System and method for secure product authentication

Abstract

Disclosed is a system (50) for secure authentication of a product including a tear generation device (100) for generating unique tear of a paper The tear generation device (100) including a tear generation cycle for generating unique contours on a piece of paper through an arbitrary module (228). The device (100) includes a sensor unit (204) for capturing the details of the contours along with the unique code and communication address printed on the paper roll and stored in a database (80). The system (50) includes a calibration module (95) for comparing the received image from the user (55) with the contour data and validating the received image as a counterfeit or a genuine product.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURE PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION

[0002] FIEED OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] The present invention relates to counterfeit product detection system for detecting counterfeit products and more particularly relates to a secure system for validating counterfeit products.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0005] In various industries, including pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, currency, and documents, counterfeiting poses a significant threat to both consumers and brand owners. Popular brands and those with high margins are particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting schemes. Traditional anti-counterfeiting measures, such as labels with QR codes, bar codes, and watermarks, though effective to some extent, are susceptible to being scanned, copied, and reprinted on a large scale by counterfeiters.

[0006] To combat counterfeiting effectively, anti-counterfeiting methods must not only be challenging to replicate but also be visible, i.e. overt and reasonably simple to validate using commonly available tools. With the widespread availability of smartphones equipped with internet connectivity, it has become increasingly important for anti-counterfeiting solutions to leverage these devices for authentication purposes. By employing methods that are easily accessible and user- friendly, such as mobile applications, consumers, distributors, and inspection agencies can verify the authenticity of products swiftly and reliably, thus mitigating the risk of counterfeit infiltration. In the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of drug packaging is of paramount importance to safeguard public health and combat the proliferation of counterfeit medicines. Drug packaging, particularly in the form of tablet strips presents unique challenges due to its susceptibility to replication. Current scanning and printing technologies have made it increasingly simple for counterfeiters to reproduce drug packaging strips with remarkable accuracy, leading to serious implications for patient safety and onus of regulatory compliance. Traditional methods of verifying the authenticity of drug packaging often involve complex and costly procedures, resulting in delays and inefficiencies in the supply chain.

[0007] Counterfeits affect brands integrity, reduce consumer safety, even ratchet up product liability issues. Anti-counterfeit packaging technologies refer to a wide range of methods designed to prevent or discourage product counterfeiting. These technologies are used in various packaging types, such as bottles, cartons, and bags, and may be integrated into packaging materials or added as separate components. While the number and complexity of specific technologies continues to proliferate, all fall into two basic categories i.e., Overt Protection and Covert Protection. The overt protection methods and technologies are those that any consumer may see and authenticate a product. Safety shrink-wraps, stickers and holograms are some examples of Overt Protection.

[0008] Accordingly, the Covert Protection are methods that are hidden from the naked eye and only seen or apparent using special ID or testing equipment. Inks, dyes and integrated polymer-based solutions are some examples of Covert Protection. Within these two areas, there are a handful of different application methods used to incorporate a security authentication solution into a product. Some of the most popular delivery methods available to implement a solution in either a packaging or product program are discussed.

[0009] Holograms offer a highly visible or overt deterrent to counterfeiters. The benefit of this approach is twofold, it provides a barrier to imitation and also offers consumers peace of mind that they are receiving genuine articles. The average consumer may not be sophisticated enough to spot a counterfeit hologram though. There have been significant advancements in 3D holographic technologies of late but a fake 2D holographic label can be designed and purchased on the internet for a cheap price.

[0010] Commonly used in the authentication of currency and documents, ink-based security features are becoming more popular in consumer packaging solutions as well. These covert solutions are ideal for packaging applications where the field is heavily text or graphic laden. When viewed under a black light or other illumination technology, the unique identification in the ink or dye is revealed. The main drawback however is the fact that once the packaging is removed or if the surface is altered, there is no way to authenticate the end use of article itself.

[0011] Most typically used in conjunction with inks and dyes, labeling solutions can be incorporated via the packaging decoration itself or via a standalone label that is applied to the finished product. The advantage of using a label-based program is that the technology is confined to a limited space and there is no change to the current manufacturing process. Labels, however, can be easily removed and they also highlight features that potential counterfeiters can mimic.

[0012] There have been attempts in the prior art to provide solutions over stated problems in the prior art some of these attempts are mentioned. Chinese Patent CN 103456239A by Zhang Ning presents anti-counterfeiting technology for manual tear sheets. It features a tear area in the middle with printed grid lines. Double points are on the upper left of the preservation strip and upper right of the checking strip, with single points on their lower sides. Preservation and checking flow codes are printed on respective sides. Upon tearing, two irregular cracks form. The preservation strip is on the left, while the checking strip, affixed to a commodity, is on the right. This technology allows comparison of opening cracks, ensuring authentication and combating counterfeiting.

[0013] Chinese Patent CN11070658 IB to BEUING HUANWANG RUITONG SOFTWARE CO LTD relates to an anti-counterfeiting tracing label made up of paper having tear cut or a tear dashed line. The label has a bottom layer, an anticounterfeiting code layer and a traceability code layer. The traceability code layer is printed with a traceability code and the anti-counterfeiting code layer is printed with an anti-counterfeiting code. The user must tear off the traceability code layer to see and use the anti-counterfeiting code.

[0014] Accordingly, combating counterfeiting demands practical and accessible solutions that prioritize both security and simplicity. As the threat of counterfeit infiltration continues to evolve, it is important for industries to adapt anticounterfeiting methods and systems as well. There is a need for a system and method for producing unique tear strip. Further there is a need for a system and method for validating two-tier authenticity of drug packaging strips. There is also a need for a system that identifies counterfeit packaging strips.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0016] A system for secure product authentication including a plurality of electronic devices for communicating. A system including a tear strip generation device for securely generating paper tear strip and a processing unit for processing the data received from the device. The tear strip generation device operates on a tear generation cycle; the tear generation cycle including a first paper roller housing that encapsulates a paper roll. The paper roll passes through a pair of tear arms and is wound on a pair of winding rollers. The device includes a first motor that is positioned on the top of a pair of support. The first motor in the tear generation cycle the movement of the tear arms move from a first planar position to a second operating position. The device including an actuator for actuating the rollers. The device including a sensor unit for capturing the contours data of the paper.

[0017] The system includes a calibration module being configured for correcting and analyzing the contours of the tom paper while processing the image on a controller. The calibration module being configured to create a primary object for capturing the transforming and settling torn edges of the paper and the calibration module being configured to create a secondary object to infuse all the transformations and details of torn paper and store it in a database. The system includes an arbitrary module being configured with predefined instructions to generate a unique tear of a provided paper roll being processed on the secondary controller for generating a unique tear through the tear arms.

[0018] The first paper roller is positioned on one side of a support and the pair of winding rollers are positioned on one side of a support. The arms are pivotably mounted on the support such that in a first position the arm is normal to the support. The arms are rotatable by an angle of 180°. In a first position the arm is normal to the support and in a second position the arm rests on the support. In the tear generation cycle, the arm moves from the first position to the second position similarly, the arm moves from the first position to the second position in contrast with the movement of the arm.

[0019] The length of the paper strip is adjustable by changing the relative distance between the supports that is achieved by activating a movable platform on which the supports are positioned. The calibration module captures the transforming and settling torn edges of the paper within a range of 500 millisecond to 1 second interval and stores inside a primary object. The calibration module is configured to process the contour data and the primary object on the controller to create a secondary object.

[0020] The system including an authentication module configured to establish the authenticity of the received image by analyzing the received image data and comparing with the stored secondary object in the database. The calibration module is configured to create a third object storing a hash value of the second object. A device for secure product authentication of system for secure product authentication including a pair of supports comprising, a tear strip device including a first paper roller housing being positioned on anterior side of the support encapsulating a paper roll.

[0021] The device including a liquid dispenser unit dispensing liquid droplets to accentuate the tear of the paper roll. The liquid dispenser unit includes a liquid storage that stores the liquid to be dispensed and is positioned at the anterior end on the support. The liquid dispenser unit includes a connector connecting the liquid storage with an idler and a dispenser. The idler dispensing the controlled fluid from the liquid storage to the dispenser. The device including a pair of weighted tear arms for generating a tear on the paper roll.

[0022] The device including a winding motor driving a first winding roller and a second winding roller. The winding roller configured to pull the paper roll under the weighted arms. The first winding roller is positioned approximately above the tear arms and is supported through a side support. The second winding roller is also supported through a side support. The weighted arms placed one ahead of the other facilitating tearing of the paper into two parts when pulled in two different directions. The first winding roll being positioned approximately centrally on the platform defined by a first support and a second support. The second winding roller being positioned in close proximity with the first winding roll.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[0024] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein, FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the system for secure product authentication of the present invention in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the system for secure product authentication of FIG.1;

[0026] FIG. IB shows a perspective view of the system for secure product authentication of FIG.1 A;

[0027] FIG. 1C shows a top view of the system for secure product authentication of FIG.1A;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the system for secure product authentication of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flow chart for the system and method for secure product authentication of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 is another flow chart for the system and method for secure product authentication of FIG. 1 ;

[0031] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the system for secure product authentication of in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a tom label strip pasted on a medicinal strip in accordance with the present invention of FIG.1 ; and

[0033] FIG. 6A is a front view of the torn label strip in accordance with the present invention of FIG.1.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0035] References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0036] References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.

[0037] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0038] In general aspect, the present invention teaches a method and system for product authentication, applicable to a wide range of items including drug strips, books, bundles, boxes, goods, bottles, caps, and various forms of packaging. At its core, the invention teaches utilization of torn paper strips or paper strips with one or more torn edges serving as a distinctive feature for authentication purposes.

[0039] Importantly, the tear is not the same as a cut, effected by a scissor or an object with a sharp edge. These torn pieces are subjected to lamination for protection and image capture for recording, ensuring the creation of unique references for verification. The torn strip may or may not be embedded with an identification code. Integrated seamlessly with the product, these torn paper strips provide a tangible and reliable means to verify authenticity. To facilitate authentication, a mobile application is developed for customers, dealers, and distributors. This app empowers users or any individuals in the distribution chain or an inspection agency to scan the tom paper strip using their device's camera or / to upload a picture directly to the application.

[0040] Upon scanning or uploading, the application triggers a comparison process against stored references such as the respective torn strip or other part of the tom strip in a comprehensive database. In an alternative embodiment, the tom paper / strip method is further evolved, with one torn piece integrated onto the product itself, while the second piece is stored physically or as an image within the system's database.

[0041] In another embodiment, the user / implementer of the tear strip sends information about specific use / application of each tear strip back to the vendor of the tear strip. The tear strip vendor includes this information in the form of images or other information into the database so that the customer or anyone in the distribution chain or from an inspection agency can validate the authenticity of the product.

[0042] Any individual, whether a customer, dealer, distributor, or other stakeholder, has access to the mobile application to authenticate the product. By capturing and uploading an image of the torn paper strip integrated with the product, the system initiates a comparison with the stored reference image of the tom piece. Upon successful comparison, validating the congmence of the tom edges, the user receives a confirmation message, providing assurance of the product's authenticity. This streamlined authentication process enhances trust and confidence among consumers while deterring counterfeit activities.

[0043] To further secure the authentication process, the tear strip is scanned from both the sides to provide detailed contours of the edges for accurate verification. This is an important step as the method pre-supposes use of a material like paper, which when tom, results in layers of the edge being visible with the naked eye or under magnification. The contours of the tear seen from one side are sometimes different when seen from the other side.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a system for secure product authentication 50 is described. The system for secure product authentication referred to as ‘system 50’ hereafter is described. In accordance with the present invention, the system 50 includes a plurality of tear strip generation devices 100 and a processing unit 70. The tear strip generation devices 100 are connected with the processing unit 70 either through network i.e., internet 65, LAN, WAN, intranet, ZigBee or the like.

[0045] The tear strip generation device 100 referred to as ‘the device 100’ hereinafter, generates a unique and random tear contour of the received paper. Accordingly, the processing unit 70 stores the unique contours generated by the device 100 in a database 80 through a controller 90. The system 50 is connected with plurality of electronic devices 60 such as a telecommunication device, a laptop, a smartphone or the like. The system 50 communicates with the electronic device 60 through communication means such as internet 65, intranet, WAN, LAN or the like. A plurality of users 55 access the system 50 through their respective electronic devices 60 for exchanging data in the form of images.

[0046] In accordance with the present invention, the calibration module 95 is configured for correcting and analyzing the contours of the torn paper while processing the image on the controller 90. In context of the present invention, the paper roll is used as an input to the device 100 however, the type of material varies in other embodiments of the present invention. It is to be noted that, the contours of the freshly tom paper tend to settle with a lag of 5-10 seconds. Accordingly, the calibration module 95 is configured to correctly capture the details of the settled contours of a paper and stores in the database 80.

[0047] The calibration module 95 is configured on the controller 90 for initially capturing the primary object of the contours. The calibration module 95 further captures the transforming and settling torn edges of the paper within a range of 500 millisecond to 1 second interval and stores inside a primary object. Accordingly, said process continues for at least 500 milliseconds in which the calibration module 95 is configured to capture at least one or more images and create required subsets inside the primary object.

[0048] The calibration module 95, processes primary objects along with the subsets on the controller 90 such that all the contour data is captured and stored in the database 80 for a single piece of a torn paper. In the context of the present invention, the contour data refers to the torn edge's texture rough and irregular, the visible fibers of the paper, and the overall shape and structure of the paper. The contour data and the primary object are then processed on the controller 90 to create a secondary object. The secondary object infuses all the transformations and the details of the tom paper and creates a machine-readable secondary object.

[0049] It is to be noted that the secondary object is configured to store details of the image data such that even with the minimum details of the image received from the user 55 the system 50 is able to identify the counterfeit label strip. Further, the authentication module 85, is configured to establish the authenticity of the received image by analyzing the received image data and comparing with the stored secondary object in the database 80.

[0050] The controller 90 of system 50 connects with the electronic device 60 to communicate data to and from the device 100. The controller 90 is configured on a server 75 for centralized processing of the data. In context of the present invention, the controller 90 is configured for receiving input signals from the authentication module 85, and processes them through the calibration module 95. The controller 90 then is configured to generate output signals to control the behavior of a system 50.

[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, the calibration module 95 is configured to generate a hash value. In this particular embodiment, a third object is created for ensuring three tier security for authentication. Firstly, the torn section of the paper is captured through high-resolution image or the existing image is referred. Secondly, the distinctive features such as the contour data i.e., texture, or pixel data of the tear are stored in the database 80.

[0052] The calibration module 95 is configured to create a cryptographic hash, typically using SHA-256, that creates a unique digital fingerprint of the contour data. The third object including the cryptographic hash is securely stored in a blockchain ledger or an encrypted server 75 to prevent tampering. In this embodiment, the user sends image data to the system 50 for authentication. The system 50 invokes the calibration module 95 that analyzes the features from the received image. The calibration module 95 assess the hash value from the received image and checks for authenticity.

[0053] Now referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C the tear strip device 100 of the system 50 is described. The tear strip device 100 includes a first paper roller 104 housing a paper roll 108, a pair of tear arms 112, 114, and a pair of winding rollers 116, 120. Additionally, the device includes a pair of supports 124, 128. The first paper roller 104 is positioned on one side of support 124, while the pair of winding rollers 116, 120 are positioned on one side of platform 128.

[0054] The vertical reciprocal motion of the tear arms 112, 114 in opposite directions, facilitates the tearing of the paper roll, that is then wound onto the winding rollers 116 and 120. In the present invention, each of the arms 112, 114 are pivotably mounted on the support 128 such that in a first position the arm 112, 114 is normal to the support 128. The arms 112,114 are rotatable about the axis X. The direction of the arms 112, 114 rotation is indicated by arrow ‘A’. The arms 112, 114 are rotatable by an angle of 180°. The tearing and winding process is repeated sequentially until the roll is depleted or the desired length of tear strips is achieved. The torn paper strips are collected on the winding rollers 116 and 120.

[0055] The device 100 includes a first motor 132 positioned on the top end of the support 128. The first motor 132 is engaged with the arm 112 by a gear box that facilitates the rotation of the arm 112 from a first planar position to a second operating position. In a first position the arm 112 is normal to the support 128 and in a second position the arm 112 rests on the support 128. Accordingly, in a tear generation cycle, the arm 112 moves from the first position to the second position. Similarly, the arm 114 moves from the first position to the second position in contrast with the movement of the arm 112.

[0056] In accordance with the present invention, the length and the width of the buffered paper strip is variable as per the drug packaging form factor and as per the user requirement. The length of the paper strip is adjustable by changing the relative distance between the winding rollers 120, 116 from support 128 It is to be noted that the length of the tear strip tom in each arm movement depends on the length of the tear arms 112 and 114. The distance between supports 128 and 124 should ideally be equal to length of the length of arms 112, 114 to ensure adequate paper supply.

[0057] In another embodiment the arms 112, 114 are telescopic wherein the effective length of the tear strip is flexibly adjustable by increasing or decreasing the length of the respective arms 112, 114. In this embodiment, both the rollers 116 and 120 rotate in the same direction and torn paper strips are wound on respective rollers 116, 120. Following the winding of tear strips of the required length onto the winding rollers 116 and 120, the respective rollers are removed. Subsequently, new winding rolls are mounted to prepare for the next cycle of operation.

[0058] The tear strip device (100) tears a plain or pre-printed paper roll along a line, or pierces holes, manually, or by pins and other perforation means under the tear arms 112, 114 in the strip (technically challenging - let’s remove it) ensuring each torn portion is distinguishable and challenging to replicate. Subsequently, the tear strip roll is affixed to lidding foil roll used for sealing tablet strips. Preferably, the tear strip roll is affixed to a pre-printed lidding foil roll to avoid potential hindrances to proper printing on the lidding foil that may occur if attached to a blank lidding foil roll. The pre-printed lidding foil roll, along with the attached tear strip roll, is wound together to form a composite roll. Alternatively, the tear strip roll may first be attached to the label sheet roll and then together with the pre-printed lidding roll using methods known in the prior art.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, now the system 50 for secure product authentication of the present invention is described. The system 50 includes a sensor unit 204 including a plurality of cameras 208, infrared sensors, motion sensors, hygrometer or the like. The system 50 also includes a plurality of actuators 212 defined by motors, a secondary controller 216, a memory chip 220, a local data base 224, and an arbitrary module 228.

[0060] In accordance with the present invention, the cameras 208 are configured to capture images and detect different environmental conditions. It is to be noted that the images may be captured in extreme environmental conditions and stored in the database 224 for a particular tom piece of paper. The environmental conditions might capture the humidity levels, temperature difference or the like. The sensor unit 204 records the pattern of the tear strips.

[0061] The actuators 212 actuate the rollers 104, 116, 120 of the device 100. The secondary controller 216 is configured to receive inputs from the sensor unit 204, and send the input data to the system 50 for further processing. The users 55 send and received the data through the mobile application that is displayed on their electronic device 60. The data base 80 includes various images of tear strips, codes, and any other data required for authentication of the strips.

[0062] It is noted that the tear strip device 100 of the system 50 tears a plain or preprinted paper roll along an approximate line, or along a line of pierced holes, or pierces holes in the strip, ensuring that each torn hole is distinguishable from another and challenging to replicate. Subsequently, the tear strip roll is affixed to a blank or pre-printed lidding foil roll utilized for sealing tablet strips. Typically, attaching the tear strip roll to a pre-printed lidding foil roll is preferred. This preference arises from the possibility that attaching the tear strip roll to a blank lidding foil roll could impede proper printing on the lidding foil.

[0063] In accordance with the present invention, the paper roll 104 is embedded with a unique code and also a communication address. In this present invention, the unique code and communication address remain intact upon tearing the rolled paper 104 by the tearing arms 114, 112. In accordance with the present invention, the arbitrary module 228 is configured with predefined instructions to generate a unique tear of a provided paper roll. The arbitrary module 228 is processed on the secondary controller 216 for generating a unique tear through the tear arms 112, 114.

[0064] A user with a product packaged according to the present invention verifies its authenticity by scanning a code on the package. This code links the user's device to a mobile application or portal containing information about the tear strip particulars on the product. Upon successful authentication, the user receives a message or symbol confirming authenticity. This confirmation assures the user that the product has been authenticated by the system 50.

[0065] Now referring to FIGS 1 to 3 an operational flow of the system 50 is described hereinafter. In an initial step 304, the system 50 is started and all the components of the device 100 are initialized. In a next step 308, the controller 216 is configured to initiate a test signal to the sensor unit 204, the plurality of cameras 208, memory 220 and an arbitrary module 228.

[0066] In this step 308, the controller 216 signals the system 50 is in ready state if the response is received as per the trained data stored in the database 224 otherwise the system 50 displays check fail state on the electronic device 60. In a next step 312, the system 50 powers the motor that enables the actuators 212. In this step 312, the actuators 212 receive a paper roll 108 from the paper roller housing. In a next step 316, the system 200 activates the sensor unit 204 that enables the cameras 208.

[0067] In this step 316, the cameras 208 captures contours of the torn paper strip along with the unique code and is send to the controller 216. In this step 316, the controller 216 stores the received data in the database 224. In a next step 320, upon request from the user the processing unit 70 receives an input image from the user.

[0068] In this step 320, the calibration module 95 and the authentication module 85 authenticates and compares the received image from the user 55 with the stored primary object in the database 80 for two-tier authentication. In a last step 324, the system 50 continues the process as per the desired requirement from the user. Now referring to FIGS. 4 an operational cycle for authentication of the counterfeit label strip is described. In an initial step 404, the system 50 is initialized. In this step 404, the users 55 login to the mobile application on their electronic devices 60 to access the system 50 or accesses the link for authenticating the product by scanning through webcam or the like. In a next step 408, the users 55 access the label tear strip through their electronic devices 60 or through any existing cameras. In this step 408, the users 55 capture the image of the tear strip to be validated as authentic or counterfeit and sends it to the system 50.

[0069] In a next step 412, the system 50 receives the input image from the user 55 and stores the received image in the database 80. In this step 412, the controller 90 invokes the calibration module 95 and the authentication module 85. In this step 412, the controller 90 initiates the authentication module 85 and the calibration module 95 for processing the received input image. In a next step 416, the controller 90 analyzes the received image and extracts the contour data from the received image.

[0070] In this step 416, the contour data and the unique code is compared with the secondary object stored in the database 80. In this step 416, if the image is identified as counterfeit then the control of the process is transferred towards step 420. In this step 420, the image is flagged as a counterfeit image if either the contour data or the unique code is not matched with the received image from the user 55 and the control is then transferred towards step 428.

[0071] In step 416, if the contour data and the unique code of the received image from the user 55 match with the contour data and the unique code stored in the database 80 then the control is transferred towards step 424. In this step 424, the image is flagged as genuine image and the result is displayed on the electronic device 60.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5 a second embodiment of the tear generation device 100 is described. The tear strip device 500 includes a first paper roller 504 housing a paper roll 508, a pair of weighted tear arms 512, 514, and a pair of winding rollers 516, 520. Additionally, the device 500 includes a pair of supports 524, 528. The first roller 504 is positioned on anterior side of the support 524 and 528. The first winding roll 516 is approximately centrally positioned on the platform defined by a first support 524, and a second support 528.

[0073] Further, the second winding roller 520 is positioned in close proximity with the first winding roll 516. The first winding roller 516 is positioned approximately above the tear arms 512 and 514 and is supported through a side support 532 and 536. Similarly, the second winding roller 520 is also supported through a side support 532 and 536. The first winding roller 516 as well as second winding roller 520 are rotatable about their respective central axis ‘X’. In this one embodiment, the rotary motion is imparted to the first winding roller 516 as well as second winding roller 520 by respective actuators, for example a DC motor, AC motor or the like.

[0074] The pair of weighted tear arms 512, 514 having approximately unequal lengths facilitating tearing of the paper into two parts when pulled in two different directions namely of the first winding roller and the second winding roller 516, 520. The device 500 includes a winding motor 560 that is configured to pull the paper roll 508. The winding motor 560 drives the first winding roller and the second winding roller 516, 520. The paper roll 508 is driven by the driving motion of the winding motor 560.

[0075] The device 500 includes a liquid dispenser unit 550 for dispensing liquid droplets i.e., for example water, colored liquid or the like on the paper to soften it and accentuate the tear before tearing the paper into two parts. The liquid dispenser unit 550 includes a liquid storage 558 that stores the liquid to be dispensed. The liquid storage 558 is positioned at the anterior end on the support 528.

[0076] The liquid dispenser unit 550 includes a connector 556, an idler 554 and a dispenser 552. The connector 556 connects the liquid storage 558 with the idler 554. The idler 554 is further connected with the dispenser 552 for dispensing liquid. It is to be noted that the idler 554 dispenses the controlled fluid from the liquid storage 558 to the dispenser 552. The connector 556, the idler 554 and the dispenser 552 are positioned along the axis ‘B’.

[0077] In this embodiment, the two torn paper strips are wound in a synchronized and continuous manner. This movement is facilitated by two the tear arms 512, 514 guiding the paper roll 508 to the winding rollers 516, 520, ensuring a tear is effected along the desired tear line.

[0078] In operation, the paper roll 508 is positioned on the paper roller 504 and the open end of the paper is passed through the tear arms 512 and 514. The fluid dispenser unit 550 is activated for dispensing fluid on the predefined portion of the paper to be torn. The fluid adds additional security to the tear pattern as each fluid soaked tear is different when compared after it has dried. Accordingly, the paper is torn into two parts at the open end of the tear arms 512 and 514. One part of the paper is passed further and positioned on the first winding roller 516 and the second part of the roller is positioned on the second winding roller 520.

[0079] Now, the winding motor 560 is actuated in order to rotate the first winding roller 516 and the second winding roller 520 at different angles. Accordingly, the paper roll 508 rotates about the paper roller 504 to unwind the paper that is being pulled by the rotary motion of the first winding roller 516 and the second winding roller 520 while, the paper is being torn into two parts at the tear arm end 512, 514.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6 A the tear strip label pasted is described. In context of the present invention, a tear strip 615 is pasted on predefined area over a blister packaging 605. The blister packaging 605 may be of any type for example, medicine, tablet strip or any packaging in state of the art. The tear strip 615 is embedded with a unique code 610 and is engraved on the predefined area over the tear strip 615. It is to be noted that the position of the unique code 610 may vary in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] The tear strip 615 includes contours 620 that are unique to each tear strip label 615. The unique contours 620 are generated by the device 100 or the device 500 as mentioned above. In accordance with the present invention, the tear strip label 615 may be attached to a plurality of bottles 635 or caps of bottles, tubes, jars, or the like. The tom edge of the tear strip 615 is folded upwards and then attached to the bottles 635. The cylindrical shape of bottles 635 allows the tear strip 615 to be attached around the curved surface which prevents the tom edge from opening once they are pasted on the bottles 635. Moreover, the folded edge of the tear strip 615 is glued to the surface of the bottle 635, that creates a uniform line along the folded edge. Similarly, tear strip labels 615 are attached on bottle caps that may serve the additional purpose of providing a tamper evident seal, applied over the neck and cap of the bottle. The tear strip label 615 thus combines the serialization, anti-counterfeiting and a tamper evident seal thus generating a three tier secure system 50.

[0082] The system 50 of the present invention has advantages such as Enhanced Security wherein the tear strip authentication method adds an additional layer of security to product packaging, making it more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. The authentication process, involving scanning a code on the package and receiving instant confirmation through a mobile application or portal, is straightforward and convenient for users.

[0083] By connecting to a mobile application or portal, users can access real-time information about the tear strip date, ensuring up-to-date authentication status. The unique tear patterns and secure authentication process makes it challenging for counterfeiters to reproduce, thereby reducing the prevalence of counterfeit products in the market.

[0084] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for secure product authentication 50 including a plurality of electronic devices 60 for communicating with the system 50 characterized in that said system 50 for secure product authentication comprising: a system 50 including a tear strip generation device 100 for securely generating paper tear strip and a processing unit 70 for processing the data received from the device 100; the tear strip generation device 100 operating on a tear generation cycle; the tear generation cycle including a first paper roller 104 housing that encapsulates a paper roll 108; the paper roll 108 passes through a pair of tear arms 112, 114 and is wound on a pair of winding rollers 116, 120; the device 100 includes a first motor 132 that is positioned on the top of a pair of support 128; the first motor 132 in the tear generation cycle the movement of the tear arms 112, 114 move from a first planar position to a second operating position; the device 100 including an actuator 212 for actuating the rollers 104, 116, 120; the device 100 including a sensor unit 204 for capturing the contours data of the paper; and the system 50 includes a calibration module 95 being configured for correcting and analyzing the contours of the torn paper while processing the image on a controller 90; the calibration module 95 being configured to create a primary object for capturing the transforming and settling tom edges of the paper; the calibration module 95 being configured to create asecondary object to infuse all the transformations and details of tom paper and store it in a database 80; the system 50 includes an arbitrary module 228 being configured with predefined instructions to generate a unique tear of a provided paper roll being processed on the secondary controller 216 for generating a unique tear through the tear arms 112, 114.

2. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first paper roller 104 is positioned on one side of a support 124 and the pair of winding rollers 116, 120 are positioned on one side of a support 128.

3. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the arms 112, 114 are pivotably mounted on the support 128 such that in a first position the arm 112, 114 is normal to the support 128.

4. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arms 112, 114 are rotatable by an angle of 180° .

5. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a first position the arm 112, 114 is normal to the support 128 and in a second position the arm 112 rests on the support 128.

6. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the tear generation cycle, the arm 112 moves from the first position to the second position similarly, the arm 114 moves from the first position to the second position in contrast with the movement of the arm7. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the paper strip is adjustable by changing the relative distance between the supports 126 and 128 that is achieved by activating a movable platform on which the supports 126, 128 are positioned.

8. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the calibration module 95 captures the transforming and settling torn edges of the paper within a range of 500 millisecond to 1 second interval and stores inside a primary object.

9. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the calibration module 95 is configured to process the contour data and the primary object on the controller 90 to create a secondary object.

10. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein including an authentication module configured to establish the authenticity of the received image by analyzing the received image data and comparing with the stored secondary object in the database 80.

11. The system for secure product authentication 50 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the calibration module 95 is configured to create a third object storing a hash value of the second object.

12. A device 500 for secure product authentication of system 50 for secure product authentication including a pair of supports 524, 528 characterized in that said device 500 comprising: a tear strip device 500 including a first paper roller housing 504 being positioned on anterior side of the support 524 and 528 encapsulatinga paper roll 508, the device 500 including a liquid dispenser unit 550 dispensing liquid droplets to accentuate the tear of the paper roll 508; the liquid dispenser unit 550 includes a liquid storage 558 that stores the liquid to be dispensed and is positioned at the anterior end on the support 528; the liquid dispenser unit 550 includes a connector 556 connecting the liquid storage 558 with an idler 554 and a dispenser 552; the idler 554 dispensing the controlled fluid from the liquid storage 558 to the dispenser 552; and the device 500 including a pair of weighted tear arms 512, 514, for generating a tear on the paper roll 508; the device including a winding motor 560 driving a first winding roller and a second winding roller 516, 520; the winding roller 516, 520 configured to pull the paper roll 508 under the weighted arms 512, 514.

13. The secure product authentication device 500 as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the first winding roller 516 is positioned approximately above the tear arms 512 and 514 and is supported through a side support 532 and 536.

14. The secure product authentication device 500 as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the second winding roller 520 is also supported through a side support 532 and 536.

15. The secure product authentication device 500 as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the weighted arms 512, 514 placed one ahead of the other facilitating tearing of the paper into two parts when pulled in two different directions.

16. The secure product authentication device 500 as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the first winding roll 516 being positioned approximately centrally on the platform defined by a first support 524, and a second support 528.

17. The secure product authentication device 500 as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the second winding roller 520 being positioned in close proximity with the first winding roll 516.

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