TW201835816A - Method for generating image data of a code, and method for determining authenticity or false of the code - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for generating image data of a code that represents information associated with an article includes: generating, from the image representing the information, modified image data that represents an image which is modified in different manners for different articles or article groups; and storing the modified image data on a storage medium.

Description

Method for generating image data of code and method for authenticating code

This application relates to a technique for suppressing counterfeiting of a code attached to an article.

Among the various commodities circulating in the world, for example, a product code, a code indicating the date of manufacture (or the expiration date), a lot number, or a serial number unique to the article is printed on the product or package. The codes are typically printed in the form of one or two dimensional barcodes, human visual characters (human readable characters), or combinations thereof. The printing of such a code can be carried out using a commercially available device such as a personal computer (PC) or a printer. The code to be printed can be read by, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or a reading device such as a barcode reader. Application software for code creation or reading can also be easily obtained. Therefore, the convenience of the code is very high and can be used for a wide range of purposes. However, on the other hand, there is a possibility of making a forgery or change of the code. For example, a product with an informal product is attached with the same code as the regular product for sale. In the current widely used one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code, there is no sufficient mechanism for anti-counterfeiting. Therefore, it is usually not easy for consumers to judge whether a product is a regular product or a counterfeit product. As a technique for making the forgery of the code difficult, for example, a technique of printing a barcode together with an hologram is known. However, the use of code-based techniques in the production and printing of holograms requires complex steps. Moreover, it is assumed that when the hologram is forged, the consumer cannot easily judge whether or not there is forgery. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing copying of a two-dimensional barcode attached to a product in a simpler manner. Patent Document 1 discloses a method of producing a security bar code in which a secondary pattern including a minute shape of each unit size or less is combined on a pattern of a two-dimensional barcode. The tiny shape is detectable by a bar code scanner, but is less than likely to be duplicated by a standard (i.e., low resolution) copy device. Therefore, the subject matter disclosed in Patent Document 1 is that the security bar code cannot be easily copied, and the possibility of counterfeiting can be reduced. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-19286

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The present disclosure provides a novel code generating method that can suppress the forgery of codes in a different method from the prior art. [Technical means for solving the problem] The code generating method of one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an article by a processor. The above method comprises the steps of: generating image data representing a code of the above information according to a specific algorithm based on the input information; according to a specific rule based on the information, depending on each item or each group of articles The image data is changed in the aspect; and the changed image data is recorded on the recording medium. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of generating image data representing a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code of information associated with an item by a processor. The above method comprises the steps of: determining a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code representing the information based on the input information; generating a change map indicating an image with at least one mark added to an outer side of the determined code region Image data; and recording the above changed image data on a recording medium. The step of generating the changed image data includes determining one or more coordinate values on the outer side of the region of the code based on the information associated with the article; and determining the position indicated by the one or more coordinate values determined above, Attach at least 1 tag. The coordinate values of the at least one mark are changed for each item or group of items. Still another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of generating a code image representing a code of information associated with an item by a processor. The above method comprises the steps of: generating, based on the information entered, a changed image data representing an image in which an image representing the information of the information is changed according to an aspect of each item or each group of articles; And recording the changed image data on the recording medium. The above code contains one or two dimensional barcodes and human readable characters. The step of generating the changed image data includes determining a displacement amount of the reference position of the human readable character from the image based on the information, and changing a relative position of the barcode to the human readable character. Another method for authenticity determination of the present disclosure includes the steps of: obtaining a first image data obtained by capturing a code printed on an article; and obtaining from the recording medium by any code generation method of the present disclosure. The changed image data, that is, the second image data or the data for changing the content of the change of the second image data; and based on the first image data, the second image data, or the change data, Determining whether the code in the first image data is a normal code; and outputting data indicating the determination result. The comprehensive or specific aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by a device, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a recording medium, or any combination thereof. [Effects of the Invention] According to an aspect of the present invention, forgery of a code can be detected relatively easily, so that forgery of a code can be suppressed.

(Outline) Before explaining the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical summary of the present disclosure will be first described. The present disclosure relates to a technique of intentionally changing (editing) an image representing a code of various information associated with an article for recording or printing. When the image thus obtained is intentionally changed to be printed on an article or its package or the like, a third party who does not know the specific rule cannot print the same image using the usual device and software. Therefore, the possibility of forgery can be reduced. Moreover, it can be determined whether the image of the code attached to the article is a regular image or a forged image (authentic). For example, an application can be realized in which the authenticity of the barcode is determined based on an image of a barcode read by a reading device such as a smart phone. The term "code" as used in this specification refers to a graphic, a symbol, a pattern, or a character, or any combination thereof, indicating information associated with an article. Typically, the code can be a one-dimensional code (typically a bar code), a two-dimensional code (such as a matrix code or a stacked code), or a string (including a combination of numbers, letters, and other characters), or combinations thereof. Two-dimensional codes are often referred to as two-dimensional barcodes. Therefore, also in the present specification, there is a case where the term "bar code" is used not only for the one-dimensional code but also for the two-dimensional code. The code does not have to contain a one- or two-dimensional bar code. The code can also be expressed only by strings (eg, human readable characters). The code represents various information associated with an item (such as a product such as a product). Such information may be, for example, a product code, a manufacturing date, a consumption period, a lot number, or a serial number inherent to the item, or any combination thereof. Information other than the information listed here may also be included in the code. For example, the code can also express information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website. For example, the code may be attached to an industrial machine, a consumer machine, a pharmaceutical product, a food, a clothing, an ornament, a groceries, a ticket, or a coupon. In this specification, such tangible items that can be attached are collectively referred to as "items." By "attaching" a code to an article is meant printing the code on the surface of the article or its packaging. The code attached to the item can be read using a reading device such as a smart phone or a bar code reader equipped with a camera. In the present specification, the "image data of a code" refers to information indicating an image of the code. The image data of the code is not limited to image data having a file format according to a known specification such as JPEG, PNG, BMP, or any form of data. The image data of the code is sometimes simply referred to as a "code image." In the present specification, the term "changing image data" refers to information indicating an image obtained by performing an anti-counterfeiting change on an original code image. The image data to be changed is not limited to image data having a file format according to a known specification such as JPEG, PNG, or BMP, and may be any form of data. For example, changing the image data may also be a data or signal obtained by attaching information indicating the content of the anti-forgery change to the original image data. The code generation method of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of generating image data of a code indicating information associated with an item (for example, a manufactured object) by a processor (or a computer). In an embodiment, the method includes the following steps: (1) generating image data representing a code of the information according to a specific algorithm based on the input information; (2) according to a specific rule based on the information, And changing the image data in different manners in each item or each item group; and (3) recording the changed image data on the recording medium. The method may further comprise the following steps: (4) printing the changed image data on the article or its packaging. The step (1) above corresponds, for example, to the step of generating a bar code of one or two dimensions. The processor can generate a bar code, for example, by executing a program for generating a known bar code. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the "specific algorithm" may be an algorithm that generates image data of a code containing only human readable characters. The above step (2) makes it difficult to forge the code by intentionally changing the image data of the code generated in the above step (1). In this step, for example, the image data may be changed in accordance with a specific rule for each commodity code, each batch number, or a different aspect in each serial number. Thereby, inherently altered image data is generated for each item (eg, each serial number) or each group of items (eg, each item code or batch number). The step (3) above is a step of recording the changed image data on an arbitrary recording medium such as a hard disk drive so as to be able to be utilized in the subsequent printing step (4). The changed image data can also be recorded in association with the information of the item to which the code is attached. The recorded data can be referred to when making authenticity decisions. In the step (4) above, the changed image data is printed on the article or its packaging. This step can be performed by a conventional printer or printer. Thus, the processor of the embodiment of the present disclosure intentionally changes the image data of the code attached to the article in accordance with the specific rules based on the original information. For example, the image data is changed by a specific encryption process based on the original information. At this time, the processor may, for example, generate a change data (also referred to as a "security code") for specifying the changed content, and change the image data of the code according to the change data. The image data generated in the above step (1) is image data generated by a normal code generation algorithm and which is not subjected to anti-counterfeiting measures. The image data may also not be explicitly generated. The means for generating the changed image data may also generate the changed image data from the input information without generating the normal code image data. As explained in detail below, the state of change of image data is varied. For example, it can be the following method. (1) The position of the original code is changed according to the value indicated by the security code. (2) In the case of a combination of a code and a human readable character, the relative position of the code is changed based on the security code. (3) The coordinates indicated by the security code inside the original code area, with additional marks (such as black or white marks). (4) Attach a mark (such as a black or white mark) to the coordinates indicated by the security code around the area of the original code. (5) Prepare a character tag (mark of a string) different from the original code to change its coordinates, angle, font size, size, and the like. The methods (1) to (5) above may be applied arbitrarily in combination. By the above method, the third party of the unknown specific rule cannot make the exact same printing. Moreover, it is difficult to use conventional devices and software to falsify marks. Further, the reading device or the server computer can be made to have an authenticity determination function, and the authenticity can be determined. For example, an information device with a camera such as a smart phone or a tablet computer can be used to determine the authenticity of the code based on the image data obtained by capturing the code printed on the product. The determination of the authenticity can be performed, for example, by an information device (reading device) to which the application software for determination is installed. Alternatively, the server computer connected to the reading device via a network (for example, the Internet) can also perform the determination of authenticity. The server computer determines the authenticity based on the image data sent from the reading device, the image data actually printed, or the data for changing the content of the specified code, and returns the determination result to the reading device. . With this system, users can use mobile devices such as smart phones to immediately know whether the product is genuine or counterfeit. Furthermore, a normal reading device that does not have an authenticity determination function cannot perform the determination of authenticity. However, even in the case of a normal reading device, the code for which the security code has been edited can be read in the same manner as the normal code. Therefore, the previous convenience can be maintained. Printed materials such as barcodes may cause printing errors such as dirt or defects during printing or distribution. Therefore, any code system that is read by the machine is designed to allow for a number of printing errors. In particular, in the two-dimensional bar code system, an error correction function using a height such as a Lie Solomon code is installed so that reading can be performed without any trouble in the case of a code error. Therefore, even if a mark or the like is intentionally added to the inside or around the code in accordance with a specific rule, the reading can be performed without much trouble. Therefore, it does not impair the function as a normal system. In other words, the changes made in the embodiments of the present disclosure are changes to the extent of normal readability. The device for authenticating can analyze the image data obtained by the shooting to identify, for example, a mark attached to the image of the code as a mark that is intentionally attached according to a specific rule or a dirty or defective other than the other. Previously, it was important to think that the image of the barcode and the like was clearly and correctly printed. It has not been previously conceived to forcibly typeset, or to attach tags that are not related to the code. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the authenticity determination can be more easily performed, for example, by intentionally disturbing the typesetting or the additional mark for each item or each item group. Hereinafter, more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, the explanations that are too detailed are sometimes omitted. For example, there may be a detailed description that omits well-understood matters or a repetitive description of substantially identical configurations. The purpose is to avoid the following explanation becoming too lengthy and easy for the operator to understand. In addition, the inventors have provided the following description of the accompanying drawings and the following description in order to fully understand the present disclosure, but do not deliberately limit the subject matter described in the claims. In the following description, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. (Embodiment) This embodiment relates to a method of adding a minute mark or a character mark (a string) by a bar code (for example, a two-dimensional matrix code) printed on a commodity, or changing a human readable character. Apparatus and method for generating altered image data from a position relative to a bar code. Further, this embodiment relates to a system and method for determining the authenticity of a printed code. <Code Image Generating Apparatus> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a code image generating apparatus (server computer 30) according to the present embodiment. The server computer 30 is a device that generates image data attached to the matrix code of the 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 can be realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 32 performs the following image generation processing by executing a computer program stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 includes a recording medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 34 stores programs executed by the processor 32 and various materials generated during the processing. The storage 38 is, for example, a device including a recording medium such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The storage 38 records various materials such as image data of a code generated by the processor 32. Furthermore, the image data of the code generated by the processor 32 can also be recorded in other 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 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 the printer, for example, via a LAN. Further, the communication circuit 36 can be connected to an information device such as a smart phone via a network such as the Internet. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, the server computer 30 may further include elements such as a power supply circuit, an input/output interface, and a display. However, the elements are not directly related to the operation of the embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, processing for generating a code image by the processor 32 of the present embodiment will be described. 2 is a flow chart showing the basic flow of processing of the code image by the processor 32. The processor 32 receives the instruction (code generation instruction) indicating that the code for a certain product should be generated, and then performs the operation shown in FIG. 2. In step S100, the processor 32 obtains information related to the product (for example, a product code, a manufacturing date, a batch number, a serial number, and the like). This information can be entered, for example, from the user or other device along with the code generation indication. In step S101, the processor 32 generates image data of the code according to the specific algorithm based on the acquired information. This image data can be produced, for example, in accordance with a known two-dimensional code generation algorithm. As an example, when the DataMatrix ECC200 which is one of the two-dimensional codes is used, the image data of the code can be generated by specifying the software of the algorithm according to the specification of ISO/IEC16022:2006. In the case of using other types of two-dimensional codes, it is also possible to generate image data of a code by using a software that specifies an algorithm according to the specification of the code. Some of such software have been disclosed, for example, on the Internet and can be utilized free of charge. Moreover, in the case of generating a code other than a two-dimensional code (e.g., a one-dimensional barcode or a code composed only of a string), the processor 32 generates image data in accordance with a particular algorithm used to generate the code. In step S102, the processor 32 changes (corrects) the image data of the code in accordance with a specific rule based on the information expressed by the code. In the present embodiment, the image data is changed by a method different from each of the product ID (identification), the batch number, or the serial number. For example, the processor 32 changes the image data by adding one or a plurality of marks (anti-counterfeit marks) to the determined position based on the serial number or the like in the image data. At this time, the processor 32 can also create information indicating the coordinate value indicating the position of the additional mark as the change material (security code), and record it in the memory 38 (recording medium) in association with the product. In consideration of dirt or defects, the security mark may be arranged in a plurality of positions in the code. Also, a plurality of overlapping methods can be used in combination. The security flag is placed at a position where the burden does not become large at the time of reading, and is placed at a position where the burden does not become large, depending on the error correction capability of the reading device (reader). The anti-counterfeiting mark is set to be smaller than the normal symbol mark and difficult to visually recognize, without damaging the true/false function. In step S104, the processor 32 instructs the printer to print the image data of the changed code on the article or its package. Thereby, an image of the code changed based on the specific rule is printed on the article or its package. Furthermore, the code image can also be printed on objects other than the package associated with the product (eg, signboards, advertisements, etc.). An example of a code image produced in the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3A to 3F. Fig. 3A is a view showing an example of a code image generated in step S101 of Fig. 2. Here, an example of using a DataMatrix code which is one of two-dimensional barcodes as a code will be described. Further, when a two-dimensional bar code other than the DataMatrix code, for example, a Quick Response (QR) code, a VeriCode, a PDF417 code, an Aztec code, or MaxiCode, is used, the same processing as that described below can be performed. The two-dimensional barcode usually includes a plurality of data units (hereinafter, simply referred to as "units") arranged in two dimensions. A plurality of cells have the shape of a square or rectangle of the same size. One of the plurality of cells is a bright (or white) unit and the other is a dim (or black) unit. One of the bright unit and the dim unit represents a 0 (zero) value, and the other represents a value of 1. Thus, the two-dimensional pattern of the light and dark of the elements represents the specific information expressed by the numerical rows 0 and 1. Fig. 3B is a view showing an example of a code image changed in step S102 of Fig. 2. In this example, a mark 1 (black dot) is added to the inside of the code area. The position (coordinate) of the additional mark 1 is determined based on the information represented by the code. For example, the marker 1 can be appended to the location that is uniquely determined by each serial number or batch number. Fig. 3C is a view showing another example of the changed code image. In this example, two markers 1 (black dots and white dots) are added inside the code region. As in this example, a plurality of markers 1 may be added. Among the plurality of cells constituting the two-dimensional code shown in the figure, black dots are added to the bright cells, and white dots are added to the dark cells. In this case, the change data includes information indicating the coordinate values of each of the two markers 1. Fig. 3D is a view showing still another example of the changed code image. In this example, three markers 1 (black dots and two white dots) are added inside the code region. In this case, the change data includes information indicating the coordinate values of each of the three markers 1. Furthermore, the number of the markers 1 may be four or more. The more the number of markers 1, the more changes can be achieved. Further, even in the case where a part of the mark cannot be recognized due to contamination or defects, the more the number of the marks 1 is, the more the possibility of authenticity determination can be improved. Fig. 3E is a view showing still another example of the changed code image. In this example, the mark 1 is a circle mark instead of a dot. Thus, the shape of the additional mark 1 may be a shape other than a dot. Fig. 3F is a view showing still another example of the changed code image. In this example, the mark 1 of the two circular symbols is added to the area of the code. In a plurality of units constituting the two-dimensional code, a black circle is added to the bright unit, and a white circle is added to the dark unit. In the example of Fig. 3F, three or more markers 1 may be added. The mark may be, for example, a symbol such as a triangle, a quadrangle, or a star mark, or a character. In the case where a plurality of marks are attached, the shapes may be different depending on the marks. In this case, the change data may also contain information on the shape of each mark. In the above example, the mark 1 is added to the code, but one or more marks 1 may be added to the outside of the code or to the outside. 4A to 4C show such an example. Fig. 4A shows an example in which a specific portion of the alignment pattern of the code (the thick line of the L-shaped outer circumference of the code) is made hollow. In this example, the white mark 1 is attached to the three portions on the alignment pattern. In this manner, one or more of the 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. The markers 1 are contiguous with the alignment pattern. Fig. 4C shows an example in which three marks 1 (black dots) are added separately from the periphery of the alignment pattern. As in the case, the printing position of the mark 1 may be the outer side of the code area. In the above example, the parameter for changing the content of the code image (the element for changing the data) may be the number of marks, the shape of each mark, and the coordinate value (X coordinate and Y coordinate) in the image of each mark. ). The processor 32 determines the parameters according to specific rules based on information such as the serial number or batch number included in the information represented by the code. Then, one or more of the markers 1 and the code are superimposed in accordance with the determined parameters. Thereby, for example, the code can be printed in a different manner in each serial number or batch number of the product. In the above example, the attached mark 1 is smaller than the size of each unit included in the code. Further, a mark 1 having a relatively small number (for example, less than 1/10) is added to the number of each of the bright unit and the dark unit. Therefore, there is no obstacle to the reading of the code after the mark 1 is given. The number of units (also referred to as data units) in the two-dimensional barcode is set to N, and the number of additional marks is set to n. N varies depending on the type of the code, and may be, for example, an integer of 20 or more. The number n of the marks is an integer of 1 or more and N or less, and in one example, 2≦n≦N/10. In the case where n marks are attached, the change data for the change contents of the prescribed code contains information indicating n coordinate values in the image data. The processor determines n coordinate values based on the information represented by the code, and adds n marks to the position indicated by the n coordinate values. The combination of the n coordinate values differs depending on the information represented by the code (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "original information"). The combinations of the coordinates of the markers correspond, for example, one-to-one with the original information. The authenticity of the code can be determined by determining whether the combination of the coordinates of the markers matches the original information read from the code. In addition to the above examples, it is also possible to add a change of the character mark including the string around the area of the two-dimensional code. The same security can be obtained by making the position, angle, font (including size, font, character spacing) of the character mark, and at least one of the contents of the string different in each item or each item group. effect. Fig. 5A shows an example of a code image to which a character mark 2 is added around the area of the code. In this example, a string containing numbers, letters, and tokens is appended to the top of the code. Fig. 5B is a view showing another example of the code image after the change of the character mark 2 is added around the area of the code. In this example, the character mark 2 has a different content, position, and size as compared with the example shown in FIG. 5A, and is inclined in the clockwise direction. In this manner, the processor 32 can also change the position (coordinate), rotation angle, font, and the like of the character mark 2 based on the information indicated by the code. In this case, the parameter (change data) specifying the content of the change includes the content of the string, the position (coordinate), and the information of the font. These parameters may be uniquely determined, for example, by each serial number or each batch number represented by the code. In addition to the above examples, the changing methods shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, FIGS. 4A to 4C, and FIGS. 5A and 5B may be combined. For example, one or more of the marks 1 may be added to at least a part of the inside of the two-dimensional code, the alignment pattern, and the outside, and one or more character marks 2 may be added outside the two-dimensional code. In this form, the change data may include information such as the shape, coordinates, size, and content, coordinates, rotation angle, and font of each character mark 2. The processor 32 records its data in association with its code or item and records it on the recording medium. This information can be used for the authenticity determination process described below. Next, an example of changing the image data of the code in a different method from the method of attaching the mark will be described with reference to Figs. 6A to 6D. In the following example, in addition to the two-dimensional bar code, the code also contains human readable characters. The processor 32 changes the image data by changing the position of the barcode or human readable character within the image data. The relative position of the bar code to the human readable character is varied by this action. The direction and magnitude of the change is determined by the information represented by the bar code. In this example, the change data includes information indicating the amount of displacement from at least one of the bar code and the human readable character from the reference position in the image data. Fig. 6A shows an example of a code image before the change. In this example, a human readable character composed of four columns of characters is printed in the lateral direction of the two-dimensional barcode. The human readable character sequentially indicates (01) the item code, (21) the serial number, (10) the batch number, and (17) the expiration date from the top. This is the same as the information represented by the 2D barcode. There are various display modes of human readable characters, and are not limited to the illustrated aspects. Based on the typesetting shown in FIG. 6A, the processor 32 changes the relative positional relationship between the bar code and the human readable character according to the information represented by the bar code. For example, the printing position of a human readable character is changed in a different aspect of each serial number or each batch number. Figure 6B shows that the human readable character is shifted by only 0 in the upward direction (+Y direction). A change of 5 mm. Figure 6C shows that the human readable character is shifted by only 0 in the left direction (-X direction). A change of 5 mm. Figure 6D shows that the human readable character is shifted by only 0 in the downward direction (-Y direction). A variation of 5 mm and a deviation of 1 mm in the right direction (+X direction). Figure 6B to Figure 6D "Visual characters: Y + 0. The description of 5 mm" and the like is shown for convenience of explanation, and is not actually printed. The same is true in the figures below. The rectangular frame in Figures 6B to 6D is actually either printable or non-printable. As shown in these examples, the determination of authenticity can be made by changing the relative position of the bar code to the human readable character in accordance with a particular rule based on the information represented by the bar code. In this case, the change data includes information on the displacement amount from the reference position of each of the X direction and the Y direction. Processor 32 determines the amount of displacement in each direction in accordance with a particular rule. The position of the barcode can also be offset in the same way in place of human readable characters. Also, both the barcode and the human readable character can be offset from their respective reference positions. In the latter case, the number of parameters for changing the data (anti-counterfeiting code) is increased, so that more changes can be made. In addition to changing the relative position of the bar code to the human readable character, the processor 32 may also add a tag (e.g., a token, a graphic, a character, or a string) to the inside or outside of the bar code as in the previous example. Hereinafter, this example will be described. 7A to 7E show several examples in which the printing position of the human readable character is changed in accordance with the information indicated by the bar code, and the mark (in this example, a dot) is added around the bar code. Figure 7A shows an example where both human readable characters and points are located at a reference position. Figure 7B shows that the human readable character is offset from its reference position upward by 0. 5 mm, the point where the point is offset by 5 mm from the reference position. Figure 7C shows that the human readable character is offset from its reference position by 0. 5 mm and offset to the right by 0. 5 mm, the point is offset from the reference position by 8 mm in the upward direction and 5 mm in the left direction. Figure 7D shows that the human readable character is offset upward by 0 relative to its reference position. 5 mm and offset to the right by 0. 5 mm, the point is offset by 5 mm from the reference position and 10 mm to the left. Figure 7E shows that the human readable character is offset 1 mm in the downward direction relative to its reference position and offset 0 in the right direction. 5 mm, the point is offset by 2 mm from the reference position and 5 mm to the left. As in these examples, the relative position of the code to the human readable character and the position of the point (mark) are varied according to the information represented by the barcode, thereby enabling a more varied change. In these examples, the number of indicia may be singular or plural. In order to improve the possibility of authenticity determination when a part of the mark is not recognized due to dirt or defects, the number of marks (for example, three or more) may be increased. 8A to 8C are views showing another example of the embodiment. In these examples, the code contains only two-dimensional barcodes. The processor 32 causes the print position of the bar code to vary according to the particular rules based on the information shown by the bar code. Fig. 8A shows a code image before the change. The code image in this example contains a box of rectangles surrounding the area of the bar code. Processor 32 causes the relative positional relationship of the frame to the area of the bar code to vary according to the information shown in the bar code. Figure 8B shows that the bar code is offset from the reference position to the left by 0. 2 mm and offset upwards by 0. 2 mm case. Figure 8C shows that the bar code is offset from the reference position to the right by 0. 2 mm and offset downwards 0. 2 mm case. In these examples, the change data includes information indicating the amount of displacement of the reference position in the image data from the X direction and the Y direction. The processor 32 changes the image data by changing the position of the barcode within the image data based on the data for change. In each of the above examples, it is mainly assumed that a two-dimensional barcode (matrix code) is attached to an article. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The technique in the present embodiment can be similarly used when the code is a one-dimensional code or a code of a string or a combination of the above. 9A to 9C are views showing another example of the embodiment. In these examples, the code does not contain a bar code and only contains human readable characters. Processor 32 causes the print position of the human readable character to vary according to the particular rules based on the information shown in the human readable character. Fig. 9A shows the code image before the change. The code image in this example contains a box of rectangles surrounding the area of the human readable character. Processor 32 causes the relative positional relationship of the box to the region of the human readable character to vary based on the information represented by the human readable character. Figure 9B shows that the human readable character is offset from the reference position to the left by 0. 2 mm and offset upwards by 0. 2 mm case. Figure 9C shows that the human readable character is offset from the reference position to the right by 0. 2 mm and offset downwards 0. 1 mm case. In these examples, the change data includes information indicating the amount of displacement of the human readable character from the reference position in the image data to each of the X and Y directions. The processor 32 changes the image data by changing the position of the human readable character within the image data based on the change data. In the above example, the position of the code (bar code or human readable character) may be changed, or the rotation angle of the code may be changed. In the form of printing human readable characters, the fonts (size, font, character spacing, etc.) of human readable characters may also be changed for each item or group of items. A variety of changes can be made by combining such methods. The image data of the code produced by the above method can be read in the order in which the normal two-dimensional barcode is read. At this time, the additional anti-counterfeit mark or the like is regarded as dirty or defective, and error correction is performed. Therefore, the reading is normally performed in the same manner as the barcode for which the change for the anti-counterfeiting is not performed. Therefore, the application in the previous system will not be damaged. Secondly, the processing of changing the code image according to a specific rule will be more specifically described. Fig. 10A is a flow chart showing a more specific example of the process of changing the code image (step S102 in Fig. 2). Here, an example in which one or a plurality of dot marks are added to the inside or outside of the code region as an example will be described. In this example, the processor 32 determines the value representing the data, that is, the hash value, from the data (original information) of the code generated in step S101 in Fig. 2 (step S220). The hash value is a clear indication of the value of the content of the original information, and generally has a smaller amount of information than the original information. The processor 32 calculates the hash value using a hash function (e.g., an encrypted hash function) for obtaining a hash value from the original information. If the purpose of this embodiment of anti-counterfeiting is considered, the hash function is preferably designed to produce a hash value that is difficult to infer from the original code. Next, the processor 32 performs conversion from the calculated hash value to the print information (change data). The processor 32 refers to the code table (lookup table) prepared in advance, and determines the change data (the coordinate value of each dot mark in this example) (step S221). The table can be produced, for example, in such a manner as to satisfy the following conditions. The number of defects is a specific quantity or a quantity within a specific range. For example, three, four, four or less, and other unobtrusive point markers are added. The density of the defect mark is below a certain value. That is, it is avoided that a plurality of dot marks are added to the adjacent positions, making it difficult to stand out. For example, only one tag is attached to the area of 5 x 5 cells. When the point mark is internally configured in the code, the reading burden of the original code is reduced. That is, it does not hinder the reading of a normal reader without the anti-counterfeiting function. The Hamming distance between the dot patterns is a fixed distance or more. That is to avoid a similar configuration. Thereby, a repairable mechanism can be made even in the case where one of the dot marks is partially defective. A table that satisfies the above conditions is prepared 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 point from the hash value. The processor 32 generates the changed code image by arranging the dot markers on the determined coordinates (step S222). Fig. 10B is a diagram schematically showing the flow from the original information to the generation of the change data. As described above, the processor 32 uses the hash function to calculate a hash value with a smaller amount of information from the original information having a relatively large amount of information. Second, the reference code table (table) determines the change data (such as the combination of coordinate values) from the hash value. Then, the image data of the code is changed based on the changed data for the decision. According to such an action, the authenticity determination can be performed via a hash value in which the amount of information is relatively small. Therefore, the amount of calculation required for the determination can be suppressed. Fig. 10C is a diagram showing an example of a model representation table. This table specifies the correspondence between the hash value and the combination of a plurality of coordinate values of the configuration code (change data). The combination of the hash value and the coordinate value corresponds one-to-one. Therefore, the self-healing value uniquely determines the change data. Conversely, the hash value can be uniquely determined by changing the data. As described below, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the code is forged by this mechanism. Changing the typeface or symbol typesetting without adding the mark to the code image can also be accomplished by the same process. In this case, a table such as that shown in Fig. 10D is prepared in advance and recorded instead of the table shown in Fig. 10C. The table can be designed, for example, in such a manner as to satisfy the following conditions. Changes in ∙ typesetting can be identified by visual or mechanical reading and are not conspicuous. For example, for each of the ±X direction and the ±Y direction, 0 to 2. The value in the range of 5 mm is 0. The 5 mm scale is set to the amount of change. ∙ Make the change of the layout pattern not become orderly. That is, it is difficult to infer a layout pattern from information such as a serial number. ∙ Make the layout patterns equally distributed. That is, there is no case where the frequency is placed at a specific portion with a high frequency. The processor 32 can refer to a table prepared in such a manner as to satisfy the above conditions, determine the displacement amount of human readable characters, and the like, and produce printed materials. Substantially the same processing is performed when a change string or a symbol is typed and a change of one or more marks is added to the inside or outside of the code. In this case, for example, the table shown in Fig. 10E can be utilized. In the table of this example, the information for the change includes information on the coordinate value of each of the attached marks and the amount of movement of the moving object (for example, a string or a symbol). The processor 32 refers to such a table, attaches the mark to the original code image, and changes the typesetting of the human readable character or the like. The rotation of the symbol or string, or the change of the font of the string can also be achieved by the same processing. Also in this case, a table similar to the one shown in Figs. 10C and 10D is prepared in advance. The processor 32 refers to the table, and creates a change data (for example, a rotation angle, a character size, a font of a character, a character interval, and the like) according to the hash value, and changes the original code image and records it. The table may be produced, for example, in such a manner as to satisfy the following conditions. ∙ Make the changing situation not orderly. That is, it is difficult to infer a layout pattern based on information such as a serial number. ∙ Make the changes are equally distributed. That is, there is no case where a particular variation is presented at a higher frequency. ∙ Make the changes are not similar to each other. That is, it is easy to infer an accurate pattern even in the case of contamination or defects. In the example shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the processor uses the hash function to calculate the hash value from the original information indicated by the code, and based on the hash value, the reference table (code table) determines the change data (security code). However, such processing is only an example. The processor may, for example, directly determine the content of the change using a specific function or table or the like based on the original information represented by the code. The method of changing the content according to the specific rules according to the specific information is not limited to the specific method. <Temperance Determination System> Next, an example of a system (authenticity determination system) for determining whether or not the barcode attached to the article is genuine is explained. An information machine (reading device) such as a smart phone or a tablet computer can be used to determine whether the barcode attached to the article is the same as the barcode attached to the genuine product. In order to perform this determination, the application software (application) for determination is installed in advance on the reading device. The method of authenticity determination of the present disclosure is roughly divided into the following two methods. (1) The same or corresponding data as the security code (change data) for which the specific rule is applied at the time of printing of the code image is recorded in advance in the reading device, and the reading device alone performs true without communication. Pseudo-decision. (2) The reading device does not have the information relating to the security code indicating the specific rule applicable at the time of printing, and the reading device queries the server or the recording device via the communication line. The server performs the determination of authenticity and returns the determination result to the reading device. The authenticity determination system of the present embodiment can be realized by any of the above methods (1) and (2). The method of (1) can be realized simply, and therefore has the advantage of easy system construction. In the method of (2), since the reading device does not have the data indicating the rule of authenticity determination, even if the reading device is analyzed, there is no advantage that the rule leaks and has a safety advantage. Further, in the method of (2), adjustment of the update determination rule or the like may be performed as needed, so that the safety strength can be maintained high. Therefore, when it is important to construct a system with a low cost and a simple structure, it is preferable to adopt the method of (1). On the other hand, when it is important to improve the safety strength, it is preferable to adopt the method of (2). Hereinafter, an example of the authenticity determination system to which the method of (2) is applied will be described first, and an example of the authenticity determination system to which the method of (1) is applied will be described. Fig. 11 is a view schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the authenticity determination system to which the method of the above (2) is applied. This system includes components such as a server computer 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as "server 30"), a printer 40, a memory 50, and a smart phone 10. The server 30 generates image data (changed image data) attached to the code of the article 5 by any of the above methods, and stores it in the storage 50. The printer 40 prints the code on the article 5 or its package based on the image data. The printed goods 5 are handed over to the consumer through the circulation process. The consumer can use the smart phone 10 to determine whether the product 5 is genuine. For this purpose, an application software (application) for authenticity determination is pre-installed in the smart phone 10. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a smartphone 10 (reading device). The smart phone 10 includes a processor 12, a memory 14, a communication circuit 16, a camera 18, and a display 20. The processor 12 performs the following actions by executing a computer program (application) stored in the memory 14. In the present embodiment, the image data captured by the camera 18 is sent to the remote server 30 via the communication circuit 16. Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the authenticity determining operation. When the authenticity determination is made, the processor 12 executes an application (program) for authenticity determination according to the operation of the consumer (user). The processor 12 causes an image of the portion of the article 5 attached to the barcode printed by the camera 18 of the smart phone 10 to be displayed on the display 20. After the consumer photographs the part (step S10), the communication circuit 16 transmits the image data to the server 30 via the base station 90 and the network 100 (e.g., the Internet) (step S11). The server 30 determines whether or not the bar code included in the transmitted image data is a genuine bar code based on the change data stored in the storage 50 (step S13). The server 30 transmits the 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 confirm whether the barcode attached to the product 5 is a regular barcode. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing more specifically the determination processing of the authenticity of step S13. The processor 32 of the server 30 determines the item to which the code is attached based on the code included in the image data to be delivered (step S200). For example, the information such as the product code, the batch number, and the serial number indicated by the code is read to determine the item. This reading can be performed, for example, by a known algorithm for reading a two-dimensional code. Next, the recording medium used for printing the code on the article is acquired from the recording medium such as the storage device 50 (step S201). The change information obtained here can be, for example, the data contained in the tables illustrated in FIGS. 10C to 10E. The processor 32 determines whether or not the change indicated by the change data has been reflected in the image data (hereinafter, referred to as "photographing data") (step S202). This determination can be performed, for example, based on whether or not the change content corresponding to the hash value calculated based on the code included in the photographed material matches the change content of the photographed material (for example, the combination of the position of the attached mark, and/or typesetting). In the case where the code image is a forgery, the two do not match. Therefore, it can be judged that the product to which the code image is attached is not genuine. The determination can also be performed using well-known image matching techniques. When it is determined that the code included in the transmitted image data is a regular code, the processor 32 transmits the information of the subject to the smart phone 10. When it is determined that the code included in the transmitted image data is not a regular code, the processor 32 transmits the information of the subject to the smart phone 10. Furthermore, the processor 32 can also use the changed image data used for printing to determine the authenticity instead of determining the authenticity based on the changed data. That is, the processor 32 can also determine the identity by comparing the transmitted image data with the image data used for printing. In this case, for example, the identity of the two images can be determined using a well-known image matching technique. In the present embodiment, the code image generation and authenticity determination are performed by the same server 30. However, different devices may perform these operations. It is also possible to arrange a system for generating and printing a code image and a device or system for performing authenticity determination at a distance. 15A and 15B are views showing a display example of the determination result. Fig. 15A shows an example of display when it is determined that the captured code matches the code of the regular product. In this case, the display 20 can display the phrase that the captured code matches the code of the regular product, for example, the phrase "the code of the regular product". Fig. 15B shows an example of display when it is determined that the captured code does not match the code of the genuine product. In this case, the main purpose of the captured code and the code of the regular product, for example, the phrase "code of the non-formal product" can be displayed on the display 20. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15B, the following mechanism may also be introduced, that is, display of a button such as "contact manufacturer", and tapping the display, thereby displaying the contact address information of the manufacturer, or by e-mail Wait for the manufacturer. In the present embodiment, the server 30 on the cloud determines the authenticity of the image of the code being read. The smart phone 10 (reading device) transmits only the captured data to the server 30, and receives and displays the data indicating the determination result from the server 30. Therefore, even if the internal data of the reading device is analyzed, the rule for the change of the code image cannot be determined. Due to the irregular leakage, it ensures a high level of safety. Next, an example in which the reading device such as the smart phone 10 performs the determination of its authenticity and not the server 30 performs the determination of its own authenticity will be described (an example of the above (2)). Fig. 16 is a view schematically showing the authenticity determination system in this example. In this example, the authenticity determination system only includes the smart phone 10. The processor 12 of the smart phone 10 performs the same determination process as described above by executing a computer program stored in the memory 14 without passing through a communication line. In addition to the program for authenticity determination, the memory 14 of the smartphone 10 also records in advance the data indicating the specific rules applicable to the production of the code image. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the authenticity determination processing of the smartphone 10. The smart phone 10 captures a code attached to the product by the camera 18 in accordance with an instruction from the user (step S300). After the photographing code, the processor 12 determines the article from the code included in the photographing material (step S301). For example, the item is determined based on information such as the item code, the batch number, and the serial number indicated by the code. This reading can be performed, for example, by a known algorithm for reading a two-dimensional code. Next, the processor 12 accesses the memory 14 (or other recording medium) and acquires the changed material for the identified item (step S302). The processor 12 determines whether or not the change indicated by the change data has been reflected in the photographed data based on the photographed data and the change data (step S303). This determination can be made, for example, based on whether or not the change content corresponding to the hash value calculated from the code included in the photographed material matches the change content of the photographed material (for example, the combination of the position of the attached mark, and/or typesetting). The determination can also be performed using well-known image matching techniques. When it is determined that the code included in the captured data is a regular code, the processor 12 displays the information of the subject on the display 20. When it is determined that the code included in the captured data is not a regular code, the processor 12 transmits the information of the subject to the display 20. The processor 12 can also determine the authenticity by using the changed image data used in printing instead of determining the authenticity based on the changed data. That is, the processor 12 can also determine the identity by comparing the photographed data with the image data used in the printing. In this case, for example, the identity of the two images can be determined using a well-known image matching technique. In this example, the smart phone 10 can determine the authenticity of the item separately without going through the network. Therefore, compared with the example of Fig. 11, the constitution of the system can be made simple. As described above, the authenticity determination method of the present embodiment includes the steps of: acquiring image data (first image data) obtained by capturing a code printed on an article; and obtaining image data after the actual use of the changed image from the recording medium. (2nd image data); determining whether the code in the first image data is a normal code by comparing the first image data with the second image data (or the change data); and outputting the determination result Information. Thereby, the authenticity of the code can be easily determined. In the above example, the reading device is a smart phone, but may be another information device. For example, a tablet, a barcode reader, a notebook PC (laptop PC), or the like can also be used as the reading device. The camera (or imaging element) 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 be equally applied to the case where the object of the authenticity determination is a code other than the two-dimensional code (for example, a one-dimensional barcode or a human-readable character). Industrial Applicability The method and apparatus for generating a code image according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used for printing a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code or a human readable character or the like on an article such as an article of manufacture.

1‧‧‧ mark

2‧‧‧ character mark

5‧‧‧ Goods

10‧‧‧Smart mobile phone

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

S10‧‧‧ steps

S11‧‧ steps

Step S12‧‧‧

S13‧‧‧ steps

S14‧‧‧ steps

S15‧‧‧ steps

S100‧‧‧ steps

S101‧‧‧Steps

S102‧‧‧Steps

S103‧‧‧Steps

S104‧‧‧Steps

S200‧‧‧ steps

S201‧‧‧ steps

S201‧‧‧ steps

S220‧‧‧Steps

S221‧‧ steps

S222‧‧‧Steps

S300‧‧‧ steps

S301‧‧‧Steps

S302‧‧‧Steps

S303‧‧‧Steps

S304‧‧‧Steps

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a code image generating device (server computer 30) according to the first embodiment. 2 is a flow chart showing the basic flow of processing of the code image by the processor 32. Fig. 3A is a view showing an example of a code image generated in step S101 of Fig. 2. Fig. 3B is a view showing an example of a code image changed in step S102 of Fig. 2. Fig. 3C is a view showing another example of the changed code image. Fig. 3D is a view showing still another example of the changed code image. Fig. 3E is a view showing still another example of the changed code image. Fig. 3F is a view showing still another example of the changed code image. Fig. 4A shows an example in which a specific portion of the alignment pattern of the code is made hollow. 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 separately provided around the alignment pattern. Fig. 5A shows an example of a code image to which a character mark 2 is added around the area of the code. Fig. 5B is a view showing another example of the code image after the change of the character mark 2 is added around the area of the code. Fig. 6A shows an example of a code image before being changed. Fig. 6B shows an example of a change in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm in the upward direction (+Y direction). Fig. 6C shows an example of a change in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm in the left direction (-X direction). Fig. 6D shows a modification in which the human readable character is shifted by only 0.5 mm in the downward direction (-Y direction) and shifted by only 1 mm in the right direction (+X direction). Figure 7A shows an example where both human readable characters and points are located at a reference position. Fig. 7B shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted by 0.5 mm from the reference position in the upward direction and 5 mm from the reference position in the upward direction. Figure 7C shows that the human readable character is offset 0.5 mm from its reference position and 0.5 mm to the right, and the point is offset 8 mm from its reference position and 5 mm to the left. An example. Figure 7D shows that the readable character is offset from its reference position by 0.5 mm in the upward direction and by 0.5 mm in the right direction, and the point is offset from the reference position by 5 mm in the upward direction and by 10 mm in the left direction. example. Figure 7E shows that the human readable character is offset 1 mm downward from its reference position and offset by 0.5 mm in the right direction, and the point is offset 2 mm downward from its reference position and 5 mm in the leftward direction. example. Fig. 8A is a view showing another example of the code image before the change. Fig. 8B shows an example in which the bar code is shifted to the left by 0.2 mm from the reference position and offset upward by 0.2 mm. Fig. 8C shows an example in which the bar code is shifted to the right by 0.2 mm from the reference position and downward by 0.2 mm. Fig. 9A is a view showing another example of the code image before the change. Fig. 9B shows an example in which the human readable character is shifted to the left by 0.2 mm from the reference position and offset upward by 0.2 mm. Fig. 9C shows an example in which the human readable character is offset from the reference position by 0.2 mm to the right and downward by 0.1 mm. Fig. 10A is a flow chart showing a more specific example of the process of changing the code image (step S102 of Fig. 2). Fig. 10B is a view schematically showing an example of a flow from the original information to the generation of the change data. Fig. 10C is a view schematically showing an example of a table defining the correspondence relationship between the hash value and the change data. Fig. 10D is a view schematically showing an example of a table defining a correspondence relationship between a hash value and a change data. Fig. 10E is a view schematically showing an example of a table defining a correspondence relationship between a hash value and a change data. Fig. 11 is a view schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the authenticity determination system. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a smartphone 10 (reading device). Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the authenticity determining operation. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing more specifically the authenticity determination processing in step S13 of Fig. 13. Fig. 15A is a view showing a display example when it is determined that the code to be photographed coincides with the code of the regular product. Fig. 15B is a view showing a display example when it is determined that the code to be captured does not match the code of the regular product. Fig. 16 is a view schematically showing another example of the authenticity determination system. Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of the authenticity determination by the reading device.

Claims (14)

A method for generating image data representing a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code of information associated with an item by a processor, and comprising the steps of: determining one of the information based on the input information a dimensional or two-dimensional code; generating changed image data indicating an image of at least one mark attached to an outer side of the determined area of the code; and recording the changed image data on the recording medium; generating the change map The step of the image data includes: determining one or more coordinate values outside the area of the code based on the information associated with the item; and adding at least 1 to the position indicated by the determined one or more coordinate values The mark of each of the at least one mark is changed for each item or group of articles. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the changed image data comprises: determining a plurality of coordinate values outside the region of the code based on the information associated with the article, and determining the plurality of coordinate values At the position shown, a plurality of markers are added; the combination of the coordinate values of the plurality of markers is changed for each item or group of articles. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the number or shape of the at least one of the markers is determined based on information represented by the code. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the code system comprises a two-dimensional bar code of a plurality of cells, and the size of the at least one tag is smaller than the size of each cell. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of generating the image data for changing comprises: determining, based on the information associated with the item, one or more coordinates of a position on the outer side of the area of the code that is in contact with the area The value is at least one mark added to the position indicated by the one or more coordinate values determined above, without affecting the reading of the above code and the plurality of marks are not adjacent. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the code has an alignment pattern around a region in which the plurality of cells are arranged, and the at least one coordinate value is selected from a region on the alignment pattern. A method for generating image data representing a code associated with an item by a processor, and comprising the steps of: generating an image representing a code representing the information based on the input information; Changing the image data of the image changed according to each item or each group of articles; and recording the changed image data on the recording medium; the code includes a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode and a human Reading the character, the step of generating the change image data includes determining, based on the information, a displacement amount of the reference position of the human readable character from the image, so that the barcode is opposite to the human readable character Variety. The method of 2 or 7, further comprising the step of printing the image shown by said changing image data on said article or its packaging. The method of 2 or 7, wherein the step of generating the above-mentioned image data change is performed by the reading device in such a manner that the same information as that indicated by the image before the change is read from the changed image data Change the image data. The method of 2 or 7, wherein the item is a manufactured product, and the information related to the item includes at least one of a product code, a manufacturing date, a consumption period, a batch number, and a serial number, and the image data is generated. The steps are such that the image is changed in accordance with each of the above-described article codes, each of the above-mentioned batch numbers, or each of the above-mentioned serial numbers. A computer program product for generating image data representing a code associated with an item, and causing a processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10. An apparatus for generating image data representing a code associated with an item, and comprising: a processor; and a memory storing a program executed by the processor; the program causing the processor to execute The method of any one of claims 1 to 10. A method for authenticity determination, comprising the steps of: obtaining a first image data obtained by capturing a code printed on an article; and obtaining the above-mentioned change by the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 from the recording medium The image data is a second image data or a data for changing the content of the change of the second image data; and the first image data, the second image data, or the change data is determined based on the image data. 1 Whether the above code in the image data is a regular code; and outputting information indicating the judgment result. A computer program product, which causes a computer to perform the following steps: obtaining a first image data obtained by photographing a code printed on an article; and obtaining the above-mentioned method by the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 Changing the image data, that is, the second image data, or the data for changing the content of the change of the second image data; determining the above based on the first image data, the second image data, or the change data Whether the above code in the first image data is a regular code; and outputting information indicating the result of the determination.