.

JP-A-2015-127844

At a store or the like, a procedure such as a discount is performed using a friend (a discount is applied if a friend is pressed). If this forgery is forged, an improper discount will be given. For example, a simple imprint would make forgery easier, which is not desirable. On the other hand, in case of forgery, it is desirable that a new judge can be easily prepared.
In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an authentication tool that is easily obtainable and difficult to forge.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention stores a seal imprint of a seal using a member that adds a unique pattern to the seal, and the seal imprint read optically is the seal of the seal. As a first aspect, an authentication system for authenticating a user with a valid imprint is provided.

  According to the authentication system of the first aspect, it is possible to use an authentication tool that is difficult to forge even with a readily available judge.

  In the authentication system according to the first aspect, a configuration may be employed in which the member is configured to press a stamped surface of a seal to form a groove representing the unique pattern on the stamped surface.

  According to the authentication system of the second aspect, members can be made unnecessary at the time of sealing.

  In the authentication system according to the second aspect, a configuration in which a part of the member against which the stamp surface is pressed generates heat may be employed as a third aspect.

  According to the authentication system of the third aspect, it is possible to form a pattern on a judge made of a thermoplastic material.

  In the authentication system according to the first aspect described above, a configuration in which the member has a mesh representing the unique pattern and is used to cover a stamped surface of a judge may be adopted as a fourth aspect.

  According to the authentication system of the fourth aspect, it is possible to change the pattern to be added to the judge.

  In the authentication system according to the fourth aspect, the seal imprint of the judge and the pattern are stored, and when an angle is input, the pattern is shifted from the stored seal imprint by the angle input with respect to the reference direction of the seal imprint. A configuration in which an image on which is superimposed is stored as an imprint by the seal may be adopted as a fifth mode.

  According to the authentication system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to eliminate the need to read the seal imprint every time the angle of the pattern to be added is changed.

  In the authentication system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the imprints of a plurality of juxtapositions having different imprints and the patterns of a plurality of members having different patterns to be added to each other are stored. A configuration in which an image obtained by superimposing a pattern selected from the plurality of members on a seal imprint selected from the seal imprints is stored as the seal imprint by the seal may be adopted as a sixth mode.

  According to the authentication system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to easily change a judge before adding a pattern and change a pattern to be added.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides, as a seventh aspect, a member in which a stamp surface of a seal is pressed to form a groove representing a unique pattern on the stamp surface.

  According to the member of the seventh aspect, it is possible to provide an authentication tool that is difficult to forge even with a readily available judge.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides, as an eighth aspect, a member having a mesh representing a unique pattern and used to cover a stamped surface of a seal.

  According to the member of the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide an authentication tool that is difficult to forge even with a readily available judge.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a seal imprint authentication system according to a first embodiment. Diagram showing the appearance of the pattern forming member Diagram showing the appearance of a judge before a pattern is formed Diagram showing a judge with a pattern formed Diagram showing changes in imprint before and after pattern formation Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the imprint management device Diagram showing hardware configuration of parking lot payment machine Diagram showing the functional configuration realized by the user support system Diagram showing an example of the operation procedure in the settlement process Diagram showing the appearance of the mesh member The figure showing an example of a judge covered with a net-like member Diagram showing the seal seen from the seal side FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a seal imprint formed in the second embodiment. Diagram showing another example of a Hanko seen from the seal side The figure showing the appearance of the mesh member of the modification. The figure showing an example of a judge covered with a net-like member Diagram showing an example of the input screen for the angle of the pattern Diagram showing an example of a pattern selection screen Figure showing an example of the original selection screen Diagram showing an example of a selection screen for a pattern and an original judge

[1] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a seal imprint authentication system 1 according to a first embodiment. The seal imprint authentication system 1 is a system for authenticating the seal imprint of a seal (also referred to as a seal). The seal imprint authentication system 1 includes a network 2, a seal imprint management device 10, a parking lot settlement machine 20, a pattern forming member 30, and a jig 40.

  The network 2 is a communication system including a mobile communication network, the Internet, and the like, and relays data exchange between devices (devices, terminals, and systems) accessing the own system. Devices and the like included in the seal imprint authentication system 1 are accessing the network 2 by wired communication. Note that access to the network 2 may be either wired communication or wireless communication.

  The imprint management device 10 is a device that manages imprints (marks of stamps formed on stamped paper or the like). The imprint management device 10 includes a scanner for reading an image, and stores, for example, an imprint read by the scanner in an imprint DB (Data Base). The parking lot adjustment machine 20 includes a scanner for reading an image and has a function for reading an imprint (an imprint reading function) in addition to a function for performing an adjustment for a parking lot (an adjustment function). In the present embodiment, the parking lot settlement machine 20 is installed in a parking lot adjacent to a store or the like.

  The clerk at the store stamps the shopper's receipt or the like using the seal whose seal is stored in the seal DB. When the shopper arrives at the parking lot, he makes the parking lot payment machine 20 read the seal. When the read imprint is registered in the imprint DB, the parking lot payment machine 20 performs payment at a discounted rate. As described above, in this embodiment, since a judge is used as an authentication tool for judging whether or not a discount can be applied, for example, if the counterfeited or stolen device is used, there is a risk of being misused (receiving an improper discount). .

The pattern forming member 30 is a member that forms a pattern on a piece of paper in order to prevent misuse of the piece.
FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the pattern forming member 30. The pattern forming member 30 includes a housing 31, a pattern portion 32, and a heater 33. The housing 31 is in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped, and houses the heater 33 therein. The casing 31 has a pattern portion 32 provided on an upper surface 31S which is one of two surfaces having a large area. FIG. 2A illustrates the pattern forming member 30 viewed from the upper surface 31S side, and FIG. 2B illustrates the pattern forming member 30 viewed along the upper surface 31S.

  The pattern portion 32 is a portion that represents a pattern formed on a piece. The pattern portion 32 represents a wavy pattern in the present embodiment. The pattern portion 32 is formed of a member having high hardness and easily conducting heat (for example, iron or copper). The heater 33 is a heat source such as a halogen lamp, for example, and heats the pattern portion 32 directly or indirectly. The heater 33 is turned on and off by a switch (not shown).

  FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the jig 40 before the pattern is formed. 3A shows the stamp face 41 side of the stamp 40, and FIG. 3B shows the stamp 40 viewed from the side face 42 when the stamp face 41 is the front. The stamp face 41 is engraved with the word "discount". The seal 40 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic material (synthetic resin or the like) which is not deformed and returns to its original shape when heat and strong force are applied. When the pattern forming member 30 is turned on and the pattern portion 32 is heated, and the stamp surface 41 of the judge 40 is pressed against the pattern portion 32, the stamp surface 41 is deformed, and a groove representing a wavy pattern is formed on the stamp surface 41. It is formed.

  FIG. 4 shows a jig 40a in which a groove is formed. Numeral 40a is a symbol for the sake of convenience to distinguish it from the jig 40 before the groove is formed, and the jig 40 and the jig 40a are the same. In FIG. 4A, the stamp 40a side of the stamp 40a is illustrated, and in FIG. 4B, the stamp 40a viewed from the side surface 42a is illustrated. A groove representing a corrugated pattern (white portion) is formed on the stamp surface 41a. The groove formed by the pattern portion 32 also appears on the side surface 42a.

  FIG. 5 shows the change of the imprint before and after the pattern is formed. FIG. 5 (a) shows a seal 50 by the seal 40, and FIG. 5 (b) shows a seal 50a by the seal 40a. The seal 50 represents a character “discount” surrounded by a circle. The imprint 50a represents a circle with a white outline in the shape of a wave (the color of the paper appears as it is because ink is not applied to the groove portion) and the characters "DISCOUNT".

  In this way, the pattern forming member 30 presses the stamped surface 41 of the stamp 40 to form a groove representing a unique pattern (corrugated pattern in this embodiment) on the stamped surface 41. The pattern forming member 30 is an example of the “member” of the present invention. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, a unique pattern also appears in the imprint, and it is possible to make it harder to forge as compared to an imprint without a pattern. Forgery is naturally difficult to obtain if it is originally difficult to obtain, but the easier it is to obtain, the easier forgery is. In the present embodiment, even with such a readily available piece, the use of the pattern forming member 30 can provide an authentication tool that is more difficult to forge than the case where the pattern forming member 30 is not used.

  Further, in the pattern forming member 30, the pattern portion 32, which is a portion where the stamp surface 41 is pressed, generates heat. Thereby, a pattern can be formed on a piece made of a thermoplastic material like the piece 40. The pattern forming member 30 is used only when forming a pattern, and is not used when actually stamping. That is, the shop clerk can perform the stamping only if there is only the swab 40a on which the pattern is formed, and the pattern forming member 30 can be made unnecessary at the time of the stamping.

Next, the configuration of the seal imprint authentication system 1 as a system will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a hardware configuration of the seal imprint management apparatus 10. The imprint management device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a communication unit 14, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 15, and a UI unit 16. And a computer including the reading unit 17.

  The CPU 11 controls the operation of each unit by executing a program stored in the ROM 13 or the HDD 15 using the RAM 12 as a work area. The communication unit 14 has an antenna, a communication circuit, and the like, and performs communication via the network 2. The HDD 15 stores data and programs used by the CPU 11 for control.

  The UI unit 16 includes a touch screen having a display as a display unit and a touch panel provided on a surface of the display, and displays an image and receives an operation from a user. In addition, the UI unit 16 includes operators such as a keyboard in addition to the touch screen, and accepts operations on these operators. The reading unit 17 is a scanner that optically reads an image displayed on a sheet or the like.

  FIG. 7 shows a hardware configuration of the parking lot settlement machine 20. The parking lot adjustment machine 20 is a computer including the CPU 21, the RAM 22, the ROM 23, the communication unit 24, the HDD 25, the UI unit 26, the reading unit 27, and the money processing unit 28. These devices are of the same type as the devices of the same name shown in FIG. 6, although there are differences in performance or specifications. The money processing unit 28 is a device that performs money-related processing in settlement, receives money (coins and bills) inserted by the user, and discharges the change generated by adjusting the parking fee.

Each device included in the seal imprint authentication system 1 stores a program provided by the present system, and the CPU of each device executes the program to control each unit, thereby realizing a function group described below.
FIG. 8 shows a functional configuration realized by the seal imprint authentication system 1. The imprint management device 10 includes an imprint reading unit 101, an imprint management unit 102, and an imprint DB unit 103. The parking lot adjustment machine 20 includes an imprint reading unit 201, an imprint authentication unit 202, and an adjustment processing unit 203.

  An imprint reading unit 101 of the imprint management device 10 optically reads an imprint formed on a stamped sheet or the like. The seal management device 10 is used, for example, by a clerk. The clerk stamps the sheet using the knives 40a formed as described with reference to FIG. 3, for example, and optically reads the sheet using the reading unit 17 of the imprint management device 10. The imprint reading unit 101 uses an image of a shape (circle, ellipse, square, etc.) and size (normal size of a normal stencil) often used as an imprint as an imprint image (image showing an imprint) from the read image of the entire sheet. read. The imprint reading unit 101 supplies an imprint image indicating the read imprint to the imprint management unit 102.

  The seal imprint management unit 102 is a function for managing the seal imprint. For example, a seal imprint image indicating the seal imprint read by the seal imprint reading unit 101 is stored in the seal imprint DB. When the seal imprint image is supplied from the seal imprint reading unit 101, the seal imprint management unit 102 supplies the seal imprint image to the seal imprint DB unit 103 and instructs the seal imprint DB to store the image in association with the current time. The imprint DB unit 103 has an imprint DB for storing an imprint image, and stores the imprint image supplied in accordance with the instruction in the imprint DB in association with the current time (storage time).

  A clerk stamps a receipt, for example, using a seal whose seal is stored in the seal DB. The shopper holds the receipt over the reading unit 27 of the parking lot payment machine 20. The imprint reading unit 201 of the parking lot settlement machine 20 optically reads an imprint formed on a sheet or the like held over its own device. When the seal imprint reading unit 201 reads the seal imprint by the same operation as the seal imprint management apparatus 10, the seal imprint reading unit 201 supplies the seal imprint image indicating the read seal imprint to the seal imprint authentication unit 202.

  The seal imprint authentication unit 202 authenticates the seal imprint read by the seal imprint reading unit 201, that is, determines whether the seal imprint is a valid seal imprint. When the imprint authentication unit 202 is supplied with the imprint image from the imprint reading unit 201, the imprint authentication unit 202 transmits inquiry data for inquiring about the presence of the imprint image to the imprint management device 10. The imprint management unit 102 of the imprint management device 10 searches the imprint DB unit 103 for the imprint image indicated by the received inquiry data, and transmits result data indicating the search result to the parking lot settlement machine 20.

  When the result data indicates that the imprint image was found by the search (stored in the imprint DB), the imprint authentication unit 202 authenticates the read imprint (determines that the imprint is a valid imprint). When the result data indicates that the imprint image was not found by the search (not stored in the imprint DB), the imprint authentication unit 202 does not authenticate the read imprint (determines that the imprint is not a valid imprint). .

  As described above, the seal imprint authentication system 1 stores the seal imprint of the seal on which the pattern is formed using the pattern forming member 30. Then, if the seal imprint read by the seal imprint reading unit 201 is the seal imprint of the stored judge, the seal imprint authentication system 1 authenticates the seal imprint as a legitimate seal imprint. The imprint authentication unit 202 notifies the settlement processing unit 203 of the authentication result. The payment processing unit 203 performs payment processing according to the authentication result by the seal imprint authentication unit 202.

  In the present embodiment, the payment processing unit 203 performs the payment process by applying a predetermined discount to the regular parking fee when the vehicle is authenticated as a valid seal, and when the vehicle is not authenticated as a valid seal, the payment is performed. Settlement process at parking fee of. Each device included in the seal imprint authentication system 1 performs a settlement process based on the seal imprint authentication result based on the above configuration. The operation procedure of each device in the settlement process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of an operation procedure in the settlement process. The operation procedure illustrated in FIG. 9 is started when a store clerk performs an operation of causing the imprint management device 10 to read the imprint 50a by the judge 40a on which the pattern is formed. First, the imprint management device 10 (imprint reading unit 101) optically reads an imprint formed on a stamped sheet or the like (step S11). Next, the seal imprint management apparatus 10 (the seal imprint management unit 102 and the seal imprint DB unit 103) stores the read seal imprint in the seal imprint DB (step S12).

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the shopper holds the receipt stamped by the shop clerk over the reading unit 27 of the parking lot settlement machine 20. The parking lot settlement machine 20 (imprint reading unit 201) optically reads the imprint formed on the receipt held over the own device (step S21). Next, the parking lot settlement machine 20 (imprint authentication unit 202) transmits inquiry data for inquiring whether the read imprint image is stored in the imprint DB to the imprint management device 10 (step S22).

  The seal imprint management device 10 (the seal imprint management unit 102 and the seal imprint DB unit 103) retrieves the inquired seal imprint image from the seal imprint DB (step S23). Next, the seal imprint management device 10 (the seal imprint management unit 102) transmits the result data indicating the search result to the parking lot adjustment machine 20 (step S24). The parking lot settlement machine 20 (imprint authentication unit 202) performs an authentication process based on the search result indicated by the transmitted result data (step S25). Then, the parking lot payment machine 20 (payment processing unit 203) determines whether discount can be applied based on the authentication result (step S26), and performs payment processing (step S27).

[2] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a pattern is formed on the seal by forming a groove on the stamp surface of the seal, that is, by deforming the seal, but in the second embodiment, the pattern is formed on the seal without deforming the seal. . For this purpose, a mesh member is used in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows the appearance of the mesh member 60. The mesh member 60 is a member in which a metal or resin or the like is tied in a string shape or a thread shape and connected in a net shape, and a unique pattern is represented by the shape of the net (mesh). In the example of FIG. 10, the mesh member 60 represents a pattern in which rhombuses are connected without gaps. The net-like member 60 having this mesh is used to cover the stamped surface of the seal. The mesh member 60 is an example of the “member” of the present invention.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a jig covered by the mesh member 60. FIG. 11 (a) shows a jig 40 as viewed from the side surface 42 shown in FIG. 3 (b). In FIG. 11B, a stamp 40b in which the net surface 60 is covered on the stamp surface 41 is shown. Reference numeral 40b denotes a code for the sake of convenience to distinguish it from the jig 40 before the mesh member 60 is covered, and the jig 40 and the jig 40b are the same. A fastener 61 for fixing the mesh member 60 is attached to the jig 40b.

The fastener 61 is an elastic member such as rubber, for example, and has a ring shape slightly shorter than the outer periphery of the jig 40b. In the example of FIG. 11, the mesh member 60 is fixed using two fasteners 61.
FIG. 12 shows the seal as viewed from the side of the stamp face. FIG. 12 (a) shows the jig 40 as viewed from the side of the stamp face 41 shown in FIG. 3 (a). FIG. 12 (b) shows a jig 40b having a stamp face 41 covered with a net-like member 60.

When the vernier 40b is pressed against the vermilion, ink adheres to the stamp surface 41 and also adheres to the mesh member 60 covered on the stamp surface 41. Therefore, when the seal is impressed with the seal 40b, an imprint is formed as shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 shows an example of a seal imprint formed in this embodiment. FIG. 13 (a) shows the seal 50 by the seal 40, and FIG. 13 (b) shows the seal 50b by the seal 40b. The seal 50b represents a circle in which the shapes of the nets are overlapped and characters "DISCOUNT".

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13B, a unique pattern appears in the imprint, and it is possible to make it difficult to forge compared to an imprint without a pattern. Further, even if a readily available piece is used, the use of the mesh member 60 can provide an authentication tool that is more difficult to forge than a case where the mesh member 60 is not used. In addition, the net member 60 can form a new seal by changing the manner of covering.

  FIG. 14 shows another example of the seal viewed from the side of the stamp face. FIG. 14A shows a jig 40c obtained by rotating the mesh member 60 by 90 degrees and covering the jig 40b shown in FIG. 13B. FIG. 14 (b) shows a girder 40d in which the mesh member 60 is similarly rotated from the girder 40b by 45 degrees. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to change the pattern to be added to the judge.

[3] Modifications The embodiment described above is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and may be modified as follows. Further, the embodiment and each modification may be combined as needed.

[3-1] Pattern Forming Member The pattern forming member is not limited to the one described in the first embodiment. The pattern forming member has, for example, a wavy pattern in the first embodiment, but may have a stripe pattern, a lattice pattern, a checkered pattern, or the like, or a pattern represented by characters, symbols, figures, and the like. You may. Further, the pattern forming member may not include the heater. Even in that case, a groove can be formed as long as it is made of a plastic (deformable even without heat) material. In short, the pattern forming member may be any member as long as it can press the stamped surface of the seal to form a groove representing a unique pattern on the stamped surface.

[3-2] Judges In the above examples, a judge having a circular stamp surface is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an ellipse or a square. Further, in the first embodiment or the above-described modified example, the seal is made using a thermoplastic or plastic material, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a pattern is added by covering a net-like member as in the second embodiment, a jig made of a material that does not deform such as titanium may be used.

[3-3] Automatic generation of imprint image (angle change)
In the above embodiment, the imprint formed on the sheet or the like is read by the imprint reading unit 101 and the imprint image is stored in the imprint DB. However, the imprint image may be generated without performing the stamping and reading.

  FIG. 15 shows the appearance of the mesh member 60e of the present modification. The mesh member 60e includes a mesh portion 62 and a fastener 63. The mesh portion 62 is a member that represents a unique pattern, similarly to the mesh member 60 shown in FIG. The fastener 63 is for fixing the net-like portion 62 to the bar like the fastener 61 shown in FIG. 11, and is formed of an elastic member such as rubber. However, unlike the second embodiment, the mesh portion 62 is fixed to the fastener 63 in advance with an adhesive or the like.

The fastener 63 is a member in the shape of a cylinder, and has angles such as “45 °”, “90 °”, and “135 °” printed on the outer periphery as shown in FIG. These angles are printed from “0 °” to “315 °” every 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 15B.
FIG. 16 shows an example of a jig covered by the mesh member 60e. FIG. 16 shows a girder 40e in which the girder main body 43 is covered with a net-like member 60e.

  The seal body 43 has a circular stamp surface, and has at least a cylindrical shape from the stamp surface to a position where the fastener 63 is fixed. The diameter of the inner periphery of the fastener 63 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the main body 43. Thereby, the fastener 63 is pressed against the main body 43, and the mesh portion 62 is fixed to the main body 43. The mark 40e is provided with a mark 44 (referred to as "front mark" or "round") indicating the upper side of the mark.

  In the example of FIG. 16, an angle of “225 °” is set to the mark 44. In this case, from the state where the angle of “0 °” is set to the mark 44, a seal imprint in which the pattern represented by the mesh portion 62 is inclined by 225 ° is formed. As described above, by using the mesh member 60e, the inclination of the pattern represented by the mesh portion 62 can be accurately adjusted. In the present modification, the seal image (main body seal image) when the seal is imprinted only by the seal body 43 is read by the seal image reading unit 101.

  Further, an image (pattern image) indicating only the unique pattern represented by the mesh member 60e is read by the imprint reading unit 101. This reading is performed by, for example, placing a net-shaped member 60e on a stamp having only a frame without an imprint (a stamp having no ink inside the frame) and stamping. Alternatively, if the provider of the mesh member 60e generates an image showing a unique pattern in advance and distributes the image, the image may be stored in the seal management device 10.

The seal imprint management unit 102 of the seal imprint management apparatus 10 stores the main body seal imprint image and the pattern image. The imprint management unit 102 displays a pattern angle input screen on the UI unit 16 of its own device.
FIG. 17 shows an example of the input screen for the angle of the pattern. In the example of FIG. 17, the UI unit 16 displays a character string “Please input the angle of the pattern” and an input field A1 of the pattern angle on the imprint management screen.

  When a clerk or the like inputs an angle in the input field A1, the seal management unit 102 generates an image in which a pattern image inclined by the input pattern angle is superimposed on the main body seal image as a seal image and displays the image in the preview field A2. . When the store clerk presses the enter button in this state, the imprint management unit 102 stores the imprint image displayed in the preview column A2 in the imprint DB. As described above, in the present modification, when the pattern angle is input by a clerk or the like, the seal imprint authentication system 1 shifts the previously stored seal by the angle input with respect to the reference direction of the seal. The image on which the pattern is superimposed is stored as an imprint image indicating the imprint by the seal.

  In the present modification, if the main body imprint image and the pattern image are stored first, then simply by inputting the pattern angle, the imprint with the changed pattern angle is stored in the imprint DB. This eliminates the need to read the seal imprint each time the angle of the pattern to be added is changed. Further, for example, even when the seal imprint management device 10 and the seal 40e are used in different places, if only the pattern angle is communicated, authentication can be performed with the changed seal.

[3-4] Automatic generation of imprint image (material change)
In the above-described modified example, the imprint image when the angle of the mesh member, which is a member for adding the unique pattern of the imprint, is changed, but an imprint image when the member itself is changed may be generated. In this case, the imprint management unit 102 displays a selection screen that allows the UI unit 16 of the own device to select a pattern.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a pattern selection screen. In the example of FIG. 18, the UI unit 16 displays a character string “Please select a pattern”, a pattern number selection field A3, and a pattern image field A4 representing the selected pattern image on the imprint management screen. And are displayed. When a clerk or the like inputs a pattern number in the selection column A3, the seal imprint management unit 102 generates an image in which a pattern image associated with the input pattern number is superimposed on a pre-stored main body seal image as a seal image, It is displayed in the preview section A5.

  This pattern image may be an image showing a pattern added by the pattern forming member of the first embodiment, or may be an image showing a pattern added by the mesh member of the second embodiment. However, regardless of which member is used, the position and the direction of the pattern added to the seal surface of the seal are devised so as to be constant (or to the intended position and direction). For example, in the case of a net-like member, the position and orientation of the pattern can be made constant (or an intended angle) by the angle being printed on the fastener like the net-like member 60e shown in FIG.

  In the case of a pattern forming member, for example, a mark for adjusting the position and the direction of the seal may be provided in the pattern portion 32 shown in FIG. In addition to this, for example, a jig such as a vise that opens and closes while maintaining the equidistant relationship from the center of the pattern portion 32 is provided, and the jig is fixed by the jig so that the center of the stamp face and the center of the pattern portion 32 are fixed. They may be matched. By using these marks and jigs, the position and orientation of the pattern can be made more constant (or the intended position and orientation) more easily than when they are not used.

  In the present modification, an image (pattern image) indicating only a unique pattern represented by a plurality of prepared members is stored in the seal imprint management device 10 in association with a pattern number assigned to each pattern. The storage of the pattern image may be performed by using a judge of only a frame without a seal, or a pattern image distributed by a provider of the member may be used.

  When the store clerk presses the enter button in the state shown in FIG. 18, the seal imprint management unit 102 stores the seal imprint image displayed in the preview column A5 in the seal imprint DB. As described above, in the present modification, the seal imprint authentication system 1 stores the pattern of a plurality of members having different patterns to be added to each other, and generates an image in which a pattern selected from the plurality of members is superimposed on the prepared seal imprint. It is stored as an imprint image. This makes it possible to easily change the pattern to be added, as compared to the case where it is necessary to seal the seal with the added pattern and read the imprint.

[3-5] Automatic generation of imprint image (change of seal)
In the above modified example, an imprint image when the member itself is changed is generated, but an imprint image when the original judge before the pattern is added is changed may be generated. In this case, the seal imprint management unit 102 displays a selection screen for allowing the UI unit 16 of the own device to select the original judge.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a selection screen of the original judge. In the example of FIG. 19, the UI unit 16 displays a character string “Please select the original judge”, a selection box A6 for the judge number, and an imprint image of the selected judge on the imprint management screen. A seal image field A7 is displayed. When a store clerk or the like inputs a stamp number in the selection column A6, the seal management unit 102 generates an image in which a body seal image corresponding to the input stamp number is superimposed on a previously prepared pattern image as a seal image, It is displayed in the preview section A8.

  This pattern image may also be an image showing a pattern added by the pattern forming member of the first embodiment, or an image showing a pattern added by the mesh member of the second embodiment, as in the above-described modification. It may be. In the present modified example, the prepared main body imprint images of a plurality of original seals are stored in the seal imprint management apparatus 10 in association with the seal numbers assigned to the respective seals. When the store clerk presses the determination button in the state shown in FIG. 19, the imprint management unit 102 stores the imprint image displayed in the preview column A8 in the imprint DB.

  As described above, in the present modification, the seal imprint authentication system 1 stores the seal imprints of a plurality of seals having mutually different seals and imprints an image obtained by superimposing a prepared pattern on the seal seal selected from the seal seals of the plurality of seals. Store as an image. This makes it possible to easily change the original discriminator (the discriminator before the pattern is added) as compared to the case where the stamping of the discriminator to which the pattern is added and the reading of the imprint are required.

[3-6] Automatic generation of imprint image (change of member / copier)
Both the modification of the member and the modification of the original member described in the above modification may be performed. In this case, the seal imprint management unit 102 displays a selection screen for allowing the UI unit 16 of the own device to select the original judge.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen for selecting a pattern and an original judge. In the example of FIG. 20, the UI unit 16 displays a character string “Please select a pattern and an original judge.”, A selection box A3 for a pattern number, and a selection box A6 for a judge number on the imprint management screen. it's shown.

  When a clerk or the like inputs data in the selection field A3 and the selection field A6, the imprint management unit 102 superimposes a pattern image associated with the selected pattern number on the main body imprint image associated with the input hanko number. Is generated as a seal image and displayed in the preview section A9. When the store clerk presses the decision button in the state shown in FIG. 20, the imprint management unit 102 stores the imprint image displayed in the preview column A9 in the imprint DB.

  As described above, in the present modification, the seal imprint authentication system 1 stores the seal imprints of a plurality of seals having different seal imprints and the patterns of a plurality of members having different patterns to be added to each other, and selects from the seal seals of the plurality of seals. An image obtained by superimposing a pattern selected from the plurality of members on the imprint is stored as the imprint by the imprint. This makes it possible to easily change the original judge and change the pattern to be added, as compared with the case where the stamping of the judge with the added pattern and the reading of the imprint are essential.

[3-7] Apparatus for Realizing Each Unit The apparatus for realizing each function shown in FIG. 8 is not limited to the apparatus shown in the figure. For example, the parking lot settlement machine 20 may realize one or more functions (such as the seal DB unit 103) of the seal seal management device 10. Note that all functions of the imprint management device 10 may be realized by the parking lot settlement machine 20 and all functions may be realized by one device. In addition, the plurality of imprint management devices 10 and the plurality of parking lot adjustment machines 20 may realize the respective functions illustrated in FIG. 8.

  Further, a device not shown in the drawing (for example, a tablet terminal used by a clerk or the like) may realize the above function (for example, the seal imprint management unit 102 or the like). Further, two or more devices may share and implement the functions of one device, or one function may be distributed and implemented by a plurality of devices. In short, as long as these functions are realized as the seal imprint authentication system as a whole, the seal imprint authentication system may include any number of devices or may be realized in any form.

[3-8] Seal Imprint Authentication System In the seal imprint authentication system, in the embodiment, a judge is used as an authentication tool for determining whether or not the discount of the parking fee can be applied, but the use of the judge is not limited to this. For example, it may be used to determine whether or not to apply a discount in payment at a store instead of a parking lot, or may be used to determine whether or not to provide a bonus instead of a discount. Further, it may be used as a stamp of a stamp card. In short, the judge of the present invention may be used for any purpose as long as some procedure is performed when the seal is authenticated.

[3-9] Category of the Invention The present invention can be regarded as an authentication system such as an imprint authentication system 1 including the information processing devices such as the imprint management device 10 and the parking lot settlement machine 20 and the like. Further, the present invention can be regarded as an information processing method for realizing the processing performed by each device, and also as a program for causing a computer that controls each device to function. This program may be provided in the form of a recording medium such as an optical disk in which the program is stored, or provided in the form of being downloaded to a computer via a network such as the Internet, installed, and made available. May be done.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imprint authentication system, 10 ... Imprint management device, 20 ... Parking lot payment machine, 30 ... Pattern forming member, 33 ... Heater, 40 ... Hanko, 60 ... Net member, 101 ... Imprint reading unit, 102 ... Imprint management unit, 103: Imprint DB unit, 201: Imprint reading unit, 202: Imprint authentication unit, 203: Settlement processing unit.

Claims (8)

  An authentication system for storing a seal imprint of a seal using a member for adding a unique pattern to the seal, and authenticating the seal imprint read optically as a valid seal when the seal is optically read. The authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the member presses a stamped surface of the seal to form a groove representing the unique pattern on the stamped surface. The authentication system according to claim 2, wherein the member generates heat at a portion where the stamp surface is pressed. The authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the member has a mesh representing the unique pattern, and is used by being placed over a seal face of a seal. When the seal imprint and the pattern are stored and the angle is input, an image obtained by superimposing the stored pattern with the pattern shifted by the input angle with respect to the reference direction of the seal imprint is stored as the seal imprint by the seal. The authentication system according to claim 4. Imprints of a plurality of seals having mutually different imprints and patterns of a plurality of members having different patterns to be added to each other are stored, and a pattern selected from the plurality of members is superimposed on an imprint selected from the plurality of seals. The authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stored image is stored as a seal imprint by the seal.   A member that presses a stamped surface of a seal to form a groove representing a unique pattern on the stamped surface.   A member that has a mesh that represents a unique pattern and is used to cover the stamped surface of a child.