NFC Tag Identification for Product Tracing and Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for product tracing, authentication, sales reporting, theft prevention, regulatory compliance, and consumer engagement are inefficient or expensive, particularly due to limitations in encoding information using barcodes, QR codes, Bluetooth low energy modules, and audio/magnetic systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing near-field communication (NFC) for unique object identification, involving a processor and memory to generate and assign unique identifiers to NFC tags, aggregate identification data, and transmit action data to NFC readers for tracking and authentication purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods (barcodes, QR codes, Bluetooth low energy modules, audio/magnetic systems) are used for product tracing and authentication, then product identification can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and inefficient to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex existing systems (barcodes, QR codes, Bluetooth modules, audio/magnetic systems) and implements it using a simpler NFC-based approach. The NFC tag embedded in the product container provides unique identification without requiring the complexity of other identification systems, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining reliable product tracing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs NFC tags which are cost-effective compared to other identification technologies. The NFC tag is a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be embedded in product containers, replacing expensive alternatives like Bluetooth low energy modules or complex magnetic systems, thus reducing overall system cost while maintaining identification reliability.
2Loss of information
If existing identification methods are implemented, then object information can be encoded, but the system becomes expensive to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NFC tags as a cost-effective solution for encoding and storing product information. The NFC tag provides sufficient information storage capacity for product identification and tracing while being significantly cheaper than alternative technologies like embedded Bluetooth modules or magnetic identification systems, thus reducing implementation cost without sacrificing information encoding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC tag serves multiple functions including unique identification, product tracing, authentication, and information storage within a single inexpensive component. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate identification systems (barcodes, QR codes, magnetic tags), reducing both implementation cost and system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information encoding capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This NFC-based system provides a cost-effective, efficient means for end-to-end tracking, authentication, and compliance, enabling real-time data access and reducing the likelihood of tampering or counterfeiting while facilitating consumer engagement and regulatory adherence.
Implementation Method 1
apparatus for unique identification of an object using near-field communication (NFC)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for unique identification of an object using near-field communication (NFC), the apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory, wherein the memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive object manufacture data associated with a first object containing an NFC tag, generate a unique identifier as a function of the object manufacture data, assign the unique identifier to the NFC tag of the first object using an NFC reader at an initial time, obtain first identification data containing the unique identifier when the NFC reader communicates with the NFC tag of the first object at a time subsequent to the initial time, aggregate the first identification data with second identification data associated with a second object using a data aggregator, determine an object action datum as a function of the aggregated identification data, and transmit the object action datum to the NFC reader.