Tamper-Evident Security Label With Nested Contour Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security labels are ineffective in detecting tampering of packages as they can be accessed without disturbing the label, and the registration process is inefficient, impacting operational efficiency and requiring time-consuming individual scanning of multiple credentials.
Innovation Solution
A security label system comprising a first pattern associated with an external reference, which changes contour when partially disengaged from a surface, allowing for tampering detection through scanning, and a method for registering the label's orientation with a tamper detection module to verify authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tamper-evident labels are applied over the surface of the package, then the labels can indicate tampering through visible marks, but the labels can be bypassed to access the object inside without tampering the label itself
Solution Approach 1:
The security label is applied inside the package, nesting the detection mechanism within the protected space. The label is positioned between the object and the package opening, so that any access attempt must physically interact with the label, ensuring reliable tamper detection while preventing unauthorized access routes around the label.
2Loss of information
If security labels are registered after applying to the package surface, then the labels can be tracked, but the registration process severely impacts operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The label's unique identifier and orientation are registered in advance during the labeling process, before the package enters the main packaging line. This preliminary registration eliminates the need for time-consuming post-application registration, maintaining full tracking capability while preserving packaging operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration of the security label is merged with the existing packaging process by using the same vision system and registration infrastructure already in place for other packaging operations. This integration allows label tracking information to be captured without adding separate registration steps, thus maintaining productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple credentials are scanned individually and linked, then each credential can be verified, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple credentials including the security label's unique identifier, orientation data, and other package information are scanned and verified simultaneously in a single vision-based operation. The system processes all credentials together rather than sequentially, maintaining verification accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for credential checking.
Data Source
AI summary
The method to determine tampering of a security label (102) comprises, associating at least a portion of a first pattern to an external reference (110), wherein a first layer (202) of the security label (102) comprises the first pattern. Further, a second pattern (206) defined in a second layer (204) is used to change the contour of the portion of the first pattern, when the security label (102) is at least partially disengaged from a surface. Subsequently, when there is change in contour of the portion of the first pattern, the portion of the first pattern is disassociated from an external reference (110). Further, the portion of the first pattern and the external reference (110) are scanned and finally tampering of the security label (102) is determined based on the association between the portion of the first pattern and the external reference (110).