Method, device and subjects stimulated for mitigating counterfeit

Abstract

This invention provides a process to mitigate counterfeit by providing stimulus to buyers. This invention provides a method for determining a reward to induce a consumer who has acquired a product to react the product seller's request comprising using Roptimal Formula to determine an optimal stimulus or reward to the consumer. This invention also provides a method for identifying a sufficient number of items to be stimulated into Roptimal subjects by consumers, at which juncture counterfeiting may be prevented or mitigated, with the said stimulation of an item into a Roptimal subject being a part of the anti-counterfeiting effort. This invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: a product registration method; authentication methods and providing incentive to acquirer for compliance of the reaction method wherein said incentive is a reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

Description

Dkt. #031-01-A-PCT METHOD, DEVICE AND SUBJECTS STIMULATED FOR MITIGATING COUNTERFEIT CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. 202322354474.3, filed August 31, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to technology for mitigating counterfeit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The emergence of internet technology has been one of the most important driving forces behind the globalization of business worldwide. Counterfeiting is, unfortunately, on the increase and the international criminal rings who profit from this trade respect neither borders nor legality. They are always ready to prey on the vulnerable and take advantage of any lack of coordination. The harm caused by IP crime hits company profits, tax revenues and endangers the public as has been shown so graphically by the rise in fake medicines and personal protective equipment in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a 2019 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the EUIPO on trends in illicit trade, within the past 3 years the value of counterfeit goods had reached US$509 billion, equal to 3.3% of global trade.

[0004] Anti-counterfeiting technologies help determine whether a product is genuine or fake, or has otherwise been subject to fraudulent activities. They may use different methods by performing functions including authentication, tracking / tracing and anti-tampering / anti-alteration.

[0005] Anti-counterfeiting technologies differ according to the combination of essential functions they perform, the methods they use to perform them and their mode of inspection – whether they can be verified by human senses or whether a special device is required. However, the characteristic shared by all anti-counterfeiting methods is the use of specific marking devices, known as markers. These are joined inseparably to the products (by various techniques) and contain the specific information that enables the technology to perform its essential function.

[0006] Broadly speaking anti-counterfeiting technologies could be classified as follows: • Electronic technologies – where an electronic identification / authentication / tracking device is associated with the product.• Marking technologies – where a visible or invisible marker is incorporated into the product. • Chemical & physical technologies – where chemical or physical processes or substances are used to mark and verify the product. • Mechanical technologies – where material elements or processes are applied to the product for authentication and / or anti-tampering purposes. • Technologies for digital media – where information is embedded in or extracted from digital files, computers and electronic devices. • Shared ledger technology (blockchain) – a tool that can be used in combination with other technologies to boost overall anti-counterfeiting defences. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention provides a method for determining a reward to induce consumers who have acquired a product to react to the product seller’s anti-counterfeiting effort, comprising using Roptimal Formula to determine a Roptimal value, thereby determining the reward. This invention also provides a method for identifying a sufficient number of products to be stimulated into Roptimal subjects by consumers, at which juncture counterfeiting may be prevented or mitigated, with the said stimulation of a product into a Roptimal subject being a part of the anti-counterfeiting effort of a merchant or sometimes a brand owner. This invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: a product registration method; and providing incentive to acquirer for compliance of the reaction method wherein said incentive is a reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0008] This invention also provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeiting, which comprises recording the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the product being sold; a system to compare the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the same being so and that after sales; and a method to induce consumers to engage the said system, which method includes providing a reward to the consumers wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0009] In a separate embodiment, this invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeiting, which comprises: a product registration method, which includes: Linking each item with an identifier, embedding the said identifier with an authenticating layer; connecting the authenticating layer with the product, the method of which includes attaching an authenticatinglayer to the product connecting a reward with the said authenticating layer and determining the value of the said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0010] The system of the above described, wherein said first authenticating information includes reward information, and wherein said server is configured: in response to receipt of a reward collection command from said terminal, to obtain a product identifier; and to determine whether said product identifier is present in a predefined database; when said product identifier is determined to be present in said predefined database, to send said reward to said terminal, enabling a user to collect said reward through said terminal; and when said product identifier is determined to be absent from said predefined database, to refrain from sending said reward to said terminal.

[0011] This invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: a product authentication method and providing reward to consumers for compliance of the authentication method wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0012] This invention provides a container for containing a product, including: a first authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to a first authenticating information; a second authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to a second authenticating information which is associated with but different from said first authenticating information; wherein said container is movable between a closed configuration in which access to said first authenticating information from or via said first authenticating layer and / or access to said second authenticating information from or via said second authenticating layer are prevented, and an open configuration in which access to said product, access to said first authenticating information from or via said first authenticating layer and access to said second authenticating information from or via said second authenticating layer are allowed.

[0013] This invention provides a product authentication method, including: scanning said first authenticating layer and said second authenticating layer of said container according to any one of the above claims to obtain said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information respectively; a server receiving and analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information; and said server providing an authentication result message based on result of said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information. Further to this method, the said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information includes determining (i) the authenticationof and association between said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information and (ii) the updated scan count of said first authenticating layer and of said second authenticating layer.

[0014] This invention provides a product authentication method, including: scanning an authenticating layer of a container by a terminal to obtain an authenticating information; determining a value of a reward based at least partly on the probability of said authenticating layer being scanned; and sending a reward of said value to said terminal in response to said authenticating layer being scanned. This authentication method includes adjusting the value of said reward to at least reduce the profit of selling counterfeit products in or with Used Containers. The said value of said reward is arrived at by Roptimal Formula. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description along with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows a logistic regression curve showing the estimated probability of a consumer scanning an authenticating layer versus the value of the reward.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a curve showing the profit of counterfeiting versus the value of the reward.

[0018] Figure 3A shows the probability of scanning the code with different reward values for an edible bird’s nest.

[0019] Figure 3B shows the function ^^^^( ^^^^) based on the results in Figure 3A to obtain ^^^^^^^^and ^^^^1.

[0020] Figure 3C shows how to ascertain the value of sufficiently high probability of scanning the code for said edible bird’s nest.

[0021] Figure 3D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for said edible bird’s nest.

[0022] Figure 4A shows the probability of scanning the code with different reward values for a luxury watch.

[0023] Figure 4B shows the function P(R) based on the results in Figure 4A to obtain ^^^^^^^^and ^^^^1.

[0024] Figure 4C shows how to ascertain the value of sufficiently high probability of scanning the code for said luxury watch.

[0025] Figure 4D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for said luxury watch.

[0026] Figure 5A shows the probability of scanning the code with different reward values for a pistachio product.

[0027] Figure 5B shows the function P(R) based on the results in Figure 5A to obtain ^^^^^^^^and ^^^^1.

[0028] Figure 5C shows how to ascertain the value of sufficiently high probability of scanning the code for said pistachio product.

[0029] Figure 5D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for said pistachio product.

[0030] Figure 6A shows the probability of scanning the code with different reward values for a red wine.

[0031] Figure 6B shows the function P(R) based on the results in Figure 6A to obtain ^^^^^^^^and ^^^^1.

[0032] Figure 6C shows how to ascertain the value of sufficiently high probability of scanning the code for said red wine.

[0033] Figure 6D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for said red wine.

[0034] Figure 7A shows the probability of scanning the code with different reward values for a pair of trousers from a popular sportswear brand.

[0035] Figure 7B shows the function P(R) based on the results in Figure 7A to obtain ^^^^^^^^and ^^^^1.

[0036] Figure 7C shows how to ascertain the value of sufficiently high probability of scanning the code for said trousers.

[0037] Figure 7D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for said trousers.

[0038] Figure 8A shows the probability of scanning the code with different reward values for a luxury bag.

[0039] Figure 8B shows the function P(R) based on the results in Figure 8A to obtain ^^^^^^^^and ^^^^1.

[0040] Figure 8C shows how to ascertain the value of sufficiently high probability of scanning the code for said luxury bag.

[0041] Figure 8D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for said luxury bag.

[0042] Figure 9 shows curves showing the profit of counterfeiting versus the value of the reward in different scenarios.

[0043] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.

[0044] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the box of Figure 10A in a closed configuration.

[0045] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.

[0046] Figure 11B is a schematic diagram of the box of Figure 11A in a closed configuration.

[0047] Figure 12A is a schematic diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.

[0048] Figure 12B is a schematic diagram of the box of Figure 12A in a closed configuration.

[0049] Figure 13A is a schematic diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.

[0050] Figure 13B is a schematic diagram of the box of Figure 13A in a closed configuration.

[0051] Figure 14A is a front view of a covering layer covering an authenticating layer of a product authentication container according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14B is a side view of the covering layer and the authenticating layer of Figure 14A shown as being detached from each other.

[0053] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to a yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration.

[0054] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary box body of the box of Figure 15.

[0055] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary box body of the box of Figure 15.

[0056] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to a further embodiment of the present invention in a closed state.

[0057] Figure 19 is a schematic exploded diagram of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a product authentication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of an authentication result message shown on a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of another authentication result message shown on a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a product authentication method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating a product authentication method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 25 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary product authentication device that can be used for implementing a product authentication method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The present disclosure relates to the use of incentive to acquirer of goods or product or service to respond the seller’s request to ensure that the goods, product or service is not a counterfeit. Said stimulus or incentive maybe a reward. Said response maybe an authentication. The reward will result in mitigating profits generated from counterfeiting trade.

[0065] This invention provides a method for determining a reward to induce consumers who have acquired a product to react the product seller’s request, comprising using Roptimal Formula to determine a Roptimal value, thereby determining the reward.

[0066] In one embodiment, said method further comprises a first step of setting a first Roptimal value.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first step is an educated guess, then the second step is to obtain the desired Roptimal value through binary search.

[0068] In one embodiment, the product comprises edible bird’s nest, wild Cordyceps, pistachios, liquor, sportswear, watch and designer bag.

[0069] This invention also provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: A product registration method; and providing incentive to acquirer for compliance of the reaction method wherein said incentive maybe a reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0070] This invention further provides a method for identifying a sufficient number of products to be stimulated into subjects by consumers, comprising the steps of: i) A product verification method, which method includes in a product sold at least one authenticating layer; ii) A method to induce compliance with the product authentication method, which method includes providing a reward to consumers for stimulating the product sold into a Roptimal subject; and iii) A method for determining the value of the reward to the consumers, which method includes Roptimal Formula.

[0071] This invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeiting, which comprises: recording the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the product being sold; a system to compare the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the same being so and that after sales; a method to induce consumers to engage the said system, which method includes providing a reward to the consumer wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0072] This invention provides a method to drive counterfeiters into applying Used Containers to their production of counterfeits, comprising the steps of: i) A system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers according to Claim 5; ii) Using Roptimal Formula to determine the Roptimal value of the rewards, at or above which value counterfeiters not applying Used Containers in counterfeiting will have lower profits than counterfeiters who apply Used Containers.

[0073] This invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeiting, comprising: recording the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the product being sold; a system to compare the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the same being sold and that after sales; a method to induce consumers to engage the said system, which method includes providing a reward to the consumer wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0074] In one embodiment, said first authenticating information includes reward information, and wherein said server is configured: in response to receipt of a reward collection command from said terminal, to obtain a product identifier; and to determine whether said product identifier is present in a predefined database; when said product identifier is determined to be present in said predefined database, to send said reward to said terminal, enabling a user to collect said reward through said terminal; and when said product identifier is determined to be absent from said predefined database, to refrain from sending said reward to said terminal.

[0075] In one embodiment, said first authenticating information includes reward information, and wherein said server is configured: in response to receipt of a reward collection command from said terminal, to retrieve a real-time value of said reward; when said reward is of a positive real-time value, to send said real-time value of said reward to said terminal, enabling a user to collect a random coupon of a customized value which is lower than or equal to said real-time value of said reward; and when said reward is of zero real-time value, to send a reward collection denied message to said terminal.

[0076] In one embodiment, the reward is of a random value pre-determined by the merchant.

[0077] This invention provides a system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: a product authentication method; and providing reward to consumers for compliance of the product authentication method wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

[0078] In one embodiment, said system requires scanning at least 2 codes.

[0079] In one embodiment, consumers can claim a reward by scanning any one code or wherein at least one code is concealed and the revealing of the said code will involve leaving a visible mark of damage to the packaging of the product or wherein at least one code is unconcealed and is visible without having to do any damage to the packaging of the product.

[0080] This invention provides a container for containing a product, comprising: a first authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to a first authenticating information; a second authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to a second authenticating information which is associated with but different from said first authenticating information; wherein said container is movable between a closed configuration in which access to said first authenticating information from or via said first authenticating layer and / or access to said second authenticating information from or via said second authenticating layer are prevented, and an open configuration in which access to said product, access to said first authenticating information from or via said first authenticating layer and access to said second authenticating information from or via said second authenticating layer are allowed.

[0081] This invention provides a product authentication method, comprising the steps of: i) scanning said first authenticating layer and said second authenticating layer of said container according to any one of the above claims to obtain said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information respectively; ii) a server receiving and analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information; and iii) said server providing an authentication result message based on result of said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information.

[0082] In one embodiment, said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information comprises determining (i) the authentication of and association between said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information and (ii) the updated scan count of said first authenticating layer and of said second authenticating layer; or wherein said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information includes determining the time of said first authenticating layer and / or said second authenticating layer being scanned for the first time or wherein said first authenticating information includes reward information; and wherein said method further includes: triggering a reward collection command based on said reward information, sending a product identifier of said container to said server; upon said server verifying that said product identifier is present in apredefined database, displaying said reward and enabling a user to collect said reward; and upon said server verifying that said product identifier is absent from said predefined database, displaying a reward collection denied message.

[0083] This invention provides a method for determining a value of a reward for consumers, comprising the steps of: i) estimating the time duration required for scanning the first authenticating layer and / or the second authenticating layer of a container as above claimed; ii) ascertaining the average per-unit-time wage of consumers; and iii) multiplying said estimated time duration, said average per-unit-time wage and an amplification value greater than 1 to arrive at an initial value of a reward for said consumers.

[0084] In one embodiment, said method further comprises the steps of: i) ascertaining the market value of a Used Container of an authentic product; ii) ascertaining the average market price of said authentic product; iii) ascertaining the cost of selling a counterfeit of said authentic product, less the market value of said Used Container; and iv) adjusting said value of said reward for said consumers based at least partly on the estimated probability of said reward being collected.

[0085] This invention provides a product authentication method, comprising the steps of: i) scanning an authenticating layer of a container by a terminal to obtain an authenticating information; ii) determining a value of a reward based at least partly on the probability of said authenticating layer being scanned; and iii) sending a reward of said value to said terminal in response to said authenticating layer being scanned.

[0086] Rewards

[0087] The first aspect of the invention deals with the determination of reward used in the anti- counterfeit technology. The reward is intended as a “bait”. In this connection, the profit ( ^^^^^^^^) from selling a counterfeit product in a container previously used for packaging / containing an authentic product (hereafter “Used Container”) is represented in Formula (1): ^^^^^^^^= ^^^^^^^^−� ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^� Formula (1), where ^^^^^^^^represents the selling price of a counterfeit product contained in the Used Container; ^^^^^^^^represents the cost of producing the counterfeit product, and ^^^^^^^^represents the cost of acquiring the Used Container for packaging the counterfeit product.

[0088] The concept of Used Container also extends to cover all surfaces bearing an authenticating layer in a product sold without a container.

[0089] When the authentic product is sold with an accompanying reward, the profit ( ^^^^^^^^’) from selling the counterfeit product contained in a Used Container satisfies Formula (2a): ^^^^^^^^′ = ^^^^^^^^′ −� ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^� Formula (2a), where ^^^^^^^^’ represents the selling price of a counterfeit product and satisfies Formula (2b): ^^^^^^^^′ =[1 − ^^^^( ^^^^)]^^^^^^^^Formula (2b), where ^^^^ is the value of the reward, and ^^^^( ^^^^) is the probability of the reward being collected.

[0090] With the reward accompanying the authentic products, assuming there is a consumer of one authentic product who intends, after consuming the authentic product or removing the authentic product from the container, to sell the Used Container to a counterfeiter, the consumer may or may not scan the relevant authenticating layer, trigger the reward collection command (e.g., a coupon collection command) to collect the reward (e.g., a cash coupon, a discount coupon, a membership, etc.). When this consumer sells the Used Container to the counterfeiter, while the consumer will assert (truthfully or untruthfully) that the reward has not been collected, this may not be verified by the counterfeiter. The counterfeiter may still have to purchase the Used Container at the original cost (i.e., ^^^^^^^^). There are of course cases where consumers would scan the relevant authenticating layer(s), trigger the reward collection command(s) and collect the rewards, and then sell the Used Containers to the counterfeiter. This means that for some of the Used Containers, the relevant authenticating layer(s) has / have been scanned and rewards collected, and for some other Used Containers, the relevant authenticating layer(s) has / have not been scanned, and the rewards are still available for collection. There might be consumers reusing the Used Container themselves for counterfeiting but it is believed that the number of such consumer-counterfeiter is not high and the likelihood of them profiting at the expense of brand owners is low if consumers are advised against buying from non-official channels and insist on obtaining sufficient personal information about the seller and face-to-face trade, the packaging of the product is not easily reversible such that the costs of producing counterfeits on small scales are high and / or there exists bounty hunters who get rewarded by brand owners for reporting counterfeits.

[0091] When the counterfeiter sells counterfeit products contained in Used Containers to their own defrauded customers (i.e., customers who genuinely believe that they are buying authentic products), some of such customers would buy and receive counterfeit products contained in Used Containers for which the relevant rewards have not been collected, whereas the remaining of suchdefrauded customers would buy and receive counterfeit products contained in Used Containers for which the relevant rewards have been collected.

[0092] A proportion of such defrauded customers who have bought and received counterfeit products contained in Used Containers for which the relevant rewards have been collected would seek to authenticate the products through an official channel, such as the official website or the official mobile application. Their authentication process would fail as one of or the relevant authenticating layer(s) has / have been scanned, thus preventing successful completion of any subsequent authentication process. Such consumers would know (or at least have grounds to suspect) that they have bought counterfeit products, and would make complaints to the counterfeiter, among the other parties, including the government authorities and e-commerce platforms. The counterfeiter (if they would like to continue with their counterfeiting activities) would have to compensate such customers, in the hope of pacifying them. The counterfeiter may also be fined by government authorities, sales platforms and may have to compensate the brand owner. The amount of such compensation and / or fine has / have to be taken into account in determining the profit of selling such counterfeit products ( ^^^^^^^^’). It can thus be seen that those customers who scan the relevant authenticating layer(s) knowing it or not will play a significant role in minimizing (if not wiping out) the profit made from selling counterfeit products in Used Containers. The reward hence serves as a trap in a sense that counterfeiters might by acquiring Used Containers be exposed to certain liability.

[0093] Assuming that ^^^^2> ^^^^1, it is reasonable to infer that ^^^^( ^^^^2) > ^^^^( ^^^^1). Thus, when the value ^^^^ of the reward increases, the probability of the reward being collected ( ^^^^( ^^^^)) also increases, resulting in a lower profit ^^^^^^^^’ made from selling counterfeit products in Used Containers. There may be two choices open to a consumer buying a product with such a reward: (a) to scan the authenticating layer(s) to obtain the reward, or (b) not to scan the authenticating layer(s) to obtain the reward. Given such a dichotomous nature of the behaviour pattern, it is believed that the probability of a consumer scanning the authenticating layer(s) versus the value of the reward canbest be estimated by logistic regression, in the general Formula (3) below, and shown in Figure 1P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3),where ^^^^0and ^^^^1are each an independent constant.

[0094] The estimation of ^^^^( ^^^^) is computed by a Formula (4) when the value of Roptimal may be influenced by a range of factors such as government policy ( ^^^^ ^^^^), trade union’s intervention ( ^^^^ ^^^^), Consumer protection group’s policy ( ^^^^ ^^^^), new or existing anti-counterfeiting technologies ( ^^^^ ^^^^), number of authenticating layers used, e.g.1 bar code, 2 bar codes, 3 bar codes etc. ( ^^^^ ^^^^), inflationrate in certain a county ( ^^^^ ^^^^) and others ( ^^^^ ^^^^).P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R+…+bnXn) Formula (4).

[0095] The impact of individual factors on the value of Roptimal and the probability of a consumer scanning the authenticating layer(s) versus the value of the reward are further computed by Formula (5) – Formula (8): P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R+b2GP+b3GI+b4CP+…)Formula (5), P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R+b2GP+ b3AT)Formula (6), P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R+b2BU+ b3IR)Formula (7), P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R+b2AT+ b3OT)Formula (8), ^^^^0, ^^^^1, ^^^^2, ^^^^3, ^^^^4and ^^^^^^^^are each an independent constant.

[0096] Logistic regression (e.g. multivariable logistic regression) may be applied to compute ^^^^( ^^^^) in respect of any combination of the explanatory independent variables above.

[0097] If a shop or a third-party sales channel does not promise to refund in case the goods sold by it is proved to be counterfeit, consumers would simply not purchase from such a shop or sales channel. Thus, foreseeing that consumers would likely scan the authenticating layer(s) to check whether the goods purchased are authentic, a counterfeiter’s new profit ^^^^^^^^’ is as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= [1 − ^^^^( ^^^^)] ^^^^^^^^−� ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^� Formula (9) ^^^^^^′^^+� ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^� = [1 − ^^^^( ^^^^)] ^^^^^^^^Put ^^^ ^^^^′^=[1 − ^^^^(^^^^)]^^^ ^^^^^ as^^^^ is an optimal value (Roptimal),^^^^ ^^^^’ = ^^^^ = ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^’ = 0 (i.e. no profit).

[0098] It can be seen from Figure 2 that when the value of the reward (R) increases, the ^^^^^^^^’ and ^^^^^^^^’ decrease, until when the value of the reward reaches Roptimal value, ^^^^^^^^’ reaches ^^^^, at which point ^^^^^^^^’ is reduced to 0.

[0099] Roptimal value is computed using 3 formulae drawn from a class of Roptimal Formulaincluding:P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3),^^^^^ Formula (10),^^^^� Formula (2a)

[0100] There are multiple ways of of the value of the reward ( ^^^^),including an estimation based on earnings of the target consumers and market survey.

[0101] According to the Report on Annual Earnings and Hours Survey issued by Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, the median hourly wage of employees was HK$80.1 (US$10.27) in May – June 2023. It is estimated that it would take around 1 minute to scan both the first authenticating layer and the second authenticating layer, the “time-cost” for doing so is arrived at as follows: US$10.27 x 1 / 60 = US$0.171.

[0102] To be attractive enough, US$2 might then be designated as the first good guess value of reward (R). This is arrived at by multiplying US$0.171 by an amplification value of around 10. Of course, to enhance the attraction of scanning the authenticating layer(s), a higher amplification value of, say, 15, 20 or even higher may be adopted. The value of reward ( ^^^^) is to be adjusted continuously until the brand owner finds the quantity of counterfeits in the market acceptable.

[0103] In addition, the Roptimal value for a product may be determined by first conducting a survey of the relevant consumers.

[0104] It may further be deciphered from surveys the method of identifying a sufficient number of product items to be stimulated into Roptimal subjects by consumers, at which juncture counterfeiting may be prevented or mitigated. A consumer having bought a product that is intact and consisting of said authenticating layer by scanning said authenticating layer (as may be inadvertently driven into doing so by the Roptimal reward) stimulates the product into a Roptimal subject, which is defined as a unit of product that is capable of giving effect to the anti- counterfeiting effort of the product seller or the brand owner.

[0105] With survey findings covering the values at which a statistically significant sample of consumers will scan said authenticating layer, the probability of a consumer having bought said intact product with said authenticating layer scanning said authenticating layer as well as the optimal value of the reward can be computed. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) can be computed by multiplying said probability by the number of units of the product sold.

[0106] Where the number of Roptimal subjects is sufficient at which point the value of the reward is at or above its optimal value, counterfeiting may be mitigated (if not wiped out).

[0107] Deductions potent against counterfeiting may be further drawn from said sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^). When an Roptimal subject gets re-stimulated, it may be deduced that counterfeiting is being carried out using such Roptimal subject. With data about the geographical location of terminal(s) re-stimulating the Roptimal subjects, brand owners may become aware of the regions in which counterfeiting becomes rampant again and respond by adjusting the value of the reward, restoring said value to Roptimal value.

[0108] Example 1 – Edible Bird’s Nest. A survey was conducted in which respondents were asked the following question: “You just purchased a box of popular branded edible bird’s nest and the brand offers you a coupon if you scan a code on the product container. Scanning a code takes about 1 minute. Only personal information necessary for giving you the reward is collected (i.e. no over- collection of personal data) in the scanning progress. If the reward is in the form of a cash- equivalent coupon with no minimum spending requirement, to be spent at the store of that brand, for this box of edible bird’s nest with the retail selling price of HK$2,000 (equivalent to US$256.58), what value of the reward would be sufficient to get you to scan the code?”

[0109] Eight respondents took part in the survey and their answers are tabulated in Table 1A and graphically represented in Figure 3A. Table 1A. Survey Results Respondent # Answer (HK$) 1 10 2 100 3 50 4 50 5 100 6 1007 50 8 Never

[0110] Table 1B below shows the cumulative probability of scanning the code in or on the product container of the edible bird’s nest. Table 1B Cumulative Probability from the survey Reward Value HK$5.00 HK$10.00 HK$20.00 HK$50.00 HK$100.00 (US$0.64) (US$1.28) (US$2.57) (US$6.41) (US$12.83) Cumulative # of people who will 0 1 1 4 7 definitely scan the code Probability (%) 0.0% 12.5% 12.5% 50.0% 87.5%

[0111] Figure 3B shows a method of ascertaining, for this example, the values of independentconstants ^^^^0 and ^^^^1 in Formula (3):P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3),It is ascertained that ^^^^0is equal to -2.894142 and ^^^^1is equal to 0.405698.

[0112] The probability of scanning the code, the number of sufficient Roptimal subjects and Roptimal value are computed as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= ^^^^^^^′^ − ^^^^ ^^^^^,(128) + (2.5)^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ −^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^= ^^^^^^^^× ^^^^( ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^)^^^^ℎ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^= 10,000, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^= (10000) × (0.491387)=4,9141^^^^( ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) =^^^^−( ^^^^1∙ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^)Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 49.1% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 49.1% of the units of the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 3C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) is 4,914 when the total number of product sold and equipped with Roptimal authentication code ( ^^^^^^^^) is 10,000.

[0113] Figure 3D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for this edible bird’s nest, with the selling price of US$256.58, the cost of the Used Container ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$2.5, and the cost of the counterfeit product ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$128. The Roptimal value in this example is computed to be approximately US$7.048.

[0114] Example 2 – Luxury Watch. A survey was conducted in which respondents were asked a question similar to that in relation to the edible bird’s nest discussed above, except that in this case the product is a luxury watch of a retail selling price of HK$200,000 (US$25,658), and the reward is cash to be directly paid into the customer’s bank account or via electronic payment.

[0115] Seven respondents took part in the survey and their answers are tabulated in Table 2A and graphically represented in Figure 4A. Table 2A. Survey Results Respondent # Answer (HK$) 1 5002 5 3 20 4 80 5 500 6 1000 7 Never

[0116] Table 2B shows the cumulative probability of scanning the code coming with the luxury watch. Table 2B Cumulative Probability from the survey Reward Value HK$5.00 HK$20.00 HK$80.00 HK$500.00 HK$1000.00 (US$0.64) (US$2.57) (US$10.26) (US$64.15) (US$128.29) Cumulative # of people who will 1 2 3 5 6 definitely scan the code Probability (%) 14.3 28.6 42.9 71.4 85.7

[0117] Figure 4B shows a method of ascertaining, for this example, the values of independentconstants ^^^^0 and ^^^^1 in Formula (3):P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3)It is ascertained that ^^^^0is equal to -0.986486 and ^^^^1is equal to 0.024739.

[0118] The probability of scanning the code, the number of sufficient Roptimal subjects and Roptimal value are computed as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= ^^^^^^^′^ − ^^^^ ^^^^^,(∴ ^^^^( ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) = 1 − 500) + (125)(25658)= 0.975641^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ = ^^^^ ^^^^ × ^^^^(^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^)^^^^ℎ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ = 10,000, ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ = (10000) × (0.975641)=9,756(1^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) =^^^^−( ^^^^1∙ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^)�

[0119] Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 97.6% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 97.6% of the units of the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 4C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) is 9,756 when the total number of product sold and equipped with Roptimal authentication code ( ^^^^^^^^) is 10,000.

[0120] Figure 4D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for this luxury watch, with the selling price of US$25,658, the cost of the Used Container ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$125 and the cost of the counterfeit product ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$500. The Roptimal value in this example is computed to be approximately US$189.044.

[0121] Example 3 – Pistachios. A survey was conducted in which respondents were asked a question similar to that in relation to the edible bird’s nest discussed above, except that in this case the product is a pack of pistachios of a retail selling price of HK$36 (US$4.62), and the reward is cash to be directly paid into the customer’s bank account or via electronic payment.

[0122] Eight respondents took part in the survey and their answers are tabulated in Table 3A and graphically represented in Figure 5A. Table 3A. Survey Results Respondent # Answer (HK$) 1 5 2 5 3 8 4 20 5 5 6 8 7 20 8 Never

[0123] Table 3B shows the cumulative probability of scanning the code coming with the pack of pistachios. Table 3B Cumulative Probability from the survey Reward HK$1.00 HK$2.00 HK$5.00 HK$8.00 HK$10.00 HK$20.00 Value (US$0.13) (US$0.26) (US$0.64) (US$1.03) (US$1.28) (US$2.57) Cumulative # of people who 0 0 3 5 6 7 will definitely scan the code Probability 0.0 0.0 37.5 62.5 75.0 87.5 (%)

[0124] Figure 5B shows a method of ascertaining, for this example, the values of independentconstants ^^^^0 and ^^^^1 in Formula (3):P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3)It is ascertained that ^^^^0is equal to -2.613061 and ^^^^1is equal to 2.543437.

[0125] The probability of scanning the code, the sufficient number of Roptimal subjects and Roptimal value are computed as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= ^^^^^^^′^ − ^^^^^^^^ℎ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^′^ = [1 − ^^^^( ^^^^)] ^^^^^^^^, ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ = ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^(0.25)= −(4.62)= 0.404762^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^= ^^^^^^^^× ^^^^( ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) ^^^^ℎ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^= 10,000, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^= (10000) × (0.404762)=4,0481^^^^( ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) =1+ ^^^^−( ^^^^0+ ^^^^1∙ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^)�

[0126] Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 40.5% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 40.5% of the units of the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 5C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) is 4,048 when the total number of product sold and equipped with Roptimal authentication code ( ^^^^^^^^) is 10,000.

[0127] Figure 5D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for this pistachio product, with the selling price of US$4.62, the cost of the Used Container ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$0.25 and the cost ofthe counterfeit product ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$2.5. The Roptimal value in this example is computed to be approximately US$0.876.

[0128] Example 4 – Red Wine. A survey was conducted in which respondents were asked a question similar to that in relation to the edible bird’s nest discussed above, except that in this case the product is a bottle of red wine of a retail selling price of HK$200 (US$25.66), and the reward is cash to be directly paid into the customer’s bank account or via electronic payment.

[0129] Seven respondents took part in the survey and their answers are tabulated in Table 4A and graphically represented in Figure 6A. Table 4A. Survey Results Respondent # Answer (HK$) 1 80 2 5 3 20 4 10 5 5 6 50 7 Never

[0130] Table 4B shows the cumulative probability of scanning the code coming with the bottle of red wine. Table 4B Cumulative Probability from the survey Reward HK$5.00 HK$10.00 HK$20.00 HK$50.00 HK$80.00 Value (US$0.64) (US$1.28) (US$2.57) (US$6.41) (US$10.26) Cumulative # of people who will 2 3 4 5 6 definitely scan the code Probability 28.6 42.9 57.1 71.4 85.7 (%)

[0131] Figure 6B shows a method of ascertaining, for this example, the values of independent constants ^^^^0and ^^^^1in Formula (3):P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R)Formula (3) It is ascertained that ^^^^0is equal to -0.699818 and ^^^^1is equal to 0.255414.

[0132] The probability of scanning the code, the sufficient number of Roptimal subjects and Roptimal value are computed as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= ^^^^^^^′^ − ^^^^ ^^^^ℎ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^′^=[1 − ^^^^(^^^^)]^^^ ^^^^^,�

[0133] Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 59.1% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 59.1% of the unitsof the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 6C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects is 5,908 when the total number Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 59.1% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 59.1% of the units of the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 6C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) is 5,910 when the total number of product sold and equipped with Roptimal authentication code ( ^^^^^^^^) is 10,000.

[0134] Figure 6D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for this red wine product, with the selling price of US$25.66, the cost of the Used Container ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$0.5 and the cost of the counterfeit product ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$10. The Roptimal value in this example is computed to be approximately US$4.178.

[0135] Example 5 – Popular Sportswear. A survey was conducted in which respondents were asked a question similar to that in relation to the edible bird’s nest discussed above, except that in this case the product is a pair of trousers from a popular sportswear brand, of which the retail selling price is HK$780 (US$100), and the reward is cash to be directly paid into the customer’s bank account or via electronic payment.

[0136] Seven respondents took part in the survey and their answers are tabulated in Table 5A and graphically represented in Figure 7A. Table 5A. Survey Results Respondent # Answer (HK$) 1 5 2 20 3 20 4 10 5 5 6 50 7 Never

[0137] Table 5B shows the cumulative probability of scanning the code coming with the pair of trousers from a popular sportswear brand. Table 5B Cumulative Probability from the surveyReward HK$5.00 HK$10.00 HK$20.00 HK$50.00 HK$80.00 Value (US$0.64) (US$1.28) (US$2.57) (US$6.41) (US$10.26) Cumulative # of people who will 2 3 4 5 6 definitely scan the code Probability 28.6 42.9 57.1 71.4 85.7 (%)

[0138] Figure 7B shows a method of ascertaining, for this example, the values of independentconstants ^^^^0 and ^^^^1 in Formula (3):P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3),It is ascertained that ^^^^0is equal to is equal to 0.474984.

[0139] The probability of number of Roptimal subjects and Roptimal value are computed as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= ^^^^^^^′^ − ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ − ^^^^ ^^^ )�ln� 1^^ = ^^^^(^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^) − 1� + ^^^^0�⇒^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^�∴^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ =−(0.474984)=3.556

[0140] Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 69.5% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 69.5% of the units of the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 7C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) is 6,950 when the total number of product sold and equipped with Roptimal authentication code ( ^^^^^^^^) is 10,000.

[0141] Figure 7D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for this pair of trousers from a popular sportswear brand, with the selling price of US$100, the cost of the Used Container ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$0.5 and the cost of the counterfeit product ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$30. The Roptimal value in this example is computed to be approximately US$3.556.

[0142] Example 6 – Luxury bag. A survey was conducted in which respondents were asked a question similar to that in relation to the edible bird’s nest discussed above, except that in this case the product is a luxury bag, of which the retail selling price is HK$80,000 (US$10,263.20), and the reward is cash to be directly paid into the customer’s bank account or via electronic payment.

[0143] Seven respondents took part in the survey and their answers are tabulated in Table 6A and graphically represented in Figure 8A. Table 6A. Survey Results Respondent # Answer (HK$) 1 800 2 10 3 100 4 20 5 500 6 1000 7 Never

[0144] Table 6B shows the cumulative probability of scanning the code coming with the luxury bag. Table 6B Cumulative Probability from the survey Reward HK$5.00 HK$20.00 HK$100.00 HK$500.00 HK$80.000 HK$1000.00 Value (US$0.64) (US$2.57) (US$12.83) (US$64.15) (US$102.63) (US$128.29) Cumulative # of people who will 1 2 3 4 5 6 definitely scan the code Probability 14.3 28.6 42.9 57.1 71.4 85.7 (%)

[0145] Figure 8B shows a method of ascertaining, for this example, the values of independentconstants ^^^^0 and ^^^^1 in Formula (3):P(R)= 11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3),It is ascertained that ^^^^0is equal to -1.063948 and ^^^^1is equal to 0.021136.

[0146] The probability of scanning the code, the sufficient number of Roptimal subjects and Roptimal value are computed as follows: ^^^^^^′^^= ^^^^^^^′^ − ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^= ^^^^^^^^× ^^^^( ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) ^^^^ℎ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^= 10,000, ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^= (10000) × (0.966872)=9,669( ) 1^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ =^^^^−( ^^^^0+ ^^^^1∙ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^)(0.96− + (−1.063948)�∴^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ = 6872)−(0.021136)=209.958

[0147] Therefore, a sufficiently high probability of scanning a code is approximately 96.7% and a sufficient number of Roptimal subjects in the circumstances would be at least 96.7% of the units of the product with said authenticating layer sold intact. The computation is graphically represented in Figure 8C. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects ( ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^) is 9,669 when the total number of product sold and equipped with Roptimal authentication code ( ^^^^^^^^) is 10,000.

[0148] Figure 8D shows a method of ascertaining the Roptimal value for this luxury bag, with the selling price of US$10,263.2, the cost of the Used Container ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$20 and the cost of the counterfeit product ( ^^^^^^^^) of US$320. The Roptimal value in this example is computed to be approximately US$209.958.

[0149] It may further be deciphered from surveys the method of identifying a sufficient number of products to be stimulated into Roptimal subjects by consumers, at which juncture counterfeiting may be prevented or mitigated. A consumer having bought a product that is intact and consisting of said authenticating layer by scanning said authenticating layer (as may be inadvertently driven into doing so by the Roptimal reward) stimulates the product into a Roptimal subject, which is defined as a unit of product that is capable of giving effect to the anti-counterfeiting effort of the product seller or the brand owner.

[0150] With survey findings covering the values at which a statistically significant sample of consumers will scan said authenticating layer, the probability of a consumer having bought said intact product with said authenticating layer scanning said authenticating layer can be computed as well as the optimal value of the reward may be computed. The sufficient number of Roptimal subjects can be computed by multiplying said probability by the number of units of the product sold.

[0151] Where the number of Roptimal subject is sufficient at which point the value of the reward is at or above its optimal value, counterfeiting may be mitigated (if not wiped out).

[0152] There may be cases where a consumer may not seek refund, or is unable to obtain refund, even if it can be proved that what he / she bought is a counterfeit product, though contained in a Used Container. In that case, a counterfeiter’s new profit is as follows: ^^^^^^′^^≒ [1 − (1 − ^^^^) ^^^^( ^^^^)] ^^^^^^^^− ( ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^) Formula (11) wherein ^^^^ is the percentage of customers not seeking or obtaining refund. It can be seen from Figure 9 that when the percentage of customers not seeking or obtaining refund increases Roptimal value increases.

[0153] Even if a shop or third-party sales channel has promised refund for goods proved to be counterfeit, there are still chances that some consumers might not scan the authenticating layer(s) to verify authenticity of the goods purchased. Therefore, the expected profit of counterfeiting is: ^^^^^^′^^ =(1 − ^^^^( ^^^^))� ^^^ ^^^^^ −� ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^(^^^^)1 − ^^^^(^^^^)� ^^^ ^^^^^ −� ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^ ^^^^ Formula (12)where ^^^^( ^^^^) is the probability of any consumer buying the goods from other than the flagship store or official channel scanning the authenticating layer(s); and ^^^^( ^^^^) is the probability of any consumer scanning the authenticating layer(s).

[0154] The part “ (1– ^^^^( ^^^^))[ ^^^^^^^^– ( ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^)] ” (“Profit Part A”) represents the profit of counterfeiting from selling to consumers who do not scan the authenticating layer(s) after purchasing the counterfeit and the part “ ^^^^( ^^^^)[�1– ^^^^(^^^^)� ^^^^^^^^– ( ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^)] ” (“Profit Part B”) represents the profit of counterfeiting from selling toscan the authenticating layer(s) after purchasing the counterfeit.

[0155] It is believed that ^^^^( ^^^^) ≥ ^^^^( ^^^^) , because, getting rewards aside, consumers purchasing from non-flagship stores or non-official channels might have certain anxiety about the authenticity of the goods, so ^^^^( ^^^^) might be higher or even much higher than ^^^^( ^^^^).

[0156] As ^^^^ ≥ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^, while Profit Part A remains positive but shrinks as ^^^^ is being adjusted upwards, both ^^^^( ^^^^) and ^^^^( ^^^^) increase; Profit Part B is negative and keeps increasing in absolute value until it finally exceeds Profit Part A. Thus, when Roptimal value is adjusted upwards to a sufficiently large value, then counterfeiters will be unable to make profits. Counterfeiters who do not even bother using Used Containers with authenticating layer(s) have even lower chances of making profits as Profit Part B becomes: ^^^^( ^^^^)�0 − ( ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^)� < ^^^^( ^^^^)1 − ^^^^( ^^^^)� ^^^^^^^^−� ^^^^^^^^+ ^^^^^^^^ Formula (13)wherein the left side of the inequality Formula (13) represents Profit Part B in case where no Used Containers with authenticating layer(s) is / are used, and the right side of the inequality Formula (13) represents Profit Part B where Used Containers with authenticating layer(s) is / are used.

[0157] The calculations of the Roptimal value, unless otherwise specified, are based on the assumption of confidence level 95%. When putting Roptimal into practice the brand owner may define the desired confidence level and the corresponding sample size using calculation tools or otherwise with the assistance of those skilled in the art of the field. As shown in Table 7 and Table 8 below, the sample size necessary varies with the confidence level preselected. Table 7. Sample Size Calculator Confidence Level 95% Margin of Error 5 Population Proportion 50 Population Size 50000 Sample Size 382 Table 8. Sample Size Calculator Confidence Level 99% Margin of Error 5 Population Proportion 50 Population Size 50000 Sample Size 657

[0158] The second aspect of the invention deals with the container and authentication process in the anti-counterfeit technology.

[0159] Conventional packaging containers typically only have a single QR code or a single string of characters printed on them, which are exposed on the outside of the packaging. This makes it relatively easy for counterfeiters to replicate the QR code or characters. When consumers scan such QR code or enter such characters copied by counterfeiters and put on packaging of counterfeit products, the consumers receive a message indicating that the product is authentic, leading to difficulties in accurately identifying whether the product is authentic or counterfeit. Moreover, these existing anti-counterfeiting methods primarily rely on consumers to verify the authenticity of the product after they have purchased it. In other words, even if the anti-counterfeiting methodsallow consumers to accurately identify the authenticity of the product, those who have purchased counterfeit goods have already suffered losses and need to spend time negotiating with the counterfeiters or shopping platforms to seek compensation. Substantial time and efforts from multiple parties are required for enforcement. Thus, existing anti-counterfeiting methods only address the symptoms rather than the root cause of the problem.

[0160] Authentication

[0161] To address one or more of the above issues and potential problems, the second aspect of this application relates to a product authentication container as discussed below.

[0162] Figure 10A shows a dual-code product authentication box for containing a product, the box generally designated as 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and in an open configuration. Figure 10B shows the box 100 in a closed configuration. The box 100 can be used for packaging various items, such as food, beverages, clothing, stationery, electronic products, jewelry, watches, medicines, etc. It is important to note that a product authentication box according to the present invention is not limited to the type of items to be contained therein, and can be used for packaging other goods as well, as the present invention does not impose specific restrictions in this regard.

[0163] Referring to Figure 10A and Figure 10B, the dual-code authentication box 100 includes a box body 110, a box lid 120, a first authenticating layer 130, and a second authenticating layer 140. The box body 110 has an opening 111, which allows for placing items into the box body 110 or retrieving items from the box body 110 through the opening 111. The box lid 120 is designed to be positioned on the opening side of the box body 110 to cover the opening 111. Although the box body 110 and box lid 120 are shown in the Figures 10A and 10B as each having a roughly rectangular shape, it should be understood that the shapes of the box body 110 and box lid 120 are not thus limited. For example, the box body 110 and box lid 120 can have shapes such as roughly circular, polygonal, irregular, etc., as long as the box lid 120 can be fitted onto the opening side of the box body 110.

[0164] The first authenticating layer 130 (which bears or allows access to, and is thus associated with, a first authenticating information) may be positioned on a first mating component 112 of the box body 110 or on an inner surface of the box body 110. In the configuration where the box lid 120 covers the opening 111 of the box body 110, the first mating component 112 is concealed by the box lid 120. The second authenticating layer 140 can be positioned on an inner surface of thebox lid 120 and bears or allows access to (and is thus associated with) a second authenticating information that is different from, yet is associated with (e.g., in a predefined relationship with) the first authenticating information. A derivative authenticating information of the dual-code authentication box 100 for authentication purposes is formed by or derived from the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information.

[0165] When a user intends to verify the authenticity of a product inside the dual-code authentication box 100, he / she may scan the first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating layer 140 to obtain the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information respectively. When the second authenticating information is found to be associated with (e.g., satisfy a predefined relationship with) the first authenticating information, the derivative authenticating information formed by or derived from the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information is determined to be correct, and a positive authentication result message is sent to the user, who can conclude that the product inside the box 100 should be authentic. If, on the other hand, the second authenticating information does not correspond to (e.g., does not satisfy a predefined relationship with) the first authenticating information, the derivative authentication information formed by or derived from the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information is determined to be incorrect, and a negative authentication result message is sent to the user, who can infer that the product inside the box 100 may be counterfeit. Therefore, by forming or deriving a derivative authentication information of the dual-code authentication box 100 based on the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information, the difficulty of counterfeiting is increased and thus the anti-counterfeiting performance of the dual-code box 100 and that of a product authentication system including the box 100 is enhanced.

[0166] It should be understood that the dual-code product authentication box 100 can also include one or more additional authenticating layer, such as a third authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to (and is thus associated with) a third authenticating information and a fourth authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to (and is thus associated with) a fourth authenticating information. A derivative authenticating information of the dual-code authentication box 100 may be formed by or derived from the first authenticating information, the second authenticating information, the third authenticating information, and the fourth authenticating information.

[0167] The first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating layer 140 may each be, independently, a graphical code (such as bar code or QR code) layer, a character code layer, or a combination thereof. The graphical code may be a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, while the character code may consist of text, numbers, and / or special characters, or a combination thereof. The first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating layer 140 may each be graphical codes or character codes generated using different encryption rules, thereby increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting. As an example, the graphical codes or character codes generated using different encryption rules can be provided by different brand owners or by the same brand owner.

[0168] Each of the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information is unique. It is thus possible to uniquely identify each of the dual-code authentication boxes 100 with reference to the first authenticating information borne by or associated with the first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating information borne by or associated with the second authenticating layer 140. With each dual-code authentication box 100 having unique first authenticating information and second authenticating information, the difficulty of making counterfeit dual-code authentication boxes is increased and hence the anti-counterfeiting performance of the dual-code authentication box 100 and that of a product authentication system including the box 100 is enhanced. The first authenticating information and the second authenticating information may be composed of text, numbers, and special characters, and a combination thereof, for example, they can be a unique string of text information.

[0169] As all the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are unique, they are all different from one and other. In addition, the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information of each box 100 are associated with each other, in the sense that they bear a predefined relationship with each other.

[0170] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the box body 110 further includes a first mating component 112 and a non-mating component 113. The first authenticating layer 130 is placed on the first mating component 112. The box lid 120 includes a sealing portion 121 and a second mating component 122 extending from the sealing portion 121. The sealing portion 121 is located at the top of the box body 110 and, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 10B in which the box lid 120 is duly engaged with the box body 110, covers the opening 111, while the second mating component 122 is fitted outside the first mating component 112 and coversthe first authenticating layer 130. In this embodiment, the second mating component 122 may cover the entire first authenticating layer 130. By using the second mating component 122 to cover the entire first authenticating layer 130, the first authenticating layer 130 is prevented from being exposed on the outer surface of the dual-code authentication box 100, to increase the difficulty of counterfeiting the dual-code authentication box 100.

[0171] In the exemplary dual-code authentication box 100, the first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating layer 140 are at different locations of the dual-code authentication box 100. When the exemplary product authenticating box 100 is in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 10B, as both the first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating layer 140 are not exposed to the outside environment, access to the first authenticating information from or via the first authenticating layer 130 and access to the second authenticating information from or via the second authenticating layer are prevented. On the other hand, when the box 100 is in the open configuration, e.g., as shown in Figure 10A, where the box lid 120 is disengaged from the box body 110, and thus the first mating component 112 and the second mating component 122 are engaged with each other, access to the product inside the box 100, access to the first authenticating information from or via the first authenticating layer 130 and access to the second authenticating information from or via the second authenticating layer 140 are allowed.

[0172] It should be noted that, to implement the present invention, it is envisaged that, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration, either one (but not both) of the first authenticating layer 130 and the second authenticating layer 140 may be exposed to the outside environment.

[0173] A product authentication container in the form of a box according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 11A and Figure 11B, and generally designated as 200. The box 200 includes a box body 210 and a box lid 220 which are separate entities and are releasably engageable with each other. A first authenticating layer 230 extends from a first mating component 212 to a non-mating component 213 of the box body 210. A second mating component 222 of the box lid 220 covers a portion of the first authenticating layer 230 located on the first mating component 212, when the box 200 is in the closed configuration, such that a sufficient portion of the first authenticating layer 230 is prevented from being exposed to the outside environment, thereby preventing access to the first authenticating information borne by or associated with the first authenticating layer 230, thus increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting the dual-code authentication box 200. A second authenticating layer 240 is located inside the boxlid 220, and is thus not accessible from the outside when the box 200 is in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 11B.

[0174] The area of a sealing portion 221 of the box 200 is greater than or equal to the area of an opening 211 of the box body 210. The box lid 220 can therefore completely cover the opening 211 of the box body 210 when the box lid 220 is duly engaged with the box body 210 in the closed configuration.

[0175] A product authentication container in the form of a box according to further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B, and generally designated as 300. The box 300 includes a box body 310 and a box cover 320 integrally formed with each other. The box cover 320 extends outward from a side edge of an opening 311 of the box body 310 and may be pivoted relative to the box body 310, to move the box 300 between an open configuration (as shown in Figure 12A) and a closed configuration (as shown in Figure 12B). For example, when the box cover 320 is pivoted to the position as shown in Figure 12A, the dual-code authentication box 300 is in the open configuration, and the box cover 320 does not cover the opening 311 and the first authenticating layer 330. On the other hand, when the box cover 320 is pivoted to the position as shown in Figure 12B, the box 300 is in the closed configuration, in which the box cover 320 covers the opening 311 and at least a portion of the first authenticating layer 330 which bears or allows access to a first authenticating information. A second authenticating layer 340 (which bears or allows access to a second authenticating information) is located inside the box cover 320, and is thus not accessible from the outside when the box 300 is in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 12B.

[0176] A product authentication container in the form of a box according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 13A and Figure 13B, and generally designated as 400, in which a box body 410 and a box cover 420 are integrally formed with each other. The box body 410 includes a first mating component 412 and a box body main body 416. The first mating component 412 extends outward from the box body main body 416 and may be pivoted relative to the box body main body 416. The first mating component 412 partially covers an opening 411. A first authenticating layer 430 bearing or allowing access to a first authenticating information is placed on the first mating component 412.

[0177] The box cover 420 extends outward from one side edge of the opening 411 of the box body 410 and is pivotally movable relative to the box body 410. By pivoting the box cover 420 relativeto the box body 410, the dual-code authentication box 400 may switch between an open configuration (as shown in Figure 13A) and a closed configuration (as shown in Figure 13B). A second authenticating layer 440 is placed on an inner surface of the box cover 420 (i.e., the surface facing the opening 411). When the box cover 420 is pivoted to the position as shown in Figure 13A, the dual-code authentication box 400 is in the open configuration, and the box cover 420 does not cover the opening 411 and the first authenticating layer 430. In this box-open configuration, both the first authenticating layer 430 and the second the second authenticating layer 440 are exposed, allowing access to a product contained in the opening 411 of the box 400, the first authenticating information borne by or accessible via the first authenticating layer 430, and the second authenticating information borne by or accessible via the second authenticating layer 440.

[0178] When the box cover 420 is in the position as shown in Figure 13B, the dual-code authentication box 400 is in the closed configuration, in which the box cover 420 covers the opening 411 and the first authenticating layer 430. In this box-closed configuration, the second authenticating layer 440 is also covered by the box cover 420. In some examples, either or both of the box cover 420 and the box body 410 may be made of a transparent or translucent material. In this case, the second authenticating layer 440 may be correspondingly positioned to cover the first authenticating layer 430 when the box cover 420 covers the opening 411. In other examples, the box body 410 may be made of a transparent or translucent material while the box cover 420 may be made of an opaque material.

[0179] As a further possible feature, the box 400 may include one or more sealing stickers 470 attached with and connecting the box body 410 and the box cover 420, for releasably securing the box body 410 and the box cover 420 with each other. The sealing stick 470 may have one or more unique authenticating markings (which may be a numeric or alphanumeric code composed of text, numbers, and / or special characters) associated with the first authenticating information and / or the second authenticating information, thus further increasing the difficulty in counterfeiting the box 400, and thus enhancing the anti-counterfeiting performance of the box 400.

[0180] Figure 14A shows a main view of a covering layer 450 of the dual-code authentication box 400 which may be positioned on top of one or both of the authenticating layers 430 and 440, and Figure 14B shows a side view of the covering layer 450 and the authenticating layer 430 / 440 detached from each other for illustration purposes. The covering layer 450 covers a portion of thefirst authenticating layer 430 and / or the second authenticating layer 440, so as to prevent the first authenticating layer 430 and / or the second authenticating layer 440 from being fully exposed. Only by damaging or permanently changing the state or appearance of the covering layer 450 can the first authenticating layer 430 and / or the second authenticating layer 440 be fully exposed for accessing the first authenticating information and / or the second authenticating information, for authenticating the dual-code authentication box 400. By requiring the covering layer 450 to be damaged or its state or appearance to be permanently changed in order to reveal the full or a sufficient portion of the first authenticating layer 430 and / or the second authenticating layer 440 for authentication purposes, the anti-counterfeiting performance of the dual-code authentication box 400 and that of a product authentication system including such a box 400 is enhanced.

[0181] Either or both of the first authenticating layer 430 and the second authenticating layer 440 may comprise a hidden portion H. The covering layer 450 covers the hidden portion H. The covering layer 450 is a tamper-evident layer, and may include at least one of a scratch-off layer, a decomposable layer, or a colour-changing layer. The hidden portion H is revealed after the scratch- off layer has been removed, the decomposable layer has decomposed, or the colour-changing layer has changed colour, e.g., become transparent. The scratch-off layer may include a resin layer doped with aluminum powder, titanium dioxide powder, or calcium carbonate. The decomposable layer may be a photo-decomposable layer or a thermal-decomposable layer. The colour-changing layer may be a water-reactive layer that turns transparent when exposed to water.

[0182] Figure 15 shows a product authentication container in the form of a box according to a still further embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 500, and in a closed configuration. In a direction vertical to a sealing portion 521 of a box cover 520 of the box 500, the height of a first mating component 512 of a box body 510 of the box 500 is greater than the height of a second mating component 522 of the box cover 520. When the box cover 520 is duly assembled with the boxy body 510, as shown in Figure 15, an annular groove exists between the second mating component 522 and the box body 510. An anti-counterfeiting ring 560 is positioned within the annular groove and is connected to both the second mating component 522 and the box body 510. By including the anti-counterfeiting ring 560 within the annular groove, the box cover 520 and the box body 510 can only be separated and the authenticity of the dual-code authentication box 500 can be verified by removing or damaging the anti-counterfeiting ring 560. The box 500 is tamper-evident in that once the anti-counterfeiting ring 560 is removed or destroyed,it cannot be reused, thus leaving visible marks on the dual-code authentication box 500. Therefore, by adding the anti-counterfeiting ring 560, the anti-counterfeiting performance of the dual-code authentication box 500 and that of a product authentication system including such a box 500 can be enhanced.

[0183] As shown in Figure 16, the box body 510 includes a bottom plate 550 and an annular side panel 552 fixed on the bottom plate 550. The annular side panel 552 includes the first mating component 512 and a non-mating component 513, where the non-mating component 513 is closer to the bottom plate 550 as compared to the first mating component 512. The box body 510 also has an opening 511 for receiving a product to be contained in the box 500. The annular side panel 552 can be circular or polygonal in shape. The area enclosed by the non-mating component 513 is larger than the area enclosed by the first mating component 512. The second mating component 522 and the non-mating component 513 of the box body 510 define an annular groove. The anti- counterfeiting ring 560 can be placed within the annular groove and connected to both the second mating component 522 and the non-mating component 513 of the box body 510. A first authenticating layer 530 bearing or allowing access to a first authenticating information is provided on the first mating component 512 of the box body 510. A second authenticating layer (not shown) bearing or allowing access to a second authenticating information is provided at another location of the box 500, and is not viewable from the outside when the box 500 is in a closed configuration.

[0184] As another exemplary embodiment, and as shown in Figure 17, the box 500 includes a box body 510a with an inner box body 514a and an outer box body 515a. The box body 510a has an opening 511a for receiving a product to be contained in the box 500. The outer box body 515a is positioned outside and fixed to the inner box body 514a. In the direction vertical to a sealing portion 521 of the box cover 520, the height of the inner box body 514a is greater than the height of the outer box body 515a. The portion of the inner box body 514a that extends beyond the outer box body 515a forms a first mating component 512a. An annular groove exists between the second mating component 522 of the box cover 520 and the outer box body 515a when the box cover 520 is duly engaged with the box body 510a. An anti-counterfeiting ring 560 may be placed within the annular groove and connected to both the second mating component 522 and the outer box body 515a. A first authenticating layer 530a bearing or allowing access to a first authenticating information is provided on the first mating component 512a.

[0185] Figure 18 shows an additional product authentication container in the form of a dual-code authentication box, generally designated as 600, in a closed configuration. The box 600 includes a box cover 620 releasably engageable with a box body 610, and includes multiple sealing stickers 670. The sealing stickers 670 are attached along the edge(s) of an opening at the connection between the box body 610 and the box cover 620 to secure them together. Each sealing sticker 670 has authenticating markings that correspond to or are associated with the first anti-counterfeiting information and / or the second anti-counterfeiting information of the respective first and second authenticating layers of the box 600.

[0186] The authenticating markings on the sealing stickers 670 are unique. For different product authentication containers 600 according to the present invention, the authenticating markings on the sealing stickers 670 are different. By ensuring that each product authentication box 600 according to the present invention has a unique authenticating marking that corresponds to the first authenticating information and / or the second authenticating information of the respective first and second authenticating layers of the product authentication box, the difficulty of counterfeiting the product authentication containers 600 can be increased, thereby enhancing their anti-counterfeiting performance. The authenticating markings can be numeric or alphanumeric codes composed of text, numbers, and special characters, or a combination thereof.

[0187] Figure 19 is an exploded view of a product authentication container in the form of a box according to a yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 700. The product authentication box 700 includes a box body 710, a buffer plate 780, a positioning member 790, and a box cover 720. The buffer plate 780 is placed inside the box body 710, and the positioning member 790 is placed inside the box cover 720. When duly assembled, the positioning member 790 and the buffer plate 780 collectively define a cavity for containing items, such as one or more products. The buffer plate 780 may be made of food-grade sponge or other soft cushioning materials. The positioning member 790 may be in the form of a box-shaped structure with an opening and made of transparent plastic or other transparent materials. During transportation, the buffer plate 780 acts as a cushioning material for the items, and when used in conjunction with the positioning member 790, the buffer plate 780 helps prevent damage to the items caused by shaking or movement in the course of shipping, thereby enhancing the safety of the items during shipping.

[0188] The dual-code authentication boxes 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 provided in the present invention achieve a first level of authentication through the use of the first authenticatinglayers 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 530a and the second anti-counterfeiting layer 140, 240, 340, 440 and a second level of authentication through the use of the authentication ring 560 and / or the sealing stickers 470, 670. This multi-dimensional approach to anti-counterfeiting / product authentication significantly increases the difficulty of counterfeiting the dual-code multidimensional authentication boxes according to the present invention, thereby enhancing their anti-counterfeiting performance.

[0189] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a product authentication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 1000. The system 1000 includes at least one dual-code product authentication container 1010 according to the present invention (e.g., one of the product authentication boxes 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700), a terminal 1020, and a server 1030.

[0190] The terminal 1020 may be a portable terminal device, including, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, a scanner, etc. The terminal 1020 is used for scanning the authenticating layers (including at least a first authenticating layer 1012 and a second authenticating layer 1014) of the container 1010 in order to obtain the first authenticating information borne by or accessible via the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating information borne by or accessible via the second authenticating layer 1014 of the container 1010. The terminal 1020 also possesses Internet-connection capability.

[0191] As an exemplary embodiment, a purchaser of a product contained in the product authentication container 1010 may connect the terminal 1020 to the Internet, access the official webpage of the brand owner of the product, and navigate to the verification / authentication page. The purchaser then scans the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 of the container 1010 with the terminal 1020 to obtain the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information respectively. Considering that counterfeiters can easily create fake verification webpages and fake links to such webpages, and also taking into account that users can more easily discern the authenticity of the official webpages, neither the dual-code authentication container 1010 itself nor the process of scanning the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 involves displaying a link to the verification / authentication webpage. The purchaser may directly access the verification webpage through the official webpage for verification / authentication purposes.

[0192] Upon scanning the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014, the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information thus obtained are sent to the server 1030 for analysis, for checking whether the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are both authentic (e.g., match information stored on or accessible by the server 1030) and whether the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are associated with each other (e.g., whether they satisfy a predefined relationship, or whether a derivative authenticating information formed or derived from the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information matches information stored on or accessible by the server 1030).

[0193] While it is assumed in the subsequent discussion that the server 1030 is a cloud server, it should be understood that the server 1030 needs only be a server which the terminal 1020 can access and communicate with via a global computer network, such as the Internet.

[0194] The cloud server 1030 then transmits an authentication result message to the terminal 1020 based on the checking result. If the first authenticating information and second authenticating information are found to match the information on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 (and are thus authentic) and are associated with each other (i.e., found to be of the correct corresponding relationship with each other), the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020, and the authentication page displayed on the terminal 1020 shows the “Authentication Successful” message, enabling the user to determine that the product inside the container 1010 should be authentic. If the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 but are not associated with each other, or the first authenticating information / or and the second authenticating information does not match the information on or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 transmits a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020, which is displayed on the authentication page shown on the terminal 1020, indicating to the user that the product inside the container 1010 may be a counterfeit. By utilizing both the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information as the authentication information for the dual-code product authentication container 1010, the anti- counterfeiting performance of the container 1010 and that of the product authentication system 1000 including the container 1010 can be enhanced.

[0195] As a further exemplary embodiment, when the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information stored on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and are associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 further determines the respective scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. It should be understood that when the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are scanned by any terminal connected via the Internet (or any other computer network connecting the terminal 1020 with the cloud server 1030) with the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 obtains and stores the current scan count and time. If, after the current scanning of the first authenticating layer 1012 and of the second authenticating layer 1014 by the terminal 1020, the updated cumulative scan counts of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 1 (which means that this is the first time the authenticating layers 1012, 1014 are scanned), the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020. If the scan counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 is / are greater than 1 (which means that either or both of the two authenticating layers 1012, 1014 has / have been scanned previously), while the cloud server 1030 still transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020, it also transmits the scanning time of the first scan(s) to the terminal 1020 to be displayed by and on the terminal 1020, alerting the user to exercise caution.

[0196] As a yet further exemplary embodiment, when the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information stored on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and are associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 will transmit a feedback message to the terminal 1020 the content of which being based on the scanning information of the first authenticating layer 1012 and that of the second authenticating layer 1014, which feedback being either a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) or a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message). The scanning information includes one or more of the updated cumulative scan counts, the real- time geographical location of terminal(s) as at the time of scanning and the scanning time. It should be understood that when the authenticating layers 1012 and 1014 are scanned by any terminal connected with the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 obtains the current scan count, thereal-time geographical location of the terminal, and the current scanning time as the scanning information, which are then stored in or in a database accessible by the cloud server 1030.

[0197] If the updated cumulative scan counts of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 1 (which means that the authenticating layers 1012, 1014 have not been scanned previously), the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0198] If the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 is greater than 1 (which means that it / they have been scanned previously), the cloud server 1030 needs to further analyze the scanning time and real-time geographical location of the current scan and those of the previous scan(s), such as by checking if the scanning time and real-time geographical location of the two scans satisfy the relationship: ^^^^( ^^^^2, ^^^^1)(^^^^2− ^^^^1)≤ ^^^^ Formula (14), Where ^^^^1represents the real-time of the terminal effecting the previousscan as at the time of effecting the previous scan, d2represents the real-time geographical location of the terminal effecting the current scan, t1 is the scanning time of the previous scan, t2 is the scanning time of the current scan, ^^^^( ^^^^2, ^^^^1) is a function for calculating the distance between d1 and d2, and a may be set according to actual needs, for example, 100 km / h.

[0199] When the scanning time and real-time geographical locations of the terminal(s) effecting the previous scan and the current scan satisfy Formula (14), the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020. When the scanning time and real-time geographical locations of these two scans do not satisfy Formula (14), the cloud server 1030 transmits a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0200] As an additional exemplary embodiment, when the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information stored on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and are associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 further determines the previous successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. It should be understood that when the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are scanned by any terminal connected with the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 obtains and stores the successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. If the counts of previoussuccessful authentication of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 0, the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to and to be displayed on the terminal 1020. If the counts of previous successful authentication of the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 is / are greater than or equal to 1, the cloud server 300 transmits back a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020 for display on the terminal 1020.

[0201] As a still further exemplary embodiment, if a code (such as a QR code) scanned by the terminal 1020 does not belong to the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 of the product authentication container 1010, the cloud server 1030 is not able to obtain any authenticating information that matches the information in a predefined database (of or accessible by the server 1030). When the cloud server 1030 fails to locate from the predefined database any authenticating information that corresponds to the information read by the terminal 1020 or if no information is read within a predefined period of time (for example, 30 seconds after the user accesses the scanning page via the terminal 1020), the cloud server 1030 will transmit a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0202] As a further exemplary embodiment, when a user scans the first authenticating layer 1012 with the terminal 1020, an authentication webpage link will be displayed on the terminal 1020 and the user can enter the authentication webpage through the link and input his / her user identifier, which can be a phone number or an ID card number, or part thereof. The terminal 1020 then sends the user identifier to the cloud server 1030.

[0203] Upon receiving the user identifier, the cloud server 1030 determines the current cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012. If the current cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is 1, the cloud server 1030 sends the first authenticating information to the terminal 1020. If the current cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is greater than 1, the cloud server 1030 does not send the first authenticating information to the terminal 1020. In other words, in this example, the first authenticating information can only be obtained when the first authenticating layer 1012 is being scanned for the first time.

[0204] When a user scans the second authenticating layer 1014 with the terminal 1020, an authentication webpage link will be displayed on the terminal 1020 and the user can enter theauthentication webpage through the link and input the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information. The terminal 1020 then sends the second authenticating information to the cloud server 1030. If the second authenticating information is associated with the first authenticating information, such as the second authenticating information and the first authenticating information collectively form a derived authenticating information which matches information stored in or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 transmits back a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0205] As an advanced option, when a user enters the authentication webpage through the link under the second authenticating layer 1014, the cloud server 1030 can also track the number clicks of the link under the second authenticating layer 1014. If the click count is greater than 1, the cloud server 1030 transmits to the terminal 1020 a message indicating the number of clicks of the link, alerting the user to exercise caution.

[0206] As a yet further exemplary embodiment, the cloud server 1030 further obtains the current cumulative successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. When the current cumulative successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and that of the second authenticating layer 1014 are greater than 1, the cloud server 1030 transmits additional feedback information to terminal 1020, including the identity identifier of the terminal that performed the first scan on the first authenticating layer 1012 and the current cumulative scan count(s) of the second authenticating layer 1014. The identity identifier of the terminal may be the aforesaid user identifier or any part thereof. Providing in a feedback or return message the identity identifier of the terminal that initially scanned the first authenticating layer 1012 and the current cumulative scan count of the second authenticating layer 1014 can further enhance the anti-counterfeiting performance.

[0207] As one more exemplary embodiment, the user may access the authentication webpage of the brand owner or distributor of the product through the official authentication channel, such as an official website or an official mobile application using the terminal 1020, to scan the first authenticating layer 1012 and to simultaneously input his / her user identifier. The user identifier may comprise a phone number or an ID card number or part thereof. The first authenticating layer 1012 is activated when the terminal 1020 sends the user identifier and the first authenticating information to the cloud server 1030.

[0208] After receiving the user identifier and the first authenticating information, if a predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 contains user identifier corresponding to the first authenticating information, the cloud server 1030 will send a third authenticating information to the terminal 1020 based on the current scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012, and link the user identifier to the predefined product identifier corresponding to the first authenticating information. By way of example, when the current cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is 1, the cloud server 1030 sends the third authenticating information (which is generated with the user identifier and the first authenticating information as seeds) to the terminal 1020. If the current cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is greater than 1, the cloud server 1030 does not send the third authenticating information to the terminal 1020, and it does not link the predefined product identifier to the currently input user identifier. In other words, the third authenticating information can only be obtained when the first authenticating layer 1012 is activated for the first time, and the procedure of linking the predefined product identifier with the user identifier only occurs when the first authenticating layer 1012 is first activated. If the predefined database does not contain the product identifier corresponding to a code scanned by the terminal 1020, the cloud server 1030 will not send the third authenticating information to the terminal 1020, but will send a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020, and the authentication process ends.

[0209] After the cloud server 1030 sends the third authentication information to the terminal 1020 and / or confirms the existence therein of a predefined product identifier corresponding to the first authenticating information, the authentication webpage will redirect the user to a webpage where he / she can input the third authenticating information and scan the second authenticating layer 1014. The user then enters the third authenticating information and scans the second authenticating layer 1014 with the terminal 1020, and the second authenticating information and third authentication information are sent to the cloud server 1030. When the first authenticating information, the second authenticating information, and the third authenticating information are found to be duly associated with one another, such as the first authenticating information is associated with the second authenticating information and the first authenticating information is associated with the third authenticating information, the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020. It also displays the user identifier or partial information used to generate the third authenticating information, aswell as the cumulative scan counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014, assisting the user in verifying whether the authentication-related information matches the relevant facts.

[0210] As a further advanced option for the above exemplary embodiment, a user can update the user identifier linked to the predefined product identifier through a dual-layered SMS authentication process. As an example, a user opens the official website on the terminal 1020 and navigates to the webpage for updating the owner information of the product. He / she scans the first authenticating layer 1012 and enters the phone number linked to the predefined product identifier. After the cloud server 1030 obtains the first authenticating information and confirms that the phone number matches information stored in or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 sends to the phone (such as a smart phone) of the phone number an SMS containing an information update password that corresponds to the predefined product identifier. The owner of the smart phone of the aforesaid phone number reads the SMS on his / her smart phone and provides the information update password to the current user. The current user enters the password on the product owner information update page through his / her own terminal 1020. The cloud server 1030 verifies that the password corresponds to the predefined product identifier and allows the current user to update the user identifier associated with the predefined product identifier through the terminal 1020. This exemplary embodiment, while enhancing anti-counterfeiting performance, allows multi-time authentication. Even if a product changes hands multiple times, consumers can still accurately determine its authenticity.

[0211] As a yet further exemplary embodiment, the first authenticating information may also include reward information (such as coupon information). The reward is intended as a “bait” and a “trap”, the purpose of which will be discussed below.

[0212] When the user scans the first authenticating layer 1012 through or with the terminal 1020, reward information (e.g., coupon information) will be displayed on the terminal 1020, and coupon collection command may be triggered based on the coupon information. When the user sends the coupon collection command from the terminal 1020 to the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 retrieves the product identifier and checks if a corresponding predefined product identifier exists in a predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030. After confirming the existence of the predefined product identifier in the database, the cloud server 1030 sends the coupon to the terminal 1020, allowing the user to collect the coupon through the terminal 1020. Ifthe predefined product identifier does not exist in the predefined database, the cloud server 1030 refrains from sending the reward to the terminal 1020, and sends a “Coupon Collection Failed” message to the terminal 1020 to inform the user accordingly.

[0213] As discussed above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the first authenticating information may comprise reward information (such as coupon information), such as coupon collection information. The user opens the official website on the terminal 1020, enters the authentication page, and scans the first authenticating layer 1012. The terminal 1020 transmits the product identifier and the first authenticating information obtained from or via the first authenticating layer 1012 to the cloud server 1030. The cloud server 1030 analyzes whether a predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 contains a predefined product identifier corresponding to the product identifier and the first anti-counterfeiting information. After confirming the existence in the database of a predefined product identifier corresponding to the product identifier and the first authenticating information, the cloud server 1030 sends confirmation result to the terminal 1020, which displays the coupon collection information, enabling the user to trigger a coupon collection command based on the coupon information.

[0214] When the user sends the coupon collection command to the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 checks the coupon collection status associated with this coupon collection command (which is uniquely associated with the container 1010) in its own database (or a database accessible by it). The couple collection status can be “Coupon Already Collected”, “Coupon Collection Successful”, or “Coupon Not Collected”. If, upon receipt of the coupon collection command, the cloud server 1030 finds from the database that the coupon collection status associated with this container 1010 is “Coupon Not Collected”, the cloud server 1030 sends the coupon to the terminal 1020 for the user to collect through the terminal 1020, sends the message “Coupon Collection Successful” to the terminal 1020, and simultaneously updates the coupon collection status to “Coupon Already Collected”. The cloud server 1030 also transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0215] If, upon receipt of the coupon collection command, the cloud server 1030 finds that the coupon collection status associated with this container 1010 is “Coupon Already Collected”, the cloud server 1030 sends a “Coupon Already Collected” message to the terminal 1020 to inform the user accordingly. The cloud server 1030 also sends a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020. If the coupon collection statusis “Coupon Not Collected”, the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020 along with a coupon collection reminder.

[0216] As an exemplary embodiment, if the cloud server 1030 transmits an “Authentication Successful” message to the terminal(s) based on a unique product identifier more than once, the terminal 1020 will receive from the cloud server 1030 and display the cumulative count of “Authentication Successful” feedback message provided, the geographical location(s) of the terminal(s) having received the message(s), and / or the user identification associated with such terminal(s).

[0217] As another exemplary embodiment, the first authenticating information may comprise reward information, such as coupon information. When a user scans the first authenticating layer 1012 using the terminal 1020, the cloud server 1030 retrieves the product identifier. If a predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 does not contain a predefined product identifier corresponding to the scanned product identifier, the cloud server 1030 transmits a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020. If the cloud server 1030 determines that the predefined database contains the product identifier, it analyzes the coupon collection information. The coupon collection information includes either a “Coupon Already Collected” message or a “Coupon Not Collected” message.

[0218] If the coupon collection information is “Coupon Not Collected”, the cloud server 1030 will prompt the terminal 1020 to change to the coupon collection page. The user can trigger the coupon collection command or choose not to trigger it and proceed to scan the second authenticating layer 1014 to continue with the authentication process. If the coupon collection information is “Coupon Already Collected,” the cloud server 1030 will transmit to the terminal 1020 the feedback message “Coupon Already Collected”, along with the time at which the coupon collection command was triggered. No coupon collection prompt will be displayed, and the user can proceed to scan the second authenticating layer 1014 to continue with the authentication process.

[0219] If the cloud server 1030 confirms that the first authenticating information is associated with the second authenticating information, and the updated cumulative scan counts of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 1, the cloud server 1030 will transmit a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020. If the updated cumulative scan count of either or both of the firstauthenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 is greater than 1 (which means that either or both of these authenticating layers 1012, 1014 has been scanned previously), the cloud server 1030, when transmitting a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020, will also return the scanning time of the first scans of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014, alerting the user to exercise caution. If the coupon collection information is “Coupon Not Collected”, then, along with the positive authentication result message, the cloud server 1030 will also prompt the terminal 1020 to display a coupon collection reminder. If the first authenticating information is not associated with the second authenticating information, the cloud server 1030 will transmit a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed" message) to the terminal 1020.

[0220] As a further exemplary embodiment, the second authenticating information includes the scanning information of the first authenticating layer 1012. The scanning information of the first authenticating layer 1012 includes one or more of the geographical locations of terminal(s), terminal identity identifier(s), and scanning time. The scanning time includes the first scanning time and the most recent scanning time. The cloud server 1030 provides feedback to the terminal 1020 in accordance with the second authenticating information.

[0221] An exemplary explanation using Figures 21 and 22 is given below on the analysis results of the cloud server 1030 regarding the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information.

[0222] With reference to Figure 21, the cloud server 1030 transmits back to the terminal 1020 a positive authentication result message (such as the message “Authentication Successful”), and the authentication page shown on the terminal 1020 displays the message “Authentication Successful.”

[0223] With reference to Figure 22, the cloud server 1030 transmits back to the terminal 1020 a negative authentication result message (the message “Authentication Failed”), and the authentication page shown on the terminal 1020 displays the message “Authentication Failed.”

[0224] It should be understood that the product authentication system does not necessarily have to be used in connection with a box. The first authenticating layer and the second authenticating layer can be positioned on various packaging materials such as bags, bottles, and cans, and may also be provided as tags to shirts, or prints inside handbags.

[0225] It should also be understood that the reward information used may be coupons or some other things of value, including rebates, discount codes, extended warranty periods, gift redemption coupons, loyalty points, participation in lucky draws, etc.

[0226] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a product authentication method. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a product authentication method 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which may be implemented by electronic devices such as the terminal 1020 and the cloud server 1030.

[0227] With reference to Figure 23, the product authentication method 2000 may comprise the following steps: S2010: Scanning a first authenticating layer 1012 and a second authenticating layer 1014 at different locations of (e.g., within) the dual-code product authentication container 1010, to respectively obtain a first authenticating information and a second authenticating information. S2020: Sending the first authenticating information obtained from or via the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating information obtained from or via the second authenticating layer 1014 to a server (e.g., a cloud server 1030), allowing the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information to be analyzed by the server 1030.

[0228] The analyzing of the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information by the cloud server 1030 may comprise the cloud server 1030 analyzing whether the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information stored on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and whether the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are associated with each other, and transmitting to the terminal 1020 feedback messages based on the analysis results. The feedback message may be a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) or a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message). If the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information in a database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and are associated with each other (i.e., of a predefined relationship), the cloud server 1030 transmits back a positive authentication result message to the terminal 1020. If, on the other hand, the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information in the database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 but are not associated with each other, or either of the first authenticatinginformation and the second authenticating information does not match the information in the database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 transmits back a negative authentication result message to the terminal 1020.

[0229] As a further exemplary embodiment, when the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information on the database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030, and the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 further determines the respective updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. It should be understood that when the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 is scanned by any terminal connected with the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 will obtain and store the current scan count and the current scanning time. If the scan counts of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 1 (which means that the two layers 1012, 1014 have not been scanned previously), the cloud server 130 transmits a positive authentication result message to the terminal 1020. If the scan count(s) of the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 is / are greater than 1 (which means that either or both of the two layers 1012, 1014 has been scanned previously), the cloud server 1030 transmits back the scanning time of the first scan to the terminal when sending a positive authentication result message, alerting the user to exercise caution.

[0230] As an exemplary embodiment, when the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information stored on or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and are associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 will transmit feedback to the terminal 1020 in accordance with the scanning information of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014, which feedback being either a positive authentication result message or a negative authentication result message. The scanning information includes one or more of the updated cumulative scan counts, the real-time geographical location of the terminal and the scanning time. It should be understood that when each of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 is scanned by any terminal connected with the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 will obtain the current scan count, the real-time geographical location of the terminal and current scanning time as the scanning information, which are then stored in a database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030.

[0231] If the updated cumulative scan counts of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 1, the cloud server 1030 sends a positive authentication result message to the terminal 1020.

[0232] If the updated cumulative scan count(s) of the first authenticating layer 1012 and / or the second authenticating layer 1014 is / are greater than 1, the cloud server 1030 further analyzes the scanning time and real-time geographical location of the terminal(s) effecting the current scan and the previous scan as at the time of scanning, such as by checking if the scanning time and real- time geographical location of the terminal(s) effecting the two scans as at the time of scanning satisfy the Formula (14) above. When the scanning time and real-time geographical location of the terminal effecting the two scans satisfy Formula (14), the cloud server 1030 transmits back a positive authentication result message to the terminal 1020. When the scanning time and real-time geographical location of the two scans do not satisfy Formula (14), the cloud server 1030 transmits back a negative authentication result message to the terminal 1020.

[0233] As an additional exemplary embodiment, when the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information match the information stored on a database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 and are associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 further determines the previous successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. It should be understood that when the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are scanned by any terminal connected with the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 obtains and stores the successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014. If the previous successful authentication counts of both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 are 0 (which means that there has not been any previous successful authentication based on the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information), the cloud server 1030 transmits a positive authentication result message to the terminal 1020. If the successful authentication counts of either or both the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 is / are greater than or equal to 1 (which means that there has been previous successful authentication based on either or both of the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information), the cloud server 1030 transmits back a negative authentication result message to the terminal 1020.

[0234] The method 2000 further includes a step S2030: in response to the feedback information received from the cloud server 1030 based on the analysis results of the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information, displaying the feedback information. The feedback information includes at least one of a positive authentication result message and a negative authentication result message.

[0235] When the cloud server 1030 transmits back a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) to the terminal 1020, the authentication page on the terminal 1020 displays the positive authentication result message, enabling the user to determine that the product inside the container 1010 should be authentic. When the cloud server 1030 transmits back a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020, the authentication webpage shown on the terminal 1020 displays the negative authentication result message, indicating to the user that the product inside the container 1010 may be a counterfeit. Utilizing both the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information to derive or form a derived authenticating information can enhance the anti-counterfeiting performance of the dual-code product authentication container 1010 and the method 2000.

[0236] As an exemplary embodiment, when a user scans the first authenticating layer 1012 of the container 1010 with the terminal 1020, an authentication webpage link will be displayed on the terminal 1020, and the user can enter the authentication webpage through the link and input his / her user identifier, which can be a phone number or an ID card number or part thereof. The terminal 1020 then sends the user identifier to the cloud server 1030. Upon receiving the user identifier, the cloud server 1030 determines the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 and sends to the terminal 1020 the first authenticating information in accordance with the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012. For instance, if the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is 1 (which means that this is the first time the first authenticating layer 1012 is scanned), the cloud server 1030 sends the first authenticating information to the terminal 1020. If the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is greater than 1 (which means that the first authenticating layer 1012 has been scanned previously), the cloud server 1030 does not send the first authenticating information to the terminal 1020. In other words, the first authenticating information can only be obtained when the first authenticating layer 1012 is being scanned for the first time.

[0237] When a user scans the second authenticating layer 1014 with the terminal 1020, an authentication webpage link will be displayed on the terminal 1020 and the user can enter the authentication webpage through the link and input the second authenticating information. The terminal 1020 then sends the second authenticating information to the cloud server 1030. If the second authenticating information is associated with the first authenticating information (i.e., they satisfy a predefined relationship), the cloud server 1030 transmits back a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful”) message to the terminal 1020.

[0238] The cloud server 1030 further obtains the successful authentication count of the first authenticating layer 1012 and that of the second authenticating layer 1014. When the successful authentication counts of the first authenticating layer 1012 and that of the second authenticating layer 1014 are greater than 1 (which means that the two authenticating layers 1012, 1014 have been scanned previously), the cloud server 1030 provides additional feedback information to the terminal 1020, which feedback information including the identity identifier of the terminal that performed the first scan on the first authenticating layer 1012 and the updated cumulative scan count of the second authenticating layer 1014. The identity identifier of the terminal can be the user identifier or any part thereof. Providing as part of the feedback information the identity identifier of the terminal that initially scanned the first authenticating layer 1012 and the cumulative scan count of the second authenticating layer 1014 can further enhance the anti- counterfeiting performance of the container 1010, the product authentication system according to the present invention and the product authentication method according to the present invention.

[0239] As an exemplary embodiment, the first authenticating information may also include reward information, such as coupon information. When the user scans the first authenticating layer 1012 through the terminal 1020, the coupon information will be shown on the terminal 1020. The user may trigger a coupon collection command based on the coupon information. When the user triggers the coupon collection command, such will be sent to the cloud server 1030. Upon receiving the coupon collection command, the cloud server 1030 retrieves the product identifier and checks if a corresponding predefined product identifier already exists in a predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030. After confirming the existence of the predefined product identifier in a predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 sends a coupon to the terminal 1020 for the user to collect through the terminal 1020. If no suchpredefined product identifier exists in the predefined database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the cloud server 1030 sends a “Coupon Collection Failed" message to the terminal 1020.

[0240] The cloud server 1030 further retrieves the coupon collection information, which may be a “Coupon Collection Failed” message, a “Coupon Collection Successful” message or a “Coupon Not Collected” message. When the coupon collection information is a “Coupon Collection Failed” message or the cloud server 1030 has already sent a “Coupon Collection Successful” message prior to the current verification, the cloud server 1030 transmits a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0241] As an exemplary embodiment, the first authenticating information may include reward information, such as coupon information, in which the value of the coupon is random, and the value of the coupon associated with different product identifiers in respect of the same product may be the same or different. When the user uses the terminal 1020 to scan the first authenticating layer 1012, the coupon information will be displayed on the terminal 1020 and the user may trigger a coupon collection command based on the coupon information. When the user triggers the coupon collection command, such is sent to the cloud server 1030, which then retrieves the real-time value of the coupon. If the real-time value of the coupon is greater than 0, the cloud server 1030 sends the real-time value of the coupon to the terminal 1020, enabling the user to collect through the terminal 1020 a random coupon of a preset value that is less than or equal to the real-time value of the coupon. If the real-time value of the coupon is 0, the cloud server 1030 sends the message “Coupon Collection Failed” to the terminal 1020.

[0242] Upon receiving the coupon collection command from the terminal 1020, the cloud server 1030 further obtains the identity identifier of the terminal 1020 and checks if a coupon collection record database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030 contains a predefined identity identifier corresponding to the identity identifier obtained. If the existence of the predefined identity identifier in the coupon collection record database is confirmed, the cloud server 1030 sends the message “Coupon Collection Failed” to the terminal 1020. If non-existence of the corresponding predefined identity identifier in the coupon collection record database is confirmed, the cloud server 1020 sends the real-time value of the coupon to the terminal 1020, enabling the user to collect through the terminal 1020 a random coupon with a preset value which is equal to or less than the real-time value of the coupon.

[0243] The cloud server 1030 further retrieves the coupon collection information, which may be a “Coupon Collection Failed” message, a “Coupon Collection Successful” message or a “Coupon Not Collected” message. When the coupon collection information is either a “Coupon Collection Failed” message or a “Coupon Collection Successful” message, the cloud server 1030 sends a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message) to the terminal 1020.

[0244] As an exemplary embodiment, the second authenticating information includes the scanning information of the first authenticating layer 1012, and the scanning information of the first authenticating layer 1012 may include one or more of the geographical locations of the terminal 1020, an identity identification of a terminal 1020 and a scanning time. The scanning time may comprise the first scanning time and the most recent scanning time. The cloud server 1030 sends feedback information to the terminal 1020 in accordance with the second authenticating information.

[0245] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a product authentication method. Figure 24 illustrates a schematic diagram of a product method 3000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 3000 may be implemented by electronic devices such as the cloud server 1030.

[0246] With reference to Figure 24, the product authentication method 3000 may comprise the following steps: S3010: Receiving from the terminal 1020 a first authenticating information and a second authenticating information about the dual-code authentication container 1010, which terminal 1020 obtaining the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information by scanning the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 respectively positioned at different locations of the container 1010. S3020: Analyzing the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information, and sending feedback information to the terminal 1020 based on the analysis results, which feedback information may be a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) or a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message).

[0247] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a product authentication method, including: - a terminal 1020 obtaining a first authenticating information and a second authenticatinginformation by respectively scanning a first authenticating layer 1012 and a second authenticating layer 1014 at different locations of the container 1010, in which at least one of the authenticating layers 1012, 1014 is not visible from the outside when the container 1010 is intact; - receiving from the terminal 1020 the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information associated with the product authentication container 1010; - analyzing the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information; and - transmitting feedback information to the terminal 1020 in accordance with the analysis results, in which the feedback information may be a positive authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Successful” message) or a negative authentication result message (such as an “Authentication Failed” message).

[0248] As an exemplary embodiment, the first authenticating layer 1012 is positioned on the inner surface of the container 1010 and remains invisible when the container 1010 is intact, and the second authenticating layer 1014 is located on the outer part of the container 1010 and can be scanned and thus with the second authenticating information capable of being read and obtained without the need to open the container 1010. The user accesses the authentication webpage on the terminal 1020 by opening the official website and navigating to the authentication section. The user then selects the transfer registration option and provides his / her identity identifier, which may include at least one of the user's name, an account name, an account password, an ID card number or a phone number. Once the cloud server 1030 verifies that the identity identifier entered matches the information in a predefined user database of or accessible by the cloud server 1030, the terminal 1020 responds to the matching information from the cloud server 1030 and redirects to the registration page. The user can register the transferee's phone number and any other user identity identifier and the geographical location where the product transfer occurs. The cloud server 1030 obtains the information and sends a text message with a provided verification code to the user and the transferee. The user reads the message on his / her terminal, and the transferee reads it on his / her own terminal. The user and the transferee each visits the transfer verification webpage and enters the password provided in the message. After the cloud server 1030 confirms that both the user and the transferee have entered the password that matches the predefined product identification, it provides feedback to the terminal 1020 and the transferee's terminal with the message “Transfer Registration Successful”. The transferee can open the official website on his / her terminal andnavigate to the authentication section, select the transfer registration option, and enter his / her transferee identity identifier to register the transfer initiated by him / her, following the steps. Subsequent transferees can also perform the same operations. The transfer of the product does not hinder the verification of its authenticity (i.e., authentication).

[0249] The ultimate end user who unpacks the product contained in the product authentication container 1010 can open the official website of the brand owner of the authentic product through the terminal 1020, access the authentication webpage, and scan the first authenticating layer 1012 and the second authenticating layer 1014 of the container 1010. The cloud server 1030 retrieves the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information. If the cloud server 1030 verifies that the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are associated with each other (in the sense that they bear a predefined relationship with each other or they combine to form a predefined derived authenticating information) and the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is 1, the cloud server 1030 transmits back a positive authentication result message (the message “Authentication Successful”) to the terminal 1020. If the updated cumulative scan count of the first authenticating layer 1012 is greater than 1, then when feeding back a positive authentication result message, the cloud server 1030 simultaneously feeds back the scanning time of the first scan of the first authenticating layer 1012 to the terminal 1020, in order to alert the user to exercise caution. If the first authenticating information and the second authenticating information are not associated with each other, the cloud server 1030 transmits back a negative authentication result message (such as the message “Authentication Failed”) to the terminal 1020.

[0250] Although the invention has been so far discussed in the context of scanning at least two authenticating layers 130, 140, 230, 240, 330, 340, 430, 440, 530, 530, 1012, 1014 contained in a container 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 1010, in fact, at a more fundamental level, the invention also resides in the concept of seeking to at least reduce counterfeiting activities by providing consumers of authentic products with rewards, and denying collection of such rewards by consumers of counterfeit products sold in Used Containers.

[0251] One exemplary embodiment of such a method may be implemented by providing only one authenticating layer in a container of an authentic product. A consumer of this authentic product is allowed the chance to scan (by a terminal, such as a smart phone) the authenticating layer which bears or allows access to authenticating information to allow the consumer to verify that theproduct bought by him / her is authentic. If this is the first time the authenticating layer is scanned, a backend server of a system operating the method will, in response to the scanning of the authenticating layer, also send a reward (such as a coupon) of a predetermined value to the terminal. Usually, once such a reward has been sent once, no further reward will be sent if the same authenticating layer is scanned again. Thus, if the container of the authentic product is re-used for containing a counterfeit product for subsequent sale, and if a consumer of this counterfeit product in or with the Used Container is misled into believing that such is an authentic product, he / she may also scan the authenticating layer, but he / she would be denied the collection of a reward. This would indicate that what he / she has bought is a counterfeit, and he / she may return to the sales outlet from which he / she bought the counterfeit to complain or seek compensation.

[0252] Of course, not all consumers of authentic products would take the trouble to scan the authenticating layer, and thus there is possibility that the authenticating layer is not scanned by the consumer of the authentic product and / or the consumer of the counterfeit product contained in the Used Container. Therefore, a value of the reward (e.g., a coupon) should be determined at such a level so as to enhance the likelihood of the authenticating layer being scanned by the consumer of the authentic product.

[0253] As discussed above, the value of the reward should be calculated taking into account the probability of the authenticating layer being scanned, which, as discussed above, may be arrivedat by the following:P(R)=11+e-(b0+b1R) Formula (3),where ^^^^0and ^^^^1are each an independent constant.

[0254] The value of the reward is then arrived at by the following: ^^^^^^′^^ =[1 − ^^^^( ^^^^)]^^^ ^^^^^ −� ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^ ^^^^� Formula (9)where ^^^^^^′^^is the profit of selling a counterfeit product in a Used Container with the authenticating layer, ^^^^( ^^^^) is the estimated probability of the authenticating layer being scanned, ^^^^^^^^is the selling price of the counterfeit product in a Used Container, ^^^^^^^^is the cost of producing the counterfeit product, and ^^^^^^^^is the cost of acquiring the Used Container for packaging the counterfeit product.

[0255] It is also disclosed here an embodiment of the present invention in which a product authentication device may be implemented as the terminal or server and may comprise at least oneprocessor and at least one memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, thereby enabling the execution of the methods described in the exemplary embodiments above.

[0256] Figure 25 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary product authenticating device that may be used to implement the exemplary embodiments disclosed above. The product authentication devices are intended to be various forms of digital processing units or components, computers, or servers. The product authentication devices may also be mobile devices capable of running computer programs. The depicted components, their connections and relationships, and their functions are provided for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments disclosed and / or claimed herein.

[0257] As shown in Figure 25, a product authentication device according to an embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 4000, is shown as including a processor 4010, which can execute various appropriate actions and processes in accordance with computer programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 4020 or loaded from a storage 4080 into the random access memory (RAM) 4030. Programs and data required for the operation of the product authentication device may also be stored in the RAM 4030. The processor 4010, ROM 4020, and RAM 4030 are interconnected via a bus 4040. An input / output (I / O) interface 4050 is also connected to the bus 4040.

[0258] Many components of the product authentication device 4000 are connected to the I / O interface 4050, including input unit 4060, output unit 4070, storage 4080, communication unit 4090 (which may be network card, modem or wireless communication transceiver etc.). The communication unit 4090 enables the product authentication device 4000 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0259] The processor 4010 may be various general and / or dedicated processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of processor 4010 include but without limitation central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), different specialized artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, processors for running machine learning algorithms, digital signal processor (DSP), and any appropriate processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc. The processor 4010 performs the methods and processes according to the present inventiondescribed above. In some embodiments, computer programs or part(s) thereof can be loaded and / or installed on electronic devices via the ROM 4020 and / or the communication unit 4090. When the computer programs are loaded into the RAM 4030 and executed by the processor 4010, one or more steps of the methods described in the previous text may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the processor 4010 may through any other suitable means (such as with the assistance of firmware) be configured to perform projection methods.

[0260] The various embodiments of the systems and technologies described above may be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), application-specific standard products (ASSP), system-on-chip (SOC), complex programmable logic devices (CPLD), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments can include implementing one or more computer programs which can be executed and / or interpreted on the programmable system of at least one programmable processor. The programmable processor can be a dedicated or general-purpose programmable processor that can receive data and instructions from storage system(s), at least one input device, and at least one output device, and transfers data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device as said, and at least one output device as said.

[0261] The program codes used to implement the methods disclosed herein may be written in one programming language or the combination of multiple programming languages. The program codes may be provided to the processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing devices, enabling the program codes to cause the functionality / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be executed when being executed by a processor or controller. The program codes may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine as a standalone software package and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0262] On the other hand, an embodiment disclosed herein provides a machine-readable storage medium storing a computer program which when executed by a processor, implements the methods of any of the embodiments described above. In this disclosure, the machine-readable medium can be a tangible medium which tangible medium can contain or store programs for systems, devices or equipment to execute instructions or programs to be used in conjunction with systems, devices or equipment for executing instructions. The machine-readable medium can be amachine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium can include but without limitation electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media can include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard drives, random access memory (RAM), read- only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0263] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art in this technical field can make various improvements and substitutions without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. Such improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for determining a reward to induce consumers who have acquired a product to react the product seller’s request, comprising using Roptimal Formula to determine a Roptimal value, thereby determining the reward.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a first step of setting a first Roptimal value.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first step is an educated guess, then the second step is to obtain the desired Roptimal value through binary search.

4. The method of claims 1-3, wherein the product comprises edible bird’s nest, wild Cordyceps, pistachios, liquor, sportswear, watch and designer bag.

5. A system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: A product registration method; and Providing incentive to acquirer for compliance of the reaction method wherein said incentive maybe a reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

6. A method for identifying a sufficient number of products to be stimulated into Roptimal subjects by consumers, comprising the steps of: i. A product verification method, which method includes in a product sold with at least one authenticating layer; ii. A method to induce compliance with the product authentication method, which method includes providing a reward to consumers for stimulating the product sold into a Roptimal subject; and A method for determining the value of the reward to the consumers, which method includes Roptimal Formula.

7. A method to drive counterfeiters into applying Used Containers to their production of counterfeits, comprising the steps of: i. A system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers according to Claim 5; ii. Using Roptimal Formula to determine the Roptimal value of the rewards, at or above which value counterfeiters not applying Used Containers in counterfeiting will have lower profits than counterfeiters who apply Used Containers.

8. A system to mitigate or prevent counterfeiting, comprising: Recording the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the product being sold;A system to compare the appearance (or part thereof) of a product prior to the same being so and that after sales; A method to induce consumers to engage the said system, which method includes providing a reward to the consumer wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first authenticating information includes reward information, and wherein said server is configured: In response to receipt of a reward collection command from said terminal, to obtain a product identifier; and To determine whether said product identifier is present in a predefined database; when said product identifier is determined to be present in said predefined database, to send said reward to said terminal, enabling a user to collect said reward through said terminal; and When said product identifier is determined to be absent from said predefined database, to refrain from sending said reward to said terminal.

10. The system of claims 8-9, wherein said first authenticating information includes reward information, and wherein said server is configured: in response to receipt of a reward collection command from said terminal, to retrieve the real-time value of said reward; when said reward is of a positive real-time value, to send said real-time value of said reward to said terminal, enabling a user to collect a random coupon of a customized value which is lower than or equal to said real-time value of said reward; and when said reward is of zero real-time value, to send a reward collection denied message to said terminal.

11. The system of claims 8-10, wherein the reward is of a random value pre-determined by the merchant.

12. A system to mitigate or prevent counterfeit products by providing rewards to consumers comprising: a product authentication method; and providing reward to consumers for compliance of the product authentication method wherein said reward is determined by Roptimal Formula.

13. The system of claim 12, a step thereof comprises scanning at least 2 codes.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein consumers can claim a reward by scanning any one code or wherein at least one code is concealed and the revealing of the said code will involve leaving a visible mark of damage to the packaging of the product or wherein at least one code is unconcealed and is visible without having to do any damage to the packaging of the product.

15. A container for containing a product, comprising: a first authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to a first authenticating information; a second authenticating layer bearing or allowing access to a second authenticating information which is associated with but different from said first authenticating information; wherein said container is movable between a closed configuration in which access to said first authenticating information from or via said first authenticating layer and / or access to said second authenticating information from or via said second authenticating layer are prevented, and an open configuration in which access to said product, access to said first authenticating information from or via said first authenticating layer and access to said second authenticating information from or via said second authenticating layer are allowed.

16. A product authentication method, comprising the steps of: i. scanning said first authenticating layer and said second authenticating layer of said container according to any one of the above claims to obtain said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information respectively; ii. a server receiving and analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information; and iii. said server providing an authentication result message based on result of said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information comprises determining (i) the authentication of and association between said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information and (ii) the updated scan count of said first authenticating layer and of said second authenticating layer; or wherein said analyzing said first authenticating information and said second authenticating information includes determining the time of said first authenticating layer and / or said second authenticating layer being scanned for the first time or wherein said first authenticating information includes reward information; and wherein said method further includes: triggering a reward collection command based on said reward information, sending a product identifier of said container to said server; upon said server verifying that said product identifier is present in a predefined database, displaying saidreward and enabling a user to collect said reward; and upon said server verifying that said product identifier is absent from said predefined database, displaying a reward collection denied message.

18. A method for determining a value of a reward for consumers, comprising the steps of: i. estimating the time duration required for scanning the first authenticating layer and / or the second authenticating layer of a container as above claimed; ii. ascertaining the average per-unit-time wage of consumers; and iii. multiplying said estimated time duration, said average per-unit-time wage and an amplification value greater than 1 to arrive at an initial value of a reward for said consumers.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: i. ascertaining the market value of a Used Container of an authentic product; ii. ascertaining the average market price of said authentic product; iii. ascertaining the cost of selling a counterfeit of said authentic product, less the market value of said Used Container; and iv. adjusting said value of said reward for said consumers based at least partly on the estimated probability of said reward being collected.

20. A product authentication method, comprising the steps of: i. scanning an authenticating layer of a container by a terminal to obtain an authenticating information; ii. determining a value of a reward based at least partly on the probability of said authenticating layer being scanned; and iii. sending a reward of said value to said terminal in response to said authenticating layer being scanned.

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