Method for checking product authenticity

Abstract

A method for checking the authenticity of a product is claimed in which a product supplier assigns a code to a product, generates a unique authentication code for each unit of said product, creates a supplier database into which unique product authentication codes are entered together with information about the location of said products in the distribution chain, labels the product with an identification label containing the unique product authentication code, and creates a supplier website which is accessible to buyers of the product, and a buyer reads the unique authentication code from the identification label using a product authentication device and transmits said unique authentication code to the supplier website in addition to information about the actual location of the product at the time of purchase, after which the supplier compares the product information received from the buyer against the information stored in the supplier database about the given product and judges the authenticity of the product on the basis of the results of this comparison.

Description

[0001] Method of checking the authenticity of goods

[0002] The invention relates to the field of electronic information systems, in particular to methods and systems that implement the possibility of authenticating objects in remote access networks for the purpose of verifying the authenticity of the purchased goods by the buyer.

[0003] Well-known technical means of authenticating goods rely on the use of so-called identification marks, which are attached directly to the goods, or to the product label or packaging. An identification mark contains encoded information about the unique characteristics of the controlled goods, allowing them to be distinguished from similar goods, particularly counterfeit goods. An identification mark serves as a product authenticity identifier within a specific information system for authenticating goods.Encoded information may be presented in the form of optically readable numbers, signs, symbols, graphic images and any combinations thereof, in the form of recognizable physical properties, for example, a given range of radiation (glow) of a label (luminophores, radioisotopes), in the form of unique features of the product, for example, the structure of a selected area of ​​the surface of the product and other coding means designed with the ability to read them.

[0004] A special type of tag is represented by electronic tags or radio frequency identification tags (RFID tags), which use radio waves of varying ranges (from medium to ultra-high frequencies). NFC tags (Near Field Communication) are a specialized subtype of RFID tags that operate exclusively at high frequencies. RFID tags store information about the monitored item in a microchip's memory, allowing for subsequent retrieval.

[0005] In general, the product authenticity verification procedure is as follows. The supplier or manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as the "supplier") of the product encodes information about the unique characteristics of the controlled product, enters this information into a corresponding database hosted on the supplier's server, which can be accessed remotely, and marks the product by applying (attaching) an identification mark containing encoded information about the controlled product directly to the product, either on the product label or on the packaging.

[0006] When purchasing a product, the buyer scans the identification tag using a mobile device, such as a smartphone, and transmits the scanned information to the supplier's website as a request for product authenticity. The supplier compares the information received from the buyer with the information about the controlled product contained in the supplier's database. If the information received from the buyer matches the product information in the supplier's database, a conclusion is reached regarding the product's authenticity. A lack of a match indicates that the product is counterfeit, falsified, or unaccounted for. The conclusion regarding the authenticity / counterfeit status of the controlled product is posted on the supplier's website. The buyer communicates with the supplier's website via online resources.

[0007] Below are examples of known technical solutions for product authenticity control using various identification marks, as analogs.

[0008] A known method for product authentication (CN104182878, IRC G06K 7 / 10, G06Q 30 / 00, application date July 31, 2013) involves creating a unique encrypted authentication code for each item based on the specific, unique characteristics of that item. The unique encrypted authentication code is stored in the supplier's database and also placed on the product label as an identification tag designed to allow the authentication code to be read. To determine whether the controlled product is genuine, the authentication code read by the buyer is sent to the supplier's server in the form of a product authentication request. The server determines the authenticity / counterfeit of the controlled product by comparing the information received from the buyer with the product information in the supplier's database.

[0009] Izvestiya method for determining the authenticity of a controlled object, used for excisable goods (international application W0030043, IPC G06K 9 / 00, G07d 7 / 00, G07F 7 / 12, priority date 13.11.1998)

[0010] The method involves applying an identification tag containing product information to a product, then reading this information and comparing the read data with the information in the product supplier's database. Product information, including the product type, manufacturer, production date, and unique product number, is digitally encoded and signed with the labeler's electronic signature. This digital information is then converted into a barcode, which is applied to the product or product label. When the information is read, the barcode is converted into digital form, extracting the electronic digital signature and product information from it. The authenticity of the electronic digital signature is then verified. If the electronic signature is correct, the product's authenticity is verified by comparing the read product information with the information about the controlled product in the database. If the information matches, the item is identified as authentic.If the electronic digital signature is identified as false or if the electronic digital signature is identified as correct but the information about the controlled product does not match the information in the database, the product is identified as inauthentic.

[0011] A known method for determining the authenticity of goods (Patent of the Russian Federation No. 2181503, IPC G06K 19 / 00, G07d 7 / 00, application filing date 30.07.2001) involves applying a marking security code (identification mark) to the goods or their label. This code includes a product type code, an individual product code, and telephone numbers or Internet addresses of the control service. The individual code and product type code are generated using a random number generator and represent a set of numbers. The marking security code on the goods or on its label is covered with an opaque scratch-off layer. Upon purchasing the goods, the buyer scratches the opaque layer, reads the individual code and product code, and transmits the read codes to the control service by dialing the telephone number or Internet address of the control service. The control service compares the product type code and product identification code received from the buyer with the corresponding codes stored in the database.If they match, the product is identified as authentic, and if they differ, it is not authentic.

[0012] A method for marking and identifying the origin and protecting an item from counterfeiting is known (Ukrainian patent 119429, IPC G06K 19 / 06, G07D 7 / 0047, G07D 7 / 20, G07D 7 / 202, application filing date 12 / 27 / 2018).

[0013] The method involves producing an item identifier (identification tag) with a unique pattern, assigning it a unique code, and entering the item identifier information into an electronic database. The information contains an electronic image of the identifier with its pattern, the unique code, and product and manufacturer information. The item identifier is made from a plate of brittle amorphous material, such as glass, housed in a housing. A unique pattern of cracks is then created in the identifier, resulting from impact or pressure from a solid object on the plate. The identifier is attached to the item, and the item is authenticated by comparing the unique pattern of the item identifier with the pattern of the electronic image registered in the database.

[0014] A well-known method for identifying the authenticity of a controlled object (USSR Author's Certificate SU 1832318, IPC G06K 9 / 00, application filing date 03.05.90) ​​is based on the introduction of a radioactive substance identification tag carrier. The radioactive substances used are a mixture of elements with atomic numbers greater than or equal to 12. The mixture of the carrier and radioactive substances is brought to a solid state and attached to the controlled object as an identification tag. This tag is identified by measuring the total amplitude X-ray spectrum of the radioactive substances. Due to the random distribution of the radioactive substances within the tag, the random quantitative ratio of the mixture components and the radioactive substances, and the X-ray spectrum of the tag surface serves as a unique identification feature of the controlled object.

[0015] Luminophores are commonly used in identification tags for product authentication. A method for identifying product authenticity (Ukrainian Patent UA66959, IPC G06K 19 / 06, filed July 4, 2011) uses an optical tag with special spectral characteristics to enhance protection against counterfeiting. This tag is visible in the spaces between the barcode spaces, and is typically a photosensitive polymer composite.

[0016] The use of electronic tags (radio frequency identification tags), also known as RFID tags, is known, with the help of which contactless automated authentication is implemented, based on recording data about marked objects in the memory of microchips and their subsequent reading.

[0017] Thus, a system for marking and verifying the authenticity of an object is known (patent of the Russian Federation RU2759259, IPC G06K 5 / 00, G06K 9 / 22, G06F 21 / 60, application filing date 08 / 19 / 2020), which provides for the use of a radio frequency tag containing information about the object, an electronic signature generated by a generator based on a unique identifier of the tag and a secret key, while the electronic digital signature is placed in the memory area of ​​the radio frequency tag, protected from unauthorized reading and rewriting by a unique password, and the generator and verification device additionally contain a unique password for accessing the protected memory area of ​​the radio frequency tag.

[0018] In the above-mentioned analogs, the criterion (identifier) ​​for product authenticity is the encoded unique characteristics of the product, and only the product, represented in the product identification tag. This means that product authenticity control is single-level, as it is performed based on only one criterion (single-level control): the encoded unique characteristics of the product, which are read by the buyer from the product identification tag and sent to the product supplier's server, where they are compared with the characteristics of the controlled product stored in the supplier's database. Based on the comparison results, a conclusion is drawn regarding the product's authenticity.

[0019] There are known methods of controlling the authenticity of goods that use several criteria of authenticity (multi-level control) to increase the reliability of conclusions about the authenticity of the goods.

[0020] Thus, a method for verifying the authenticity of a product and its container is known, which provides for control of the authenticity of the goods according to two criteria - the criterion of the authenticity of the goods and the criterion of the authenticity of its packaging - container (international application WO2010040415, IPC G06F 21 / 20, priority date 10).

[0021] The said method provides the ability to verify the authenticity of a product and its container in order to prevent counterfeiting of the packaged goods by repackaging or replacing the product. The method comprises the following operations: applying a first authentication means (first identification mark) to the container to ensure the authenticity of the container; extracting a first authentication key from said first authentication means and recording said first authentication key in a first database; applying a second authentication means (second identification mark) to the container, independent of said first authentication means, to ensure the authenticity of the goods contained in the container; extracting a second authentication key from said second authentication means and recording said second authentication key in a second database separately from said first authentication key;generating a combination of said first and second authentication keys of a third authentication key for authenticating the corresponding pair consisting of a product and its container, and recording said third authentication key in a third database;

[0022] The use of three separate authentication keys provides three levels of protection, which increases the reliability of the authenticity control of the goods - the product and its container (packaging).

[0023] As in the previously mentioned analogs, the buyer reads the authentication means (identification tags) of the product, transmits the relevant information to the supplier's website and receives a notification from the supplier on the website regarding the authenticity / counterfeit of the product.

[0024] The common features of the above-mentioned analogs and the claimed solution are: a method of verifying the authenticity of the product, including:

[0025] - product coding by the supplier;

[0026] - entering product codes into the supplier’s database;

[0027] - marking of the goods by the supplier with an identification mark containing the product code;

[0028] - reading information from the identification tag by the buyer;

[0029] - the transfer by the buyer of information read from the identification tag to the control service (to the supplier’s website);

[0030] - comparison by the control service of the information received from the buyer with the information about this product stored in the database;

[0031] - conclusions of the control service regarding the authenticity / counterfeit of the goods based on the results of comparison;

[0032] - transferring to the buyer conclusions about the authenticity / counterfeit of the goods.

[0033] A common drawback of these analogues is the insufficient reliability of conclusions regarding the authenticity of the product, due to the possibility of counterfeiting (cloning) identification marks as single identifiers of the product.

[0034] A well-known method for monitoring the authenticity of products was chosen as a prototype, implementing information support in networks of remote access to the information array of the supplier of the goods, allowing the authentication of goods received in the distribution network (patent of the Russian Federation RU2225032, IPC G06K 6 / 00, G07, application filing date 18.10.2002)

[0035] According to this method, the supplier codes the product and assigns an identification number to each unit as a unique characteristic of the product (i.e., generates a unique authentication code for each unit). Each identification number is different from the others.

[0036] The supplier creates a database in which he enters a unique authentication code for each unit of goods.

[0037] The supplier marks each unit of goods with an identification tag containing a unique code for verifying the authenticity of the goods, which can be read by the buyer.

[0038] A supplier website is created with the ability for buyers to access it via a remote access network.

[0039] When purchasing a product, the buyer reads the unique product authentication code from the identification tag using the product authentication device and transmits it to the supplier's website in the form of a request for product authenticity, using the request form that appears on the supplier's website,

[0040] The supplier verifies the authenticity of the goods by comparing the authentication code of the controlled unit of goods transferred by the buyer with the authentication code of this goods in the supplier's database.

[0041] Based on the comparison results, the supplier concludes that the product is authentic if the authentication code received from the buyer matches the authentication code for the same product in the supplier's database. If the codes differ, the product is considered counterfeit.

[0042] The corresponding conclusion is sent to the buyer of the goods by way of a response to his request.

[0043] The common features of the prototype and the claimed solution are the method of verifying the authenticity of the product, for the implementation of which:

[0044] - the supplier of the goods codes the goods and generates a unique authentication code for each unit of the goods; - the supplier of the goods creates a database in which he enters unique authentication codes for the goods;

[0045] - the supplier of the goods marks the goods with an identification tag containing a unique product authentication code;

[0046] - the supplier of the goods creates a supplier website with the possibility of access to it by buyers of the goods,

[0047] - when purchasing a product, the buyer reads a unique authentication code from the identification tag using a product authentication device and transmits it as a request for product authenticity to the supplier's website;

[0048] - the supplier compares the information about the product received from the buyer with the information about this product stored in the supplier’s database;

[0049] - based on the results of the comparison, the supplier concludes that the product is authentic if the information received from the buyer matches the information in the supplier’s database, or concludes that the product is counterfeit if the information received from the buyer discrepancies with the information in the supplier’s database;

[0050] - the supplier sends the buyer a conclusion on the authenticity / counterfeiting of the controlled goods by responding to the buyer’s request.

[0051] A drawback of the prototype is the lack of reliability in determining product authenticity. This is due to the widespread and accessible use of modern technologies, which makes counterfeiting (cloning) of identification tags possible. Therefore, relying solely on the unique product authentication code specified on the identification tag to verify product authenticity does not allow for reliable determination of product authenticity.

[0052] The invention is based on the task of increasing the reliability of conclusions about the authenticity of a product.

[0053] The stated problem is solved by the fact that in the method of product authenticity control, according to which the product supplier codes the product, generates a unique authentication code for each unit of the product, creates a database in which unique product authentication codes are entered, marks the product with an identification tag containing a unique product authentication code, creating a supplier's website with the ability to access it for buyers of the product;the goods received from the buyer, with the information about these goods stored in the supplier's database, and, based on the results of the comparison, makes a conclusion about the authenticity of the goods if the information received from the buyer matches the information in the supplier's database, or a conclusion about the counterfeit nature of the goods if there is a discrepancy between the information received from the buyer and the information in the supplier's database, which sends the goods to the buyer in response to the buyer's request. According to the invention, the supplier additionally enters into the supplier's database information about the location of the goods in its distribution network, and the buyer additionally transmits to the supplier's website information about the actual location of the goods at the time of their purchase, wherein the supplier makes a conclusion about the authenticity / counterfeit of the controlled goods taking into account the match / discrepancy between the location of the goods at the time of their purchase, received from the buyer, and the location of the goods in its distribution network, specified in the supplier's database.

[0054] The specified features are essential features of the invention, since they are necessary and sufficient to achieve the technical result - increasing the reliability of conclusions about the authenticity of the product.

[0055] This is explained by the fact that the proposed method verifies product authenticity using two criteria (two-level verification): the authenticity of the product itself, represented on the identification tag as a unique product authentication code, and the location of the product at the time of purchase, which the buyer transmits to the supplier's website. Product authenticity is confirmed only if the unique product authentication code read by the buyer from the identification tag matches the unique product authentication code specified in the supplier's database, and if the actual location of the product at the time of purchase matches the location of the product in the distribution network specified in the supplier's database. Otherwise, the product is considered counterfeit.It should be noted that the buyer's information about the actual location of the product cannot be falsified in principle, as this information is transmitted directly by the buyer to the supplier at the time of purchase, without the involvement of third parties, and cannot be falsified by a third party. All this increases the reliability of conclusions regarding the authenticity of the product.

[0056] It is advisable to use radio frequency coding of goods for electronic tracking of goods using radio signals, which has become widespread.

[0057] It is advisable to generate unique authentication codes by generating a random sequence of numbers or symbols for each unit of goods, which is a unique, secret authenticator of the goods, allowing this product to be unambiguously identified among goods of similar purpose.

[0058] It is advisable to use a radio-frequency identification tag - an RFID tag or an NFC tag - as an identification tag, as these tags are sufficiently protected from possible counterfeiting and are widely available, and to use a smartphone or mobile phone with a built-in NFC module, which provides short-range wireless communication, as a product authentication device.

[0059] It is preferable for the buyer to communicate with the supplier’s website using Internet resources.

[0060] Below is a description of the method of checking the authenticity of the goods with references to drawings showing:

[0061] Fig. 1 - Method of checking the authenticity of goods, basic diagram of the method.

[0062] Fig. 2 - Method of checking the authenticity of goods, basic diagram of the system implementing the method.

[0063] Practical implementation of the claimed method involves performing the following actions (Fig. 1).

[0064] The supplier encodes the goods using any of the known encoding methods. It is advisable to use radio frequency encoding, which allows the use of radio frequency identification tags (RFID tags) or NFC tags as identification tags.

[0065] The supplier generates unique product authentication codes by generating a random sequence of numbers or symbols for each item. This sequence serves as a unique and unrepeatable secret authenticator, allowing the item to be uniquely identified among similar products. These sequences are generated, for example, using a hardware random number generator (HRNGS).

[0066] The supplier creates a database in which he enters and stores unique authentication codes for each unit of goods, as well as information about the intended (proper) location (location) of each unit of goods in the distribution network in accordance with the contract with the seller of the goods;

[0067] The supplier marks each unit of goods by attaching an identification tag containing a unique authentication code for that unit of goods, in this case a radio-frequency identification tag - RFID tag or NFC tag, directly to the goods, or on the label (tag) of the goods, or on the packaging of the goods, depending on the type of goods.

[0068] The supplier transfers the marked goods to the distribution network.

[0069] The supplier of the goods creates a supplier website with the ability for potential buyers of the goods to access it, submit inquiries about the authenticity of the goods, and receive responses based on the results of the product authenticity check.

[0070] When purchasing a product, the buyer scans a unique product authentication code from an RFID / NFC tag using product authentication. It is advisable to use mobile devices—smartphones or mobile phones with an integrated NFC module—as authentication devices.

[0071] Next, the buyer sends the unique product authentication code read from the RFID / NFC tag to the supplier's website, along with information about the product's location at the time of purchase, in a request format specified by the supplier. The supplier determines the authenticity or counterfeit of the product by comparing the information received from the buyer about the purchased product with the information about the product stored in the database.

[0072] In this case, two criteria of authenticity are used:

[0073] - match / discrepancy of the unique authentication code of the purchased product with the corresponding authentication code of this product in the database

[0074] - coincidence / discrepancy between the actual location of the product at the time of its purchase and the expected (proper) location of this product in its distribution network, indicated in the supplier’s database.

[0075] A product is considered authentic only if the unique authentication code of the purchased product matches the unique authentication code for the same product listed in the database, and the actual location of the product at the time of purchase matches the intended (proper) location of the product listed in the supplier's database. If any of these conditions are not met, the product is considered counterfeit.

[0076] Conclusions about the authenticity of the product are displayed on the supplier's website or sent to the smartphone or mobile phone of the buyer from which the request was sent.

[0077] The buyer communicates with the supplier’s website using Internet resources.

[0078] The claimed method of product authenticity control is implemented using a system (Fig. 2) containing:

[0079] - means of encoding goods by the supplier, generating a unique authentication code for each unit of goods; encoding may be performed by any of the known encoding methods; in this case, radio frequency encoding of the goods is used, generating a unique authentication code for each unit of goods in the form of a random sequence of numbers or symbols, which is a unique authenticator of the goods; the generation of these sequences is performed by means of a hardware random number generator (HRNGS).

[0080] - a database of the product supplier, in which unique authentication codes for each unit of product are entered and stored, as well as information on the intended (proper) location of each unit of product in the distribution network in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the product distributor;

[0081] - identification tags, as carriers of unique product authentication codes, with which the supplier marks the goods by placing identification tags directly on the goods, on the product packaging, or separately from the goods on the corresponding label, or tag, or card, or product label, and which are designed with the possibility of reading the unique product authentication codes from them; in this case, radio-frequency identification tags are used - RFID tags or NFC tags; it is advisable to use passive (not containing their own power source) RFID tags or NFC tags, which are activated only when they are read by the appropriate device;

[0082] - a website of a product supplier, designed to accept a buyer's request to verify the authenticity of a product and to transmit to the buyer information about the authenticity / counterfeit of the controlled product;

[0083] - means of authentication of goods by the buyer, designed with the ability to read the authentication code from the identification RFID tag or NFC tag of the goods, transmit the read information to the supplier's website, as well as information about the actual location of the goods at the time of purchase and receiving notification from the supplier about the authenticity / counterfeit of the controlled goods; a smartphone or mobile phone with a built-in NFC module is used as a means of identification of the goods;

[0084] - means of transmitting information based on a wireless communication network, which is the Internet.

[0085] The specified system provides:

[0086] - product coding (generation of unique product authentication codes);

[0087] - storing unique product authentication codes in the supplier’s database;

[0088] - marking of goods with identification tags containing unique product authentication codes;

[0089] - authentication of the product by the buyer by reading the unique authentication code from the product identification tag;

[0090] - the transfer by the buyer to the supplier's website via the Internet of information about the product authentication code read from the identification tag, as well as the actual location(s) of the product at the time of purchase;

[0091] - control of the authenticity of the goods by the supplier by comparing the information received from the buyer with the information about the controlled goods in the supplier’s database;

[0092] - transfer of information to the buyer about the authenticity / counterfeit of the controlled goods.

[0093] The method is cost-effective and easy to implement, as it utilizes well-established remote access networks as proven technologies. It is implemented using widely available hardware. Despite its simplicity, the proposed method significantly improves the reliability of product authenticity determinations by utilizing two criteria for product authenticity: a unique product authentication code and the actual location of the product at the time of purchase (two-level verification).

Claims

Invention formula 1. A method of verifying the authenticity of goods, according to which the supplier of the goods codes the goods, generates a unique authentication code for each unit of the goods, creates a supplier database in which it enters unique authentication codes for the goods, marks the goods with an identification tag containing a unique authentication code for the goods, creates a supplier's website with the ability to be accessed by buyers of the goods, the buyer, when purchasing the goods, reads the unique authentication code from the identification tag using a product authentication device and transmits it to the supplier's website in the form of a request for the authenticity of the goods, after which the supplier compares the information about the goods received from the buyer with the information about this product stored in the supplier's database, and, based on the results of the comparison, concludes that the goods are authentic if the information received from the buyer matches the information in the supplier's database, or that the goods are counterfeit if the information does not match,received from the buyer, with the information in the supplier's database, which sends the goods to the buyer as a response to the buyer's request, characterized in that the supplier additionally enters into the supplier's database information on the location of the goods in its distribution network, and the buyer additionally transmits to the supplier's website information on the actual location of the goods at the time of their purchase, while the supplier makes a conclusion on the authenticity / counterfeit of the controlled goods taking into account the coincidence / discrepancy of the location of the goods at the time of their purchase, received from the buyer, with the location of the goods in its distribution network, indicated in the database.

2. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that radio frequency coding of the product is used.

3. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the generation of unique authentication codes is performed by generating for each unit of goods a random sequence of numbers or symbols, which is a unique secret authenticator of the goods.

4. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that a radio frequency identification tag - an RFID tag or an NFC tag - is used as the identification tag, and a smartphone or mobile phone with a built-in NFC module is used as the product authentication device.

5. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the buyer’s connection with the supplier’s website is carried out via Internet resources.

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