PACKAGING USING A RADIO FREQUENCY AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM FOR PACKAGED PRODUCTS - Patent application

Abstract

The product with packaging includes an envelope having a cavity. An NFC chip can be embedded within the packaging. The NFC chip can be passive and can connect to a specific user's electronic device, and once connected, can initiate or execute an authentication or activation process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 354,730, filed March 15, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to retail packaging. More specifically, the embodiments relate to "smart" packaging that uses communication systems such as near field communication ("NFC") to provide automatic activation, authentication, etc. when a user opens the packaging. [Background technology]

[0003] Connected or "smart" packaging may include specific sensors or communication tools to track the package during transport or to provide the consumer with additional information about the product (e.g., through a digital application or visual display). Such tools simply provide information; they do not participate in activating, authenticating, or otherwise affecting the product when the user opens or accepts the packaging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments include packaging such as an envelope or box.

[0005] As an envelope, the packaging can include an opening or cavity that can contain a product that requires or benefits from activation before use (e.g., a gift card, credit card, membership card, or other suitable product). A data chip (e.g., an RFID chip, which can be an NFC chip, etc.) can be embedded within the packaging or affixed to a surface (either internal or external) of the packaging and can be used with a user's personal electronic device to activate the product contained within the packaging.

[0006] In the case of a passive data chip, such as a passive NFC chip (e.g., one that is temporarily powered wirelessly on demand by another device in proximity to the chip), when a user's personal electronic device, such as a mobile phone with an NFC transceiver, is within range, the electronic device can recognize the NFC chip and automatically initiate product authentication or activation via the electronic device. Advantageously, no external search functionality (e.g., of an active NFC chip) is required.

[0007] The packaging may be formed of a different material than the product (e.g., the packaging may be formed of a cellulosic material and the product may be formed of or may include a plastic and / or metal material). For example, the packaging may be made entirely of a recyclable material, such as paper, molded fiber, cardboard, etc. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the packaging may be made of a polymeric material. In either case, the packaging may be formed of a radio-transparent material. The packaging may include additional space for receiving a second product that does not require authentication or activation.

[0008] In some embodiments, the packaging can take the form of an envelope, particularly one made up of layered panels. Within the stack-up of layered panels, a receiving passage can be formed so that the data chip is concealed flat within the panels of the packaging. This provides protection for the chip, aesthetic relief for the panel, and, in the case of card products, allows for smooth insertion of the product along the plane of the envelope. Additional shipping packaging (e.g., a cardboard envelope with a tear-off strip) can be provided in which the finished product package (e.g., envelope) is shipped to the end user to protect the finished product package.

[0009] Advantageously, this improves upon, for example, conventional systems that have manual authentication or activation, which can provide a more difficult user experience. In contrast to conventional systems that require a user to manually call an activation line or manually navigate to a website, the user experience is improved by removing these obstacles to authentication or activation. By designing smart, connected packaging that automatically authenticates or activates packaged products with minimal impact to the user, efficiency is improved along with the user experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements and in which:

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 shows a packaging system including a card product.

[0012] [Figure 2] 1 shows a finished package in the form of an envelope as shown in FIG.

[0013] [Figure 3A] An exploded view of the finished package shown in Figure 2 is shown.

[0014] [Figure 3B] 3B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 2.

[0015] [Figure 4A] 1 shows an open configuration of the packaging system with the envelope disposed within the shipping package.

[0016] [Figure 4B] 1 shows the shipping package in a closed configuration.

[0017] [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the packaging and electronic device with the packaging open and the data chip shown in communication with the electronic device;

[0018] [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the packaging and electronic device with the packaging open and the data chip in communication with the electronic device and the electronic device in communication with a server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Product packaging is an integral part of the customer experience. It draws the customer to the product and can influence how the customer feels about the product and the company that created it. Seamless packaging that removes any barriers to use and allows an individual to automatically authenticate or activate the product can be particularly desirable.

[0021] Similarly, businesses may be sensitive to packaging costs and may want to promote environmentally friendly packaging. Certain packaging materials are more expensive due to their processing, and while engineers may be able to design single-component packaging, the cost may be prohibitive for certain materials. Optimizing packaging in terms of material use can help keep costs low and, if done well, can promote, rather than hinder, a positive user experience. Packages made from recyclable and / or biodegradable materials, such as paper or other cellulosic products, can reduce environmental impact. Packaging with interesting characters that enhance a user's initial experience with the product it contains can enhance the reputation of the product or brand, thereby attracting new customers and retaining previous ones.

[0022] The packaging described herein achieves these and other beneficial properties by balancing smart connectivity and efficiency, structural robustness, environmentally friendly materials, and aesthetic elements.

[0023] The packaging may be retail packaging that can be found on a retail shelf and opened after purchase to provide direct access to the product (i.e., finished packaging that contains a product for transport to a user as it may be used in a retail environment, or finished product packaging that may be shipped to a customer within an external shipping package). The product contained by the packaging may be, for example, a credit card, a gift card, a membership card, etc., or may be, for example, an electronic device such as a laptop, tablet computer, or smartphone.

[0024] A packaged product may desirably be authenticated or may require activation (e.g., credit card or gift card). Authentication or activation can be initiated by an authorized user. The packaging may include electronics, such as an NFC chip, that can communicate with a user's electronic device to perform the authentication or activation function. For example, some of the electronics needed to communicate with the electronic device for authentication or activation can be contained within the packaging rather than the product. Advantageously, this allows for additional space and efficiency within the product, such that electronics used only for authentication are not included within the product. This is particularly beneficial for products with a small design footprint or when the product requires only one activation or authentication.

[0025] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a packaging system 10 including a product 100, finished product packaging 200, and shipping package 300. In FIGS. 1 and 2, packaging 200 is shown as a bi-fold envelope configuration and includes authentication electronics such as a data chip 214 (shown in an exploded view in FIG. 3A ), e.g., a passive data chip 214. Data chip 214 may be a data tag including a chip portion and an antenna portion. Product 100 may be a card product, such as a credit card. Product 100 may include longitudinal surfaces 104 and lateral surfaces 103 that define the general perimeter of the planar surface of the card product. Product 100 may include an additional chip 102 that is not used to authenticate or activate the product—instead, the card product may be tied to an account, for example, for use in withdrawing credit against a user's account in a credit and / or banking system.

[0027] As can be understood with reference to the drawings, the product 100 can be inserted into the receiving portion 206 of the packaging 200. A retention panel 208 can extend over the receiving portion 206 and the product 100 to help retain the product 100 when it is placed in the pocket formed by the underside of the receiving portion 206. An embossed edge 210 can similarly engage the product 100 when it is placed within the packaging 200. As shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the packaging 200 can have a generally bi-fold configuration having a first panel 204 in which the product 100 is retained. The packaging 200 can be folded about a folding portion 212 and closed by an opposing second panel 202.

[0028] The shipping package 300 can then receive the packaging 200 in a receiving portion 306 sized to hold the packaging 200 snugly therein (see, for example, FIGS. 4A and 4B). A panel 302 of the shipping package 300 can be attached by an adhesive 308, such as an adhesive strip, a hot melt adhesive, or the like, and folded closed over a panel 304 of the shipping package 300. When closed, a tear strip 310 can be removed by a user to open the panel 302 and remove the packaging 200.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 3A , an exploded view of packaging 200 is shown. In some embodiments, packaging 200 includes multiple layers laminated together (e.g., using high-frequency welding of coatings between paper panels). As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , packaging 200 can be configured as a top panel including opposing surfaces of second panel 202, first panel 204, and retaining panel 208. Frame panel 216 can “sandwich” at least a portion of data chip 214 between it and the opposing surface of first panel 204 (e.g., antenna 215 of chip 214 can be so sandwiched). Frame panel 216 is then “sandwiched” by the opposing surface of first panel 204 and the panel that constitutes the underside of receiving portion 206. In this manner, panel 204 and portion 206 can be bonded to panel 216. Additionally, panel 202 and panel 220 are also bonded together. The inner periphery 218 defines an opening and can cooperate with the bottom panel to function as a receiving portion. The illustrated placement of the data chip 214 is not intended to be limiting and may be placed in a variety of acceptable locations, such as toward the center of the envelope, the top portion, or other suitable space for placement.

[0030] In some embodiments, a pocket, slot, opening, or other relief feature 226 can receive at least a portion of the data chip 214 between the panel 204 and the portion 206. This accomplishes two goals: protecting the data chip 214 and maintaining a flat configuration so that neither the panel 204 nor the portion 206 includes any ridges or protrusions indicative of the underlying data chip 214. In some embodiments, the relief feature 226 can be located on one or more of the panels, and its location is flexible. The chip portion 217 of the data chip 214 has a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the antenna 215, and it can be essentially flat so that it can be directly laminated between two adjacent panels. The data chip 214 can be attached to one or more of the panels by, for example, adhesive, a polyethylene backer, or other fastening means. In some embodiments, the antenna 215 can be a conductive metal trace, such as copper, aluminum, or silver. In some embodiments, the data chip 214 (e.g., NFC chip) or its antenna may be printed directly onto a paper or other cellulosic substrate such as one of the panels (e.g., as an ink, copper, silver, aluminum, or other metal trace).

[0031] In some embodiments, the data chip 214 is passive (e.g., a passive NFC chip) and does not need to receive data to operate as intended. It can be wirelessly energized (e.g., powered) and receive data from a device in its vicinity (e.g., a personal electronic device equipped with an NFC reader). Additionally, other modes of powering and activating the data chip 214 are contemplated, such as interacting with specific features of the packaging. While generally described with reference to NFC technology, other modes of data and energy transmission are contemplated, such as different radio frequency (RF) methods like RFID, Bluetooth, acoustic, Wi-Fi, or other modes of data and energy transmission. In some embodiments, data / energy transmission may not require a power source. In other embodiments, the packaging may include an active data chip (e.g., an active NFC chip) that includes a data chip and a power source (e.g., a battery such as a microbattery). When the packaging is opened, the data chip powers up and can begin searching for the electronic device to perform authentication functions, activation functions, etc. Further details of such systems may be found in co-pending U.S. patent applications. No. 62 / 732,740, filed September 18, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0032] Packaging 200 or shipping package 300 can be made from a radio-transparent material, such as a cellulosic material, a wood material, a non-metallic polymer material, etc. Using a radio-transparent material for packaging 200 can facilitate easier communication from data chip 214 (especially, for example, when product 100 is made from a metallic material, such as a metal card-shaped product such as a credit card). In some embodiments, (e.g., when packaging 200 may include a relatively low or non-radio-transparent material), packaging 200 can be provided with radio frequency (RF) transparent features, such as an opening or antenna window, to allow data chip 214 to communicate through packaging 200.

[0033] As previously mentioned, the packaging components may be constructed from recyclable materials (e.g., biodegradable or compostable materials). If a customer chooses to discard the packaging, because the packaging is recyclable or cellulosic, the packaging may simply be recycled (e.g., in a single-stream recycling program) without the need for material separation. In some embodiments, any electronics associated with packaging system 10 may be removed from the packaging prior to recycling.

[0034] Returning to the automatic activation and authentication feature, in some embodiments, the data chip 214 may be pre-programmed to allow the activation authentication process to begin only if certain criteria are met (e.g., initiation is triggered by a specific target user).

[0035] For example, a user may order a new credit card from a business. The business may prepare a credit card (product 100; see, e.g., FIG. 5) for a particular user. The credit card may be packaged in packaging 200 that includes a data chip 214. At this point, the credit card is inactive and cannot be used. The data chip 214 may be pre-programmed with data representing at least the identification of the particular card contained within the packaging for the particular user. The data on the data chip 214 may be encrypted or otherwise protected to prevent the information from being discovered by unauthorized users.

[0036] The user's personal electronic device 40 may already be associated with the user's unique account (e.g., because the user previously used or accessed the account using their personal electronic device). When the user receives the credit card packaged in packaging 200, the user can bring the personal electronic device 40 within range of the data chip reader of their personal electronic device. When the data chip 214 is within such range, the data chip can transmit data representing the identification information of the particular card to the personal electronic device 40. The personal electronic device can communicate with a remote server of the enterprise to determine whether the unique account on the user's personal electronic device 40 matches the account of the intended recipient of the credit card. If so, the server can activate the credit card (or send a signal to the personal electronic device that initiates the activation process on the device). Otherwise, credit card activation does not occur and the activation process is not initiated.

[0037] In some embodiments, the data chip 214 may be pre-programmed with data representing at least two pieces of information: (1) identifying information for a particular card included in the packaging for a particular user, and (2) identifying information for a particular user's account. The latter information may be used to perform a gateway function, causing the device 40 to trigger another step, such as a user interface displaying options for authentication and activation. In some embodiments, a visual indicator may be present on the packaging 200, such as an icon, indicating passive packaging functionality. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may include instructions such as "To activate, power up the device and hold...". The visual indicator may be present near or on the location where the data chip 214 is located, prompting the user to bring the packaging near the electronic device. When the data chip 214 is brought within range of the personal electronic device 40, the data chip 214 may transmit only identifying information for the particular user's account to the electronic device 40. If this account information does not match or otherwise acceptably correspond to the account information associated with the electronic device 40 (as determined either by the data chip 214 or the electronic device 40 itself), credit card activation does not occur and the activation process does not begin. In some embodiments, a second authentication may be required before, after, or in parallel with the first authentication using the data chip. For example, a biometric authentication step may be required as the second authentication, such as fingerprint authentication, facial recognition authentication, voice authentication, or other biometric authentication, in order for the product to be activated or authenticated.

[0038] More specifically, in a passive system, the NFC chip acts as a kind of signal beacon, so no active receiving or signal searching is required. It simply broadcasts outward to electronic devices with NFC receivers. Thus, if the data chip 214 is associated with a particular target user account, when a device not associated with the particular user is brought near a receiver not belonging to that particular user, no action or a generic action is taken (e.g., opening a generic product website or alerting a company or individual that a non-target user has brought the data chip 214 within range of a non-target recipient).

[0039] 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the data chip 214 can be pre-programmed to initiate an activation or authentication process on any electronic device associated with a user account that is in turn associated with the purchase of a particular type of product included within the packaging 200 (for which the product 100 may be awaiting activation or authentication). If the product is fungible but still requires activation, such as a cash card, this allows the data chip 214 to identify the corresponding electronic device 40 belonging to the person whose order for the fungible product has been confirmed. In this manner, the electronic device 40 can interface with a company's (e.g., the product's seller's) logistics platform so that information about the product 100 can be shared with the appropriate electronic device 40. Once the product 100 has been authenticated or activated, the electronic device 40 can communicate with the logistics platform to notify the company that the order is complete. Similarly, in an active chip configuration, the electronic device 40 can communicate with the active data chip 214 to disable further attempts at activation or authentication.

[0040] In the case of a non-fungible product, such as a credit card for a specific target user that requires activation, the data chip 214 can broadcast a signal that is unique to, for example, the account associated with the card or the user associated with the card. In this way, the electronic device 40 that receives the signal can communicate or interface with a company's (e.g., the product's seller's) logistics platform so that information about the product 100 can be shared only with the appropriate electronic device 40 tied to the card's target user. Once the product 100 is authenticated or activated, the electronic device 40 can communicate with the logistics platform to notify the company that the order is complete. If the data chip is active rather than passive, the electronic device 40 can communicate with the data chip 214 to disable further attempts at activation or authentication.

[0041] An electronic device 40, such as a user's mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, desktop, etc., includes a body 400 that can house the electronics of the electronic device 40 and typically includes a screen 402, e.g., a touchscreen (or other user interface). For certain products, such as credit cards, activation and authentication was previously achieved by manually calling a phone number, manually navigating to a website and entering information, or through an application-based process in which the user manually authenticates themselves and then confirms ownership of the card. The user may be prompted to begin this process by following instructions written on a sticker affixed to the credit card. Manual authentication options, such as one of these that allow for other modes of activation or authentication, may be useful and, in some embodiments, may be included as a fallback option. Figures 5 and 6 show examples of how this manual process can initially be avoided.

[0042] In some embodiments, when packaging system 10 or packaging 200 is in an unopened state, it is such that no automatic activation or authentication has been or will be performed with reference to any product contained within packaging system 10, for example, by disabling data chip 214. However, in the case of a passive data chip configured to generate at least two functions in different electronic devices (i.e., a target device and a non-target device), such disabling is not necessary because the chip is already effectively disabled when brought into proximity with the non-target electronic device.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of packaging 200 (including product 100) and electronic device 40. The data chip 214 of packaging 200 is shown communicating with electronic device 40, for example, through an NFC transceiver 410 within electronic device 40, which may function as a reader and transmitter. This communication may be bidirectional, as indicated by the arrows shown between packaging 200 and electronic device 40, or may be unidirectional from data chip 214 to transceiver 410. Referring to packaging 200 with envelope flap panel 202 open, product 100 may be exposed within the envelope cavity (e.g., receptacle portion 206). As noted, product 100 may be a type of card, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card, membership card, etc. A target user, e.g., a purchaser of product 100, may then remove product 100 from packaging 200.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 , the screen 402 of the electronic device 40 can display a graphical user interface 406 when the data chip 214 communicates with the electronic device 40 via the NFC transceiver 410. The graphical user interface 406 can include, for example, text information about the product 100, such as a product description, a serial or identification number, or other information useful to a user. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 406 can include an image 408 representing the product, as shown in FIG. 5 . A user can interact with the graphical user interface 406 by touching, tapping, swiping, etc. on the screen 402. The screen 402 can display other images or information about the product 100, or can virtually zoom in, zoom out, translate, or rotate the image 408 of the product substantially in three dimensions as displayed on the screen 402. The graphical user interface 406 can also include a user interface activation element 404, such as an on-screen button, that can be interfaced with a user.

[0045] The user interface activation element 404 may perform functions such as initiating activation or authentication of the product 100 via the electronic device 40. In some embodiments, no further interaction by the user may be required to activate the product. From the user's perspective, activation may be completed by simply opening the packaging and tapping an activation button on a smartphone. For non-target user devices interacting with the packaging 200, the activation element 404 may be grayed out or unavailable for selection. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 406 may be different or absent entirely when a non-target user device attempts to activate the product 100.

[0046] While the figures generally depict packaging 200 in an envelope configuration, with activation data chip 214 shown embedded between envelope panels, this configuration could take different forms, for example, attached to the outside of packaging 200, or could be embedded in or attached to a pull tab, tear strip, lid, or other removable or destructible component of packaging 200. In either case, data chip 214 can be powered on (via microbattery 224, which may be omitted in a passive chip) or activated by the electromagnetic field of electronic device 40 or its NFC transceiver 410. In this manner, by housing the power source and data chip within packaging 200 or utilizing the energy of the external electronic device itself to power the data chip, challenges associated with building additional electronics into the card, including additional size and weight from additional electronics, for example, instead of integrating a separate power source or data chip on the card product, may be avoided. In some embodiments, if a separate power source such as a microbattery is included, it may contain enough energy (i.e., battery life) for the expected duration from when the packaging 200 containing the product 100 is shipped to when the target end user opens the packaging 200 and completes the activation process. This is beneficial because it reduces the complexity of the power source and moves the relatively large NFC electronics from a small allowable volume within a particular product 100, such as a card product, to a larger allowable volume within the packaging.

[0047] 6, a schematic diagram of packaging 200 and electronic device 40 is shown, with packaging 200 opened and electronic device 40 in communication with a server 50, such as an external device or network, which may include a logistics platform. In some embodiments, electronic device 40 can communicate with server 50 to perform authentication, activation, or other smart packaging functions. Server 50 can include one or more of a database, a server, an internet, a network, or a cloud-based server functionality such that product 100 can be authenticated or activated.

[0048] As described above, the data chip 214 broadcasts a signal to the electronic device 40, for example, via the transmitter 222. The data chip 214 can be pre-programmed to initiate the activation or authentication process only upon establishing communication with a particular user's electronic device. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by programming information into the data chip 214 that can identify electronic information stored on the electronic device 40 that correlates with the user's identity. This helps prevent the data chip 214 from initiating the activation process with a device that does not belong to the particular intended user. For example, the data chip 214 can contain the user ID of an authorized user and can only communicate with electronic devices 40 that have a matching user ID (e.g., within the operating system of the electronic device 40). Other software, firmware, hardware, or etching may also be used. In some embodiments, the device or user identity may be provided by a third-party source, such as a web-based application accessed on the electronic device 40. In this regard, the user may need to access such an application to proceed with device or user identification in order for the data chip 214 to initiate the authentication or activation function.

[0049] The packaging is constructed to provide a clean, unified appearance, which helps to reinforce its high quality and robust characteristics, as well as the properties of the product 100. To achieve this appearance, seams, gaps, and distortions of shape are minimized. The packaging may be a particular color, such as a brand identification color. In some embodiments, the visible surface of the packaging may be primarily white.

[0050] The components of the packaging may be formed from one or more blanks. In some embodiments, the blank is formed from a single continuous substrate, for example, a cellulosic material such as cardboard or paperboard. In some embodiments, the interior surfaces of the packaging may be surface treated or coated, for example, with a coating that protects the final product. Adhesive-free tabs, flaps, and areas of the blank are formed so that the adhesive is not visible in the finished packaging. In some embodiments, adhesive may be omitted, and the various flaps and tabs may be attached in another suitable manner (e.g., by mechanical interlocking or press-fitting). Folds may be formed by weakening the substrate along a line, for example, by perforating, breaking the material, scoring, miter cutting, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, any surface finishing can be done after the components are cut from the blank, or alternatively before the blank is cut into separate sheets for assembly into the final package. Additionally, some operations may be performed simultaneously.

[0052] Alternatively, some or all of the components described as being made of a cellulosic material, such as a cellulose fiber material like paper, may instead be made of a polymeric material or coated in a material so that they can be laminated together or otherwise adhered to one another. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymer blends containing one or more of these polymers, or copolymers containing one or more of these polymers. All or a portion of the surface of the packaging may be coated or laminated, which may improve structural strength properties such as rigidity, protect the product inside the packaging, or prevent scratches.

[0053] Furthermore, the packaging can be manufactured in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. In some embodiments, the packaging components may be comprised of a single, integrally formed piece of material. The single, integrally formed piece of material can be a foldable material that can be folded into a configuration that retains and secures the product, either alone or within a packaging cavity. In some embodiments, the foldable material can be a single piece of material that is cut by a single operation (e.g., a single die-cutting operation). In some embodiments, the foldable material can be die-cut from stock material (e.g., a sheet or roll of material). A single, integrally formed piece of material that is cut by a single cutting operation can facilitate efficient and reproducible manufacturing. Furthermore, such manufacturing can reduce waste by reducing discarded material during manufacturing.

[0054] It is understood that use of personally identifiable information should comply with generally recognized privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of permitted uses should be clearly indicated to users.

[0055] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, specific terminology was used to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. Products that require authentication or activation for their intended use; a finished product packaging including the receptor and the passive data chip; A packaged product comprising: the passive data chip contains first data uniquely associated with the product and a target user account; 1. A packaged product, wherein the passive data chip is configured to initiate an authentication or activation process for the product by transmitting the first data to a personal mobile device when the data chip is brought within range of a data reader of the personal mobile device associated with the target user account.

2. The packaged product of claim 1 , wherein the data chip is an NFC chip and the data reader is an NFC reader.

3. 10. The packaged product of claim 1, wherein the data chip is laminated between layers of the finished product packaging and is not visible.

4. A packaged product according to claim 1; a remote server, the remote server is configured to receive second data from the personal mobile device, the second data being based on the first data; the remote server is configured to determine whether to authenticate or activate the product based on the second data; The system, wherein the remote server is configured to send third data to the personal mobile device, the third data indicating whether the product has been authenticated or activated.

5. a receiving portion configured to receive the product; a passive data chip containing data uniquely associated with the product and a target user account; When the packaging is brought within range of a target user's personal electronic device, the data chip automatically communicates with the target user's personal electronic device to initiate an authentication or activation process for the product; When the packaging is brought near a non-target user's personal electronic device, the data chip automatically communicates with the non-target user's personal electronic device, but does not initiate an authentication or activation process.

6. 6. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the data chip is pre-programmed to initiate an authentication or activation process only when communicating with an electronic device associated with a single target user account.

7. 6. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the data chip is pre-programmed to initiate an activation process on any electronic device associated with a user account associated with the purchase of a particular type of product.

8. The packaging of claim 5 , wherein the data chip is powered by the personal electronic device.

9. The packaging of claim 5 , wherein the passive data chip is configured as a transmitter only.

10. a first panel; a second panel attached to the first panel; a passive data chip stacked between the first panel and the second panel; a third panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, the third panel including an opening surrounding the data chip, thereby providing a space between the top and bottom panels of the data chip; when the packaging is brought within range of a user's personal electronic device, the data chip automatically communicates with the user's personal electronic device to initiate a product authentication or activation process; the passive data chip contains data uniquely associated with the product and a target user account; the third panel includes a first opening shaped to receive the product; the first panel includes a second opening shaped to receive the product, the second opening overlapping the first opening; The packaging, wherein the first panel includes a flap extending over the first opening, the flap configured to retain the product.

11. 11. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the first and second panels are part of a finished product package, and the packaging further includes a separate shipping envelope having interior dimensions that match the exterior dimensions of the finished product package, into which the finished product package is received for shipping.

12. 12. The packaging of claim 11, wherein the shipping envelope comprises a non-radio transparent material.

13. Packaging as described in claim 10, further comprising a fourth panel extending outward from the front of the first panel and folded over to the front to conceal the product contained within the packaging from the outside.

14. 11. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the first panel includes a raised edge disposed around a product receiving portion of the packaging, the raised edge defining a retention element configured to retain the product within the packaging.

15. 15. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the retaining element is partially bounded by an embossed edge that defines an opening, and the surface of the second panel is positioned below the retaining element such that the product is retained between the surface of the second panel and the retaining element.

16. 1. A packaging system comprising: The packaging of claim 10; A packaging system comprising: a server configured to communicate with the user's personal electronic device, the server configured to determine whether to authenticate or activate the product contained or contained within the packaging based on whether the user's personal electronic device is associated with the target user account.

17. 17. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein the server is further configured to send an alert if the user's personal electronic device is not associated with the target user account.

18. In response to determining that the user's personal electronic device is associated with the target user account, the server is further configured to send an indication of account authorization to the user's personal electronic device; The packaging system of claim 16 , wherein the personal electronic device initiates a graphical user interface authentication process.

19. 17. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein the server takes no action in response to determining that the user's personal electronic device is not associated with the target user account.

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