WO2014058811A1

WO2014058811A1 - System and method for verification and authentication of goods and information

Info

Publication number: WO2014058811A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/063762
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve AMS
Original assignee: Ams Steve
Priority date: 2012-10-08
Filing date: 2013-10-08
Publication date: 2014-04-17

Abstract

A system and method for verification and authentication of goods and information includes the use of a product tag and an electronic reader device. The electronic reader device is able to communicate with the product tag using particular radio frequencies. A unique identifier and product information for a specific product are stored on the product tag, as well as in a database. The product tag is attached to the specific product and allows for verified tracking of the specific product. At designated checkpoints, the electronic reader device scans the product tag in order to retrieve the unique identifier and product information. Verification results are displayed directly to the user on the electronic reader device. Both the product tag and the electronic reader device utilize tamper resistant anti copy (TRAC) technology to prevent the copying or unauthorized use of information stored on the product tag.

Description

System and Method for Verification and Authentication of Goods and

Information

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 61/710816 filed on October 8, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to system and method for verifying and authenticating goods and information. Furthermore, the system and method provides means of securing information such that it cannot be tampered with or copied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Businesses are continually looking for ways to improve and increase profits. Many times profit is lost due to theft or lost goods. As a simpler means of tracking shipments and products, companies have begun to use RFID tags. These tags can store information about the product, where it has been shipped to or from, etc. However, often times the information stored on these RFID tags is not secure and can be copied to create false tags. Additionally, it is easy to remove tags from a product. Another issue with RFID tags deals with interfering radio waves that reflect off of certain surfaces, which in turn prevent the information on the RFID tag from being read.

Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide a system and method for the verification and authentication of goods and information that uses enhanced product tags. The product tags function with an electronic reader device to provide a more secure means of storing information. The product tags are tamper resistant and communicate with the electronic reader device using random algorithm communications to ensure that information cannot be copied. The product tags also produce anti interference waves to block incoming interference waves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a flowchart for the process of reading the stored information on a product tag. FIG. 2 is a view of the screen to initiate communication between an electronic reader device placed within close proximity of a product tag.

FIG. 3 is a view of a successful attempt to verify and authenticate a product tag using an electronic reader device in close proximity.

FIG. 4 is a view of an unsuccessful attempt to verify and authenticate a product tag using an electronic reader device in close proximity.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting the track and trace capabilities of the verification and authentication system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a normal RFID tag and the interference waves reflected off of a metal surface.

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting the product tag of the present invention and its anti interference waves.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a method for the verification and authentication of goods and information. The verification and authentication system is comprised of a product tag, an electronic reader device and an information database. The product tag (dubbed a pentatag) used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is either a radio frequency identification (RFID) device or a near field communication (NFC) device. However, any other device capable of storing information and communicating with an electronic reader device could be used. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic device is a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, however, it is possible that it be any other device capable of receiving the necessary frequencies used for communication with the product tag, including a stationary device. The electronic reader device is capable of reading the information stored on a product tag without the need to establish any type of network connection.

The product tag is comprised of an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit allows the product tag to store information as well as communicate with the electronic reader device. The electronic reader device and product tag communicate with one another over a high frequency. Because of this, the electronic reader device and product tag must be in close proximity to one another in order to communicate. The product tag is powered by the electromagnetic field emitted from the electronic reader device when the two are within range of one another. It is possible for product tags to operate on any other type of frequency, which would in turn affect the range at which a product tag can be read by the electronic reader device.

Each product tag has a unique identifier stored on it that can be read by the electronic reader device. The unique identifier of each product tag along with its product specific information is stored in a database. The electronic reader device or other device can access the database through a network connection in the event that a product tag cannot be read. The unique identifier allows users to track and trace specific products by reading and logging the unique identifier of each product tag at various checkpoints. In addition to the unique identifier, the product tag can also be used to store product specific information. The product specific information can come from the manufacturer, distributor or other source. When a product tag has been successfully verified and authenticated, the product specific information is displayed on the electronic reader device.

The verification and authentication system includes tamper resistant anti copy (TRAC) technology in its tagging system. The TRAC technology is incorporated into both the product tag and the electronic device. The product tag is designed such that any physical tampering of the product tag will ruin the integrity of the product tag and its stored information. It is possible for the stored information to simply be erased or for the product tag to stop working all together when tampered with. The product tag is designed such that it is strong enough to remain intact during shipping but attempts at removing the product tag will cause it to malfunction. The TRAC technology is also incorporated in the communication functions between the product tag and the electronic reader device. A random algorithm connection is used for the communication between the product tag and the electronic device. This ensures that other devices cannot access the information stored on the product tag as a specific software is needed to access the information of the product tag. In turn, only electronic reader devices with TRAC technology are able to communicate with product tags using TRAC technology. In this way a copy of the product tag cannot be made as the information cannot be accessed by other device readers.

The verification and authentication system also features an anti frequency interference interface. The anti frequency interference interface is incorporated into both the product tag and the electronic device. One problem of RFID tags is interference produced by metals and other materials. This interference prevents a RFID reader from being able to communicate with the RFID tag and thus the information on the RFID tag cannot be read. The material of the product tag is designed such that it produces an anti frequency to counteract frequencies reflected off of metal surfaces that would otherwise cause interference. Software and hardware in the electronic device also functions to sort out and locate the frequency of the product tag from the interfering frequencies. The electronic reader device could also be comprised of the same anti frequency material of the product tag.

In reference to FIG. 1, the electronic device is used to read the information stored on the product tag. In order to establish a connection between the electronic device and product tag, the two must be within a close proximity of one another. The electronic device is held over the product tag while the reader application is open on the electronic reader device, as shown in FIG. 2. The reader application can be a downloadable mobile application or any other type of software. The user then taps the screen of the electronic reader device in order to initiate the product tag reading. A random algorithm connection is then established between the electronic device and product tag. If a connection between the electronic reader device and product tag cannot be established then the user should investigate the product tag to see if it has been tampered with. Once communication between the electronic reader device and product tag is established, the information stored on the product tag is read by the reader application and the information is displayed on the screen of the electronic reader device. There is also a light display on the electronic device to signal whether or not the product tag has been successfully verified and authenticated. The light can be displayed on the screen of the electronic device or can be at least one additional external light. When a product tag has been successfully verified and authenticated a green light is displayed along with the information stored on the product tag, as shown in FIG. 3. If the attempt at verifying and authenticating the product tag fails, then a red light is displayed along with an error or failure message, as shown in FIG. 4. Any other light colors may be used to signal the success or failure of an attempt to verify and authenticate a product tag.

In one embodiment of the present invention, once the product has been scanned by the electronic reader device using the reader application, personal information is gathered by the reader application. The personal information can include, but is not limited to a name, email address, phone number, or combination thereof. Once the required personal information has been entered into data input fields provided by the reader application, the user submits the personal information. The personal information may be used to identify individuals and may be linked to specific user accounts. After the personal information has been submitted, a response is displayed on the electronic reader device, which includes the unique identifier of the product tag and product info. The user can then accept the verification, thus ending the verification process.

It is also possible for further verification to occur once the user has received the unique identifier. Once the unique identifier has been obtained, the user then sends the unique identifier to the database in which product and product tag information is stored via short messaging service (SMS). A confirmation of the unique identifier is then sent back to the device from which the SMS message was sent. The confirmation may be a textual or other visual representation displayed by the device to indicate whether or not the unique identifier was successfully verified. The user can then accept the verification, thus ending the verification process. Using the reader application and/or SMS it is possible to keep count of each time a product tag is scanned and/or each time a unique identifier is verified. In reference to FIG. 5, the verification and authentication system can be used for track and trace purposes. In the example provided, a manufacturer produces a product and attaches a product tag. The manufacturer provides the product specific information that is stored on each product tag. The product tag can be attached to each individual product, to a small volume of product or to a large volume of product. The product is then shipped to a distributor where the shipment can then be verified and authenticated using the product tags and electronic reader devices. Shipments are then sent from the distributor to wholesalers and retailers. Again, the shipments are verified and

authenticated using the product tags and electronic reader devices. The product is then made available to consumers. If product tags are placed on each product then it is possible for the consumer to verify and authenticate the product or for the product to be verified and authenticated upon sale to the consumer. Information can be stored from each checkpoint at which the product tag is read by an electronic reader device in order to follow where a shipment has been sent to and from. At each checkpoint the shipment can be verified and authenticated to ensure that it is the correct product from the correct source. This also acts to enhance the recorded pedigree of shipments, as a log of all inventory passing through each individual handler in between starting ending points can be kept.

In reference to FIG. 6-7, metals and other materials can produce or reflect interference waves that are picked up by the electronic reader device. These interference waves can prevent the electronic reader device from connecting with the product tag and in turn prevent the electronic device from being able to read the information stored on the product tag. The product tag of the present invention produces anti interference waves to counteract this problem. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the product tag emits anti interference waves which intercept or block the reflected interference waves. This in turn allows the product tag to be placed on and read from any surface.

The following provides examples of possible electronic reader device

embodiments and their proposed applications. In the preferred embodiment, the electronic reader device takes the form of a mobile phone, dubbed a phonetesta. In this embodiment, the electronic reader device provides the functionality of a mobile phone in conjunction with the software and hardware needed to communicate with the product tag. In this way, consumers or others can read product tags on the go without the need to carry any additional devices. In a second embodiment, the electronic reader device takes the form of a tray, dubbed a traytesta, and is intended for pharmaceutical, food, apparel, footwear, computer, document, and other applications; however, it can be used in any application. Drug packages are placed on the tray, which then reads the product tag of the drug package in order to verify the product. The tray may also include a screen, such that verification information is displayed directly to the user. In a third embodiment, the electronic reader device takes the form of a pen or pen sized device, dubbed a pentesta. This allows the electronic reader device to be discretely carried and readily accessed by a user. A screen or other visual indicator on the pen is used to indicate whether or not the scanned product tag has been successfully verified.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the product tag may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) device, and is dubbed a cargotesta tag. The cargotesta tag is used for cargo verification and is typically used on a cargo container or similar vessel that can hold or transport at least one product. For example, a cargo container could be used to store multiple packages each having a cargotesta tag with embedded GPS tracking capability, which can then be read, authenticated, or tracked. This enhances the pedigree of shipments as GPS data is recorded at each handler, allowing a detailed log to be kept of all locations at which the shipment has been scanned for verification.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred

embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system and method for verification and authentication of goods and information: providing a product tag, an electronic reader device, and a database, wherein the product tag includes a unique identifier and the electronic reader device includes a reader application software;

associating the product tag with a specific product;

storing product information on the product tag along with the unique identifier; storing the product information and the unique identifier in the database;

attaching the product tag onto the specific product;

scanning the product tag using the electronic reader device, wherein the specific product is shipped to at least one other location and the product tag is scanned at one or more check points;

verifying the unique identifier and the product information stored on the product tag; and

displaying verification results on the electronic reader device.