JP7400208B2 - How to run a web campaign - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of web campaigning using a package with an information carrier.

In many web campaigns (hereinafter simply referred to as campaigns), input of a serial number or variable QR code (registered trademark) (QR code (registered trademark) is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INC.) is an information carrier given to the product. Or by reading it with a smartphone, you can earn points and check the winning numbers through the server.

However, in such web campaigns, only those who have purchased the product are eligible for the campaign, so serial numbers and variable QR codes (registered trademarks) cannot be illegally viewed before purchase or by those who do not purchase the product. To ensure maximum security, the code is hidden using double-layer labels and scratch printing. Another way to apply is by cutting out the barcode or special logo attached to the target product, pasting it on a postcard, and then posting it in the mail.

Concealment methods such as double-layer labels and scratch printing add processing costs specifically for web campaigns in addition to regular package manufacturing costs. Therefore, except for products that are sold in large quantities, such as new products or seasonal products, adoption has not progressed.

Additionally, in campaigns where the barcode of the target product is cut out and sent, the consumer must cut out the code, paste it on a postcard, and mail it, which is time-consuming and increases postage costs. Additionally, on the manufacturer side that sponsors the campaign, there is the problem of costs associated with managing postcards containing personal information and drawing lots.

On the other hand, image authentication technology performs authentication by photographing an image of a product or package, extracting feature point data from the image, and comparing it with feature point data stored in an accessible storage device such as a cloud server. Along with the evolution, product identification and individual identification technologies using such technologies are being developed, and some of them are being put into practical use. For example, we use object fingerprint authentication technology (NEC Corporation) that uses minute patterns formed on the surface of an item to identify individual items by matching the mold pattern of a screw with the actual item. UniSecure (registered trademark of Sys-Tech Solutions, Inc., USA) is an individual authentication service that can identify minute differences in printing and verify authenticity just by taking a photo.

Even in campaigns that use such image authentication technology, it is necessary to hide the code of the object, and as mentioned above, it is difficult to deal with it from a cost perspective, so it is currently not used in campaigns. It is.

As a prior art related to a technique for concealing a code given to a product at low cost, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a two-layer label on which a serial number or a two-dimensional code is printed. This technology is the same as a conventional two-layer label, and the top layer of the two-layer structure is printed in multiple colors, so the serial number and two-dimensional code on the hidden part cannot be seen, but the top layer can be peeled off. This allows only the purchaser to confirm hidden information. Therefore, the problem of high cost cannot be solved.

Utility model registration No. 3169174

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a package that can be read by an optical reading device before opening, but cannot be individually identified, but can be individually identified after opening, and is equivalent to a conventional package. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for web campaigning using a package that can be manufactured at low cost.

The invention as a means of solving the above problem is a method of web campaigning using a package with an information carrier.
The package comprises a structure and an information carrier attached to the structure.
Before the package is opened, part of the information carrier is hidden by a part of the structure, so it can be read by an optical reader, but individual identification is impossible. After that, the entire information carrier is revealed, making it possible to identify the individual using a smartphone equipped with a dedicated app.
This method involves the following steps: capturing an image of the information carrier of the package before molding to obtain image information, extracting feature point data from the obtained image information, and transmitting the extracted feature point data to a cloud server for storage. the steps of molding, shipping, and delivering the package; and the step of the consumer purchasing and opening the package, capturing an image of the information carrier with a smartphone equipped with a dedicated app, and extracting feature point data from the acquired image information. A step of sending the extracted feature point data to the cloud server and comparing it with the feature point data stored in the cloud server.Only when the feature point data matches as a result of the comparison, you can apply for the campaign or receive the winning result. and steps for making it possible to confirm.

According to the package according to the present invention, before the package is opened, the package can be read by an optical reader but cannot be individually identified, and after the package is opened, it can be individually identified. , a part of the information carrier is hidden by a part of the structure forming the package. Therefore, until the package is purchased and opened, information carriers such as barcodes can be read with an optical reader, but since individual identification is not possible, it is not possible to apply for campaigns or confirm winning results.

Further, according to the web campaign method of the present invention, since the above-mentioned package is used, a part of the information carrier is hidden before the package is opened, and although the information carrier can be read, the individual information carrier cannot be identified. It is not possible. Therefore, it is not possible to apply for the web campaign or check the winning results. On the other hand, after opening the package, the entire information carrier is exposed, making it possible to identify the individual. Therefore, it is possible to carry out a web campaign in which the purchaser of the package can apply for the web campaign and check the winning results by purchasing and opening the package.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view showing an example of the package of the present invention, and (a) is an N-type package in which the top surface is a lid portion, and the tip of the lid portion is bent and inserted from the top surface to the inside of the side surface at the end of the paper box. In the case of a box, a paper box with a barcode as an information carrier formed across the lid and its tip before opening is shown. (b) is the case of an N-type box similar to (a). (c) This is a case where the tip of the lid is bent and placed at the end of the paper box from the top surface to the outside of the side surface, and the paper box has a barcode, which is an information carrier, formed on the side surface, before being opened. (a) shows the package in an opened state, and (d) shows the package in (b) in an opened state. It is an explanatory diagram explaining the functions of the package of the present invention, and the upper side shows two unopened packages, and although it is possible to read the barcode of these packages, it is impossible to individually identify them by image recognition. The lower part shows two packages after opening and the fact that these packages can be individually identified by reading barcodes and image recognition. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the web campaign method of the present invention.

<Package>
The package of the present invention will be explained.
The package of the invention is a package with an information carrier.
The package of the present invention includes a package structure and an information carrier attached to the structure. Note that in the present invention, the information carrier refers to a printed matter or printed material containing some kind of information such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, which can be read optically.

In the package of the present invention, before the package is opened, a part of the information carrier is hidden by a part of the structure so that it can be read by an optical reader but individual identification is impossible. . Moreover, it is characterized by being equipped so that it can be individually identified after being opened.

Here, being readable by an optical reading device means that, for example, if the information carrier is a barcode, all bars of the barcode are partially exposed to the outside even before the package is opened. , indicating that it is readable. In the case of a two-dimensional code, it is sufficient that an area larger than that which can be correctly read according to the error correction level is exposed to the outside.

The structure may be a paper box.

Further, the information carrier may be a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code.

(package)
The term "package" in the present invention refers to a container for accommodating a product or a product, or a package wrapped in a packaging material.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory overhead view illustrating the package of the present invention.

FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing the state of a package consisting of an N-type box before opening. An N-type box whose top surface is a lid, and by bending the tip of the lid along the bending line, the tip of the bent lid can be inserted into the inside of the side surface from the top surface at the top end of the paper box. The case is shown below. This is a state before opening of a paper box in which a barcode, which is an information carrier, is formed across the lid and its tip. Note that the direction of the bars of the barcode is preferably perpendicular to the bending line. All bars of the barcode must be readably exposed before opening, even if they are not orthogonal. This does not apply when the information carrier is a two-dimensional code. In the case of a two-dimensional code, it is possible to read it correctly by exposing an area larger than the standard determined for each error correction level.

Fig. 1(b) shows the case of an N-type box similar to Fig. 1(a), but the tip of the lid is bent and placed from the top surface to the outside of the side surface at the end of the paper box. The carrier, a paper box with a barcode formed on the side, is in a state before being opened.

FIG. 1(c) shows the package in FIG. 1(a) in an opened state.

FIG. 1(d) shows the package shown in FIG. 1(b) in an unsealed state.

As explained above, the package of the present invention allows information to be accurately read using an optical reading device even if part of the barcode or two-dimensional code is hidden. It is characterized by the use of properties. Another feature is that image information obtained by imaging information carriers such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes is processed to extract and use feature point data, which is information unique to that information carrier. It is characterized by the fact that With this technology, by comparing the feature point data extracted from the image information of a partially concealed information carrier and a completely unconcealed information carrier, it is possible to determine whether the information carrier is the same information carrier but partially It is possible to make it possible to identify information carriers in which the information is hidden and information carriers in which the information is not hidden.

Note that the above-mentioned feature point data refers to data representing the features of an image from image information obtained by imaging an information carrier such as a barcode or two-dimensional code. For example, defects that are accidentally formed on a printed barcode, shapes, foreign objects, or defects that are accidentally present on a base material such as paper are applicable. For example, the coordinates of a defect present in a barcode can be used as feature point data.

An information carrier such as a partially hidden bar code or two-dimensional code is formed on the surface of the package before opening, and the entire information carrier is revealed only after the package is opened. By doing so, before opening the package, the information can be read using an optical barcode or two-dimensional code reading device (upper diagram in FIG. 2: before opening). However, even with a smartphone equipped with a dedicated app, it is not possible to identify the individual (lower diagram in Figure 2: after opening). This takes advantage of the fact that part of the information carrier, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, is hidden, resulting in different feature point data.

On the other hand, after opening the package, the entire information carrier such as a barcode or two-dimensional code appears, making it possible to capture an image with a smartphone and extract feature point data of the entire information carrier. By transmitting the feature point data to the cloud server and comparing it with the feature point data stored in the cloud server, the feature point data match, and it becomes possible to apply for the web campaign.

(information carrier)
The information carrier in the present invention refers to a printed matter or printed material containing some kind of information such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, which can be read optically. Specifically, a printed matter or printed matter containing information is a printed matter of an image or a character.

A one-dimensional code is an information carrier that carries information by arranging bars of different thickness in parallel. Therefore, even if a part of the one-dimensional code arranged in parallel in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bar extends is hidden, it can still be read as a one-dimensional code. This state is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b).

Furthermore, even if a part of the two-dimensional code is hidden, the information can be read in the same way as when it is not hidden. In the case of QR Code (registered trademark) (registered trademark of Denso Wave Co., Ltd.), the error correction level, which indicates the ability to correct code reading errors, can be set to five levels (L, M, Q, H, S). can. It is said that level S allows correct reading even if the largest portion (50%) is invisible. The higher the level, the larger the QR code (registered trademark).

(Structure)
There is no need to specifically limit the structure of the package in the present invention. However, it is necessary that the package has a structure that allows a part of the information carrier, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, formed in a certain part of the structure to be concealed by a part of the package structure itself.

Further, the structure may be made up of a plurality of constituent elements, or may be made up of a single constituent element. For example, it may consist of a container main body whose top side is open and a top lid that covers the top side. Furthermore, a paper box that can be produced by folding one component along multiple bending lines may also be used. In addition to paper and resin, the material constituting the structure may be an inorganic material such as wood, metal, glass, or ceramic. Alternatively, it may be a composite material or a laminated material that combines these materials.

<Web campaign method>
Next, the web campaign method of the present invention will be explained using FIG. 3.
The web campaign method of the present invention is a web campaign method using the package of the present invention.

The web campaign method of the present invention includes a step 1 of capturing an image of the information carrier of the package before molding and acquiring image information, a step 2 of extracting feature point data from the acquired image information, and a step 2 of extracting feature point data from the obtained image information. Step 3: sending the information to a cloud server and storing it; Step 4: molding, shipping, and delivering the package; and Step 4: the consumer purchases the package, opens it, and captures an image of the information carrier using a smartphone equipped with a dedicated app. Step 5 of extracting feature point data from the image information; Step 6 of transmitting the extracted feature point data to the cloud server and comparing it with the feature point data registered in the cloud server; and as a result of the comparison, the feature point data is It is characterized by comprising a step 7 in which it is possible to apply for the campaign only when there is a match.

First, a package molding material for molding the package is produced or prepared. Information carriers such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes are formed on this molding material.
Specifically, if the package is a paper box, for example, a paper box blank with an information carrier printed thereon is produced and prepared as a package molding material. Using this package molding material, a web campaign can be developed through steps 1 to 7.

(Step 1)
In step 1, before the package molding material is assembled and molded by folding along the fold line, an image of the information carrier applied to the package molding material is captured to obtain image information. The image information acquired at this time includes the entire information carrier.
The imaging device used for imaging is not particularly limited as long as it has a resolution that allows feature point data to be extracted from the image of the information carrier. For example, a still camera, a video camera, a smartphone, etc. can be used.

(Step 2)
In step 2, feature point data is extracted by subjecting the image information acquired in step 1 to image processing. This feature point data is feature point data extracted from the entire information carrier. Note that image processing may be performed inside the imaging device, or may be performed by an image processing device connected to the imaging device.

(Step 3)
In step 3, the feature point data extracted in step 2 is sent to a cloud server and stored.

(Step 4)
In step 4, a package is produced by molding the package molding material, the product is stored and sealed in the package, and then the product is arranged in a shipping form and shipped, and the product is delivered to the destination. During the distribution process, even if the package is imaged, the information carrier is partially hidden because the package has not been opened. Since it is different from the feature point data extracted from the entire image, individual identification is not possible.

(Step 5)
In step 5, after the purchaser purchases the product, the purchaser opens the package and images the information carrier with a smartphone equipped with a dedicated application, thereby extracting feature point data. This feature point data is feature point data extracted from the entire information carrier.

(Step 6)
In step 6, the feature point data extracted by the smartphone is sent to the cloud server. When the cloud server receives feature point data from the smartphone, it compares it with feature point data that has been registered (stored) in the cloud server in advance.

(Step 7)
In step 7, as a result of the comparison in step 6, the feature point data stored in the cloud server and the feature point data sent from the smartphone to the cloud server are the feature point data extracted from the image information of the entire information carrier. Therefore, the two match. If the feature point data match, you can apply for the web campaign. The feature point data extracted from the image information obtained by imaging the partially hidden information carrier before opening does not match the feature point data stored in the cloud server. If the feature point data do not match, you will not be able to apply for the web campaign.

Note that in steps 1 to 3, the imaging device captures an image of the information carrier to obtain image information, transmits the image information to the cloud server, and then performs image processing in the cloud server. It may also be to extract feature point data. In general, image information has a larger data capacity, so when communicating over an Internet line, it is preferable to convert it into feature point data with a smaller data capacity before sending it. However, when using a line capable of high-speed communication may send image information.

Claims (1)

A method of web campaigning using a package with an information carrier, comprising:
The package is
comprising a structure and an information carrier attached to the structure,
Before the package is opened, a part of the information carrier is hidden by a part of the structure, so that it can be read by an optical reader, but individual identification is not possible. After opening the package, the entire information carrier is revealed, allowing individual identification with a smartphone equipped with a dedicated application,
imaging the information carrier of the package before molding to obtain image information;
a step of extracting feature point data from the acquired image information;
a step of transmitting the extracted feature point data to a cloud server and storing it;
a step of molding, shipping and delivering the package;
a step in which a consumer purchases and opens the package, photographs the information carrier with a smartphone equipped with a dedicated application, and extracts feature point data from the acquired image information;
transmitting the extracted feature point data to the cloud server and comparing it with feature point data stored in the cloud server;
A step of making it possible to apply for the campaign and confirm the winning results only when the feature point data match as a result of the verification;
Equipped with
How to run a web campaign.

Images