JP4446186B2 - Relevance assurance device and method, program, and relevance verification device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a relevance assurance device and method, a program, and a relevance verification device, and is suitable for application, for example, to assure relevance of a plurality of papers with predetermined contents.

  Conventionally, paper has been used as an object for printing various contents such as documents and photographs, and photographic paper on which the contents (hereinafter referred to as “print contents”) are printed is, for example, commodity exchange media such as money, certificates, etc. It often has high value because it functions as various media such as content certification media or information storage media such as personal works.

For this reason, various countermeasures for preventing unauthorized duplication of the printed contents printed on the photographic paper are considered, and as such a countermeasure, the pattern information obtained based on the patterns on the photographic paper is acquired. Information is stored on photographic paper, and the authenticity of the photographic paper is verified based on the stored pattern information, thereby appropriately protecting the printed content and preventing unauthorized duplication of the printed content printed on the photographic paper. An unauthorized duplication prevention device has been proposed by the present applicant.
PCT / JP2005 / 001176

  By the way, in such an unauthorized duplication preventing apparatus, the legitimacy and validity of each photographic paper, that is, the originality is ensured to prevent unauthorized duplication of the print contents. Since it is often composed of a plurality of sheets, if not only the originality of each photographic paper is independently guaranteed but also the relevance of a plurality of photographic papers can be guaranteed, a plurality of photographic papers It is considered that the print contents in can be protected more appropriately.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and intends to propose a relevance assurance device and method, program, and relevance verification device that can appropriately protect the contents attached to a plurality of papers. .

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, the first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired and the predetermined content is attached. Acquisition means for acquiring second pattern information representing a feature amount of a pattern on the second paper to be related to the first paper, and authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information. Storage means for storing on the second paper to be related is provided.

  Accordingly, since the first pattern information on the first paper as a reference is included in the second paper that should be the related object, in addition to the originality on the second paper that should be the related object, the related object It is possible to guarantee the relationship between the second paper to be used and the first paper as a reference.

  In addition, the first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and the first paper with the predetermined content is associated with the first paper. A first step of acquiring second pattern information representing a feature amount of a pattern on the second paper to be processed, and a second step in which authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information is to be related. And a second step of storing on the paper.

  Accordingly, since the first pattern information on the first paper as a reference is included in the second paper that should be the related object, in addition to the originality on the second paper that should be the related object, the related object It is possible to guarantee the relationship between the second paper to be used and the first paper as a reference.

  Further, the program acquires first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached, and also relates to the first paper to which the predetermined content is added. The first processing for acquiring the second pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern on the second paper to be the target, and the authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information are related targets. The second processing stored in the second paper to be executed is executed.

  Accordingly, since the first pattern information on the first paper as a reference is included in the second paper that should be the related object, in addition to the originality on the second paper that should be the related object, the related object It is possible to guarantee the relationship between the second paper to be used and the first paper as a reference.

  Furthermore, the first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern on the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and the first paper related to the first paper to which the predetermined content is attached is obtained. Acquisition means for acquiring second pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern on the second paper, and the second paper on which the authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information is to be related. And a verification unit for verifying the relevance between the first paper as a reference and the second paper to be related based on the authentication information stored in the storage unit. .

  Accordingly, since the first pattern information on the first paper as a reference is included in the second paper that should be the related object, in addition to the originality on the second paper that should be the related object, the related object It is possible to guarantee the relationship between the second paper to be used and the first paper as a reference.

  According to the present invention, the first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and the first paper with the predetermined content is acquired. The second pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern on the second paper to be related is acquired, and the authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information is set as the related target. By storing in the paper, the first pattern information in the first reference paper is included in the second paper to be related, so that the originality in the second paper to be related is improved. In addition, the relevance assurance device can guarantee the relevance between the second paper to be related and the first paper as a reference, and can appropriately protect the contents attached to the plurality of papers. And methods and programs can be realized.

  Further, according to the present invention, the first pattern information indicating the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is added is acquired, and the first pattern with the predetermined content is acquired. Acquisition means for acquiring second pattern information representing a feature quantity of a pattern on the second paper to be related to the paper, and authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information as the related target Storage means for storing on the second paper to be verified, and verification means for verifying the relevance between the first paper as a reference and the second paper to be related based on the authentication information stored in the storage means Since the first pattern information on the first paper as a reference is included in the second paper that should be the related object, the original on the second paper that should be the related object In addition to sex, the relationship between the second paper to be related and the first reference paper I can guarantee, thus the relevant assurance apparatus which can adequately protect the assigned contents to a plurality of paper can be realized.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Relevance Assurance Method As shown in FIG. 1, the paper has a unique pattern (hereinafter referred to as a pattern) constituted by complex intertwining of fibers inside the paper instead of the surface. ing. This pattern can be obtained as an image (hereinafter referred to as a pattern image) by, for example, a transmissive scanner or the like, as can be seen from the fact that it can be visually confirmed by holding it over light.

  Therefore, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the relevance of print contents printed on a plurality of photographic papers using this pattern image is guaranteed.

  In this case, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, for example, among a plurality of original photographic papers (hereinafter referred to as original photographic papers) OP, a reference original From a photographic paper (hereinafter referred to as a reference original photographic paper) OPS, a pattern image (hereinafter referred to as a reference pattern image) MGS having a previously designated area (hereinafter referred to as a designated area) AR. get.

  In the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, among a plurality of original photographic papers OP, an original photographic paper to be related to the reference original photographic paper OPS (hereinafter referred to as a related target original photographic paper) OPR. Then, a pattern image (hereinafter referred to as a related target pattern image) MGR in the designated area AR is acquired.

  Furthermore, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the reference pattern image MGS of the reference original photographic paper OPS and the related target pattern image MGR of the related target original photographic paper OPR are combined to generate the reference pattern image. A composite pattern image MG based on the MGS and the related target pattern image MGR is generated.

  Furthermore, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the composite pattern MP is extracted for assuring the relevance between the reference original photographic paper OPS and the related original photographic paper OPR based on the generated composite pattern image MG.

  In the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the composite pattern MP extracted for relevance assurance is used as a two-dimensional bar code (hereinafter referred to as a pattern code) BC as the photographic paper surface of the related original photographic paper OPR. The composite pattern MP is stored in the related original photographic paper OPR.

  On the other hand, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the printing paper on which the pattern code BC is printed (hereinafter referred to as code-added printing paper) XPc is the reference original printing. When verifying whether or not it is associated with the paper OPS, a pattern image (hereinafter referred to as a code-attached pattern image) MGX in the designated area AR is acquired from the code-added photographic paper XPc.

  In the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the reference pattern image MGS in the designated area AR is acquired from the reference original photographic paper OPS.

  Furthermore, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the reference pattern image MGS of the reference original photographic paper OPS and the code-attached pattern image MGX of the code-added photographic paper XPc are synthesized, and the reference pattern image MGS. Then, a composite pattern image for matching (hereinafter referred to as a matching pattern image) MGC based on the code-attached pattern image MGX is generated.

  In the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the generated collation pattern image MGC is collated with the pattern image reconstructed based on the pattern code BC (hereinafter referred to as a reconstructed pattern image) MGRe. In this way, it is verified whether or not the code-added photographic paper XPc is associated with the reference original photographic paper OPS.

  Here, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, if a matching rate equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold is obtained as a result of this collation, the code-added photographic paper XPc is associated with the reference original photographic paper OPS. Judgment is made to assure the relevance between the code-added photographic paper XPc and the reference original photographic paper OPS.

  On the other hand, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, when a matching rate lower than a predetermined value is obtained as a collation result, the code-added photographic paper XPc is associated with the reference original photographic paper OPS. Therefore, the relevance between the code-added photographic paper XPc and the reference original photographic paper OPS is denied.

  In the relevance guarantee method in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, even if the print content on the related target original print paper OPR is copied (Copy) to the code-added print paper XPc, Since there is no related target pattern image MGR existing in the designated area AR of the related target original photographic paper OPR on the photographic paper XPc, the verification results of the verification pattern image MGC and the reconstructed pattern image MGRe do not match. In addition, it is possible to guarantee that the code-added photographic paper XPc is a duplicate and not an original.

  In this way, in the relevance guarantee method according to the present embodiment, the relevance with the reference original photographic paper OPS is verified using the reconstructed pattern image MGRe and the verification pattern image MGC reconstructed based on the pattern code BC. As a result, in addition to the originality of the related target original photographic paper OPR, the relationship between the related target original photographic paper OPR and the reference original photographic paper OPS can be assured. The print contents printed on the paper OP can be appropriately protected.

(2) Configuration of Relevance Assurance Device In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a relevance assurance device according to the present embodiment. A scanner 2 is connected to a control unit 2 that controls the relevance assurance device 1 through a bus 3. The unit 4 and the printer unit 5 are connected to each other.

  The control unit 2 includes a central processing unit composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a work memory composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an information storage memory composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  In this information storage memory, the position information (hereinafter referred to as area position information) of the designated area AR (FIG. 2) for each standard size of paper (hereinafter referred to as area position information), character string information (hereinafter referred to as this). Various information such as code character string information) and programs are stored. Therefore, the control unit 2 executes various processes according to programs loaded in the work memory, using various information stored in the information storage memory as appropriate.

  Actually, the control unit 2 sends a pattern image reading command to the scanner unit 4 when a predetermined command for printing the pattern code BC (FIG. 2) is given from the operation unit (not shown).

  Then, as a response result of this command, the control unit 2 sends data of the reference pattern image MGS (FIG. 2) on the reference original photographic paper OPS (FIG. 2) from the scanner unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as reference pattern image data) D1. And the data (hereinafter referred to as related target pattern image data) D2 of the related target pattern image MGR (FIG. 2A) in the related target original photographic paper OPR (FIG. 2A). If this happens, the mode is changed to the first mode (hereinafter, this mode is referred to as a code printing mode).

  In this case, the control unit 2 combines the reference pattern image MGS in the reference pattern image data D1 and the related target pattern image MGR in the related target pattern image data D2 so as to synthesize the reference pattern image MGS and the related target pattern image. A composite pattern image MG (FIG. 2A) based on the MGR is generated.

  Further, the control unit 2 extracts a composite pattern pattern MP (FIG. 2A) based on the generated composite pattern image MG, and converts the composite pattern pattern MP into character string data for two-dimensional barcode (hereinafter, referred to as “character pattern data”). This is called pattern code data) D3 and sent to the printer unit 5. This pattern code data D3 is printed on the related original photographic paper OPR as the pattern code BC (FIG. 2A) in the printer unit 5.

  On the other hand, when a command for verifying the relevance is given from the operation unit, the control unit 2 sends a pattern image reading command and a code reading command to the scanner unit 4.

  Then, as a response result of these commands, the control unit 2 sends data (hereinafter referred to as code) of the code-attached pattern image MGX (FIG. 2B) on the code-added printing paper XPc (FIG. 2B) from the scanner unit 4. D4), reference pattern image data D1 on the reference original photographic paper OPS, and pattern code data D3 that is a read result of the pattern code BC printed on the code-added photographic paper XPc. , Transition to a second mode (hereinafter, this mode is referred to as a verification mode).

  In this case, the control unit 2 synthesizes the reference pattern image MGS in the reference pattern image data D1 and the code pattern image MGX in the code pattern image data D4 so as to synthesize the reference pattern image MGS and the code pattern image with code. A verification pattern image MGC (FIG. 2B) based on MGX is generated.

  The control unit 2 collates the generated verification pattern image MGC with the reconstructed pattern image MGRe (FIG. 2B) reconstructed based on the pattern code data D3 supplied from the scanner unit 4.

  Then, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the collation pattern image MGC and the reconstructed pattern image MGRe coincide with each other beyond a predetermined threshold as a result of collation, and only when it can be recognized that both coincide with each other, the code-added photographic paper The relationship between XPc and reference original photographic paper OPS is proved.

  In this way, the control unit 2 uses the combined pattern pattern MP generated based on the reference pattern image MGS on the reference original photographic paper OPS and the related target pattern image MGR on the related target original photographic paper OPR as the pattern code BC. Guarantee the relevance between the reference original photographic paper OPS and the coded photographic paper XPc only when it is printed on the photographic paper OPR and matches the reconstructed pattern image MGRe reconstructed from the printed pattern code BC. It is made to be able to.

  On the other hand, the scanner unit 4 has a transmission mode, a reflection mode, and a code reading mode. When a pattern image reading command is given from the control unit 2, the scanning mode is given, or when a predetermined duplication permission command is given. Is configured to execute a reflection mode and a code reading mode when a code reading command is given.

  In practice, in the transmission mode, the scanner unit 4 irradiates and transmits light to the reference original printing paper OPS, the related target original printing paper OPR, or the code-attached printing paper XPc placed on the document table. The pattern projection light obtained by the above is imaged on a solid-state image sensor via an optical system. The scanner unit 4 performs A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing or the like on the pattern image signal obtained from the solid-state image sensor, and the reference pattern image data D1 and the related target pattern image data D2 obtained as a result. Alternatively, the code-attached pattern image data D4 is sent to the control unit 2.

  Further, in the reflection mode, the scanner unit 4 irradiates, for example, light to the related original photographic paper OPR placed on the document table and reflects the photographic content reflected light obtained by reflecting the light through the optical system. An image is formed on a solid-state image sensor. The scanner unit 4 performs A / D conversion processing or the like on the print content image signal obtained from the solid-state imaging device, and sends the print content image data D5 obtained as a result to the printer unit 5.

  Further, in the code reading mode, the scanner unit 4 activates the two-dimensional code reader 4a connected to the scanner unit 4 and reads the pattern code data D3 supplied by being read by the two-dimensional code reader 4a. To send.

  In this way, the scanner unit 4 can read the pattern image, the pattern code, or the print content by executing the mode according to the various commands given from the control unit 2.

  On the other hand, the printer unit 5 has two-dimensional code font information (hereinafter referred to as code font information) and position information of the pattern code BC for each standard size of paper (hereinafter referred to as code position information). Such information is stored in the internal memory, and the printing process is executed using the information as appropriate.

  In this case, when the pattern code data D3 is given from the control unit 2, the printer unit 5 performs a pulse width modulation process or the like on the pattern code data D3, and sends the resulting print data to the print head unit. To do. As a result, when the print head unit is driven based on the print data, the code font information, and the code position information, the pattern code BC is placed at a predetermined position on the print paper (related original print paper OPR) set on the print paper stand at this time. It will be printed.

  Further, when the print content image data D5 is given from the scanner unit 4, the printer unit 5 performs a pulse width modulation process or the like on the print content image data D5, and sends the resulting print data to the print head unit. To do. As a result, by driving the print head unit based on the print data, the print content of the related original photographic paper OPR is duplicated on the paper set on the photographic paper board at this time.

  In this way, the printer unit 5 can print the pattern code BC (FIG. 2) based on the pattern code data D3 supplied from the control unit 2, and can copy the print content based on the print content image data D5. Has been made.

(3) Processing in the Control Unit Here, when the processing contents in the code printing mode and verification mode in the control unit 2 are functionally classified, as shown in FIG. The image composition unit 11, the pattern pattern extraction unit 12, the two-dimensional code conversion unit 13, the pattern image reconstruction unit 14, and the collation unit 15 can be divided.

  In this case, in the code printing mode, the control unit 2 performs the low frequency component extraction unit 10, the pattern image synthesis unit 11, the pattern pattern on the reference pattern image data D1 and the related target pattern image data D2 given from the scanner unit 4. Various processes are sequentially performed through the extraction unit 12 and the two-dimensional code conversion unit 13, and the resulting pattern code data D <b> 3 is sent to the printer unit 5.

  Further, in the verification mode, the control unit 2 sequentially performs various processes on the code-attached pattern image data D4 and the reference pattern image data D1 given from the scanner unit 4 via the low-frequency component extraction unit 10 and the pattern image synthesis unit 11. The pattern image MGC obtained as a result and the pattern code data D3 given from the scanner unit 4 are subjected to image reconstruction processing via the pattern image reconstruction unit 14, and the resulting reconstructed pattern image is obtained. Collation processing with MGRe is performed in the collation unit 15.

  Hereinafter, low frequency component extraction processing by the low frequency component extraction unit 10, pattern image synthesis processing by the pattern image synthesis unit 11, pattern pattern extraction processing by the pattern pattern extraction unit 12, two-dimensional code conversion by the two-dimensional code conversion unit 13 Processing, pattern image reconstruction processing by the pattern image reconstruction unit 14, and verification processing by the verification unit 15 will be described in detail.

(3-1) Low-frequency component extraction processing The low-frequency component extraction unit 10, as shown in FIG. 6, relates to the related target pattern image MGR (FIG. 6 (FIG. 6 (A)) in the related target original photographic paper OPR. A)) is used to extract a low-frequency component image (hereinafter referred to as a related low-frequency pattern image) MGR2 (FIG. 6B).

  Specifically, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 performs a Fourier transform process on the related target pattern image MGR in the related target original pattern image data D2 given from the scanner unit 4 based on the region position information stored in the internal memory. To generate frequency component data.

  Subsequently, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 sets the data value of the high frequency component equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold to “0” for the frequency component data, and then performs an inverse Fourier transform process, whereby the related low frequency pattern image is obtained. Data of MGR2 (hereinafter referred to as related target low-frequency pattern image data) D10 (FIG. 5) is generated.

  Then, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 sends the related target low frequency pattern image data D10 generated at this time to the pattern image synthesis unit 11.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the low-frequency component extraction unit 10 generates a low-frequency component pattern from the reference pattern image MGS (FIG. 7A) on the reference original photographic paper OPS (FIG. 2A). An image (hereinafter referred to as a reference low-frequency pattern image) MGS2 (FIG. 7B) is extracted, and the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2 is converted into a converted reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3. .

  Specifically, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 performs a Fourier transform process on the reference pattern image MGS in the reference original pattern image data D1 provided from the scanner unit 4 based on the region position information stored in the internal memory. Thus, frequency component data is generated.

  Subsequently, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 sets the data value of the high frequency component equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold to “0” for the frequency component data, and then performs an inverse Fourier transform process to thereby generate the reference low frequency pattern image MGR2. Is generated.

  At this time, the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2 is a pattern image having a lower frequency component than the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2, and there is a large swell depending on the magnitude of the luminance value. Since this is not a small change, the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2 is used as a coefficient for combining with the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2.

  Therefore, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 converts the luminance value of the reference low frequency pattern image MGS2 so as to be in a preset coefficient range, and the reference low frequency pattern image MGS2 is set in advance. Assuming that the converted pattern image so as to be in the coefficient range is the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3,

  Thus, the reference low-pass pattern image MGS2 is converted into a converted reference low-pass pattern image MGS3 for each element. 8A shows the distribution of the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2 that is the luminance value before conversion, and FIG. 8B shows the converted converted reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 after conversion. The distribution of is shown.

  The low frequency component extraction unit 10 then converts the converted reference low frequency pattern image MGS3 data (hereinafter referred to as conversion reference low frequency pattern image data) D11 (FIG. 5) into the pattern image synthesis unit 11 To be sent to.

  On the other hand, the low-frequency component extraction unit 10 obtains a low-frequency component image (hereinafter referred to as a low-frequency component image) from the code-added pattern image MGX (FIG. 2B) on the code-added photographic paper XPc (FIG. 2B). MGX2 (called a low-frequency pattern image with code) is extracted.

  Specifically, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 performs the above-described reference pattern for the code pattern image MGX in the code pattern image data D4 provided from the scanner unit 4 based on the region position information stored in the internal memory. By performing the same Fourier transform process and inverse Fourier transform process as in the image MGS, the data of the coded low-frequency pattern image MGX2 (hereinafter referred to as the coded low-frequency pattern image data) D12 (FIG. 5) Generate.

  Then, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 sends the low frequency pattern image data D12 with code generated at this time to the pattern image synthesis unit 11.

  At this time, the low-frequency component extraction unit 10 extracts the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2, the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2, or the coded low-frequency pattern image MGX2, for example, for the solid-state imaging device in the scanner unit 4. Various noise components generally included in high-frequency components of an image such as noise can be removed.

  As a result, the low-frequency component extraction unit 10 can avoid a decrease in the pattern pattern extraction accuracy in the pattern pattern extraction unit 12 due to various noise components. The reliability in the results can be improved.

  In addition, the low frequency component extraction unit 10 makes the reference low frequency pattern image MGS2 a pattern image having a lower frequency component than the related target low frequency pattern image MGR2. The pattern image MGS2 is made difficult to influence the change in diameter and the environment at the time of imaging.

(3-2) Pattern Image Composition Processing The pattern image composition unit 11, as shown in FIG. 9, relates to the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR 2 (FIG. 9A) and the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS 3 (FIG. 9 ( B)) and the synthesized pattern image MG (FIG. 9C) are generated.

  Specifically, the pattern image synthesizing unit 11 performs the low frequency component extraction unit 10 for each element of the related target low frequency pattern image MGR2 in the related target low frequency pattern image data D10 supplied from the low frequency component extraction unit 10. Are synthesized by multiplying the corresponding elements of the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 in the data D11 of the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 supplied from the result, and as a result, data of the composite pattern image MG (hereinafter referred to as the composite pattern) (Referred to as image data) D13 (FIG. 5) is generated.

  The pattern image synthesizing unit 11 sends the synthesized pattern image data D13 generated at this time to the pattern pattern extracting unit 12.

  On the other hand, the pattern image synthesizing unit 11 generates a matching pattern image MGC by synthesizing the code-added low-frequency pattern image MGX2 and the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3.

  Specifically, the pattern image synthesizing unit 11 performs the low frequency component extraction unit 10 for each element of the coded low frequency pattern image MGX2 in the coded low frequency pattern image data D12 supplied from the low frequency component extraction unit 10. Is synthesized by multiplying the corresponding elements of the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 in the data D11 of the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 supplied from the result. As a result, the data of the verification pattern image MGC (hereinafter referred to as the verification pattern) D14 (FIG. 5) is generated.

  Then, the pattern image composition unit 11 sends the collation pattern image data D14 generated at this time to the image reconstruction unit 14.

  In this way, the pattern image synthesizing unit 11 synthesizes the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2 and the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 to generate the composite pattern image MG, and thus the reference original photographic paper. The conversion reference low-pass pattern image MGS3 based on the reference pattern image MGS in OPS can be incorporated in the related original photographic paper OPR.

  Here, FIG. 10 shows a change of the pattern image by the pattern image synthesis processing by a pattern pattern by Voronoi division described later. FIG. 10A shows the Voronoi division of the related low-frequency pattern image MGR2. FIG. 10B shows a pattern pattern obtained by Voronoi division of the composite pattern image MG.

  As apparent from FIG. 10, the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2 and the composite pattern image MG generated by combining the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2 and the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 It was confirmed that the shape was clearly different from the change in the center position of the Voronoi region and the shape change of the Voronoi region.

  As described above, in order to make the shape of the related low-frequency pattern image MGR2 and the composite pattern image MG clearly different from each other, the coefficient range of the conversion reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 is widened. In addition, it is conceivable that the frequency component of the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2 is largely changed from the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2.

  However, the preset coefficient range is expressed by the following equation:

  In this case, as described above, since the pattern image change due to the pattern image synthesis processing is shown by a pattern pattern by Voronoi division described later, the coefficient range is too wide. In addition, it was confirmed that the composite pattern image MG in FIG. 11B and the reference low-frequency pattern image MGS2 in FIG.

  In this way, the pattern image synthesis unit 11 synthesizes the related target low-frequency pattern image MGR2 and the conversion-reference low-frequency pattern image MGS3 by appropriately setting the coefficient range of the conversion standard low-frequency pattern image MGS3. The generated composite pattern image MG (information of the reference original photographic paper OPS) can be incorporated into the related target original photographic paper OPR more appropriately.

(3-3) Pattern Pattern Extraction Process The pattern pattern extraction unit 12 extracts a combined pattern pattern MP (FIG. 12) based on the combined pattern image MG (FIG. 9C) as shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the pattern pattern extraction unit 12 has a pixel (hereinafter referred to as a minimum point) PS (PS ₁ ) having the lowest luminance value on the curved surface created by the luminance value of the synthesized pattern image MG. and ～PS _n), becomes the highest luminance value on the curved surface pixel (hereinafter, referred to as maximum point) and detects the PL _(PL 1 through PL _n), the average of luminance values in the composite a pattern image MG (Hereinafter, this is referred to as luminance average).

  As is clear from FIG. 12, the minimum point PS (black circle in FIG. 12) is a pixel of black pixels adjacent to each other among pixels having a predetermined low luminance value or less (hereinafter referred to as black pixels). The local maximum points PL (black triangles in FIG. 12) that exist at the approximate center of a set as a unit are pixels having a predetermined high luminance value or less (hereinafter referred to as white pixels). It can be seen that the minimum point PS and the maximum point PL represent characteristic points of the pattern included in the composite pattern image MG, which are present at the approximate center of a region having a set of adjacent white pixels as a unit.

  Therefore, the detection results of the minimum point PS and the maximum point PL mean the composite pattern MP (that is, the pattern feature pattern included in the composite pattern image MG) in the composite pattern image MG (FIG. 9C). Will be.

  In practice, the pattern pattern extraction unit 12 sets the horizontal direction of the composite pattern image MG based on the composite pattern image data D13 supplied from the pattern image composition unit 11 as the x axis, the vertical direction as the y axis, and the luminance value as the z axis. Based on the recognition result, the local minimum point PS and the local maximum point PL in the composite pattern image MG are detected. At this time, the pattern pattern extraction unit 12 calculates a luminance average based on the recognition result.

  Then, the pattern pattern extraction unit 12 performs two-dimensional code conversion using the position, luminance value, and luminance average at these minimum points PS and maximum points PL as data (hereinafter referred to as synthetic pattern pattern data) D15 (FIG. 5). The data is sent to the unit 13.

  In this way, the pattern pattern extraction unit 12 can extract the pattern features as a pattern pattern by simple calculation.

(3-4) Two-dimensional code conversion process The two-dimensional code conversion unit 13 stores the combined pattern pattern MP on the related original photographic paper OPR as the pattern code BC (FIG. 2A).

  Specifically, the two-dimensional code conversion unit 13 truncates the decimal portion of the supplied composite pattern pattern data D14, and converts the cut-off composite pattern pattern data D14 into code character string information stored in advance in the information storage memory. The pattern code data D3 is generated by performing the two-dimensional bar code conversion process based on this, and is sent to the printer unit 5 at a predetermined timing.

  As a result, the pattern code data D3 is printed as a pattern code BC (FIG. 2 (A)) at a predetermined position of the photographic paper (related original photographic paper OPR) set on the photographic paper board in the printer unit 5. A relevance assurance pattern is recorded on the related target original photographic paper OP (FIG. 2A).

(3-5) A pattern image reconstruction processing image reconstruction unit 14, 13 from the minimum point in the designated area AR shown in _{(A) PS (PS 1 ~PS} n) and maximum point PL _(PL 1 through PL _n) Then, the reconstructed pattern image MGRe shown in FIG. 13B is generated.

In this case, A pattern image reconstruction unit 14, the minimum point of the A pattern code data D3 supplied from the scanner section 4 PS _(PS 1 ~PS _n) and maximum point PL _(PL 1 ~PL _n), in the information storage memory based on pre-stored area position information, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), specified area AR (FIG. 2), the minimum point PS _(PS 1 ~PS _n) and maximum point PL _(PL 1 ~PL _n ) Recognize each positional relationship.

  In this state, the pattern image reconstruction unit 14 executes Voronoi division processing using the recognized minimum points PS and maximum points PL as reference points. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the image reconstruction unit 14 sets all the pixels in the designated area AR (FIG. 2) excluding the reference point (black circles and black triangles in FIG. 13A) to the nearest distance from the pixels. A plurality of small regions are generated by dividing each of them as belonging to a reference point existing in

  Then, the pattern image reconstruction unit 14 performs each of the designated areas AR (FIG. 2) generated by the Voronoi division process based on the brightness information (the brightness values and brightness averages of the minimum point PS and the maximum point PL) of the pattern code data D3. After reconstructing the reconstructed pattern image MGRe (FIG. 13B) by determining the luminance state in each small area, this reconstructed pattern image MGRe is data (hereinafter referred to as reconstructed pattern image data). The data is sent to the collation unit 15 as D16 (FIG. 5).

  In this way, the pattern image reconstruction unit 14 executes the image reconstruction process, thereby performing a composite pattern image MG (FIG. 6B) and a reconstructed pattern image MGRe (FIG. 6) corresponding to the composite pattern image MG. 13 (B)), as is apparent from a visual comparison, the composite pattern MP (minimum point PS (FIG. 10) and maximum point PL (FIG. 10)) extracted from the composite pattern image MG. Thus, the reconstructed pattern image MGRe can be accurately reproduced.

(3-6) Collation Processing The collation unit 15 collates the collation pattern image MGC with the reconstructed pattern image MGRe reconstructed based on the pattern code data D3.

  In practice, the collation unit 15 uses the reconstructed pattern image MGRe in the reconstructed pattern image data D14 supplied from the pattern image reconstruction unit 14 and the collation pattern image in the verification pattern image data D14 supplied from the pattern image composition unit 11. A predetermined cross-correlation process is performed on the MGC, and a matching rate between the reconstructed pattern image MGRe and the matching pattern image MGC is calculated.

  When a matching rate equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold is obtained, the collation unit 15 converts the code-added photographic paper XPc (FIG. 2) placed on the placement table of the scanner unit 4 into the reference original photographic paper OPS. It is determined that they are not associated with each other, and a notification that the relevance between the code-added photographic paper XPc and the reference original photographic paper OPS is denied is given via a predetermined display unit (not shown).

  On the other hand, when a matching rate higher than a predetermined threshold is obtained, the collation unit 15 uses the code-added photographic paper XPc (FIG. 2) placed on the placement table of the scanner unit 4 at this time as the reference original. It is determined that it is associated with the photographic paper OPS, and a notification indicating that the relationship between the code-added photographic paper XPc and the reference original photographic paper OPS is guaranteed is made via a predetermined display (not shown) or the like. .

  In this way, the collation unit 15 executes the collation process, and guarantees the relevance between the code-added photographic paper XPc and the reference original photographic paper OPS only when a matching rate higher than a predetermined threshold is obtained as the collation result. It is made to do.

(4) Usage Example of Relevance Guarantee Device in the Present Embodiment Next, a usage example of the relevance guarantee device 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

(4-1) Serial Number Guarantee In this case, in the relevance guarantee device 1, for example, for the document PA consisting of n pages, the related target original photographic paper OPR in the above-mentioned i (1 <i ≦ n) page The document PA (i), the reference original photographic paper OPS is the document PA (i-1) of the (i-1) th page that is the document immediately before the document PA (i), and the document PA (i ) And the document PA (i-1) of the (i-1) th page, that is, the serial number in the document PA of the nth page is guaranteed.

  In practice, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 2 prints the pattern image MG (2) in the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (2) on the second page and the document PA (3 on the third page, for example. ), The combined pattern MP (2, 3) based on the pattern image MG (3) in the designated area AR acquired from (2) is used as the pattern code BC (2, 3), and the print on the document PA (3) on the third page. It is designed to print on a part of the paper.

  Further, the control unit 2 applies the pattern image MG (3) in the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (3) on the third page and the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (4) on the fourth page. The composite pattern MP (3, 4) based on the pattern image MG (4) having the pattern code BC (3, 4) is printed on a part of the photographic paper surface of the document PA (3) of the fourth page. Thereafter, the pattern code BC is printed up to the document PA (n) of the nth page in the same manner.

  At this time, for the first page of the document PA (1), the control unit 2 prints the pattern image MG (1) in the designated area AR acquired from the first page of the document PA (1) and the second page of the document PA (1). The combined pattern pattern MP (1,2) based on the pattern image MG (2) in the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (2) is used as the pattern code BC (1,2), and the document PA of the first page. Printing is performed on a part of the photographic paper surface in (1).

  As for the document PA (1) on the first page, as shown in FIG. 16, a pattern image MG (S) in the designated area AR acquired from a preset reference document PA (S), and The combined pattern pattern MP (S, 1) based on the pattern image MG (1) in the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (1) of the first page is used as the pattern code BC (S, 1). You may make it print on a part of photographic paper surface in document PA (1) of eyes.

  In this way, in the relevance assurance device 1, the pattern image MG (in the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (i-1) of the (i-1) th page is compared with the document PA of n pages. The combined pattern pattern MP (i-1, i) based on i-1) and the pattern image MG (i) in the designated area AR acquired from the document PA (i) of the i-th page is represented by a pattern code BC (i −1, i), by printing on a part of the photographic paper surface of the document PA (i) of the i-th page, the originality of each document PA is independently guaranteed, or a plurality of documents PA (i) In addition to guaranteeing the relevance in the document, it is also possible to guarantee the seriality in the plurality of documents PA (n), and thus the contents in the plurality of documents PA (n) can be more appropriately protected.

  Further, in this relevance assurance device 1, in order to guarantee relevance in a plurality of documents PA (i), the document PA (i) is replaced, or the document PA (i) is excessive or deficient. The contents in the plurality of documents PA (n) can be protected while effectively preventing such a problem.

(4-2) Preventing Fine Art Work In this case, the relevance assurance device 1 uses the above-mentioned reference original photographic paper OPS as the reference original image GP for the original image GP (n), which is an original work of art composed of n sheets, for example. (S), the related target original photographic paper OPR is used as a plurality of related target original images GP (i), and the relevance between the reference original image GP (S) and the related target original image GP is guaranteed to prevent the creation of artwork. It is made to do.

  In practice, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 2 prints the pattern image MG (S) in the designated area AR acquired from the reference original image GP (S), for example, and the first related target original image GP (1). In the first related target original image GP (1), the combined pattern MP (S, 1) based on the pattern image MG (1) in the designated area AR acquired from the pattern code BC (S, 1) is used. It is designed to print on a part of the photographic paper.

  Further, in the control unit 2, for example, the pattern image MG (S) in the designated area AR acquired from the reference original image GP (S) and the specified area AR acquired from the second related target original image GP (2). The composite pattern MP (S, 2) based on the pattern image MG (2) having the pattern image BC (S, 2) is printed on a part of the photographic paper surface of the second related target original image CO (2). Thereafter, the pattern code BC is printed up to the (n-1) th related target original image GP (n-1) in the same manner.

  At this time, the author of the reference original picture GP (S) or the author of the reference original picture GP (S) or the art data center that protects the profit fairly is stored by the author or the profit fairly. Since the original image GP (n) can be reprinted only in a state approved by the art data data center to be protected, the number of original images GP (n) can be more easily managed and the artwork can be prevented from being produced. It is made like that.

  In addition, the image data center of the original image GP (n), the pattern image MG (n), and the pattern code BC (S, n−1) are associated with the art data data center that protects profits fairly, and are strictly managed. Thus, it is possible to verify whether or not the original image GP (n) has been illegally reprinted by communication with the art data center that protects profits fairly.

  In this way, in the relevance assurance device 1, for the original image CO (n) consisting of n images, the pattern image MG (S) in the designated area AR acquired from the reference original image GP (S) and a plurality of images A composite pattern MP (S, i) based on the pattern image MG (i) in the designated area AR acquired from the related target original image GP (i) is used as the pattern code BC (S, i), and a plurality of original images By printing each part of the photographic paper in GP (n), the relationship between the reference original image GP (S) and a plurality of related target images GP (n-1) is individually guaranteed, It is possible to prevent the product from being falsified, and thus it is possible to more appropriately protect the contents of the plurality of original images GP (n).

  Since such an original image GP (n) is a work of art, the surface margin and the like are important from an artistic point of view, so that the pattern code BC is also printed on the back as shown in FIG. More preferable.

  Also, when such a work of art is an oil painting, a large number of images are taken with multiple wavelengths, multiple amounts of light, reflection, transmission, etc., and by calculating these, the background data of the paper layer peculiar to the oil painting is extracted. A pattern image may be acquired using an algorithm.

(5) Operation and effect according to the present embodiment In the above configuration, the relevance assurance device 1 combines the reference pattern image MGS and the related pattern image MGS with the reference pattern image MGS and the related target pattern image MGR. A composite pattern image MG based on the target pattern image MGR is generated, and the composite pattern pattern MP extracted based on the generated composite pattern image MG is stored in the related target original photographic paper OPR as a pattern code BC.

  Therefore, since the reference pattern image MGS in the reference original photographic paper OPS is included in the related original photographic paper OPR, in addition to the originality in the related original photographic paper OPR, the related original photographic paper OPR and the reference original photographic paper. The relevance with the OPS can be guaranteed.

  Further, the relevance assurance device 1 uses the reconstructed pattern image MGRe and the verification pattern image MGC reconstructed based on the pattern code BC to verify the relationship with the reference original photographic paper OPS, thereby regenerating the reference original. Since the reference pattern image MGS in the photographic paper OPS is included in the related original photographic paper OPR, in addition to the originality in the related original photographic paper OPR, the relationship between the related original photographic paper OPR and the reference original photographic paper OPS Sexuality can be guaranteed.

  According to the configuration described above, the reference pattern image MGS and the related target pattern image MGR are combined to generate a combined pattern image MG based on the reference pattern image MGS and the related target pattern image MGR. By storing the composite pattern MP extracted on the basis of the composite pattern image MG in the related original photographic paper OPR as the pattern code BC, the reference pattern image MGS in the reference original photographic paper OPS is included in the related original photographic paper OPR. Therefore, in addition to the originality of the related original photographic paper OPR, it is possible to guarantee the relationship between the related original photographic paper OPR and the reference original photographic paper OPS, thus printing on a plurality of original photographic paper OP. The printed contents can be appropriately protected.

(6) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiments, a plurality of papers with predetermined contents are used as objects to be printed for various contents such as documents and photographs, and the contents (hereinafter referred to as this). Although the case where photographic paper printed with “print content” is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a work of art such as a picture, or a personal signature such as a signature. In addition, a plurality of papers with various other predetermined contents may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the composite pattern image MG based on the reference pattern image MGS and the related target pattern image MGR is generated has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the reference pattern image MGS and the related pattern image MGS. The target pattern image MG may be stored in the related target original photographic paper OPR as a pattern code BC without being synthesized. In short, authentication information is generated based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information. You can do that.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the composite pattern pattern MP is extracted by using Voronoi division has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various extractions as described in PCT / JP2005 / 001176. A pattern pattern may be extracted based on the process, and various other extraction processes can be applied.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the scanner unit 4 that executes the transmission mode, the reflection mode, and the code reading mode is applied as the imaging unit that images the pattern on the paper is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other image pickup means for applying light to the photographic paper and generating a pattern image signal using the projection light via the solid-state image pickup device can be applied.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a low-frequency component process and a pattern image synthesis process are performed on the pattern to generate a combined pattern image MG (FIG. 9C), and the pattern is applied to the combined pattern image MG. Although the case where the pattern extraction process is performed to extract the composite pattern MP (FIG. 11B) has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the low frequency component processing may be omitted. good.

  In this case, the minimum point PS (FIG. 10), the maximum point PL (FIG. 10), and the brightness average are extracted as the composite pattern MP. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the brightness average is not necessarily extracted. However, it is not necessary to extract only the minimum point PS, or only the maximum point PL may be extracted.

  Further, in this case, the pixel having the lowest luminance value is extracted as the minimum point PS and the pixel having the highest luminance value is extracted as the maximum point PL. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other luminances are also available. Predetermined pixels having values may be extracted as the minimum point PS and the maximum point PL.

  Furthermore, in this case, the synthetic pattern MP is extracted from the designated area AR (FIG. 2) as the extraction location. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be extracted from a plurality of designated areas. You may make it extract from the whole pattern image.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as a storage means for storing the authentication information on paper, the composite pattern MP is printed as a pattern code (two-dimensional barcode) BC (FIG. 2A) (related target original printing paper). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, holes or braille corresponding to the pattern pattern may be provided on the printing paper, or the pattern pattern (minimum point PS ( 10), the maximum point PL (FIG. 10) and the luminance average) may be directly described on the photographic paper.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a method for reconstructing the pattern image based on the authentication information stored by the storage means, the minimum point PS (FIG. 10) and the maximum point PL (FIG. 10) of the composite pattern MP are used. Although the case where the pattern image is reconstructed by dividing the designated area AR by the Voronoi division as the reference point has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pattern image is reconstructed by various other division methods. You may do it.

  For example, instead of Voronoi division, the pattern image is reconstructed by dividing the designated area AR using a table in which the position state of the minimum point PS (FIG. 7) and the maximum point PL (FIG. 7) is associated with the division result. can do.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the configuration shown in FIG. 4 is applied as the relevance guarantee device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other configurations can be applied. it can.

  In this case, a program for causing the control unit to execute various processes shown in FIG. 5 or a part of the processes is installed in an existing apparatus or a newly manufactured apparatus that handles paper such as a copier or a fax machine. You may do it.

  The present invention can be used when paper is used as various media such as commodity exchange media such as money, content certification media such as certificates, or information storage media such as personal works.

It is a basic diagram which shows the pattern of paper. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of a relevance guarantee technique. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a copy from an original photographic paper. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the relevance guarantee apparatus by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram with which it uses for description of the process of a control part. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the low frequency component extraction process in related object original photographic paper. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the low frequency component extraction process in reference | standard original photographic paper. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the conversion from the luminance value in a related object original photographic paper to a coefficient. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of a pattern image composition processing. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the change of the pattern image by a pattern image synthesis process. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the change of the pattern image by a pattern image synthesis process. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of a pattern pattern extraction process. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of a pattern image reconstruction process. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of Voronoi division. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of serial number guarantee. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of serial number guarantee. It is a basic diagram used for description of prevention of art work.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Relevance guarantee apparatus, 2 ... Control part, 4 ... Scanner part, 4a ... Code reader, 5 ... Printer part, 10 ... Low frequency component extraction part, 10 ... Pattern image composition part, 12... Pattern pattern extraction unit, 13... Two-dimensional code conversion unit, 14... Pattern image reconstruction unit, 15 .. Verification unit, D1... Reference pattern image data, D2. ... Pattern code data, D4... Coded pattern image data, D5... Print content image data, D10... Reference pattern image data, D11... Related target pattern image data, D12. ... Pattern pattern data, D14 ... Pattern image data for verification, D15 ... Pattern code data, D16 ... Reconstructed pattern image data, OP ... Original photographic paper, OPS ... Standard original print , OPR: Related original photographic paper, XPc: Coded photographic paper, AR ... Designated area, BC ... Pattern code, MGS ... Standard pattern image, MGS2 ... Standard low-frequency pattern image, MGS3 ... Conversion Reference low-frequency pattern image, MGR ... Related target pattern image, MGR2 ... Related target low-frequency pattern image, MGX ... Coded pattern image, MG ... Composite pattern image, MP ... Composite pattern pattern, MGC ... Verification A pattern image, MGRe ...... reconstruction A pattern _{image, PS (PS 1 ~PS n)} ...... minimum _{point, PL (PL 1 ~PL n)} ...... maximum points, documents ...... PA, original ...... GP.

Claims (7)

The first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and should be the related object of the first paper to which the predetermined content is attached. Obtaining means for obtaining second pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern on the second paper;
A relevance assurance device comprising: storage means for storing authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information on the second paper to be the related object. The first paper and the second paper are:
Each attached content is a continuous one,
The first paper is
The relevance assurance device according to claim 1, wherein the relevance guarantee device is the immediately preceding paper of the second paper to be the related object. Imaging means for imaging the pattern on the first paper as the reference and the pattern on the second paper to be related;
The acquisition means is
Among the second pattern images based on the pattern on the second paper obtained by the imaging means, the second pattern information is acquired based on the second low-frequency pattern image composed of low-frequency components, Based on the first low-frequency pattern image having a low-frequency component compared to the second low-frequency pattern image among the first pattern images based on the pattern on the first paper as the reference. The relevance assurance device according to claim 1, wherein the second pattern information is acquired. The acquisition means is
The relevance assurance device according to claim 3, wherein the first pattern information is acquired by converting a luminance value in the first low-frequency pattern image into a coefficient within a predetermined coefficient range. The first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and the first paper to which the predetermined content is attached should be related. A first step of acquiring second pattern information representing a feature amount of the pattern on the second paper;
And a second step of storing authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information on the second paper to be the related object. The first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and should be the related object of the first paper to which the predetermined content is attached. A first process of acquiring second pattern information representing a feature amount of a pattern on the second paper;
And a second process of storing authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information on the second paper to be the related object. The first pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern included in the first paper as a reference to which the predetermined content is attached is acquired, and should be the related object of the first paper to which the predetermined content is attached. Obtaining means for obtaining second pattern information representing the feature amount of the pattern on the second paper;
Storage means for storing authentication information based on the first pattern information and the second pattern information on the second paper to be the related object;
And verification means for verifying the relevance between the first paper as the reference and the second paper to be related based on the authentication information stored in the storage means. Relevance verification device.