TWI843601B - Codes printed with an identification code that can be read by a reader - Google Patents

Abstract

In a printed code printed with an identification code readable by a reader, a microscopic mark is arranged in the printed code to such an extent that the reader cannot recognize the existence thereof. This allows the reader to read the printed code, and on the other hand, users (e.g., consumers, manufacturers and distributors of genuine products) can identify products corresponding to printed materials printed with the printed code as genuine products, and products corresponding to printed materials printed with a printed code without the microscopic mark as illegal products.

Description

Codes printed with an identification code that can be read by a reader

The present invention relates to a code printed with an identification code readable by a reader.

In recent years, the trade of illegal goods (counterfeit goods, knockoffs) that infringe trademarks or copyrights has been growing steadily. If illegal goods such as medical supplies, automobile parts, toys, food, cosmetic brands, and electrical appliances are circulated, there is a risk that the health and safety of consumers will be exposed to danger. However, it is difficult to take effective measures against the trade of such illegal goods. [Prior technical literature] [Patent literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-254037 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-96490

(Invent the problem you want to solve)

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to identify genuine goods and illegal goods during the circulation process in order to stop the trading of illegal goods. (Technical means to solve the problem)

In the code printed with the identification code readable by the reader of the present invention, a microscopic mark is arranged in the code to such an extent that the reader cannot recognize the existence. In this way, the code can be read by the reader, and on the other hand, users (such as consumers, manufacturers and distributors of genuine products) can identify the products of the printed materials corresponding to the printed materials printed with the code as genuine products, and identify the products of the printed materials corresponding to the printed materials without the microscopic mark as illegal products.

The following describes in detail an implementation form of a code printed with an identification code readable by a reader while referring to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a code printed with an identification code readable by a reader (also called a "scanner") and provided with a microscopic mark to such an extent that the reader cannot recognize the code (hereinafter referred to as a "printed code") 1. Next, FIG. 1 shows a two-dimensional code 10 as an example of the printed code 1. Examples of the two-dimensional code 10 (the same applies to the two-dimensional codes 30, 40, and 50 described later) include: QR code (registered trademark), PDF417 (including Micro PDF417, Compact PDF417, etc.), DataMatrix (registered trademark), MaxiCode, AztecCode, Code49, EAN/UPC composite code (Composite), GS1DataBar (RSS) composite code, etc. QR codes include: Model 1, Model 2, Micro QR Code, rMQR Code, SQRC (registered trademark), Frame QR (registered trademark), etc. The following describes a case where the two-dimensional code 10 (and the two-dimensional codes 30, 40, and 50 described later) is a QR code of Model 2, but the present invention is not limited to this case.

The two-dimensional code 10 (the same applies to the codes 20, 30, 40, and 50 described below) is printed on a printed matter made of paper (including corrugated paper, paper with an adhesive on one side (sticker), etc.), plastic (including plastic film, plastic film with an adhesive on one side (sticker), etc.), vinyl plastic (vinyl), or cloth (including non-woven fabrics, etc.). The printed matter is composed of, for example, the product itself, the packaging of the product, or the accompanying matter of the product (such as an instruction manual or a product label (including a tag)), etc., and is circulated together with the corresponding product. Among them, the printed matter is composed of an advertisement (including a leaflet, etc.) or a price list of the product, and there is also a case where it is circulated separately from the corresponding product.

The two-dimensional code 10 is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet zone (quiet zone) Q. The two-dimensional code 10 is a type of identification code that represents information indicated by text by configuring a plurality of symbol cells in two dimensions on the symbol S. The two-dimensional code 10 converts the information indicated by the text into a two-dimensional code according to certain rules. The two-dimensional code 10 can be input and output by a reader (such as a two-dimensional code reader) as easily readable digital information. Among them, the two-dimensional code 10 also has a finder pattern (finder pattern) or an alignment pattern (alignment pattern) in the symbol configuration as a constituent of the identifier.

In addition, in the two-dimensional code 10, an identifier (as shown in FIG. 2(A)) is arranged in at least one symbol unit among the multiple symbol units of the two-dimensional code 10 (symbol A in FIG. 1 represents one of the symbol units). The identifier is composed of, for example, at least one of characters (including language characters, numbers, signs, etc.) or patterns. Language characters include characters representing various languages, and refer to, for example, characters representing languages such as Japanese (including Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji), English (including letters), Chinese, Korean (Korean), French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. In addition, for example, the identifier may be composed of any one of characters and patterns, or a combination of these. Here, the tiny characters as tiny identifiers are also called micro characters.

In addition, if there is a search pattern configured in the symbol (symbol B in FIG. 1 represents one of the search patterns), there is also a case where the identifier is configured in part or all of the search pattern that constitutes the identification code (as shown in FIG. 2 (B), (C)). In addition, if there is an alignment pattern (symbol C in FIG. 1 represents the alignment pattern), there is also a case where the identifier is configured in part or all of the alignment pattern that constitutes the identification code (as shown in FIG. 3 (A), (B)). That is, the identifier may be configured only in the search pattern of the two-dimensional code 10, or the identifier may be configured only in the alignment pattern. In addition, the identifier may be configured only in the search pattern and the alignment pattern of the two-dimensional code 10, or the identifier may be configured in the search pattern (or alignment pattern) and in the symbol element.

Fig. 2(A) to (C) are partially enlarged views showing the two-dimensional code 10. Fig. 2(A) is an enlarged view of an example of part A of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, Fig. 2(B) is an enlarged view of the first example of part B of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2(C) is an enlarged view of the second example of part B of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Fig. 1. Next, Fig. 2(A) to (C) are examples of characters configured as identification in the two-dimensional code 10. In Fig. 2(A) to (C), for convenience, the size of the characters displayed relative to the size of parts A and B is changed.

As shown in part A of FIG. 2(A), in the two-dimensional code 10, the letter "R" as an example of text is used as an identifier in a part of the symbol element, and is configured with a color different from the color (hue, chroma and brightness) of the symbol element (for example, if it is a black symbol element, the text is white or a color close to it, and if it is a white symbol element, the text is black, gray, or colored). Colors close to white include colors. The resolution of the QR code reader is not the higher the better. The resolution that can be recognized by general machines (such as smart phones) is at most about 0.25 [mm]. Therefore, it is more appropriate to set the text size to less than 0.25 [mm]. Text sizes below 0.25 [mm] include 0.7 [pt], 0.6 [pt], etc.

Next, if the user uses a magnifying glass to read the text in the symbol (for example, white text in a black symbol), if the text size is 0.25 [mm], it is more appropriate to arrange the text in the symbol size of 0.25 [mm] or more, and if the text size is 0.18 [mm], it is more appropriate to arrange the text in the symbol size of 0.18 [mm] or more. In addition, if the text size is larger than 1 symbol size, the text can also be arranged across multiple adjacent symbols. For example, if the text size is 0.25 [mm] and the size of 1 symbol is 0.17 [mm], the white text is arranged across 4 adjacent black symbols of 2×2.

The text may also be printed using the product name (or its first letter) of the corresponding printed product, or the name of the manufacturing company (or its first letter) of the product.

As shown in part B of FIG. 2(B), in the two-dimensional code 10, a mark "!(^^)!" as an example of text is used as an identifier in a part of the search pattern, and is configured with a color different from the color of the search pattern (for example, if it is configured in the black part of the symbol, the text is white or a color close to it, and if it is configured in the white part of the symbol, the text is black, gray, or colored). The color close to white includes color. As mentioned above, the text size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm].

As shown in part B of FIG. 2(C), in the two-dimensional code 10, a mark "circle mark" and an "umbrella mark" as an example of text are arranged as an identification in a part of the search pattern, and are arranged in a color different from the color of the search pattern (for example, if arranged in the black part of the symbol, the text is white or a color close to it, and if arranged in the white part of the symbol, the text is black, gray, or colored). The color close to white includes color. As mentioned above, the text size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm].

Fig. 3(A) and (B) are partially enlarged views of the two-dimensional code 10. Fig. 3(A) is an enlarged view of the first example of the portion C of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3(B) is an enlarged view of the second example of the portion C of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Fig. 1. Next, Fig. 3(A) is an example of configuring characters as a logo on the two-dimensional code 10, and Fig. 3(B) is an example of configuring a pattern as a logo on the two-dimensional code 10. In Fig. 3(A) and (B), for the sake of convenience, the size of the logo is changed relative to the size of the portion C.

As shown in part C of FIG. 3(A), in the two-dimensional code 10, the Chinese character "Rose" as an example of text is arranged as an identifier in the alignment pattern in a color different from the color of the alignment pattern (for example, if arranged in the black part of the alignment pattern, the text is white or a color close to it, and if arranged in the white part of the alignment pattern, the text is black, gray, or colored). The color close to white includes color. As mentioned above, the text size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm].

As shown in part C of FIG. 3(B), in the two-dimensional code 10, a pattern is used as an identifier within the alignment pattern, and is configured with a color different from the color of the alignment pattern (for example, if the dotted line pattern is configured in the black part of the alignment pattern, the dotted line pattern is white or a color close to this, and if the dotted line pattern is configured in the white part of the alignment pattern, the dotted line pattern is black, gray, or colored). Colors close to white include colors. As described above, the size of the pattern is preferably less than 0.25 [mm]. That is, the pattern is configured in each area whose side is less than 0.25 [mm] formed in the alignment pattern. Among them, in addition to the dotted line pattern, the pattern includes: stripe pattern, grid pattern, mesh pattern, wave pattern, brick pattern, and chessboard pattern.

Next, the two-dimensional code 10 with a tiny mark (e.g., text) as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is printed on the printed matter. On the other hand, the tiny mark of the two-dimensional code 10 can only be printed by a rare printing device (e.g., the printing device 60 described later), and because the mark periphery is damaged, the two-dimensional code 10 cannot be completely copied. Therefore, all products corresponding to printed matters with two-dimensional codes printed with or without tiny marks can be regarded as illegal products. Users (e.g., consumers, manufacturers and distributors of genuine products) can hardly read the mark configured on the two-dimensional code 10 with the naked eye, but can use a magnifying glass such as a small magnifying glass (loupe) to read it.

On the other hand, the resolution of the QR code reader for reading the two-dimensional code 10 is at most about 0.25 [mm] as described above. The identifier arranged on the two-dimensional code 10 is of a microscopic size (less than 0.25 [mm]), and is recognized by the reader as a symbol S without fragments due to being damaged around the identifier. Therefore, the two-dimensional code 10 can be formed as if there is no identifier and can be read by the reader.

By using the two-dimensional code 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the reader can read the two-dimensional code 10, and on the other hand, the user can identify the product corresponding to the printed matter printed with the two-dimensional code 10 as a genuine product, and identify the product corresponding to the printed matter printed with a code not provided with a micro-identification as an illegal product. Therefore, the genuine product and the illegal product can be identified in the circulation process to prevent the transaction of illegal products.

Here, a two-dimensional code 10 is described as the printed code 1, but the same concept can be applied to a one-dimensional code. The one-dimensional code will be described using FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 .

Fig. 4 shows a one-dimensional code 20 as an example of the printed code 1. The one-dimensional code 20 is also called a barcode.

The one-dimensional code 20 is printed on a printed material. The one-dimensional code 20 is composed of a central data area (barcode symbol) S and left and right quiet areas Q. The one-dimensional code 20 is a type of identification code in which a plurality of lines (bars) constituting an identification code are arranged one-dimensionally on the barcode symbol S, and the thickness of each line is used to represent the information indicated by the text. The one-dimensional code 20 is a code that converts the information indicated by the text into a one-dimensional code according to a certain rule. The one-dimensional code 20 can be input and output by a reader (such as a one-dimensional code reader) as easily readable digital information.

In addition, in the one-dimensional code 20, a symbol is arranged in at least one of the plurality of lines of the one-dimensional code 20. The symbol is composed of at least one of characters and patterns, as described above.

Fig. 5 (A) and (B) are partially enlarged views showing the one-dimensional code 20. Fig. 5 (A) is an enlarged view of the first example of the portion D of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in Fig. 4. On the other hand, Fig. 5 (B) is an enlarged view of the second example of the portion D of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in Fig. 4. Next, Fig. 5 (A) and (B) are examples in which characters are arranged as identification on the one-dimensional code 20. In Fig. 5 (A) and (B), the size of the characters relative to the portion D is changed for convenience.

As shown in part D of FIG. 5(A), in the one-dimensional code 20, the number "1234..." as an example of text is used as an identifier in a part of the line, and is arranged in a color different from the color of the line (for example, if the line is black, the text is white or a color close thereto). The color close to white includes a color. As mentioned above, the text size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm]. If it is assumed that the user uses a magnifying glass to read the text in the line (for example, white text in a black line), if the text size is 0.25 [mm], it is more appropriate to arrange the text on a line with a thickness of 0.25 [mm] or more, and if the text size is 0.18 [mm], it is more appropriate to arrange the text on a line with a thickness of 0.18 [mm] or more.

As shown in part D of FIG. 5(B), in the one-dimensional code 20, the letters "JPO" as an example of characters and the Chinese character "日本" as an example of characters are arranged as identifiers in a part of the line in a color different from the color of the line (for example, if the line is black, the characters are white or a color close to it). The color close to white includes a color. As mentioned above, the character size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm].

Next, the one-dimensional code 20 with a microscopic mark (e.g., text) as shown in FIG5 is printed on the printed matter. On the other hand, the microscopic mark of the one-dimensional code 20 can only be printed by a rare printing device (e.g., the printing device 60 described later), and the one-dimensional code 20 cannot be completely copied because the mark is damaged around the edge. Therefore, all products corresponding to the printed matter with or without the one-dimensional code printed can be regarded as illegal products. The user can hardly read the mark configured on the one-dimensional code 20 with the naked eye, but can use a magnifying glass to read it.

On the other hand, the resolution of the barcode in the height direction of the barcode of the barcode reader that reads the one-dimensional code 20 is very large compared to the micro size (less than 0.25 [mm]). The linear markers arranged on the one-dimensional code 20 are of micro size, and are damaged around the markers to form straight lines without fragments and are recognized by the reader. Therefore, the one-dimensional code 20 can be formed as if there is no marker and can be read by the reader.

In the one-dimensional code 20, an example of arranging characters as identification in a part of the line is described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, characters may be arranged in a blank area with a certain width sandwiched between lines. For example, in the one-dimensional code 20, characters are arranged as identification in a part of the blank area in a color different from the color of the blank area (for example, if the blank area is white, the characters are black, gray, or colored).

By using the one-dimensional code 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the reader can read the one-dimensional code 20. On the other hand, the user can identify the product corresponding to the printed matter printed with the one-dimensional code 20 as a genuine product, and identify the product corresponding to the printed matter printed with a code not provided with a micro-identification as an illegal product. Therefore, the genuine product and the illegal product can be identified in the circulation process to prevent the transaction of illegal products.

On the other hand, the identification can also be arranged throughout the symbol S and the quiet area Q of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Figure 1, and can also be arranged throughout the barcode symbol S and the quiet area Q of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in Figure 4. The former is explained using Figure 6. The latter is also the same.

FIG6(A) shows a two-dimensional code 30 as an example of a printed code 1. The two-dimensional code 30 is printed on a printed material in the same manner as the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG1, and is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet area Q. FIG6(B) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion E of the two-dimensional code 30 shown in FIG6(A). Next, FIG6(B) is an example in which text is configured as a micro-marker on the two-dimensional code 30. In FIG6(B), for convenience, the size of the text relative to the size of portion E is changed.

As shown in part E of FIG. 6(B), in the two-dimensional code 30, the letters "SAMPLE" as an example of text are arranged as an identifier in a color different from the background color (for example, black, gray, or colored) obliquely throughout the symbol S (and the quiet area Q). As mentioned above, the text size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm]. Among them, in FIG. 6(B), the text is arranged on an oblique straight line, but it is not limited to this situation. For example, the text can also be arranged on a straight line in the horizontal direction, and can also be arranged on a straight line in the vertical direction. In addition, the text can also be arranged on a wave line instead of a straight line, not only on one row of straight lines (or on a wave line), but also on a plurality of rows of straight lines.

Next, a two-dimensional code 30 with a microscopic mark (e.g., text) is printed on the printed matter. On the other hand, the microscopic mark of the two-dimensional code 30 can only be printed by a rare printing device (e.g., the printing device 60 described later), and the two-dimensional code 30 cannot be completely copied because the mark is damaged around the edge. Therefore, all products corresponding to the printed matter with or without the two-dimensional code printed can be regarded as illegal products. The user can hardly read the mark configured on the two-dimensional code 30 with the naked eye, but can use a magnifying glass to read it.

On the other hand, the resolution of the QR code reader for reading the two-dimensional code 30 is at most about 0.25 [mm] as described above. The identifier arranged on the two-dimensional code 30 is of a microscopic size (less than 0.25 [mm]), and is recognized by the reader as a symbol S (and a plain quiet area Q) without fragments due to being damaged by the peripheral portion of the identifier. Therefore, the two-dimensional code 30 can be formed as if there is no identifier and can be read by the reader.

By using the two-dimensional code 30 (or one-dimensional code) illustrated in FIG6 , the two-dimensional code 30 can be read by a reader, and on the other hand, the user can identify the product corresponding to the printed matter printed with the two-dimensional code 30 as a genuine product, and identify the product corresponding to the printed matter printed with a code not provided with a micro-identification as an illegal product. Therefore, the genuine product and the illegal product can be identified in the circulation process to prevent the transaction of illegal products.

In addition, the logo can also be arranged in the quiet area Q of the two-dimensional code 10 shown in Figure 1, and can also be arranged in the quiet area Q of the one-dimensional code 20 shown in Figure 4. The former is explained using Figures 7 and 8. The latter is also the same.

FIG. 7(A) shows a two-dimensional code 40 as an example of a printed code 1. The two-dimensional code 40 is printed on a printed material in the same manner as the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet area Q. FIG. 7(B) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion F of the two-dimensional code 40 shown in FIG. 7(A). Next, FIG. 7(B) is an example in which characters serving as micro-identifications are arranged in one or more rows, for example, two rows, in the two-dimensional code 40. In FIG. 7(B), for convenience, the size of the characters is changed to be displayed relative to the size of the portion F.

As shown in part F of FIG. 7 (B), in the two-dimensional code 40, the Chinese characters "日本国" and "喔薇" as an example of characters are arranged in two rows in a color different from the background color (for example, black, gray, or colored) throughout the quiet area Q. As mentioned above, the character size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm].

In addition, solid lines, dashed lines, and other grid lines (thinnest lines, medium thin lines, or dotted lines, etc.) may be arranged throughout the quiet area Q. For example, between two columns of text, a row of grid lines may be arranged in a color different from the background color (e.g., black, gray, or colored). The thickness of the grid lines is preferably 0.25 [mm] or less in accordance with the text size. However, this is not limited to the case where the columns of text and the grid lines are arranged throughout the quiet area Q as shown in FIG. 7 (B). It is also possible to arrange only the grid lines throughout the quiet area Q.

On the other hand, FIG8(A) shows a two-dimensional code 50 as an example of a printed code 1. The two-dimensional code 50 is printed on a printed material in the same manner as the two-dimensional code 10 shown in FIG1, and is composed of a central data area (symbol) S and a surrounding quiet area Q. FIG8(B) is an enlarged view of an example of a portion G of the two-dimensional code 50 shown in FIG8(A). Next, FIG8(B) is an example of configuring one or more columns, for example, three columns of text as micro-identifications in the two-dimensional code 40. In FIG8(B), for convenience, the size of the text relative to the size of portion G is changed.

As shown in part G of FIG. 8(B), in the two-dimensional code 50, the Chinese characters "日本国" and "喔薇" as an example of characters are arranged in three rows in a color different from the background color (e.g., black, gray, or colored) throughout the quiet area Q except for the four corners. As mentioned above, the character size is preferably less than 0.25 [mm].

Next, two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 with tiny identifiers (e.g., text) are printed on printed matter. On the other hand, the tiny identifiers of two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 can only be printed by rare printing devices (e.g., printing device 60 described later), and because the identifiers are damaged around the edges, two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 cannot be completely copied. Therefore, all products corresponding to printed matter with two-dimensional codes with or without tiny identifiers can be considered illegal products. Users can hardly read the identifiers configured on two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 with the naked eye, but can use a magnifying glass to read them. In addition, even if users cannot read the identifiers configured on two-dimensional codes 40 and 50 with the naked eye, they can still recognize the existence of the identifiers themselves with the naked eye.

On the other hand, the resolution of the QR code reader for reading the two-dimensional code 40, 50 is at most about 0.25 [mm] as described above. The identifier arranged on the two-dimensional code 40, 50 is of a microscopic size (less than 0.25 [mm]), and the peripheral portion of the identifier is destroyed to form a plain quiet area Q that is recognized by the reader, so the two-dimensional code 40, 50 can be formed as if there is no identifier and can be read by the reader.

By using the two-dimensional code 40, 50 (or one-dimensional code) illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the two-dimensional code 40, 50 can be read by a reader. On the other hand, the user can identify the product of the printed matter corresponding to the two-dimensional code 40, 50 as a genuine product, and identify the product of the printed matter corresponding to the code without the micro-mark as an illegal product. At this time, the user can use a magnifying glass to identify the two-dimensional code 40, 50 as a regular one. However, even if a magnifying glass is not used, the two-dimensional code 40, 50 can be identified as a regular one due to the existence of the micro-mark (pass line). Therefore, the genuine product and the illegal product can be identified in the circulation process to prevent the transaction of illegal products. The two-dimensional code 50 shown in FIG. 8 is different from the two-dimensional code 40 shown in FIG. 7 in that the four corners of the quiet area Q have blanks (fragments) where no micro-marks exist, so the user can easily recognize the presence of micro-marks in appearance.

Next, the printing device 60 for printing the printing code 1 and the printing method using the same will be described.

Fig. 9 shows a printing device 60 for printing a printed code 1. The printing device 60 is a device for printing the printed code 1 on a printed matter made of a sheet of paper, plastic, vinyl plastic, cloth, etc. The following describes a case where the printing device 60 prints the printed code 1 on paper.

The printing device 60 includes a paper feed roller 61, a continuous report 62, an endless belt printing plate 63, a take-up roller 64, a cutting device 65, a plate cylinder 66, a press cylinder 67, a plate cylinder 68, a guide roller (also called a "guide roller") 69, and ink rollers 70 and 71.

The printing device 60 is a rotary printing machine that uses an endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 to print a printing code 1 on a belt-shaped continuous paper (roll) continuously fed by a paper feed roller 61, that is, a continuous form 62. The printing device 60 prints the printing code 1 on the entire surface of the continuous paper. Alternatively, the printing device 60 prints a logo (e.g., the logo (grid line) shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 ) on the continuous paper before a printing device (not shown) using a flexible letterpress printing method prints a known printing code (excluding a logo) on the continuous paper. Alternatively, after a printing device (not shown) using elastic letterpress printing prints a known printing code on continuous paper, the printing device 60 prints a mark (for example, at least one type of mark (grid line) shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 (B), 7, and 8) on the printed known printing code.

The printed continuous report 62 is rolled up on a winding roller 64, or folded in a saw-like manner by a folding machine (not shown) and stacked, or cut into single sheets by a cutting device 65 and stored in a storage box (not shown).

The printing device 60 comprises: a plate body 66 having an endless belt-shaped printing plate 63, and a press body 67 as a receiving body. The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 is mounted between a plate drum 68 of the plate body 66 and a rotatable guide roller 69 as a driven roller. The guide roller 69 is adjusted to be able to move forward and backward freely on the side of the plate body 66, and adjusts the tension of the endless belt-shaped printing plate 63. The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 is externally connected to a pair of ink rollers 70 and 71 opposite to the plate body 66, and ink is transferred to the printing surface (plate surface) of the endless belt-shaped printing plate 63.

The plate cylinder 68 and the pressing cylinder 67a of the plate body 66 are clean solid cylinders formed by cutting, etc. The plate cylinder 68 and the pressing cylinder 67a are made of, for example, clean steel cylinders, not hollow cylinders. The solid (steel) cylinder has good rotational balance and is easy to form into a perfect circle. It is heavy and has a certain weight (for example, 300 [kg]), so during printing, the plate body 66 has less looseness due to the rebound of the printing press. By forming the printing plate cylinder 68 or the press cylinder 67a of the plate body 66 into a solid cylinder, the deflection caused by printing pressure can be reduced. Even if the full plate and the halftone dots are printed together, the halftone dots will not be damaged or contaminated, and the full plate can be printed beautifully.

In addition, the endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 has a length of one turn in the long side direction that is appropriately selected between tens of cm and tens of m. The endless belt-shaped printing plate 63 is formed into an endless belt shape by connecting the two ends of a thin and long flexible resin relief printing plate. In addition, a plurality of sheets of elongated printing plates, such as 400-inch long printing plates, may be connected in sequence, and finally the two ends may be connected to each other, thereby forming an endless belt shape of several m to several tens of m.

By using the printing device 60 shown in FIG9 , a printed code 1 including a micro logo can be printed on a printed material representing a product. FIG9 is used to illustrate the case where the entire printed code 1 (including the micro logo) or only the micro logo of the printed code 1 is printed by the printing device 60, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the printing device and the printing method are not restricted. It is extremely difficult to print the micro logo with an accuracy that can be recognized by a magnifying glass by using a flexible letterpress printing method or a digital printing method (for example, printing using a laser printer or an inkjet printer). However, this does not exclude the possibility of printing the entire printed code 1 or only the micro logo on a printed material by using a flexible letterpress printing method or a digital printing method. Among them, even if there are printing devices that use flexible letterpress printing or digital printing to print the entire printing code 1 or only print micro-identifications, they are extremely rare and not universal (widely circulated in the market), so the fact that they are rare printing devices has not changed.

By using at least one of the above-described embodiments, genuine goods and illegal goods can be identified during the circulation process to prevent the transaction of illegal goods.

Several embodiments are described above, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made within the scope of the invention. These embodiments or their variations are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the patent application and its equivalent.

1: Code (printing code) 10,30,40,50: Two-dimensional code 20: One-dimensional code 60: Printing device 61: Paper feed roller 62: Continuous format 63: Endless belt printing plate 64: Take-up roller 65: Cutting device 66: Plate drum 67: Press drum 67a: Press drum roller 68: Plate drum 69: Guide roller (guide roller) 70,71: Ink roller A: Part (symbol element) B: Part (image search pattern) C: Part (alignment pattern) D,E,F,G: Part Q: Quiet area S: Data area (symbol, barcode symbol)

[FIG. 1] is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 2] is a partially enlarged diagram of a two-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 3] is a partially enlarged diagram of a two-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 4] is a diagram showing a one-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 5] is a partially enlarged diagram of a one-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 6] is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 7] is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [FIG. 8] is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code as an example of a code for configuring a micro-mark in an embodiment. [Figure 9] is a schematic diagram showing a printing device for printing a code with micro-marks in an implementation form.

A: Part (symbol)

B: Part (image search style)

Claims (6)

A two-dimensional code is printed with an identification code readable by a reader, and a two-dimensional code is two-dimensionally arranged with a plurality of symbol elements constituting the identification code. In a quiet area of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet area other than the four corners of the two-dimensional code, a row of minute markings that cannot be recognized by the reader and a thick and thin grid line that cannot be recognized by the reader are arranged. The row of markings and the grid lines are arranged to surround a data area of the two-dimensional code. A two-dimensional code as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned identification is additionally configured within at least one of the aforementioned multiple symbol elements of the aforementioned two-dimensional code. As in claim 1, the aforementioned identification is additionally arranged within a search pattern or an alignment pattern of the aforementioned two-dimensional code. A QR code as in any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned identifier is at least one of text and a pattern. As in claim 4, the QR code, wherein the aforementioned identification includes the aforementioned text, and the size of the aforementioned text is less than 0.25 [mm]. A two-dimensional code is printed with an identification code readable by a reader, and a two-dimensional code is two-dimensionally arranged with a plurality of symbol elements constituting the identification code. In a quiet area of the two-dimensional code or in a quiet area other than the four corners of the two-dimensional code, grid lines of a thickness that cannot be recognized by the reader are arranged. The grid lines are arranged to surround a data area of the two-dimensional code.

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