U.S. patent application number 17/551342 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for verification method, verification system, verification apparatus, and program therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEC Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is NEC Corporation. Invention is credited to Rui Ishiyama, Toru Takahashi.
Application Number | 20220109811 17/551342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20220109811/US20220109811A1-20220407-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20220109811 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishiyama; Rui ; et
al. |
April 7, 2022 |
VERIFICATION METHOD, VERIFICATION SYSTEM, VERIFICATION APPARATUS,
AND PROGRAM THEREFOR
Abstract
The present invention addresses the problem of providing
technology that makes it possible to perform verification for the
purposes of distribution management, authenticity assessment, and
the like of merchandise without building an RFID chip into each of
a plurality of fasteners. The present invention is characterized in
that image characteristics of a component of a product to be
verified are acquired and the product to be verified is verified on
the basis of the acquired image characteristics of the
component.
Inventors: |
Ishiyama; Rui; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Takahashi; Toru; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEC Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEC Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Appl. No.: |
17/551342 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16724941 |
Dec 23, 2019 |
11233975 |
|
|
17551342 |
|
|
|
|
14409868 |
Dec 19, 2014 |
10666905 |
|
|
PCT/JP2013/067123 |
Jun 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
16724941 |
|
|
|
|
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18; G06Q 50/04 20060101 G06Q050/04; G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; G06K 9/00 20060101 G06K009/00; G06K 9/46 20060101
G06K009/46; G06K 9/52 20060101 G06K009/52; G06T 7/40 20060101
G06T007/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 2012 |
JP |
2012-140355 |
Claims
1. A method of an authenticity assessment comprising: receiving a
brand name of a product from a mobile device, wherein the product
is a leather product; receiving an image of a metal part attached
to the product; determining whether the product is authentic based
on the received image of metal part, and the received brand name of
the product; and outputting a determination of authenticity of the
product.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the metal part
comprises at least one of a fastener, a clamp or a decorative
part.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product is
determined as not authentic in cases where the product is at least
one of an imitation product, a false description, an imitation
product using another component fabricated by a regular components
dealer, or another product which have potential of camouflaged
product.
4. A system for authenticity assessment comprising: a
non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store
instructions thereon; and a processor connected to the
non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the processor is
configured to execute the instructions for: receiving a brand name
of a product from a mobile device, wherein the product is a leather
product; receiving an image of a metal part attached to the
product; determining whether the product is authentic based on the
received image of metal part, and the received brand name of the
product; and outputting a determination of authenticity of the
product.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the metal part
comprises at least one of a fastener, a clamp or a decorative
part.
6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the product is
determined as not authentic in cases where the product is at least
one of an imitation product, a false description, an imitation
product using another component fabricated by a regular components
dealer, or another product which have potential of camouflaged
product.
7. The system according to claim 4, further comprising a camera
configured to capture the image of the metal part.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the processor is
configured to receive the image of the metal part from the
camera.
9. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium recording
thereon a program causing a computer to perform a method of an
authenticity assessment, the method comprising: receiving a brand
name of a product from a mobile device, wherein the product is a
leather product; receiving an image of a metal part attached to the
product; determining whether the product is authentic based on the
received image of metal part, and the received brand name of the
product; and outputting a determination of authenticity of the
product.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/724,941 filed on Dec. 23, 2019,
which is continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/409,868 filed on Dec. 19, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 10,666,905, which is a National Stage Entry of international
application PCT/JP2013/067123, filed on Jun. 21, 2013, which claims
the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application
2012-140355 filed on Jun. 22, 2012, the disclosures of all of which
are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a verification method, a
verification system, a verification apparatus, and a program
therefor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] For a quality control and a distribution control, recently,
needs for verification and identification to products increases in
molds, in units of lots, or in units of individual. To cope with
the above, an RFID for performing data communication through a
radio communication system is built into a product. Further, a
comprehensive merchandise management from production to a physical
distribution, sales, and the like of the product, loss prevention,
theft prevention, forgery prevention, or the like of merchandise is
performed.
[0004] In a technology of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature
2, for example, an RFID chip is arranged at a fastener that is
fixed on an article. Through the above configuration, the
verification for a physical distribution management, an
authenticity assessment of merchandise, or the like can be
performed by using data stored in a memory of the RFID chip.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication
No. 2009-187580 Patent Literature 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent
Publication No. 2002-125721
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] However, there is a problem that in a technology of patent
literatures, for example, high costs are required to build an RFID
chip into an article like a fastener one by one. Further, depending
on products such as semiconductors, even an ordinary tag cannot be
also fixed, to say nothing of special device such as an RFID chip,
in many cases.
[0007] The present invention is made to solve the above problem.
Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a
verification method, a verification system, a verification
apparatus, and a program therefor that do not require a special
device such as an IC tag, and are capable of verify products.
Solution to Problem
[0008] The present invention is directed to a verification method
including acquiring an image feature of a component in a product to
be verified and verifying the product to be verified on the basis
of the acquired image feature of the component.
[0009] The present invention is directed to a verification system
including an acquiring means for acquiring an image feature of a
component in a product to be verified and a verifying means for
verifying the product to be verified on the basis of the acquired
image feature of the component.
[0010] The present invention is directed to a verification
apparatus including a verifying means for verifying, on the basis
of an acquired image feature of a component in a product to be
verified, the product to be verified.
[0011] The present invention is directed to a program for a
verification apparatus, and the program causes the verification
apparatus to function as a verifying means for verifying, on the
basis of an acquired image feature of a component in a product to
be verified, the product to be verified.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0012] According to the present invention, even if a special device
such as an IC tag is not introduced, merchandise can be
verified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram illustrating a
verification apparatus of a verification system of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a view for illustrating a textured pattern of a
leather product.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a view for illustrating an example of a
verification area.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view for illustrating a product to be
verified.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an example of a block diagram according to a
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of
operations according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an example of a block diagram according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of
operations according to the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an example of a block diagram according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of
registration operations according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is an example of a block diagram according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of
registration operations according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of
operations for distribution authentication according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 is an example of a block diagram according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of
operations according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] For the purpose of describing features of the present
invention, descriptions will be specifically made below with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0029] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a verification system
1 of the present invention.
[0031] A verification system 1 according to the first embodiment of
the present invention is a verification apparatus including a
verification apparatus 12 that acquires an image feature of a
component in a product and verifies a product on which the
component is fixed on the basis of the acquired image feature of
the component and image features of components stored in an image
feature database 11.
[0032] The present invention is characterized in that features are
used in which when a textured pattern that is provided to the
component is delicately different in each individual, or as
described below, when the components are the same kind of
components, the textured pattern has a certain level of
commonality, and the like, and a pattern (an irregular pattern)
that is provided to a predetermined area on a surface of the
component is verified, and thereby the product on which the
component is fixed is also verified.
[0033] Here, when patterns in a predetermined area on a surface of
a component can be specified, the component is not particularly
limited. Like a TV set, a personal computer, a smartphone, a bag,
and the like, the component is a component that general consumers
buy as a completed product, or is a component used in the completed
product, for example, a fastener, a clamp, a decorative component,
and electronic components such as semiconductors. Materials may be
metal, plastics, resins, leather, pottery, ceramics, or the like.
Here, the fastener includes a slide fastener, a hook and loop
fastener, a snap fastener, a rail fastener, a buckle, a cord
stopper, a belt adjuster, a snap button, a button, and the like.
Further, the clamp includes a swage, an eyelet, a screw, a nail, a
bolt, a nut, and the like.
[0034] Further, examples of the textured pattern include not only a
case where the textured pattern is formed as design, but also a
case where the textured pattern is intentionally formed in a
verification area for the purpose of identification or verification
of an article.
[0035] Further, in addition to the textured pattern provided by
processing to the after-mentioned metal, synthetic resins (plastics
and the like), or the like, in the pattern, a concept, for example,
including patterns formed through a wrinkle pattern (grain) and a
pattern and the like formed by blasting, etching, powder painting,
or the like, obtained by processing (for example, emboss
processing) a surface of a leather product is used. As illustrated
in FIG. 2, for example, in the case of a bag of leather that has
the emboss processing applied thereto, minute irregularity is
formed at random on a surface of the leather of the bag, and the
minute irregularity can be considered to be equal to the textured
pattern.
[0036] As described above, texture processing or the emboss
processing is applied to most of the fasteners or the leather
products, and further the satin finish process is used also in
package surfaces of electronic components in many cases. The
patterns can be identified by using a processing method to, for
example, metals, synthetic resins (plastics and the like), or the
like in an individual group or in units of individuals. The
processing method is considered to be roughly divided into two
methods.
[0037] One is a processing method for applying the pattern to a
component by processing the pattern to a mold and subjecting the
component to press molding, injection molding, or casting. Through
the processing method, an approximately identical pattern can be
provided to all individuals fabricated from the same mold. On the
other hand, when another mold is fabricated, a textured pattern of
the another mold is different from the textured pattern of the
mold, and therefore the component pattern obtained by subjecting
the component to injection molding or casting by the mold is
different from the component pattern fabricated from the another
mold.
[0038] In the case of the above-described processing, at least one
or more is selected from an individual group (article group) that
has the pattern provided thereto by a certain mold. Further, an
image feature of the pattern in a verification area of the
individual is registered as a representative value being a
reference of the verification in the image feature database 11.
Further, a component having an image feature that is consistent
with the image features registered in the image feature database 11
can be verified as a component that has the pattern provided
thereto by the mold.
[0039] This method has the advantage of being able to verify the
individual group (article group) fabricated from a specific mold by
using small registration data.
[0040] In another method, minute surface irregularity is generated
through a plating process, painting, or processing of generating
random minute irregular patterns in each individual of the
component through etching, blasting, cutting, crystallization and
powder painting, dispersion plating process, or the like. In the
case of using the above-described processing, provided patterns are
different in each individual of the component. Therefore, in each
individual of the component, the image feature of the pattern
provided to the verification area is registered in the image
feature database 11. Further, a component having an image feature
that is consistent with the image features registered in the image
feature database 11 can be verified to be the component registered
in the image feature database 11.
[0041] This method has the effect capable of verifying
(identifying) the component in units of individuals since each
individual of the components is different in the pattern.
[0042] Further, the above-described two methods are combined and
the painting and the plating process are used in a portion that has
the pattern provided thereto. Thereby, generation of a difference
between individuals in the minute irregularity is advanced, and
further an identification property can be improved. At this time, a
difference between features in each mold still remains and a
difference between features in each individual due to a process is
further added, and thereby both can be verified, respectively.
Particularly, a size of irregularity of the surface process that is
applied to the mold is made rougher than that of the surface
process in a subsequent stage, and thereby a difference between
molds can be made larger than a difference between individuals. By
use of the above method, a threshold to a degree of similarity of
the feature amount at the time of the verification can be set
loosely at the time of the verification in each mold as compared to
the time of the verification in each individual, and verified by
small registration data as described above. Further, by using this
advantage, the verification throughput can be reduced through
hierarchic verification.
[0043] Next, when the area is a predetermined area of the
verification and is an area that has the pattern provided thereto,
the entire pattern or a part of the pattern may be used as the
verification area. Further, it is to be desired that ease of the
verification processing be considered and a predetermined area to
be verified be previously determined. As a predetermined area, an
area of a position in which a reference portion that is present in
common to components is determined as a reference is considered to
be the verification area. Examples of the reference portion of the
components include a trademark, a logo, a fabricator name, a
fabrication company, a brand name, a component name, and a
component number, and the like of the component attached, printed,
die stamped, or heated and printed to or in the component. When the
components are the same, these reference portions have the same
pattern in common regardless of the individuals, and are
distinctively viewed from an external appearance. Further, when a
position and an attitude of the reference portions are determined
as a reference and the feature is stored, the verification area of
the component can be automatically detected. Further, as the
predetermined area, it is to be desired that a pattern to be used
for the verification be hard to receive deterioration, abrasion, or
the like, and therefore it is effective that the area that is a
concave portion of the component be used.
[0044] Further, a member (adapter) that is engaged with the side of
the component that has the pattern provided thereto may be
prepared, a hollow wall (hole) capable of viewing (imaging) the
pattern from the outside may be provided in a part of the member,
and an area capable of viewing (imaging) the pattern may be set as
a predetermined area. As described above, in each case where the
position and the attitude in a predetermined area of the
verification are identified, it is unnecessary to recognize the
position and the attitude of the area and the verification area can
be definitely specified.
[0045] In addition, the image feature of the pattern for the
verification may be different even in the same component individual
depending on lighting conditions at the time of imaging the pattern
that is provided to the component. The reason is that the pattern
is formed from minute irregularity depending on shapes of the
pattern, positions of shadows caused by the irregularity are
different depending on the irradiation direction of light, and as a
result the image feature is another feature. Accordingly, the
pattern to be registered in the image feature database 11 and the
pattern of the component to be verified are preferably imaged under
the same lighting conditions. With the use of the adapter, when the
component, the lighting, the position, and the attitude of an image
pickup device are mutually fixed, the above problem can be
solved.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the following descriptions, the
descriptions will be made by using a slide fastener as the
component and a textured pattern as the pattern. An example where
the entire textured pattern in a concave portion of a pull-tab of
the slide fastener is set as the verification area will be used and
described; however, it is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0047] When the product is a product on which the above-described
component is fixed, it is not particularly limited thereto. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, in the following descriptions, a bag on
which the slide fastener is fixed will be described as an
example.
[0048] Next, a configuration of each unit will be described.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the verification system according
to the present application includes the image feature database 11
and the verification apparatus 12.
[0050] The image feature database 11 is a database in which the
image features of the textured pattern in the verification area of
the pull-tab of the fabricated slide fastener are stored in
association with product information. Here, the product information
is information including at least one or more of producer
identification information, product identification information,
individual identification information, distribution course
information, and verification information. The producer
identification information is identification information for
uniquely identifying a producer that produces bags being a product,
for example, a manufacturer name, a brand name, and the like. In
addition, the producer identification information is, for example,
a concept including also a shipment destination and a shipment date
and time of the slide fastener as the producer identification
information. The product identification information is information
for uniquely identifying a product on which the component is fixed,
and is, for example, information indicating a merchandise name, a
model number, a production date and time, a selling date and time,
or a selling period. The individual identification number is
identification information for individually identifying the product
on which the component is fixed, and includes a production lot
number and a serial number as an example therefor. The distribution
course information is information in which a distribution course of
the slide fastener or the bag on which the slide fastener is fixed
is accumulated as a log, and is, for example, information about the
distribution of a seller on the way of distribution, a selling date
and time, a passing date and time and a passing place of a custom
office, a final seller, a final selling date and time, a purchaser,
and the like. The verification information is information about the
verification of the product through the component having the image
feature. Further, the verification information is information about
imitation inspection results of the product on which the component
having the image feature is fixed, a place, and a date and time at
which the image feature is acquired, a worker that acquires the
image feature, identifiable information from an appearance of the
product on which the component having the image feature is fixed,
and the like.
[0051] The verification apparatus 12 extracts the image feature
from an image obtained by imaging the textured pattern of the
pull-tab of the slide fastener that is fixed on the bag to be
verified. Further, the verification apparatus 12 verifies the
extracted image feature and the image features of the textured
pattern stored in the image feature database 11. Further, the
verification apparatus 12 verifies whether both are consistent with
each other. In the case where both are consistent with each other,
on the basis of the product information in association with the
image feature, the verification apparatus 12 verifies consistency
between product information in association with the image feature
and obvious information (the brand, the serial number, and the
like) from the design and the like or described separately in the
product to be verified. In the case where both are consistent with
each other, the verification apparatus 12 can authenticate the
above bag as an authentic product. Here, with regard to the
verification method of the image features, for example, in the case
where a center of dots in the textured pattern is set to a feature
point, an arrangement of the feature point is verified, and the
number of combinations of the feature points in the same position
(a range in a certain threshold) is more than or equal to a
predetermined number, both is the same is determined. Further, in
the case of a leather pattern or a wood grain pattern, end-points,
an intersection point of lines, and a corner are set to the feature
points, the arrangement of the feature points is verified, and the
number of combinations of the feature points in the same position
(a range in a certain threshold) is more than or equal to a
predetermined number, both is the same is determined. An existing
technology of fingerprint verification can be used as the
above-described verification technology. In the descriptions, an
example in which the image features of the stored textured pattern
and the image features of the textured pattern to be verified are
verified is described; however, it is not limited thereto in the
present invention. In place of the image features, for example, an
image of the stored textured pattern and an image of the textured
pattern to be verified may be verified.
[0052] Further, the fastener that has the textured pattern provided
thereto is described as an example; however, the article or the
textured pattern is not limited thereto. For example, the present
embodiment can be apparently applied not only to a case where the
textured pattern is provided as the design, but also to a case
where the textured pattern is intentionally provided to a
predetermined verification area of the article for identification
and verification.
[0053] Further, the textured pattern can be apparently provided not
only to the textured pattern provided by processing to metals or
synthetic resins (plastics and the like), like the fastener, but
also to wrinkle patterns (emboss) or the like on a surface of the
leather product as described above.
Second Embodiment
[0054] Continuously, a second embodiment of the verification system
of the present application will be described. In the second
embodiment, verification in the case where a component is managed
so that a product is set to a bag, the component is set to a slide
fastener, a pattern is set to a textured pattern, product
information is set to a shipment destination, and a component
fabricated from the same mold is shipped in each shipment
destination will be described.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a verification system
of the second embodiment.
[0056] The verification system 1 includes the image feature
database 11, the verification apparatus 12, and a cell-phone 2 of a
consumer.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the image feature database 11,
the image feature extracted from an image obtained by imaging in
each mold the slide fastener that has the textured pattern provided
thereto by the mold is stored in association with the shipment
destination. When a component supplier fabricates or ships
components, the image feature database 1 is created while the image
feature of the component is associated with the producer
identification information of the shipment destination, and the
image feature database 11 is installed as a device of the component
supplier side. In addition, in imaging the textured pattern of the
pull-tab of the slide fastener, the component, lighting, and a
position and an attitude of an image pickup device are supposed to
be mutually fixed and then imaged with the use of the adapter.
[0058] The verification apparatus 12 includes an image feature
extraction unit 201 and a determination unit 202. The image feature
extraction unit 201 extracts the image feature from the image that
is transmitted from the cell-phone 2 of the consumer and that is
obtained by imaging the textured pattern of the pull-tab of the
slide fastener that is fixed on the bag to be verified. The
determination unit 202 verifies the image feature extracted by the
image feature extraction unit 201 and the image features of the
textured pattern stored in the image feature database 11, and
searches for whether both are consistent with each other. In the
case where both are consistent with each other, the verification
apparatus 12 verifies consistency between product information (the
producer identification information being the shipment destination)
in association with the image feature and obvious information (the
producer identification information such as a brand, or the product
identification information such as a serial number) from the design
and the like or described separately in the product to be verified.
In the case where both are consistent with each other, the
verification apparatus 12 can authenticate the above bag as an
authentic product. On the other hand, as a result of the
verification, in the case where the consistency is not recognized,
there is the possibility that the bag is an imitation product can
be determined.
[0059] From an appearance design of the bag of FIG. 5, for example,
in the case where the bag is a product of AB company (or, an
imitation product thereof) can be easily determined, when the image
feature of the component is YYY, the consistency can be verified
and the bag can be authenticated as an authentic product. Suppose,
on the other hand, that the component is not a component of a
component dealer that uses a regular component, or suppose that
even if the component is a normal component, a third party that is
not a producer of the bag obtains the components separately and
produces the imitation products. In this case, the image feature of
the component is different from YYY and, since the bag is not
verified, the bag is an imitation product or may be an imitation
product can be determined.
[0060] With the use of the adapter, by the cell-phone 2, the
textured pattern of the pull-tab of the slide fastener of the bag
to be verified is imaged by mutually fixing the component, the
lighting, and the position and the attitude of the image pickup
device on a predetermined relative relationship, and the imaged
image is transmitted to the verification apparatus 12. In the
present embodiment, the cell-phone will be used as an example, and
the descriptions will be made. Further, when an image obtained by
imaging the textured pattern of the pull-tab of the slide fastener
of the bag to be verified can be transmitted, devices except the
cell-phone may be used.
[0061] Next, operations of the verification system of the present
application will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
[0062] For verifying the bag to be verified, the consumer transmits
an image obtained by imaging the textured pattern in the
predetermined area of the pull-tab by the cell-phone 2, and the
verification apparatus 12 receives the image (S501).
[0063] The image feature extraction unit 201 of the verification
apparatus 12 extracts the image feature of the textured pattern in
the predetermined area from the received image by the same method
as the above-described method and outputs the extracted image
feature to the determination unit 202 (S502).
[0064] The determination unit 202 verifies the extracted image
feature and the image features registered in the image feature
database 11 (S503). In the case where both are consistent with each
other (YES of S503), the determination unit 202 reads out the
product information (shipment destination and the like) in
association with the image feature and transmits the product
information to the cell-phone 2 (S504). The consumer verifies the
consistency between the received information about the shipment
destination and the obvious product information (the brand, the
serial number, and the like) from a logo and the like described in
the product or design of the bag, and authenticates the bag as an
authentic product in the case where both are correctly consistent
with each other. As a result, an imitation product, a false
description, and further the imitation product using another
fastener fabricated by a regular components dealer can be also
refused.
[0065] On the other hand, as a result of the verification, in the
case where both are not consistent with each other (NO of S503),
the fact that both are not consistent with each other is
transmitted to the cell-phone 2 (S505). As a result, the consumer
recognizes that the bag is camouflaged or may be camouflaged.
[0066] As described above, in the present embodiment, even if a
producer of the product does not build an RFID chip or the like
into the product one by one, a fastener the image feature of which
is previously registered by a component dealer is used, and thereby
the verification for an authenticity assessment and the like of the
product can be performed. Therefore, the verification for the
authenticity assessment and the like of the product merchandise can
be performed at low cost.
[0067] Further, even if the consumer does not have special
equipment, the bag can be verified. Further, as a result of the
verification, product information about the product can be also
acquired.
[0068] In the above-described embodiment, a case where the image
feature is registered in each mold is used and descriptions are
made. Further, the second embodiment may have a configuration in
which the image feature in each fastener extracted from an image
obtained by separately imaging the slide fastener that has the
textured pattern provided thereto by the blasting is stored in
association with the product identification information for
identifying each of the products individually.
[0069] Further, in place of the shipment destination, or in
addition to the shipment destination, information about the
shipment date and time, a producer of products on which the
fastener is fixed, a production period of the products, and the
like is stored. Further, the consistency between any of the above
information or the combined information and the obvious information
(the brand, the serial number, and the like) from a logo and the
like described in the product or design of the bag may be verified.
Further, in the case where both are correctly consistent with each
other, the bag may be authenticated as an authentic product.
[0070] Further, a configuration in which the image feature database
11 is provided on the component supplier side is used and
descriptions are made. Further, the second embodiment may have a
configuration in which the component supplier provides the image
feature database 11 to the producer and the image feature database
11 is provided on the producer side. Further, the second embodiment
may have a configuration in which the image feature database 11 is
provided on the network.
Third Embodiment
[0071] Continuously, a third embodiment of the verification system
of the present application will be described. In the third
embodiment, verification in the case where a product is set to a
bag, a component is set to a slide fastener, a pattern is set to a
textured pattern, and product information is set to product
identification information will be described. In addition, the same
configurations as those of the second embodiment are indicated by
the same reference numerals, and the detailed description will be
omitted.
[0072] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the verification
system of the present embodiment.
[0073] In the present embodiment, the verification system 1 has the
image feature database 11 and a product information database 13. In
the image feature database 11, the image feature in each fastener
extracted from an image obtained by separately imaging the slide
fastener that has the textured pattern provided thereto by the
blasting is stored in association with the fastener identification
information for identifying each of the fasteners individually. At
the time when a component supplier ships the fastener, the image
feature database 11 is created while the image feature of the
component is associated with the shipment destination, and the
image feature database 11 is installed as a device on the component
supplier side. In the product information database 13, the fastener
identification information is stored in association with bag
identification information (product identification information) for
individually identifying each bag on which the fastener is fixed.
The product information database 13 is created at the time of
producing the products while the fastener identification
information is associated with the bag identification information,
and the product information database 13 is installed as a device on
the producer side. In addition, in the present embodiment, a
configuration in which the fastener identification information is
associated with the product identification information will be
described. Further, in addition to the product identification
information, the fastener identification information may be stored
also in association with a production date of the product, and the
like.
[0074] The determination unit 202 of the verification apparatus 12
verifies the image feature extracted by the image feature
extraction unit 201 and the image features of the textured pattern
stored in the image feature database 11, and searches for whether
both are consistent with each other. In the case where both are
consistent with each other, the determination unit 202 reads out
the fastener identification information in association with the
image feature, and searches the product information database 13 for
the bag identification information on the basis of the read-out
fastener identification information. That is, in the present
embodiment, the determination unit 202 searches for the bag
identification information. A consumer verifies the consistency
between the received bag identification information and the bag
identification information about the bag, and authenticates the bag
as an authentic product in the case where both are consistent with
each other.
[0075] Next, operations of the verification system of this
application will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
[0076] For verifying the bag to be verified, the consumer transmits
an image obtained by imaging the textured pattern in the
predetermined area of the pull-tab by the cell-phone 2, and the
verification apparatus 12 receives the image (S701).
[0077] By the same method as the above-described method, the image
feature extraction unit 201 of the verification apparatus 12
extracts the image feature of the textured pattern in the
predetermined area from the received image, and outputs the
extracted image feature to the determination unit 202 (S702).
[0078] The determination unit 202 verifies the extracted image
feature and the image features registered in the image feature
database 11 (S703).
[0079] In the case where both are consistent with each other (YES
of S703), the determination unit 202 reads out the fastener
identification information in association with the image feature
(S704). The determination unit 202 searches the product information
database 13 for the bag identification information on the basis of
the read-out fastener identification information (S705). In the
case where the bag identification information is searched for (YES
of S705), the determination unit 202 transmits the searched-for bag
identification information to the cell-phone 2 (S706). On the basis
of whether the received bag identification information is
consistent with the bag identification information about the bag to
be verified, the consumer can authenticate whether the bag is a
regular product.
[0080] On the other hand, as a result of the verification at S703,
in the case where both are not consistent with each other (NO of
S703), and as a result of the searching at S705, in the case where
the bag identification information is not searched for (NO of
S705), the determination unit 202 transmits to the cell-phone 2 the
fact that information about the bag to be verified is not present
(S707). As a result, the consumer recognizes that the bag is
camouflaged or may be camouflaged.
[0081] As described above, in the present embodiment, even if an
RFID chip is not built into fasteners one by one, the verification
for the authenticity assessment and the like can be performed.
Therefore, the verification for the authenticity assessment and the
like for merchandise can be performed at low cost.
[0082] Further, even if the consumer does not have special
equipment, the bag being the product can be verified. Further, as a
result of the verification, information about the product can be
also acquired.
[0083] Further, like the present embodiment, when the product
information is configured as a database different from the image
feature database, the producer can grasp component identification
information about components that are built into the products by
himself or herself. Therefore, the component identification
information has only to be associated with the product
identification information, and trouble for imaging components and
acquiring the image feature of the component can be saved. Further,
a secret of information about the product of his or her own can be
kept to a component dealer, and on the other hand, the product of
his or her own can be authenticated if necessary. Further, even if
the component dealer does not manage the product information, the
component identification information about his or her own component
is only attached to components and provided to producers, and
thereby value-added service of the component can be provided.
[0084] In the above-described embodiments, a case where the image
feature is registered separately is used and descriptions are made.
Further, like the second embodiment, the third embodiment may have
a configuration in which the image feature in each mold is stored
in association with the product identification information for
identifying each of the products individually or information about
a product group like a merchandise name and the like.
[0085] Further, in place of the bag identification information or
along with the bag identification information, information about
the selling date and time of the products, producers of the
products, production period of the products, and the like may be
stored. As a result, the consistency between the above information
and the obvious information (the brand, the serial number, and the
like) from a logo and the like described in the product or design
of the bag is verified, and the bag may be authenticated as an
authentic product in the case where both are correctly consistent
with each other. Further, through the present configuration, a
physical distribution management of the products can be also
performed.
[0086] Further, a configuration in which the image feature database
11 is provided on the component supplier side and the product
information database 13 is provided on the producer side is used
and descriptions are made. Further, the third embodiment may have a
configuration in which both are provided on the component supplier
side, on the producer side, and on the third party on the network.
Alternatively, the third embodiment may have a configuration in
which one of the both is provided on the third party on the
network.
Fourth Embodiment
[0087] Continuously, a fourth embodiment of the verification system
of this application will be described. In the present embodiment, a
case where distribution log information is stored as the product
information will be described. In the fourth embodiment,
verification in the case where a product is set to a bag, a
component is set to a slide fastener, a pattern is set to a
textured pattern, and product information is set to product
identification information will be described.
[0088] In addition, the same configurations as those of the
above-described embodiments are indicated by the same
reference-numerals, and the detailed description will be
omitted.
[0089] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the verification
system according to the fourth embodiment. In addition to the
configuration of the above-described embodiments, the verification
system 1 of the present embodiment includes a registration unit
203.
[0090] The registration unit 203 searches the image feature
database 11 for an image feature that is consistent with the image
feature extracted by the determination unit 202, and stores the
image feature and the distribution log information about the
fastener in association with each other. Here, the image feature
and the distribution log information are stored in association with
each other; further, the distribution log information may be stored
in a form added to the product information except the distribution
log information. Further, the distribution log information is not
only one kind of information, but also information to be stored may
be increased in an added form.
[0091] The image feature database 11 stores the image feature
information in each fastener and the distribution log information
in association with each other, and the image feature database 11
is installed on the component supplier side. The distribution log
information is information in which the distribution course of the
fastener or the bag on which the fastener is fixed is accumulated
as a log. For example, the distribution log information is
information about the distribution of a seller on the way of the
distribution, a selling date and time, a passing date and time and
a passing place of a custom office or an imitation product
inspection, a final seller, a final selling date and time, a
purchaser, and the like.
[0092] Next, operations of the present embodiment will be
described. First, operations for registering the distribution log
information in the distribution information database 15 will be
described with reference to FIG. 10.
[0093] In a process of the distribution, by the cell-phone 2, a
user transmits an image obtained by imaging the textured pattern in
the predetermined area of the pull-tab, and the verification
apparatus 12 receives the image (S901).
[0094] By using the same method as the above-described method, the
image feature extraction unit 201 of the verification apparatus 12
extracts the image feature of the textured pattern in the
predetermined area from the received image, and outputs the
extracted image feature to the determination unit 202 (S902).
[0095] The registration unit 203 verifies the extracted image
feature and the image features registered in the image feature
database 11 (S903).
[0096] In the case where both are consistent with each other (YES
of S903), the determination unit 202 stores the distribution log
information in association with the image feature (S904). In the
case where both are not consistent with each other (NO of S903),
the determination unit 202 stores the image feature and the
distribution log information in association with each other
(S905).
[0097] Operations for distribution authentication through the
verification apparatus 12 of the present embodiment are the same as
those of the second embodiment, and therefore the descriptions will
be omitted.
[0098] In addition, in the descriptions, a configuration in which
the registration unit 203 is provided in the verification apparatus
12 is used and descriptions are made. Further, by use of a
configuration that is different from that of the verification
apparatus 12, a registration device 14 may be provided.
[0099] Further, in the descriptions, the distribution log
information is stored in association with the image feature. In
addition, the distribution log information may be further stored in
association with the database in which the producer identification
information, the product identification information, the individual
identification information, and the like are already associated
with the image feature. Further, the distribution log information
is stored in the image feature database 11; further, a
configuration in which a manager that manages the distribution log
information is newly arranged, for example, on the network or the
like may be used. In this case, the fourth embodiment has a
configuration in which a database in which the image feature in
each fastener and the fastener identification information are
associated with each other is provided on the component supplier
side, a database in which the fastener identification information
or the image feature, and the product information, for example, the
bag identification information are associated with each other is
provided on the producer side, and further a database in which the
fastener identification information or the image feature, and the
distribution log information are associated with each other is
provided on the manager side.
[0100] Further, the registration unit 203 may be configured apart
from the verification apparatus 12, and further a configuration in
which a manager that manages the distribution log information is
arranged may be used. A configuration in this case is illustrated
in FIG. 11. Here, a configuration will be described in which a
database in which the image feature in each fastener and the
fastener identification information are associated with each other
is provided on the component supplier side and a database in which
the fastener identification information and the bag identification
information are associated with each other is provided on the
producer side.
[0101] The registration device 14 includes the registration unit
203. When the fastener identification information is received from
the determination unit 201 of the verification apparatus 12, the
registration unit 203 stores the fastener identification
information and the fastener distribution information in the
distribution information database 15 in association with each
other.
[0102] The distribution information database 15 stores the fastener
identification information and the distribution log information in
association with each other, and is installed on the distribution
manager side.
[0103] In addition to operations of the above-described
embodiments, on the basis of the fastener identification
information, the determination unit 202 of the verification
apparatus 12 can search the distribution information database 15
for the distribution log information.
[0104] First, operations for registering the distribution log
information in the distribution information database 15 will be
described with reference to FIG. 12.
[0105] In a process of the distribution, by the cell-phone 2, the
user transmits an image obtained by imaging the textured pattern in
the predetermined area of the pull-tab, and the verification
apparatus 12 receives the image (SI 101).
[0106] By using the same method as the above-described method, the
image feature extraction unit 201 of the verification apparatus 12
extracts the image feature of the textured pattern in the
predetermined area from the received image, and outputs the
extracted image feature to the determination unit 202 (SI 102),
[0107] The determination unit 202 verifies the extracted image
feature and the image features registered in the image feature
database 11 (SI 103).
[0108] In the case where both are consistent with each other (YES
of SI 103), the determination unit 202 reads out the fastener
identification information in association with the image feature,
and notifies the registration unit 203 of the read-out fastener
identification information (SI 104). In the case where both are not
consistent with each other (NO of SI 103), the process is
ended.
[0109] The registration unit 203 associates the notified fastener
identification information and the distribution log information
input by the user with each other, and registers the distribution
log information in the distribution information database 15 (SI
105).
[0110] Next, operations for the distribution authentication through
the verification apparatus 12 will be described with reference to
FIG. 13.
[0111] A consumer transmits the image obtained by imaging the
textured pattern in the predetermined area of the pull-tab of the
bag to be authenticated in the distribution, and the verification
apparatus 12 receives the above image (SI201).
[0112] By using the same method as the above-described method, the
image feature extraction unit 201 of the verification apparatus 12
extracts the image feature of the textured pattern in the
predetermined area from the received image, and outputs the
extracted image feature to the determination unit 202 (SI202).
[0113] The determination unit 202 verifies the extracted image
feature and the image features registered in the image feature
database 11 (SI203).
[0114] In the case where both are consistent with each other (YES
of SI203), the determination unit 202 reads out the fastener
identification information in association with the image feature
(SI 204). On the basis of the read-out fastener identification
information, the determination unit 202 searches the distribution
information database 15 for the distribution log information
(SI205). In the case where the distribution information database 15
is searched for the distribution log information (YES of SI205),
the searched-for distribution log information is transmitted to the
cell-phone 2 (SI206). The consumer may verify the consistency
between the received distribution log information and information
about the distribution assumed from the obvious information (the
brand, the serial number, and the like) from a logo and the like
described in the product or design of the bag, and authenticate the
bag as an authentic product in the case where both is consistent
with each other. In addition, through the above configuration, a
physical distribution management of the products can be also
performed.
[0115] On the other hand, as a result of the verification at SI
203, in the case where both are not consistent with each other (NO
of SI 203), and as a result of the searching at SI 205, in the case
where the distribution information database 15 is not searched for
the distribution log information (NO of SI205), the determination
unit 202 transmits to the cell-phone 2 the fact that information
about the bag to be verified is not present (S1207). As a result,
the consumer recognizes that the bag is camouflaged or may be
camouflaged.
[0116] In addition, the distribution information database 15 on the
manager side is provided in a distribution undertaker; further, may
be stored in a form added to the image feature database of the
component dealer and the product information database of the
producer. In that case, the distribution information database 15 is
managed through a string by information capable of searching for in
common the component identification information, the image features
of components, and the like. Further, in the configuration as
illustrated in FIG. 7, the distribution log may be stored in
association with each of the image feature database and the product
information database.
[0117] As described above, according to the present embodiment,
even if an RFID chip is not built into merchandise one by one, the
physical distribution management, the authenticity assessment of
the merchandise, and the like can be verified, Therefore, the
verification for the physical distribution management of the
merchandise can be performed at low cost. Further, when the
distribution log in the case of failure in the verification (both
are not consistent with each other) is analyzed, a finding place
and a period of the imitation product can be also grasped.
Fifth Embodiment
[0118] Continuously, a fifth embodiment of the verification system
of this application will be described. In the present embodiment, a
configuration in which the verification information is stored as
the product information will be described. In addition, the same
configurations as those of the above-described embodiments are
indicated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed
descriptions will be omitted. Further, the fifth embodiment is
applied to a case of the same configuration as that of FIG. 9 of
the fourth embodiment, and the descriptions will be made. Further,
the fifth embodiment may be applied to any configuration of the
embodiments as described above.
[0119] In the image feature database 11, the registration unit 203
of the present embodiment stores, as the product information, the
verification information about verification results through the
verification apparatus 12 of the above-described embodiments.
Further, in the case where the verification place is stored as the
verification information, positional information of the cell-phone
2 by which the image information of the fastener to be verified is
imaged is supposed to be acquired by a GPS function of the
cell-phone, or by the positional information input with the use of
the cell-phone 2 through a consumer.
[0120] In addition, operations from the results up to the
registration of the verification are the same operations as those
of S903 to S905, and therefore the detailed descriptions will be
omitted.
[0121] As described above, according to the present embodiment,
when the products or the components are verified, the verification
results and information about a place and a date and time of an
object to be verified, a person in charge that performs the
verification, and the like are accumulated as log data. Therefore,
the component dealer or the product dealer can acquire market
information about sales conditions, distribution course of his or
her own products, how the products have been used, where an
imitation product is generated, or the like. Further, the producer
can acquire information obtained by performing market research or
through distribution undertakers.
Sixth Embodiment
[0122] In the above-described embodiments, a consumer verifies the
consistency between the verification results and the obvious
information (the brand, the serial number, and the like) from a
logo and the like described in the product or design of the bag,
and authenticates the bag as an authentic product in the case where
both are correctly consistent with each other. In the present
embodiment, a configuration in which the verification apparatus
performs the above will be described. In addition, the same
configurations as those of the second embodiment are indicated by
the same reference numerals, and the detailed descriptions will be
omitted. In the following descriptions, a case where the image
feature of the fastener and the brand name as the shipment
destination information are stored in the image feature database 11
on the component supplier side in association with each other will
be used, and the present embodiment will be described. Any one of
the configurations described in the first to fifth embodiments may
be used.
[0123] In the verification apparatus 12 of the present embodiment,
an authentication unit 204 that performs an authenticity assessment
of the product to be verified is newly provided. The authentication
unit 204 verifies the brand name of the bag transmitted from the
cell-phone 2 and the shipment destination read-out by the
determination unit 202. In the case where both are consistent with
each other, the bag is authenticated as an authentic product. On
the other hand, in the case where both are not consistent with each
other, the bag is camouflaged or may be camouflaged is
determined.
[0124] The cell-phone 2 transmits the brand name of the bag to be
verified input by the consumer along with the imaged image.
[0125] Operations of the present embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 15.
[0126] For verifying the bag to be verified, by the cell-phone 2,
the consumer transmits the brand name of the bag and the image
obtained by imaging the textured pattern in the predetermined area
of the pull-tab, and the verification apparatus 12 receives the
image (SI 401).
[0127] By using the same method as the above-described method, the
image feature extraction unit 201 of the verification apparatus 12
extracts the image feature of the textured pattern in the
predetermined area from the received image, and outputs the
extracted image feature to the determination unit 202 (SI402),
[0128] The determination unit 202 verifies the extracted image
feature and the image features registered in the image feature
database 11 (SI403). In the case where both are consistent with
each other (YES of SI403), the determination unit 202 reads out the
shipment destination information in association with the image
feature and notifies the authentication unit 204 of the read-out
shipment destination information (SI404). The authentication unit
204 verifies the notified shipment destination information and the
received brand name of the bag (SI 405). As a result of the
verification, in the case where both are consistent with each other
(YES of SI 405), the bag is authenticated as an authentic product
and the above fact is transmitted to the cell-phone 2 (S1406),
Thereby, an imitation product, a false description, and further the
imitation product using another fastener fabricated by a regular
components dealer can be also refused.
[0129] On the other hand, as a result of the verification, in the
case where both are not consistent with each other in the
verification of SI403 (NO of SI403), or in the case where both are
not consistent with each other in the verification of SI405 (NO of
SI405), the fact that both are not consistent with each other is
transmitted to the cell-phone 2 (S1407). As a result, the consumer
recognizes that the bag is camouflaged or may be camouflaged.
[0130] In the above-described embodiments, an authenticity
assessment is performed by a kind of information. Further, plural
kinds of information are input by the consumer, and the plural
kinds of information may be combined to perform the authenticity
assessment. In this case, a rate of the possibility that the bag is
an authentic product or an imitation product can be also calculated
and proposed to the consumer.
[0131] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the
verification apparatus 12 performs the verification processing.
Further, from a database in which the image features of the
components are registered like the image feature database 11, the
image feature is previously downloaded, and the verification
processing may be performed by the cell-phone 2 without the
communication.
[0132] Further, in the first to fifth embodiments described above,
a configuration in which the image imaged by the cell-phone 2 is
transmitted to the verification apparatus 12 is used.
[0133] Further, a configuration in which the image feature of the
imaged image is extracted and the extracted image is transmitted by
the cell-phone 2, and the transmitted image feature is verified by
the verification apparatus 12 may be used.
[0134] Further, the verification apparatus of the first to fifth
embodiments described above may be configured in the cell-phone
2.
[0135] In the above-described embodiments, when the distribution
log information or the verification information is stored as the
product information, statistical processing of information about
the predetermined component or product may be performed and a
statistical processing unit that outputs distribution, sales, and
usage conditions of the products may be provided. Further, when the
verification results or the authentication results of the
authenticity assessment of the products, and the verification
places are stored as the verification information, statistical
processing of information about failure in the verification may be
performed and an analyzing device that analyzes generation
conditions of the imitation products may be provided.
[0136] As an example thereof, in the above-described embodiments,
the brand name of the bag to be verified input by the consumer is
stored in the distribution information database 15 in association
with the image feature of the textured pattern acquired from the
fastener of the bag.
[0137] At this time, when a component producer manages the
distribution information database, the fastener in association with
the image pattern used in the verification can be known to be used
in which bag of which brand. Further, the fastener component dealer
can know a usage purpose of the fastener and apply the usage
purpose to performance or designing. Alternatively, when the
producer of the products manages the distribution information
database, the produced product can be known to be distributed to
which area for usage, and marketing information about the products
can be obtained.
[0138] Further, in the case where an imitation product of a certain
brand is distributed in a certain area in plurality, when the brand
is verified in the area, the fact that failure in the verification
is generated in plurality is stored in the distribution information
database 15. Accordingly, data that is failed in the verification
is collected, and thereby distribution conditions of imitation
products of the brand can be statistically known.
[0139] Further, in the first to fourth embodiments described above,
an example where the verification is performed for the authenticity
assessment is used and descriptions are made.
[0140] Further, the verification can be, of course, used as a
purpose not for performing the authenticity assessment but for
specifying an individual identification number, a production lot
number, and the like of the product.
[0141] Further, as is apparent from the descriptions, each of the
above-described configuration units of the present invention can be
configured by hardware, and further realized by a computer
program.
[0142] In the case of the above-described configuration, the same
functions and operations as those of the above-described
embodiments are realized by using a processor operating by a
program stored in a program memory. In addition, functions of a
part of the above-described embodiments can be realized by a
computer program.
[0143] As described above, the present invention is described with
reference to preferred embodiments and examples. Further, the
present invention is not necessarily limited to the above
embodiments and examples, but can be variously verified and
performed in a range of technical idea.
[0144] (Supplementary Note 1)
[0145] A verification method including: acquiring image feature of
a component in a product to be verified; and verifying the product
to be verified on the basis of the acquired image feature of the
component.
[0146] (Supplementary Note 2)
[0147] The verification method described in the supplementary note
1, wherein the image feature of the component is stored in a
storage unit in association with product information about the
product on which the component is fixed; and in the verification,
the product information about the product to be verified and the
product information stored in the storage unit are verified.
[0148] (Supplementary Note 3)
[0149] The verification method described in the supplementary note
1 or 2, further including registering, in the verification, one or
both of the product information about the product to be verified
and the verification information in the storage unit in association
with the acquired image feature.
[0150] (Supplementary Note 4)
[0151] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit has a storage
unit on a supplier side of the component in which the image feature
of the component supplied to a producer of the product from a
supplier of the component is associated with identification
information about the component, and a storage unit on a producer
side of the product in which the identification information about
the component is associated with the product information; and in
the verification, the identification information about the
component is acquired from the storage unit on the supplier side of
the component on the basis of the acquired image feature, and the
product information is acquired for verification from the storage
unit on the producer side of the product on the basis of the
acquired identification information about the component.
[0152] (Supplementary Note 5)
[0153] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 2 to 4, wherein the product information
includes at least one or more information of the identification
information for identifying the producer, the identification
information for identifying the product produced by the producer,
the identification information for identifying an individual of the
product, distribution course information indicating a distribution
course of the component or the product, and the verification
information about the verification of the product.
[0154] (Supplementary Note 6)
[0155] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 2 to 5, wherein the verification information
about the verification upon performing the verification by using
the image feature is registered in the storage unit as the product
information in association with the acquired image feature,
statistical processing of the registered verification information
is performed, and generation conditions of an imitation product are
analyzed.
[0156] (Supplementary Note 7)
[0157] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 2 to 6, wherein the distribution course of
information about a component having the image feature or a product
on which a component having the image feature is fixed is
registered in the storage unit as the product information in
association with the acquired image feature, statistical processing
of the registered distribution course information is performed, and
at least one of the distribution course, selling conditions, and
usage conditions of the predetermined component or the product is
analyzed.
[0158] (Supplementary Note 8)
[0159] The verification method described in the supplementary note
6 or 7, wherein the predetermined area is a concave portion of the
component.
[0160] (Supplementary Note 9)
[0161] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 1 to 8, wherein the image feature of the
component is a pattern in a predetermined area generated in a
process in which the component is fabricated.
[0162] (Supplementary Note 10)
[0163] The verification method described in the supplementary note
9, wherein the pattern is a textured pattern that is provided to
the component.
[0164] (Supplementary Note 11)
[0165] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 1 to 10, wherein the component is at least any
one of a fastener, a screw, a nail, a nut, and an electronic
component.
[0166] (Supplementary Note 12)
[0167] The verification method described in the supplementary note
11, wherein the fastener is at least any one of a slide fastener, a
hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, a rail fastener, a buckle,
a cord stopper, a belt adjuster, a loop clutch, a snap button, and
a button.
[0168] (Supplementary Note 13)
[0169] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 1 to 12, wherein the component is any material
of leather, metal, plastics, pottery, ceramics, and resins.
[0170] (Supplementary Note 14)
[0171] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 1 to 13, where the textured pattern is
intentionally provided to an article for identification or
verification.
[0172] (Supplementary Note 15)
[0173] A verification system including:
[0174] an acquiring means for acquiring image feature of a
component in a product to be verified; and a verifying means for
verifying the product to be verified on the basis of the acquired
image feature of the component.
[0175] (Supplementary Note 16)
[0176] The verification system described in the supplementary note
15, wherein the image feature of the component is stored in a
storage unit in association with product information about the
product on which the component is fixed; and the verifying means
verifies the product information about the product to be verified
and the product information stored in the storage unit.
[0177] (Supplementary Note 17)
[0178] The verification system described in the supplementary note
14 or 16, further including a registering means for registering, in
the verification, one or both of the product information about the
product to be verified and the verification information in the
storage unit in association with the acquired image feature.
[0179] (Supplementary Note 18)
[0180] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 15 to 17, wherein the storage unit has a
storage unit on a supplier side of the component in which the image
feature of the component supplied to a producer of the product from
a supplier of the component is associated with identification
information about the component, and a storage unit on a producer
side of the product in which the identification information about
the component is associated with the product information; and the
verifying means acquires, for verification, the. identification
information about the component from the storage unit on the
supplier. side of the component on the basis of the acquired image
feature, and acquires the product information from the storage unit
on the producer side of the product on the basis of the acquired
identification information about the component.
[0181] (Supplementary Note 19)
[0182] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 16 to 18, wherein the product information
includes at least one or more information of the identification
information for identifying the producer, the identification
information for identifying the product produced by the producer,
the identification information for identifying an individual of the
product, distribution course information indicating a distribution
course of the component or the product, and the verification
information about the verification of the product.
[0183] (Supplementary Note 20)
[0184] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 16 to 19, wherein the registering means
registers the verification information about the verification upon
performing the verification by using the image feature in the
storage unit as the product information in association with the
acquired image feature, and has an analyzing means that performs
statistical processing of the registered verification information,
and analyzes generation conditions of an imitation product.
[0185] (Supplementary Note 21)
[0186] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 16 to 20, wherein the registration unit
registers the distribution course of information about a component
having the image feature or a product on which a component having
the image feature is fixed in the storage unit as the product
information in association with the acquired image feature, and has
an analyzing means that performs statistical processing of the
registered distribution course information, and analyzes at least
one of the distribution course, selling conditions, and usage
conditions of the predetermined component or the product.
[0187] (Supplementary Note 22)
[0188] The verification system described in the supplementary note
20 or 21, wherein the predetermined area is a concave portion of
the component.
[0189] (Supplementary Note 23)
[0190] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 15 to 22, wherein the image feature of the
component is a pattern in a predetermined area generated in a
process in which the component is fabricated.
[0191] (Supplementary Note 24)
[0192] The verification system described in the supplementary note
23, wherein the pattern is a textured pattern that is provided to
the component.
[0193] (Supplementary Note 25)
[0194] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 15 to 24, wherein the component is at least any
one of a fastener, a screw, a nail, a nut, and an electronic
component.
[0195] (Supplementary Note 26)
[0196] The verification system described in the supplementary note
25, wherein the fastener is at least any one of a slide fastener, a
hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, a rail fastener, a buckle,
a cord stopper, a belt adjuster, a loop clutch, a snap button, and
a button.
[0197] (Supplementary Note 27)
[0198] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 15 to 26, wherein the component is any material
of leather, metal, plastics, pottery, ceramics, and resins.
[0199] (Supplementary Note 28)
[0200] The verification system described in any one of the
supplementary notes 15 to 27, where the textured pattern is
intentionally provided to an article for identification or
verification.
[0201] (Supplementary Note 29)
[0202] A verification apparatus including:
[0203] a verifying means for verifying, on the basis of an acquired
image feature of a component in a product to be verified, the
product to be verified.
[0204] (Supplementary Note 30)
[0205] The verification apparatus described in the supplementary
note 29, wherein the image feature of the component is stored in a
storage unit in association with product information about the
product on which the component is fixed; and the verifying means
verifies the product information about the product to be verified
and the product information stored in the storage unit.
[0206] (Supplementary Note 31)
[0207] The verification apparatus described in the supplementary
note 27 or 30, further including a registering means for
registering, in the verification, one or both of the product
information about the product to be verified and the verification
information in the storage unit in association with the acquired
image feature.
[0208] (Supplementary Note 32)
[0209] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 29 to 31, wherein the storage unit has a
storage unit on a supplier side of the component in which the image
feature of the component supplied to a producer of the product from
a supplier of the component is associated with identification
information about the component, and a storage unit on a producer
side of the product in which the identification information about
the component is associated with the product information; and the
verifying means acquires, for verification, the identification
information about the component from the storage unit on the
supplier side of the component on the basis of the acquired image
feature, and acquires the product information from the storage unit
on the producer side of the product on the basis of the acquired;
identification information about the component.
[0210] (Supplementary Note 33)
[0211] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 30 to 32, wherein the product information
includes at least one or more information of the identification
information for identifying the producer, the identification
information for identifying the product produced by the producer,
the identification information for identifying an individual of the
product, distribution course information indicating a distribution
course of the component or the product, and the verification
information about the verification of the product.
[0212] (Supplementary Note 34)
[0213] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 30 to 33, wherein the registering means
registers the verification information about the verification upon
performing the verification by using the image feature in the
storage unit as the product information in association with the
acquired image feature, and has an analyzing means that performs
statistical processing of the registered verification information,
and analyzes generation conditions of an imitation product.
[0214] (Supplementary Note 35)
[0215] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 30 to 34, wherein the registration unit
registers the distribution course of information about a component
having the image feature or a product on which a component having
the image feature is fixed in the storage unit as the product
information in association with the acquired image feature, and has
an analyzing means that performs statistical processing of the
registered distribution course information, and analyzes at least
one of the distribution course, selling conditions, and usage
conditions of the predetermined component or the product.
[0216] (Supplementary Note 36)
[0217] The verification apparatus described in the supplementary
note 33 or 35, wherein the predetermined area is a concave portion
of the component.
[0218] (Supplementary Note 37)
[0219] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 29 to 36, wherein the image feature of the
component is a pattern in the predetermined area generated in a
process in which the component is fabricated.
[0220] (Supplementary Note 38)
[0221] The verification apparatus described in the supplementary
note 37, wherein the pattern is a textured pattern that is provided
to the component.
[0222] (Supplementary Note 39)
[0223] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 29 to 38, wherein the component is at least any
one of a fastener, a screw, a nail, a nut, and an electronic
component.
[0224] (Supplementary Note 40)
[0225] The verification apparatus described in the supplementary
note 39, wherein the fastener is at least any one of a slide
fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, a rail
fastener, a buckle, a cord stopper, a belt adjuster, a loop clutch,
a snap button, and a button.
[0226] (Supplementary Note 41)
[0227] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 29 to 40, wherein the component is any material
of leather, metal, plastics, pottery, ceramics, and resins.
[0228] (Supplementary Note 42)
[0229] The verification apparatus described in any one of the
supplementary notes 29 to 41, where the textured pattern is
intentionally provided to an article for identification or
verification.
[0230] (Supplementary Note 43)
[0231] A program for a verification apparatus and causing the
verification apparatus to function as a verifying means for
verifying, on the basis of an acquired image feature of a component
in a product to be verified, the product to be verified.
[0232] (Supplementary Note 44)
[0233] The program described in the supplementary note 43, wherein
the image feature of the component is stored in a storage unit in
association with product information about the product on which the
component is fixed; and the verifying means verifies the product
information about the product to be verified and the product
information stored in the storage unit.
[0234] (Supplementary Note 45)
[0235] The program described in the supplementary note 27 or 44,
further including a registering means for registering, in the
verification, one or both of the product information about the
product to be verified and the verification information in the
storage unit in association with the acquired image feature.
[0236] (Supplementary Note 46)
[0237] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
43 to 45, wherein the storage unit has a storage unit on a supplier
side of the component in which the image feature of the component
supplied to a producer of the product from a supplier of the
component is associated with identification information about the
component, and a storage unit on a producer side of the product in
which the identification information about the component is
associated with the product information; and the verifying means
acquires, for verification, the identification information about
the component from the storage unit on the supplier side of the
component on the basis of the acquired image feature, and acquires
the product information from the storage unit on the producer side
of the product on the basis of the acquired identification
information about the component.
[0238] (Supplementary Note 47)
[0239] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
44 to 46, wherein the product information includes at least one or
more information of the identification information for identifying
the producer, the identification information for identifying the
product produced by the producer, the identification information
for identifying an individual of the product, distribution course
information indicating a distribution course of the component or
the product, and the verification information about the
verification of the product.
[0240] (Supplementary Note 48)
[0241] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
44 to 47, wherein the registering means registers the verification
information about the verification upon performing the verification
by using the image feature in the storage unit as the product
information in association with the acquired image feature, and has
an analyzing means that performs statistical processing of the
registered verification information and analyzes generation
conditions of an imitation product.
[0242] (Supplementary Note 49)
[0243] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
44 to 48, wherein the registration unit registers the distribution
course of information about a component having the image feature or
a product on which a component having the image feature is fixed in
the storage unit as the product information in association with the
acquired image feature, and has an analyzing means that performs
statistical processing of the registered distribution course
information and analyzes at least one of the distribution course,
selling conditions, and usage conditions of the predetermined
component or the product.
[0244] (Supplementary Note 50)
[0245] The program described in the supplementary note 47 or 49,
wherein the predetermined area is a concave portion of the
component.
[0246] (Supplementary Note 51)
[0247] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
43 to 50, wherein the image feature of the component is a pattern
in a predetermined area generated in a process in which the
component is fabricated.
[0248] (Supplementary Note 52)
[0249] The program described in the supplementary note 51, wherein
the pattern is a textured pattern that is provided to the
component.
[0250] (Supplementary Note 53)
[0251] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
43 to 52, wherein the component is at least any one of a fastener,
a screw, a nail, a nut, and an electronic component.
[0252] (Supplementary Note 54)
[0253] The program described in the supplementary note 53, wherein
the fastener is at least any one of a slide fastener, a hook and
loop fastener, a snap fastener, a rail fastener, a buckle, a cord
stopper, a belt adjuster, a loop clutch, a snap button, and a
button.
[0254] (Supplementary Note 55)
[0255] The program described in any one of the supplementary notes
43 to 54, wherein the component is any material of leather, metal,
plastics, pottery, ceramics, and resins.
[0256] (Supplementary Note 56)
[0257] The verification method described in any one of the
supplementary notes 43 to 55, where the textured pattern is
intentionally provided to a product for identification or
verification.
[0258] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-140355,
filed on Jun. 22, 2012, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0259] 1 Verification system [0260] 2 Cell-phone [0261] 11 Image
feature database [0262] 12 Verification apparatus [0263] 13 Product
information database` [0264] 14 Registration device [0265] 15
Distribution information database [0266] 201 Determination unit
[0267] 202 Image feature extraction unit [0268] 203 Registration
unit [0269] 204 Authentication unit
* * * * *