Systems and Methods to Prevent Counterfeiting

Abstract

System and method for using one or more entropically configured distinct physical features (a “IDENTROPY”) for establishing trust, accountability, and transparency with respect to physical items are disclosed. Such system and method are useful, among other things, for detecting counterfeit physical items.

Claims

1. A method for authenticating an article, the method comprising (a) applying one or more materials to the article or to a tag or label attached to the article to create or generate one or more entropically configured distinct physical features (IDENTROPY); and (b) comparing the one or more entropically configured distinct physical features to a reference or references stored in a database, memory or distributed ledger.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising further establishing or calculating a trust quotient.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is a good in commerce.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the good in commerce is selected from the group consisting of luxury goods and apparel, accessories, music, software, medications and medical devices, tobacco products, cannabis products, wine and spirits, consumer goods, toys, fresh produce, and electronics.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or materials are selected from the group consisting of inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, paper, film, semi-conductor chips or combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the IDENTROPY is a scatter or splatter pattern.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged optically.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged using a macro lens attached to personal device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the personal device is selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a tablet, or other handheld device.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged using a device installed in a warehouse, plane, boat, train, truck, shipping container, or retail location.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein the IDENTROPY is an absorbance pattern.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged optically.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged using a macro lens attached to personal device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the personal device is selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a tablet, or other handheld device.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged using a device installed in a warehouse, plane, boat, train, truck, shipping container, or retail location.

16. The method of claim 5, wherein the pattern is a luminescence pattern.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the random pattern is imaged optically.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the random patter is imaged using a microscope attached to personal device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the personal device is selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a tablet, or other handheld device.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the IDENTROPY is imaged using a device installed in a warehouse, plane, boat, train, truck, shipping container, or retail location.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference image is stored in a database.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the database is locally hosted.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the database is cloud based.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference image is stored in distributed ledger.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the distributed ledger is a block chain.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging and storage is done roll-to-roll (during winding and/or unwinding), sheet-fed, or static mode.

27. The method of claim 1, further comprising incorporating one or more additional anti-counterfeiting measures, tracking measures, tamper-evident labeling systems, or combinations thereof to form a composite system.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising one or more tracking measures.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the one or more tracking or anti-counterfeiting measures comprises serialization.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more tracking or anti-counterfeiting measures comprises topography.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more tracking or anti-counterfeiting measures comprises fiber patterns.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. Definitions

[0035] “Blockchain” as used herein means a growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of the data

[0036] “Database” as used herein means an organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system. The database can be hosted locally (e.g., on a machine or server) or can be cloud-based.

[0037] “Digital Twin” as used herein means a digital or virtual copy of a physical article or articles (e.g., products, documents, packaging, etc.).

[0038] “Distributed ledger” as used herein means a consensus of replicated, shared, and synchronized digital data geographically spread across multiple sites, countries, or institutions. There is no central administrator or centralized data storage.

[0039] “IDENTROPY” as used herein means a entropically configured distinct physical feature that serves as a unique identifier for a physical item.

[0040] “Reference image” as used herein means the image created at the time the article is manufactured (or tagged or labeled).

[0041] “Scatter pattern” or “Splatter Pattern” as used herein means the random pattern resulting from the spatter of one or more materials, such as inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, etc. during application to an article or a tag or label applied to the article.

[0042] “Trust quotient” as used herein refers to the confidence level that an article is authentic.

II. Systems and Methods of Authentication and Tracking Articles

[0043] A. IDENTROPY

[0044] The systems and methods described herein include one or more IDENTROPYs as a means for authenticating and tracking articles, such as goods in commerce, documents, authentic brand packaging, etc. In some embodiments, the IDENTROPY is a random pattern that is generated during manufacture of the article. In some embodiments, the random pattern is the splatter or scatter pattern of ink and/or another material (e.g., dyes, pigments, adhesives, etc.) that is applied to the article during manufacture, or is applied to a tag or label that is attached to the article, and which can be read or imaged (e.g., optically). In other embodiments, the random pattern is an absorbance pattern. In some embodiments, one or more additives can be incorporated into the material which emit electromagnetic radiation in part of the spectrum outside the visible range (UV, IR, etc.). In some embodiments, the additives cause the pattern to luminesce or phosphoresce. Examples of such applications include printing the brand, size, material from which the article is made, texts or graphics that are applied to the article (logos, images, etc.), or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the patterns described above are generated when a tag or label which is affixed to the article is prepared. The materials that can be used to generate the pattern are the same as above, namely inks, dyes, pigments, adhesive, etc. Once the pattern is generated, it is imaged and stored in a database or distributed ledger as a reference image. It is against this reference image all subsequent images will be compared in order to confirm the authenticity of the article as well as trace it during its supply chain.

[0045] A variety of conventional inks can be used. For example, conventional inks useful for inkjet applications can be used. Such inks include, but are not limited to, dye-based or pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks typically refer to dyes dissolved in a carrier, such as an aqueous carrier while pigment-based inks typically refer to pigment particles suspended in a carrier. In place of, or in addition to, conventional inkjet inks, thermochromic and/or photochromic inks can be used. Thermochromic ink is a type of ink that changes color with the application (or removal of heat). For reversible thermochromic inks, the color will revert when the temperature returns to its original level. For irreversible thermochromic inks, the color remains constant after a change in temperature. Photochromic ink is a type of ink that change color when the intensity of incoming light changes. For example, the ink can change from colorless to colored upon exposure to UV light and then fade back to colorless when the light source is removed. Such inks can be used in combination with other security features as described above, such as QR codes. Combinations of QR codes with functional inks are described in Gloric et al., Sensors, 19, 586 (2019).

[0046] Other IDENTROPYs include topography of the article, document, or tag or label substrate or topography of a material applied to the article, document, or tag or label, such as inks, dyes, pigments, and/or adhesives. For example, the random pattern of a discontinuous layer of an adhesive can be a unique identifying feature.

[0047] B. Means for Imaging the IDENTROPY

[0048] The IDENTROPY described above can be read or imaged using a variety of techniques known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the IDENTROPY is a scatter or splatter pattern that is imaged visually using a macro lens or microscope in order to capture fine detail of the scatter or splatter pattern. In some embodiments, the IDENTROPY contains one or more additives which emit electromagnetic radiation in one or more part of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more additives can be excited using an excitation source and the resulting emission of radiation (e.g., luminescence or phosphorescence) can be imaged using an appropriate device, such as a fluorescence microscope.

[0049] Whatever the method of imaging, it should efficient and easy to use. For example, in some embodiments, the IDENTROPY imaged using a handheld device fitted with an appropriate lens (e.g., macro lens) or microscope in order to image the IDENTROPY. Suitable handheld devices include, but are not limited, smart phones, tablets, application-specific device (e.g., designed and manufactured specifically to image the IDENTROPY). In other embodiments, the IDENTROPY can be imaged using a device or piece of equipment installed in a particular location, such as warehouse, shipping container, transportation vehicle (train, boat, truck, etc,), retail location, etc. Such devices or equipment can be set up to image a large number of articles, e.g., designed to image the IDENTROPY of articles moving along a conveyor belt.

[0050] In addition to ease of use, the method for imaging the IDENTROPY should also be rapid. The IDENTROPY should be imaged and stored in a matter of seconds or less in order for the systems and methods described herein to be efficient and economically feasible. In some embodiments, the time required to image the IDENTROPY is less than 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25. 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, 0.01, 0.005, 0.0025, 0.001 seconds or less. In some embodiments, the time required to image the IDENTROPY and store the image in a data base and/or distributed ledger is less than 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25. 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, 0.01, 0.005, 0.0025, 0.001 seconds or less.

[0051] C. Systems and Methods for Authentication

[0052] As discussed above, the IDENTROPY can be imaged using a variety of techniques known in the art. Once the IDENTROPY is imaged, the image is stored electronically in a database, which is locally hosted or cloud-based or in a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain. A blockchain is a sequence of blocks or groups of transactions that are “chained” together and distributed among its users. It works as an immutable record of transactions that do not require an external authority to validate the authenticity and integrity of the data. The initial image(s) of the IDENTROPY(s) that is(are) generated serve(s) as a “reference image(s)” against which subsequent images are compared to authenticate the item(s). For example, luxury items, may have one or more identifiers printed or stamped inside or on the article. At the time of this printing or stamping, the random pattern generated by the printing or stamping (IDENTROPY) can be imaged on each article and the images stored electronically for future comparison. When one wants to authenticate an item, one compares an image taken from the item on hand and compares it to the collection of reference images to confirm the article is authentic. Likewise, a tag or label that is printed or otherwise treated to generate a random pattern (IDENTROPY) can be imaged and stored and used for comparison as described above.

[0053] In some embodiments, the comparison of an image taken from an article on hand to a reference image generates a trust quotient that can be derived or calculated using statistically. For example, in some embodiments, the systems and methods contain two or more security or anti-counterfeiting measures (a composite system). For example, in some embodiments, the two or more features are serialization (e.g., RFID) and one or more IDENTROPYs (e.g., ink splatters). In one embodiment, the trust quotient (TQ) can be calculated using the following equation:

TQ=Function[(F_intrinsic), (F_extrinsic), (F_geo-temporal trace of its digital twin), (F_tamper trace)] divided by the [System Noise]

[0054] Where,

[0055] F_intrinsic refers to entropic signature intrinsic to a material e.g. the intricate surface topography, paper fiber orientation, etc

[0056] F_extrinsic refers to primary or secondary additions derived from handling e.g. inkjet drop splatter, addition of unique tracers (Tukan/DUST), etc

[0057] F_DigiTwin refers to the ability to leverage the tethered digital information that is derived from the location (geo) and temporal(time) or even integrated social media sources arising from recording these digital information signature tracks to validate/repudiate a given item level serial.

[0058] The exemplary equation above provides a mathematical means to measure the kurtosis from order parameters derived from spatial complexity on the physical entity (in statistical mechanics referred to as “configuration entropy”) to provide the end user with a means of quantifying the confidence level with respect to the authenticity of the article. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the equation above can be changed or modified as needed to account for the variables in a specific system in order to calculate a trust quotient.

[0059] The trust quotient (TQ) reflect the aggregate measure of voracity that helps the end user “connect the dots” as an article proceeds through its life cycle (manufacture, supply chain, sale, and use). One example of this is the concept of digital twins. A digital twin is a digital or virtual copy of a physical article or articles (e.g., products, documents, packaging, etc.). Digital twins connect the real and virtual world by collecting real-time data from sensors or security features. The systems and methods described herein can provide geo-temporal data in addition to authentication by scanning the article at various points within the supply chain. This can be important for articles that are sensitive, to temperature/humidity. As described herein, the data can be locally decentralized, centrally stored in a cloud, or stored in a distributed ledger (e.g., a blockchain). The data can be evaluated and simulated in a virtual copy of the assets. Data received from the simulation are applied to real assets and can help in optimizing the supply chain of the real assets (e.g., exposure to high temperatures and/or humidities, locations, etc.) and/or evaluate the robustness of anti-counterfeiting measures.

[0060] In some embodiments, the trust quotient provides the individual (e.g., retailer, consumer, etc.) with a degree or level of certainty (e.g., confidence level) that the article on hand is authentic. In some embodiments, the trust quotient is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, 99.95%, 99.99% or higher.

[0061] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the IDENTROPY includes or contains a scatter or splatter pattern on a tag or label attached to the article. In such embodiments, the tag or label and/or the article may contain additional security features in the event the tag or label is removed (either intentionally or unintentionally) in order to authenticate and track the article. These can be referred to as a composite system.

[0062] In some embodiment, the article (or package or document) itself or the label or tag attached to the article contains two or more IDENTROPYs. In some embodiments, one of the IDNTROPYs is an ink splatter pattern or topography.

[0063] In some embodiments, the label or tag contains one IDENTROPY or other security feature and the article contains another IDENTROPY or security feature. The spatial arrangement of these features to each other produces a unique signature which is lost if the tag or label is removed. Examples of such systems are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0218401.

[0064] In another embodiment, the article or tag or label contains one IDENTROPY that contains a scatter or splatter pattern or topography and the article and the tag or label contain an RFID inlay with different radio frequencies. The particular pattern produced by the different frequencies is unique to that combination of label or tag and article. Removal or replacement of the label or tag results in destruction or a change in the pattern. In another embodiment, a functional portion contains or is a security element that in combination with the tag or label creates a unique reference pattern. Removal of the tag or label destroys or changes the reference pattern. Examples of such modified functional portions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,996,996.

[0065] In some embodiments, the composite system is a serialization feature, such as RFID, and one or more of the IDENTROPYs described herein, such as ink splatter patterns. More and more jurisdictions are requiring serialization as a means for track various goods in commerce. However, as discussed above, serialization can be counterfeited. Combining serialization with one or more of the IDENTROPYs described herein, such as ink splatter patterns, provides a second feature that is impossible to reproduce while satisfying the requirements of various statutes.

[0066] In other embodiments, the composite system includes the topography of a substrate, such as the label material (facestock, topcoat, etc.) or a surface of the article or document in combination with one or more of the IDENTROPYs described herein, such as ink splatter patterns. The topography and the IDENTROPY can be imaged and stored for comparison to a reference in order to confirm authenticity.

[0067] D. Articles to be Authenticated

[0068] The systems and methods described herein can be used to authentic/track a variety of articles including, but not limited to, goods in commerce and documents. Examples of articles include, but are not limited to, clothing (e.g., authentic sports jerseys, luxury clothing, etc.), shoes, accessories (e.g., hand bags, etc.), wine and spirits, tobacco and cannabis products, pharmaceutical products and medical devices, cosmetics, medical device, fruits and vegetables, etc.

[0069] Examples of documents include documents related to complex financial transactions, including letters of credit, guarantees, banker and buyer acceptance certificates, and inspection certificates, access credentials, passports, visas, drivers licenses, wills, deeds, bonds, stock certificates, and other similar articles.

[0070] In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to reduce, minimize or prevent the use of authentic packaging to package counterfeit goods. For example, measures which provide tamper evidence can be used to show that a package has been tampered with and therefore the article within may be counterfeit. Moreover, the packaging may contain one or more unique identifiers that associate the packaging with an authentic article therein. In such embodiments, the equation used to calculate the TQ may contain a variable for tamper/trace as shown below:

TQ=Function [(F_intrinsic), (F_extrinsic), (F_geo-temporal trace of its digital twin), (F_tamper trace)] divided by the [System Noise]

[0071] F_intrinsic refers to entropic signature intrinsic to a material e.g. the intricate surface topography, paper fiber orientation, etc

[0072] F_extrinsic refers to primary or secondary additions derived from handling e.g. inkjet drop splatter, addition of unique tracers (Tukan/DUST), etc

[0073] F_DigiTwin refers to the ability to leverage the tethered digital information that is derived from the location (geo) and temporal(time) or even integrated social media sources arising from recording these digital information signature tracks to validate/repudiate a given item level serial number or identifier.

[0074] The method also includes steps of inspecting the history and identity of the item by using private and/or public key tokens through a hashed chain of associated data.

[0075] The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.