Multi-Layer Item Authenticity Label with Tamper-Revealed Private ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in verifying the authenticity and origin of products, as existing systems lack effective methods for tracking and ensuring the authenticity of specific items, leading to difficulties in ensuring quality and safety, particularly in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer identifier label system is introduced, featuring a public identifier visible during manufacturing and transportation, and a private identifier that becomes visible only after a tamper-evident action, allowing consumers to scan and verify the item's authenticity through a networked environment, enabling item-level tracking and recall management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a universal product code is used for tracking items, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot verify the authenticity or track the chain of custody of specific items
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier system is segmented into multiple layers: an outer visible layer with a public identifier for general tracking, and an inner concealed layer with a private identifier for authenticity verification. This segmentation allows the system to provide both simple tracking and secure verification without requiring a completely complex new system
Solution Approach 2:
The label structure implements nesting by placing the private identifier layer inside the public identifier layer. The inner layer contains the security-critical information while the outer layer provides general identification and tracking capabilities. This nested structure enables both simplicity and security within a single integrated label
2Loss of information
If product information is made accessible to consumers, then consumer confidence and transparency are improved, but product vulnerability to fraud increases
Solution Approach 1:
The critical authenticity information is extracted from the public domain and placed in the concealed inner layer of the label. Only the non-sensitive public identifier is exposed for general tracking, while the private identifier that verifies authenticity remains protected until the consumer actively verifies it through the designated process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by the retailer or distributor before the product reaches the consumer. The private identifier is registered and validated in advance, creating a chain of custody record that prevents fraud while still allowing full information disclosure to the consumer after verification
3Reliability
If item-level tracking is implemented, then recall effectiveness and quality control are improved, but the cost and complexity of the tracking system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer label system serves multiple functions: it provides general item tracking through the public identifier, enables authenticity verification through the private identifier, maintains chain of custody records, and supports recall operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each purpose, reducing overall complexity while improving recall effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for tracking and verifying the authenticity of items. Public and private unique identifiers are generated for an item, and an identifier label is printed and affixed to the item. The public identifier is visible, but the private identifier is not visible unless a tamper-evident action is performed. Events involving scans of the public identifier are recorded. The private identifier is scanned by a client, and in response, authenticity information for the item is sent to the client. The authenticity information is determined based at least in part on the events relative to the public identifier.