BR102017016344B1 - Electronic label and method for remote identification, tracking and authentication of various products. - Google Patents

Abstract

More precisely, the present invention patent provides an electronic tag (10) that employs the identification technology by standard NFC (Near Field Communi, preferably of the high frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz type, made in the form of a chip where data referring to the product (P1) are stored; such data, of type (D1) specific to each customer (CL1), such as (ii) data (D2): technical information, manual, method of use, manufacturer references and others, when necessary, can be interrogated and identified by a reader (L1) or antenna installed between the point of manufacture (PF) of a customer (CL1) from different industrial sectors (S1) and the point of distribution or sale (PV ); characterized in that the electronic tag (10) with NFC technology, provides for the insertion of data (D3) in the circuit (20) through recording (G1) and printing (M1), data (D3) which refer to codes of validity and authenticity of the product (P1), which are presented in the form of and specific, random numbers (R1), password protected (H1). The method (100) for identification, tracking and authentication of products (P1) equipped with the electronic label (10) includes: (a) the development of software (200) installed in a central (300) with a database corresponding to the data (D3) produced by the supplier company (EF1(...).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] This invention deals with electronic tag and method for identification, tracking and authentication at a distance to be applied in products from different sectors, such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, technology (parts, computers, peripherals and others), perfumes, beverages and many others in bulk, individually or in batches; method that includes an electronic tag equipped with recording and printing of specific characteristics - data - that can be read by the method that includes a customized application - 'APP' - specially developed for this purpose which, in turn, is installed on mobile devices of the type “smartphones” or specific readers that are in possession of the receiver of the products (distributor, retailer, consumer or others) and that communicate with a central and respective database in the 'cloud'; as soon as the mobile device with the APP approaches the electronic tag, it is read and identified by the APP, immediately returning to the user/receiver of the device with the 'APP', bringing various information, such as, for example, if the tag is valid or not, if it is valid, the APP will allow accessing various information, such as origin, authenticity, validity period, product characteristics and other information about that product and its packaging.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] The identification tags by remote signals are already widely known by those qualified in the area. Currently, the two most popular tag models are RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) and NFC (Near Field Communication).

[003] The differences between NFC and RFID are few, but important. Practical differences exist due to implementation differences. The first difference is in the possible modes of communication, that is, by definition, RFID consists of identification techniques through radio waves. Therefore, one-way communication (ie, a reader device sending interrogation signals to a tag, which can only respond to interrogation signals) is sufficient. On the other hand, an NFC device, as it can alternately generate radio waves with another device, can act both as a tag and a reader. This enables Peer-to-Peer communication, that is, a true exchange of information. As an example, current smartphones can be cited.

[004] The second difference is related to range. Traditional RFID systems can have a good range (tens of meters, depending on the type of tag). This feature is certainly favorable for many applications. NFC devices have a smaller range, a maximum of 10cm. But in fact, this limitation in range has some advantages. The limited range offers greater security in communication, as it makes it difficult for attacks to occur. For an attack to be successful, the attacker must be close to the devices that are communicating. Even with all the favorable conditions, he should be at most a distance of 1 or 2 meters.

[005] The technology used in the NFC system is summarized in a set of short-range wireless technologies and consists of three basic elements, as in RFID systems: a reader, an antenna and a tag.

[006] As in an RFID system, the basic flow of data occurs as follows: the reader sends interrogation signals (requests) to the tags through the antenna. The tag then sends its identification response, which will be transmitted through its antenna.9i

[007] RFID tags are classified as passive or active: (i) Active tags: they have a battery that constantly feeds the tag; (ii) Passive tags: no battery. To start sending a signal, they need to be powered by some source of energy. In particular, they are powered by the radio waves generated by the reader. RFID systems are defined by the frequency range they operate. Low Frequency Systems range from 30 kHz to 500 kHz and are used for short reading distances. They are used in access controls, product identification and traceability, point of sale mats, among other things. The High Frequency Systems range from 850 MHz to 950 MHz and from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz and are used for medium and long distance readings and high speed readings. They are used in vehicles (e.g. tolls) and for automatic data collection. Some companies implement the RFID system in the loads to facilitate its location, since, as soon as it passes through some “induction field”, it can be identified as theft or other. The biggest inconvenience in the use of this technology is that, aware of the possible identification, the criminals tamper with the information or even change the labels, making it difficult and even preventing the original identification of the information.

[008] In summary, the current RFID identification technology carries a much larger amount of information than the old barcode labels. However, as is widely known by those qualified, the aforementioned RFID tags have a local area of action, that is, their application on the product is usually done at the factory or packaging/filling place, but their reading is carried out locally, either along the path of the cargo/product, whether in the distribution area or direct sales to the consumer through the aforementioned reader device.

[009] In view of the above, it was observed that the current system of RFID electronic tags has a major drawback, that is, even if the products leave the factory with the products identified with the RFID tag, in the event of any load deviation, tampering of the product, or any other interference before reaching the distributor or retailer or POS, the person responsible for receiving and selling the product has no way of verifying or checking the origin and/or authenticity, and may often sell fake products to the consumer.

[010] On the other hand, the technology that involves the transmission by NFC tags has an expanded scope in relation to RFID, since it is made at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. Transmission occurs at rates of 106 kbps, 212 kbps or 424 kbps. Communication in NFC involves an initiator and a target, and can be divided into two modes: (i) Active communication: in the case where both the initiator and the target have power supplies, the communication can be done with the two devices generating alternately their radio waves. Each device turns off its field when it is waiting for data. In other words, both devices act as reader and tag. This is the mode that enables Peer-to-Peer communication. It is the mode that is used, for example, in a payment system involving a smartphone and a receiver at the cashier in a store; (ii) Passive communication: the initiating device, which acts as a reader, generates radio waves actively (ie, needs power) that will passively energize the target device, which acts as a tag. For example, this type of TAG-NFC is used on items that do not receive direct electrical power, such as cards, packaging and posters (you will see some examples in the topic below) .

[011] Passive power between devices is possible thanks to the NFC antenna, as it is actually a large inductor - a conducting wire in a spiral shape. When the magnetic field from one inductor (antenna) passes through another inductor, an induced current will be generated in the second inductor.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[012] Thus, it is the main objective of this invention to propose an electronic tag that uses NFC technology and its method of identification, tracking and authentication at a distance to be applied to products from different sectors, products from different sectors such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals , technological (parts, computers, peripherals and others), perfumes, beverages and many others in bulk, individually or in batches, where the aforementioned NFC electronic tags are of the type that include the insertion of specific circuits and that must be installed in products in general through labels, package inserts or packaging in general.

[013] The method, in turn, provides that, once installed on the product, the innovative NFC electronic tag can be read by a reader that is part of an “APP” (custom application) installed on one or more “smartphones” or readers. specific items that are in the possession of the recipient of the products (distributor, retailer, consumer or others). Once the NFC electronic tag is read, the “APP” communicates with a remote database that, in turn, returns the signal with various information, such as, for example, validating or not the product, or even providing the origin, authenticity, period of validity, technical characteristics of the product, manual and other information about that product and its packaging.

ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[014] In searches of national and foreign patent databases, it was verified the existence of numerous documents related to the subject, however, none of them with the scope proposed herein. For example, US 8146830 (NXP) dealing with an 'RFID Tag and Method of Manufacturing an RFID Tag', where an RFID tag comprises at least an antenna and electronic tag components cooperating with the antenna, where the antenna and electronic tag components are positioned on a common substrate.

[015] US document 9246555 (Blackberry Ltd.) refers to a tag configured to be magnetically detected by a magnetic sensor carried by a communication device to activate an NFC circuit within the communication device to communicate using a communication protocol. NFC communications. Data storage is configured to be read by the communications device using an NFC communications protocol.

[016] There are actually an infinity of documents related to RFID technology and a few other documents related to NFC technology. the characteristics of novelty and inventiveness necessary for its privilege.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[017] In order to bring improvements to the security sector between the manufacture and sale of products in general, the electronic tag based on NFC technology and its method for remote identification, tracking and authentication of various products proposed herein, can be used in several sectors, bringing substantial advantages, such as, for example: • Agrochemical Sector - to combat counterfeiting, provide important information to the consumer, better use, advertising campaigns. • Pharmaceutical Sector - to combat counterfeiting, provide important information to the consumer, advertising campaigns. • Beverage Sector - to combat counterfeiting, provide consumption and usage information, advertising campaigns. • Automotive Sector - More important information about vehicle maintenance, car manual, information about Recall, advertising campaigns, campaigns for new accessories. • Automotive Sector (parts) - to combat counterfeiting, help technical assistance, provide part installation information, recall. • Technological Sector (computers, servers, printers, etc.) - to combat counterfeiting, help technical assistance, provide important information to the consumer, new versions of drivers, advertising campaigns for supplies. • Perfume Sector - to combat counterfeiting, better use, advertising campaigns.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[018] To complement the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention and in accordance with a preferential practical realization of the same, the attached description is accompanied by a set of drawings, where, in an exemplified way, although non-limiting, the following was represented: The figure schematically represents an electronic label produced according to the present invention, which is intended to be applied to labels, package inserts and packaging of products from different sectors; Figure 2 illustrates, through symbolic representation, the elements that make up the electronic tag authentication method, provided for in the present invention; and Figure 3 shows a representative block diagram of the steps of the method in question.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT

[019] The present invention therefore refers to the "ELECTRONIC LABEL AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION, TRACKING AND DISTANCE AUTHENTICATION OF MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS", more precisely, an electronic tag (10) is provided that employs the identification technology by default - NFC (Near Field Communication) -, of the type made in the form of a “chip” where data (D1)/(D2) or others referring to the product (P1) are stored; said data (D1), when necessary, can be interrogated and identified by a reader (L1) or antenna installed between the manufacturing point (PF) of a customer (CL1) from different industrial sectors (S1) and the distribution point or sale (PV).

[020] The electronic tag (10) with NFC technology, preferably of the high frequency 'HF' 13.56 MHz type, is made of various materials, such as cards, adhesive substrates (11) or others that allow the insertion of a circuit ( 20) with recording (G1) and printing (M1) of customer-specific data (CL1). This label may contain various information, such as data (D1): technical information, manual, method of use, manufacturer references and others and data (D2): information about expiration date, product composition and others.

[021] Included in the electronic label (10), through recording (G1) and printing (M1) to be carried out by the company supplying the labels (EF1), the data (D3) that refer to validity and authenticity codes of the product (P1), which are presented in the form of specific and random numbers (R1), protected by a password (H1), data (D3) which remain in the possession of the company (EF1) responsible for recording and making the electronic labels (10).

[022] All the data (D1)/(D2) and (D3) and others necessary make up the circuit information (20) recorded and printed on the electronic label (10).

[023] Said electronic label (10) is reproduced in the amount desired by the customer (CL1) manufacturer or distributor of the product (P1) who, in possession of them, can apply them to said products (P1) by fixing them on labels (L1), package inserts or packages in general.

[024] The method (100) of identification, tracking and authentication at a distance to be applied to products (P1) from various industrial sectors (S1), such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, technology (parts, computers, peripherals and others), perfumes , beverages and many others in bulk, individually or in batches, is based on conventional steps, such as recording (G1) and printing (M1) of circuits (20) with information (D1) and (D2) and others on labels NFC electronic devices (10) to be installed on products in general through labels (L1), package inserts or packaging in general.

[025] The method (100), as an innovation (see Figure 2), includes: (a) the development of a communication protocol (200) installed in a central (300) with a database corresponding to the data (D3) produced by the supplier company (EF1), which are preferably stored in the “cloud” (N1) and (b) a customized application - APP - (400) with the respective communication protocol (401) to be installed on one or more devices (A1) of the “smartphones” type or specific readers that can be obtained by the receiver (T1) of the products (P1) through AppStore®, Google Play® or other possible application stores. Namely, the receiver (T1) can be the distributor, the shopkeeper and even the consumer.

[026] Method (100) can be better defined through the following steps: • Supplier Company (EF1): Step (101) - Receive or develop electronic labels (10) provided with recording and printing (M1) of circuits (20) with data (D1) and (D2) and/or others related to the product (P1) and customer (CL1); Step (102) - Record (G1) and print (M1) the data (D4) referring to the validity and authenticity codes (R1) and (H1) of the product (P1) of the corresponding customer (CL1); Step (103) - Store the data (D3) in the central (300) through software (200); • Client company (CL1) producing the products (P1): Step (104) - Apply the electronic label (10) with the circuit (20) and respective information (D1)/(D2)/(D3) and others on the product ( P1) that you want to have identification, tracking and authentication control; • Receiver (T1) - Step (105) - Install and 'download' the custom application (400) on the device (A1) that will be used to test the product (P1); Step (106) - After installing the custom application (400), execute the communication protocol (401) and bring the device (A1) closer to the electronic tag (10); Step (107) - Said device (A1) emits a signal (W1) (sound, light, vibration) that indicates that the electronic tag (10) has been read; Step (108) - At that moment, the communication protocol (401), recognizing the tag (10), validates the same, consulted through an appropriate system, for example, its own decryption algorithm; Step (109) - If the routine does not identify the electronic tag (10) consulted, the communication protocol (401) will display an unknown electronic tag (10) message; Step (110) - If the electronic tag (10) is valid, the communication protocol (401) will search for the central (300) and respective database (for example installed in the “cloud” (N1)); Step (111) - Allows access, by the receiver (T1), to unique information (D1)/(D2) and mainly (D3) of that electronic tag (10), such as, for example: • Visual Identification: Images representing the product to facilitate identification by the consumer. Examples: images of the bottle, label, usage, etc.; • Description: Detailed description of the product; • Details: Link to access the PDF with product details: Examples: drug package insert, instruction manual, technical manual, etc.; • Status: indicates the status of that product, this field is used to inform if there is any occurrence with that product. Examples: Valid, Stolen, Expired, etc.; • Batch: identifies the product's manufacturing batch; • Manufacture: indicates the date of manufacture of the product; • Validity: indicates the product's expiration date; • Manufacturer: indicates the Manufacturer of the product.

[027] All these fields can be customized by the customer (CL1) in order to display relevant data for each type of product.

[028] From that moment on, the communication protocol (200) starts working proactively, that is, after the receiver (T1) (distributor, retailer or even the final consumer) validates the product (P1), the application ( 400) stores the reading and can send specific warnings to the receiver (T1), such as: “if the product is going to expire or has expired, a new way of using the product, recall, etc.”.

[029] The application (400) can also be used by the customer (CL1) as a digital “marketing” tool, that is, it can generate sales, making users/receivers (T1) keep in touch with the brand and/or product, share content, results, library and other services, allowing the user/receiver (T1) to have more information about the purchased product or others from the same customer (CL1) which may be the representative, supplier and/or manufacturer .

[030] The receiver (T1) also has access to the history of all products read by it, having access to all the information mentioned above.

[031] The supplier company (EF1), administrator of the central (300) can, through access to a “web portal” of the communication protocol (200), obtain the following functionalities: • Register customer batch (CL1); • Tie the sequence of the electronic labels (10) with the Customer Lot (CL1); • Change Batch Status; • Change Electronic Tag Status (10); • Block device (A1) for reading electronic tags (10); • Simplified consultation of electronic labels (10) read by lot and product; • Detailed consultation of readings per batch; • Detailed consultation of readings per batch by Geolocation; • Statistical Dashboard - Statistical w/ Geolocation; • Product evaluation option, and others.

[032] In view of the above, once the NFC electronic tag (10) is read by the custom application "APP" (400) on the device (A1), where it communicates with a central (300) and respective remote database which, in turn, returns the signal with various information, such as, for example, validating or not the product, or even providing the origin, authenticity, validity period, technical characteristics of the product, manual and other information about that product and its packaging.

[033] It will be apparent to those having a good understanding of this art and field to which the invention pertains that various modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above instructions. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only. Other alternative embodiments may include some or all of the features mentioned in this document. Therefore, the intention is to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments as they may come within the scope of this invention, with extreme effectiveness.

Claims (2)

1) “ELECTRONIC LABEL”, more precisely, an electronic tag (10) is provided that uses the identification technology by standard - NFC (Near Field Communication) -, of the high frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz type and of the type made in the form of a “chip” where data referring to the product are stored (P1); said data, of type (D1) specific to each customer (CL1), such as (ii) data (D2): technical information, manual, mode of use, manufacturer references and others, when necessary, can be interrogated and identified by a reader (L1) or antenna installed between the point of manufacture (PF) of a customer (CL1) from different industrial sectors (S1) and the point of distribution or sale (PV); characterized in that the electronic tag (10) with NFC technology, provides for the insertion of data (D3) in the circuit (20) through recording (G1) and printing (M1), data (D3) which refer to validity codes and authenticity of the product (P1), which are presented in the form of specific and random numbers (R1) and where each electronic tag (1) is protected by a unique and corresponding password (H1) that can be read and identified by a custom application ( 400). 2. "METHOD", (100) of actuation on the electronic tag (10) of claim 1, characterized by comprising: Step (105) - Install and 'download' the custom application (400) on the device (A1) that will be used to test the product (P1); Step (106) - After installing the custom application (400), execute the communication protocol (401) and bring the device (A1) closer to the electronic tag (10); Step (107) - Said device (A1) emits a signal (W1) (sound, light, vibration) that indicates that the electronic tag (10) has been read; Step (108) - At that moment, the communication protocol (401), recognizing the tag (10), validates the same, consulted through an appropriate system, for example, its own decryption algorithm; Step (109) - If the routine does not identify the electronic tag (10) consulted, the communication protocol (401) will display an unknown electronic tag (10) message; Step (110) - If the electronic tag (10) is valid, the communication protocol (401) will search for the central (300) and respective database; Step (111) - Allows access, by the receiver (T1), to unique information (D1)/(D2) and mainly (D3) of that electronic tag (10).

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