JPWO2018143059A1 - Authentication server, authentication system, authentication method, authentication program - Google Patents

Abstract

An authentication server for verifying authenticity determination information using feature information unique to a product, wherein authenticity determination information related to authenticity of the product corresponding to the feature information transmitted from the client device is obtained from the first database. First acquisition means for acquiring, second acquisition means for acquiring additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information, different from the authentication information, from the second database; and the first acquisition A genuineness inquiry server comprising: a transmission means for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired by the means and the additional information acquired by the second acquisition means to the client device that has transmitted the characteristic information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a genuine query server, a genuine query system, a genuine query method, and a genuine query program.

  At customs, a database system has been developed that is used by tax office staff to control counterfeit, counterfeit and pirated copies (hereinafter collectively referred to as “贋 works”). As such a database system, IPM (Interface Public-Members) developed and operated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  The freight authenticity determination by the customs officer using the IPM is performed as follows. First, the customs officer reads (scans) the cargo information from the barcode attached to the cargo using a smartphone or directly inputs the cargo information while connected to many databases provided by the IPM. Subsequently, information necessary for the tax officer to determine the authenticity of the cargo is sent back to the smartphone of the tax officer as authentication information in accordance with the read cargo information or the input cargo information. Then, the tax officer determines whether the cargo is a genuine product or a non-defective product based on the received authentication information.

Japan Customs Association Intellectual Property Information Center (CIPIC) website, [online], [searched August 25, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.kanzei.or.jp/cipic /cipic_files/pdfs/IPM_re.pdf>

  However, since the database system as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 is a system used by a customs officer to determine the authenticity of a part of a product extracted from a cargo unit or from a cargo, The database system is a system that is unfamiliar to product purchasers, prospective purchasers, or consumers (hereinafter collectively referred to as “general users”). Further, such a database system is a system for a skilled worker for a customs officer, so it cannot be said to be a user-friendly system. Therefore, even if such a database system is provided to general users, it cannot be expected that the operability and familiarity for general users will be improved. Therefore, it is usually difficult for a general user to determine whether an individual product is a genuine product or a work.

  Therefore, it can be said that there is a demand for a system that can be used to determine the authenticity of individual products or a system that provides support for them even for general users, not limited to customs officials. Here, as a system for supporting authentication for authenticity determination, an authenticity inquiry system including an authenticity inquiry server for an ordinary user to inquire about authenticity determination information for each product can be considered.

  Here, each manufacturer (manufacturer or distributor) may set up a dedicated website for inquiring authentication information for individual products, or accept inquiries using telephone or e-mail. Has been done. However, it is a troublesome task for general users to check the manufacturer name for each product, check different inquiry methods or inquiry methods for each manufacturer, and finally obtain authentication information. It is also a time consuming work. That is, there is a problem that the general user cannot quickly and easily obtain the authentication information regarding each product regardless of the manufacturer.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is possible to quickly and easily obtain authentication information regarding individual products regardless of the manufacturer, and a user-friendly authentication inquiry server. An object is to provide a genuine inquiry system, a genuine inquiry method, and a genuine inquiry program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the above object, the present invention can employ the following configurations.

[1] An authentication inquiry server for inquiring authentication information using characteristic information unique to a product,
Accepting means for accepting feature information transmitted from the client device;
First authentication information relating to authenticity of a product corresponding to the feature information received by the accepting means is obtained from a first database storage device in which product information related to the product and authenticity determination information related to the product are associated with each other. Acquisition means;
The additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information received by the receiving means is different from the authenticity determination information, and the product information related to the product and the additional information related to the product are associated with each other. Second acquisition means for acquiring from a database storage device;
Transmission means for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired by the first acquisition means and the additional information acquired by the second acquisition means to the client device that has transmitted the feature information;
Authenticity inquiry server.
[2] The additional information is:
Logo, catch phrase, image and sound of the product,
A logo of the manufacturer or distributor of the product, a catch phrase, an image, and an image sound;
Information on successors or related products of the product, information on optional items or accessories of the product, and new product information or sale information of the manufacturer or distributor of the product,
Website information about the product, website information of the manufacturer or distributor of the product, and
Including at least one information of mail magazine, social networking service (SNS) or magazine guide information related to the product,
[1] The genuineness inquiry server according to [1].
[3] The client device is a user terminal of a prospective purchaser or a purchaser or a consumer of the product,
The authenticity determination information is procedure information indicating a procedure necessary for the prospective purchaser or purchaser of the product or a consumer to confirm that the product is a genuine product,
The accepting means is
Receiving result information relating to a result obtained by executing the procedure indicated in the procedure information transmitted from the client device; and
The transmission means includes
In accordance with the result information received by the receiving unit, the information indicating that the product is a genuine product or the information regarding the possibility that the product is a non-art work is transmitted to the client device that has transmitted the result information.
[1] or [2] authenticity inquiry server.
[4] The procedure information includes information related to a procedure for obtaining a detection result of an overt area, a covert area, or an identification pattern or an identifier arranged in the overt area and the covert area in the product.
[3] The genuineness inquiry server according to [3].
[5] The feature information is recorded on at least one data carrier of a one-dimensional symbol, a two-dimensional symbol, and an electronic tag.
[1] The authenticity inquiry server according to any one of [4].
[6] An authenticity inquiry system connectable to at least one client device for inquiring authenticity determination information using characteristic information unique to a product,
Including the authenticity inquiry server according to any one of [1] to [5], the first database storage device, and the second database storage device;
Authenticity inquiry system.
[7] An authenticity inquiry method for inquiring authenticity determination information using characteristic information unique to a product, executed in an authenticity inquiry server provided with a control unit,
Executed in the control unit,
The first database storage device in which the authentication information regarding the authenticity of the product corresponding to the feature information transmitted from the client device to the authenticity inquiry server is associated with the product information regarding the product and the authentication information regarding the product. A first obtaining step to obtain from
Additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information, which is different from the authentication information, is acquired from the second database storage device in which the product information related to the product and the additional information related to the product are associated with each other. A second acquisition step,
Creation step of creating transmission data for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired in the first acquisition step and the additional information acquired in the second acquisition step to the client device that has transmitted the feature information. Including
Authenticity inquiry method.
[8] An authenticity inquiry program for inquiring authenticity determination information using feature information unique to a product to be executed by an authenticity inquiry server provided with a control unit,
For executing in the control unit,
The first database storage device in which the authenticity determination information related to the authenticity of the product corresponding to the feature information transmitted from the client device to the authenticity inquiry server is associated with the product information related to the product and the authenticity determination information related to the product. A first obtaining step to obtain from
Additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information, which is different from the authentication information, is acquired from the second database storage device in which the product information related to the product and the additional information related to the product are associated with each other. A second acquisition step,
A creation step for creating transmission data for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired in the first acquisition step and the additional information acquired in the second acquisition step to the client device that has transmitted the feature information. Including
Genuine inquiry program.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the authenticity determination information regarding each product can be obtained quickly and easily regardless of the manufacturer, and the user-friendly authenticity inquiry server, the authenticity inquiry system, the authenticity inquiry method, and the authenticity inquiry program. There is an effect that can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a genuine inquiry system including a genuine inquiry server according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the authenticity inquiry method executed in the authenticity inquiry server 100 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a subroutine of authenticity determination processing executed in step S280 of FIG. 4A to 4C are diagrams used for explaining a first specific example of the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a product that is a target of authenticity inquiry. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the product of FIG. 4A is photographed. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the client device 200. FIG. 5 is a diagram used for explaining a second specific example of the present embodiment. 6A to 6C are diagrams used for explaining a third specific example of the present embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a product that is a target of authenticity inquiry. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the product of FIG. 6A is photographed. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the client device 200. FIG. 7 is a diagram used for explaining a fourth specific example of the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments and examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and exemplifications, and can be implemented with any modifications without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention and the equivalents thereof.

[1. Constitution]
An example of the configuration of a genuineness inquiry system including an authenticity inquiry server according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a genuine inquiry system including a genuine inquiry server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An authenticity inquiry system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for making an inquiry about authenticity determination information using characteristic information unique to a product, and includes an authenticity inquiry server 100 as an information processing apparatus. In the authenticity inquiry system 1000, the authenticity inquiry server 100 can be connected to at least one client device 200. In the example shown in FIG. 1, it is connected to at least one client device 200 via the network 300. Has been. The client device 200 is an information processing device that can be connected to the authenticity inquiry server 100 wirelessly or via a wire, for example, a smartphone. Note that the number of client devices 200 that the authenticity inquiry system 1000 can include is not limited to one.

  The term “product” as used herein is not a term that refers to a single finished product, but a group of finished products (lot products), a cargo that contains a group of finished products, semi-finished products, work-in-progress products, parts, authenticity It is a term that includes intangible certificates (for example, tickets or securities) that can be judged, products that have already been installed with programs that can be judged. A product is typically a tradeable item that can be subject to authenticity determination, and such an item typically includes a packaging material or packaging material.

  The “characteristic information” refers to information unique to the product that can identify the product or data from which the unique information can be acquired. The feature information is preferably recorded on at least one data carrier of a one-dimensional symbol such as a barcode, a two-dimensional symbol such as a QR code (registered trademark), and an electronic tag such as an RFID tag. Thus, the versatility of the authenticity inquiry server 100 and the authenticity inquiry system 1000 can be enhanced. More preferably, the barcode is a GS1 identification code and symbolized attribute information as necessary, thereby further enhancing versatility. As an example of a barcode obtained by symbolizing the GS1 identification code and attribute information, a JAN symbol can be cited. Instead of this, the feature information may be, for example, one information or a combination of a plurality of information of a manufacturer name, a logo mark, a product number, a lot number, and a serial number. Alternatively, the feature information may be information representing physical characteristics of the product itself or the identification medium. Physical characteristics include, for example, a part or the whole outline of the product, the texture or pattern of the product material, the appearance or design of the product (including the arrangement of each part or a combination of the arrangements), and the identification medium Examples thereof include optical characteristics such as reflection characteristics. The feature information is preferably attached directly to the product or attached to the product via an identification medium. For example, when the feature information is available from the product manufacturer's website, the feature information Information may be managed physically away from the product. The feature information is preferably visible to a general user, but may be information that cannot be viewed by a general user, such as a digital watermark. Furthermore, the feature information may be audio data recorded on a product or information that can be acquired from the audio data. Examples of “data that can acquire information unique to a product” include image data and optical data of an area in which feature information is recorded, and audio data indicating the feature information.

  The authenticity inquiry server 100 is an information processing apparatus for inquiring authenticity determination information using feature information unique to a product. The authenticity inquiry server 100 may be a stationary type or a portable type.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the authenticity inquiry server 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication interface unit 120, and a storage unit 130. Each unit included in the authenticity inquiry server 100 is communicably connected via an arbitrary communication path.

  The communication interface unit 120 connects the authenticity inquiry server 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 120 has a function of communicating data with other devices via a communication line. Here, the network 300 has a function of connecting the authenticity inquiry server 100 and the client device 200 so that they can communicate with each other, and is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, the communication interface unit 120 functions as an accepting unit of the authentication inquiry server 100 for accepting the information transmitted from the client device 200 via the network 300 and transmits predetermined information to the client device 200. It functions as a transmission means of the authenticity inquiry server 100.

  The storage unit 130 functions as a database storage device for storing various databases. The storage unit 130 stores a computer program (including the authenticity inquiry program of the present invention) for giving various instructions to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) in cooperation with an OS (Operating System). The As the storage unit 130, for example, a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, and an optical disk can be used. The storage unit 130 stores various databases used for executing the authenticity inquiry program of the present invention in a readable / writable manner. Various databases will be described later.

  The control unit 110 is a CPU or the like that controls the authenticity inquiry server 100 in an integrated manner. The control unit 110 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS, a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data, and performs various information processing based on these stored programs. Execute.

  Further, the configuration of the storage unit 130 and the configuration of the control unit 110 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The storage unit 130 stores a plurality of databases as shown in FIG. Specifically, the storage unit 130 stores a first database 131, a second database 132, and a third database 133.

  The first database 131 is a database in which at least product information relating to a product and authentication information relating to the product are associated with each other. For example, in the first database 131, product information related to a product, characteristic information unique to the product, and authenticity determination information of the product are associated with each other. Here, “product information” is information for specifying a product, for example, a product code. “Authenticity determination information” refers to information related to the authenticity of a product, and usually refers to information required to determine the authenticity of a product. The “authentication determination information” may be, for example, information indicating a medium or a data carrier in which characteristic information unique to a product is recorded, or an identification medium (for example, a hologram) unique to the product is attached to the product. Information indicating that the product is authentic, or procedure information indicating a procedure necessary for confirming that the product is genuine, or a single product group includes a mixture of works. May be information indicating that the product group is a sculpture, or a combination thereof. Here, the “identification medium” refers to a medium or a data carrier including characteristic information indicating that the product is a genuine product.

  The second database 132 is a database in which product information related to a product and additional information related to the product are associated with each other. Here, “additional information” refers to information different from the authentication information. In general, the additional information refers to arbitrary information prepared for transmission to the client device 200 together with the authentication information. The additional information is preferably information that improves the familiarity of the general user with the authenticity inquiry system 1000 or the authenticity inquiry server 100. For example, the additional information is advertisement information of a queried product or a manufacturer of the product. Such advertising information may include product logos, catch phrases, image images and image sounds, product manufacturer or distributor logos, catch copies, image images and image sounds, product successors or related products. , Information on optional products or accessories of products, new product information or sales information of product manufacturers or distributors, website information on products, website information of products manufacturers or distributors, and products The relevant mail magazine, social networking service (SNS) or magazine guide information can be mentioned. Further, the additional information may be auxiliary information that assists the authentication determination work. Preferably, the additional information is a combination of the advertisement information and the auxiliary information.

  The third database 133 is a database in which product information related to a product and authenticity determination result information for deriving an authenticity determination result of the product are associated with each other. Here, “authentication determination result information” refers to information for determining the high possibility that the product is a genuine work or the high possibility that the product is a genuine product. For example, the authenticity determination result information may be result information obtained as a result of proceeding with a procedure necessary for authenticity determination when the product is a genuine product, or in the case of the authentic work when the authentic work is on the product. On the other hand, it may be result information obtained when authenticity is determined in the same manner as a genuine product, or a combination thereof. By including such authenticity determination result information in the third database 133, it becomes possible to compare with the result information of the inquired product, and as a result, the possibility that the product is a work or a product. It becomes possible to determine the high possibility of being genuine.

  In the third database 133, support information may be associated with product information and authenticity determination result information. Here, the “support information” refers to information provided to general users for the inquired product. As the support information, it is preferable to prepare two types of information, that is, a case in which there is a high possibility that the inquired product is a non-art work and a case in which the inquired product is a genuine product. For example, if there is a high possibility that the inquired product is a sculpture, provide information on the genuine product, information on the maker of the genuine product, information that prompts the maker of the genuine product to register, and information on the product Information to request or a combination of them is prepared as support information. On the other hand, if the inquired product is a genuine product, the information that prompts the genuine manufacturer to register the user, the successor of the product Information relating to a product or related product, information relating to an optional item or accessory of the product, new product information or sale information of the manufacturer of the product, information combining these, and the like are prepared as support information.

  Note that the second database 132 may be integrated with the first database 131 to form one database. The third database 133 may be integrated with the first database 131 to form one database, or the authentication information of the authentication result is integrated into the first database 131 and the support information is integrated into the second database 132. May be integrated. Instead of this, the authentication information may be integrated into the first database 131, and the support information may be an independent database. In addition, the first database 131, the second database 132, and the third database 133 are information provided from the manufacturer of the product and from the manufacturer that supplied the identification medium including the feature information attached to the product. It is constructed based on one or both of the provided information. For this reason, it is preferable that information exchange and information sharing be performed between the manufacturer of the product and the manufacturer that supplied the identification medium. Further, the first database 131, the second database 132, and the third database 133 may be configured as a database server separately from the authenticity inquiry server 100.

  The control unit 110 includes a plurality of modules as shown in FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit 110 includes a first acquisition unit 111 and a second acquisition unit 112.

  The first acquisition unit 111 functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires the authentication information from the first database 131. For this purpose, the first acquisition unit 111 searches the first database 131 using feature information unique to a product or product information related to a product.

  The second acquisition unit 112 functions as a second acquisition unit that acquires the additional information from the second database 132. For this purpose, the second acquisition unit 112 searches the second database 132 using feature information unique to the product or product information related to the product.

  The client device 200 is not limited as long as it is an information processing device that can be connected to the authenticity inquiry server 100 via wireless or wired connection. The client device 200 is normally a user terminal of a general user, but may be, for example, an information processing device of a store selling a product or a store clerk. Further, when it is necessary to photograph a product or an identification medium attached to the product for authenticity determination, the client device 200 preferably includes a built-in camera as an imaging device and needs to communicate with an RFID tag. In some cases, it is preferable to provide a transceiver. Furthermore, it is preferable that the client device 200 is installed with a dedicated application (application software) provided for performing a genuine inquiry in the genuine inquiry system 1000.

[2. Processing procedure]
Next, the procedure of the authentication processing method according to the present embodiment will be exemplarily described with a focus on processing in the authentication inquiry server 100 in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the authenticity inquiry method executed in the authenticity inquiry server 100 in FIG. Specifically, this process is executed in the control unit 110 of the authenticity inquiry server 100.

  In FIG. 2, first, in step S <b> 210, the authenticity inquiry server 100 receives from the client device 200 to receive feature information of a product transmitted via a predetermined means, for example, via a dedicated application. stand by. Here, it is preferable that the feature information transmitted by the client device 200 includes not only the feature information of the product to be genuinely inquired but also product information related to the product, but if the product information can be identified from the feature information. Product information may not be included.

  When the feature information is received (Yes in step S210), the first acquisition unit 111 first registers product information related to the product corresponding to the feature information received in step S210 in the first database 131. It is determined whether or not (step S220). If the corresponding product is registered as a result of the determination in step S220 (Yes in step S220), it is subsequently determined whether or not the authenticity determination information of the product is registered in the first database 131 ( Step S230).

  Here, as a result of the determination in step S220, if the corresponding product is not registered in the first database 131 (No in step S220), the client device 200 that has transmitted the feature information is not subject to authentication inquiry. The product is notified (step S221), and this process is completed. Here, examples of the product that is not subject to genuine inquiry include “the product in question has not been registered” and “please send other feature information”. Here, when the transmission of other feature information is urged, candidates for feature information that may be attached to the product may be acquired from the first database 131 and notified to the client device 200.

  As a result of the determination in step S230, if the product corresponding to the first database 131 is registered, but the authenticity determination information of the product is not registered (No in step S230), the feature information is displayed. The client apparatus 200 that has transmitted is notified that there is no authentication information (step S231), and the process is completed. Here, the fact that there is no authentication information includes, for example, “There was no authentication information that can be provided” and “Please try again with other feature information”. Here, when the transmission of other feature information is urged, candidates for feature information that may be attached to the product may be acquired from the first database 131 and notified to the client device 200.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S230, when the authenticity determination information of the product is registered (Yes in step S230), the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the authenticity determination information from the first database 131. (Step S240).

  Next, the second acquisition unit 112 acquires additional information related to the product from the second database 132 based on the product information related to the product corresponding to the feature information received in step S210 (step S250). . If additional information cannot be acquired, the process of step S250 may be skipped. Moreover, the process of step S250 may be executed before the processes of steps S220 to S240, or may be executed in parallel with the processes of steps S220 to S240.

  In step S260, the authentication server 100 transmits the authentication information acquired in step S240 and the additional information acquired in step S250 to the client device 200 that has transmitted the feature information. As a result, the general user can proceed with a procedure necessary for the authenticity determination of the product based on the authenticity determination information received by the client device 200.

  Thereafter, the authenticity inquiry server 100 determines whether further authenticity determination processing is necessary for the product that has transmitted the authenticity determination information (step S270). If the authenticity determination process is unnecessary (No in step S270), the present process is completed. On the other hand, if the authenticity determination process is required (Yes in step S270), the authenticity determination process described later with reference to FIG. 3 is performed. (Step S280), this processing is completed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a subroutine of authenticity determination processing executed in step S280 of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, first, the result information related to the result of the general user proceeding with the procedure necessary for authenticity determination is transmitted from the client device 200 via a predetermined means, for example, via a dedicated application. Wait (step S281). When the result information is received from the client device 200 (Yes in step S281), the third database 133 is referred to, and the result corresponding to the received result information may indicate a work. Whether or not (step S282).

  If the result of determination in step S282 is that there is a possibility that it is a samurai work (Yes in step S282), support information is obtained from the third database 133 (step S283), and the result information has been transmitted. The support information acquired in step S283 is transmitted to the client apparatus 200 to the effect that there is a possibility that it is a genuine work as authenticity determination result information (step S284), and the process returns to the process of FIG. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S282, if there is no possibility that the work is a genuine work, that is, if it is a genuine product (No in step S282), the authenticity determination result information is sent to the client device that has transmitted the result information. And the support information is also transmitted if necessary (step S285), and the process returns to the process of FIG. 2 to complete this process.

  According to the above-described authenticity inquiry process of FIGS. 2 and 3, in the authenticity inquiry system 1000, for a product that a general user wants to authenticate, the feature information of the product is transmitted from the client device 200 to the authenticity inquiry server 100 (step S210). The general user can receive the authentication information and the additional information from the authentication server 100 at the client device 200 (step S260). Thereby, the general user can grasp | ascertain the possibility that the inquired product is a glazed work or a genuine product based on authenticity determination information. As described above, in the above-described authenticity inquiry system 1000, the work performed by the general user to obtain the authenticity determination information only needs to transmit the characteristic information for each product regardless of the manufacturer name. Furthermore, it is not necessary to check different inquiry methods or inquiry methods for each manufacturer, and for the general user, the authentication information can be obtained quickly and easily.

  Further, since the general user can obtain the advertisement information or the auxiliary information for the authenticity determination work based on the additional information received by the client device 200, the authenticity inquiry system 1000 can be obtained. Or it can be said that the familiarity with the authenticity inquiry server 100, familiarity, operability, and usability are high. As described above, according to the present invention, the user-friendly authenticity inquiry server 100 and the authenticity inquiry system 1000 can be provided.

  Further, according to the authenticity inquiry process of FIGS. 2 and 3, the authenticity inquiry server 100 transmits the authenticity determination information (step S260), and then further authenticity determination processing is required for the product that has transmitted the authenticity determination information. In the case (Yes in step S270), as the authenticity determination result information, the fact that there is a possibility that it is a samurai work or that it is a genuine product is transmitted (steps S284, S285). Thereby, since the general user can receive the determination result whether the product is a genuine work or a genuine product from the authenticity inquiry server 100, it is not necessary to make an authenticity determination. Furthermore, according to the authenticity inquiry process of FIGS. 2 and 3, the general user can receive support information in addition to the authenticity determination result information when there is a possibility that the inquired product is a genuine work. Therefore (step S284), it can be said that the familiarity with the authenticity inquiry system 1000 or the authenticity inquiry server 100, familiarity, operability, and usability are high.

  Further, according to the authenticity inquiry processing of FIGS. 2 and 3, prior to the transmission of the authenticity determination result information (steps S284 and S285), the product feature information is accepted (step S210), and the procedures necessary for authenticity determination are advanced. Two steps of receiving the result (step S281) are required. By going through these two steps, a virtual two-step authentication for a general user can be performed. For this reason, for example, the possibility that a third party forges the identification medium and misuses the authentication medium 1000 or the authentication server 100 for the forged identification medium can reduce the possibility of receiving the authentication result information. Therefore, the security level of the authenticity inquiry system 1000 or the authenticity inquiry server 100 can be sufficiently secured.

[3. Concrete example]
Next, specific examples (first specific example to fourth specific example) of the operation of the client device 200 corresponding to the authentication inquiry process of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

[3-1. First Specific Example]
In the first specific example, a general user makes an authenticity inquiry using a barcode and a hologram attached to a product.
4A to 4C are diagrams used for explaining a first specific example of the present embodiment.

  First, a general user searches for a surface with a barcode attached to a product as illustrated in FIG. 4A. Subsequently, the general user activates the built-in camera of the client device 200 and captures a barcode as shown in FIG. 4B. Then, the general user uses the photographed barcode image data or product information obtained by analyzing the image data as characteristic information of the product to the authentication server 100 via the network 300 shown in FIG. Send. Thereby, the authenticity inquiry server 100 has received the feature information (Yes in step S210).

  Next, the client device 200 waits for the authentication information and additional information of the product corresponding to the transmitted feature information to be sent from the authentication inquiry server 100. When authenticity determination information and additional information are received (Yes in step S260), a screen as shown in FIG. 4C, for example, is displayed on the client device 200 based on the received authenticity determination information. FIG. 4C shows an example in which a screen including a predetermined message, an accompanying image displayed in association with the predetermined message, and an image showing the position of the hologram to be attached to the product is displayed. Yes.

  As a combination of the predetermined message and the accompanying image, for example, a combination of a text message “There is a hologram as shown below” indicating that the product should have a hologram and an accompanying image showing an example of the hologram ( (See FIG. 4C). As a result, the general user can confirm whether the hologram is attached to the product after grasping what the hologram is. As a result, if the hologram is attached to the product, the authentic user can authenticate. On the other hand, if the hologram is not attached, it is possible to grasp that the possibility of the cocoon work is high. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4C, the authenticity determination information includes an image indicating the position of the hologram in addition to a predetermined message, so that usability can be improved. In particular, such an aspect is suitable for general users who do not know the position of the hologram.

  Examples of other information that can improve usability include a message that indicates the position of the hologram, a message or image that describes the shape of the hologram, information about the preferred environment of illumination when observing the hologram, If there are many peelings, tears, or scratches, there is a possibility of a sword work, so please contact us. " These other pieces of information are auxiliary information for assisting the authentication operation and correspond to additional information.

[3-2. Second specific example]
In the second specific example, a general user performs an authenticity inquiry process using a barcode and a hologram attached to a product. In this specific example, the content of the authentication information received by the client device 200 from the authenticity inquiry server 100 is different from that in the first specific example.

  First, similarly to the first specific example, image data of a barcode of a product as illustrated in FIG. 4A or product information obtained by analyzing the image data is used as feature information of the product as a client device. 200 is transmitted to the authenticity inquiry server 100 (Yes in step S210). Next, the client device 200 receives the authentication information and additional information from the authentication server 100 (Yes in step S260). However, in this specific example, the authenticity determination information received here is procedure information indicating a procedure necessary for a general user to confirm that the product is genuine.

  In this specific example, a screen that prompts the user to take a picture of the hologram attached to the product is displayed based on the authentication information, as in the client device 200 shown in FIG. At this time, preferably, the built-in camera of the client device 200 is automatically activated based on the authenticity determination information, or an image prompting the activation of the built-in camera of the client device 200 is displayed based on the authenticity determination information. To do.

  Next, the general user takes a picture of the hologram in accordance with the screen display as shown in FIG. 5, that is, the procedure information, and then the photograph image data obtained by the shooting is sent from the client device 200 to the authentication server 100. Send to. In response to this, the authenticity inquiry server 100 transmits to the client device 200 information on the possibility that the product with the hologram attached is a genuine work as authenticity determination result information of the photographic image data of the hologram (step) S284 or step S285). The photographic image data may be appropriately processed. For example, the photographic image data may be corrected in the client device 200 or the authentication query server 100 in order to improve the accuracy of authenticity determination, and the photographic image data is compressed in the client device 200 in order to improve the communication speed. In order to improve security, the photographic image data may be subjected to irreversible processing or encryption processing in the client device 200.

  As described above, in this specific example, the authentication result of the product can be obtained only by operating the client device 200 according to the authentication information received from the authentication server 100, that is, the procedure information. Thereby, operativity and usability can be improved.

[3-3. Third specific example]
In the third specific example, a general user performs an authenticity inquiry using an identification pattern arranged in one or both of an overt area and a covert area in a product. Here, the overt area refers to an area where an identification pattern that can be determined by visual inspection is arranged on a product or an identification medium attached to the product. Examples of the identification pattern arranged in the overt area include a hologram and a pattern formed using optically variable ink for the visible light area as a material. On the other hand, the covert area uses a special jig (for example, a viewer) or a detector and, if necessary, a pattern analyzer on the product or an identification medium attached to the product and cannot be determined with the naked eye. This means an area in which an identification pattern or identifier that can be determined authentically is arranged. Examples of the identification pattern arranged in the covert region include a phase difference pattern layer, a pattern formed using fluorescent ink or IR absorbing ink as a material, and a pattern formed using magnetic particles or magnetic fibers as a material. it can. Examples of identifiers arranged in the covert area include RFIDs and magnetic elements.

  6A to 6C are diagrams used for explaining a third specific example of the present embodiment.

  First, a general user searches for an overt area for a product as illustrated in FIG. 6A. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the overt area corresponds to an identification pattern area having an outer shape of the alphabet “Z”. Subsequently, the general user activates the built-in camera of the client device 200 and captures an area including the overt area as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the general user authenticates the image data of the overt area included in the photographed area or product information obtained by analyzing the image data as feature information of the product via the network 300 shown in FIG. It transmits to the inquiry server 100. Thereby, the authenticity inquiry server 100 has received the feature information (Yes in step S210).

  Next, the client device 200 waits for the authentication information and additional information of the product corresponding to the transmitted feature information to be sent from the authentication inquiry server 100. When authenticity determination information and additional information are received (Yes in step S260), a screen as shown in FIG. 6C, for example, is displayed on the client device 200 based on the received authenticity determination information. FIG. 6C shows an example in which a screen that prompts the user to confirm the color shift (change in color according to the viewing angle) in the overt area is displayed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the screen prompting the user to confirm the color shift in the overt area is displayed, so that the general user can promptly proceed with the product authenticity determination work. The general user does not need to know what the overt area is, and can check whether the product has a color shift area as a forgery prevention measure. If there is an area where color shift occurs, it is possible to grasp that the possibility of genuine products is high. It is possible to grasp that it is expensive.

  In this specific example, the above-described overt area may also serve as the covert area, or the covert area may be provided in the product in an area partially overlapping with the overt area or in another area. When the covert area is provided, information for urging the observation of the covert area using a dedicated jig (for example, a viewer) is used as the authentication information. Further, instead of providing the overt area in the product, a covert area may be provided in the product.

[3-4. Fourth Specific Example]
In the fourth specific example, a general user performs an authenticity inquiry process using an identification pattern arranged in one or both of an overt area and a covert area in a product. In this specific example, the content of the authentication information received by the client device 200 from the authenticity inquiry server 100 is different from that in the third specific example.

  First, similarly to the third specific example, an image of an overt area of a product as illustrated in FIG. 6A or product information obtained by analyzing the image is obtained from the client device 200 as feature information of the product. It is transmitted to the authenticity inquiry server 100 (Yes in step S210). Next, the client device 200 receives the authentication information and additional information from the authentication server 100 (Yes in step S260). However, in this embodiment, the authenticity determination information received here is procedure information indicating a procedure necessary for a general user to confirm that the product is genuine.

  In this specific example, as in the client device 200 shown in FIG. 7, a screen that prompts the user to transmit the confirmation result when confirming the color shift of the overt area provided in the product is displayed based on the authentication information. Is done. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the confirmation result is prompted to input “YES” indicating that there is a color shift or “NO” indicating that there is no color shift. Preferably, not only prompting the user to input “YES” or “NO” as a confirmation result, but also transmitting a color photographic image of an area including an overt area photographed in color by the built-in camera of the client device 200 to the authenticity inquiry server 100. It is also preferable to promote.

  Next, the general user confirms whether or not there is a color shift in the overt area in accordance with the screen display as shown in FIG. 7, that is, the procedure information, and then the confirmation result is transmitted from the client device 200 to the authenticity inquiry server 100. Send. In response to this, information about the possibility that the product provided with the overt area is genuine is transmitted from the authenticity inquiry server 100 to the client device 200 as authenticity determination result information for the confirmation result (Step S284 or Step S285).

  As described above, in this specific example, the authentication result of the product can be obtained only by operating the client device 200 according to the authentication information received from the authentication server 100, that is, the procedure information. Thereby, operativity and usability can be improved.

[4. Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the authentication inquiry system 1000 includes one authentication inquiry server 100 has been described. Alternatively, the authenticity inquiry system 1000 may include a plurality of authenticity inquiry servers 100. In this case, for example, a series of processes related to steps S210 to S270 in FIG. 2 and step S280 in FIG. The authenticity inquiry server 100 may execute the authenticity determination process (a series of processes in steps S281 to S285 in FIG. 5).

  In the above-described embodiment, the authenticity inquiry system 100 has been described as including the first database 131, the second database 132, and the third database 133 in the authenticity inquiry system 1000. Alternatively, at least one of the first database 131, the second database 132, and the third database 133 may be arranged in the authenticity inquiry system 1000 so that the authenticity inquiry server 100 can read the information. For example, the first database 131, the second database 132, and the third database 133 may be configured as a database server by recording them in one storage device, or the first database 131, the second database 132 and the third database 133 may be recorded in different storage devices and placed in the authenticity inquiry system 1000.

  In the first to third specific examples described above, the case where the authenticity determination is performed using an identification medium such as a barcode or a hologram has been described. However, instead of using the identification medium, the physical property of the product itself is used. The authenticity determination may be performed using the characteristics. For example, when the fabric used for the product itself is a special material that enhances the design, it is also possible to send the image data including the fabric portion to the authenticity inquiry server 100 and perform the authenticity determination. In this case, when it is determined that the fabric is an inferior material, the product is determined to be a bag work. Some or all of the physical characteristics used here may be included in the physical characteristics used as feature information.

  The present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments other than the above-described embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

  For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be performed manually, or all of the processes described as being performed manually are all performed. Alternatively, a part can be automatically performed by a known method.

  In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each processing, screen examples, and database configurations shown in the present specification and drawings, unless otherwise specified. Can be changed arbitrarily.

  Further, regarding the authenticity inquiry server 100 and the authenticity inquiry system 1000, each illustrated component is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated.

  For example, the processing functions provided in the authenticity inquiry server 100, in particular, each processing function performed by the control unit 110, is realized by the CPU and a program that is interpreted and executed by the CPU. It may also be realized as hardware by wired logic. Note that the program is recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a programmed instruction for causing the information processing apparatus to execute the processing described in the present embodiment. 100 mechanically read. In other words, in a storage unit such as a ROM or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a computer program for giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with the OS and performing various processes is recorded. This computer program is executed by being loaded into the RAM, and constitutes a control unit in cooperation with the CPU.

  Further, this computer program may be stored in an application program server connected to the authenticity inquiry server 100 via an arbitrary network (for example, the network 300), and the whole or a part of the computer program is downloaded as necessary. It is also possible to do.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or may be configured as a program product. Here, the “recording medium” refers to a memory card, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) card, flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (registration). Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto-Optical disk), DVD (Digital Digital, Trademark) Any “portable physical media It is intended to include. Therefore, a recording medium storing a program for executing the processing of the present invention also constitutes the present invention.

  The “program” is a data processing method described in an arbitrary language or description method, and may be in any form such as source code or binary code. Note that the “program” is not necessarily limited to a single configuration, and functions are achieved in cooperation with a separate configuration such as a plurality of modules and libraries or a separate program represented by the OS. Including things. In addition, a well-known structure and procedure can be used about the specific structure and reading procedure for reading a recording medium in each apparatus shown to embodiment, the installation procedure after reading, etc.

  Various databases and the like stored in the storage unit 130 are storage means such as a memory device such as a RAM and a ROM, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, and an optical disk. Programs, tables, databases, web page files, and the like.

  Further, the authenticity inquiry server 100 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or may be configured as the information processing device to which an arbitrary peripheral device is connected. Further, the authenticity inquiry server 100 may be realized by installing software (including a program or data) for realizing the processing of the present invention in the apparatus. For example, when the authenticity inquiry server 100 transmits the authentication information to the client device 200 or instead of transmitting the authentication information, the client device 200 may transmit a program relating to the authentication, or the client device. Instruction information for starting a program related to authenticity determination installed in advance in 200 may be transmitted. In this case, the client device 200 assumes a part of the functions of the authenticity inquiry server 100.

  Furthermore, the specific form of distribution / integration of the devices is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part of them may be functionally or physically in arbitrary units according to various additions or according to functional loads. It can be configured to be distributed and integrated. That is, the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined and may be selectively implemented.

  The present invention is particularly useful when making an inquiry about authentication information using feature information unique to a product.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Authentication reference server 110 Control part 111 1st acquisition part 112 2nd acquisition part 120 Communication interface part 130 Memory | storage part 131 1st database 132 2nd database 133 3rd database 200 Client apparatus 300 Network 1000 Authentication reference system

Claims (8)

An authenticity inquiry server for inquiring authentication information using feature information unique to a product,
Accepting means for accepting feature information transmitted from the client device;
First authentication information relating to authenticity of a product corresponding to the feature information received by the accepting means is obtained from a first database storage device in which product information related to the product and authenticity determination information related to the product are associated with each other. Acquisition means;
The additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information received by the receiving means is different from the authenticity determination information, and the product information related to the product and the additional information related to the product are associated with each other. Second acquisition means for acquiring from a database storage device;
Transmission means for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired by the first acquisition means and the additional information acquired by the second acquisition means to the client device that has transmitted the feature information;
Authenticity inquiry server. The additional information is:
Logo, catch phrase, image and sound of the product,
The manufacturer or distributor of the product, a catch phrase, an image, and an image sound;
Information on successors or related products of the product, information on optional items or accessories of the product, and new product information or sale information of the manufacturer or distributor of the product,
Website information about the product, website information of the manufacturer or distributor of the product, and
Including at least one information of mail magazine, social networking service (SNS) or magazine guide information related to the product,
The authenticity inquiry server according to claim 1. The client device is a user terminal of a prospective purchaser or purchaser or consumer of the product,
The authenticity determination information is procedure information indicating a procedure necessary for the prospective purchaser or purchaser of the product or a consumer to confirm that the product is a genuine product,
The accepting means is
Receiving result information relating to a result obtained by executing the procedure indicated in the procedure information transmitted from the client device; and
The transmission means includes
In accordance with the result information received by the receiving unit, the information indicating that the product is a genuine product or the information regarding the possibility that the product is a non-art work is transmitted to the client device that has transmitted the result information.
The authenticity inquiry server according to claim 1 or 2. The procedure information includes information relating to a procedure for obtaining a detection result of an identification pattern or an identifier arranged in an overt area, a covert area, or an overt area and a covert area in the product,
The authenticity inquiry server according to claim 3. The feature information is recorded on at least one data carrier of a one-dimensional symbol, a two-dimensional symbol, and an electronic tag.
The authenticity inquiry server as described in any one of Claims 1-4. An authentication inquiry system that can be connected to at least one client device for inquiring authentication information using characteristic information unique to a product,
Including the authenticity inquiry server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the first database storage device, and the second database storage device;
Authenticity inquiry system. An authenticity inquiry method for inquiring authenticity determination information using characteristic information unique to a product, executed in an authenticity inquiry server provided with a control unit,
Executed in the control unit,
The first database storage device in which the authentication information regarding the authenticity of the product corresponding to the feature information transmitted from the client device to the authenticity inquiry server is associated with the product information regarding the product and the authentication information regarding the product. A first obtaining step to obtain from
Additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information, which is different from the authentication information, is acquired from the second database storage device in which the product information related to the product and the additional information related to the product are associated with each other. A second acquisition step,
Creation step of creating transmission data for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired in the first acquisition step and the additional information acquired in the second acquisition step to the client device that has transmitted the feature information. Including
Authenticity inquiry method. A genuineness inquiry program for making an inquiry of authentication information using characteristic information unique to a product to be executed in an authentication inquiry server provided with a control unit,
For executing in the control unit,
The first database storage device in which the authentication information regarding the authenticity of the product corresponding to the feature information transmitted from the client device to the authenticity inquiry server is associated with the product information regarding the product and the authentication information regarding the product. A first obtaining step to obtain from
Additional information related to the product corresponding to the feature information, which is different from the authentication information, is acquired from the second database storage device in which the product information related to the product and the additional information related to the product are associated with each other. A second acquisition step,
Creation step of creating transmission data for transmitting the authenticity determination information acquired in the first acquisition step and the additional information acquired in the second acquisition step to the client device that has transmitted the feature information. Including
Genuine inquiry program.

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