METHOD FOR LOGGING PRODUCT Identification Features

Description

Subject matter of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for recording identification features, in particular identification features applied to products. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer-readable data carrier. Background of the invention

[0002] Numerous legal regulations stipulate requirements for product labeling. In addition to the general labeling of products, such as goods or merchandise, particularly regarding manufacturer information, product description, material specifications, ingredient lists, or expiration dates, certain products are also required to have identifying information on the product itself.

[0003] In the European Union, for example, Article 15 of Directive 2014 / 40 / EU of 3 April 2014 stipulates that all packages of tobacco products must have a unique identifier that allows for the determination of the date and place of manufacture, the manufacturing facility, the machine used to manufacture the tobacco products, the work shift or time of manufacture, the product description, the intended market, the intended shipping route, and, where applicable, the importer into the EU. This is intended to ensure the traceability and traceability of all packages, particularly to prevent tax evasion.

[0004] According to Article 8(1) of the Commission Implementing Regulation of 15 December 2017, each pack of tobacco products must be marked with an identification mark at the pack level. The identification mark consists of the shortest possible sequence of alphanumeric characters (no more than 50 characters).The sequence is unique for each package and comprises the following data elements: (a) in the first position, alphanumeric characters corresponding to the identification code assigned to the issuing authority of the identifying feature; (b) a sequence of alphanumeric characters (serial number) from which the probability of derivation is negligible and in any case less than 1 in 10,000; (c) a code (product code) that identifies: (i) the place of manufacture; (ii) the manufacturing facility; (iii) the machinery used for manufacture; (iv) the product description; (v) the intended market; (vi) the intended route of shipment; (vii) where applicable, the importer who is bringing the product into the Union; (d) in the last position, a timestamp in the form of an eight-digit sequence in the format YYMMDDhh indicating the date and time of manufacture.

[0005] According to Article 8, paragraph 2, issuing authorities are responsible for generating a code consisting of the elements referred to in paragraph 1(a), (b), and (c). According to Article 8, paragraph 3, manufacturers or importers add the timestamp referred to in paragraph 1(d) to the code generated by the issuing authority in accordance with paragraph 2. The practical implementation of these requirements presents a challenge for potential issuing authorities and manufacturers or importers. This includes, among other things, tamper-proof logging and traceability.

[0006] It can be assumed that similar requirements for individual identification and traceability will have to be met for other products in the future. Therefore, there is an interest in ways for authorized issuing bodies, manufacturers, and importers to implement the respective requirements for the creation or generation of individual identifiers and their documentation.

[0007] A method and a computer program product are known from WO 2018 / 019720 A1. Another method is known from EP 2498 206 A1. Description of the invention

[0008] Against the background described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for recording or logging identification features, which is particularly suitable on the one hand for implementing Article 8 of the Commission Implementing Regulation of 15 December 2017 on Directive 2014 / 40 / EU, but at the same time is also as versatile as possible for other applications.

[0009] This problem is solved by a method for recording a number of identification features according to claim 1, a device for recording a number of identification features according to claim 13, a computer program product according to claim 14, and a computer-readable data carrier according to claim 15. The dependent claims contain further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The inventive method for recording a number of identification features relates to identification features that each comprise a sequence of alphanumeric characters, in particular each consisting of a sequence of alphanumeric characters. The identification features can each be applied to a product. The method comprises the following steps: a) Reading the sequence of alphanumeric characters of a first identifier E1 on a product, b) Generating a first hash value H1 by applying a hash function to a first sequence N1 of alphanumeric characters comprising the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read first identifier E1 and a time value Z, in particular consisting of the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read first identifier E1 and a time value Z (H1 = hash(N1) = hash(E1, Z)), c) Physically and / or electronically storing the first hash value H1 using a storage device, d) Reading a subsequent identifier En, e) Generating a hash value Hn by applying a hash function to a sequence Nn of alphanumeric characters comprising the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read identifier En or a sequence based on this sequence The hash value derived from the previous hash value H n-1 is included.in particular consisting of the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read identification feature E n and the previously generated hash value H n-1 (H n = hash(N n )=hash(E n ,H n-1 )), f) physical and / or electronic storage of the hash value H n using a storage device, g) iterative continuation of steps d) to f). ,

[0011] The procedure also includes storing all hash values ​​generated from a specified time point onwards, setting a time interval for storing the generated hash values, and deleting generated hash values ​​that were stored at a time point further in the past than the specified time interval.

[0012] The method according to the invention has the advantage of enabling the tamper-proof logging of individual identifying characteristics for products. Tamper resistance is ensured by the avalanche effect of the hash function and the iterative process. Furthermore, the described method is applicable within the framework of the implementation of the aforementioned implementing regulation for tobacco products and, in this context, offers manufacturers and importers a fast and compliant logging option. Moreover, the method can also be used for logging and tracking other individually marked products; it is therefore flexible and versatile in its application.

[0013] The storage of the generated hash values ​​H n can be done physically and / or electronically, for example by storing them on a hard drive, on a server, in a cloud, on a CD-ROM, on a WORM memory, an EPROM, etc.

[0014] In an advantageous variant, the recognition features are read using a text recognition method (OCR - Optical Character Recognition). This enables fast and reliable reading.

[0015] The time value Z preferably includes a qualified timestamp, which in particular ensures tamper protection.

[0016] In another variant, a number k of identification features En to be recorded is defined, where n is a natural number from 1 to k, and steps d) to f) are continued until the defined number k of identification features has been recorded. In this way, specific product batches and quantities can be reliably and tamper-proof recorded.

[0017] In one possible variant, the sequences N n of alphanumeric characters comprise the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the previously read identification feature E n-1. This utilizes the associated avalanche effect to improve counterfeit protection.

[0018] InIn another variant, at least one further hash value H y can be generated from a number, for example two, of the generated hash values ​​H n. In particular, in a tree structure, a further hash value can be generated from each pair of successive hash values ​​generated at a given level or stage of the tree structure. This can be continued for each subsequent level or stage. The sequences N n of alphanumeric characters can comprise at least one further hash value H y.

[0019] Before reading, individual identifiers can be generated by adding a product code to an identification code consisting of alphanumeric characters and a serial number. The product code can include, in particular, alphanumeric characters that identify the place and / or manufacturing facility, the machine used for production, the product description, the intended sales market, the intended shipping route, and / or the importer of the product. Additionally or alternatively, the identifier can include a number of positions for alphanumeric characters that can be assigned alphanumeric values ​​after the identifier has been generated, for example, a time value.

[0020] All identification features logged from a specified time onward can be stored on at least one data carrier. Optionally, the read identification features can also be stored. A time interval for retaining the logged identification features can be defined. Logged identification features recorded at a time earlier than the defined time interval can be deleted. A qualified timestamp can be generated and stored based on the last deleted logged identification feature. This has the advantage of making efficient use of available storage capacity. Furthermore, the amount of data to be stored long-term can be kept to a minimum.

[0021] The device according to the invention comprises a device for reading out identification features, a device for applying cryptographic hash functions, and a storage device for storing the generated hash values. The device according to the invention is designed to carry out a previously described method according to the invention. The device according to the invention can, for example, be configured as a computer with a scanner.

[0022] The computer program product according to the invention comprises instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to perform a method according to the invention as described above. The computer-readable data carrier according to the invention is characterized in that it contains instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to perform a method according to the invention as described above. The device according to the invention, the computer program product according to the invention, and the computer-readable data carrier according to the invention have the same features and advantages as the method according to the invention described above. Description of exemplary implementations

[0023] Further features, properties, and advantages of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to embodiments and the accompanying figures. All features described so far and below are advantageous both individually and in any combination.

[0024] The figures are not necessarily detailed or to scale and may be enlarged or reduced to provide a better overview.

[0025] The expression "and / or" used here, when used in a series of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing the components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. Fig. 1 schematically shows a first variant of the method according to the invention in the form of a flowchart. Fig. 2 schematically shows a second variant of the method according to the invention in the form of a tree diagram. Fig. 3 schematically shows a device according to the invention.

[0026] The Figure 1Figure 1 schematically shows a first variant of the method according to the invention in the form of a flowchart. In a first step 1, the sequence of alphanumeric characters of a first identifier E1 is read out. This can be done using a text recognition method. In a second step 2, a first hash value H1 is generated by applying a hash function to a first sequence N1 of alphanumeric characters. The first sequence N1 comprises the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read first identifier E1 and a time value Z. The first sequence N1 can, in particular, consist of the elements mentioned. The time value Z can be a qualified timestamp. In a third step 3, the first hash value H1 is stored using a storage device.

[0027] In a fourth step (4), a subsequent identifier En is read. In a fifth step (5), a hash value Hn is generated by applying a hash function to a sequence Nn of alphanumeric characters. The sequence Nn comprises the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read identifier En, or a hash value derived from the sequence En, and the previously generated hash value Hn-1. In a sixth step (6), the hash value Hn is stored using a storage device. Subsequently, steps 4 to 6 are continued or repeated iteratively. In particular, a number k of identifiers En to be logged can be specified, where n is a natural number from 1 to k, and steps 4 to 6 can be continued until the specified number k of identifiers has been logged.

[0028] The Figure 2Figure 1 schematically shows a second variant of the method according to the invention in the form of a tree diagram. In a first level or stage 10, the recognition features En (E1, E2, E3, ..., Ek) to be recorded are read out. From the first recognition feature E1 and a time value Z, the value determined in step 2 of the Figure 1As described, a first hash value H1 is generated. In a second level or stage 20, a second hash value H21 is generated from the first hash value H1 and the second identifier E2. Subsequently, a hash value H22 is generated from the second identifier E2 and the third identifier E3. From the hash value H22, which is derived from the extracted third identifier E3, and the previously generated second hash value H21, a third hash value H31 is generated in the third level or stage 30. In the fourth level or stage 40, a fourth hash value H41 is generated from the previously generated third hash value H31 and another hash value H32. The further hash value H 32 is formed from the hash values ​​H 22 and H 23 and can be traced back to the read sequence of alphanumeric characters of the recognition feature E 4 via the hash value H 23, which is formed from the recognition features E 3 and E 4.

[0029] The process can be continued iteratively, with a new level being created each time another identifier is read. Alternatively, individual tree diagrams can be generated for a fixed number of identifiers, from which at least two tree tips can be linked via hash values.

[0030] The one in Figure 3 The schematically shown device 50 according to the invention for recording or logging a number of identification features comprises a device 11 for reading out identification features. The device 11 can therefore be used to perform steps 1 and 4 of the Figure 1 The device 50 also includes a device 12 for applying cryptographic hash functions. The device 12 can therefore be used to perform steps 2 and 5 of the Figure 1The device 50 further comprises a storage device 13 for storing the generated hash values, optionally also for storing the read-out identification features. The storage device 13 can, in particular, be used to perform steps 3 and 6 of the Figure 1 The device 50 is designed to carry out a method according to the invention. The device 50 can, for example, be a computer with a scanner.

[0031] Overall, the present invention provides a cost-effective way to implement the aforementioned legal requirements for the traceability of products with individual identifying features, which ensures a high degree of tamper protection. Reference symbol list:

[0032] 1. Reading the sequence of alphanumeric characters of a first identifier 2. Generating a first hash value H1 by applying a hash function to a first sequence N1 of alphanumeric characters 3. Storing the first hash value H1 using a storage device 4. Reading a subsequent identifier En 5. Generating a hash value Hn by applying a hash function to a sequence Nn of alphanumeric characters 6. Storing the hash value Hn using a storage device 10. First level 11. Device for reading a number of identifiers 12. Device for applying cryptographic hash functions 13. Storage device 20. Second level 30. Third level 40. Fourth level 50. Device for recording or logging a number of identifiers Ei identifiers Hi hash values

Claims

1. Method for recording a number of identification characteristics on products, wherein each identification characteristic comprises a sequence of alphanumeric characters and the method comprises the following steps in a device (50): a) reading out (1) the sequence of alphanumeric characters of a first identification characteristic E1 on a product by means of a device for reading out identification characteristics (11), b) forming a first hash value H1 (2) by applying a hash function to a first sequence N1 of alphanumeric characters by means of a device for applying cryptographic hash functions (12), wherein the first sequence N1 of alphanumeric characters comprises the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read-out first identification characteristic E1 and a time value Z, c) physically and / or electronically storing (3) the first hash value H1 by means of a storage device (13), d) reading out (4) a subsequent identification characteristic En by means of the device for reading out identification characteristics (11), e) forming a hash value H1 (5) by applying a hash function to a sequence Nn of alphanumeric characters by means of the device for applying cryptographic hash functions (12), wherein the sequence Nn of alphanumeric characters comprises the sequence of alphanumeric characters of the read-out identification characteristic En or a hash value to be attributed to this sequence and the previously formed hash value Hn-1, f) physically and / or electronically storing (6) the hash value Hn by means of the storage device (13), and g) iteratively continuing the steps d) to f, wherein all hash values formed from a determined point in time are stored, a time interval for retaining the formed hash values is determined, and formed hash values which were stored at a point in time which is longer than the determined time interval are deleted.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification characteristics are read out by means of a method for text recognition.

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the time value Z comprises a qualified time stamp.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a number k of identification characteristics En to be recorded is determined, wherein n is a natural number from 1 to k, and the steps d) to f) are continued until the determined number k of identification characteristics is recorded.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sequences Nn of alphanumeric characters comprise the sequence of the alphanumeric characters of the previously read-out identification characteristic En-1.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one further hash value Hy is formed from a number of the formed hash values Hn.

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sequences Nn of alphanumeric characters comprise at least one further hash value Hy.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that individual identification characteristics are generated before reading out such that a product code is added to an identification code formed from alphanumeric characters and to a serial number.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the product code comprises alphanumeric characters with which the production site and / or the production facility and / or the machine used for production and / or the product description and / or the planned sales market and / or the planned shipping route and / or the importer of the product can be determined.

10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the identification characteristic comprises a number of positions for alphanumeric characters which can be occupied with alphanumeric characters after generating the identification characteristic.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a qualified time stamp is generated and stored on the basis of the last deleted stored hash values.

12. Device (50) for recording a number of identification characteristics, characterized in that the device (50) comprises a device (11) for reading out identification characteristics, a device (12) for applying cryptographic hash functions and a storage device (13) for storing formed hash values, and the device (50) is designed to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Computer program product which comprises commands which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Computer-readable data carrier on which commands are stored which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.