JP6284676B1 - Code image data generation method and code authenticity determination method - Google Patents

Abstract

Code forgery is suppressed by a method different from the conventional one. A method of generating code image data indicating information associated with an article is based on the input information, and the code image indicating the information is modified in a different manner for each article or group of articles. Generating modified image data indicating the modified image, and recording the modified image data on a recording medium. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present application relates to a technique for suppressing forgery of a code attached to an article.

  Various products in circulation around the world are printed with codes that indicate, for example, product codes, date of manufacture (or expiry date), lot numbers, or product-specific serial numbers. . These codes are generally printed in the form of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code, a human-readable character (human readable character), or a combination thereof.

  Such code printing can be performed using a commercially available apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) and a printer. The printed code can be read using a portable device equipped with a camera such as a smartphone or a reading device such as a barcode reader. Application software for creating or reading codes is also readily available. For this reason, the code is very convenient and is used for a wide range of purposes.

  However, on the other hand, code may be forged or altered. For example, a product that is not a regular product may be sold with the same code as a regular product. The one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode currently widely used does not have a sufficient mechanism for preventing forgery. For this reason, it is generally not easy for a consumer to determine whether a product is a genuine product or a counterfeit product.

  As a technique for making it difficult to forge a code, for example, a technique for printing by combining a barcode and a hologram is widely known. However, the technique using a hologram has a problem that a complicated process is required for creating and printing a code. In addition, if the hologram is forged, the consumer cannot easily determine the presence or absence of forgery.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can prevent duplication of a two-dimensional barcode attached to a product by a simpler method. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for creating a secure barcode in which a two-dimensional barcode pattern is combined with a secondary pattern including a minute shape not larger than the size of each cell. The micro features are large enough to be detected by a barcode scanner, but small enough that they are unlikely to be replicated by a standard (ie, not high resolution) replication device. For this reason, Patent Document 1 discloses that a secure barcode cannot be easily copied and the possibility of being forged can be reduced.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-19286

  The present disclosure provides a novel code generation method capable of suppressing code forgery by a method different from the conventional one.

The code generation method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a method of generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article by a processor. The method includes generating image data of a code indicating the information based on the input information according to a predetermined algorithm, and according to a specific rule based on the information, the image data for each article or group of articles. Each of which is modified in a different manner, and the modified image data is recorded on a recording medium.

  An authenticity determination method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of obtaining first image data obtained by photographing a code printed on an article, and modified image data generated by the code generation method. Obtaining a second image data or modification data defining modification contents of the second image data from a recording medium; the first image data; the second image data or the modification data And determining whether the code in the first image data is a regular code based on the data and outputting data indicating the determination result.

  The comprehensive or specific aspect described above can be realized by an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a recording medium, or any combination thereof.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, forgery of a code can be detected relatively easily, so that forgery of the code can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a code image generation apparatus (server computer 30) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of a code image generation process by the processor 32. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the code image generated in step S101 in FIG. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the code image modified in step S102 in FIG. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating another example of the code image after modification. FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating still another example of the code image after modification. FIG. 3E is a diagram illustrating still another example of the code image after modification. FIG. 3F is a diagram illustrating still another example of the code image after modification. FIG. 4A shows an example in which a specific portion in the code alignment pattern is outlined. FIG. 4B shows an example in which three marks 1 (black dots) are added around the alignment pattern. FIG. 4C shows an example in which three marks 1 (black dots) are added around the alignment pattern. FIG. 5A shows an example of a code image in which the character mark 2 is added around the code area. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of the modified code image in which the character mark 2 is added around the code area. FIG. 6A shows an example of a code image before being modified. FIG. 6B shows a modification example in which the human readable character is shifted upward by 0.5 mm in the upward direction (+ Y direction). FIG. 6C shows a modification example in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm in the left direction (−X direction). FIG. 6D shows a modification example in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm downward (−Y direction) and by 1 mm rightward (+ X direction). FIG. 7A shows an example in which both human readable characters and dots are in the reference position. FIG. 7B shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted upward by 0.5 mm and the point is shifted upward by 5 mm from each reference position. FIG. 7C shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted downward by 0.5 mm and rightward by 0.5 mm, and the point is shifted upward by 8 mm and leftward by 5 mm from the respective reference positions. FIG. 7D shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 0.5 mm upward, 0.5 mm rightward, and the point is shifted 5 mm upward, 10 mm leftward with respect to each reference position. . FIG. 7E shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 1 mm downward, 0.5 mm rightward, and the point is shifted 2 mm downward and 5 mm leftward with respect to each reference position. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating another example of the code image before modification. FIG. 8B shows an example in which the barcode is shifted 0.2 mm to the left and 0.2 mm upward from the reference position. FIG. 8C shows an example in which the barcode is shifted 0.2 mm to the right and 0.2 mm downward from the reference position. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating another example of the code image before modification. FIG. 9B shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 0.2 mm to the left and 0.2 mm upward from the reference position. FIG. 9C shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 0.2 mm to the right and 0.1 mm downward from the reference position. FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a more specific example of the process of modifying the code image (step S102 in FIG. 2). FIG. 10B is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flow until generation of modification data from original information. FIG. 10C is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a table that defines the correspondence between hash values and modification data. FIG. 10D is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a table that defines the correspondence between hash values and modification data. FIG. 10E is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a table that defines the correspondence between hash values and modification data. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the entire configuration of the authenticity determination system. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the smartphone 10 (reading device). FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the authenticity determination operation. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing more specifically the authenticity determination process in step S13 in FIG. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a display example when it is determined that the photographed code matches the genuine code. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a display example when it is determined that the photographed code does not match the genuine code. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the authenticity determination system. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of authentication determination processing by the reading device.

(Overview)
Before describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure, first, an overview of the technology of the present disclosure will be described.

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for intentionally modifying (editing) an image of a code indicating various information associated with an article and recording or printing the image. When such intentionally modified images are printed on an article or its packaging, a third party who does not know the specific rules cannot print the same image using ordinary devices and software. For this reason, the possibility of forgery can be reduced. Further, it is possible to determine whether the image of the code attached to the article is genuine or forged (authenticity). For example, an application for determining the authenticity of a barcode can be realized based on a barcode image read by a reading device such as a smartphone.

  In this specification, “code” means a figure, a symbol, a pattern, or a character indicating information associated with an article, or any combination thereof. The code is typically a one-dimensional code (general bar code), a two-dimensional code (eg, a matrix code or a stack code), or a character string (including a combination of numbers, alphabets and other characters), or these It can be a combination. A two-dimensional code is generally often referred to as a two-dimensional barcode. For this reason, also in this specification, the term “bar code” may be used not only for a one-dimensional code but also for a two-dimensional code. The code does not necessarily include a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode. The code may be expressed only by a character string (for example, a human readable character).

  The code represents various information associated with an article (for example, a product such as a product). Such information may be, for example, a product code, date of manufacture, expiration date, lot number, or article-specific serial number, or any combination thereof. Information other than the information listed here may be included in the code. For example, a code may express information such as a URL of a website.

  The code may be attached to, for example, industrial equipment, consumer equipment, pharmaceuticals, food, clothing, decorations, daily goods, etc., event entrance tickets, coupons, or the like. In this specification, such tangible objects to which codes can be attached are generally referred to as “articles”.

  “Attaching” a code to an article means that the code is printed on the surface of the article or its packaging. The code attached to the article can be read using a reading device such as a smartphone equipped with a camera or a barcode reader.

  In this specification, “code image data” means data indicating an image of the code. The image data of the code is not limited to image data having a file format conforming to a known standard such as JPEG, PNG, or BMP, and may be data of any format. The code image data may be simply referred to as “code image”.

  In this specification, “modified image data” means data indicating an image in which an original code image has been modified to prevent forgery. The modified image data is not limited to image data having a file format conforming to a known standard such as JPEG, PNG, or BMP, and may be data in any format. For example, the modified image data may be data or a signal in which data indicating the content of modification for preventing forgery is added to the original image data.

A code generation method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a method in which image data of a code indicating information associated with an article (eg, a product) is generated by a processor (or computer). In one embodiment, the method includes (1) generating image data of a code indicating the information according to a predetermined algorithm based on input information, and (2) according to a specific rule based on the information. Modifying the image data in a different manner for each article or group of articles, and (3) recording the modified image data on a recording medium. This method may further include the step of (4) printing the modified image data on the article or its packaging.

  The step (1) corresponds to a step of generating a general one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, for example. The processor can generate a barcode by executing a known barcode generation program, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the “predetermined algorithm” may be an algorithm that generates image data of a code including only human readable characters.

  The step (2) makes it difficult to forge the code by intentionally modifying the image data of the code generated in the step (1). In this step, the image data can be modified in a different manner according to a specific rule, for example, for each product code, lot number, or serial number. As a result, unique modified image data is generated for each article (for example, for each serial number) or for each group of articles (for example, for each product code or lot number).

  The step (3) is a step of recording the modified image data on an arbitrary recording medium such as a hard disk drive so that it can be used in the subsequent printing step (4). The modified image data may be recorded in association with the information of the article to which the code is attached. The recorded data can be referred to when authenticating.

  In the step (4), the modified image data is printed on the article or its packaging. This step can be performed by a common printer or printing press.

  As described above, the processor in the embodiment of the present disclosure intentionally modifies the image data of the code attached to the article according to a specific rule based on the original information. For example, the image data is modified by a specific encryption process based on the original information. At this time, for example, the processor may generate modification data (also referred to as “counterfeit prevention code”) that defines the contents of modification, and modify the image data of the code based on the modification data.

  The image data generated in the step (1) is image data that is generated according to a normal code generation algorithm and has not been subjected to counterfeit prevention measures. This image data may not be explicitly generated. The device that generates the modified image data may generate the modified image data from the input information without generating the normal code image data.

As will be described in detail later, there are various ways of modifying the image data. For example, the following method is possible.
(1) The print position of the original code is changed according to the value indicated by the forgery prevention code.
(2) When a code and a human readable character are used in combination, their relative positions are changed based on the forgery prevention code.
(3) A mark (for example, a black or white mark) is added to the coordinates indicated by the forgery prevention code within the area of the original code.
(4) A mark (for example, a black or white mark) is added to the coordinates indicated by the forgery prevention code around the area of the original code.
(5) A character mark (character string mark) is prepared separately from the original code, and its coordinates, angle, font, size, etc. are changed.

You may apply combining the method of said (1)-(5) arbitrarily. By the above method,
A third party who does not know a specific rule cannot do exactly the same printing. Further, it becomes difficult to forge the mark using a normal device and software.

  Further, the reader or the server computer can be provided with an authenticity determination function so that authenticity can be determined. For example, the authenticity of the code can be determined based on image data obtained by photographing a code printed on a product using an information device with a camera such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The determination of authenticity can be executed by, for example, an information device (reading device) in which application software for determination is installed. Alternatively, a server computer connected to the reading device via a network (for example, the Internet) may execute authenticity determination. The server computer makes an authenticity determination based on the image data transmitted from the reading device and the modification data that defines the modification contents of the actually printed image data or its code, and sends the determination result to the reading device. return. With such a system, the user can immediately know whether the product is a genuine product or a counterfeit product using a mobile device such as a smartphone.

  Note that it is not possible to determine authenticity with a normal reading device that does not have an authenticity determination function. However, even a normal reading device can read a code that has been edited with a forgery prevention code in the same way as a normal code. For this reason, the conventional convenience is maintained.

  A printed matter such as a barcode may cause a printing error such as a stain or a defect in a printing or distribution process. For this reason, any code system that is read by a machine is designed to allow some printing errors. In particular, in a two-dimensional barcode system, an advanced error correction function using a Reed-Solomon code or the like is implemented so that even if there is a code error, it can be read without any trouble. Therefore, even if a mark or the like is intentionally added in accordance with a specific rule in or around the code, it can be read without significant trouble. For this reason, the function as a normal system is not impaired. In other words, the modification performed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is a modification that does not interfere with normal reading.

  An apparatus for determining authenticity analyzes image data acquired by photographing, for example, whether a mark attached to an image of a code is a mark intentionally attached according to a specific rule, or other dirt or defect. Can be identified.

  Conventionally, it has been considered that how beautiful and accurate the image of a code such as a barcode is printed is important. There has never been an idea to dare to break the layout or add marks unrelated to the code. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to more easily determine the authenticity by intentionally destroying the layout or adding a mark for each item or group of items.

  Hereinafter, more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and repeated descriptions for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The inventor provides the accompanying drawings and the following description in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. Absent. In the following description, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a minute mark or character mark (character string) is added inside or outside a barcode (for example, a two-dimensional matrix code) printed on a product, or the relative position between a human readable character and a barcode is set. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating modified code image data by changing them. This embodiment also relates to a system and method for determining the authenticity of a printed code.

<Code image generator>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a code image generation apparatus (server computer 30) in the present embodiment. The server computer 30 is a device that generates image data of a matrix code attached to a product. The server computer 30 includes a processor 32, a memory 34, a communication circuit 36, and a storage 38 that are connected to each other.

  The processor 32 may be realized by a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 32 executes a computer program stored in the memory 34 to perform image generation processing described later.

  The memory 34 includes a recording medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 34 stores a program executed by the processor 32 and various data generated in the course of processing.

  The storage 38 is a device including a recording medium such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The storage 38 records various data such as image data of the code generated by the processor 32. The code image data generated by the processor 32 may be recorded in another storage (recording medium) outside the server computer 30. Such other storage is connected to the server computer 30 via a network (communication line).

  The communication circuit 36 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via a network. The communication circuit 36 can be connected directly to an external device by wire or wirelessly, or via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication circuit 36 can be connected to a printer, for example, via a LAN. The communication circuit 36 can also be connected to an information device such as a smartphone via a network such as the Internet.

  In addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, the server computer 30 may include elements such as a power supply circuit, an input / output interface, and a display. However, since these elements are not directly related to the operation in the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, a process of generating a code image executed by the processor 32 in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of a code image generation process by the processor 32. When the processor 32 receives a command (code generation instruction) indicating that a code for a certain product should be generated, the processor 32 performs the operation shown in FIG.

  In step S100, the processor 32 acquires information (for example, a product code, a manufacturing date, a lot number, and a serial number) related to the product. This information may be input from a user or other device, for example, with a code generation instruction.

  In step S101, the processor 32 generates code image data according to a predetermined algorithm based on the acquired information. This image data can be created, for example, according to a known two-dimensional code generation algorithm. As an example, when DataMatrix ECC200, which is a kind of two-dimensional code, is used, code image data can be generated by software that defines an algorithm based on the ISO / IEC16022: 2006 standard. Even when other types of two-dimensional codes are used, code image data can be generated by using software that defines an algorithm that complies with the code standards. Some of such software is published on the Internet, for example, and can be used free of charge. When generating a code other than a two-dimensional code (for example, a one-dimensional barcode or a code composed only of a character string), the processor 32 converts image data into a predetermined algorithm for generating the code. Generate.

  In step S102, the processor 32 modifies (corrects) the image data of the code according to a specific rule based on information expressed by the code. In the present embodiment, the image data is modified by a different method for each product ID, lot number, or serial number. For example, the processor 32 modifies the image data by adding one or more marks (counterfeit prevention marks) to positions determined based on a serial number or the like in the image data. At this time, the processor 32 may create information indicating the coordinate value indicating the position where the mark is added as modification data (counterfeit prevention code) and record the information in the storage 38 (recording medium) in association with the product. .

  In consideration of dirt or defects, a plurality of anti-counterfeit marks may be arranged at distant positions in the code. A plurality of superposition methods may be used in combination. The anti-counterfeit mark is arranged at a size and position that does not increase the burden during reading according to the error correction capability of the reading device (reader). The forgery prevention mark is set to be smaller than a normal symbol mark within a range that does not impair the authenticity determination function and is difficult to visually recognize.

  In step S104, the processor 32 instructs the printer to print the image data of the modified code on the product or its packaging. Thereby, the image of the code modified based on the specific rule is printed on the product or its packaging. The code image may be printed on an object other than the packaging associated with the product (for example, a signboard or an advertisement).

  An example of a code image created in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3F.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the code image generated in step S101 in FIG. Here, an example will be described in which a DataMatrix code, which is a kind of two-dimensional barcode, is used as the code. Note that the same processing as described below can be performed when a two-dimensional bar code other than the DataMatrix code, for example, Quick Response (QR) code, VeriCode, PDF417 code, Aztec code, or MaxiCode is used. .

  The two-dimensional barcode generally includes a plurality of data cells (hereinafter simply referred to as “cells”) arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of cells have a square or rectangular shape of the same size. Some of the plurality of cells are light (or white) cells, and some of the other cells are dark (or black) cells. One of the bright and dark cells represents a value of 0 (zero) and the other represents a value of 1. Therefore, the two-dimensional light and dark two-dimensional pattern of these cells represents specific information represented by 0 and 1 numeric strings.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the code image modified in step S102 in FIG. In this example, a mark 1 (black dot) is added inside the code area. The position (coordinates) to which the mark 1 is added is determined based on information indicated by the code. For example, the mark 1 can be added at a position uniquely determined for each serial number or lot number.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating another example of the code image after modification. In this example, two marks 1 (a black dot and a white dot) are added inside the code area. As in this example, a plurality of marks 1 may be added. Among the plurality of cells constituting the two-dimensional code shown in the figure, a black dot is added to a bright cell, and a white dot is added to a dark cell. In this case, the modification data includes information indicating the coordinate values of the two marks 1.

  FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating still another example of the code image after modification. In this example, three marks 1 (black dots and two white dots) are added inside the code area. In this case, the modification data includes information indicating the coordinate values of the three marks 1. The number of marks 1 may be four or more. The greater the number of marks 1, the more variations of modification are possible. In addition, the greater the number of marks 1, the higher the possibility that correctness can be correctly determined even when some marks cannot be recognized due to dirt or defects.

  FIG. 3E is a diagram illustrating still another example of the code image after modification. In this example, the mark 1 is not a point but a circle. Thus, the shape of the added mark 1 may be a shape other than a point.

  FIG. 3F is a diagram illustrating still another example of the code image after modification. In this example, two circle marks 1 are added in the code area. Among the plurality of cells constituting the two-dimensional code, a black circle is added to a bright cell, and a white circle is added to a dark cell. Also in the example of FIG. 3F, three or more marks 1 may be added.

  The mark may be, for example, a triangle, a quadrangle, an asterisk or other symbols or characters. When a plurality of marks are added, the shapes may be different depending on the marks. In that case, the modification data may also include information on the shape of each mark.

  In the above example, the mark 1 is added to the inside of the code. However, one or more marks 1 may be added to the outside of the code or a boundary portion with the outside. 4A to 4C show such an example.

  FIG. 4A shows an example in which a specific portion in the code alignment pattern (L-shaped thick line on the outer peripheral portion of the code) is outlined. In this example, white marks 1 are added to three positions on the alignment pattern. In this way, one or more marks 1 may be added to the alignment pattern.

  FIG. 4B shows an example in which three marks 1 (black dots) are added around the alignment pattern. These marks 1 are adjacent to the alignment pattern. FIG. 4C shows an example in which three marks 1 (black dots) are added around the alignment pattern. As in these examples, the printing position of the mark 1 may be outside the code area.

In the above example, the parameters (modification data elements) that define the modification contents of the code image can be the number of marks, the shape of each mark, and the coordinate values (X coordinate and Y coordinate) in the image of each mark. . The processor 32 determines these parameters according to a specific rule based on information such as a serial number or lot number included in the information indicated by the code. Then, according to the determined parameters, one or more marks 1 are superimposed on the code. Thereby, for example, the code can be printed in a different manner for each serial number or lot number of the product.

  In the above example, each of the marks 1 to be added is smaller than the size of each cell included in the code. Further, the number of marks 1 is much smaller (for example, less than 1/10) compared to the number of bright cells and dark cells. For this reason, even after the mark 1 is given, the reading of the code is not hindered.

  Let N be the number of cells (also referred to as data cells) in the two-dimensional barcode, and n be the number of marks to be added. N varies depending on the type of code, but may be an integer of 20 or more, for example. The number n of marks is an integer of 1 to N, and in one example, 2 ≦ n ≦ N / 10. When n marks are attached, the modification data that defines the modification contents of the code includes information indicating n coordinate values in the image data. The processor determines n coordinate values based on the information indicated by the code, and adds n marks to the position indicated by the n coordinate values. The combination of n coordinate values differs depending on the information indicated by the code (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “original information”). The combination of the coordinates of these marks corresponds to the original information on a one-to-one basis, for example. The authenticity of the code can be determined by determining whether the combination of the coordinates of these marks matches the original information read from the code.

  In addition to the above example, a modification in which a character mark including a character string is added around the area of the two-dimensional code is also possible. By making at least one of the character mark position, angle, font (including size, typeface, character spacing), and character string content different for each article or group of articles, the same forgery prevention effect can be obtained. Can be obtained.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of a code image in which the character mark 2 is added around the code area. In this example, a character string made up of numbers, alphabets, and symbols is added to the upper part of the periphery of the code. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating another example of the modified code image in which the character mark 2 is added around the code area. In this example, the character mark 2 is different in content, position, and size as compared with the example shown in FIG. 5A and is tilted clockwise. As described above, the processor 32 may change the position (coordinates), rotation angle, font, and the like of the character mark 2 in accordance with the information represented by the code. In this case, the parameters (modification data) that define the content of the modification include the contents of the character string, position (coordinates), and font information. These parameters can be uniquely determined, for example, for each serial number or lot number indicated by the code.

  In addition to the above example, the modification methods shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, FIGS. 4A to 4C, and FIGS. 5A and 5B may be combined. For example, one or more marks 1 may be added to at least part of the inside, alignment pattern, and outside of the two-dimensional code, and one or more character marks 2 may be added to the outside of the two-dimensional code. . In such a form, the modification data may include information such as the shape, coordinates, and size of each mark 1 and the contents, coordinates, rotation angle, font, and the like of each character mark 2. The processor 32 records these data on a recording medium in association with the code or the article. These pieces of information can be used for authenticity determination processing described later.

Next, an example in which the code image data is modified by a method different from the method of adding a mark will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D. In the following example, the code includes human readable characters in addition to a two-dimensional barcode. The processor 32 modifies the image data by changing the position of the barcode or human readable character in the image data. By this operation, the relative position between the barcode and the human readable character changes. The direction and magnitude of this change are determined according to information indicated by the barcode. In this example, the modification data includes information indicating the amount of displacement of at least one of the barcode and the human readable character from the reference position in the image data.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of a code image before being modified. In this example, a human readable character composed of a four-line character string is printed next to a two-dimensional barcode. These human readable characters represent (01) product code, (21) serial number, (10) lot number, and (17) expiration date in order from the top. This is the same as the information indicated by the two-dimensional barcode. The display mode of human readable characters is various, and is not limited to the illustrated mode.

  Based on the layout shown in FIG. 6A, the processor 32 changes the relative positional relationship between the barcode and the human readable character in accordance with the information indicated by the barcode. For example, the print position of the human readable character is changed in a different manner for each serial number or for each lot number.

  FIG. 6B shows a modification example in which the human readable character is shifted upward by 0.5 mm in the upward direction (+ Y direction). FIG. 6C shows a modification example in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm in the left direction (−X direction). FIG. 6D shows a modification example in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm downward (−Y direction) and by 1 mm rightward (+ X direction). The descriptions such as “visible characters: Y + 0.5 mm” in FIGS. 6B to 6D are shown for convenience of explanation, and are not actually printed. The same applies to the subsequent drawings. The horizontally long rectangular frame in FIGS. 6B to 6D may be actually printed or may not be printed.

  As shown in these examples, authenticity can be determined by changing the relative position of a barcode and a human readable character according to a specific rule based on information indicated by the barcode. In this case, the modification data includes information on the amount of displacement from the reference position in each of the X direction and the Y direction. The processor 32 determines the amount of displacement in each direction according to a specific rule.

  Instead of human readable characters, the barcode position may be shifted in a similar manner. Further, both the barcode and the human readable character may be shifted from the respective reference positions. In the latter example, since the number of parameters of the modification data (counterfeit prevention code) is increased, more various modifications are possible.

  In addition to changing the relative position of the barcode and the human readable character, the processor 32 marks (eg, a symbol, figure, character, or character string) inside or outside the barcode as in the previous example. May be added. Such an example will be described below.

7A to 7E show some examples of forms in which the print position of the human readable character is changed according to the information indicated by the barcode and a mark (a dot in this example) is added around the barcode. ing. FIG. 7A shows an example in which both human readable characters and dots are in the reference position. FIG. 7B shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted upward by 0.5 mm and the point is shifted upward by 5 mm from each reference position. FIG. 7C shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted downward by 0.5 mm and rightward by 0.5 mm, and the point is shifted upward by 8 mm and leftward by 5 mm from the respective reference positions. FIG. 7D shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 0.5 mm upward, 0.5 mm rightward, and the point is shifted 5 mm upward, 10 mm leftward with respect to each reference position. . FIG. 7E shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 1 mm downward, 0.5 mm rightward, and the point is shifted 2 mm downward and 5 mm leftward with respect to each reference position.

  As in these examples, by changing the relative position between the code and the human readable character and the position of the point (mark) according to the information indicated by the bar code, various variations of modification are possible. In these examples, the number of marks may be singular or plural. The number of marks may be increased (for example, 3 or more) in order to increase the possibility that correctness can be correctly determined even when some marks cannot be recognized due to dirt or defects.

  8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating another example of the present embodiment. In these examples, the code includes only a two-dimensional barcode. The processor 32 changes the printing position of the barcode according to a specific rule based on information indicated by the barcode. FIG. 8A shows a code image before modification. The code image in this example includes a rectangular frame surrounding the barcode area. The processor 32 changes the relative positional relationship between this frame and the barcode area according to the information indicated by the barcode. FIG. 8B shows an example in which the barcode is shifted 0.2 mm to the left and 0.2 mm upward from the reference position. FIG. 8C shows an example in which the barcode is shifted 0.2 mm to the right and 0.2 mm downward from the reference position. In these examples, the modification data includes information indicating the amount of displacement of each barcode in the X direction and the Y direction from the reference position in the image data. The processor 32 modifies the image data by changing the position of the barcode in the image data based on the modification data.

  In each of the above examples, a case where a two-dimensional barcode (matrix code) is attached to an article is mainly assumed. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. The technique in the present embodiment can be similarly applied when the code is a one-dimensional code or a character string code, or a combination thereof.

  9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating other examples of the present embodiment. In these examples, the code does not include a bar code and includes only human readable characters. The processor 32 changes the print position of the human readable character according to a specific rule based on information indicated by the human readable character. FIG. 9A shows a code image before modification. The code image in this example includes a rectangular frame surrounding a human readable character region. The processor 32 changes the relative positional relationship between this frame and the area of the human readable character according to information indicated by the human readable character. FIG. 9B shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 0.2 mm to the left and 0.2 mm upward from the reference position. FIG. 9C shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted 0.2 mm to the right and 0.1 mm downward from the reference position. In these examples, the modification data includes information indicating a displacement amount of the human readable character in the X direction and the Y direction from the reference position in the image data. The processor 32 modifies the image data by changing the position of the human readable character in the image data based on the modification data.

  In the above example, the rotation angle of the code may be changed instead of or in addition to the change of the position of the code (bar code or human readable character). In a form in which human readable characters are printed, the font (size, typeface, character spacing, etc.) of the human readable characters may be changed for each article or group of articles. By combining such methods, more various variations of modification are possible.

  The image data of the code created by the above method can be read in accordance with a general two-dimensional barcode reading procedure. At this time, the added anti-counterfeit mark or the like is regarded as dirty or missing, and error correction is performed. For this reason, the barcode is normally read in the same manner as a bar code that has not been modified to prevent forgery. Therefore, the operation in the conventional system is not impaired.

  Next, the process of modifying the code image according to a specific rule will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a more specific example of the process of modifying the code image (step S102 in FIG. 2). Here, as an example, an example will be described in which one or a plurality of dot marks are added inside or outside the code area.

  In this example, the processor 32 determines a numerical value representing the data, that is, a hash value from the code data (original information) generated in step S101 in FIG. 2 (step S220). The hash value is a value that directly represents the content of the original information, and generally has a smaller amount of information than the original information. The processor 32 calculates a hash value using a hash function (for example, a cryptographic hash function) for obtaining a hash value from the original information. Considering the purpose of this embodiment of preventing forgery, the hash function is preferably designed to generate a hash value that is difficult to estimate from the original code.

Next, the processor 32 converts the calculated hash value into print information (modification data). The processor 32 refers to a code table (lookup table) prepared in advance and determines modification data (in this example, the coordinate value of each dot mark) (step S221). The table can be created so as to satisfy the following conditions, for example.
The number of dot marks is a predetermined number or a number within a predetermined range. For example, an inconspicuous number of dot marks such as 3, 4, 4 or less are added.
-The density of dot marks is below a predetermined value. In other words, adding a plurality of dot marks to adjacent positions is avoided, making them less noticeable. For example, only one mark is added in a 5 × 5 cell area.
-When placing dot marks inside the code, reduce the burden of reading the original code. That is, reading by a general reader having no forgery prevention function is not hindered.
-The Hamming distance between dot patterns is more than a certain value. That is, avoid similar arrangements. Thereby, even if a part of the dot mark is missing, a mechanism that can repair it can be created.

  A table that satisfies the above conditions is created in advance and stored in a recording medium such as a memory. The processor 32 refers to the table and determines the position (coordinate) of each dot from the hash value. The processor 32 generates a modified code image by placing dot marks at the determined coordinates (step S222).

  FIG. 10B is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow until generation of modification data from original information. As described above, the processor 32 uses the hash function to calculate a hash value with a smaller information amount from the original information with a relatively large information amount. Next, referring to the code table (table), modification data (for example, a combination of coordinate values) is determined from the hash value. Based on the determined modification data, the code image data is modified. According to such an operation, authenticity determination can be performed via a hash value with a relatively small amount of information. For this reason, the amount of calculation required for determination can be suppressed.

FIG. 10C is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a table. This table defines the correspondence between hash values and combinations (modification data) of a plurality of coordinate values where codes are arranged. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the combination of the hash value and the coordinate value. Therefore, the modification data is uniquely determined from the hash value. Conversely, the hash value can be uniquely identified from the modification data. With this mechanism, as described later, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the code is forged.

Rather than adding a mark to the code image, modification that changes the layout of the character string or symbol can be realized by the same processing. In this case, instead of the table shown in FIG. 10C, for example, a table as shown in FIG. 10D is created and recorded in advance. The table can be designed to satisfy the following conditions, for example.
・ Changes in layout can be recognized visually or by machine reading and are not noticeable. For example, for each of the ± X direction and the ± Y direction, a value in the range of about 0 to 2.5 mm in 0.5 mm increments is set as the amount of change.
-Prevent changes in layout patterns from becoming sequential. That is, it is difficult to estimate a layout pattern from information such as a serial number.
-Ensure that the layout pattern is evenly distributed. In other words, it is prevented from being frequently placed in a specific place.

  With reference to the table created so as to satisfy the above conditions, the processor 32 can determine the amount of displacement of a human readable character or the like and create print data.

  The same processing is basically performed when changing the layout of the character string or symbol and adding one or more marks inside or outside the code. In that case, for example, a table as shown in FIG. 10E can be used. The table in this example includes, as modification data, information on the coordinate values of each mark to be added and information on the amount of movement of a movement target (for example, a character string or a symbol). With reference to such a table, the processor 32 adds a mark to the original code image and changes the layout of human readable characters or the like.

The rotation of the symbol or character string or the modification for changing the font of the character string can be realized by the same processing. Also in this case, a table similar to the table shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D is created in advance. The processor 32 refers to the table, creates modification data (for example, rotation angle, character size, character font, character spacing, etc.) from the hash value, modifies and records the original code image. The table may be created so as to satisfy the following conditions, for example.
・ Ensure that changes are not sequential. That is, it is difficult to estimate a layout pattern from information such as a serial number.
・ Make sure that changes are evenly distributed. That is, a specific change mode is prevented from appearing frequently.
・ Make changes not similar to each other. That is, it is easy to estimate a correct pattern even when there is dirt or a defect.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the processor calculates a hash value from the original information indicated by the code by using a hash function, and refers to a table (code table) from the hash value to modify data (forgery prevention) Code). However, such processing is only an example. The processor may determine the modification content directly from the original information indicated by the code, for example, using a predetermined function or table. The method of determining the modification content from the original information according to a specific rule is not limited to a specific method.

<Authenticity judgment system>
Next, an example of a system (authentication determination system) for determining whether or not a barcode attached to an article is a genuine product will be described.

Using an information device (reading device) such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, it is possible to determine whether the barcode attached to the article is the same as the barcode attached to the genuine product. For this determination, application software (application) for determination is installed in the reader in advance. There are roughly the following two methods for authenticity determination in the present disclosure.
(1) Data that is the same as or corresponds to a forgery prevention code (modification data) indicating a specific rule applied at the time of printing a code image is recorded in the reading device in advance, and the reading device without performing communication Authenticates by itself.
(2) The reading device does not have data relating to the anti-counterfeit code indicating the specific rule applied at the time of printing, and the reading device makes an inquiry to the server or the recording device via the communication line. The server determines authenticity and returns the determination result to the reading device.

  The authenticity determination system in the present embodiment can be realized by any of the methods (1) and (2). Since the method (1) can be realized with a simple configuration, there is an advantage that system construction is easy. In the method (2), since the reading device does not have data indicating a rule for authenticity determination, there is a security advantage that even if the reading device is analyzed, the rule is not leaked. Furthermore, in the method (2), adjustment such as updating the determination rule is possible as necessary, and the security strength can be maintained high. Therefore, when it is important to construct a system with a low cost and simple configuration, it is preferable to adopt the method (1). On the other hand, when emphasizing increasing the security strength, it is preferable to adopt the method (2).

  Hereinafter, an example of an authenticity determination system to which the method (2) is applied will be described first, and then an example of an authenticity determination system to which the method (1) is applied will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the entire configuration of the authenticity determination system to which the method (2) is applied. This system includes components such as a server computer 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as “server 30”), a printer 40, a storage 50, and a smartphone 10. The server 30 generates image data (modified image data) of a code attached to the product 5 by any of the methods described above, and stores it in the storage 50. The printer 40 prints a code on the product 5 or its packaging based on the image data. The product 5 on which the code is printed passes through the distribution process to the consumer. The consumer can determine whether or not the product 5 is a genuine product using the smartphone 10. Therefore, application software (application) for authenticity determination is installed in the smartphone 10 in advance.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the smartphone 10 (reading device). The smartphone 10 includes a processor 12, a memory 14, a communication circuit 16, a camera 18, and a display 20. The processor 12 executes an operation to be described later by executing a computer program (application) stored in the memory 14. In the present embodiment, image data acquired by photographing with the camera 18 is sent to the remote server 30 via the communication circuit 16.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the authenticity determination operation. When performing authenticity determination, the processor 12 executes an authenticity determination application (program) in accordance with the operation of the consumer (user). The processor 12 causes the display 20 to display an image that prompts the camera 18 of the smartphone 10 to shoot the part to which the barcode is attached in the product 5. When the consumer images the location (step S10), the communication circuit 16 sends the image data to the server 30 via the base station 90 and the network 100 (for example, the Internet) (step S11). The server 30 determines whether or not the barcode included in the transmitted image data is a genuine barcode based on the modification data stored in the storage 50 (step S13). The server 30 transmits data indicating the determination result to the smartphone 10 via the network 100 and the base station 90 (step S14). The processor 12 of the smartphone 10 displays the determination result on the display 20 (step S15). Thereby, the consumer can check whether or not the barcode attached to the product 5 is genuine.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the authenticity determination process in step S13 more specifically. The processor 32 in the server 30 identifies the article to which the code is attached from the code included in the sent image data (step S200). For example, information such as a product code, a lot number, and a serial number indicated by the code is read to identify the article. This reading can be performed using, for example, a known algorithm for reading a two-dimensional code. Next, the modification data used when the code is printed on the article is acquired from a recording medium such as the storage 50 (step S201). The modification data acquired here may be data included in tables such as those illustrated in FIGS. 10C to 10E, for example. The processor 32 determines whether or not the modification indicated by the modification data is reflected in the transmitted image data (hereinafter also referred to as “photographing data”) (step S202). This determination includes, for example, modification content corresponding to a hash value calculated from a code included in shooting data, and modification content of the shooting data (for example, a combination of positions of added marks and / or layout). This can be done based on matching. If the code image is forged, they will not match. For this reason, it can be determined that the product with the code image attached is not a genuine product. The determination may be performed using a known image matching technique.

  When it is determined that the code included in the transmitted image data is genuine, the processor 32 transmits information to that effect to the smartphone 10. When it is determined that the code included in the transmitted image data is not authentic, the processor 32 transmits information to that effect to the smartphone 10.

  Note that the processor 32 may determine the authenticity using the modified image data used at the time of printing instead of determining the authenticity based on the modification data. That is, the processor 32 may determine the identity by comparing the sent image data with the image data used at the time of printing. In this case, for example, the identity of two images can be determined using a known image matching technique.

  In the present embodiment, the same server 30 performs code image generation and authenticity determination, but these may be executed by different devices. The system that generates and prints the code image and the apparatus or system that performs authentication determination may be arranged at a remote location.

  15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating display examples of determination results. FIG. 15A shows a display example when it is determined that the photographed code matches the genuine code. In this case, the display 20 can display a statement that the code matches the code of the genuine product, for example, “It is a genuine product code”. FIG. 15B shows a display example when it is determined that the photographed code does not match the genuine code. In this case, the display 20 may display a statement that the code does not match the genuine code, for example, “It is not a genuine code”. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15B, a button such as “Contact manufacturer” is displayed, and by tapping the display, contact information of the manufacturer is displayed, or the manufacturer is contacted by e-mail or the like. A mechanism that can do this may be introduced.

  In the present embodiment, the server 30 on the cloud determines the authenticity of the read code image. The smartphone 10 (reading device) simply transmits the shooting data to the server 30 and receives and displays data indicating the determination result from the server 30. For this reason, even if the internal data of the reading device is analyzed, the rule used to modify the code image cannot be specified. Since there is no risk of rule leakage, high security can be ensured.

  Next, an example in which the reading device such as the smartphone 10 instead of the server 30 determines the authenticity by itself (example (2) above) will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing an authenticity determination system in this example. In this example, the authenticity determination system includes only the smartphone 10. The processor 12 of the smartphone 10 executes a computer program stored in the memory 14 to perform the same determination process as described above without using a communication line. In the memory 14 of the smartphone 10, data indicating a specific rule applied at the time of creating the code image is recorded in advance in addition to the program for authenticity determination.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of authentication determination processing by the smartphone 10. The smartphone 10 captures the code attached to the product with the camera 18 in accordance with the capturing instruction from the user (step S300). When the code is photographed, the processor 12 specifies the article from the code included in the photographing data (step S301). For example, the article is specified based on information such as a product code, a lot number, and a serial number indicated by the code. This reading can be performed using, for example, a known algorithm for reading a two-dimensional code. Next, the processor 12 accesses the memory 14 (or other recording medium), and acquires modification data for the identified article (step S302). The processor 12 determines whether the modification indicated by the modification data is reflected in the photograph data based on the photograph data and the modification data (step S303). This determination includes, for example, modification content corresponding to a hash value calculated from a code included in shooting data, and modification content of the shooting data (for example, a combination of positions of added marks and / or layout). This can be done based on matching. The determination may be performed using a known image matching technique. If the processor 12 determines that the code included in the photographic data is authentic, the processor 12 displays information to that effect on the display 20. If it is determined that the code included in the shooting data is not authentic, the processor 12 transmits information to that effect to the display 20.

  Instead of determining authenticity based on the modification data, the processor 12 may determine authenticity using the modified image data used during printing. That is, the processor 12 may determine the identity by comparing the captured data with the image data used at the time of printing. In this case, for example, the identity of two images can be determined using a known image matching technique.

  In this example, the smartphone 10 can determine the authenticity of the article alone without going through the network. Therefore, the system configuration can be simplified as compared with the example of FIG.

  As described above, the authenticity determination method according to the present embodiment includes a step of acquiring image data (first image data) obtained by photographing a code printed on an article, and an actually used modified image. The code in the first image data is obtained by comparing the step of acquiring the data (second image data) from the recording medium and the first image data and the second image data (or modification data). And a step of outputting data indicating a result of the determination. Thereby, the authenticity of the code can be easily determined.

  In the above example, the reading device is a smartphone, but may be another information device. For example, a tablet computer, a barcode reader, a notebook PC (laptop PC), or the like may be used as the reading device. The camera (or image sensor) and the display in the reading device may not be housed in the same housing as the processor and the memory. The above technique can also be applied to the case where the code that is the object of authenticity determination is a code other than a two-dimensional code (for example, a one-dimensional barcode or a human readable character).

  As described above, the present disclosure includes the methods, programs, and apparatuses described in the following items.

[Item 1]
A method of generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article by a processor,
Generating modified image data indicating an image obtained by modifying an image of a code indicating the information in a different manner for each article or each article group based on the input information;
Recording the modified image data on a recording medium;
Including methods.

[Item 2]
The method according to item 1, further comprising a step of printing an image indicated by the modified image data on the article or its packaging.

[Item 3]
3. The method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the generating step generates the modified image data in such a manner that a reading device can read the same information as the information indicated by the image before modification from the modified image data. .

[Item 4]
4. The method according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the generating step includes determining modification data that defines a modification content of the modified image data according to a specific rule based on the information.

[Item 5]
The generating step includes
A hash value corresponding to the information is determined from the input information,
Determining the modification data corresponding to the hash value from the hash value with reference to a table prepared in advance;
Item 5. The method according to Item4.

[Item 6]
The modification data includes information indicating at least one coordinate value in the image,
The generating step includes adding at least one mark to a position indicated by the at least one coordinate value;
6. The method according to item 4 or 5.

[Item 7]
7. The method according to item 6, wherein the mark is a symbol, a figure, or a character that is added inside or outside the area of the code in the image.

[Item 8]
The code includes at least one of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode and a human readable character,
The modification data includes information indicating a displacement amount of the barcode or the human readable character from a reference position in the image,
The generating step includes changing the position of the barcode or the human readable character in the image data based on the modification data.
Item 8. The method according to any one of Items 4 to 7.

[Item 9]
The code includes a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode and a human readable character,
The modification data includes information indicating a displacement amount of the human readable character from a reference position in the image,
The generating step includes changing a relative position of the barcode and the human readable character based on the modification data.
Item 9. The method according to any one of Items 4 to 8.

[Item 10]
The code includes a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode and a human readable character,
The modification data includes information indicating a change amount of the human readable character from a reference angle,
The generating step includes changing an angle of the human readable character based on the modification data.
Item 10. The method according to any one of Items 4 to 9.

[Item 11]
The code includes a human readable character,
The modification data includes information indicating a font of the human readable character,
The generating step includes changing a font of the human readable character based on the modification data.
Item 11. The method according to any one of Items 4 to 10.

[Item 12]
The code is a two-dimensional barcode including N cells (N is an integer of 20 or more),
The modification data includes information indicating n coordinate values (n is an integer of 2 to N / 10) in the image,
The generating step includes adding n marks to the position indicated by the n coordinate values, and a combination of the n coordinate values depends on the information indicated by the code.
Item 12. The method according to any one of Items 4 to 11.

[Item 13]
5. A method according to any of items 1 to 4, wherein the modifying step includes adding at least one mark inside or outside the area of the code in a manner that does not affect reading.

[Item 14]
The code includes at least one of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode and a human readable character,
The step of generating includes changing a position of the barcode or the human readable character in the image;
14. The method according to any one of items 1 to 4 and 13.

[Item 15]
The generating step includes adding a character mark to the image of the code;
At least one of the position, angle, font, and content of the character mark is different for each article or group of articles.
Item 15. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 14.

[Item 16]
The article is a product;
The information associated with the article includes at least one of a product code, date of manufacture, expiration date, lot number, and serial number;
The generating step modifies the image in a different manner for each product code, for each lot number, or for each serial number.
Item 16. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 15.

[Item 17]
A program for generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article, the computer,
Generating modified image data indicating an image obtained by modifying an image of a code indicating the information in a different manner for each article or each article group based on the input information;
Recording the modified image data on a recording medium in association with the article;
A program that executes

[Item 18]
An apparatus for generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article,
A processor;
A memory storing a computer program executed by the processor;
With
The computer program is stored in the processor.
Generating modified image data indicating an image obtained by modifying an image of a code indicating the information in a different manner for each article or each article group based on the input information;
Recording the modified image data on a recording medium in association with the article;
A device that executes

[Item 19]
Step A for obtaining first image data obtained by photographing a code printed on an article;
The step of acquiring from the recording medium second image data that is the modified image data generated by the method according to any one of items 1 to 16, or modification data that defines the modification content of the second image data B and
Determining whether the code in the first image data is a regular code based on the first image data and the second image data or the modification data; and
Step D for outputting data indicating the determination result;
Authentication method including

[Item 20]
The step A includes obtaining the first image data via a network from a reading device that has obtained the first image data,
The step D includes transmitting data indicating the determination result to the reading device via the network.
Item 20. The authentication method according to Item 19.

[Item 21]
Step A, Step B, Step C, and Step D are executed by the processor in a reading device including a camera, a processor, and the recording medium,
The step A includes obtaining the first image data from the camera;
The step B includes obtaining the second image data or the modification data from the recording medium.
Item 20. The authentication method according to Item 19.

[Item 22]
The reading device further includes a display,
The authenticity determination method according to item 20 or 21, wherein the step D includes displaying the determination result on the display.

[Item 23]
On the computer,
Step A for obtaining first image data obtained by photographing a code printed on an article;
The step of acquiring from the recording medium second image data that is the modified image data generated by the method according to any one of items 1 to 16, or modification data that defines the modification content of the second image data B and
Determining whether the code in the first image data is a regular code based on the first image data and the second image data or the modification data; and
Step D for outputting data indicating the determination result;
A program that executes

  The method and apparatus for generating a code image in an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used for printing a code such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode or a human readable character on an article such as a manufactured product.

1 Mark 2 Character Mark 5 Product 10 Smartphone 12 Processor 14 Memory 16 Communication Circuit 18 Camera 20 Display 30 Server Computer 32 Processor 34 Memory 36 Communication Circuit 38 Storage 40 Printer 50 Storage 90 Base Station 100 Network

Claims (22)

A method of generating, by a processor, image data of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating information associated with an article,
Determining a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating the information based on the input information;
Generating modified image data indicating an image with at least one mark added outside the determined code area;
Recording the modified image data on a recording medium;
Including
The step of generating the modified image data includes
Determining one or more coordinate values outside the area of the code based on information associated with the article;
Adding at least one mark to a position indicated by the determined one or more coordinate values;
The coordinate value of the at least one mark is changed for each article or each article group.
Method. The step of generating the modified image data includes
Based on the information associated with the article, determine a plurality of coordinate values outside the area of the code,
Adding a plurality of marks to the positions indicated by the determined plurality of coordinate values;
The combination of the coordinate values of the plurality of marks is changed for each article or each article group.
The method of claim 1.   The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of marks are added in a manner that is not adjacent to each other.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the number or shape of the at least one mark is determined based on information indicated by the code. The step of generating the modified image data includes
A hash value corresponding to the information is determined from the input information,
Determining a coordinate value of the at least one mark from the hash value with reference to a table prepared in advance;
The method according to claim 1.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the mark is a dot mark. The code is a two-dimensional barcode including a plurality of cells,
The size of the at least one mark is smaller than the size of each cell;
The method according to claim 1. A method of generating, by a processor, image data of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating information associated with an article,
Determining a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating the information based on the input information;
Generating modified image data indicating an image in which at least one mark is added to the inside or the outer periphery of the determined code area;
Recording the modified image data on a recording medium;
Including
The step of generating the modified image data includes
Determining one or more coordinate values at a position in contact with the area outside the area of the code based on information associated with the article;
Adding at least one mark to a position indicated by the determined one or more coordinate values in a manner that does not affect the reading of the code and in which a plurality of marks are not adjacent to each other;
The coordinate value of the at least one mark is changed for each article or each article group.
Method. The step of generating the modified image data includes
Based on the information associated with the article, determine a plurality of coordinate values outside the area of the code,
Adding a plurality of marks to the positions indicated by the determined plurality of coordinate values;
The combination of the coordinate values of the plurality of marks is changed for each article or each article group.
The method of claim 8.   The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the number or shape of the at least one mark is determined based on information indicated by the code. The step of generating the modified image data includes
A hash value corresponding to the information is determined from the input information,
Determining a coordinate value of the at least one mark from the hash value with reference to a table prepared in advance;
11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The code is a two-dimensional barcode including a plurality of cells,
The size of the at least one mark is smaller than the size of each cell;
0 or 1 mark is added to each cell.
12. A method according to any of claims 8 to 11. The code includes N cells (N is an integer of 20 or more),
The generating step includes
Based on the information, n coordinate values (n is an integer of 2 or more and N / 10 or less) are determined,
Adding n marks to the position indicated by the n coordinate values,
The combination of the n coordinate values depends on the information indicated by the code.
The method of claim 9. The code has an alignment pattern around a region where the plurality of cells are arranged,
The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one coordinate value is selected from a region on the alignment pattern. A method of generating, by a processor, image data of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating information associated with an article,
Determining a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating the information based on the input information;
Generating modified image data indicating an image in which at least one mark is added to the inside or the outer periphery of the determined code area;
Recording the modified image data on a recording medium;
Including
The step of generating the modified image data includes
Based on the information associated with the article, determine a plurality of coordinate values outside the area of the code,
Adding a plurality of marks to the positions indicated by the determined plurality of coordinate values;
The combination of the coordinate values of the plurality of marks is changed for each article or each article group,
The code includes N cells (N is an integer of 20 or more),
The generating step includes
Based on the information, n coordinate values (n is an integer of 2 or more and N / 10 or less) are determined,
Adding n marks to the position indicated by the n coordinate values,
The combination of the n coordinate values depends on the information indicated by the code.
Method. A program for generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article,
The program which performs the method in any one of Claim 1 to 15. An apparatus for generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article,
A processor;
A memory storing a program executed by the processor;
With
The program is stored in the processor.
An apparatus for executing the method according to claim 1. Step A for obtaining first image data obtained by photographing a code printed on an article;
The second image data, which is the modified image data generated by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or modification data that defines the modification content of the second image data is acquired from a recording medium. Step B
Determining whether the code in the first image data is a regular code based on the first image data and the second image data or the modification data; and
Step D for outputting data indicating the determination result;
Authentication method including The step A includes obtaining the first image data via a network from a reading device that has obtained the first image data,
The step D includes transmitting data indicating the determination result to the reading device via the network.
The authenticity determination method according to claim 18. Step A, Step B, Step C, and Step D are executed by the processor in a reading device including a camera, a processor, and the recording medium,
The step A includes obtaining the first image data from the camera;
The step B includes obtaining the second image data or the modification data from the recording medium.
The authenticity determination method according to claim 19. The reading device further includes a display,
21. The authenticity determination method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the step D includes displaying the determination result on the display. On the computer,
Step A for obtaining first image data obtained by photographing a code printed on an article;
The second image data, which is the modified image data generated by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or modification data that defines the modification content of the second image data is acquired from a recording medium. Step B
Determining whether the code in the first image data is a regular code based on the first image data and the second image data or the modification data; and
Step D for outputting data indicating the determination result;
A program that executes

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