Dynamic Product Labels Using NFC for Supply Chain Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers lack a reliable method to verify the composition, purity, potency, safety, and efficacy of products, as static labels cannot account for variances in the supply chain, tampering, contamination, or fraudulent production.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic product labels that link data from various supply chain nodes, using NFC tags, RFID tags, or QR codes, allowing consumers to access detailed information about the product's path and properties through a user device, enabling verification of the product's authenticity and compliance with standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static labels are used on product packaging, then manufacturing and application are simple, but the labels cannot verify product authenticity or account for supply chain variances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static labels into dynamic labels that can be updated in real-time. The label includes a machine-readable code that links to a database where product information can be dynamically modified. This allows the label to reflect current product status, supply chain variations, and authenticity verification data without requiring physical label changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the label and the product information. The machine-readable code on the label serves as a key to access this database, which stores and manages product data from multiple supply chain nodes. This intermediary enables complex verification without adding physical complexity to the label itself.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic data tracking through supply chain nodes is implemented, then product verification accuracy improves, but system complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal database system that serves multiple functions: storing product information, tracking supply chain nodes, verifying authenticity, and providing consumer information. This single multi-functional system handles all data management needs rather than requiring separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where data from supply chain nodes is continuously updated in the database, which then updates the information accessible through the label. This automated feedback mechanism ensures data accuracy without manual intervention, reducing management burden while maintaining high precision.
3Loss of information
If machine-readable codes linking to databases are used, then consumers can access detailed product information, but the system requires more infrastructure and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes, data matrices) as simplified copies or representations of complex product information. Instead of printing all detailed information on the physical label, the code serves as a compact reference that consumers can scan to access full information online, reducing manufacturing complexity while maximizing information accessibility.
4Reliability
If real-time updates throughout the supply chain are enabled, then product authenticity and safety are ensured, but data synchronization and system coordination become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a pre-configured database structure and labeling system before products enter the supply chain. Each product is pre-tagged with its machine-readable code and initial data is pre-loaded into the database. This preliminary setup enables automatic real-time updates without requiring complex synchronization protocols during product movement, reducing time losses.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dynamic label for a product. Data that is generated at different nodes in the supply chain can be linked to a unique identifier associated with the product. At a particular node, the dynamic label may be added to the product, container, or package. The dynamic label may include a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) tag with a value that can be read using a user device. The dynamic label may be connected to the unique identifier. When the product reaches a consumer, the consumer may use a device to read the dynamic label, and pass the value from the dynamic label to a host. The host may identify the connection between the dynamic label and the unique identifier, and may provide the data, that is generated by different nodes in the supply chain and that is associated with the unique identifier, to the user device.