Method for detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure designed to assist in detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure

Abstract

A method for detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure is provided, the method comprising the steps of configuring the identification structure such that the identification structure interacts with an intervention, such as a physical intervention, a mechanical intervention, or an electrical intervention, and the method also comprises the steps of propagating the intervention along the identification structure in a controlled manner to result in a detectable change in any given attribute associated with the identification structure, including physical attributes, mechanical attributes, electrical attributes, and optical attributes, and finally, the change in the attribute is detected by visual evaluation, electrical evaluation, optical evaluation, or a combination of these evaluations.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 248,758, filed September 27, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for detecting unauthorized intervention or interference in or with an identification structure. In particular, the present invention relates to detecting physical and electrical intervention or interference in or with an identification structure. In particular, the present invention is useful for tracking and monitoring commercial items (e.g., trade articles or products) in a supply chain, identifying commercial items, securing commercial items, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] The increasing occurrence of counterfeit goods poses serious losses not only to businesses (e.g., brands) but also to consumers who may be harmed by illegal and substandard goods. Generally, a variety of interventions are used to introduce counterfeit goods into the distribution of legitimate and genuine products and goods. Some of these interventions involve the physical substitution of genuine products with counterfeit goods, as well as forms of tampering or counterfeiting, including opening packaging that leaves little or no evidence of illicit intervention within the supply and logistics chain.

[0004] Generally, various forms of labels, tags, and tickets are attached to items to identify products and authenticate goods and products to reduce counterfeiting. Various difficult-to-duplicate features are used to incorporate anti-counterfeiting attributes and / or tamper-evident solutions into labels and packaging. RFID tags are also used in this context to prevent counterfeiting and provide authentication to the end user / recipient.

[0005] Although anti-counterfeiting technologies such as one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcode tags, laser tags, anti-counterfeit bottle caps, and anti-counterfeit ink printing are well known, counterfeiting and forgery remain prevalent. This is because some of these anti-counterfeiting measures do not significantly increase the difficulty of counterfeiting, allowing criminals to defeat them. Recently, with the development of RFID-based electronic anti-counterfeiting technologies, many product manufacturers have turned to RFID technology. However, there have been reported cases of RFID technology being compromised through electronic or electrical intervention for tampering or counterfeiting. Furthermore, RFID tags are not always easy to use, especially if the reader malfunctions. For example, mobile phones cannot be used to scan RFID tags, making them unusable as a backup if the reader malfunctions.

[0006] In addition to counterfeiting, theft, diversion, and shoplifting from retail outlets, or theft of merchandise from supply and distribution channels and outlets, are also on the rise. Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems (RF or AM, radio frequency or acousto-magnetic type) are typically used to protect assets and / or prevent or detect theft, diversion, or shoplifting. Examples of such systems include EAS tags that secure items, labels attached to item tags, and wire loops attached to items. In each of these systems, all items are tagged with EAS security tags when received at the point of sale and must be deactivated upon purchase. EAS-enabled points of sale have gate readers at entry / exit points that generate a field around the area to detect undeactivated EAS transponders. However, EAS has limitations, including a limited memory capacity that prevents related items from being identified, making it difficult to achieve accurate reconciliation / inventory after theft.

[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for a versatile and cost-effective solution that monitors the movement of goods from source to destination in real time, reducing counterfeiting, preventing tampering, and reducing theft and shoplifting, with the added benefit of reducing environmental impact. Such a solution should provide integrated branding functionality, including security, for loss prevention, item-level tracking, inventory accuracy, and a satisfying shopping experience for customers, and should be digitally compatible.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a versatile and cost-effective solution, and methods of manufacture and use thereof, for monitoring the movement of goods from source to destination in real time, reducing counterfeiting, preventing tampering, and reducing theft and shoplifting, with the added benefit of reducing environmental impact.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the above-mentioned solution with integrated branding capabilities including loss prevention, item level tracking, inventory accuracy and security for customer satisfaction / engagement, said solution being digitally compatible, its production and method of use. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This specification describes solutions for detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure, and methods for making and using the same. In some embodiments, the solutions and methods include configuring the identification structure to interact with an intervention, the intervention being one of physical intervention, electrical intervention, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the intervention is propagated along the identification structure to cause a detectable change in one or more predetermined attributes associated with the identification structure. In some embodiments, the attributes are physical attributes, mechanical attributes, electrical attributes, optical attributes, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solutions and methods determine detection of a predetermined attribute change by physical, mechanical, electrical, or optical evaluation, or by a combination of said evaluations.

[0011] In some embodiments, the intervention can be physical, mechanical, electrical, or a combination thereof, and the detection can be by one or more of visual, electrical, optical, or a combination of such evaluations.

[0012] In some embodiments, the identification structure is or includes, for example, multiple layers stacked together, multiple intervention elements including physical, electrical, or optical elements selectively positioned along different layers of the structure to interact with the intervention, and one or more propagation elements for propagating the intervention along the different layers of the identification structure to cause a detectable change in any combination of predetermined attributes of the respective identification elements.

[0013] The embodiments described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

[0014] In this regard, it is to be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed applications and arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0015] These, as well as other objects and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an identification structure illustrating how various types of intervention affect different elements of the identification structure. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a first embodiment of an identification structure showing the location of different identification elements therein. [Figure 2B] 10 shows a second embodiment of an identification structure showing the location of different identification elements therein. [Figure 2C] 10 shows a third embodiment of an identification structure showing the location of different identification elements therein. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a detailed view of an identification structure showing different layers of the identification structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a top perspective view of an identification structure detailing the top layer of the identification structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 shows an exploded view of an identification structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 shows an exploded view of an identification structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of the identification structure showing how parts of the structure are destroyed during a tampering attempt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] I. Definition As used herein, "interference" generally refers to any act of stealing, passing off defective or inferior products as genuine, or tampering with any product, article, item, packaging, container and / or merchandise of any kind to enable theft or shoplifting, committing fraud or disabling any security measure.

[0018] As used herein, "physical intervention" generally refers to one or more of the following actions: removing, altering, replacing, covering, mechanically pulling, tearing, twisting, disabling, stretching, destroying, disrupting, moving, heating, or peeling a layer of an identification structure. This may also include disabling any type of security measure associated with or usable with a product, supply, commodity, article, packaging, and / or container, etc. This may also include weakening packaging bearing the identification structure.

[0019] As used herein, "electrical intervention" generally refers to the placement or use of any electric and / or magnetic field to disable or alter security measures on an identification structure.

[0020] "Propagation" as used herein generally refers to the distribution / dissemination of an intervention in one or more predetermined or specific ways along specific paths such that the intervention affects / impacts one or a combination of identifying elements and produces a change in any one or more of the predetermined attributes of any one or a combination of different identifying elements having the attribute.

[0021] "Control," as used herein, generally refers to managing and / or manipulating the propagation of an intervention as well as the impact of the intervention to produce a set of changes to predetermined attributes associated with an identification structure. Control may also relate to the properties of different elements and their relative placement along different layers. For "control," there may be one or more paths that may be designed to interact with different forms of tampering or intervention and that may interact with different elements of the identification structure.

[0022] As used herein, a "detectable alteration" generally refers to any change in any of the predetermined attributes that can be detected and measured by one or more methods. The alteration may relate to overriding or altering a parameter or changing an attribute of the relevant element where the intervention has taken place.

[0023] II. Methods and Apparatus The solutions, devices, and methods disclosed herein are described by way of example with reference to the Figures. Unless otherwise specified, like numerals in the figures refer to identical, similar, or corresponding elements throughout the figures. It will be understood that modifications to the disclosed and described embodiments, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, devices, methods, materials, etc. can be made and may be preferred for particular applications.

[0024] In this disclosure, any identification of particular shapes, materials, techniques, arrangements, etc., may relate to the particular embodiment shown or may merely be a general description of such shapes, materials, techniques, arrangements, etc. Identification of particular details or embodiments is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, mandatory or limiting unless expressly stated. Selected embodiments of the apparatus and methods are disclosed below and described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0025] The present invention generally relates to identification structures, such as labels, tickets, or tags. Identification structures may serve a variety of purposes, including product identification, product inventory, theft detection, and / or tamper evidence. Typically, different, independent markers associated with each of the above functions are separately applied to a product. However, the installation of each such marker sequentially increases assembly time during fabrication and may increase the likelihood of errors while assembling such markers. Therefore, in some embodiments, all desired markers are installed simultaneously. Furthermore, while most existing identification structures consist solely of tamper evident, tamper resistant, or tamper proof labels, others may be configured to perform both tamper evident and tamper proof functions. Furthermore, existing tamper proof structures are complex and are configured to perform the tamper proof function alone without combining it with other identification or theft prevention functions, such as RFID or RFID-EAS.

[0026] In one embodiment, the identification structure is or includes multiple layers laminated / maintained together by a suitable method. In some embodiments, the multiple layers include a top layer and one or more layers below the top layer. In exemplary embodiments, the top layer is directly secured to one or more lower layers using a functional adhesive. In other embodiments, the top layer may be separated from the lower layers by a waterproof layer or coating. In some embodiments, the top layer is provided with one or more identification elements to aid in the identification of unauthorized tampering. In some other embodiments, one or more layers of the identification structure are provided with a combination of two or more identification elements to perform the functions described above and aid in the identification of any unauthorized tampering. In one embodiment, the two or more identification elements are selected from a combination of optical elements, physical elements, and electrical elements. In some embodiments, each of the identification elements performs a respective function and is selectively positioned across different layers of the multiple-layer identification structure to further contribute to the detection / identification of any unauthorized intervention. In one embodiment, one or more optical elements and one or more physical elements may be positioned adjacent to each other on the top layer of the identification structure, and one or more electrical elements may be positioned on layers below the top layer. In some embodiments, two or more layers containing identification elements are adhesively secured together, with a release liner provided beneath the top layer of the identification structure.

[0027] In one embodiment, the one or more optical elements may be or include a symbol or pattern adapted to be scanned by an optical scanning device (e.g., a machine-readable element or a human-readable element). Examples include, but are not limited to, a quick response code (QR code), a barcode (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode), a surface texture, a color hue, a hologram, an encapsulated ink, an indicia, and combinations thereof. The optical element serves as an authentication member that allows a consumer to verify the authenticity or authenticity of a product to which the identification structure is affixed. In one embodiment, the one or more optical elements are provided on a top layer of the identification structure.

[0028] In one embodiment, the one or more physical elements formed in the identification structure are selected from one or more of incisions, perforations, weakened scoring, slits, and embossing. In one embodiment, one or more incisions are formed at predetermined locations across the top surface of the identification structure. In other embodiments, the one or more incisions are formed through two or more layers of the identification structure. In some embodiments, each of the one or more incisions is formed to have a predetermined depth. In one embodiment, the one or more incisions are defined by perforations. In other embodiments, the one or more incisions are defined by slits. In other embodiments, the one or more incisions are defined by weakened scoring. The multiple physical elements facilitate the controlled propagation of any unauthorized physical, optical, or electrical intervention, such that one or more of such interventions result in a detectable change in a corresponding attribute of each element. For example, the physical intervention can be one or more of the following actions: peeling, removing, replacing, covering, pulling, tearing, twisting, stretching, moving, or heating a layer of the identification structure.

[0029] In one embodiment, two or more electrical elements may be provided on the identification structure. In some embodiments, the two or more electrical elements provided on the identification structure are selected from a combination of radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs), RF-EAS, AM-EAS, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth LE, etc. In one embodiment, one electrical element is an ultra-high frequency (UHF) element and a second electrical element is an electronic article surveillance (EAS) element. In one embodiment, the UHF element is die-cut directly into the first layer directly below the top layer, and the EAS element is simultaneously assembled to the first layer. In one embodiment, the EAS element is inserted into an intermediate plastic layer provided on a layer below the top layer. The UHF element assists in tracking and monitoring the product, and the EAS element provides anti-theft functionality.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a representative example of an identification structure 100. The identification structure 100 contains multiple identification elements arranged in one or more layers configured to have their performance altered based on an intervention applied to one or more layers. For example, FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating various types of intervention that may affect different elements of the identification structure 100. FIG. 1A illustrates how physical intervention, such as peeling off an identification structure fixed on a product, can alter the EAS element; for example, the antenna of the EAS element may be torn and not work, or the frequency may be changed.

[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates how other physical interventions, such as peeling off layers of the identification structure 100, can alter the functionality of electrical elements such as RFID components, for example, tearing the antenna so that the RFID component of the identification structure cannot be read.

[0032] 1C and 1D illustrate how optical elements can be altered by interventionist attempts to change or replace a label. For example, a two-dimensional barcode or QR code can be torn, ripped, or stretched, all of which can alter its visual and machine-readability. Other effects can include changing the hue of the optical element using microencapsulated inks or dyes that damage the optical element, or replacing a holographic sticker. It will be appreciated that altered elements, for example, printed UV fluorescent inks or near-infrared absorbing inks, may be invisible at normal optical frequencies, so that someone attempting to change or remove the label will not be aware of their presence.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates various possible ways in which different elements of the identification structure 100 can have their respective attributes or combinations of attributes altered by physical, electrical or optical intervention, or a combination of such interventions.

[0034] To accommodate various interventions, the identification structure 100 is configured so that interventions are identified and propagated in a controlled manner, leaving no element intact and leaving a signature of detectable changes in the corresponding attributes of each element in the identification structure, thus making it possible to not only easily detect unauthorized interventions but also gather information about the authenticity of the item.

[0035] In one embodiment, a method for detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure is described. In some embodiments, the method includes configuring the identification structure so that it interacts with the intervention. For example, Figures 2A-2C show how elements such as optical element 201, electrical element 202, and physical element 301 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B) can be located on the same or different layers of identification structure 100 for interaction with the intervention.

[0036] 2A illustrates a first embodiment of an identification structure showing the arrangement of one optical element 201 and two electrical elements 202 on a single layer of the identification structure 100. For example, the optical element 201 and two electrical elements 202 may be disposed on the top layer 204 of the identification structure 100. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate second and third embodiments of the identification structure showing one element disposed on the top layer 204 of the identification structure and two elements disposed on a first layer 205 directly below the top layer 204. For example, in one embodiment, one electrical element, such as an EAS component 202a, may be provided on the top layer 204, and other electrical elements, such as an RFID component 202b and an optical element 201, such as a QR code, may be provided on a layer 205 directly below the top layer 204, as shown in FIG. 2B. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, one optical element 201, such as a two-dimensional barcode, may be provided on the top layer 204, and two electrical elements 202, such as an RFID component 202b and an EAS component 202a, may be provided on a first layer 205 directly below the top layer 204.

[0037] 3A and 3B, the identification structure 100 includes a plurality of physical elements 301 arranged at selected or specific locations across the surface of different layers of the identification structure 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of physical elements 301 are selected from one or more of incisions, perforations, weakened scoring, slits, embossing, and the like. In one embodiment (shown in FIG. 3A), the plurality of physical elements 301 are defined as perforations 301a extending across the entire top layer 204 of the identification structure. In another embodiment (shown in FIG. 3B), the plurality of physical elements 301 are defined as slits 301b formed in the top layer 204 of the identification structure. Preferably, the perforations 301a and slits 301b are formed or positioned around one or more elements provided in the top layer 204 of the identification structure 100. For example, FIG. 3B shows slits 301b around an optical element 201, such as a QR code. Specifically, the physical elements 301 have a predetermined depth. In some embodiments, the physical elements 301 are deep enough to extend into layers below the top layer 204. In some embodiments, the depth of each incision or perforation is determined based on the substrate material in which the incision / perforation is formed and the type of element placed near the incision or perforation.

[0038] 4A and 4B illustrate the configuration of the identification structure 100, including the location of physical elements relative to other elements, such as optical elements, electrical elements, etc. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary identification structure 100. In this embodiment, the top layer 204 of the identification structure 100 is made of paper, and a physical element 301, such as an incision, is formed around the optical element 201, such as a QR code (see FIG. 4B). Additionally, a second electrical element of the two or more electrical elements 202 is provided on a first layer 205 directly below the top layer of the identification structure. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A , an RFID component, such as a UHF antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna) 401, is provided on the first layer 205 of the identification structure. In some embodiments, the first layer 205 is or includes paper, such as a natural (e.g., cellulose) or synthetic paper. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the top layer and the first layer directly below the top layer can be made of a material such as polypropylene, polyester, etc.

[0039] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of an exemplary identification structure. The bottom surface of the top layer 204, made of paper, is coated with a functional adhesive 402. The top layer 204 is secured to the first layer 205 with the functional adhesive 402. In one embodiment, one electrical component, such as an RFID component including an RFID UHF antenna 401, is disposed on a first surface of the layer 205 directly below the top layer. A second electrical component, such as an RFID-EAS antenna 404, is formed on a second surface of the first layer 205. In another embodiment, the RFID UHF antenna 401 and the RFID-EAS antenna 404 may both be formed simultaneously on the same side of the first layer 205. A liner 405 made of a sustainable material and having a functional adhesive 403 on its top surface is secured to the first layer 205. The printed adhesive and the weakened adhesive can be selectively positioned on different layers of the identification structure.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4B , multiple physical elements 301, such as incisions having a predetermined depth, are formed around the optical element 201. In some embodiments, the incisions are formed to a predetermined depth so as to penetrate only the top layer 204 of the identification structure. In some other embodiments, the incisions are formed to a predetermined depth so as to penetrate both the top layer 204 and the immediately adjacent layer 205 of the identification structure. The presence of the physical elements 301 having a predetermined depth ensures that any intervention, including physical or electrical intervention, does not completely damage any of the elements. For example, FIG. 5 shows an example of an exemplary identification structure 100 after physical intervention, such as peeling, has occurred. In this embodiment, the UHF antenna 401 located in the first layer 205 is partially damaged but not completely damaged due to the presence of the physical elements 301. Furthermore, the antenna damage can be detected, and unauthorized intervention can be identified. The selective placement and depth of the physical elements 301 allows one of the layers of the identification structure to tear more easily than the other layers, while the remaining layers remain intact, thereby allowing the intervention to propagate in a manner that protects the identification elements contained in the undamaged layers. Additionally, the presence of a physical element ensures that physical intervention leaves a visually perceptible mark of tampering.

[0041] Also described herein is a method for detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure 100. The method further includes propagating the intervention to cause a detectable change in any predetermined attribute associated with the identification structure. For example, the predetermined attribute associated with the identification structure may be physical, electrical, optical, etc., or a combination thereof. Also, the change in the predetermined attribute may be detected by physical, electrical, or optical evaluation, or a combination of such evaluations.

[0042] For example, if physical intervention, such as peeling of the identification structure, damages a portion of the RFID component (e.g., an antenna, where the antenna is torn so that the RFID component of the identification structure cannot be read), the presence of the physical element 301 having a predetermined depth ensures that the antenna is not completely damaged, but only changes its operating frequency. Specifically, the damage propagates through the layers of the identification structure in a specific manner, such that long-distance reading is disabled while short-distance reading is maintained, or vice versa. The antenna may have its frequency altered in a detectable manner. For example, the maximum operating frequency of a tag before tampering may be approximately 868 MHz, and the maximum operating frequency after tampering may be approximately 910 MHz. A properly equipped RFID reader can detect whether the difference in sensitivity is positive or negative and determine whether a tampering event has occurred.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the RFID chip includes a port that can detect events such as a change in capacitance or resistance between two connections. Damage from a fraud / theft event can change state, for example, by breaking a connection or altering or changing the distance between the lines that form the capacitor. This data can be read from the RFID tag in multiple locations as needed, such as when the product is displayed, at the point of sale, or using a reader at the exit of the sales floor. Thus, changes in the operation of the electrical components of the identification structure can be easily detected and intervention can be identified.

[0044] Similarly, if a partial change occurs to the EAS element during physical or electrical intervention, for example, the antenna of the EAS element may be torn off and become inoperative, but the presence of physical element 301 with a controlled incision depth ensures that the antenna is not completely damaged and only a change in the antenna's operating frequency occurs. For example, for an RF-EAS device that is in its operating state designed to resonate at 8.2 MHz, a frequency change may occur, but before the mechanical force is applied, the frequency may be approximately 6 MHz, which may cause the EAS to not activate or to have reduced sensitivity. After the mechanical force is applied, the EAS tunes to 8.2 MHz, maximizing the likelihood of detection even after the label has been tampered with.

[0045] The foregoing includes examples of the claimed subject matter. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of elements or methodologies for describing the claimed subject matter, and those skilled in the art will recognize that many additional combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter includes all changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, when the term "include" is used in the detailed description or the claims, such term is used inclusively in the same manner as the term "comprising," such that "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for detecting unauthorized intervention in an identification structure, comprising: configuring an identification structure with a plurality of identification elements such that one or more of the identification elements interact with the intervention; - propagating the intervention through one or more of the identification elements and along the different layers of the identification structure in a controlled manner such that the unauthorized intervention leaves a detectable signature of an alteration in a corresponding attribute of any one or more of the identification elements and in a manner such that at least one of the identification elements is preserved undamaged; detecting changes in relevant attributes through one or more evaluations; the intervention is any one of a physical intervention, an electrical intervention, or any combination thereof; the relevant attribute is one or more characteristics of an identification element selectively located on the identification structure; the identification element comprises an electrical element; the physical or electrical intervention results in a perceptible change in an electrical attribute, including a resonant frequency or an acoustic function, of the electrical element of the identification element; method.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identification element is selected from an optical element, an electrical element, a physical element, and combinations thereof including the electrical element.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attribute is associated with a physical characteristic resulting from the configuration of the identification structure or one or more configurations of the identification element.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein configuring the identification structure includes selectively positioning optical, physical, and electrical elements on different layers of the identification structure.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein configuring the identification structure comprises selectively positioning the optical elements and the physical elements along a top layer of the identification structure.

6. The step of configuring the identification structure may include configuring one or more layers below a top layer of the identification structure. The method of claim 1 including the step of selectively positioning an electrical element.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical intervention is associated with one or more of removing, replacing, covering, mechanically pulling, tearing, twisting, disabling, stretching, destroying, disintegrating, moving, heating, or peeling a layer of the identification structure.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical intervention is associated with the application of a voltage or exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of propagating intervention along the identification structure is associated with one or more placements of physical elements comprising incisions of a predetermined depth at selected locations across a surface or different layers of the identification structure.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more assessments to detect the detectable alteration include a visual assessment, an optical assessment, or an electrical assessment.

11. 1. An identification structure for detecting unauthorized intervention, which may be physical intervention, electrical intervention, or a combination thereof, comprising: a plurality of layers laminated together; a plurality of identification elements selected from the group including physical elements, electrical elements, optical elements, and combinations thereof, wherein the plurality of identification elements are selectively located on different layers of the plurality of layers to intervene and interact; propagating the intervention along different layers of the identification structure, the top layer of the plurality of layers comprising a physical element having a predetermined depth in such a way as to effect propagation of the intervention in a controlled manner such that said unauthorized intervention leaves a detectable signature of an alteration in any one or more relevant attributes of said identification elements and in such a way that at least one of said identification elements is preserved without damage; the identification element includes the electrical element; An identification structure, wherein the physical or electrical intervention results in a detectable change in an electrical attribute, including a resonant frequency or an acoustic function, of the electrical element of the identification element.

12. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the plurality of layers includes a top layer and one or more layers below the top layer.

13. The electrical element may be a radio frequency identification device (RFID), RF-EAS, AM-EAS, 12. The identification structure of claim 11, selected from the group comprising Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE or a combination thereof.

14. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the electrical elements are selectively located in one or more layers below a top layer.

15. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the optical element comprises a symbol or pattern adapted to be scanned by an optical scanning device.

16. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the physical element comprises an incision having a predetermined depth and extending from the top layer to one or more layers below the top layer.

17. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the physical element comprises an incision having a predetermined depth extending along only the top layer.

18. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the physical element is selected from at least one or a combination of perforations, weakened scoring, slits, and embossing.

19. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the top layer is made of paper.

20. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein one or more layers below the top layer are made of paper.

21. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the plurality of layers are laminated together with an adhesive coating between the layers, the adhesive coating being selectively weakened along the layers.

22. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the optical elements are selectively located on the top layer.

23. 12. The identification structure of claim 11, wherein the optical element comprises any one of a quick response code (QR code), a barcode including a two-dimensional barcode, a surface texture, a color hue, a hologram, an encapsulated ink, a symbol, a texture, and an indicia, or a combination thereof.

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