Method for submitting video proof of the state of a trading card for remote certification

Abstract

This invention relates to a method allowing collectors to submit video proof of the state of their trading cards in order to obtain remote certification from a competent third party of the state of these filmed cards. The method mainly comprises the following steps: E1 - Using a user equipment to record a video capturing the following steps implemented by said user: E1.1 - Presenting the card E1.2 - Insertion into the protective device E1.3 - Closing and sealing the protective device E1.4 - Presenting the various faces of the protective device E1.5 - Presenting the unique identifier of the protective device E2 - Using said user equipment connected to a remote network to automatically transfer said video to a remote storage server accessible to the competent third party.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Method for submitting video evidence of the condition of a collectible card for remote certification Related request [1] This application claims priority, under applicable law, from French provisional patent application No. FR2209148, filed on September 13, 2022 and entitled “Method for remotely verifying the state of conservation of a collector's card and its placement under sealed protection AND device for displaying and protecting the collector's card” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Field of invention [2] The field of the invention is that of the certification of the condition and / or authenticity of collectible cards or trading cards, such as sports cards or playing cards, and more specifically a method allowing a collector to send a competent professional, for example a grading company (defined below), a video that the latter can use to remotely certify the condition and / or authenticity of his collectible card. Prior art [3] Card collecting is an activity that combines passion and investment. The passion begins in the playground, with children who are fans of Pokémon®, Magic the Gathering®, and other playing and collectible cards (hereinafter also referred to as “cards”). The investment begins when, as teenagers and then adults, they become aware of the value of their collection and the energy required to collect the rarest cards. [4] This is when collectors begin to pay more and more attention to the condition of their cards. Indeed, damage and defects on a card have a direct impact on its value. [5] Thus, accurately assessing the condition of a collectible card is essential to determine its value. This is the role of "grading companies", or "classification companies". These are neutral professionals, responsible for: - verify the authenticity of a card, assess its damage against a reference scale in order to assign it a grade, and encapsulate it in a hermetically sealed transparent protective case. [6] In the context of the invention, these authenticated, graded and encapsulated cards passed through the services of a grading company will be called "graded cards" or "certified cards", and "encapsulation" refers to the placement of the collector card in a protective case specially designed for this purpose, the closing of said case and its concomitant sealing. [7] If the card is not in exceptional condition, the collector can also ask the grading company to limit itself to certifying its authenticity before encapsulating it. [8] The rating given to the card to represent its condition, generally a rating out of 10, is recorded on a label, encapsulated with the card. [9] The grade may be accompanied by an explanatory note: "a grade." For example, depending on the grading scale defined by the professional, a grade of 10 may be associated with the grade "perfect condition" or "GEM MINT" or "PRISTINE," terms universally recognized in the grading world to describe a card without defects.

[0010] The case that protects the card guarantees that its condition will be frozen over time. It is permanently sealed, so that to remove the card, it must be irreparably damaged. It has a slot perfectly adapted to accommodate the card, and another intended to accommodate the summary label.

[0011] The summary label, in addition to the rating and / or grade assigned to the card, may contain various information such as: the name of the certifying body, its logo, the identity of the card, as well as a unique identifier.

[0012] The unique identifier is essential for differentiating between graded cards with the same illustration. Each certified card has its own identifier. This is generally a unique serial number. It allows you to find the references and information of the graded card on the third-party certifier's website, in order to verify its authenticity.

[0013] To seal the housing, the grading company prefers to use an ultrasonic welding machine. This welding method, known to be the best, requires specific bulky and non-portable equipment.

[0014] For this reason, the grading process (hereinafter also referred to interchangeably as the “certification” process), including authentication, evaluation and encapsulation of the card, absolutely requires workshop processing, making it essential to send or deposit the cards with the grading company.

[0015] But since trading cards are fragile items, even the slightest handling can damage them and reduce their value. Many collectors therefore do not want to entrust their cards to the postal service, or even to a grading company, to avoid the risk of loss or damage.

[0016] While grading companies provide monetary compensation in the event of damage or loss, they will never be able to fully compensate the loss suffered by the collector, who attached irreplaceable sentimental value to his damaged or lost collector's card.

[0017] Additionally, sending a valuable card to a grading company also involves incurring heavy postage, insurance, and customs fees, both when shipping and receiving the card.

[0018] The problem to be solved is therefore to propose a process allowing remote gradation to be achieved, presenting the same level of control as traditional gradation in the workshop: The third-party certifier must be able to guarantee having checked the condition and the correct placement of the card in a suitable sealed case, which he can easily control with workshop gradation.

[0019] In the context of the invention, by remote grading, or indistinctly remote certification, we mean that the collector no longer has to send his card to a grading company, the latter being able, thanks to the implementation of the method which is the subject of the present invention, to remotely determine the state and control the encapsulation of the card in a suitable protective device sealed manually and directly by the collector. Technical problems

[0020] Implementing a remote dimming system that is as reliable as shop-floor dimming is a real challenge that no company has yet addressed.

[0021] The main difficulty lies in the inability of the grading company to guarantee the future condition of a card that it has not itself encapsulated in a specific protective casing. In other words, although the company may be able to assess the condition of a card remotely, for example through photos or a scan of it, it cannot guarantee that the card will remain in that condition after this assessment.

[0022] The mission of the third-party certifier requires that it be able to check the condition and correct placement of the card in a suitable sealed case.

[0023] Implementing a method that meets these control standards to perform this task remotely is complex. This is the subject of the present invention, which offers a unique solution to this technical problem. Statement of the invention

[0024] The invention that is the subject of the present invention solves the technical problems mentioned above by implementing a method that meets the required control standards, explained above. This method allows the grading company to be able to evaluate the condition of a collector's card remotely, and to ensure that its preservation is assured, without having to take physical possession of it.

[0025] More specifically, the invention introduces a novel and inventive method consisting of a process for submission by a collector (hereinafter referred to indistinctly as "collector user" or "user"), of video proof of the condition and / or authenticity of his card and its encapsulation. This video is automatically transferred to a remote storage server, while a competent third party (hereinafter referred to indistinctly as "third party" or "third party certifier" or "competent third party"), such as a grading company, can certify the condition and / or authenticity of the card. Technical solutions:

[0026] The process described for submitting video evidence uses:

[0027] 1° User equipment, capable of connecting to a remote network, equipped with a digital camera and a human / machine interface. It is also equipped with dedicated computer software, allowing the recording of said video by the user and its export to a remote storage server.

[0028] 2° A protection device specific to the implementation of the present invention, characterized by two main attributes: a closing and sealing element (explained below) and a unique identifier (explained below).

[0029] A protective device is a transparent plastic case or enclosure intended to hold, protect and display a trading card.

[0030] The closing and sealing element is a security component integrated into the protective device, designed to guarantee the integrity of the closure. Its main functions are to allow the collector to manually and permanently close the box and to ensure that any attempt to reopen the protective device results in irreversible alteration, thus making any unauthorized access to its contents evident. More specifically, this element can take several forms:

[0031] - Clips designed to deteriorate permanently if the protective device is reopened;

[0032] - An adhesive, or an adhesive label, which leaves residual traces or causes discoloration if the device is reopened;

[0033] - A calibrated locking mechanism to work in synergy with intentionally weakened areas of the device. When the device is reopened, these fragile areas visibly deteriorate.

[0034] The unique identifier can take various forms, including a combination of numbers and / or letters, a QR Code, or a barcode. It can be engraved on the surface of the protective device, integrated into its structure, or displayed on an adhesive label affixed to it. It not only serves to guarantee the authenticity of the certified object by making it easily identifiable and traceable, but also facilitates the certification process by the competent third party. The latter can issue a certificate that explicitly mentions the references of this unique identifier to confirm the condition and / or authenticity of the collector card.

[0035] It should be emphasized that to date, there is no protection device on the market suitable for implementing the present invention.

[0036] The method which is the subject of the present invention is characterized in that it mainly comprises the following steps:

[0037] - El: The recording by the user equipment of a video capturing the following steps implemented by the user:

[0038] - El .1: The complete and detailed presentation of the collector's card, according to the instructions provided by a user manual previously acquired with the protective devices. In the most common way, the user must present each of the sides of his card, from different angles, under a light source, in such a way as to reveal each of its defects (stains, shocks, scratches, folds, off-centering of the illustration, loss of color, cutting or printing defect, etc.);

[0039] - E1.2: The placement of the collection card in the specific protection device described above;

[0040] -E 1.3: The manual closing and sealing of the protective device including the card (explained in more detail below);

[0041] - E1.4: A presentation of the different sides of the closed and sealed protective device so that the competent third party can verify that it has been closed and sealed appropriately, according to the instructions provided in the instructions for use;

[0042] - E1.5: Presentation of the unique identifier of the protection device, so that it can be recorded by the third-party certifier;

[0043] The identifier can also be automatically detected by the user equipment, provided that it is equipped with an appropriate recognition system, such as a QR Code reader, an NFC chip reader, or Optical Character Recognition software.

[0044] The recording of these steps is carried out continuously and without interruption, so that the third-party certifier can verify that the card has not been damaged or replaced between the time it was presented and its placement in the sealed protective device on video.

[0045] - E2: An automatic transfer by the user equipment connected to a remote network of the video to a remote storage server.

[0046] The video file name includes the user's email address and a timestamp indicating the date the video was created. This inclusion makes it easier to identify the user receiving the certification, since the email and postal address of these were previously informed, in particular when acquiring the protection devices.

[0047] In the event of a temporary failure of the connection to said remote network, the video file is temporarily stored in a dedicated memory of the user equipment, inaccessible to the user, until the connection is reestablished, allowing the transfer of said video to begin. It is imperative that the user cannot modify the video file before sending it, to avoid any attempt at cheating.

[0048] The method further comprises the following subsidiary steps:

[0049] - A request for information from the user equipment of the user's identifiers to associate it with his personal space on the remote storage server. The user's identification information is then linked to the video file, allowing the competent third party to know to whom to send his certificate. The user equipment is also designed to collect, via a form, the user's current address, thus allowing an update in the event of a change of address since the acquisition of the protection devices;

[0050] - A start of the video recording from a human-machine graphical interface of the user equipment at the initiative of the user using a start command;

[0051] - Stopping the recording of the video from said human-machine graphical interface of the user equipment at the initiative of the user using a stop command;

[0052] - Receipt of a notification or message verifying a successful transfer of the video or receipt of a message indicating a bad transfer;

[0053] - A relaunch of said transfer in the event of receipt of said incorrect transfer message;

[0054] - Transmission to the third-party certifier of a warning message that a certification request is to be processed.

[0055] The method is also characterized in that it further comprises, prior to recording, the following preparatory steps, implemented by the user:

[0056] - The placement within reach of said user of the collection card whose condition and / or authentication must be assessed, as well as the previously acquired protection device;

[0057] - Lighting settings, preferably a spotlight with a minimum output of 1000 lumens, where lumen is a unit of luminous flux, with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of at least 90, an index quantifying the fidelity with which a light source reproduces colors compared to an ideal light source, located less than fifty centimeters from a shooting scene, oriented towards the card to be presented. Adequate lighting is essential to capture the finest details of the card and provide an accurate image of its colors, textures and general condition. This allows for a more precise assessment of its authenticity and state of preservation;

[0058] - Stabilizing user equipment, preferably using a tripod, to ensure optimal video quality. Using a tripod helps to securely fix user equipment, thereby minimizing vibrations and unintentional movements that could compromise the sharpness of the recorded image. Brief description of the figures

[0059] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given as a simple illustrative, and non-limiting, example, in relation to the figures, among which:

[0060] [Fig.1] shows a functional diagram of the method according to the invention;

[0061] [Fig.2] is a diagram showing the environment in which the process takes place;

[0062] [Fig. 3] is a diagram showing the main characteristics of a protection device according to the present invention.

[0063] [Fig.4], [Fig.5], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] are diagrams showing the progress of the main steps of the method according to the invention. Detailed description

[0064] The general principle of the invention allows the implementation of a remote certification system for the condition and / or authenticity of collector cards.

[0065] In particular, the method of the invention allows a collector to send, via user equipment, video evidence to a remote storage server. This video presents in detail a collector's card as well as its encapsulation in a sealed and uniquely identified protective device.

[0066] Thus, a competent third party, for example a grading company, having access to this video evidence, will be able to carefully analyze the card, verify its authenticity and / or determine its condition, in order to be able to certify it.

[0067] Demonstrating, via video, the encapsulation of the card directly after its presentation in a sealed protective device guarantees the continued integrity of the certification, ensuring that the card remains in the attested state.

[0068] The presence of a distinct unique identifier on the protection device confirms that the certification expressly applies to that particular card.

[0069] We now present, in connection with [fig.1], a diagram representing the different stages of the submission process according to an embodiment of the invention:

[0070] - E0: A preliminary preparation step, the subject of a subsidiary claim, in connection with [fig.2];

[0071] - El: A step of producing video evidence, in connection with [fig.4] to [fig.6], the subject of the main claim;

[0072] - E2: A step of transferring the video evidence to a remote storage server, in connection with [fig.7], also the subject of the main claim.

[0073] [Fig.2] illustrates the environment necessary for the implementation of step E0, the subject of a subsidiary claim:

[0074] E0: Prior to implementing the submission method according to the invention, in said step E0, the user collector (U) purchases protection devices (DP) from a specialized professional, generally the competent third party (T), for example on its website. On this occasion, he receives a user manual (ME), presented for example in the form of a printed booklet, presenting the different steps of the submission method, indicated below.

[0075] It should be noted that the user collector (U) must imperatively follow the specific instructions in the operating instructions (ME) to obtain the desired certification.

[0076] A protection device (PD) according to the invention, briefly presented in [fig.2], and more fully detailed in [fig.3],

[0077] [Fig. 3] shows an embodiment of a protection device (PD) free of any use, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] It is composed of two parts which fit into each other: a first part constitutes a base (DPI) and has a housing intended to receive and wedge a card, not shown here; a second part constitutes a cover (DP2) which fits onto said base (DPI) to permanently close said device (DP).

[0079] Said base (DPI) contains a molded label (em) using an overmolding process during the creation of the housing by injection, and a housing space (log) intended to receive and wedge said card (C) to be certified. The molded label (em) is a printed plate integrated into the base (DPI) during injection molding, containing information for traceability (the unique identifier (iu)) and / or the identification of the card (C) to be certified.

[0080] Said cover (DP2) consists of a rim (r) which fits into said base (DPI). Said rim (r) is hollowed out to receive the lugs (er) protruding from said base (DPI). In this embodiment, these rims (r), lugs (er), hollows (cr), are made in such a way as to allow the protection device (DP) to be closed manually and permanently by the user (U). They constitute said closing and sealing element (efs) of said protection device.

[0081] The said closing and sealing element (efs) is a security component integrated into the protection device (DP), designed to guarantee the integrity of the closure. Its main functions are to allow the user to manually and permanently close the protection device and to ensure that any attempt to reopen the protection device (DP) results in irreversible alteration of the same, thus making any unauthorized access evident.

[0082] More precisely, this element can take several forms:

[0083] - Clips designed to break or deteriorate visibly and permanently if the protective device is reopened;

[0084] - An adhesive, or an adhesive label, which leaves residual traces or causes discoloration if the device is reopened;

[0085] - A calibrated embedding mechanism to work in synergy with intentionally weakened areas of the device (DP). When the device is reopened, these fragile areas deteriorate visibly and irreparably.

[0086] The protection device (PD) also includes an easily identifiable unique identifier (UI), such as a serial number, a QR code, an NFC chip, a code- bars or any other type of unique identifier fulfilling the same function. Said unique identifier (UI) can be engraved or printed directly on the protection device (PD), or even integrated into it, or appear on an adhesive label attached to the protection device (PD).

[0087] The unique identifier (UI), different on each protection device (PD), allows them to be distinguished from each other. It also allows the competent third party (T) to issue its certification for a unique card, identified using said unique identifier (UI) present on said protection device (PD).

[0088] In a preferred embodiment presented in connection with the figure [fig.3], the unique identifier (iu) is printed on the molded label (em) made inaccessible once the housing is molded around it, guaranteeing against any attack on its integrity.

[0089] In another embodiment, the unique identifier is displayed on a label having an electronic display screen, such as "E-paper®" or "E-ink®", integrated into the protection device, equipped with an NFC chip. The advantage of this embodiment is that the display of the label can be remotely controlled to display the certification of the competent third party or the data relating to the identity of the certified card.

[0090] Incidentally, it is recommended that the protective device (PD) bears a mark or engraving representing the logo or name of the company selling it, guaranteeing the use of a protective device (PD) combining the aforementioned characteristics (i.e. the presence of a unique identifier (iu) and a closing and sealing element (efs)).

[0091] Regarding the general characteristics of said protection device (DP), it is preferably a rigid case made of transparent plastic material, such as polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate, of a size adjusted to the card to be protected (C).

[0092] It is generally composed of two parts which fit into each other: the first part constitutes the base (DPI) and has a housing intended to receive and wedge the said card (C); the second part constitutes the cover (DP2).

[0093] The user collector (U) must also have a user equipment (EU) capable of connecting to a remote network including an interface human / machine and a camera. This user equipment (UE) is for example a smartphone, a tablet or a computer. In order to be able to send video evidence to the third-party certifier (T), the user (U) first installs on this equipment (UE) dedicated computer software (or indistinctly hereinafter "computer application" or "application") allowing the recording of the video and its transfer to a remote storage server (SD).

[0094] Preferably, the user (U) will use his smartphone equipped with a mobile application compatible with the iOS and Android operating systems, and allowing him to produce and submit a video of his collection card (C) for the submission method according to the invention.

[0095] In particular, this application allows:

[0096] 1. The user collector (U) must identify himself on a personal transfer using a personal identifier and possibly a password, so that the video he records is associated with his user account, containing his basic personal information: name, first name, address, email. The user (U) must also accept the terms and conditions of use of the application before being able to use it.

[0097] 2. The user collector (U) starts recording a video from the user equipment (UE) interface. The video resolution is determined by the application to prevent the user (U) from choosing insufficient quality. It is imperative that the third-party certifier (T) can clearly see all the defects in the card (C) presented, which requires that the video (V) be of a certain minimum quality, determined in advance by the competent third party (T).

[0098] 3. Exporting (or indistinctly “transferring”) the video to remote storage servers (SD) without the user (U) being able to modify it, thus guaranteeing to the third-party certifier (T) that the video has not been altered.

[0099] The term "remote storage server" (RSS) refers to a server located outside the user's local environment. Specifically, this refers to a cloud-based storage server or the grading company's storage server.

[0100] Incidentally, the dedicated application installed on said user equipment (UE) may also include the following functions, which are not essential but useful for improving the comfort of said user (U) and the accuracy of the certification:

[0101] - A graphical interface allowing the user collector (U) to view in real time the sending of the video and to confirm its successful export to the remote storage server (SD). In case of interruption of the transfer, the user (U) has the possibility to restart the export. Once the video is exported, said user (U) can, if he wishes, download a copy of the video in the multimedia library of his user equipment (EU) for later consultation;

[0102] - A visual guidance module providing visual cues superimposed on the screen when shooting, such as guidelines, animated arrows or a framing frame, thus facilitating the optimal positioning and presentation of said collection card (C);

[0103] A "module" means any software system.

[0104] - A guidance module integrating written or oral instructions, detailing the steps to follow to correctly position the collection card (C) on the screen;

[0105] - A brightness analysis module that assesses the quality of the scene lighting, automatically adjusts the image brightness if necessary and checks that the card (C) is sufficiently lit to highlight all its defects;

[0106] - A card detection module (C) capable of identifying its location on the screen and providing indications to optimize its positioning;

[0107] - An automatic defect detection module that uses advanced mathematical algorithms to detect and report board imperfections (C);

[0108] - A real-time rating module based on artificial intelligence, which analyzes the video images and assigns a rating to the collection card (C) according to predefined criteria;

[0109] - A module for verifying the connection to the remote network (e.g. Internet), essential for sending the video to the remote storage server (SSD);

[0110] Following this step E0, illustrated by the said [fig.1], the user collector (U) prepares his environment in order to produce the video in accordance with the procedure described below (see El). This preparation involves the following preliminary actions by the user (U):

[0111] 1- Place within easy reach the collection card (C) whose condition and / or authenticity must be certified, as well as the protection device (DP) mentioned previously (see E0).

[0112] The protection device (DP), open and new, must be ready to accommodate said card (C);

[0113] 2- Ensure adequate lighting is available, preferably a spotlight (L) with a minimum power of 1000 lumens and a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of at least 90, located less than fifty centimeters from a shooting scene, oriented towards the card to be presented. In order to guarantee faithful reproduction of the card's colors, it is recommended to use a light (L) with a neutral color temperature;

[0114] 3- Stabilize the user equipment (UE), preferably using a tripod (TR), to ensure optimal video quality. The ideal use of a tripod (TR) helps to securely fix said user equipment (UE), thereby minimizing vibrations and unintentional movements that could compromise the sharpness and accuracy of the recorded image;

[0115] 4- Launch the user equipment (UE) application dedicated to video recording and connect to its session to access the application content, and display on the screen the button to trigger video recording.

[0116] El: Following a step El, illustrated by [fig.4] to [fig.6], the user collector (U) starts recording the video using the dedicated application installed on the user equipment (EU) and follows the steps below, without removing the card (C) from the camera field:

[0117] - El .1: With reference to [fig.4], He presents the collector card (C) to the camera from all angles, in accordance with the instructions provided in the instructions for use and any oral or written indications displayed on the screen. Preferably, said card (C) is positioned at an average distance of twenty centimeters from the camera, and as close as possible while maintaining a clear image. The user collector (U) shows the entire surface of said card (C), front and back, under the different inclinations indicated by the instructions for use, to reveal possible surface defects, by moving it slowly. This process should last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, varying according to the indications given;

[0118] - E1.2: Once the card (C) is presented, with reference to [fig.5], said user (U) places it “delicately” in the housing of the protection device (DP) provided for this purpose;

[0119] In this context, "gently" refers to how carefully and cautiously the user (U) handles the collectible card (C), avoiding any abrupt or careless actions that could damage or alter the condition of the card (C) when placing it in the protection device (DP).

[0120] - El.3: Still with reference to [fig.5], the user (U) closes and seals said protection device (DP);

[0121] - El.4: With reference to [fig.6], it then shows the user equipment (UE) camera that the protective device (PD) is “correctly” closed and sealed by presenting it less than 30 centimeters from the lens, from all angles;

[0122] In this context, "correctly" indicates that the said protective device (PD) is closed and sealed according to the instructions provided in the operating instructions.

[0123] - El.5: Finally, still with reference to [fig.6], the user collector (U) presents the unique identifier (iu) of the protection device (DP) to the camera of the user equipment (EU), so that the competent third party (T) can record it. In another embodiment, the unique identifier (iu) can also be detected automatically by the application, provided that it is equipped with an appropriate recognition system. Preferably, the unique identifier (iu) is composed of a sequence of numbers and / or letters. Example: C000001.

[0124] In one embodiment, said user (U) repeats this step (El) for each card whose condition and / or authenticity he wishes to have certified in a single video.

[0125] In another embodiment, and preferably, the user collector (U) makes a video by sealed (C) card in order to reduce the risks related to a large file transfer problem.

[0126] E2: Following a step E2, illustrated by [fig.7], the user (U) finishes the recording, triggering an automatic transfer of the video (V) to a remote storage server (S SD).

[0127] In one embodiment, the user equipment (UE) transfers or exports the video (V) when recording is stopped. For example, when the user (U) presses a stop recording button on a graphical interface of the application. It is the action of stopping the recording that leads to the transfer of the video (V) to said remote storage server (SD).

[0128] In another embodiment, the export of the video (V) can be carried out continuously during recording using a real-time video streaming system.

[0129] Once these three EO El E2 steps are completed, the video is made available to the competent third party (T), such as a grading company.

[0130] Although the invention described in the present patent application is limited to steps EO to E2 establishing the fundamental process enabling the competent third party (T) to issue its certification, it is nevertheless useful to describe the steps which will generally follow to result in the issue of the certification by a grading company acting as competent third party (T):

[0131] 1° Once the video (V) is made available on a remote storage server (SSD) accessible to said competent third party (T), the latter can consult it to verify compliance with the procedure (step El) and analyze the state of the card (C) and / or its authenticity.

[0132] The method for assessing the condition of a collectible card varies from professional to professional.

[0133] One method is to note all the defects in the card to determine its correspondence to its pre-established grading scale and assign a grade and / or rating.

[0134] For example, if the (C) card is in perfect condition and has no apparent defects, it could obtain the grade of 10 / 10, often associated with the GEM MINT grade, which means that the (C) card is visually in a perfect state of preservation.

[0135] The competent third party (T) may also assign the grade "Authentic" in place of a note if the user collector (U) only wants the third party (T) to verify the authenticity of said card (C) without noting its condition.

[0136] 2° Once the rating and / or grade has been assigned, the competent third party (T) enters the data relating to the certification into a database, generally including: the name of the said card (C), its photo, its information such as its language, the collection to which it belongs, its rarity; the rating obtained and / or its grade; the list of any defects in the said card (C); the unique identifier (iu) of the protection device (DP); the certification date.

[0137] 3° This information allows the professional to make a certificate available on its site in the form of a dedicated web page summarizing the data relating to the certified card (C), accessible to all.

[0138] 4° It may also issue a self-adhesive label to be affixed to the protection device (DP), containing the following data: the unique identifier (UI) of the protection device (DP), the rating and / or grade, and the logo of the third-party company (T). This label may also be equipped with an NFC chip, allowing, for example, the holder of the certified card (C) to access the certificate online when it is scanned by a smartphone. Variations in the process

[0139] A contemplated variant of the video evidence submission method allows the user (U) to make his video (V) using any mobile application capable of producing an original exportable video file, without the export being done automatically at the end of the recording. In this variant, after recording the video, the user (U) transfers the video file himself to a remote storage server (SD) via a secure large file transfer system offered by said third party (T), such as “Wetransfer®”.

[0140] Once the said video file (V) is received on the said remote storage server (SD), specially designed software is deployed to analyze the video file (V). This software verifies the integrity of the video file (V), ensuring that it has not been corrupted during transfer or modified in any way after recording. If the software confirms that the video file (V) is original and intact, it is then made available to the relevant third party (T) for viewing.

[0141] According to another variant envisaged, the export of the video (V) can be carried out continuously during recording thanks to a real-time video stream transmission system, always with the aim of preventing the user (U) from being able to modify the file.

[0142] Another variant considered is to replace the video (V) with a three-dimensional shot, for example consisting of a set of distance data between a user equipment (UE) and the collection card (C) obtained by a distance sensor. The advantage of this variant is to be able to identify abnormal dents or reliefs of the card (C), such as an impact or a deposit of material. Alternative operating mode:

[0143] The invention presented can also be exploited industrially by online sales platforms, such as "eBay®", and live sales platforms (in French: sale by live broadcast of a video stream in which a seller presents his products for sale), such as "Whatnot®" or "VOGGT®", for the trading of collectible cards. The method allows sellers of collectible cards to provide, before sending, irrefutable proof of the condition of their cards and their secure packaging in a sealed and uniquely identified protection. Thus, it effectively addresses common concerns of buyers regarding the risks of fraud. Thanks to this system, video proof ensures that the shipped card, contained in a specifically identified protective device, is exactly the one received by the buyer.This method significantly reduces common frauds where a seller presents a card in good condition for sale, but sends a similar card in inferior condition, thus providing increased security for the buyer. This fraud, which is difficult to detect, complicates refund requests made to online sales platforms. The adoption of this procedure by sales platforms would reduce the number of disputes to resolve and increase user confidence.

[0144] Implementation:

[0145] With regard to online sales platforms, they may ask users to use this process to obtain a link made available by the competent third party which will redirect the potential buyer to the video stored on the remote storage server. This link may appear on the advertisement for the item for sale, in order to reassure the potential buyer, who will be able to consult the video freely to observe the condition of the collector's card and note that it is under a sealed and uniquely identified protective device.

[0146] For live sales platforms, sellers could use the process during a live broadcast by following the steps above to improve the confidence of potential buyers connected to the said broadcast.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Method for submitting to a third party (T) video evidence (V) of a state and / or authenticity of a collection card (C) of a user (U) for remote certification of said state and / or authenticity of said card (C) by said third party (T), said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: El - A recording by user equipment (UE) capable of connecting to a remote network, on which is installed computer software dedicated to producing a video and transferring it to a remote storage server, equipped with a digital camera and a man / machine interface, of a video (V) capturing the following steps implemented by said user (U): El.l - A complete, detailed and framed presentation with the help of instructions, of all the surfaces of the said collector's card (C); El.2 - A placement of said collection card (C) in a protection device (DP) marked with a unique identifier (iu) and comprising a manual closing and sealing element (efs); El.3 - A manual closing and sealing of said protection device (DP) comprising said card (C); El.4 - A presentation of all surfaces of said closed and sealed protective device (PD); El.5 - A presentation of the unique identifier (UI) of said protection device (PD); E2 - An automatic transfer by said user equipment (UE) connected to a remote network of said video (V) to a remote storage server (SD).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording of steps El. 1 to El. 5 is carried out continuously and without interruption.

3. Method according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it further comprises: - a request for information by said user equipment (EU) of user (U) identifiers to associate it with its personal space on the remote storage server (SD); - starting said recording from a human / machine graphical interface of said user equipment (UE); - a stop of said recording from said human / machine graphical interface of said user equipment (UE); - a reception from said human / machine graphical interface of said user equipment (UE) of a notification or a message verifying a good transfer of said video or a reception of a bad transfer message; - a relaunch of said transfer in the event of receipt of said incorrect transfer message; - transmission to the third-party certifier (T) of a warning message that a certification request is to be processed.

4. Method according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said video file (V) includes in its title the email address of said user (U) and the timestamp of the date of creation of said video (V).

5. Method according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said closing and sealing element (efs) is a security component integrated into said protection device (DP) designed to allow the user to close it definitively and guarantee the integrity of said closure by ensuring that any attempt to reopen said protection device (PD) results in irreversible alteration, thus making any unauthorized access evident, chosen from - one or more clips, designed to deteriorate visibly and permanently if said protective device (PD) is reopened; - a glue and / or at least one adhesive label, which leaves residual traces or causes discoloration if said device (DP) is reopened; - a calibrated embedding mechanism to work in synergy with one or more intentionally weakened areas of said device (DP) breaking and / or deforming irreparably and in the event of said device being reopened.

6. Method according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the unique identifier (iu) of said protection device (DP) is engraved directly on and / or in said protection device (DP), and / or appears on an adhesive label fixed on said protection device (DP).

7. Method according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises, prior to the recording of said video (V), the following preparatory arrangements implemented by said user (U): a- a placement within immediate reach of said user (U) of said collection card (C) whose state and / or authentication must be evaluated, as well as of the protection device (DP), b- an adjustment of lighting, preferably a light spot (L) with an intensity of at least 1000 lumens and a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90, positioned at a distance not not exceeding fifty centimeters from a shooting area, and directed specifically towards said card (C) to be evaluated. c- stabilization of said user equipment (DP) using a tripod (tr). d- familiarization with said instructions for use, detailing precisely the steps to follow.

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