Package with RF verification system for packaged products

Abstract

The present invention discloses a product with a package, the product including a cover with a cavity. An NFC chip can be embedded in the package. The NFC chip can be passive and can be connected to an electronic device of a specific user, and once connected, a verification process or an activation process can be initiated or implemented.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 16 / 354,730 filed on March 15, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to retail packaging. More specifically, the present embodiments relate to "smart" packaging that uses a communication system such as near field communication ("NFC") to provide automatic activation, authentication, etc. when a user opens the packaging. Background Art

[0004] Connected or "smart" packaging may include specific sensors or communication tools to track the package in transit, or provide additional information about the product to the consumer (e.g., through a digital application or visual display). Such tools simply provide information. Such tools do not participate in the activation, authentication, etc. of the product when the user opens or receives the package. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some embodiments include a package, such as an envelope or a box.

[0006] As an envelope, the package may include an opening or cavity that may contain a product that requires or benefits from activation prior to use (e.g., a gift card, credit card, membership card, or other suitable product). A data chip (e.g., an RFID chip, which may be an NFC chip, etc.) may be embedded within the package, or attached to a surface (internal or external) of the package, and may be used in conjunction with a user's personal electronic device to activate the product contained in the package.

[0007] In the case of a passive data chip (e.g., a chip that is temporarily wirelessly powered as needed by another device in the vicinity of the chip), such as a passive NFC chip, for example, if 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 authentication or activation of the product via the electronic device. Advantageously, no outward search function (e.g., of an active NFC chip) is required.

[0008] The package may be formed of a material different from the product (e.g., the package may be formed of a cellulose-based material, while the product may be formed of or include a plastic and / or metal material). For example, the package may be made entirely of recyclable materials, such as paper, molded fiber, corrugated cardboard, etc. In some embodiments, all or part of the package may be made of a polymer material. In any case, the package may be formed of a radio transmission material. The package may include additional space for accommodating a second product that does not require authentication or activation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the package may take the form of an envelope, particularly composed of layered panels. Within the stacked structure of the layered panels, a receiving channel may be formed so that the data chip is flatly concealed within the panel of the package. This provides protection for the chip, an aesthetic relief for the panel, and, for example, in the case of card products, smooth insertion of the product along the flat surface of the envelope. Additional shipping packaging (such as a corrugated paper envelope with a tear strip) may be provided to ship the finished package (e.g., envelope) to the end user to protect the finished package.

[0010] Advantageously, this improves upon existing systems that have, for example, manual authentication or activation that can provide a difficult customer experience. By removing these barriers to authentication or activation, the customer experience is improved compared to existing systems that require the user to manually call an activation hotline or manually navigate to a website. By designing smart, connected packages that automatically authenticate or activate packaged products, the impact on the user is minimized, resulting in improved efficiency as well as improved user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 A packaging system with a card product is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The finished package is in the envelope form shown in .

[0014] Figure 3A Shows Figure 2 An exploded view of the finished package is shown in .

[0015] Figure 3B Shown along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B.

[0016] Figure 4A The packaging system is shown in an open configuration with the envelope placed into a shipping package.

[0017] Figure 4B A closed configuration is shown showing the closed shipping package.

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a package and an electronic device is shown with the package opened and the data chip in communication with the electronic device.

[0019] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a package and an electronic device is shown, the package is opened and the data chip is in communication with the electronic device, and the electronic device is in communication with a server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalent forms that may be included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0021] Product packaging is an integral part of the customer experience. It introduces customers to their products and can influence how customers feel about the product and the company that created it. Seamless packaging that allows individuals to automatically authenticate or activate products (eliminating any barriers to using them) may be particularly desirable.

[0022] Likewise, companies may be sensitive to packaging costs and may wish to promote environmentally friendly packaging. Certain packaging materials are more expensive due to their processing, and although engineers may be able to design a single-component package, the cost of some materials may be too high. Optimizing packaging in terms of material use can help keep costs low, and if done well, it may not hinder and may promote a positive user experience. Packages made of recyclable and / or biodegradable materials (such as paper or other cellulose-based products) can reduce environmental impact. Packages that are textually interesting and improve the user's initial experience with the product they contain can enhance the reputation of a product or brand, thereby attracting new customers and retaining old customers.

[0023] The packages described in this document achieve these and other beneficial properties by balancing smart connectivity and efficiency, structural robustness, environmentally friendly materials, and aesthetic elements.

[0024] The package may be a retail package that people may expect to find on a shelf in a retail store and may open after purchase to use their product directly (i.e., a finished product package that is used to contain a product and deliver it to a user such as a finished product package that can be used in a retail environment, or a finished product package that can be shipped to a customer within an outer shipping package). The product contained in the package may be, for example, a credit card, gift card, membership card, etc.; or an electronic device such as, for example, a laptop, tablet, or smart phone.

[0025] The packaged product may require authentication, or may require activation (e.g., a credit card or gift card). Authentication or activation may be initiated by an authorized user. The package may include electronics that can communicate with the user's electronic device to implement the authentication or activation function, such as an NFC chip. For example, some of the electronics required to communicate with the electronic device for authentication or activation may be contained within the package rather than within the product. Advantageously, this allows for increased space and efficiency within the product, so that electronics used only for authentication are not contained within the product. This is particularly beneficial for products with a smaller design footprint, or if the product only requires a one-time activation or authentication.

[0026] These and other embodiments are discussed 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 drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0027] Figure 1 1 shows a schematic diagram of a packaging system 10 including a product 100, a finished product package 200, and a shipping package 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , package 200 is shown as a bi-fold envelope configuration and includes verification electronics such as data chip 214 (in Figure 3A 100 is a card product such as a credit card. The product 100 may include a longitudinal surface 104 and a transverse surface 103 that define the approximate perimeter of the flat surface of the card product. The product 100 may include an additional chip 102 that is not used for authentication or activation of the product—instead, it may be bound to an account so that the card product can be used, for example, to withdraw credit against an account of a user in a credit and / or banking system.

[0028] As will be appreciated with reference to the drawings, the product 100 may be inserted into the receiving portion 206 of the package 200. The retaining panel 208 may extend above the product 100 receiving portion 206 to help retain the product 100 when the product 100 is disposed within the recess formed by the lower surface of the receiving portion 206. The embossed edge 210 may similarly engage the product 100 when the product 100 is disposed in the package 200. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the package 200 can generally have a bi-fold configuration having a first panel 204 holding the product 100 therein. The package 200 can be folded about a folded portion 212 to be closed by an opposing second panel 202.

[0029] The shipping package 300 may then receive the package 200 in a receiving portion 306 that is sized to snugly hold the package 200 therein (see, e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B ). Panel 302 of shipping package 300 may be folded and closed over panel 304 of shipping package 300, attached by adhesive 308 (such as adhesive strips, hot melt glue, etc.). When closed, tear strip 310 may be removed by a user to open panel 302 and remove package 200.

[0030] return Figure 3A , shows an exploded view of package 200. In some embodiments, package 200 includes multiple layers laminated together (e.g., using high frequency welding of coatings between paper panels). Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, package 200, package 200 can be configured as an upper panel, which includes a second panel 202, a first panel 204 and a surface of a retaining panel 208. The frame panel 216 can "sandwich" at least a portion of the data chip 214 between the frame panel 216 and the relative surface of the first panel 204 (for example, the antenna 215 of the chip 214 can be sandwiched in this way). Then, the frame panel 216 is "sandwiched" between the relative surface of the first panel 204 and the panel constituting the lower surface of the receiving portion 206. In this way, the panel 204 and the portion 206 can be bonded to the panel 216. In addition, the panel 202 and the panel 220 are also bonded together. The inner periphery 218 can define an opening and cooperate with the lower panel to serve as a receiving portion. The placement of the data chip 214 shown in the figure is not restrictive, and it can be set in various acceptable positions, for example, toward the center, the upper part or other suitable space for its setting.

[0031] In some embodiments, a pit, slot, opening or other protruding feature 226 may receive at least a portion of a data chip 214 between the panel 204 and the portion 206. This achieves two goals: protecting the data chip 214, and also maintaining a flat configuration so that neither the panel 204 nor the portion 206 includes any bulge or protrusion that displays the underlying data chip 214. In some embodiments, the protruding feature 226 may be located in one or more panels in the panel, and the position of the panel is flexible. The thickness of the chip portion 217 of the data chip 214 may be greater than the thickness of the antenna 215, and the antenna 215 may be substantially flat so that it may be directly laminated between two adjacent panels. The data chip 214 may be attached to one or more panels in the panel by, for example, an adhesive, a polyethylene backing or other fixing method. In some embodiments, the antenna 215 may be, for example, a conductive metal trace, such as copper, aluminum, silver, etc. In some embodiments, the data chip 214 (e.g., an NFC chip) or its antenna can be printed directly on paper or other cellulosic substrates, such as one of the panels (e.g., in copper, silver, aluminum, or other metal traces as ink).

[0032] In some embodiments, data chip 214 is passive (e.g., passive NFC chip) and does not need to receive data to operate as expected. It can be powered on (e.g., powered) wirelessly from a device close to it (e.g., a personal electronic device with an NFC reader), and then data can be received from data chip 214. In addition, other modes of powering and activating data chip 214 are envisioned, such as interacting with the specific feature of the package. Although the relationship with NFC technology is generally discussed, other modes of data and energy transmission can also be envisioned, such as different radio frequency (RF) schemes, such as RFID, Bluetooth, sound, Wi-Fi or other data and energy transmission modes. In some embodiments, data / energy transmission may not require power. In other embodiments, the package may include an active data chip (e.g., an active NFC chip), which includes a data chip and a power source (e.g., a battery, such as a micro battery). When the package is opened, the data chip can be powered and begins to search for electronic devices to implement verification functions, activation functions, etc. Additional details of such a system may be found in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 732,740, filed on September 18, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0033] The package 200 or shipping package 300 may be made of a radio transmission material, such as a cellulose-based material, a wood material, a non-metallic polymer material, etc. By using a radio transmission material for the package 200, communication from the data chip 214 is made easier (especially, for example, if the product 100 is made of a metal material, such as a metal card-shaped product, such as a credit card). In some embodiments (e.g., where the package 200 may include relatively little radio transmission material or non-radio transmission material), the package 200 may be provided with a radio frequency (RF) transparent feature, such as a hole or antenna window, so that the data chip 214 can communicate through the package 200.

[0034] As previously mentioned, the packaging components can be composed of recyclable materials (e.g., biodegradable or compostable materials). If and when the customer chooses to dispose of the packaging, because the packaging is recyclable or cellulose-based, the packaging can be simply recycled without material separation (e.g., in a single-stream recycling program). In some embodiments, any electronic devices associated with the packaging system 10 can be removed from the packaging prior to recycling.

[0035] Returning to the automatic activation and authentication feature, in some embodiments, the data chip 214 may be preprogrammed to allow the activation authentication process to be initiated only when certain criteria are met (eg, triggered by a specific target user).

[0036] For example, a user may order a new credit card from a company. The company may prepare a credit card for that particular user (product 100; see e.g. Figure 5 ). A credit card may be packaged within a package 200 that includes a data chip 214. At this point, the credit card is not activated and cannot be used. The data chip 214 may be preprogrammed with data that indicates at least identification information for a particular card contained within the package that is destined for a particular user. The data on the data chip 214 may be encrypted or otherwise protected so that its information cannot be discovered by unauthorized users.

[0037] The user's personal electronic device 40 may already be associated with a unique account of the user (e.g., from an account that the user previously used or accessed using their personal electronic device). When the user receives the credit card enclosed in the package 200, the user may bring their personal electronic device 40 within the range of the data chip reader of their personal electronic device. When the data chip 214 is within such a range, it may send data representing identification information of a particular card to the personal electronic device 40. The personal electronic device may communicate with the company's remote server 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 it matches, the server may activate the credit card (or send a signal to the personal electronic device to initiate the activation process on the device). Otherwise, activation of the credit card will not occur, and the activation process will not be initiated.

[0038] In some embodiments, the data chip 214 may be preprogrammed with data representing at least two pieces of information: (1) identification information of a specific card contained within the package, the destination of which is a specific user; and (2) identification information of an account of a specific user. The latter information may be used to provide a gateway function, for example, causing another step to be triggered on the device 40, such as a user interface displaying options for verification and activation. In some embodiments, there may be a visual indicator, such as an icon, on the package 200 to indicate active package functionality. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may include instructions such as "activate, wake up the device and hold down". The visual indicator may be near or above the location where the data chip 214 is located, thereby prompting the user to bring the package near the electronic device. When the data chip 214 is brought within range of the personal electronic device 40, the data chip 214 may only send identification information of the account of the specific user to the electronic device 40. If the account information does not match or otherwise acceptably correspond to the account information associated with the electronic device 40 (as determined by the data chip 214 or by the electronic device 40 itself), activation of the credit card will not occur and the activation process will not be initiated. In some embodiments, a second verification may be required before, after, or in parallel with the first verification using the data chip. For example, a biometric step may be required as a second verification, for example, fingerprint verification, facial recognition verification, voice verification, or other biometric verification may be required in order to activate or verify the product.

[0039] More specifically, in a passive system, the NFC chip acts as a type of signal tag, so that no active reception or signal search is required; it only broadcasts outward to electronic devices with NFC receivers. Thus, when the data chip 214 is associated with a specific target user account, if a device not associated with the specific user is brought into proximity with a receiver that does not belong to the specific user, no action will be taken, or a generic action will be taken (e.g., opening a generic product website, for example, or alerting a company or individual that the non-target user has brought the data chip 214 into range of a non-target receiver).

[0040] Go to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the data chip 214 may be preprogrammed to start the activation or verification process on any electronic device associated with a user account that is in turn associated with the purchase of a particular type of product contained within the package 200 (the product 100 may be awaiting activation or verification). If the product is replaceable, but still requires activation, such as in the case of a cash card, this allows the data chip 214 to identify the corresponding electronic device 40 belonging to the individual with the verified order for the replaceable product. In this way, the electronic device 40 may interact with the company's (e.g., the seller of the product) logistics platform so that information about the product 100 can be shared with the appropriate electronic device 40. Once the product 100 is verified or activated, the electronic device 40 may communicate with the logistics platform to notify the company that the order is complete. Similarly, in an active chip configuration, the electronic device 40 may communicate with the active data chip 214 and disable any further activation or authentication attempts.

[0041] In the case of non-replaceable products, such as credit cards for specific target users that require activation, the data chip 214 may, for example, broadcast a signal specific to an account associated with the card or a user associated with the card. In this way, the electronic device 40 receiving the signal may communicate or interact with the company's (e.g., the seller of the product) logistics platform so that information about the product 100 can be shared only with the appropriate electronic device 40 of the target user bound to the card. Once the product 100 is verified or activated, the electronic device 40 may 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 may communicate with the data chip 214 and disable any further activation or verification attempts.

[0042] The electronic device 40 (e.g., a user's mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, laptop, desktop computer, etc.) includes a body 400 that can house the electronics of the electronic device 40 and can typically include a screen 402, such as a touch screen (or other user interface). For certain products such as credit cards, activation and verification may previously be accomplished by manually dialing a phone number, manually navigating to a website and entering information on the website, or via an application-based process in which the user manually authenticates themselves in some manner and then confirms that they have possession of the card. The user may be prompted to begin the process by following instructions on a sticker affixed to the credit card. While a manual verification option (such as one of the options that would allow other activation or verification modes) may be useful and may be included in some embodiments as a fallback option, Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of how this manual process can be avoided initially is shown.

[0043] In some embodiments, if packaging system 10 or package 200 is in an unopened state, automatic activation or authentication may be caused not to be or will not be performed with respect to any product contained within packaging system 10 (e.g., by disabling data chip 214). However, in the case where the passive data chip is configured to produce at least two functions at different electronic devices (i.e., a target device and a non-target device), such disabling is not required because the chip is effectively disabled when brought close to the non-target electronic device.

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a package 200 (with a product 100) and an electronic device 40 is shown. The data chip 214 of the package 200 is shown as communicating with the electronic device 40, such as through an NFC transceiver 410 in the electronic device 40, which can be used as a reader and a transmitter. As shown by the arrows shown between the package 200 and the electronic device 40, the communication can be bidirectional, or can be unidirectional from the data chip 214 to the transceiver 410. Referring to the package 200, with the cover cushioning panel 202 opened, the product 100 can be revealed within the cavity (e.g., the receiving portion 206) of the cover. As described, the product 100 can be a type of card, such as a credit card, a debit card, a gift card, a membership card, etc. The intended user, such as a purchaser of the product 100, can then remove the product 100 from the package 200.

[0045] like Figure 5As shown, when the data chip 214 communicates with the electronic device 40 via the NFC transceiver 410, the screen 402 of the electronic device 40 may display a graphical user interface 406. The graphical user interface 406 may include, for example, text information about the product 100, such as a description of the product, a serial number or identification number, or other information useful to the user. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, graphical user interface 406 may include an image 408 representing a product. A user may interact with graphical user interface 406 by touching, tapping, sliding, etc. on screen 402. Screen 402 may display other images or information about product 100, or may virtually zoom in, zoom out, translate, or rotate image 408 of the product in three dimensions as displayed on screen 402. Graphical user interface 406 may also include user interface activation elements 404, such as on-screen buttons with which a user may interact.

[0046] The user interface activation element 404 can perform functions, such as initiating activation or verification of the product 100 via the electronic device 40. In some embodiments, no further interaction of the user is required to activate their product. From the user's perspective, activation can be completed by simply opening the package and tapping the activation button on their smart phone. In the case where a non-target user device interacts with the package 200, the activation element 404 may become gray or unavailable for selection. In some embodiments, if a non-target user device attempts to activate the product 100, the graphical user interface 406 may be different or completely absent.

[0047] While the figures generally show the package 200 as a sleeve configuration in which the activated data chip 214 is embedded between the panels of the sleeve, this configuration may take different forms, such as a pull tab, tear strip, cover, or other removable or destructible component attached to the exterior of the package 200, or embedded or attached to the package 200. In any case, the data chip 214 may be powered (such as by a micro-battery 224, which may be excluded from the passive chip), or may be activated by the electromagnetic field of the electronic device 40 or its NFC transceiver 410. In this way, for example, by housing the power supply and data chip within the package 200 or utilizing the inherent energy of an external electronic device to power the data chip, rather than integrating a separate power supply or data chip on the card product, for example, the challenges of constructing additional electronic devices within the card, including the increased size and weight of the additional electronic devices, etc., may be avoided. In some embodiments, if a separate power source is included, such as a micro battery, it can contain enough energy (i.e., battery life) to last from the time the package 200 containing the product 100 is shipped to the time the intended end user opens the package 200 and completes the activation process. This is advantageous because it reduces power source complexity and moves the relatively large NFC electronics out of the small volume tolerance in certain products 100 (such as card products) and into a larger allowable volume within the package.

[0048] Go to Figure 6 , a schematic diagram of a package 200 and an electronic device 40 is shown, wherein the package 200 is opened and the electronic device 40 communicates with a server 50, such as an external device or network that may include a logistics platform. In some embodiments, the electronic device 40 may communicate with the server 50 to implement verification, activation, or other smart packaging features. The server 50 may include one or more of a database, a server, the Internet, a network, or a cloud-based server feature so that the product 100 can be verified or activated.

[0049] As described above, the data chip 214 broadcasts a signal to the electronic device 40, for example, via a transmitter 222. The data chip 214 may be preprogrammed to start the activation or verification process only when communication with the electronic device of a specific user is established. In some embodiments, this may be achieved by programming information into the data chip 214, which may identify electronic information stored in the electronic device 40 associated with the identity of the user. This helps prevent the data chip 214 from initiating an activation process through a device that does not belong to a specific user that is expected. For example, the data chip 214 may include a user ID of an authorized user, and may only communicate with the electronic device 40 with a matching user ID (e.g., within the operating system of the electronic device 40). Other software, firmware, hardware, etc. may be used. In some embodiments, the device or user identity may be provided by a third-party source, such as a network-based application accessed on the electronic device 40. In this regard, in order for the data chip 214 to start the verification or activation function, the user may need to access such an application in order to proceed with device or user identification.

[0050] The package is constructed to provide a clean, one-piece appearance. This helps to enhance the high quality and rugged nature of the package and product 100. To achieve this appearance, seams, gaps, and shape distortions are minimized. The package may be a specific color, such as a brand identifier color. In some embodiments, the visible surface of the package may be primarily white.

[0051] The parts of the package can be formed by one or more blanks. In some embodiments, the blank is formed by a single continuous substrate, such as, for example, a cellulose-based material, such as cardboard or paperboard. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the package can be surface treated or coated with a coating to protect the finished product. The insert, pad and area of ​​the adhesive without the blank are formed so that the adhesive is not visible in the finished package. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be omitted and each pad and insert can be attached in another suitable manner (for example, by mechanical interlocking or pressure fitting). The fold line can be formed by, for example, weakening the substrate along the line, such as by perforation, material crushing, notching, oblique cutting, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, any surface finishing may be performed after the component is cut from the blank, or alternatively before the blank is cut into individual sheets for assembly into the final package. In addition, some operations may be performed simultaneously.

[0053] Alternatively, part or all of the components described as being formed of cellulose-based materials (such as cellulose fiber materials, such as paper) may be formed of polymeric materials instead, or coated in materials so that they can be laminated together or otherwise adhered to each other. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymer blends including one or more of these polymers, or copolymers including one or more of these polymers. All or a portion of the surface of the package may be coated or laminated, which may improve structural strength properties such as stiffness, and may protect the product within the package or avoid scratches.

[0054] In addition, packaging can be manufactured in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. In some embodiments, the packaging component can be constructed of a single integrally formed material piece. The single integrally formed material piece can be a foldable material that is folded into a configuration that holds and fixes the product individually or in the cavity of the packaging container. In some embodiments, the foldable material can be a single material piece cut by a single operation (e.g., a single punching operation). In some embodiments, the foldable material can be punched out of raw material (e.g., a sheet of material or a roll of material). The single integrally formed material piece cut by a single cutting operation can be conducive to efficient and reproducible manufacturing. In addition, such manufacturing can reduce waste by reducing waste during manufacturing.

[0055] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0056] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.

Claims

1. A packaged product, comprising: Products that require authentication or activation to be used as intended; and Finished product packaging, the finished product packaging comprising: Accepting part; a passive data chip on a third panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the third panel includes an opening surrounding the passive data chip to provide space for the passive data chip between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the passive data chip includes data uniquely associated with the product and a target user account, and wherein the second panel constitutes a lower surface of the receiving portion; wherein the passive data chip is configured to initiate a verification or activation process by transmitting the data to a personal mobile device associated with the target user account when the passive data chip is brought within range of a data reader of the personal mobile device, and Wherein, the passive data chip is configured to not initiate a verification or activation process when the passive data chip is brought within range of a data reader of a personal mobile device associated with a non-target user account.

2. The packaged product according to claim 1, wherein: The passive data chip is an NFC chip, and wherein the data reader is an NFC reader.

3. The packaged product according to claim 1, wherein: The passive data chip is laminated between the layers of the finished package and is not visible.

4. A radio frequency verification system for a packaged product, comprising: The packaged product according to claim 1; and Remote Server, wherein the remote server is configured to receive second data from the personal mobile device, the second data being based on the data, wherein the remote server is configured to determine whether to verify or activate the product based on the second data, and Wherein, the remote server is configured to send third data to the personal mobile device, wherein the third data indicates whether the product is verified or activated.

5. A package comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive a product, a retaining element extending above the receiving portion to retain the product within the package when the product is disposed within a recess formed by a lower surface of the receiving portion; and a passive data chip, wherein the passive data chip includes data uniquely associated with the product and a target user account, wherein when the package is brought within range of a target user's personal electronic device, the passive data chip automatically communicates with the target user's personal electronic device to initiate a verification process or an activation process, and Wherein, when the package is brought close to a personal electronic device of a non-target user, the passive data chip automatically communicates with the personal electronic device of the non-target user but does not initiate a verification process or an activation process.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein: The passive data chip is preprogrammed to initiate an authentication or activation process only when communicating with an electronic device associated with a single target user account.

7. The package according to claim 5, wherein: The passive data chip is preprogrammed to initiate an activation process on any electronic device that has been ordered from a defined category of products.

8. The package according to claim 5, wherein: The passive data chip is powered by the personal electronic device.

9. The package according to claim 5, wherein: The passive data chip is configured as a transmitter only.

10. A package comprising: First panel; a second panel attached to the first panel; and A passive data chip, the passive data chip being laminated between the first panel and the second panel, wherein a third panel is disposed between the first panel and the second panel, the third panel including an opening surrounding the passive data chip so as to provide space for the passive data chip between the first panel and the second panel, wherein the passive data chip includes data uniquely associated with a product and a target user account, wherein when the package is brought within range of a personal electronic device of a target user, the passive data chip automatically communicates with the personal electronic device of the target user to initiate a verification process or an activation process, and wherein when the package is brought within range of a personal electronic device of a non-target user, the passive data chip automatically communicates with the personal electronic device of the non-target user but does not initiate a verification process or an activation process.

11. The package according to claim 10, wherein: The third panel includes an opening shaped to receive a product, wherein the first panel includes a second opening shaped to receive the product, the second opening overlapping the opening, and Wherein, the first panel includes a cushion strip extending above the opening, and the cushion strip is configured to hold the product.

12. The package according to claim 10, wherein: The first panel and the second panel are part of a finished product package that also includes a separate shipping envelope having interior dimensions that match exterior dimensions of a closed finished product package in which the finished product package is received for shipping.

13. The package of claim 12, wherein: The shipping envelope prevents the passive data chip from communicating with the electronic device.

14. The package of claim 10, wherein: A second panel extends from a front portion of the first panel and is folded to conceal the product contained within the package from an external view.

15. The package of claim 10, wherein: The first panel includes a retaining element configured to retain a product within the package.

16. The package of claim 15, wherein: The retaining element is defined in part by a stamped edge defining an aperture, and wherein a surface of the second panel is disposed beneath the retaining element such that the product is retained between the surface of the second panel and the retaining element.

17. A packaging system comprising: The package according to claim 10; and A server is configured to communicate with a personal electronic device of a user and determine whether to authenticate or activate a product that is or was contained within the package based on whether the personal electronic device of the user is associated with a target user account.

18. The packaging system according to claim 17, wherein: The server is further configured to direct the user's personal electronic device to disable activation or authentication if the user's personal electronic device is not associated with the target user account.

19. The packaging system according to claim 17, wherein: In response to determining that the user's personal electronic device is associated with the target user account, the server is further configured to transmit an indication of account authorization to the user's personal electronic device, and Therein, the personal electronic device starts a graphical user interface verification process.

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

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