EA043703B1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS USING A SECURITY ELEMENT FOR TRACKING THEM IN THE PRODUCTION CHAIN - Google Patents

Description

Field to which the invention relates

The invention relates to the field of administrative communication networks and data processing, in particular to asset tracking through digitally activated identification elements, in particular for tracking and confirming the authenticity of agricultural assets.

The invention relates to an identification and authentication system and method for tracking agricultural assets, an element for reliable identification of agricultural assets and corresponding computer programs.

Prerequisites for creating the invention

The numerous and growing investments by the agricultural sector in the research and development of seeds, cultivars and the like, which are increasingly more productive and resistant to pests and adverse weather conditions, have led to the creation of an equally growing parallel market for agricultural assets that is facing challenges , ranging from seed theft to unauthorized genetic manipulation and copying of these elements, including falsification of products and identifiers.

Illegal agricultural assets contaminate crops, causing cross-contamination and reducing productivity, which in turn makes it difficult to assess risks to the environment and public health.

With regard to seed production and raw material production, counterfeiting acts as a strong demotivator for investment and a disruptor of the production chain.

Finally, another market that suffers from unauthorized genetic manipulation and copying of agricultural assets is the livestock market, as poor quality vegetation and pastures can affect the health of livestock, putting any investment made at risk.

The current state of the art offers a wide range of solutions for identifying and tracking agricultural assets through tagged and locally traceable codes using handheld readers, mobile phones with special applications, computers, scanners and the like.

One example is US patent document 7,761,334, which discloses a method and system for automatically tracking an agricultural product. The document discloses that crop-specific information is collected and stored in a data warehouse during an agricultural operation. A specific harvested crop is separated from all other genetically distinct crops by storing the specific harvested crops in one or more separated storage volumes for the specific crop. Each individual storage volume has a corresponding storage ID. An electronically accessible data profile associated with a specific crop is provided or made available to the user. The data profile includes the collected information about the culture.

As with other prior art documents, the method and system of US Pat. No. 7,761,334 still exhibit as its main problems the lack of greater ease of access to agricultural asset information through accessible devices for everyday use (mobile phones, tablets and similar devices). ; overexpenditure of resources when using systems that require adaptation to sowing or harvesting equipment; in addition, the failure to provide greater protection to the entire chain of producers, distributors and consumers through an element that would be difficult and/or costly to falsify and/or violate.

In the same way, reference can be made to other patent documents such as US 2013/0041833, US 20040158402 and JP 2013230088. In addition to the problems mentioned above, it can also be noted that there are systems that combine several micro-manufacturers into a single manufacturer (which can lead to problems with certification of manufacturers, possible falsification or loss of products); linking the product solely to a time stamp; in addition, training is expensive since verification or certification of the product depends on a large number of workers and/or members of rural farms.

As can be concluded from the above description, the object of the present invention is to provide a system for tracking agricultural assets that overcomes the disadvantages of the cited prior art, in particular:

a) ensuring the protection of the entire chain of producers, distributors and consumers;

b) guaranteeing this protection through elements that are difficult and/or expensive to falsify and/or violate; And

c) there is no need for the manufacturer and distributor for an expensive device or its complex installation, either at its individual facilities or in its staff.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an identification and authentication method for tracking agricultural assets, which is to be implemented by the system provided by the present invention.

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A further object of the present invention is to provide an identification element as part of the system and method according to the present invention, in particular with eight different levels of security.

Finally, the present invention is directed to providing corresponding computer programs.

Detailed Description of the Invention

System.

The system according to the present invention is an identification and authentication system for tracking agricultural assets, comprising:

1) agricultural asset to be traced;

2) identification element;

3) individual or joint packaging for an agricultural asset;

4) subsequently original packaging for a variety of agricultural assets;

5) a device for graphically marking an identification element;

6) a device for material marking of an identification element;

7) a device for digital marking of an identification element;

8) one or more mobile devices;

9) a computer program associated with a mobile device;

10) remote server; And

11) a computer program associated with a remote server.

In an embodiment, the system according to the present invention is an identification and authentication system for tracking agricultural assets, comprising:

a remote server of a service provider containing a processing unit configured to register data of participants in the agricultural asset chain in a database, create an identification element endowed with a unique security code associated with the participant in the agricultural asset chain, and send the identification element to the requesting participant in the agricultural asset chain for subsequent digital activating the identification element by linking, via a remote server, a unique security code of the identification element to the original data of the agricultural asset;

one or more mobile devices configured to read the identification element and verify the authenticity of agricultural assets by checking that the unique security code matches the information contained in the remote server database.

A traceable agricultural asset is any agricultural product intended for harvesting or extraction, intensive or large-scale planting or cultivation, available in the form of seed, cultivar, fruit, fruit, flower, vegetable, herb, grain, dust, liquid, bunch , pod, seedling, plant, root, tuber or any equivalent.

An identification element is an element physically attached to the agricultural asset, capable of receiving identification and authentication markings that, once properly marked, will be uniquely affixed to the agricultural asset, preferably, but not limited to, a label.

An individual or mixed package is any package capable of properly containing an agricultural asset or a plurality thereof and capable of having an identifying element attached to it in a visible and easily accessible location. Depending on the type and type of agricultural asset, the identification element may be attached directly to the agricultural asset. Depending on the type and type of agricultural asset, the identification element may be a single identification element applied directly to the packaging.

Subsequently, the required original packaging is packaging for storing multiple individual or joint packages of agricultural assets.

The graphic marking device is preferably, but not limited to, a device configured to print any graphic marking on the surface of the identification element. Depending on the type and type of agricultural asset, the identification element may be a graphic marking applied directly to the packaging.

The material marking device is preferably, but not limited to, a device configured to print any material mark on the surface of the identification element. Depending on the type and type of agricultural asset, the identification element may be a tangible marking applied directly to the packaging.

The digital marking apparatus is preferably, but not limited to, a device configured to print any digital marking on the surface of an identification element. Depending on the type and type of agricultural asset, the identification element may be a digital marking applied directly to the packaging.

A mobile device is any mobile device, such as a mobile phone or smartphone, a tablet or exclusive use device, or any other suitable device, and the term "mobile device" as used herein is understood to mean one or more mobile devices configured to collect information and participating in a network for the transmission of data and/or images and/or audio, including Bluetooth, RFID and other applicable forms of communication.

A computer program associated with a mobile device, or simply an application, is a program executed by a mobile device such that each mobile device can serve both as a reader of an identification element and as a means of communication with a remote server.

The remote server is a central server containing a processing unit and a database, and is responsible for managing the system. It may be one or more servers, in the cloud or in specific locations or the like.

A computer program associated with a remote server, or simply a platform, is a program executed by a remote server and is responsible for managing the entire system, database and information processing, writing and reading information of all system components, activation, authentication and traceability of identification elements.

Way.

The method according to the present invention is an identification and authentication method for tracking agricultural assets performed by the system according to the present invention, applied to the entire production chain of agricultural assets, starting from the asset supplier, then to one or more intermediaries (or distributors), ending with the end user (or end consumer) of the asset data entered by the identification, authentication and tracking service provider.

Agricultural Asset Supplier is understood to be responsible for the research, development, production and distribution of agricultural assets available in the form of seed, variety, fruit, fruit, flower, vegetable, green, grain, dust, liquid, bunch, pod, seedling, plant, root , tuber or any equivalent.

An intermediary or distributor is defined as someone responsible for the cultivation, harvesting, processing and sale of agricultural assets, for example through resale.

The end user or final consumer is defined as the person who makes effective commercial use of the agricultural asset.

As for the identification, authentication and tracking service provider, hereinafter referred to as the service provider, it is responsible for managing the entire system according to the present invention, coordinating the method according to the present invention, managing the creation of identification elements, generating associated codes, providing and updating computer programs (applications and platforms ), the origin and authenticity of the agricultural asset and its traceability.

The method according to the present invention includes the following method steps:

1) registration of data of participants in the value chain in the platform database;

2) the intermediary requests an identification element from the service provider;

3) codification, personalization and issuance by the supplier of the requested identification elements;

4) grouping identification elements into packages or registers;

5) sending identification elements by the supplier to the requesting intermediary;

6) confirmation of receipt by the requesting intermediary of identification elements and platform updates;

7) application of identification elements by the requesting intermediary to the packaging of agricultural assets;

8) digital activation at the request of the intermediary of the identification element; And

9) possible combination of packaging into several packages by the requesting intermediary.

In an embodiment, the method according to the present invention includes the following method steps:

registration of data of participants in the chain of agricultural assets in the database of the remote server of the service provider;

request by a participant in the agricultural asset chain for an identification element from the service provider;

code for the identification, personalization and creation by the service provider of an identification element endowed with a unique security code associated with the participant in the agricultural asset chain;

sending the identification element by the service provider to the participant in the chain of agricultural assets;

applying the identification element of a participant in the chain of agricultural assets to agricultural assets or packaging of agricultural assets;

implementation of digital activation of the identification element by a participant in the chain of agricultural assets by linking, through a remote server, a unique security code of the identification element to the original data of the agricultural asset; and reading the identification element and verifying the authenticity of the agricultural assets by checking that the unique code matches the information contained in the remote server database.

The first step of the method according to the present invention includes registering the data of the participant in the agricultural asset chain in the database of the remote server by submitting the usual registration data of both the agricultural asset supplier and the intermediary and possibly one or more end consumers.

The intermediary and even the end consumer can request identification elements from the service provider. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the identification element is a label.

Upon receiving the request, the service provider proceeds to codify, personalize and create in a secure environment the requested identification elements, endowed with a unique security code (encrypted), containing a two-dimensional code (for example, a QR code), a unique serial number (human readable code or HRC) and a one-dimensional barcode for tracking, all linked to the requesting intermediary.

With regard to identification elements in the form of labels, the secure environment may be a licensed printer or other printing equipment with tested and audited security, controlled and available only and exclusively to the service provider, for the codification, personalization and creation of labels having at least one of three various types of protection, including digital protection, graphic protection and material protection.

Digital security refers to a unique security code, presented in three forms for easier reading, that provides access to a platform to implement traceability of an agricultural asset in the distribution chain. The first form is a unique and traceable two-dimensional security code (e.g. QR code, data matrix, etc.), the second form is a sequential numeric code readable by the naked eye, and the third form is a logistics code, such as a bar code. code or the like suitable for logistics control.

Graphic security refers to the printing of microtext on a relief layer, which allows the end consumer and distributors to verify the authenticity of the label and the agricultural asset on which it was applied.

Material security refers to the use of authenticated security inks, which allows the end consumer and distributors to verify the authenticity of the label, whether visible or invisible, to the service and, for example, the relevant authorities (such as the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply - MAPA).

In general, material protection includes visible protective paint, invisible protective paint, the graphic protection itself, analytical markers, micro-cuts and a high-resistant backing.

Each identification element or label of the system and method according to the present invention contains several levels of security, as will be described in detail below.

After creating the identification elements, the service provider groups the identification elements into batches or registers packaged in the requested quantity, and hence the service provider facilitates the sending of the identification elements to the requesting intermediary within a certain period of time, not exceeding a predetermined time limit. Each registry also accepts a code, a unique identification number. This ID number must be used for logistics purposes. The system and method of the present invention ensures that registries are sent only and exclusively to the requesting intermediary, the submission being accompanied by the sending of documents indicating the list of registries to be delivered, and then confirmation of receipt of the identification elements by the requesting intermediary, followed by an update of the remote server platform.

The intermediary then applies the identification elements to the packaging of the agricultural asset and proceeds to digitally activate the identification element by linking, via a remote server, a unique secure code of the identification element to the original data of the agricultural asset. Preferably, the digital activation of the identification element is carried out by linking, via a remote server, each individual serial number and source and destination barcode to the source data of the agricultural asset to be identified. Such input data includes, but is not limited to, registration or identification data of the supplier and/or intermediary and/or end user, label request data, indication of the type of agricultural asset, indication of any additional characteristics of the agricultural asset (for example, covered whether seeds or not, etc.), physical characteristics and dimensions of the package, weight of the packages, lot number, expiration date and other relevant and related information.

The remote server platform calculates the number of labels to be activated based on the interval between reported codes, as well as the quantity in kilograms or units involved or multiples based on the activation information.

Finally, the intermediary can eventually combine packages into multiple packages, update this data in the platform, and generate an additional aggregation identification element by relating to unique serial numbers and source and destination barcodes that will be applied to each of the multiple packages , linking this information with the target data of the agricultural asset to be identified.

For example, in the case of bags of seeds, the remote server platform will allow printing of a label to identify the cargo package (set of bags), where this cargo package label will contain a unique serial number, cultivar information, starting and ending security labels of the packages that define the label spacing of each from the combined bags and a predetermined target.

Through the remote server platform, the reseller will also be able to aggregate bags for export. In the example above, bags weighing less than 5kg would be identified by export labels, while the outer bag would receive a standard label. The reseller will provide the serial number present on the labels attached to the outer bag and the serial number interval (source and destination labels) of the bag labels contained in the outer bag. In this way, it will be possible to know which bags weighing less than 5 kg are contained in the outer combined bags.

Once this is done, agricultural assets, equipped with identification elements, properly activated and valid, are delivered to end consumers, who, like any interested third party, can verify through an application on a mobile device that the unique identifier (single code) of the label matches information contained in the platform database.

If an end consumer encounters, for example, a bag with a security label that lacks digital activation, it will be reported as possibly false upon verification and the relevant information will not be displayed, with both the reseller and supplier alerted immediately. Inactivated labels will not be recognized and will therefore be blocked.

Element for secure identification of agricultural assets.

The secure identification element according to the present invention is an element equipped with at least one of three different types of security, in particular digital security, graphical security and material security.

Each identification element or label of the system and method according to the present invention is equipped with different levels of security, including at least eight different security elements, namely:

1) a security element printed with an optically variable visible security ink (color-changing), with a color change, for example, depending on the viewing angle, which is intended for the intermediary and the end user and is controllable/verifiable with the naked eye;

2) a tactile security element, printed in relief, which is intended for the intermediary and the end user and is controlled/verified by touch;

3) semi-visible security element with light polarization, which is intended for the intermediary, service provider and regulatory/supervisory body and is controlled/verified using special polarizing devices;

4) a semi-visible security element printed in microtext, which is intended for the service provider and the regulatory/supervisory body and is monitored/verified using optical magnifying devices, for example, a magnifying lens;

5) a hidden security element, which is intended for the service provider and the regulatory/supervisory body and is monitored/verified using special reading devices;

6) analytical security element, which is intended for the service provider and the regulatory/supervisory body and is controlled/verified through a special laboratory analysis;

7) two-dimensional code, serial code and bar code, which are intended for the intermediary, the end consumer, the service provider and the regulatory/supervisory body and are controlled -

- 5 043703 mi / verifiable via mobile devices, for example by reading the QR code, checking the encryption, followed by a request to display tracking data, on which HRC can make a request if there is damage to the QR code, in which case the bar code will be used to facilitate logistics for end consumers; And

8) the relationship between the codes, which is intended for the intermediary, the end consumer, the service provider and the regulatory/supervisory body and is monitored/verified through mobile devices, for example, a specific correlation between three different codes, this correlation is recorded in the database of the secure server platform.

Computer programs.

The computer program of the present invention is a computer program associated with one or more mobile devices to at least partially implement the method of the present invention. In addition, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium comprising instructions that cause the mobile device to at least partially perform the method of the present invention.

Another computer program according to the present invention is a computer program associated with a remote server for at least partially executing the method according to the present invention. In addition, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium containing instructions that cause the remote server to at least partially perform the method of the present invention.

Benefits and additional descriptions.

The system, method, identification element and computer programs according to the present invention enable the tracking of agricultural assets equipped with an identification element.

The solution proposed in this invention uses one or more independent and private servers that can be hosted in the cloud.

Another important difference from the prior art is the ability to transform any mobile device into an element capable of detecting and receiving information about the identification element, while the mobile device connected to a geolocation Wi-Fi network, for example, using Google Street View, is sufficient, as well as this allows the approximate position of an agricultural asset to be determined even in the absence of a 3G/4G network and/or GPS signal.

Moreover, with the solution of the present invention, it is possible to differentiate agricultural assets, such as seeds, produced according to regulations and sold by suppliers and intermediaries, through a printed security label, personalized on request and distributed by the service provider.

Labels will be applied to packaging by intermediaries, allowing end consumers to distinguish legitimate seeds from counterfeit seeds. Such tags have eight security features, some of which are visible to the naked eye, and a unique traceable code that can be used throughout the agricultural asset chain. In particular, the identification element will be equipped with at least one of three different types of protection, including digital protection, graphic protection and material protection, distributed in at least eight different security elements providing multi-level open and hidden protection, which completely eliminates the possibility of identification falsification element and at the same time allows you to establish its authenticity without the use of expensive equipment.

A publicly available and free application for mobile devices such as smartphones will be available to participants in the agricultural asset chain. With its help, the intermediary and, in general, the final consumer will be able to verify the origin of the packages and the seeds they contain, receiving the guarantee that they are dealing with quality products certified in their origin.

Thus, the present invention provides a system, method, identification element and computer programs that, together with the above dimensions and characteristics, improve existing solutions to agricultural asset tracking problems in a new and inventive manner.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be modified without deviating from the concepts set forth in the foregoing description. Such modifications should be understood as falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specific embodiments detailed above are illustrative and exemplary only and do not limit the scope of the present invention to the extent that the full scope of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof is provided.

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Claims (7)

CLAIM 1. Identification and authentication system for crop tracking, containing: an identification, authentication and tracking service provider comprising a remote server comprising a processing unit, wherein the identification, authentication and tracking service provider is configured to: registering data of participants in the crop value chain in a database of the specified remote server, wherein participants in the crop value chain include from the supplier of the crops, then to one or more intermediaries or distributors to the end user or end consumer of the crop data managed by the provider of identification, authentication and tracking; creating a physical identification element intended to be applied to crops, endowed with a unique security code associated with a participant in the crop production chain, wherein the identification element is configured to be physically associated with the crop and accept identification and authentication markings, and sending the identification element to the requester to a participant in the production chain of agricultural crops for subsequent digital activation of the identification element by the specified requesting participant by linking, through a remote server, a unique security code of the identification element to data on the origin of the crop; one or more mobile devices capable of reading an identification element and verifying the authenticity of agricultural crops by checking the match of the unique security code with the information contained in the remote server database, characterized in that the identification element is equipped with three different types of protection, including digital protection, graphic security and material security distributed across eight different security elements, with digital security referring to (1) a unique security code in three forms: 2D code, serial code and barcode for traceability, all linked to the requesting participant in the crop value chain , and to (2) the specific correlation between these three different shapes registered in the remote server, the graphic security refers to the printing of microtext on the relief layer, represented by (3) a tactile security element printed in relief; and material security refers to (4) a security element printed with optically variable visible security ink, (5) a semi-visible security element with light polarization, (6) a semi-visible security element printed in microtext, (7) a hidden security element, and (8) an analytical protective element. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification, authentication and tracking service provider is configured to create an identification element for individual or joint packaging that is capable of containing an agricultural crop or a plurality of them and on which an associated identification element can be applied in visible and easily accessible place. 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system further comprises at least one of a graphic marking device, a material marking device and a digital marking device for the identification element. 4. A method of identification and authentication for tracking agricultural crops, performed by means of a system according to claims 1-3, characterized in that it includes the following method steps: registration of data of participants in the production chain of agricultural crops in the database of a remote server of the identification, authentication and tracking service provider; request by a participant in the crop production chain for a physical identification element from an identification, authentication and tracking service provider; codification, personalization and creation by the identification, authentication and tracking service provider of an identification element equipped with a unique security code associated with a participant in the crop value chain, where the identification element is equipped with three different types of protection, including digital protection, graphic protection and material protection, distributed in eight different security elements, where digital security refers to (1) a unique security code in three forms: a 2D code, a serial code and a barcode for traceability, all associated with the requesting participant in the crop value chain, and (2) a specific the correlation between these three different forms, recorded in the remote server, - 7 043703 graphic security refers to the printing of microtext on a relief layer, represented by (3) a tactile security element printed in relief; and material security refers to (4) a security element printed with optically variable visible security ink, (5) a semi-visible security element with light polarization, (6) a semi-visible security element printed in microtext, (7) a hidden security element, and (8) an analytical protective element; sending an identification element by an identification, authentication and tracking service provider to a participant in the crop value chain; applying an identification element by a participant in the agricultural production chain to agricultural crops or packaging of agricultural crops; implementation of digital activation of the identification element by a participant in the production chain of agricultural crops by linking, through a remote server, a unique security code of the identification element to data on the origin of the crop; and reading the identification element and verifying the authenticity of the crops by checking that the unique code matches the information contained in the remote server database. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that it is applied to the entire production chain of agricultural crops, starting from the crop supplier, further to one or more intermediaries or distributors, ending with the end user or end consumer of the crop data managed by the identification, authentication service provider and tracking. 6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the identification elements are grouped into packages or registers sent by the identification, authentication and tracking service provider to the requesting participant in the crop production chain over a certain period of time not exceeding a predetermined period. 7. Machine-readable medium containing commands for executing the method according to claims 4-6. Eurasian Patent Organization, EAPO Russia, 109012, Moscow, Maly Cherkassky lane, 2