JP6185801B2 - Determination system and determination apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, determination system, in which regarding the determination equipment.

  Currently, various print media such as tickets and cash vouchers are used, and there are various needs for determining the type of the print media. For example, a medium with high monetary value such as a ticket or a voucher has a high risk of being counterfeited. Therefore, the medium to be discriminated is determined to be a regular medium or a counterfeit medium by discriminating with a follower attached to the medium. Yes.

JP 2010-31106 A

  In this way, if the followogram is printed on the medium, a certain effect can be obtained in terms of preventing counterfeiting. However, when using the followogram, since humans generally determine the authenticity with the eyes, work efficiency is improved. However, there is a problem that the determination accuracy varies. Further, such a problem is not limited to authenticity determination, and may occur in various cases in which medium determination is performed with human senses.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, the determination of the printing medium and to provide a determination system and determination equipment more automatically and more easily performed accurately.

The first invention is
A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
I have a,
A position mark indicating a range in which the specific area exists is formed on the print medium,
The printing medium includes a base material layer,
The difference between the light reflectance in the arrangement region of the base material layer outside the specific region and the light reflectance in the region to which the position mark is attached when the illumination light of the specific wavelength is irradiated. characterized but that you have been configured to be the specific area in the light reflectance between the above predetermined difference greater than the difference between the reflectance of light in the arrangement region of the specific region outside of the base layer And

The second invention is
A print medium on which an information code is printed; and
A determination device for determining the print medium;
With
In the specific area in the information code, there is an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, an ink layer whose light emitting state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, or a material layer whose color developing state changes due to a chemical reaction. At least,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives at least light from the information code and generates a captured image of the information code when the illumination light is irradiated from the illumination unit to the print medium;
A decoding unit for decoding the information code based on a light reception result of the reflected light at the light receiving unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
It is characterized by having.

The third invention is
An information code is printed, and an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, or a color development state changes due to a chemical reaction in a specific area in the information code A print medium provided with at least a material layer to be determined,
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives at least light from the information code and generates a captured image of the information code when the illumination light is irradiated from the illumination unit to the print medium;
A decoding unit for decoding the information code based on a light reception result of the reflected light at the light receiving unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
It is characterized by having.

For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an anti-counterfeit sticker in which a single layer of anti-counterfeit ink is provided on a base material is used. And in the case of a forgery determination, it determines by whether the shape by the forgery prevention ink is visible in the picked-up image of the imaged anti-counterfeit sticker. However, such a single layer configuration has a problem that an ink having characteristics equivalent to those of the anti-counterfeit ink is easily manufactured. In addition, such a method for visually confirming the shape of the anti-counterfeit ink has a problem that the burden on the operator who performs the determination work is large and the determination is likely to vary.
On the other hand, in the first aspect of the invention, the specific region of the print medium has an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, or a color development state caused by a chemical reaction. At least two or more layers of changing material layers are stacked. In this way, a special layer (an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, or the color development state changes due to a chemical reaction in a specific area of the print medium. Since the material layer is a structure in which at least two layers are stacked, the characteristics of the specific region to be determined can be complicated. Therefore, it becomes difficult for a third party who does not know the contents of the specific area to reproduce the specific area, and forgery of the print medium can be made more difficult.
Furthermore, in the determination device, at least one of the reflectance in the specific region and the light amount of the light from the specific region is based on the light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving the light generated when the illumination light of the specific wavelength is irradiated on the print medium. The detection value is detected, and the type of the print medium is determined based on the detection value. In other words, it is possible to detect the state of light from a specific area where a special layer is overlaid by a sensor, and automatically determine the print medium based on specific numerical values obtained by the detection. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the work load accompanying the above and to make a more accurate determination.

In particular , a position mark indicating a range where the specific area exists is formed on the print medium. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to grasp the specific area more accurately using the position mark, and as a result, the accuracy of the determination is increased.

Further , the print medium includes a base material layer, and when the illumination light of a specific wavelength is irradiated, the light reflectivity and the position mark are attached in the base material layer arrangement region outside the specific region. The difference between the light reflectance and the light reflectance in the specific region and the light reflectance in the arrangement region of the base material layer outside the specific region is greater than a predetermined difference. ing.
As described above, the difference between the reflectance in the base material layer arrangement region outside the specific region and the reflectance in the region with the position mark when the illumination light of the specific wavelength is irradiated is the difference in the specific region. If the print medium is configured so that it is somewhat larger than the area where the position mark is attached, the difference between the reflection state in the base material layer arrangement area and the reflection state at the position mark is used more accurately. It becomes easy to recognize.
Note that the “arrangement region of the base material layer outside the specific region” may be a region where the base material layer is exposed outside the specific region, and the base material layer and another layer (depending on the irradiated wavelength) outside the specific region. It may be a region in which an ink layer whose transmittance changes, an ink layer whose light emission state changes according to the wavelength of irradiation, or a material layer whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction) overlaps.

In the invention according to claim 2 , the print medium includes a base material layer, and the detection unit is configured to receive the light generated when the illumination light is reflected by the print medium, based on the light reception result received by the light reception unit, outside the specific region. The determination unit detects at least one of reflectance at a predetermined area where the layer is arranged or light amount from the predetermined area as a comparison value, and the determination unit determines the type of the print medium based on the detection value and the comparison value .
As described above, if the type of the print medium is determined based on the relative relationship between the comparison value obtained from the predetermined area outside the specific area and the detection value obtained from the specific area, the variation or detection of illumination illuminance is detected. It is possible to make a determination with reduced variation in the parts. The “predetermined region in which the base material layer is disposed outside the specific region” may be a region where the base material layer is exposed outside the specific region, and the base material layer and another layer (irradiated outside the specific region). It may be a region in which an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the wavelength to be irradiated, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, or a material layer whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction.

In the invention of claim 3 , when the information code is formed on the print medium, at least part of the information code is configured as a specific area, and the light receiving unit is irradiated with illumination light from the illumination unit to the print medium In addition, at least light from the information code is received to generate a captured image of the information code, and the determination device includes a decoding unit that decodes the information code based on the light reception result of the light receiving unit. By doing so, it is possible to use the layer forming the information code for the determination of the print medium while ensuring the basic function of the information code.

According to the invention of claim 4 , an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, or a color development state changes due to a chemical reaction in a specific region in the information code. At least a material layer. Then, the determination device is configured to at least either reflectivity in the specific area or light amount from the specific area based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is irradiated onto the print medium. Is detected as a detection value, and the type of the print medium is determined based on the detected detection value.
According to this configuration, the layer forming the information code can be used for the determination of the print medium while ensuring the basic function of the information code. Furthermore, since the state of light from a specific area of the information code can be detected by a sensor, and the print medium can be automatically determined based on specific numerical values obtained by the detection, the workload associated with the determination Can be further suppressed, and more accurate determination can be performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the information code includes a specific pattern having a predetermined shape, and at least a part of the specific pattern is configured as the specific area. According to this configuration, since the position of the specific area can be specified or narrowed down by detecting a specific pattern having a certain shape, it becomes easier to grasp the position of the specific area used for the determination.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the detection unit detects a position of the specific pattern in the captured image of the information code generated by the light receiving unit, and the position of the specific pattern detected by the first position detection unit And a second position detection unit that detects the position of the specific area within the area of the specific pattern in the captured image. According to this configuration, after the position of the specific pattern is detected by the first position detection unit, the relative position of the specific region in the specific pattern region can be further detected by the second position detection unit. It becomes easier to specify more accurately and quickly.

In the invention of claim 7 , the information code is formed by arranging a plurality of types of cells, and at least a part of at least one of the types of cells is configured as the specific area. In this configuration, any type of cell can be used for purposes other than data recording. In addition, since at least a part of the cell position detection process performed at the time of decoding the information code can be used for detection of the specific area, it is easy to improve the processing efficiency and to suppress the delay of the process.

In the invention of claim 8 , the information code includes reference information for identifying a reference value or a reference range as a reference of the detection value as information usable in the determination device. The reference information is decoded from the information code, and the determination unit determines the type of the print medium based on the reference information decoded by the decoding unit and the detection value detected by the detection unit.
In this configuration, since the reference information used for determining the type of the print medium is recorded in advance in the information code, a determination device that does not prepare such reference information in advance can make a determination based on the reference information.

In the invention of claim 9 , information for specifying a specific wavelength is recorded in the information code as information usable in the determination device, and in the determination device, the decoding unit specifies information for specifying the specific wavelength from the information code. The illumination unit is configured to be able to irradiate light of a plurality of wavelengths, selects a specific wavelength based on the information decoded by the decryption unit, and irradiates the illumination light of the specific wavelength.
In this configuration, even if the “specific wavelength” required for the determination is not previously determined by the determination device, it can be determined by decoding the information code.

In the invention of claim 10 , information indicating the position of the specific area is recorded in the information code as information usable by the determination apparatus. Then, in the determination device, the detection unit detects the position of the specific area in the captured image of the information code generated by the light receiving unit based on the information decoded by the decoding unit, and in the detected specific area At least one of the reflectance and the amount of light from the specific area is detected as a detection value.
In this configuration, the position of the specific area can be more accurately specified by reading the information code even if the determination device does not know in advance the position of the specific area defined by the information code. Further, if it is desired to change the position of the specific area in operation, it is only necessary to change the contents of the information code, and it becomes easy to perform highly secure operation of changing the position of the specific area as appropriate.

In the invention of claim 11 , the information usable in the determination device is encrypted and recorded as encrypted data in the information code, and the decryption unit of the determination device includes a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted data. Have. In this configuration, the information used for the determination of the print medium can be concealed and stored, so that security is enhanced in handling important information used for the determination.

In the invention of claim 12 , the information code includes an undisclosed data area in which encrypted data obtained by encrypting at least information usable by the determination device based on a predetermined encryption key is recorded, and encryption using the encryption key A disclosure data area in which predetermined information not recorded is recorded.
By doing so, it is possible to improve the security of important information used for the determination, and it is possible to selectively use information with relatively low security, and the degree of freedom in using data is further increased.

In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the detection unit detects detection values at a plurality of positions in the specific area and obtains median values of the detection values at the plurality of positions, and the determination unit determines the print medium based on the median value. The type of is determined.
By using the median values of the detection values obtained from a plurality of positions as described above for the determination, it is possible to perform the determination while suppressing the influence of dirt.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the print medium has a specific area configured in a predetermined shape, and the determination apparatus includes a shape recognition unit that recognizes the shape of the specific area from the image generated by the light receiving unit. The type of the print medium is determined based on the shape recognized by the shape recognition unit and the detection value detected by the detection unit.
In this way, if the determination is made by taking into account not only the reflectance in the specific area or the amount of light from the specific area but also the shape of the specific area, a more accurate determination in consideration of more elements can be made. It becomes possible.

In the invention of claim 16, the determination unit determines the authenticity of the print medium based on whether or not the detection value detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined range. In this way, by comparing the specific numerical value obtained by detection in the specific area with a clear numerical range to determine the authenticity, it is possible to determine the authenticity more accurately with less variation.
In the invention of claim 17 , the illuminating unit is capable of irradiating light of a plurality of predetermined wavelengths as illumination light, and the light receiving unit is irradiated with illuminating light of a plurality of wavelengths from the illuminating unit to the print medium. When the illumination light of each wavelength is applied to the print medium, the detection unit receives the light generated by irradiating the print medium with each wavelength, and the detection unit detects the detection value in the specific area when the illumination light of each wavelength is applied to the print medium. The detection unit determines the type of the print medium based on the detection values respectively obtained by the detection unit when illumination light of each wavelength is irradiated on the print medium.
In this configuration, the specific region can be evaluated based on a plurality of results from light of a plurality of wavelengths, so that determination with higher accuracy is possible. In addition, it becomes very difficult for a third party to forge a medium that can be adapted to such a determination.

In the invention of claim 15 , the illuminating unit includes, as illumination light, light having a predetermined first wavelength, light having one or more second wavelengths smaller than the first wavelength, and one or more first light being larger than the first wavelength. Each of the three wavelengths can be irradiated. The print medium has a first reflectance out of each reflectance in a specific region when the first wavelength light, the one or more second wavelength lights, and the one or more third wavelength lights are respectively irradiated. The reflectance is the largest or smallest when irradiated with light of a wavelength. The detection unit detects the detection value of each light when the print medium is irradiated with the first wavelength light, the one or more second wavelength lights, and the one or more third wavelength lights. The determination unit determines the type of the print medium based on whether or not the detection value of the first wavelength light is the maximum value or the minimum value among the plurality of detection values detected by the detection unit. .
The reflectance characteristic curve, which graphs the relationship between reflectance and wavelength in a specific area, may shift to a low reflectance or a high reflectance as a whole depending on the thickness of the layer in the specific area. If the thickness varies in the printing process, the reflectance characteristic curve may shift and vary.
On the other hand, according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the first wavelength light, the second wavelength light, and the third wavelength light are respectively irradiated to the print medium, the detection value of each light is detected. The type of the print medium is determined based on whether the detected value of the first wavelength light is the maximum value or the minimum value among the plurality of detected values detected. Since the specific area of the print medium is configured so that the reflectance when the light of the first wavelength is irradiated is the largest or smallest, even if the layer thickness of the specific area varies in the printing process. The relationship that the reflectance when the light of the first wavelength is irradiated is the largest or smallest is easily maintained. Therefore, if the type of the print medium is determined based on whether the detected value with the light of the first wavelength is the maximum value or the minimum value, even if the thickness varies, a regular layer is arranged in the specific region. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether or not the medium is accurate, and more accurate medium determination is possible.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a determination device that has the same effect as the fourth aspect .

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining the determination system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view conceptually showing a print medium used in the determination system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a schematic side view conceptually showing the print medium. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance of each of the first ink layer, the second ink layer, the third ink layer, and the layer in which the first ink and the second ink are overlaid. It is a graph. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of reflection of illumination light in a specific area. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part of a planar configuration of a print medium used in the determination system of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part of the planar configuration of the print medium used in the determination system of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part of the planar configuration of the print medium used in the determination system of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part of a planar configuration of a print medium used in the determination system of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data format of the information code formed on the print medium of the determination system of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 9B is the secret code shown in FIG. 9 (C) shows the configuration example 2 of the secret code shown in FIG. 9 (A), and FIG. 9 (D) shows the configuration example 3 of the secret code shown in FIG. 9 (A). It is shown. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a type 1 QR code (registered trademark). FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance in a specific region of the print medium used in the determination system of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of determination processing performed by the determination device of the determination system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the code decoding process performed in the determination process of FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of authentication determination processing performed in the determination processing of FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the average value and the median value when there is no dirt in the determination system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the average value and the median value when there is dirt in the determination system of the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of detection of reflectance with light of the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength in the determination system of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept that the reflectance characteristic curve shifts in the determination system of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram showing Modification Example 1 of the identification mark, and FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram showing Modification Example 2 of the identification mark, and FIG. ) Is an explanatory view showing Modification 2 of the identification mark.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
A determination system 1 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “system 1”) includes a print medium 100 and a determination device 3. The determination device 3 receives light from the print medium 100 as a system for determination. It is configured.

(Print media)
First, the print medium 100 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the print medium 100 has a configuration in which an identification mark 110 is printed on a sheet-like or plate-like base material layer 104 having a predetermined thickness. A part of the identification mark 110 is configured as a specific area AR where the reflection state is to be detected by the determination device 3. Note that the base material layer 104 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the planar shape, thickness, material, surface color, and the like of the base material layer 104 can be variously selected. Further, the first ink layer 114, the second ink layer 116, and the third ink layer 112 shown in FIG. 2 are merely conceptual, and various thicknesses and shapes can be selected. For example, the first ink layer 114, the second ink layer 116, and the third ink layer 112 are formed so that the thickness is significantly smaller than the thickness of the base material layer 104 configured as paper, a resin sheet, a metal sheet, or the like. May be.

  Here, the ink and the like constituting the identification mark will be described. In this configuration, three different types of inks (first ink, second ink, and third ink) are used to form the identification mark 110, and these three types of ink are the pigment composition. And at least one of the blending ratios is different from each other. The first ink layer 114 made of the first ink constitutes the first layer 101 on the base material layer 104 in the specific area AR, and the graphic displayed by the first layer 101 is a circular graphic. The second ink layer 116 made of the second ink is a layer covering the layer 114 made of the first ink, a layer covering the layer 112 made of the third ink, or the base layer 104 without covering these layers 114, 112. It is comprised as a layer arrange | positioned in. In the second ink layer 116 made of the second ink, the region covering the first layer 101 functions as the second layer 102 that overlaps the first layer 114 in the specific region AR.

  And these 1st ink, 2nd ink, and 3rd ink are the characteristics of the transmittance | permeability when the light of each wavelength is irradiated (The relationship between the wavelength and the transmittance | permeability when the light of each wavelength is irradiated) Are different, and related to this, the characteristics of the reflectance when irradiated with light of each wavelength (the relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance when irradiated with light of each wavelength) are all different. . For example, the reflectance characteristics of each ink are as shown in FIG.

  For example, in the first ink, the relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance when light of each wavelength is applied is as indicated by a two-dot chain line X1 in FIG. 3, and the second ink emits light of each wavelength. The relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance when applied is as shown by the solid line X2 in FIG. 3, and the third ink has a relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance when applied with light of each wavelength as shown in FIG. It is as shown by the solid line X3. In order to make the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink have characteristics such as X1, X2, and X3, it may be performed by selecting a pigment or adjusting a blending ratio of the pigment. Curves X1, X2, and X3 in FIG. 3 are examples of the reflectance from the ink layer when the same predetermined substrate is used when the thickness of the ink layer is the same predetermined thickness. A curve X4 shows the relationship between the wavelength and the reflectance when light of each wavelength is applied in a stacked region in which the first ink layer having the X1 characteristic and the second ink layer having the X2 characteristic are overlapped. It is a graph. This curve X4 is an example of the reflectance from the ink layer when the same predetermined substrate as that of the curves X1, X2, and X3 is used.

  For example, the first ink can be obtained by selecting one or more known specific pigments so as to have the characteristics of X1 in FIG. 3 and adjusting the blending ratio of the pigments. The first ink has a small reflectance of 50% or less when irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 810 nm, and a reflectance of 80% or more when irradiated with infrared light having a wavelength of 850 nm or more. It is getting bigger.

  Similarly, the second ink can be obtained by selecting one or more known specific pigments so as to have the characteristic X2 in FIG. 3 and adjusting the blending ratio of the pigments. The second ink has a large reflectance of 40% or less when irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 550 nm to 810 nm, for example, and has a reflectance when irradiated with infrared light having a wavelength of 850 nm to 1000 nm. It is as small as 40% or less.

  Similarly, the third ink can be obtained by selecting one or more known specific pigments so as to have the characteristics of X3 in FIG. 3 and adjusting the blending ratio of the pigments. The third ink has a reflectance as small as 10% or less when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 1250 nm, for example.

  The specific area AR shown in FIG. 2 has a configuration in which an ink layer (first layer 101) made of the first ink and an ink layer (second layer 102) made of the second ink are stacked on the base material layer 104. It has become. The characteristics of the layer in which the first ink and the second ink are overlaid are as indicated by X4 in FIG. In the laminated region of the specific region AR1, for example, the reflectance when the visible light with a wavelength of 800 nm or less is irradiated is as small as 30% or less, and the reflectance when the light with a wavelength of about 810 nm is irradiated is about 33%. It has become. In addition, the reflectance when irradiated with infrared light having a wavelength of 850 nm or more and 1000 nm or less is as small as less than 30%. In this wavelength region, the reflectance is about 22% when the wavelength is about 930 nm, which is the minimum. It has become. As described above, the layer in which the first ink and the second ink are overlaid has a wavelength of about 810 nm which is smaller than the reflectance when the infrared light having a wavelength of 850 nm to 1000 nm is irradiated. When the visible light is irradiated, the reflectance is larger, and when the visible light having a smaller wavelength than that of the visible light having a wavelength of about 810 nm is irradiated, the reflectance is 800 nm or less. The reflectance is smaller, and the reflectance characteristics are more complicated.

  In general, when light is applied to an object, part of the light is reflected by the object, part of the light is transmitted through the object, and part of the light is absorbed by the object and converted into heat or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the entire specific area AR when the specific area AR printed by overlapping the ink A (second ink) and the ink B (first ink) with illumination light of wavelength λ is irradiated. The reflectivity r (λ) is reflected when the irradiated light is reflected by the upper surface of the ink A (the upper surface of the second layer 102), and when reflected by the upper surface of the ink B (the upper surface of the first layer 101). The reflectance r2 and the reflectance r3 when reflected by the upper surface of the base material layer 104 are added. Reflectance at the upper surface of the base material layer 104 is defined as ra (λ) for the ink A, ta (λ) for the transmittance, rb (λ) for the ink B, and transmittance tb (λ) for the ink B. When the rate is R, the reflectance obtained by overlapping the inks A and B can be obtained as in the following equation (1).

  As described above, the reflectance in the specific area AR in the identification mark 110 includes the reflectance and transmittance of the first ink layer (the first layer 101) whose transmittance varies depending on the irradiated wavelength, and the irradiated wavelength. The reflectance and transmittance of the second ink layer (second layer 102) whose transmittance changes due to the above and the reflectance of the base material layer 104 are affected. The reflectance in the specific area AR at each wavelength is the characteristic of the first layer 101 and the second layer 102 at each wavelength (particularly, the transmittance characteristic according to each wavelength or the absorption characteristic according to each wavelength). It becomes the reflected value. Accordingly, when light of “specific wavelength” is irradiated to the specific area AR, the predetermined area AR has a predetermined reflectance (transmittance of the first layer 101 and the second layer 102 at the specific wavelength). Reflected light is generated at a reflectance that reflects the characteristics. The “specific wavelength” is a wavelength used as illumination light in the determination by the determination device 3 described later.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the first ink layer 114 (first layer 101) using the first ink described above is printed as a circular figure on the base material layer 104 of the print medium 100, and this circular figure is displayed. The area is the specific area AR. And the 3rd ink layer 112 by the above-mentioned 3rd ink is printed by the structure surrounding the 1st ink layer 114 formed as a circular figure in the direction of the upper surface of the base material layer 104. FIG. The third ink layer 112 is displayed as an annular position mark indicating a range where the specific area AR exists. In the example of FIG. 2A, the position mark formed by the third ink layer 112 is, for example, an annular figure that is continuous and continuous throughout the circumferential direction so as to surround the first ink layer 114. However, the figure of the position mark is not limited to this example, and may be a figure indicating the range of the specific area AR. For example, it may be an annular figure that continues intermittently over the entire circumferential direction so as to surround the periphery of the first ink layer 114. Further, the shape is not limited to an annular shape, and may be a polygonal frame shape such as a square frame shape or a triangular frame shape.

  Further, in this configuration, when the illumination light of “specific wavelength” is irradiated, the arrangement region of the base material layer 104 outside the specific region AR (specifically, the first ink layer 114, the second ink layer 116, The difference between the light reflectance in the area where no third ink layer 112 is provided and the light reflectance in the area where the position mark (third ink layer 112) is attached is equal to or greater than a predetermined difference. It is configured as follows. For example, when the base material color of the base material layer 104 is white, such as white or yellow, and the reflectance of the “specific wavelength” illumination light on the base material layer 104 is close to 100%, the position mark (third ink) The reflectivity in the region with the layer 112) should be close to 0%. In this case, as the ink of the third ink layer 112, it is preferable to use an ink having a very low reflectance in a wide wavelength range as indicated by X3 in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the position mark by the third ink layer 112 is covered by the second ink layer 116, but the position mark by the third ink layer 112 is covered by the second ink layer 116. It does not have to be. Conversely, when the base material color of the base material layer 104 is black, such as black or dark gray, and the reflectance of the “specific wavelength” illumination light in the base material layer 104 is close to 0%, The reflectivity in the region to which the three ink layers 112) are applied is preferably close to 100%.

(Judgment device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the determination apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the determination device 3 is mainly configured by a camera unit 10, an illumination unit 20, and a recognition unit 30, and the illumination unit 20 illuminates the print medium 100 (determination target label). The print medium 100 can be imaged by the camera unit 10 while irradiating. And the electrical signal of the captured image produced | generated by the camera part 10 is processed by the recognition part 30, and a predetermined determination process is performed. Note that these components are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or housed in a housing (not shown), for example. The determination device 3 may be configured as a portable terminal or may be configured as a stationary device. Or the structure which can use together a portable system and a stationary system may be sufficient.

  The camera unit 10 mainly includes a lens 11, a light receiving sensor 12 (optical sensor), an amplifier 13, and a sensor driving circuit 14. The lens 11 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside via a reading port (not shown) and forming an image on the light receiving surface a of the light receiving sensor 12. A lens barrel and a plurality of condensing lenses housed in the lens barrel are configured. The light receiving sensor 12 is configured to receive reflected light that is irradiated and reflected on the print medium 100. For example, an area sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are two-dimensionally arranged. This is equivalent to this. The light receiving sensor 12 is mounted on, for example, a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the lens 11 can be received by the light receiving surface. The light receiving sensor 12 outputs an electrical signal indicating the amount of light received by each light receiving element (each pixel). The amplifier 13 has a function of amplifying the light reception signal generated by the light reception sensor 12. The sensor driving circuit 14 is a circuit that drives the light receiving sensor 12 by a known driving method and sequentially outputs signals from each pixel constituting the light receiving sensor 12.

  The illumination unit 20 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting illumination light. In the example of FIG. 1, the illumination part 20 is comprised by four types of light sources (LED21a, 21b, 21c, 21d), and it has the structure which can irradiate the illumination light of a different wavelength from each light source separately. In the example of FIG. 1, four types of light sources are illustrated, but the type of light source (the number of wavelengths that can be irradiated) may be 4 or more, or 4 or less. Each type of light source may be constituted by a single LED, or may be constituted by a plurality of LEDs of the same type.

  The recognition unit 30 includes an A / D converter 31, an image capturing unit 32, a memory 33, a control circuit (microcomputer) 34, an illumination drive circuit 35, a power supply unit 36, a power supply circuit 37, an interface unit 38, a switch 39, and a display unit. 40 or the like. The recognizing unit 30 is configured around a control circuit 34 and a memory 33 that can function as a microcomputer.

  In this configuration, the image signal obtained by the light receiving sensor 12 of the optical system is output in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal, and is input to the amplifier 13 so as to be amplified with a predetermined gain. By being input to the D converter 31, an analog signal is converted into a digital signal. The digitized image signal, that is, image data, is sequentially input to the memory 33 by the image capturing unit 32 and stored in an image data storage area in the memory 33.

  The memory 33 is configured by a known storage device, and for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, or other nonvolatile memory corresponds to this. In addition to the image data storage area, the RAM of the memory 33 is configured to be able to secure a work area used by the control circuit 34 at the time of each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. In addition, the ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a determination process and the like that will be described later, and a system program that can control each hardware such as the illumination unit 20 and the light receiving sensor 12.

  The control circuit 34 is configured by a microcomputer that can control the entire determination apparatus 3, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like. The control circuit 34 can configure an information processing apparatus together with the memory 33 and has an information processing function. The control circuit 34 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices via a built-in input / output interface.

  The illumination drive circuit 35 controls on / off of illumination of the illumination unit 20 in accordance with an instruction from the control circuit 34. Specifically, on / off of four types of light sources (LEDs 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) can be individually controlled. For example, when an instruction to drive any one of the light sources is received from the control circuit 34 , Switching on and off to selectively drive the light source.

  The power supply system includes a power supply unit 36, a known power supply circuit 37, and the like, and is configured to be able to supply driving power to each device and each circuit constituting the determination device 3. The power supply unit 36 may be configured to receive power supply from an external commercial power supply, or may be configured as a battery (secondary battery or the like) that can generate a predetermined DC voltage.

  The interface unit 38 functions as a communication unit that can communicate with an external device existing outside the determination device 3 using a known communication method. For example, wireless LAN communication, infrared communication, or the like with the external device. The communication is performed by the known wireless communication method or wired communication method. The switch 39 includes a plurality of operation units such as keys and buttons that can be operated by the user, and is configured to input information corresponding to the operation by the user into the apparatus. The display unit 40 is configured by a known display device such as a liquid crystal display, a lamp, or the like, and performs display according to an instruction from the control circuit 34.

(Determination process)
Here, as an example of the determination by the determination device 3, the authenticity determination of the print medium 100 shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example. First, an example will be described in which the illumination unit 20 irradiates one kind of illumination light with a specific wavelength and performs authenticity determination.

  The determination device 3 emits illumination light of “specific wavelength” from the illumination unit 20 in accordance with a predetermined operation of the switch 39 by the user. For example, when the LED 21a is a light source that emits illumination light of “specific wavelength”, the LED 21a is turned on to emit illumination light. When illumination light with a specific wavelength is irradiated from the illumination unit 20 to the print medium 100, when the print medium 100 is located in the imaging range of the light receiving sensor 12, the illumination light with the specific wavelength is applied to the print medium 100. The reflected light thus generated is received by the light receiving sensor 12. That is, the light receiving sensor 12 captures an image of the print medium 100 that is irradiated with illumination light having a specific wavelength.

  Then, based on the light reception result of the light receiving sensor 12 receiving the light from the print medium 100 that is generated when the print medium 100 is irradiated with the illumination light, at least the reflectance in the specific area AR or the light amount of the light from the specific area AR. Either one is detected as a detection value. Specifically, a position mark by the third ink layer 112 is detected in a captured image obtained by capturing the print medium 100 irradiated with illumination light of a specific wavelength by the light receiving sensor 12, and the position mark is detected. The position of the specific area AR is detected. For example, when the position mark has an annular shape as shown in FIG. 2 and the specific area AR exists at least at the center position in the position mark, the center position in the position mark is set as the position of the specific area AR and reflection at the position is performed. What is necessary is just to detect a rate or the light quantity of the reflected light from the said position. For example, the determination device 3 may detect the position mark in advance by grasping the shape of the position mark and extracting the shape of the position mark from the captured image. Alternatively, when the reflectance at the position mark or the amount of light from the position mark becomes a predetermined high value or low value, a range near the reflectance at the position mark or a range near the amount of light from the position mark is extracted. Thus, the position mark may be detected.

  For example, when “amount of light from the specific area AR” is detected as the “detection value”, the position of the specific area AR in the captured image of the print medium 100 generated by the light receiving sensor 12 (for example, within the position mark). The amount of light received at the center position may be set as “the amount of light from the specific area AR”. Further, the gradation value at the position of the specific area AR (the gradation value indicating the density of black and white) may be acquired as the amount of light received at the position of the specific area AR.

  Further, when the reflectance in the specific area AR is detected as the “detection value”, the “light quantity from the specific area AR” may be treated as the “reflectance in the specific area AR”. The ratio of “the amount of light from the specific area AR” to the output value may be the “reflectance at the specific area AR”. In this configuration, the control circuit 34 that acquires such a “detection value” corresponds to an example of a “detection unit”.

  Then, the type of the print medium 100 is determined based on the “detected value” thus detected. Specifically, the authenticity of the print medium 100 is determined based on whether the detection value of the specific area AR is within a predetermined range. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the reflectance in the specific area AR drops significantly near the wavelength of 930 nm, and the reflectance is larger in the upper and lower wavelength ranges than in the vicinity of the wavelength of 930 nm. In such a case, for example, when the wavelength 930 nm is set as the “specific wavelength” and the “detection value” in the specific area AR when the illumination light of the specific wavelength is irradiated to the print medium 100 is “true”. It is determined that it is a regular medium in which the first layer 101 and the second layer 102 are laminated in the specific area AR, and when it is equal to or greater than a certain value, it is determined as “媒体” (medium that is not the regular medium). A determination may be made. In this configuration, the control circuit 34 that performs such determination corresponds to an example of a “determination unit”.

  In the above-described example, the specific region AR has a configuration in which two ink layers whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiated wavelength are stacked, but instead of either one or both layers, You may provide the ink layer from which a light emission state changes with the irradiated wavelengths, or the material layer from which a color development state changes by chemical reaction. Examples of the ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength include a layer made of a known infrared light emitting ink or ultraviolet light emitting ink. Examples of the material layer whose color development state is changed by a chemical reaction include a layer made of the same material as that of a known thermal paper. For example, a material layer made of a substance that undergoes a chemical reaction by heat and changes color (a leuco dye that is a dye precursor and a developer that reacts therewith) is used as a layer on the base material layer 104 in the specific area AR, and this upper layer side May be covered with the above-described first ink, second ink, or an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the wavelength of irradiation.

  As described above, in this configuration, the specific area AR of the print medium 100 is colored by an ink layer whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or a chemical reaction. At least two or more material layers that change state are stacked. As described above, a specific layer (an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, or a color development state caused by a chemical reaction in a specific area AR of the print medium 100. Since the material layer is changed by at least two layers, the characteristics of the specific area AR to be determined can be complicated. Therefore, it becomes difficult for a third party who does not know the content of the specific area AR to reproduce the specific area AR, and forgery of the print medium 100 can be made more difficult.

  Further, in the determination device 3, based on the light reception result of the light receiving sensor 12 receiving the light generated by irradiating the printing medium 100 with the illumination light of the specific wavelength, the “reflectance at the specific area AR” or “from the specific area AR” At least one of “light quantity” is detected as a detection value, and the type of the print medium 100 is determined based on the detection value. That is, the state of light from the specific area AR on which the special layer is overlaid is detected by the sensor, and the determination of the print medium 100 can be automatically performed based on the specific numerical value obtained by the detection. The workload associated with the determination can be further suppressed, and more accurate determination can be performed.

  Further, the control circuit 34 corresponding to the determination unit determines the authenticity of the print medium 100 based on whether or not the “detected value” detected in the specific area AR is within a predetermined range. In this way, by comparing the specific numerical value obtained by the detection in the specific area AR with a clear numerical range to determine the authenticity, it is possible to determine the authenticity more accurately with less variation.

  Further, a position mark indicating a range where the specific area AR exists is formed on the print medium 100 by the third ink layer 112. And the determination apparatus 3 can detect this position mark. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to grasp the specific area AR more accurately by using the position mark.

  In particular, if the specific area AR is made small, it is difficult for the specific area AR to hinder the design, and the security can be improved by making the specific area AR less noticeable. However, if the specific area AR is reduced, there is a high possibility that the specific area AR is not formed accurately or the position of the specific area AR cannot be accurately recognized due to the influence of printing misalignment or label dimensional accuracy. In particular, when the determination apparatus 3 is a portable type, the relative position of the determination apparatus 3 and the direction of imaging can be changed variously by the user's operation, so that there is a high possibility that the position of the specific area AR cannot be accurately recognized. . On the other hand, by attaching a stable position mark to indicate the position of the specific area AR as in the present configuration, these problems can be easily solved.

  Further, in this configuration, the print medium 100 includes the base material layer 104, and light in the base material layer arrangement region outside the specific region AR when irradiated with illumination light of “specific wavelength” used in the determination device 3 is used. The difference between the reflectance of light and the reflectance of light in the region with the position mark is configured to be equal to or greater than a predetermined difference. In this way, the print medium 100 is configured so that the difference between the reflectance in the base material layer arrangement region and the reflectance in the region to which the position mark is attached when illumination light of a specific wavelength is irradiated is increased to some extent. By doing so, it becomes easier to recognize the region with the position mark more accurately by utilizing the difference between the reflection state at the base material layer arrangement region and the reflection state at the position mark.

In the configuration described above, the authenticity determination is performed by comparing the detected “detected value” with a predetermined fixed range. However, the determination method is not limited thereto. For example, the method for obtaining the “detection value” is the same as the above-described example, and only the determination method using the “detection value” may be different. For example, the control circuit 34 corresponding to the detection unit detects not only the “detection value” in the specific area AR but also the “comparison value” in the base material layer arrangement area outside the specific area AR, and their relative relationship The authenticity determination may be performed based on the above.
In this case, when “amount of light from the specific area AR” is detected as the detection value in the specific area AR, the “comparison value” includes the base material layer arrangement area (the base material layer 104 is arranged, the first The amount of light from the ink layer, the second ink layer, and the third ink layer (specifically, the substrate layer arrangement region in the captured image of the print medium 100 generated by the light receiving sensor 12) The amount of light received at the position may be detected.
Further, when “reflectance in the specific area AR” is detected as the detection value in the specific area AR, the “comparison value” includes the base material layer arrangement area (the base material layer 104 is arranged, and the first ink layer The reflectance in the area where the second ink layer and the third ink layer are not disposed) may be detected in the same manner as the reflectance in the specific area AR.
In any case, the type of the print medium 100 can be determined based on the detection value Sa detected in the specific area AR and the comparison value Sb detected in the base material layer arrangement area. For example, when the ratio Sa / Sb between the detection value Sa and the comparison value Sb is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, the print medium 100 is determined to be “true” (genuine), and the ratio Sa / between the detection value Sa and the comparison value Sb. When Sb is less than the predetermined ratio, the determination target may be determined as “贋” (fake). Alternatively, when the difference | Sa−Sb | between the detection value Sa and the comparison value Sb is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the print medium 100 is determined to be “true” (genuine), and the difference between the detection value Sa and the comparison value Sb. When | Sa−Sb | is less than a predetermined value, the determination target may be determined as “贋” (fake).
As described above, if the type of the print medium 100 is determined based on the relative relationship between the comparison value obtained from the base material layer arrangement region and the detection value obtained from the specific region AR, variation in illumination illuminance or It is possible to make a determination while suppressing variations in the detection unit.
In particular, in a determination device using an illumination light source or a light receiving sensor, since the illuminance of the illumination and the sensitivity of the sensor vary from device to device, the method of comparing the “detection value” with a predetermined fixed range is accurate. Calibration is required to make the determination. Further, when the apparatus is used for a long time, the illumination intensity of the illumination is lowered, so that calibration is required every certain period, and the maintenance burden of the apparatus is increased. On the other hand, in this configuration, it is possible to suppress the influence of illumination illuminance reduction and variation, and variation of sensor sensitivity, so that the maintenance burden can be greatly reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the identification mark and the detection method of the specific area AR, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment.

  The print medium 100 used in this configuration has a configuration in which an information code 120 as an identification mark is printed on a base material layer 104 similar to that in the first embodiment. In the following description, a QR code (registered trademark) is given as an example of the information code. However, the information code is not limited to this, and for example, a data matrix, a maxi code, a CP code, PDF417, RSS composite, etc. Even so, the present invention can be applied similarly to the QR code.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this configuration, an information code 120 is formed on the print medium 100, and at least a part of the information code 120 is configured as a specific area AR. The laminated structure of the specific area AR is the same as that of the first embodiment. The first ink layer 114 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the base material layer 104, and the second ink layer 116 (FIG. 2) is formed on the first ink layer 114. 2) is arranged. Of the regions where the second ink layer 116 is disposed, the region where the first ink layer 114 is not disposed has a configuration in which the second ink layer 116 is disposed on the base material layer 104. Further, the area outside the region where the second ink layer 116 is disposed in the base material layer 104 is, for example, an area of only the base material layer 104. In the example of FIG. 5, the information code 120 in which the light cell Cw and the dark cell Cb are arranged in a matrix is printed, the region of the dark cell Cb is configured as a “specific region”, and the light cell Cw The margin area around the area and the code area is configured such that the second ink layer is disposed on the base material layer 104.

  When determining the print medium 100 based on such an information code 120, the determination device 129 first receives the print medium 100 in a state in which the illumination unit 20 irradiates the print medium 100 with illumination light of a specific wavelength. An image is taken by the sensor 12. Then, an image of the information code 120 is extracted from the captured image of the print medium 100, and the information code 120 is decoded by a known decoding method. In this configuration, the control circuit 34 corresponds to an example of a decoding unit. Then, the area of the dark cell Cb is specified from the captured image of the obtained information code 120, and the “detection value” of the area of the dark cell Cb is detected by the same detection method as in the first embodiment, and based on this. The authenticity of the print medium 100 is determined by the same determination method as in the first embodiment.

  According to such a configuration, the layer that forms the information code can be used for the determination of the print medium 100 while utilizing the data recording function of the information code. In addition, for example, when the second ink layer on the upper layer side is an ink having a low transmittance in the visible light region and a high transmittance in the infrared region, and configured so that the information code 120 cannot be visually recognized in a visible light environment, The information code 120 can be made invisible to the human eye in a visible light environment, and fraud such as forgery can be effectively suppressed.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the identification mark and the detection method of the specific area AR, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this configuration, an information code 130 is formed on the print medium 100, and a part of the information code 130 is configured as a specific area AR. The laminated structure of the specific area AR is the same as that of the first embodiment. The first ink layer 114 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the base material layer 104, and the second ink layer 116 (FIG. 2) is formed on the first ink layer 114. 2) is arranged. Of the regions where the second ink layer 116 is disposed, the region where the first ink layer 114 is not disposed has a configuration in which the second ink layer 116 is disposed on the base material layer 104. Further, the area outside the region where the second ink layer 116 is disposed in the base material layer 104 is, for example, an area of only the base material layer 104. In the example of FIG. 6, an information code 130 in which light cells Cw and dark cells Cb are arranged in a matrix is printed.

  The information code 130 includes position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 (cutout symbols) corresponding to a specific pattern having a predetermined shape, and at least a part of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 is a specific area AR. It is configured as. In each of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 (cutout symbols), a rectangular area consisting of dark cells Cb of 3 rows and 3 columns is arranged at the center, and light cells Cw are arranged in a ring around the rectangular area. An annular region in which the dark cell Cb is annular is disposed around the annular region of the light cell Cw. And the rectangular area | region which consists of the dark cell Cb of 3 rows 3 columns arrange | positioned in the center part of one position detection pattern FP2 is comprised as specific area | region AR.

  When determining the print medium 100 based on such an information code 130, the determination device 129 first receives the print medium 100 in a state in which illumination light of a specific wavelength is irradiated from the illumination unit 20 to the print medium 100. An image is taken by the sensor 12. Then, an image of the information code 130 is extracted from the captured image of the print medium 100. At this time, the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 can be detected by a known method for detecting the position detection pattern in the QR code (registered trademark). If the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 are detected, the rectangular area at the center of one of the position detection patterns FP2 is the specific area AR, and therefore the position of the specific area AR can be easily specified. it can.

  In this configuration, the control circuit 34 corresponds to an example of a “first position detection unit”, and detects the positions of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 in the captured image of the information code 130 generated by the light receiving unit. To work. The control circuit 34 corresponds to an example of a “second position detection unit”, and based on the positions of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 detected by the first position detection unit, the position detection patterns FP1 and FP1 in the captured image. It functions to detect the position of the specific area AR within the areas of FP2 and FP3. According to this configuration, after the positions of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 are detected by the first position detection unit, the specific position AR in the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 regions is further detected by the second position detection unit. Since the relative position can be detected, the specific area AR can be specified more accurately and quickly. In particular, since the position of the specific area AR can be specified or narrowed down using the detection of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 that are essential in the QR code, the position of the specific area AR used for determination is more efficient. It will be easier to grasp. Further, since a dedicated position mark is not required, the degree of freedom in design is increased.

  After the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 are detected, the information code 120 may be decoded by a known decoding method. When determining the print medium 100, the information on the specific area AR is extracted from the captured image of the obtained information code 120, and the “detection value” of the specific area AR is detected in the same manner as in the first embodiment. And the authenticity of the print medium 100 may be determined by the same determination method as in the first embodiment.

  In this configuration, the dark cell area other than the specific area AR is configured with the third ink similar to the first embodiment, and the difference in reflectance from the base material layer 104 is large as in the first embodiment. It is good to comprise so that it may become. In this way, it becomes easier to recognize dark cells more accurately, and reading accuracy can be effectively increased. In addition, if the specific area AR is formed in a part of the functional cell (position detection pattern), even if the accuracy of light / dark discrimination is reduced, the data reading is not affected. It is difficult to cause a decrease in accuracy.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the identification mark and the detection method of the specific area AR, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Moreover, the point which the position mark 142 by the 3rd ink layer 112 (FIG. 2) is provided differs from 2nd Embodiment, and other than that is the same as 2nd Embodiment. In particular, the configuration of the information code 144 is the same as the configuration of the information code 120 of the second embodiment.

  In this example, the third ink layer 112 (FIG. 2) is displayed as a position mark 142 of a rectangular frame indicating a range where the specific area AR exists. This position mark is, for example, a continuous annular frame surrounding the information code 144 and the surrounding margin area. However, the figure of the position mark is not limited to this example, and may be a figure showing the range of the information code 144. For example, an annular frame that continues intermittently so as to surround the information code 144 may be used. Further, the shape is not limited to a rectangular frame shape, and may be a polygonal frame shape such as a triangular frame shape or an annular frame.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the identification mark and the detection method of the specific area AR, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Further, it is different from the third embodiment in that some of the cells in the data area are configured as the specific area AR, not the position detection pattern, and other than that is the same as the third embodiment. In particular, the portion other than the specific region in FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the portion other than the specific region in the third embodiment.

  The print medium 100 used in this configuration has a configuration in which an information code 150 as an identification mark is printed on a base material layer 104 similar to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in this configuration, an information code 150 is formed on the print medium 100, and a part of the information code 150 is configured as a specific area AR. The laminated structure of the specific area AR is the same as that of the first embodiment. The first ink layer 114 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the base material layer 104, and the second ink layer 116 (FIG. 2) is formed on the first ink layer 114. 2) is arranged. Of the regions where the second ink layer 116 is disposed, the region where the first ink layer 114 is not disposed has a configuration in which the second ink layer 116 is disposed on the base material layer 104. Further, the area outside the region where the second ink layer 116 is disposed in the base material layer 104 is, for example, an area of only the base material layer 104.

  In the example of FIG. 8, two types of cells (light cell Cw and dark cell Cb) are arranged in a matrix to form the information code 150, and either type of cell (dark cell in the example of FIG. 8). At least a part of Cb) is configured as a specific area AR. In this configuration, any type of cell can be used for purposes other than data recording. In addition, since at least a part of the cell position detection processing performed at the time of decoding the information code can be used for detection of the specific area AR, it is easy to improve the processing efficiency and to suppress the processing delay.

  When determining the print medium 100 based on the information code 150 as described above, the determination device 129 first receives the print medium 100 in a state where the illumination unit 20 irradiates the print medium 100 with illumination light of a specific wavelength. An image is taken by the sensor 12. Then, an image of the information code 150 is extracted from the captured image of the print medium 100, and the information code 150 is decoded by a known decoding method. In this configuration, for example, information specifying the cell position of the specific area AR is recorded inside the information code 150, and the control circuit 34 specifies the cell position of the specific area AR by decoding the information code 150. . Then, the “detected value” of the specific area AR is detected by the same detection method as in the first embodiment, and based on this, the authenticity of the print medium 100 is determined by the same determination method as in the first embodiment.

  The information code 150 may be configured as a highly confidential information code as in the sixth embodiment to be described later, and information indicating the position of the specific area AR may be encrypted and recorded as a confidential data code. Good. In this case, the determination device 3 has the same configuration as that of the sixth embodiment, and the specific area AR in the captured image of the information code 150 generated by the light receiving sensor 12 based on the information obtained by decoding the secret data code. It is sufficient to detect the position of. In this configuration, the position of the specific area AR can be more accurately specified by reading the information code 150 even if the determination device 3 does not know in advance the position of the specific area AR determined by the information code 150. Further, the special ink position can be freely changed by printing some cells with the special ink and storing the cell position printed with the special ink in the secret data area. Therefore, it is possible to configure a print medium that is more difficult to counterfeit, which is further advantageous in terms of security.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the present embodiment, for example, the same print medium 100 as that in the third embodiment is used. The print medium 100 is formed with an information code 130 as shown in FIG. 6, and a part of the information code 130 (a part of the position detection pattern) is configured as a specific area AR. The laminated structure of the specific area AR is the same as that of the first embodiment. The first ink layer 114 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the base material layer 104, and the second ink layer 116 (FIG. 2) is formed on the first ink layer 114. 2) is arranged. Of the regions where the second ink layer 116 is disposed, the region where the first ink layer 114 is not disposed has a configuration in which the second ink layer 116 is disposed on the base material layer 104. Further, the area outside the region where the second ink layer 116 is disposed in the base material layer 104 is, for example, an area of only the base material layer 104. In the example of FIG. 6, an information code 130 in which light cells Cw and dark cells Cb are arranged in a matrix is printed.

  In this configuration, for example, a highly confidential information code (hereinafter, also abbreviated as SQRC) using a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-9547 is used. In the following, the code configuration when this information code is applied to this configuration will be outlined.

  In the information code used in this configuration, each data such as disclosed data and confidential data is encoded in accordance with the JIS basic specification (JIS X 0510: 2004). As shown in FIG. A disclosed data code coded as a code word to be represented and a secret data code coded as a code word representing data to be kept secret are recorded. A termination identification code is added after the disclosed data code. This end identification code is, for example, “0000” in a 4-bit pattern, and is located immediately after the disclosed data code as shown in FIG. In FIG. 9A, for the sake of convenience, the disclosed data code is expressed as “disclosed code”, and the terminal identification code is expressed as “end terminal”.

  Furthermore, the secret identification code (secret identifier) is arranged immediately after the end identification code (end terminal). Thereby, it is explicitly indicated that the data code arranged after the terminal identification code is “coded as a code word representing data to be concealed”. As a result, when the determination device 3 decodes the information code, it is possible to recognize that the confidential data code (data code arranged after the terminal identification code) is included in the information code. In addition, after the data length of the secret data code is calculated and obtained, the data length encoded is added immediately after the secret identification code. Thereby, the area | region and range where a secret data code is arrange | positioned can be specified now. In FIG. 9A, for the sake of convenience, the secret data code is expressed as “secret code”, and the secret identification code is expressed as “secret identifier”. Further, the secret data code is recorded after being encrypted using a predetermined encryption key (encryption key) and using a known visual decryption encryption technique (visual decryption secret sharing method), for example. . Further, in the example of FIG. 9B, the “encrypted data” portion constituting the secret data code is encrypted, and “start digit”, “number of characters”, and “decryption key check data” are also generated. It is attached above. The “start digit” positioned first corresponds to an address value that can be expressed as the position information of the encrypted confidential data when the top of the print data is set to zero. The next “number of characters” is the number of characters of the encrypted confidential data. “Decryption key check data” added at the end is key specifying information that can specify a decryption key used for decrypting the cipher, and a common key encryption method (“ In the case of “private key encryption method”, the decryption key check data can also specify the encryption key.

  In this configuration, a padding code (pad data) is added after the secret data code in accordance with, for example, a processing algorithm described in JIS basic specifications (JIS X 0510: 2004). Also, depending on the data to be decrypted (disclosure data code, secret data code, etc.), using a known method (for example, an error correction code generation algorithm described in JIS basic specifications (JIS X 0510: 2004)) An error correction code generated by generating an error correction code and encoding it is also added. Each data code (code word) is arranged in order in each predetermined area as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

  The information code 130 thus configured (see also FIG. 6) is encrypted with “reference information” for specifying a reference value or a reference range serving as a reference for a detected value and “information for specifying a specific wavelength”. And recorded as a secret data code. And it comes to be used by the below-mentioned determination process.

  Next, the determination process performed by the determination device 3 will be described. The hardware configuration of the determination apparatus 3 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The laminated structure of the specific region used in the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the first layer 101 and the second layer 102 are laminated on the base material layer 104. The characteristics at AR are as shown in FIG.

  The determination process shown in FIG. 12 is executed by the control circuit 34 when a start condition such as power-on is satisfied. In this determination process, first, initial setting (S1) and timer clear (S2) are performed. And it waits for reception of the encryption key which decrypts the encryption of confidential data (S3). In the process of S3, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer was cleared in S2, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to Yes in S3, and if it has not elapsed, No is determined in S3. move on. In S4, it is determined whether an encryption key has been received from the outside. If the encryption key has not been received, the process proceeds to Yes in S4, and if it has been received, the process proceeds to No in S4. That is, if the encryption key is received within a predetermined time after the timer is cleared in S2, the process proceeds to Yes in S4. In this case, “Key” = 1. If the encryption key cannot be received within a predetermined time after the timer is cleared in S2, the process proceeds to Yes in S3. In this case, “Key” = 0 is set.

  After S5 or S6, the image capture count N is cleared to “0” (S7). Then, a light source capable of reading an information code is turned on from among a plurality of light sources prepared (S8), and a captured image captured by the light receiving sensor 12 at the time of illumination light irradiation by the lighting is acquired (S9). For example, in the example of the first ink layer (X1) and the second ink layer (X2) shown in FIG. 3, reading is possible with illumination of infrared light, and illumination near 800 nm is most easily read. Then, what is necessary is just to irradiate the illumination light of such a wavelength.

  When the image acquisition in S9 is completed, the image capture count N is incremented (S10), and the information code is read (S11). The reading process in S11 is performed in a flow as shown in FIG. 13, for example. As described above, the information code used in this configuration is the information code 130 as shown in FIG. 6, and the data format is as shown in FIG. In the process of FIG. 13, the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 are detected by a known method used for reading the QR code (registered trademark) (S31), and the code outline of the information code 130 (FIG. 6) is detected ( S32). Then, the center coordinates of each cell constituting the information code 130 are detected by a known method (S33). Further, the brightness (black and white) of each cell is determined (S34). Then, it is determined whether or not error correction is possible based on the error correction code (S35). If error correction is possible, the process proceeds to Yes in S35, and the public data portion (disclosure data code) is decoded (S36). ). On the other hand, if error correction cannot be performed and reading is not possible, the process proceeds to No in S35, where 0 is set in the variable ReadFlag (S45), and 0 is set in WaveRefData (S46). Then, the process of FIG. 13 ends.

  In S35, the process proceeds to Yes, and when the public data part (disclosure data code) is decrypted in S36, 1 is set to the variable ReadFlag (S37). Then, it is determined whether or not “Key” = 1, that is, whether or not the encryption key has been acquired (S38). If “Key” = 0 and the encryption key has not been acquired, the process proceeds to No in S38, and 0 is set in WaveRefData (S46). Then, the process of FIG. 13 ends. If “Key” = 1 and the encryption key has been acquired, the process proceeds to Yes in S38, and it is determined whether or not there is secret data, that is, whether or not there is a secret data code (S39). ). If there is no secret data code, the process proceeds to No in S39 and 0 is set in WaveRefData (S46). Then, the process of FIG. 13 ends. If there is a secret data code, the process proceeds to Yes in S39, and the secret data encoded as the secret data code is decrypted using the already received encryption key (decryption key) (S40).

  After the secret data is decrypted in S40, it is determined whether or not the secret data includes “data for specifying wavelength” and “reference information” (S41). If the data decoded in S40 includes “wavelength specifying data” and “reference information”, the process proceeds to Yes in S41 and includes “wavelength specifying data” or “reference information”. If not, the process proceeds to No in S41. When the process proceeds to No in S41, 0 is set in WaveRefData (S46). Then, the process of FIG. 13 ends.

  Here, “data for specifying a wavelength” and “reference information” will be described. The information code 130 (FIG. 6) formed on the print medium 100 to be determined has the reflectance characteristics of the specific area AR as shown in FIG. In the reflectance characteristic curve of the specific region AR, the wavelengths ra (900 nm), rb (950 nm), rc (1100 nm), and rd (1200 nm) are inflection points. For example, at a wavelength of 900 nm, the reflectance is about 63%, at a wavelength of 950 nm, the reflectance is about 48%, at a wavelength of 1100 nm, the reflectance is about 80%, and at a wavelength of 1200 nm, the reflectance is 74%. Degree. Therefore, in this configuration, data of these wavelengths ra (900 nm), rb (950 nm), rc (1100 nm), and rd (1200 nm) is used as “data for specifying the wavelength”, and this data is the confidential data of the information code 130. As recorded. Further, based on each reflectance assumed at each wavelength, a reference range including the reflectance assumed for each wavelength is set. For example, the first reference range of 60% to 65% is defined in association with the wavelength of the first wavelength ra (900 nm). A second reference range of 45% to 51% is defined in association with the wavelength of the second wavelength rb (950 nm). Further, a third reference range of 75% to 85% is defined in association with the wavelength of the third wavelength rc (1100 nm). Further, a fourth reference range of 70% to 78% is defined in association with the wavelength of the fourth wavelength rd (950 nm). Thus, the data of the 1st-4th reference | standard range matched with the wavelength are recorded as confidential data of the information code 130 as "reference | standard information."

  Thus, since the “data for specifying the wavelength” and the “reference information” are recorded as the secret data code, when such a secret data code is decoded in S40, the process proceeds to Yes in S41. “Data for specifying wavelength” and “reference information” are stored in the memory 33 (S42). Then, 1 is set to the variable WaveRefData indicating that the “wavelength specifying data” and the “reference information” have been decoded (S43). After S43, the position information of the center square of the position detection pattern FP2 (cutout symbol) configured as the specific area AR is stored in the memory 33.

  As described above, after the reading process of S11 (FIG. 12) is performed as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the variable ReadFlag is 1 (S12). If the variable ReadFlag is determined to be 0 in S12, the process proceeds to No in S12, and it is determined whether N has reached 3. If N is less than 3, the process proceeds to No in S18, returns to S8, and repeats the processes after S8. On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that N has reached 3 in S18, the process proceeds to Yes in S18. In other words, if the information cannot be read a predetermined number of times (three times in this example), it is determined that there is no information code, and the authenticity determination is also determined as NG. That is, in S19, the print medium to be determined is determined to be “贋”. In S19, for example, a message indicating that the authenticity determination is NG is displayed on the display unit 40 or the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that the variable ReadFlag is 1, the process proceeds to Yes in S12, and it is determined whether or not the variable WaveRefData is 1 (S13). If the variable WaveRefData is 0, the process proceeds to No in S13, where it is determined that the information is an illegal information code (information code whose encryption method is appropriate but the data content is illegal), and the authenticity determination is also determined to be NG (S20). . In S20, for example, the display unit 40 or the like also displays that the authenticity determination is NG. In this case, information indicating that the authenticity determination is NG and data obtained by decoding the disclosed data code are transmitted to a host device (not shown) or the like (S21).

  If the variable ReadFlag is determined to be 1 in S12 and the variable WaveRefData is determined to be 1 in S13, the authenticity determination process in S14 is performed. The authenticity determination process in S14 is performed in a flow as shown in FIG. 14, for example. In this process, first, as an initial setting, the number of wavelengths stored as the secret data code of the information code 130 is set to a variable m (S51). For example, in the example described above with reference to FIG. 11, four wavelengths and four reference information corresponding to the four wavelengths are recorded as the secret data code, and therefore m = 4 is set. Then, 0 is set to a variable n indicating the number of reflectance detections.

  After S51, among the “data for specifying wavelength” and the “reference information” stored in the memory 33 in the above-described processing, the “data for specifying wavelength” and the “reference information corresponding to this wavelength” are stored. "Is read (S52). And it is judged whether the illumination of the wavelength read by S52 is mounted (that is, whether the said determination apparatus 3 can irradiate the illumination light of the wavelength read by S52) (S53). If the illumination light having the wavelength read in S52 is not irradiable, the process proceeds to No in S53 and 0 is set to the variable AuthFlag (S62). Then, the process of FIG. 14 ends.

  If the illumination light with the wavelength read in S52 can be irradiated, the process proceeds to Yes in S53, and the illumination with the wavelength read in S52 is turned on (S54). Then, an image of the print medium 100 irradiated with the illumination light turned on in S54 is acquired (S55). For example, when the wavelength read in S52 is the first wavelength and four wavelengths and four pieces of reference information corresponding thereto are recorded as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 11, the first wavelength is recorded in S54. Irradiation light with a wavelength of 900 nm, which is the wavelength of In S55, an image of the print medium 100 in a state in which illumination light with a wavelength of 900 nm is irradiated is acquired.

  After S55, the gradation value at the position indicated by the information stored in S44 (the position of the square area at the center of the position detection pattern FP2) is acquired from the captured image acquired in S55 (S56). Then, the reflectance is calculated based on the gradation value acquired in S56. Various known methods can be used for calculating the reflectance. For example, the light quantity (known value) of the illumination light irradiated in S54 and the gradation value of the specific area AR (position of the square area at the center of the position detection pattern FP2) obtained in S56 at the time of the illumination light The ratio with the amount of received light specified in (4) may be calculated as “reflectance”. The “reflectance” may be calculated by other known methods.

  And it is judged whether the reflectance calculated | required by S57 is in the reflectance range defined corresponding to the wavelength read by S52. For example, when four wavelengths and four reference information corresponding to the four wavelengths are recorded as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 11, when the wavelength read in S52 is the first wavelength, The reflectance in the specific area AR when the second wavelength is irradiated is calculated. In this case, it is determined whether the calculated reflectance is within the range of the first reference range (60% to 65%) associated with the first wavelength. If it is out of range, the process proceeds to No in S58, and 0 is set to the variable AuthFlag (S62). Then, the process of FIG. 14 ends. Conversely, if the calculated reflectance is within the range of the first reference range (60% to 65%) associated with the first wavelength, the process proceeds to Yes in S58.

  When the process proceeds to Yes in S58, n is counted up (S59). Then, it is determined whether or not n counted up in S56 has reached m (S60). If it is determined in S60 that n has not reached m, the process proceeds to No in S60, and the processing from S52 is performed based on the new n. If it is determined in S60 that n has reached m, the process proceeds to Yes in S60, and 1 is set in the variable AuthFlag (S61). Then, the process of FIG. 14 ends. In this way, illumination light is irradiated at all wavelengths stored in the information code 130, and the reflectance at each wavelength is within the reflectance range associated with each wavelength at all wavelengths. In S60, the process proceeds to Yes, and 1 is set to the variable AuthFlag (S61).

  In this configuration, the light receiving sensor 12 corresponds to an example of a light receiving unit, and when illumination light of each wavelength is irradiated from the illumination unit 20 to the print medium 100, the information from the information code at each wavelength is used. It functions to receive reflected light and generate a captured image of the information code at each wavelength. The control circuit 34 capable of executing the process of S11 (that is, the process of FIG. 13) corresponds to an example of a decoding unit, and functions to decode the information code based on the light reception result of the reflected light from the light receiving sensor 12. To do. Further, the control circuit 34 that can execute the process of FIG. 14 corresponds to an example of a detection unit, and each of the reflected light generated by the light receiving sensor 12 receiving each of the reflected lights generated when the print medium 100 is irradiated with the illumination light at each wavelength. Based on the light reception result, the detection value in the specific area AR for each wavelength (the reflectance in the specific area AR or the amount of light from the specific area AR) is detected. Further, the control circuit 34 that can perform the processing of FIG. 14 or the like corresponds to an example of a determination unit, and functions to determine the type of the print medium 100 based on the detection value at each wavelength detected by the detection unit. .

  In this configuration, the specific area AR can be evaluated based on a plurality of results from light of a plurality of wavelengths, so that determination with higher accuracy is possible. In addition, it becomes very difficult for a third party to forge a medium that can be adapted to such a determination.

  Further, in this configuration, since the reference information used for determining the type of the print medium 100 is recorded in advance in the information code, it is possible to make a determination based on the reference information even in the determination device 3 in which such reference information is not prepared in advance. Become. Note that, as the reference information, a reference range corresponding to each wavelength (a range that the reflectance at each wavelength should satisfy) is recorded, but a reference value may be recorded as the reference information. For example, the reflectance to be obtained at each wavelength is determined as a reference value, and the reflectance in the specific area AR when any wavelength is irradiated and the reference value associated with the wavelength If the difference is greater than or equal to a certain value, the process may proceed to No in S58. In this case, the difference between the reflectance in the specific area AR when the illumination light is irradiated and the reference value associated with the wavelength of the illumination light is less than a certain value in the illumination light of all wavelengths irradiated. In some cases, the process may proceed to Yes in S58.

  Further, in the information code 130, “information for specifying a specific wavelength” is recorded as information that can be used by the determination device 3, and the illumination unit 20 uses the “specific wavelength” based on the information decoded by the decoding unit. "" Is selected, and illumination light of the specific wavelength is irradiated. In this configuration, even if the determination device 3 does not know in advance the “specific wavelength” necessary for the determination, it can be determined by decoding the information code 130.

  Further, when it is desired to change the ink or the like in the specific area AR, it is easy to regenerate the information code 130 so as to change the “information specifying the specific wavelength” and the “reference information” recorded in the information code 130. For example, it is very easy to take measures such as periodically changing the ink contents.

  In the information code 130, information that can be used by the determination apparatus 3 ("information for specifying a specific wavelength" or "reference information") is encrypted and recorded as encrypted data. The control circuit 34 that executes the processing of FIG. 12 corresponds to a decryption unit, and has a function of decrypting the encryption of the encrypted data recorded in the information code 130. In this configuration, since important information used for determination of the print medium 100 can be concealed and stored, security is enhanced in handling important information used for determination.

  Further, the information code 130 is not encrypted with the non-disclosure data area in which the encrypted data obtained by encrypting the information usable in the determination device 3 based on the predetermined encryption key is recorded, and the encryption key is not encrypted. A disclosure data area in which predetermined information is recorded. By doing so, it is possible to improve the security of important information used for the determination, and it is possible to selectively use information with relatively low security, and the degree of freedom in using data is further increased. The disclosed data recorded in the disclosed data area includes, for example, information for specifying the valid period of the print medium 100, contents related to services using the print medium 100, and the like.

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The seventh embodiment is different from the third embodiment only in the “detection value” acquisition method, and is otherwise the same as the third embodiment.

  In this configuration, the same print medium 100 as that in the third embodiment is used. The print medium 100 is formed with an information code 130 as shown in FIG. 6, and a part of the information code 130 (a part of the position detection patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 corresponding to a specific pattern having a predetermined shape) is specified. It is configured as an area AR. The laminated structure of the specific area AR is the same as that of the first embodiment. The first ink layer 114 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the base material layer 104, and the second ink layer 116 (FIG. 2) is formed on the first ink layer 114. 2) is arranged.

  In the third embodiment, the reflectance at any position of the specific area AR or the amount of light from any position when the print medium 100 is irradiated with the specific wavelength is obtained. However, in the seventh embodiment, the specific area AR is determined. When the print medium 100 is irradiated with a wavelength, the reflectance at a plurality of positions of the specific area AR or the amount of light from the plurality of positions is detected. Then, the median value of the reflectance or the light quantity at the plurality of positions is set as a “detection value” at the specific wavelength.

  In the determination apparatus 3 of this configuration, for example, the reflectance at a plurality of positions (for example, 10 points) of the specific area AR when the print medium 100 is irradiated with a predetermined specific wavelength is detected. Then, the median value of the reflectance at the plurality of positions is obtained and set as the “detection value” at the specific wavelength. The median value thus obtained is treated as a “detection value”, and the authenticity of the print medium 100 may be determined by the same determination method as in the first embodiment based on this “detection value”.

  By using the median value of the reflectance or light quantity obtained from a plurality of positions as described above for the determination, it is possible to perform the determination while suppressing the influence of dirt. For example, when the detection value is determined from the reflectances at a plurality of positions in the specific area AR, when there is no particular dirt as shown in FIG. 15, the average value or the median value is used regardless of whether the average value is used or the median value is used. It is easy to obtain a highly accurate value that reflects the actual reflectance. However, as shown in FIG. 16, when the specific area AR is dirty, there is a problem that the average value method is easily affected by the dirt and it is difficult to obtain an accurate reflectance. In particular, this problem becomes significant when there is dirt that greatly reduces the reflectance. On the other hand, the method using the median value suppresses this problem and makes it easy to obtain a highly accurate value reflecting the actual reflectance.

  Here, the case where the print medium 100 of the third embodiment is a determination target is illustrated, but in any of the embodiments described above or below, the reflectance at a plurality of positions in a specific region when a specific wavelength is irradiated. And the median value can be used as a “detection value” at the specific wavelength. Alternatively, the amount of light from a plurality of positions in a specific area when a specific wavelength is irradiated may be detected, and the median value may be set as a “detection value”.

[Eighth embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The eighth embodiment differs from the third embodiment only in the “detection value” acquisition method, and is otherwise the same as the third embodiment. Also in this configuration, the same print medium 100 as in the third embodiment is used. The print medium 100 is formed with an information code 130 as shown in FIG. 6, and a part of the information code 130 (a part of the position detection pattern) is configured as a specific area AR. The laminated structure of the specific area AR is the same as that of the first embodiment. The first ink layer 114 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the base material layer 104, and the second ink layer 116 (FIG. 2) is formed on the first ink layer 114. 2) is arranged.

  In the third embodiment, the reflectance in the specific area AR or the amount of light from the specific area AR when the print medium 100 is irradiated with one specific wavelength is detected. However, in the eighth embodiment, a plurality of wavelengths are detected. Illumination light is irradiated, and the reflectance in the specific area AR or the amount of light from the specific area AR at each wavelength is detected. Specifically, as in the sixth embodiment, the illumination unit 20 can irradiate light having a plurality of wavelengths as illumination light, and the light receiving sensor 12 can emit a plurality of wavelengths from the illumination unit 20 to the print medium 100. When the illumination lights are respectively irradiated, the light generated by irradiating the print medium 100 with the illumination lights of the respective wavelengths is received. The control circuit 34 corresponding to the detection unit detects a detection value (reflectance or light amount) in the specific area AR when the print medium 100 is irradiated with illumination light of each wavelength. Then, the control circuit 34 corresponding to the determination unit determines the type of the print medium 100 based on the detection values respectively obtained by the detection unit when the illumination light of each wavelength is irradiated on the print medium 100. .

  More specifically, the illuminating unit 20 includes, as illumination light, light having a predetermined first wavelength λ0, light having a plurality of second wavelengths λ1 and λ3 that are smaller than the first wavelength λ0, and light that is larger than the first wavelength λ0. Can be irradiated with light of the third wavelengths λ2 and λ4. The print medium 100 includes, for example, the reflectance in the specific area AR when the light with the first wavelength λ0, the light with the second wavelengths λ1 and λ3, and the light with the third wavelengths λ2 and λ4 are irradiated. As shown in FIG. 17, the reflectance when the light having the first wavelength λ0 is irradiated is minimized.

  With such a print medium 100 as a determination target, in the determination apparatus 3, the control circuit 34 corresponding to the detection unit applies, to the print medium 100, light having a first wavelength λ0, light having a plurality of second wavelengths λ1 and λ3, When light of a plurality of third wavelengths λ2 and λ4 is respectively irradiated, a detection value for each light (a reflectance in the specific area AR or a light amount from the specific area AR at the time of each light) is detected. . Then, the control circuit 34 corresponding to the determination unit determines that the print medium 100 is “true” when the detection value of the light having the first wavelength λ0 is the minimum value among the plurality of detection values detected, When the detection value with the light of the first wavelength λ0 is not the minimum value, the print medium 100 is determined to be “贋”.

  In this configuration, the specific area AR can be evaluated based on a plurality of results from light of a plurality of wavelengths, so that determination with higher accuracy is possible. In addition, it becomes very difficult for a third party to forge a medium that can be adapted to such a determination.

  In addition, when the reflectance characteristic curve showing the relationship between the reflectance and wavelength in the specific area AR when a specific area AR is manufactured, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the layer thickness of the specific area AR changes. As shown in FIG. 18, there is a concern that the reflectance characteristic curve may shift to a low reflectance or a high reflectance as a whole. In the example of FIG. 18, the reflectance characteristic curve of FIG. 17 is indicated by reference numeral A1, and when the layer of the specific area AR becomes thinner than in this case, it shifts as A2, and the layer of the specific area AR changes. This is an example of shifting like A3 when it becomes thicker. For example, if the thickness varies in the printing process when printing the specific area AR, there is a concern that the reflectance characteristic curve shifts and varies in this way.

  In order to solve this problem, this configuration detects the detection value of each light when the print medium 100 is irradiated with light of the first wavelength, light of the second wavelength, and light of the third wavelength. The type of the print medium 100 is determined based on whether or not the detection value of the first wavelength light is the minimum value among the plurality of detection values detected. As shown in FIG. 17, the specific area AR of the print medium 100 is configured to have the smallest reflectance when irradiated with light having the first wavelength λ0. Even if the thickness varies, the relationship that the reflectance when the light of the first wavelength λ0 is irradiated becomes the smallest is easily maintained. Therefore, if the type of the print medium 100 is determined based on whether or not the detection value with the light of the first wavelength λ0 is the minimum value, a regular layer is arranged in the specific area AR even if the thickness varies. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether or not the medium is accurate, and more accurate medium determination is possible.

  In this example, the reflectance is the smallest when the light of the first wavelength λ0 is irradiated, but the light of the first wavelength λ0, the light of the second wavelengths λ1, λ3, The print medium 100 is configured such that the reflectance when the light of the first wavelength λ0 is irradiated is the largest among the reflectances in the specific area AR when the light of the wavelengths λ2 and λ4 is irradiated. It may be. In this case, when the print medium 100 is irradiated with light of a first wavelength, light of a plurality of second wavelengths, and light of a plurality of third wavelengths, respectively, a detection value for each light (for each light) The reflectance in the specific area AR or the amount of light from the specific area AR is detected, and the print medium 100 is detected when the detected value with the light of the first wavelength is the maximum value among the plurality of detected values detected. When the print medium 100 is determined to be “true” and the detection value of the first wavelength light is not the maximum value, the print medium 100 may be determined to be “贋”.

  Further, although light having two wavelengths is used as light having the second wavelength smaller than the first wavelength λ0, light having three or more wavelengths smaller than the first wavelength λ0 may be used. It may be light having a small wavelength. In addition, although light having two wavelengths is used as light having the third wavelength larger than the first wavelength λ0, light having three or more wavelengths larger than the first wavelength λ0 may be used. It may be light of one large wavelength.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the determination device 3 determines the authenticity of the print medium 100 has been described, but the determination of the type of the print medium 100 is not limited to this example. That is, instead of determining “true” or “贋”, the specific area AR as in the above embodiment is configured on the first type of print medium 100, and the specific area as in the above embodiment is specified on the second type of print medium. If the area AR is not configured, the determination device 3 described above can determine the first type and the second type.

  In any of the embodiments, the first layer 101 including the first ink layer 114 is configured in a predetermined shape, and the second layer 102 including the second ink layer 116 covering the first layer 101 is at least partially formed on the first layer 101. What is necessary is just to arrange | position so that it may overlap. For example, it can be configured to cover the second layer 102 with a size larger than the first layer 101 so as to cover the entire first layer 101. In this case, under a visible light environment (normal environment), the second ink layer 116 does not transmit light or has low light transmittance, and thus the first ink layer 114 is hidden to pass through the second ink layer 116. All the first ink layers 114 are not visible or difficult to view. By doing in this way, recognition with the naked eye of the 1st ink layer 114 under a normal environment can be made difficult, and security can be improved further.

  In the above-described embodiment, at least two or more ink layers whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction are used. As the “superposed configuration”, a configuration in which two types of ink are stacked on the base material layer 104 is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this example. In any of the embodiments, instead of the first ink layer 114, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, or a material layer whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction may be provided. Alternatively, instead of the second ink layer 116, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength (such as a layer made of a known infrared light emission ink or ultraviolet light emission ink), or a material layer whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction ( You may provide the substance (The material layer etc. which consist of a leuco pigment | dye which is a pigment precursor, and the color developer which reacts with it) which raise | generates a chemical reaction with heat and changes color. In the case of providing an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, the wavelength at which the ink layer emits light may be a “specific wavelength”. It should be noted that at least one of “an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the wavelength of irradiation”, “an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the wavelength of irradiation” and “a layer of a substance which causes a chemical reaction due to heat and changes color” on the substrate Any process for forming either one is included in the concept of “printing” in the present invention. If any one of these layers is formed, it is included in the concept of “print medium”.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the reflectance in the specific area AR or the light quantity from the specific area AR is detected as a detection value, and the authenticity of the print medium 100 is determined based on this detection value. It is possible to consider this factor. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the specific area AR is configured in a predetermined shape (for example, a circle) in the print medium 100, the determination device 3 determines whether the determination (“detection value” is a condition as performed in the above embodiment). In addition to the determination of whether or not the above condition is satisfied, a determination of whether or not the shape of the specific area AR matches a predetermined shape may be added. In this case, the control circuit 34 may be used as a shape recognition unit, and the function may be performed so that the area of the specific area AR is extracted from the captured image generated by the light receiving sensor 12 and the shape of the specific area AR is recognized. The control circuit 34 corresponding to the determination unit may determine the authenticity of the print medium 100 based on the shape recognized by the shape recognition unit and the detection value detected by the detection unit.
As described above, if the determination is made in consideration of not only the reflectance in the specific area AR or the light amount of light from the specific area AR but also the shape of the specific area AR, more accurate considering more elements can be obtained. High determination is possible.
In any example of the embodiment, the shape of the specific area AR may be a shape other than the above-described example, and may be configured as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, for example. In these examples, in addition to the determination made in the above embodiment (determination as to whether or not the “detection value” satisfies the condition), whether or not the shape of the specific area AR matches a predetermined shape. Judgment can be added. Then, a method is used in which the print medium is determined to be “true” when the “detection value” satisfies the determined range and the shape of the specific area AR detected from the captured image matches a predetermined shape. be able to.

  In addition to the configuration of the determination device 3 described in the above embodiment, an optical filter that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength band is provided in the light receiving path from the print medium 100 to the optical sensor 12, and the light transmitted through the optical filter is optically transmitted. The sensor 12 may be configured to receive light. Such an optical filter may be provided, for example, between a reading port (not shown) provided in the determination device 3 and the lens 11 or arranged so as to coat the lens. Such an optical filter is particularly effective for performing more accurate authentication determination in an environment in which disturbing light easily enters the determination apparatus via the reading port. More specifically, light generated on the print medium 100 when the illumination unit 20 irradiates the print medium 100 with the above-mentioned “specific wavelength” light (light reflected on the print medium 100 in response to the “specific wavelength” light). Or an optical filter that selectively transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band including the wavelength of light emitted from the print medium 100 in response to light of a “specific wavelength” and suppresses transmission of light outside the predetermined wavelength band. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Determination system 3 ... Determination apparatus 12 ... Light receiving sensor (light receiving part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Illumination part 34 ... Control circuit (a detection part, a determination part, a decoding part, a 1st position detection part, a 2nd position detection part, a decryption part, a shape recognition part 100 ... Print medium 101 ... 1st layer 102 ... 2nd Layer 104 ... Base material layer 110 ... Identification mark 112 ... Third ink layer 114 ... First ink layer 116 ... Second ink layer 120, 130, 140, 150 ... Information code Cb ... Dark color cell Cw ... Light color cell AR ... Specific Area FP1, FP2, FP3 ... Position detection pattern (specific pattern)

Claims (18)

A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
I have a,
A position mark indicating a range in which the specific area exists is formed on the print medium,
The printing medium includes a base material layer,
The difference between the light reflectance in the arrangement region of the base material layer outside the specific region and the light reflectance in the region to which the position mark is attached when the illumination light of the specific wavelength is irradiated. characterized but that you have been configured to be the specific area in the light reflectance between the above predetermined difference greater than the difference between the reflectance of light in the arrangement region of the specific region outside of the base layer Judgment system. A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
Have
The printing medium includes a base material layer,
The detection unit is configured to reflect a reflectance in a predetermined region where the base material layer is disposed outside the specific region based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light generated by reflecting the illumination light on the print medium. Detecting at least one of the amount of light from the predetermined region as a comparison value;
The determination unit, determine the constant system that and judging a type of the printing medium based on said comparison value with the detected value. A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
Have
An information code is formed on the print medium, and at least a part of the information code is configured as the specific area,
The light receiving unit receives at least light from the information code when the illumination light is irradiated from the illumination unit to the print medium, and generates a captured image of the information code,
The determination system determine the constant system that characterized that you have provided a decryption unit for decrypting the information code based on the reception result at the light receiving portion. A print medium on which an information code is printed; and
A determination device for determining the print medium;
With
In the specific area in the information code, there is an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, an ink layer whose light emitting state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, or a material layer whose color developing state changes due to a chemical reaction. At least,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives at least light from the information code and generates a captured image of the information code when the illumination light is irradiated from the illumination unit to the print medium;
A decoding unit for decoding the information code based on a light reception result of the reflected light at the light receiving unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
Determine constant system that characterized the Rukoto to have a. The information code includes a specific pattern having a predetermined shape,
Determination system of claim 3 or claim 4 at least a portion of said specific pattern is characterized that you have configured as the specific area. The detection unit includes a first position detection unit that detects a position of the specific pattern in the captured image of the information code generated by the light receiving unit, and a position of the specific pattern detected by the first position detection unit. determination system of claim 5, based, characterized Rukoto that having a, and a second position detector for detecting a position of the specific area in the region of the specific pattern in the captured image. The information code is formed by arranging a plurality of types of cells,
Determination system according to claims 3 to any one of claims 6 to at least a portion of at least one kind of cell is characterized that you have been configured as the specific region. In the information code , as information that can be used by the determination device, reference information that specifies a reference value or a reference range that is a reference of the detection value is recorded,
In the determination device,
The decoding unit decodes the reference information from the information code,
The determination unit, according to claim claim 3, characterized by determining with the reference information that is decrypted, a type of the printing medium on the basis of said detection value detected by the detecting unit by the decryption unit 7 determination system according to any one of. In the information code, information that identifies the specific wavelength is recorded as information that can be used by the determination device,
In the determination device,
The decoding unit decodes information specifying the specific wavelength from the information code,
The illumination unit is configured multiple wavelengths of light to be irradiated, the selecting the specific wavelength based on the information decrypted by the decryption unit, and characterized that you irradiates the illumination light of the specific wavelength The determination system according to any one of claims 3 to 8 . In the information code , information indicating the position of the specific area is recorded as information usable in the determination device,
In the determination device,
The detection unit detects a position of the specific region in the captured image of the information code generated by the light receiving unit based on the information decoded by the decoding unit, and the detected specific region determination system according to any one of claims 9 claims 3 to at least one of the quantity of light from the reflectance or the specific area and detect be characterized Rukoto as the detection value of. In the information code, information usable in the determination device is encrypted and recorded as encrypted data,
The decryption unit, the determination system according to any one of claims 10 claim 8, characterized in Rukoto to have a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted data encrypted by the determination device. The information code is encrypted with a non-disclosure data area in which the encrypted data in which at least information usable in the determination apparatus is encrypted based on a predetermined encryption key is recorded, and the encryption key. determination system according to claim 11, characterized in that there is no predetermined information is closed and a recorded disclosed data area. A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
Have
The detection unit detects the detection values at a plurality of positions of the specific region, and obtains a median value of the detection values at the plurality of positions;
The determination unit, on the basis of the median value, determine the constant system that and judging a type of the print medium. A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
Have
The print medium is configured such that the specific area has a predetermined shape,
The determination apparatus includes a shape recognition unit that recognizes the shape of the specific region from the image generated by the light receiving unit,
The determination unit, the shape as recognized by the recognition unit, determine the constant system that characterized that you determine the type of the printing medium on the basis of said detection value detected by the detection unit. A printing medium, and a determination device for determining the printing medium,
The specific region of the print medium includes at least two ink layers whose transmittance changes according to the irradiation wavelength, ink layers whose light emission state changes according to the irradiation wavelength, or material layers whose color development state changes due to a chemical reaction. It has a structure in which more than one layer is stacked,
The determination device includes:
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives light from the print medium when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light from the illumination unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
Have
The illuminating unit has, as the illumination light, light having a predetermined first wavelength, light having one or more second wavelengths smaller than the first wavelength, and one or more third wavelengths larger than the first wavelength. Each can be irradiated with light,
Among the reflectances in the specific region when the print medium is irradiated with the first wavelength light, the one or more second wavelength lights, and the one or more third wavelength lights, respectively. , The reflectance when the light of the first wavelength is irradiated is configured to be the largest or smallest,
The detection unit is configured to emit light of the first wavelength, one or more of the second wavelengths, and one or more of the third wavelengths of light when the print medium is irradiated with the light. Detecting the detected value of
The determination unit determines the type of the print medium based on whether the detection value of the light of the first wavelength is a maximum value or a minimum value among the plurality of detection values detected by the detection unit. determine the constant system that and judging. 16. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the authenticity of the print medium based on whether or not the detection value detected by the detection unit is within a predetermined range. The determination system according to one item. The illuminating unit is capable of irradiating light of a plurality of predetermined wavelengths as the illumination light,
The light receiving unit receives light generated by irradiating the print medium with the illumination light of each wavelength when the illumination unit is irradiated with the illumination light having a plurality of wavelengths from the illumination unit. ,
The detection unit detects the detection value in the specific area when the illumination light of each wavelength is irradiated on the print medium,
The said determination part determines the classification of the said printing medium based on the said detected value each obtained by the said detection part when the said illumination light of each said wavelength is irradiated to the said printing medium. The determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 16. An information code is printed, and an ink layer whose transmittance changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, an ink layer whose light emission state changes depending on the irradiated wavelength, or a color development state changes due to a chemical reaction in a specific area in the information code A print medium provided with at least a material layer to be determined,
An illumination unit that emits illumination light of a specific wavelength;
A light receiving unit that receives at least light from the information code and generates a captured image of the information code when the illumination light is irradiated from the illumination unit to the print medium;
A decoding unit for decoding the information code based on a light reception result of the reflected light at the light receiving unit;
Based on a light reception result of the light receiving unit receiving light from the print medium generated when the illumination light is applied to the print medium, at least one of reflectance in the specific area and light amount from the specific area Detecting unit for detecting as a detection value;
A determination unit that determines a type of the print medium based on the detection value detected by the detection unit;
The determination apparatus characterized by having .

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