System for providing authentication service by using article including plurality of NFC tags

Abstract

This communication terminal may comprise: a memory; a server communication module; an NFC communication module; and a processor, wherein the processor loads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, reads first tag information including a first tag unique code from a first NFC tag among a plurality of NFC tags of an article through the NFC communication module, communicates with an operating server through the server communication module, so as to determine whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server, generates unique authentication data on the basis of owner information stored in the memory according to a result of the determination, and writes the owner information and the unique authentication data to a second NFC tag different from the first NFC tag among the plurality of NFC tags through the NFC communication module.

Description

A system that provides authentication services using an item containing multiple NFC tags

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for providing authentication services using an article comprising a plurality of NFC tags, and in particular, to a system capable of providing authentication services for the authenticity of an article and authentication of ownership of the article using a plurality of NFC tags included in the article.

[0002] Limited edition products are occupying an increasingly important position in the modern consumer market. However, as the value of limited editions rises, the number of counterfeit and imitation goods is increasing, leading to problems that cause economic losses and damage to trust for both consumers and manufacturers. To address these issues, technologies such as NFC are being used to authenticate the genuineness of products. However, existing authentication systems utilizing NFC technology have a vulnerability in that the authentication information stored on the NFC tag can be duplicated because they rely on a single NFC point.

[0003] As a crucial step for verifying the legitimate owner of authenticated goods, there is an owner authentication process that plays a key role in preventing unauthorized use and ownership disputes. Traditional owner authentication methods have primarily relied on passwords, PIN codes, or authentication information provided separately by the owner; however, these methods carry a risk of misuse in the event of data leakage or theft. To address this, owner authentication methods utilizing wireless communication technologies, such as NFC tags, are gaining attention. NFC tags attached to products can be linked with the owner's digital credentials or unique identification information, enabling the rapid and accurate verification that the product belongs to the rightful owner. In particular, owner authentication using NFC tags can provide a high level of security by combining physical ownership with digital identity verification.

[0004] However, because existing owner authentication technologies utilize only a single NFC tag, there is a possibility that the information stored on the tag may be duplicated or forged. Furthermore, they fail to provide a function that allows owners to verify which number product they purchased is within the total production run. In the case of limited edition items, this acts as a factor that diminishes the owner's sense of loyalty and satisfaction. Consumers desire to accurately perceive the uniqueness and scarcity of the limited edition products they possess, but existing technology has limitations in satisfying this need.

[0005] The matters described in the background technology above are intended to aid in understanding the background of the invention and may include matters that are not disclosed prior art.

[0006] One objective of the present invention is to provide a system that stores information of the owner using a plurality of NFC tags provided on an item and can authenticate a limited edition (e.g., the owner of the 7th item of the limited edition, etc.) based on this information.

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that facilitates the writing of a unique product code to a specific tag among a plurality of NFC tags included in an article.

[0008] A communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a memory; a server communication module; an NFC communication module; and a processor. The processor loads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, reads first tag information including a first tag unique code from a first NFC tag among a plurality of NFC tags of an item through the NFC communication module, communicates with an operating server through the server communication module to determine whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server, generates unique authentication data based on owner information stored in the memory according to the result of the determination, and writes the owner information and the unique authentication data to a second NFC tag different from the first NFC tag among the plurality of NFC tags through the NFC communication module.

[0009] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication terminal configured to communicate with a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag provided on a target product; and an operating server. The communication terminal loads a plurality of instructions stored in a memory, reads first tag information including a first tag unique code from a first NFC tag among a plurality of NFC tags of an item through an NFC communication module, and determines whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server by communicating with the operating server through a server communication module, and, based on the result of the determination, generates unique authentication data based on owner information stored in the memory, and writes the owner information and the unique authentication data to a second NFC tag different from the first NFC tag among the plurality of NFC tags through the NFC communication module. The operating server may store product information of the item and a first tag key of the first NFC tag in association with the owner information and the unique authentication data in accordance with an input request from the communication terminal.

[0010] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a memory; an NFC communication module; a server communication module; and a processor, wherein the processor loads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, scans a target article including a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag through the NFC communication module, reads a tag unique code according to the result of the scan, determines which tag among the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag the tag unique code is associated with, and if it is determined that the tag unique code is associated with the first NFC tag, writes a product unique code of the target article to the first NFC tag through the NFC communication module.

[0011] A method of operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step in which the processor scans a target article including a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag through the NFC communication module; a step in which the processor reads a tag unique code according to the result of the scan and determines which tag among the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag the tag unique code is associated with; a step in which, if the tag unique code is determined to be associated with the first NFC tag, the processor generates a product unique code based on product information of the target article; and a step in which the processor writes the product unique code to the first NFC tag through the NFC communication module.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, information of the owner can be stored using a plurality of NFC tags provided on an item, and based on this, a limited edition of the item (e.g., the owner of the 7th item of the limited edition, etc.) can be authenticated.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since it determines not only whether an item is genuine but also authenticates it as a limited edition along with its genuineness, the owner can verify which number product among the total production run the product they purchased is.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by inducing the owner to recognize the uniqueness and scarcity of the item through limited edition authentication, a sense of belonging and satisfaction regarding the ownership of the limited edition can be provided.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by writing a product unique code on a specific tag (e.g., an NFC tag of the first tag type) in an article including a plurality of NFC tags, information for authentication of a limited edition (e.g., the owner of the 7th item of the limited edition, etc.) can be constructed.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since a unique product number is generated along with a unique product code of an article and entered into a specific tag, a basis can be established for the owner to verify which product number out of the total production volume the purchased product is through the unique product number when authenticating a limited edition.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram illustrated to explain a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrated to explain the detailed configuration of the communication terminal of FIG. 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the owner table of the database through the operating server of Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the tag table of the database through the operating server of Figure 1.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of writing owner information about the owner of an item to a second NFC tag included in an item in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of an operating server storing information received from a communication terminal in a DB in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an electronic device capable of writing data to an NFC tag of an article of an authentication system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrated to explain the detailed configuration of the electronic device of FIG. 8.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of storing a product unique code and a product unique number in a tag table according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining whether a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag are matched in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] The embodiments are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the invention.

[0031] The terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Additionally, the singular form in this specification may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “having” in this application are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof of the invention, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] The drawings are intended solely to facilitate an understanding of the concept of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Additionally, relative thicknesses, lengths, or sizes in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram illustrated to explain an NFC-based limited edition authentication system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrated to explain the detailed configuration of a communication terminal (110) of FIG. 1.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, an NFC-based limited edition authentication system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a communication terminal (110) and an operating server (120).

[0036] The above communication terminal (110) is an electronic device capable of communication and performing a series of operations through computational processing capabilities, and may be a smartphone or a computer. For example, the above communication terminal (110) may be an electronic device capable of storing certain software and performing functions such as communication, computation, and processing through the execution of said software.

[0037] The communication terminal (110) may be configured to communicate with a plurality of NFC tags provided on the item (101). Additionally, the communication terminal (110) may be configured to communicate with the operating server (120).

[0038] Here, the plurality of NFC tags may include a first NFC tag (102) and a second NFC tag (103). The first NFC tag (102) includes first tag information, and the first tag information may include a first tag unique code, a first tag key, and a first tag type. The second NFC tag (103) includes second tag information, and the second tag information may include a second tag unique code, a second tag key, and a second tag type.

[0039] The first NFC tag (102) is mounted on a first label containing information about the item (101), and the second NFC tag (103) contains information about the owner of the item (101) and can be mounted on a second label separate from the first label.

[0040] In this embodiment, the item (101) may be any type of item and may refer to any type of item that a buyer can purchase, possess, use, and collect. According to the embodiments, the item (101) may refer to clothing, miscellaneous goods, accessories, wine, etc., but is not limited thereto. In this case, both the first label and the second label may be provided on the item (101). For example, if the item is clothing, the first label may be the brand label of the clothing, and the second label may be the care label of the clothing. Here, the brand label is a label containing information regarding the brand or size of the item (101), and for example, in the case of clothing, it may refer to a label attached to the back of the neck. The care label is a label containing handling precautions, composition, instructions, etc. of the item (101), and for example, in the case of clothing, it may refer to a label attached to the waist.

[0041] The above communication terminal (110) may include a memory (111), an NFC communication module (113), a server communication module (115), a display (117), and a processor (119).

[0042] The memory (111) can store a plurality of instructions executed by the processor (119). Additionally, the memory (111) can store owner information (ID, email address, phone number, name, etc.) of the item. In this case, the owner information may be stored in advance in the memory (111), or it may be stored by inputting through an input unit (not shown) of the communication terminal (110).

[0043] The NFC communication module (113) may be configured to communicate with the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) among the plurality of NFC tags of the article (101).

[0044] The above server communication module (115) can be configured to communicate with the above operating server (120).

[0045] The display (117) can display first tag information associated with the first NFC tag (102) on the screen of the communication terminal (110). At this time, the display (117) can display an image of the item along with the first tag information so that the user (owner) can directly check the information.

[0046] The processor (119) can load and execute a plurality of instructions stored in the memory (111). Accordingly, the processor (119) can read first tag information including a first tag unique code from the first NFC tag (102) of the item (101) through the NFC communication module (113).

[0047] Additionally, the processor (119) can determine whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operation server (120) by communicating with the operation server (120) through the server communication module (115). At this time, the process of determination can be performed directly by the processor (119) or indirectly by the operation server (120).

[0048] That is, the processor (119) can directly perform the process of determination by determining whether the information received from the operating server (120) includes information that matches the first tag unique code. Alternatively, the processor (119) can indirectly perform the process of determination by receiving and verifying a response signal from the operating server (120) regarding whether information that matches the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server (120).

[0049] The processor (119) may generate unique authentication data based on owner information stored in the memory (111) according to the above determination result. To this end, if the processor (119) determines that information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server (120), it may proceed with an authentication procedure for the owner information. When the authentication for the owner information is completed, the processor (119) may generate the unique authentication data.

[0050] Here, the unique authentication data may include an Owner Unique Code and a 2nd Tag Secret Key. The processor (119) may generate the Owner Unique Code based on the owner information and generate the 2nd Tag Secret Key when the Owner Unique Code is generated.

[0051] The processor (119) can write the owner information and the unique authentication data to the second NFC tag (103), which is different from the first NFC tag (102) among the plurality of NFC tags, through the NFC communication module (113). To do this, the user can tag the second NFC tag (103) by bringing the communication terminal (110) within a certain distance (e.g., 10 cm) of the second NFC tag (103) and communicating with the communication terminal (110).

[0052] At this time, the processor (119) can write the owner information and the unique authentication data to the second NFC tag (103) depending on whether there is an association between the first tag information and the second tag information.

[0053] When using conventional single NFC tags, there is a risk that if the tag is forged, all authentication, including product authenticity verification, becomes ineffective. This situation not only significantly undermines the reliability of the authentication system but can also lead to problems such as counterfeit products being incorrectly authenticated as genuine. In particular, even in cases such as owner authentication for limited edition items, the reliability of the authentication can be compromised if the NFC tag is forged.

[0054] Accordingly, according to embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) are combined to store authentication information distributed in each NFC tag (102, 103) or to perform authentication in a mutually complementary manner. For example, the first NFC tag (102) may include information related to an item (101), and the second NFC tag (103) may include information related to the owner of the item (101), and by associating the two NFC tags (102, 103) with each other, the item (101) and the owner can be matched.

[0055] To this end, a plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) are included in a single item (101). According to embodiments, the first NFC tag (102) is included in the first label of the item (101), and the second NFC tag (103) is included in the second label of the item (101).

[0056] At this time, multiple NFC tags (102, 103) included in one item (101) must be matched with each other, and the fact that the multiple NFC tags (102, 103) are matched can be confirmed by the fact that the first tag information and the second tag information corresponding to each of the multiple NFC tags (102, 103) are stored in association with each other. That is, the first tag information and the second tag information can be stored in association with each other in a table of the operating server (120).

[0057] Accordingly, the processor (119) can determine whether the first tag information and the second tag information are related to each other, and thus determine whether the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) are actually matching NFC tags included in one item (101). When the two NFC tags (102, 103) are matching tags, the processor (119) confirms that the second NFC tag (103) is associated with the first NFC tag (102) corresponding to the product information of the item (101), and by writing the owner information of the item (101) on the second NFC tag (103), it is possible to prove who the owner of the item (101) is.

[0058] To this end, the processor (119) can determine whether the first tag information and the second tag information are associated with each other (i.e., whether they are stored as associated) by reading the second tag information including a second tag unique code from the second NFC tag (103) through the NFC communication module (113) before writing to the second NFC tag (103), and by communicating with the operating server (120) through the server communication module (115).

[0059] If it is determined that the first tag information and the second tag information are associated, the processor (119) can write the owner information and the unique authentication data to the second NFC tag (103). At this time, a lock may be set on the first NFC tag (102) so that the owner cannot write to it.

[0060] For example, the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) have a tag type (type code) stored to distinguish each tag, and the processor (119) performs a write function based on the type code of the NFC tag read from among the plurality of NFC tags provided on the item (101), only when the read NFC tag is the second NFC tag (103), thereby performing a write operation for the second NFC tag (103). Accordingly, the first NFC tag (102), which contains information related to the owner's item (101), cannot be modified, thereby ensuring reliability for authentication.

[0061] After writing to the second NFC tag (103), the processor (119) may transmit the owner information and the unique authentication data to the operating server (120) so that the owner information and the unique authentication data are matched with the first tag information and stored in the operating server (120). Additionally, after writing to the second NFC tag, the processor (119) may transmit the second tag key included in the unique authentication data to the operating server (120) so that it is updated.

[0062] The above-mentioned operating server (120) can communicate with the above-mentioned communication terminal (110) through a communication network. The above-mentioned operating server (120) can receive product information of the above-mentioned item (101) and the first tag key of the above-mentioned first NFC tag (102) from the above-mentioned communication terminal (110) in response to an input request from the above-mentioned communication terminal (110). Additionally, the above-mentioned operating server (120) can receive the above-mentioned owner information and the above-mentioned unique authentication data from the above-mentioned communication terminal (110). The above-mentioned operating server (120) can store the above-mentioned product information of the above-mentioned item (101) and the first tag key of the above-mentioned first NFC tag (102) in a database (DB) by associating them with the above-mentioned owner information and the above-mentioned unique authentication data.

[0063] At this time, the operating server (120) may store some of the product information, the owner information, the first tag information, and the second tag information in common in the owner table and tag table of the database, and store the remaining information separately in the owner table and tag table of the database. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows an owner table according to embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a tag table according to embodiments of the present invention. Meanwhile, the tables described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 may be stored in an operating server (120) or a database (121) of the operating server (120).

[0065] First, referring to FIG. 3, the owner table is a table for storing information about the owner of an item. The owner table may store a Product Unique Code, a Product Unique Number, an Owner Unique Code, an Owner ID, a 1st Tag Secret Key, and a 2nd Tag Secret Key.

[0066] Here, the product unique code is a code for identifying the type or category of an item, and the same code may be assigned to items of the same category (or category).

[0067] The above-mentioned unique product number is a number used to identify the item itself and may be assigned to each item. For example, the unique product number may refer to a limited edition number indicating which production batch the item is, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] In this case, the same product unique code may be assigned to two or more products, but the same product unique number may not be assigned to two or more products. For example, if two vests of the same type are produced, both vests are assigned the same product unique code, but the product unique numbers of the first vest and the second vest may be different.

[0069] The above owner ID represents a unique identifier used to identify the owner of the above item. The above owner unique code is a value for identifying the owner associated with the item (101) and can be generated by the processor (119) based on owner information. For example, even for a single owner ID, different owner unique codes may be assigned if the items are different (i.e., if the owner authentication process is different). Therefore, the above owner unique code can be used to verify ownership of the item.

[0070] The first tag key and the second tag key mentioned above are explained with reference to FIG. 4.

[0071] Next, referring to FIG. 4, the Tag Table may store a Product Unique Code, a Product Unique Number, a 1st Tag Unique Code, a 1st Tag Secret Key, a 1st Tag Type, a 2nd Tag Unique Code, a 2nd Tag Secret Key, and a 2nd Tag Type. Here, the Product Unique Code and the Product Unique Number can be understood as having the same concept as those described in FIG. 3.

[0072] A tag unique code is a value assigned to each NFC tag and serves as a unique identifier, such as a serial number. Therefore, if the NFC tags are different, the tag unique code assigned to them will also be different. To this end, the tag unique code is designed to identify each tag individually, thereby enabling operations to write or read data to a specific tag. According to embodiments of the present invention, the first tag unique code may be assigned to a first NFC tag, and the second tag unique code may be assigned to a second NFC tag.

[0073] The tag type is an attribute for identifying the type of NFC tag, and represents a value for distinguishing, for example, whether it is a first NFC tag or a second NFC tag among a plurality of NFC tags. That is, the tag type is information for distinguishing whether the NFC tag is a first NFC tag or a second NFC tag when the NFC tag is tagged through a communication terminal, and according to embodiments of the present invention, a first tag type may be assigned to a first NFC tag and a second tag type may be assigned to a second NFC tag.

[0074] As such, the tag type is an attribute used to identify the type of NFC tag, representing a value used to distinguish, for example, whether it is the first NFC tag or the second NFC tag among multiple NFC tags. Depending on this tag type, the type of information stored in each tag may vary. For instance, product information may be recorded in the first NFC tag and owner information in the second NFC tag, and the tag type serves to distinguish what information is recorded in each tag.

[0075] A tag key is a value assigned to each NFC tag. According to embodiments of the present invention, a first tag key may be assigned to a first NFC tag, and a second tag key may be assigned to a second NFC tag. For example, the tag key may be a value such as an OTP and may be used to determine whether the information written on the NFC tag is authentic. Here, the second tag key may be changed or updated in specific cases. For example, if the owner of the item changes, the second tag key may be changed or updated to a different value.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of writing owner information about the owner of an item to a second NFC tag included in an item in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, in step (310), the processor (119) of the communication terminal (110) can read first tag information including a first tag unique code from a first NFC tag (102) among a plurality of NFC tags of the item (101) through the NFC communication module (113).

[0077] Next, in step (320), the processor (119) can determine whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server (120) by communicating with the operating server (120) through the server communication module (115).

[0078] If it is determined that information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server (120) (direction of "Yes" in 330), the processor (119) in step (340) can generate unique authentication data based on the owner information stored in memory (111). On the other hand, if it is determined that information matching the first tag unique code is not stored in the operating server (120) (direction of "No" in 330), the present embodiment may be terminated.

[0079] Next, in step (350), the processor (119) can write the owner information and the unique authentication data to the second NFC tag (103) among the plurality of NFC tags through the NFC communication module (113).

[0080] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, in step (410), a communication terminal (110) can read the unique code of the first NFC tag (1st TAG) (102) by tagging it through an NFC communication module (113).

[0081] Next, in step (420), the communication terminal (110) can retrieve information matching the first tag unique code from the DB (121) of the operation server (120) by communicating with the operation server (120) through the server communication module (115). Accordingly, the communication terminal (110) determines whether the information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operation server (120), and if it is determined that it is stored, it can proceed to step (430).

[0082] That is, in step (430), the communication terminal (110) can receive owner information such as an ID, phone number (HP), and name through an input unit. In this way, the communication terminal (110) can receive the owner information through the input unit, but instead of the input process, it may load the owner information stored in the memory (111).

[0083] Next, in step (440), the communication terminal (110) can perform an authentication process, such as identity verification, through an authentication procedure for the owner information. An application (App) including the authentication process may be installed on the communication terminal (110). The application can perform an authentication procedure for the owner information through the authentication process. Additionally, the application can read the relevant information from the first NFC tag (102) and transmit it to the operating server (120), and can transmit the information written on the second NFC tag (103) to the operating server (120).

[0084] When the authentication of the above owner information is completed (in the "Yes" direction of 450), the communication terminal (110) in step (460) may generate unique authentication data based on the above owner information. The communication terminal (110) may generate a second tag key when the unique authentication data is generated. On the other hand, if the authentication of the above owner information is not completed (in the "No" direction of 450), the communication terminal (110) may repeat the authentication procedure for the above owner information within a set time or a set number of times, and if the set time or the set number of times is exceeded, an authentication failure message may be displayed through the display (117).

[0085] Next, in step (470), the communication terminal (110) makes an input request to the operating server (120) through the server communication module (115), thereby transmitting the owner information and unique authentication data written on the second NFC tag (103) to the operating server (120) to store (add and modify) them in the DB (121). At this time, the second tag key already stored in the DB (121) can be changed from the initial shipment value of the second NFC tag (103) to the second tag key included in the unique authentication data.

[0086] Next, in step (480), the communication terminal (110) makes an input request to the operating server (120), thereby allowing the product information of the item and the first tag key of the first NFC tag (102) to be stored in the DB (121) of the operating server (120). At this time, the operating server (120) receives the product information and the first tag key from the communication terminal (110) and stores them in the DB (121) in association with the owner information and the unique authentication data. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 7 as follows.

[0087] That is, the operating server (120) can store the product unique code and product unique number included in the product information, and the first tag key and the second tag key, in common with the owner table and tag table of the DB (121). In addition, the operating server (120) can store the first tag unique code and first tag type, and the second tag unique code and second tag type, in the tag table of the DB (121), and store the owner ID included in the owner information and the owner unique code included in the owner authentication data in the owner table.

[0088] However, in the case of the second tag key, the operating server (120) may first store the second tag key in the tag table to change the initially registered key (representing the initial shipment value of the second NFC tag (103) as a value for confirming the normal shipment of the item (101)) to the second tag key, and then store the second tag key stored in the tag table as the same value in the owner table through a synchronization process. Through such an automatic synchronization process, the correlation between the owner table and the tag table can be maintained, and the reliability of the information can be improved.

[0089] In this way, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the information stored in the owner table and the tag table in the database (121) of the operating server (120) is associated with each other, it can be determined that the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) are included in a single item (101). However, if necessary, the communication terminal (110) itself can indirectly determine the association between the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) with respect to a single item (101).

[0090] For example, the communication terminal (110) can indirectly determine the association between the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) based on the tagging time of the first NFC tag (102) and the tagging time of the second NFC tag (103). That is, the communication terminal (110) determines that the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) are included in one item (101) only when the second NFC tag (103) is tagged within a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds or 5 seconds) from the time the first NFC tag (102) is tagged, and accordingly activates the write function of the second NFC tag (103) to enable entry into write mode.

[0091] As another example, the communication terminal (110) can indirectly determine the relationship between the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) based on the tagging location of the first NFC tag (102) and the tagging location of the second NFC tag (103). That is, the communication terminal (110) determines that the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) are included in a single item (101) only when the second NFC tag (103) is tagged within a predetermined distance from the location where the first NFC tag (102) was tagged, and accordingly activates the write function of the second NFC tag (103) to enable entry into write mode. Here, the communication terminal (110) may use an internally mounted sensor (e.g., a gyroscope sensor) to determine the location within a predetermined distance.

[0092] FIGS. 8 to 12 and the description related thereto relate to an electronic device capable of writing data to an NFC tag of an article of an authentication system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device may selectively write data to any one of a plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) included in an article of an authentication system according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an electronic device capable of writing data to an NFC tag of an article of an authentication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the electronic device (130) can selectively write data to any one of a plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) included in the article (101).

[0094] For example, the electronic device (130) can be used to write information about the item to one of the multiple NFC tags (102, 103) included in the item (101) at the shipping stage prior to the sale of the item (101). Afterward, information regarding ownership, which is determined subsequently, can be written to the remaining NFC tag(s) among the multiple NFC tags (102, 103).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (130) according to embodiments of the present invention scans a plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) included in an article (101) and can selectively write data to any one of the scanned NFC tags (102, 103). For example, even if a plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) are recognized in a single scan, the electronic device (130) can selectively write data to any one of the plurality of NFC tags (102, 103) according to a predetermined standard.

[0096] Accordingly, even if multiple NFC tags (102, 103) are included in a single target item (101) and multiple NFC tags (102, 103) are recognized in a single scan, there is an effect of being able to selectively write data to the desired NFC tag.

[0097] For example, referring to i) of FIG. 9, an electronic device (130) selects a first NFC tag (102) and writes data. The electronic device (130) can communicate with the first NFC tag (102) among two NFC tags (102, 103) to write data to the first NFC tag (102). For example, the electronic device (130) reads an identifier from the NFC tags (102, 103), and if the read identifier indicates the first NFC tag (102), it determines that the NFC tag is the first NFC tag (102) and writes a predetermined data to the first NFC tag (102). On the other hand, if the read identifier indicates the second NFC tag (103), the electronic device (130) does not perform a data writing operation.

[0098] For example, referring to ii) of FIG. 9, the electronic device (130) selects the second NFC tag (103) and writes data. The electronic device (130) can communicate with the second NFC tag (103) among the two NFC tags (102, 103) to write data to the second NFC tag (103). For example, the electronic device (130) reads an identifier from the NFC tags (102, 103), and if the read identifier indicates the second NFC tag (103), it determines that the NFC tag is the second NFC tag (103) and writes a predetermined data to the second NFC tag (103). On the other hand, if the read identifier indicates the first NFC tag (102), the electronic device (130) does not perform a data writing operation.

[0099] Meanwhile, embodiments of the present invention are described below by exemplifying specific types of target articles and specific forms of data, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the electronic device (130) of FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device (130) may include a memory (131), an NFC communication module (133), a server communication module (135), a recognition device (137), a means of transport (138), and a processor (139).

[0101] The memory (131) can store multiple instructions executed by the processor (139). Additionally, the memory (131) can store data to be processed later by the processor (139) in advance, and can store data that has been processed by the processor (139). For example, the memory (131) can store a tag unique code read according to the scan result of the target item (101), information regarding the tag type matching the tag unique code, a product ID read from the barcode on the packaging of the target item (101), product information corresponding to the product ID, a product unique code generated based on the product information, a product unique number, owner information, etc.

[0102] The NFC communication module (133) may be configured to communicate with the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) among the plurality of NFC tags of the target item (101).

[0103] The server communication module (135) can be configured to communicate with the operating server (120).

[0104] The recognition device (137) may be configured to recognize objects. That is, the recognition device (137) may recognize a product ID from a barcode on the packaging of the target item (101). For example, the recognition device (137) may include a barcode scanner, a camera, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0105] The moving means (138) can control operations related to the movement of the NFC communication module (133). That is, the moving means (138) can perform the function of moving the NFC communication module (133) to change the scan position of the target item (101). For example, the moving means (138) may include motor-based moving means such as a linear motor or a servo motor, or a linear actuator or a robot arm, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The processor (139) can load instructions stored in memory (131) and execute a process according to the following embodiments.

[0107] The processor (139) can determine whether product information matching the product ID of a target item (101) stored in the processor (139) is stored in the operating server (120) by communicating with the operating server (120) through the server communication module (135). At this time, the process of determination can be performed directly by the processor (139) or indirectly by the operating server (120).

[0108] The product ID of the target item (!01) may be stored in advance in the processor (139) or collected by the processor (139). For example, the processor (139) may read the product ID from the barcode on the packaging of the target item (101) through the recognition device (137) and transmit the read product ID to the operating server (120). Accordingly, the processor (139) receives a response from the operating server (120) and, based on the received response, determines whether product information corresponding to the product ID is stored in the operating server (120).

[0109] That is, the processor (139) can directly perform the process of judgment by determining whether the information received from the operating server (120) includes product information that matches the product ID. Alternatively, the processor (139) can indirectly perform the process of judgment by receiving and verifying a response signal from the operating server (120) regarding whether product information that matches the product ID is stored in the operating server (120).

[0110] When the processor (139) determines that product information is stored in the operating server (120), it can scan the target item (101) including the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) through the NFC communication module (133).

[0111] The processor (139) can read the tag unique code based on the result of the scan. In this case, if the distance between the two NFC tags (102, 103) is relatively far, the processor (139) may read only the tag unique code of one of the two NFC tags (102, 103). On the other hand, if the distance between the two NFC tags (102, 103) is relatively close, the processor (139) may read both tag unique codes of the two NFC tags (102, 103).

[0112] Meanwhile, before performing a scanning operation of the NFC tags (102, 103), the processor (139) communicates with the operating server (120) in advance through the server communication module (135) to proceed with an authentication procedure for owner information stored in the memory (131), and once the authentication of the owner information is completed, it can activate the read and / or write function for the NFC tags (102, 103).

[0113] The processor (139) can write data to NFC tags (102, 103) corresponding to the target tag type. Here, the target tag type is an identifier indicating the type of NFC tag that the electronic device (130) intends to write data to, and the NFC tags (102, 103) can be designated to a predetermined type in advance.

[0114] According to embodiments, the first NFC tag (102) is designated as a first type and the second NFC tag (103) is designated as a second type, so that the two NFC tags (102, 103) can be distinguished as different types. For example, the first type may indicate a type of NFC tag in which information about a product is written, and the second type may indicate a type of NFC tag in which information about an owner is written.

[0115] The processor (139) can determine whether the tag type of the NFC tag (102, 103) corresponding to the read tag unique code is the target tag type through communication with the operating server (120). For example, it can determine whether the tag type of the NFC tag (102, 103) corresponding to the read tag unique code is the type of the first NFC tag (102), i.e., the first type, or the type of the second NFC tag (103), i.e., the second type.

[0116] According to embodiments, the processor (139) can obtain information regarding a tag type that matches the tag unique code of a read NFC tag from the operating server (120) through the server communication module (135). Based on the information regarding the tag type, the processor (139) can determine which tag the read NFC tag is associated with among the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103). That is, the processor (139) can determine whether the tag type indicated by the tag code of the read NFC tag is the first type or the second type, and thus determine which tag the read NFC tag is associated with among the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103).

[0117] The processor (139) can write data to the NFC tag if the tag type of the read NFC tag (102, 103) is the target tag type. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor (139) can write the product unique code of the target item (101) to the NFC tag identified as the first type, i.e., the first NFC tag (102). That is, the processor (139) writes data if the read NFC tag is the NFC tag of the first type, i.e., the first NFC tag (102).

[0118] At this time, if it is determined that it is associated with the first NFC tag (102), the processor (139) can generate a product unique code for the target item (101). To do this, the processor (139) reads product information stored by matching the tag unique code from the operating server (120) through the server communication module (135), and can generate a product unique code for the target item (101) based on the product information.

[0119] Meanwhile, the processor (139) communicates with the operating server (120) through the server communication module (135) to perform an authentication procedure for the owner information stored in the memory (131), and when the authentication of the owner information is completed, the light function of the first NFC tag (102) can be activated. At this time, the authentication procedure for the owner information can be replaced by being performed once when the read function of the first NFC tag (102) is activated, or it can be performed again to activate the light function of the first NFC tag (120), and various implementations are possible.

[0120] On the other hand, the processor (139) may not write data if the read NFC tag is a second type NFC tag, i.e., a second NFC tag (103).

[0121] According to embodiments, if the read NFC tag is the second NFC tag (103), the processor (139) can move the NFC communication module (133) using a moving means (138) and re-scan the target item (101) at the location where the NFC communication module (133) has moved. This is to increase the scan probability of the first NFC tag (102).

[0122] That is, when the processor (139) obtains information regarding a tag type that matches a tag unique code from the operating server (120), it determines whether the type is a first type or a second type, and if it is determined to be a second type, it determines that the tag unique code is associated with a second NFC tag (103), and accordingly, can move the NFC communication module (133) using a moving means (138) to scan the first NFC tag (102).

[0123] The processor (139) stores the unique tag code read according to the scan result of the target item (101) in memory (131) and can count the number of times the unique tag code is stored in memory (131). Based on the counted number, the processor (139) can determine whether there are at least two unique tag codes stored in memory (131). At this time, if there are at least two unique tag codes stored in memory (131), the processor (139) can determine whether the at least two unique tag codes are related to each other by communicating with the operating server (120) through the server communication module (135).

[0124] In other words, the processor (139) can determine whether the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) are matched. This is to determine whether the two NFC tags (102, 103) are included in one item (101). The processor (139) can output a normal signal if it determines that the at least two tag unique codes are related to each other, and output an abnormal signal if it determines that the at least two tag unique codes are not related to each other. At this time, the normal signal and the abnormal signal may be output visually or audibly through the display or speaker of the electronic device (130), although they are not shown in the drawing.

[0125] The processor (139) can generate a product unique code for the target item (101) and then generate a product unique number. The processor (139) can transmit the new product unique number to the operating server (120) along with the product unique code through the server communication module (135) so that the generated product unique number is matched with the product unique code and stored in the operating server (120).

[0126] To this end, the processor (139) can read a product unique number associated with a product unique code from the operation server (120) through the server communication module (135) and verify the read product unique number. At this time, if the product unique number is not in the operation server (120) and cannot be read, or if the product unique number exists but is assigned only an initial value such as 0, the processor (139) can generate a new product unique number and update the initial value to, for example, 1. A product unique number of 1 may mean that the product, especially a limited edition product, was produced for the first time.

[0127] Meanwhile, the product unique number can be stored in the operation server (120) along with the product unique code whenever a limited edition is produced. Accordingly, if multiple product unique numbers are stored in the operation server (120), the processor (139) can read the largest count value among the product unique numbers associated with the product unique code from the operation server (120) and generate a new product unique number based on the read count value.

[0128] For example, among the product unique numbers stored in the operating server (120), if the product unique number associated with the corresponding product unique code is 1, 2, 3, or 4, the processor (139) can read product unique number 4, which is the largest count value among the product unique numbers, and increase the read count value 4 by 1 to generate a new product unique number 5. In other words, the processor (139) can generate product unique number 5 indicating that the item (101) is a limited edition produced for the 5th time.

[0129] At this time, the processor (139) can manage the count so that the product unique number is not generated incorrectly or in excess, thereby ensuring that the total production quantity of the item (101) is not exceeded. The work process for this is as follows.

[0130] First, the processor (139) can perform initial setup. Initial setup may include the process of entering the total number of products and initializing the count. That is, the processor (139) can store the total number of products entered by the user (e.g., 100) in advance in the operation server (120) and initialize the count value to 0 before starting the NFC tag recording operation.

[0131] Next, the processor (139) can generate a unique product number based on product information and a serial number (e.g., 001, 002...) and transmit the generated unique product number along with the corresponding unique product code to the operation server (120) for storage. The processor (139) can check whether the unique product number has been stored in the operation server (120), and if the result of the check is that it has been successfully stored, it can increase the count value by 1, and if not (storage failed), it can output an error message and then generate the unique number again.

[0132] Next, the processor (139) compares the count value of the product unique number with the total number of products, and if the count value is less than or equal to the total number of products as a result of the comparison, it can proceed with the generation and recording of the next unique number. On the other hand, if the count value is greater than the total number of products, the processor (139) can stop the generation of the product unique code and output a warning message. That is, when the count value reaches the total number of products (e.g., 100), the processor (139) can terminate the generation of the product unique code and output a task completion message to notify the user.

[0133] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in particular a process for generating and recording a unique product code. Referring to FIG. 11, in step (510), the processor (139) can read a product ID from a barcode on the packaging of a target item (101) through a recognition device (137).

[0134] Next, in step (520), the processor (139) can retrieve product information corresponding to a product ID from the DB (121) of the operating server (120) by communicating with the operating server through the server communication module (135).

[0135] Next, in step (530), the processor (139) can scan the target item (101) including the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103) through the NFC communication module (133).

[0136] When a scan is performed (in the "Yes" direction of 540), in step (550), the processor (139) can read the tag unique code and retrieve information matching the read tag unique code (e.g., information about the tag type) from the operation server (120) or the database (121) of the operation server (120).

[0137] On the other hand, if a scan is not performed (in the "No" direction of 540), the processor (139) moves the NFC communication module (133) via the moving means (138) and can determine once again whether a scan was performed at the moved location.

[0138] Next, in step (560), the processor (139) can determine whether the tag unique code read according to the scan is associated with a tag of the first tag type, i.e., the first NFC tag (102). That is, the processor (139) can determine which tag the tag unique code is associated with among the first NFC tag (102) and the second NFC tag (103), and can determine whether it is associated with the first NFC tag (102) based on the result of the determination.

[0139] If it is determined that the tag unique code is associated with the first NFC tag (102) (in the "Yes" direction of 560), in step (570), the processor (139) can generate a product unique code based on the product information of the target item (101).

[0140] On the other hand, if it is determined that the tag unique code is not associated with the first NFC tag (102) (in the "No" direction of 560), the processor (139) can return to step (540). That is, the processor (139) can move the NFC communication module (133) via the moving means (138) and determine once again whether a scan was performed at the moved location.

[0141] Next, in step (580), the processor (139) can generate a unique product number.

[0142] Next, in step (590), the processor (139) can transmit the product unique code and product unique number to the operating server (120) via the server communication module (135) to record (store) them in the database (121). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the product unique code and product unique number can be stored in the tag table of the database (121) by matching them with the first tag information and the second tag information.

[0143] Next, in step (595), the processor (139) can write a product unique code to the first NFC tag (102) through the NFC communication module (133).

[0144] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining whether a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag match in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, in step (710), the processor (139) can store the unique tag code read according to the scan result of the target item (101) in the memory (131).

[0145] Next, in step (720), the processor (139) can determine whether there are at least two unique tag codes stored in memory (131).

[0146] If the result of the judgment is that there are not at least two or more (the "No" direction of 720), the processor (139) can return to step (710) and repeat the process of storing the read tag unique code in memory (131).

[0147] On the other hand, if the result of the judgment is at least two or more (in the direction of "Yes" in 720), in step (730), the processor (139) can determine whether at least two tag unique codes are associated with each other by communicating with the operating server (120) through the server communication module (135).

[0148] If the result of the judgment is that they are related (in the direction of "Yes" in 740), the processor (139) can output a normal signal in step (750).

[0149] On the other hand, if the judgment result indicates that they are not related (the "No" direction of 740), the processor (139) may output an abnormal signal in step (760).

[0150] The device (unit) described above may be implemented as a hardware element and / or a software element. For example, the hardware element may include a microphone, an amplifier, a bandpass filter, an A / D converter, and a processing device. The processing device may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or other devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. The processing device may operate an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. Additionally, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For the sake of brevity, the processing unit may be described as a single unit; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or a processor and a controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0151] Software, including computer programs, code, instructions, or combinations thereof, may configure or command a processing unit independently or collectively to operate as desired. Software and data may be embodied permanently or temporarily as propagated signal waves that can be interpreted by the processing unit or provide instructions or data to the processing unit, or as various types of machines, components, physical devices, virtual equipment, computer storage media or devices, etc. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media, which include data storage devices that store data and allow the computer system or processing unit to read it later. The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices. It includes magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory.In addition, functional programs, code, and code segments that fulfill the examples disclosed herein can be easily understood and implemented by a programmer with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to these examples based on or using the flowcharts and block diagrams of the drawings and the descriptions provided herein.

[0152] Although it may not apply universally, the terminals or devices described herein may be applicable to mobile devices such as cellular phones, PDAs, digital cameras, portable game consoles, MP3 players, portable / personal multimedia players (PMPs), portable e-books, portable laptop PCs, GPS navigation systems, tablets, and sensors, as well as desktop PCs, HDTVs, optical disc players, set-top boxes, consumer electronics, and devices capable of wireless or network communication.

[0153] Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiments, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiments, and vice versa.

[0154] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications are possible. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or the elements of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined in a different way, or are replaced or supplemented by other elements or equivalents. Accordingly, other embodiments fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

[0155] The present invention relates to a system for providing an authentication service using an article comprising a plurality of NFC tags.

Claims

1. Memory; Server communication module; NFC communication module; and Includes a processor, The above processor loads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, Through the above NFC communication module, first tag information including a first tag unique code is read from a first NFC tag among a plurality of NFC tags of an item, and By communicating with the operating server through the above server communication module, it is determined whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server, and Based on the result of the above judgment, unique authentication data is generated based on the owner information stored in the memory, and Writing the owner information and the unique authentication data to a second NFC tag different from the first NFC tag among the plurality of NFC tags through the NFC communication module Communication terminal.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor Transmitting the owner information and the unique authentication data to the operating server so that the owner information and the unique authentication data are matched with the first tag information and stored on the operating server. Communication terminal.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above unique authentication data includes an owner unique code and a second tag key, and The above processor Generate the above owner unique code based on the above owner information, and Generating the second tag key when the above owner unique code is generated, Communication terminal.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first NFC tag is mounted on a first label containing information about the item, and The above-mentioned second NFC tag contains information about the owner of the above-mentioned item and is mounted on a second label separate from the above-mentioned first label, Communication terminal.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above items include clothing and miscellaneous goods, The first label above is a brand label of the clothing and miscellaneous goods, and the second label above is a care label of the clothing and miscellaneous goods, Communication terminal.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above processor If it is determined that information matching the above-mentioned first tag unique code is stored in the above-mentioned operating server, an authentication procedure for the above-mentioned owner information is performed, and When the authentication of the above owner information is completed, the above unique authentication data is generated, Communication terminal.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above processor Prior to writing to the above second NFC tag, Reading second tag information including a second tag unique code from the second NFC tag through the NFC communication module, and By communicating with the operating server through the server communication module, it is determined whether the first tag information and the second tag information are related to each other, and If it is determined that the first tag information and the second tag information are associated, the owner information and the unique authentication data are written on the second NFC tag. Communication terminal.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above processor After the above owner information and the above unique authentication data are written on the above second NFC tag, the second tag key included in the above unique authentication data is transmitted to the operating server to be updated. Communication terminal.

9. A communication terminal configured to communicate with a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag provided on an item; and Including the operation server, The above communication terminal is Loading multiple instructions stored in memory, Reading first tag information including a first tag unique code from a first NFC tag among a plurality of NFC tags of an item through an NFC communication module, and By communicating with the operating server through the server communication module, it is determined whether information matching the first tag unique code is stored in the operating server, and Based on the result of the above judgment, unique authentication data is generated based on the owner information stored in the memory, and The owner information and the unique authentication data are written to the second NFC tag, which is different from the first NFC tag among the plurality of NFC tags, through the NFC communication module, and The above operating server is In accordance with an input request from the communication terminal, the product information of the item and the first tag key of the first NFC tag are associated with the owner information and the unique authentication data and stored. NFC-based limited edition authentication system.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above operating server is The above product information, the above first tag key, and the second tag key included in the above unique authentication data are stored commonly in the owner table and tag table of the database, and the owner unique code included in the above owner information and the above unique authentication data is stored only in the owner table. NFC-based limited edition authentication system.

11. Memory; NFC communication module; Server communication module; and Includes a processor, The above processor loads a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, Scanning a target item including a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag through the above NFC communication module, and Read the unique tag code based on the result of the above scan, and Determining which tag the above unique code is associated with among the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag, and If it is determined that the above tag unique code is associated with the above first NFC tag, the product unique code of the above target item is written to the above first NFC tag through the NFC communication module. Electronic device.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above processor Through the above server communication module, information regarding the tag type matching the above tag unique code is obtained from the operation server, and Determining which tag the unique code of the above tag is associated with among the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag based on information regarding the above tag type, Electronic device.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above processor The unique tag code read according to the result of the above scan is stored in the above memory, and If there are at least two unique tag codes stored in the memory, determining whether the at least two unique tag codes are related to each other by communicating with an operating server through the server communication module. Electronic device.

14. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a recognition device configured to recognize objects, and The above processor Through the above recognition device, a product ID is read from a barcode on the packaging of the target item, and By communicating with the operating server through the above server communication module, it is determined whether product information corresponding to the above product ID is stored in the operating server, and Based on the result of the above judgment, generating the above product unique code, Electronic device.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above processor Through the above server communication module, the product information is read from the above operation server, and Generating the unique product code based on the above product information, Electronic device.

16. In Paragraph 11, It further includes a movement means for controlling operations related to the movement of the above-mentioned NFC communication module, and The above processor If it is determined that the above tag unique code is associated with the above second NFC tag rather than the above first NFC tag, the above NFC communication module is moved via the above moving means, and the scanning of the above target item is performed again at the location where the above NFC communication module is moved. Electronic device.

17. In Paragraph 11, The above processor By communicating with the operating server through the above server communication module, it is determined whether product information matching the product ID of the above target item is stored in the operating server, and If it is determined that the above product information is stored, scanning the above target item, Electronic device.

18. In Paragraph 11, The above processor Through the above server communication module, the largest count value among the product unique numbers associated with the above product unique code is read from the operation server, and Generate a new unique product number based on the above read count value, and Transmitting the product unique code and the new product unique number to the operating server through the server communication module so that the product unique code and the new product unique number are matched and stored with each other on the operating server, Electronic device.

19. In Paragraph 11, The above processor By communicating with the operating server through the above server communication module, an authentication procedure for the owner information stored in the memory is performed, and When authentication of the above owner information is completed, the read and write functions of the above first NFC tag are activated, Electronic device.

20. A method of operating an electronic device including a memory, an NFC communication module, and a processor, The step of the processor scanning a target item including a first NFC tag and a second NFC tag through the NFC communication module; A step in which the processor reads a tag unique code according to the result of the scan and determines which tag the tag unique code is associated with among the first NFC tag and the second NFC tag; If it is determined that the above tag unique code is associated with the above first NFC tag, the processor generates a product unique code based on product information of the target item; and The above processor includes the step of writing the product unique code to the first NFC tag through the NFC communication module, Method of operation of an electronic device.

Images