FR3051062A1 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL, INTENDED TO BE APPROVED ON A PRODUCT FOR ITS AUTHENTICATION AND TRACEABILITY - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an identification tag, intended to be affixed to a product for its authentication and traceability. This identification tag (1) is characterized in that it comprises: a graphic identification element (2), in which digital data are coded, a graphic security element (3), the resolution of which in a captured digital image is degraded to prevent identical reproduction, and - a lab controllable marker element (4).

Description

Technical field to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to the field of solutions for the authentication and traceability of products.

More specifically, it relates to identification tags for the implementation of such solutions, but also the authentication and traceability systems based on such identification tags.

Technological background

Counterfeiting affects all sectors of economic activity, reinforced with the development of the internet.

To cope with this situation, authentication and traceability of products become a major issue.

Authentication and traceability solutions aim to acquire a certain level of certainty as to the authenticity of a product.

These solutions generally rely on identification elements that can be classified in three different technologies: - controllable elements with human senses (eg burglar-proof devices, holograms, inks, etc.), - controllable elements by means of a tool (eg digital markings, nanoparticles, etc.), and - controllable elements in the laboratory (physical markers, biological markers, etc.).

However, today most identifiers no longer provide sufficient security, and are likely to be easily falsified.

There is therefore a need for new identification elements, intended to be affixed to a product for its authentication and traceability.

Object of the invention

In order to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes an identification tag, intended to be affixed to a product for its authentication and traceability.

This identification tag is characterized in that it comprises: a graphic identification element, in which digital data is encoded, a graphic security element whose resolution in a captured digital image is degraded so as to to prevent identical reproduction, and - a lab-controllable marking element.

Such an identification tag has the advantage of having a combination of identification elements that will cooperate to provide optimum security in terms of authentication and traceability.

According to a preferred embodiment, said graphic identification element comprises a graphic identification element in which data are coded from at least one algorithm based on the conical projective geometry. The graphic identification element is, for example, a graphic identification element of the Bleam (trademark) type comprising (i) a crown delimited by, on the one hand, a circular outer edge and, on the other hand, a border circular interior defining an internal circular space, (ii) an intermediate ring formed in said ring, between said borders thereof, and (iii) a set of points distributed in an annular inner band formed within said internal circular space and along said circular inner edge, the arrangement of said points encoding said data.

In this case, the marking element, advantageously of the Nanoproof (registered trademark) type, is formed in said intermediate ring. The internal circular space may contain: a figurative element, for example a commercial figurative mark, and / or an additional graphic identification element, for example a 2D barcode, more preferably a QR code. Other nonlimiting and advantageous features of the identification tag according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are as follows: the graphic security element comprises a band sensitive to photocopying, advantageously a complex frequency image, for example of the "Copy Sensitive Printed Strip" type; where appropriate, the graphic security element is advantageously arranged tangentially and at a distance from the circular outer edge of the crown constituting the graphic identification element; - The identification tag has a rear surface comprising adhesive means for its irremovable attachment to said product; the identification tag comprises at least two superposed films on which said elements are distributed; said superposed films are joined to each other by means of adhesive means whose adhesive force is less than the adhesive force intended to be generated by the adhesive means of the rear surface of said identification label.

The present invention also relates to the product on which is affixed an identification tag according to the invention.

The present invention further relates to a system for the authentication and traceability of products, which system is characterized in that it comprises: a) a plurality of products according to the invention, carrying an identification tag according to the invention b) at least one client terminal equipment, for example a smartphone-type mobile telephone, which at least one client terminal equipment comprises telecommunication means, optical means for capturing digital images, and memory means containing a program for computer, which computer program comprises: - program code means for capturing a digital image containing said identification tag, - program code means for extracting the data encoded in the tag of identification, and in particular in the graphic identification element, - program code means for verifying the authenticity identification of the identification tag present in said captured digital image, - program code means for collecting parameters relating to said captured digital image, for example a unique identifier of said portable individual device, and / or the date, the time, the geolocation of said digital image capture, - program code means for the transmission of said captured digital image and the collected parameters relating to said captured digital image, to at least one authentication / authentication server. traceability, when said computer program is executed by said client terminal equipment, c) at least one authentication / traceability server, associated with telecommunication means, comprising memory means comprising: c1) a database comprising at least one least one data table that includes a plurality of registration lines, which registration lines each record includes: - an identifier contained in one of said identification labels, - at least one characteristic data item on which is affixed said identification tag, for example a product code, a lot number, a date of identification, manufacture, a use-by date, - a status of said identification tag, selected from at least one of an activity state and an inactivated state, c2) a computer program comprising: - program code means for recording and pairing the data in said database, - program code means for checking the authenticity of the identification tag (in line), - program code means for transmitting a response to said client terminal equipment, following the authenticity check of said identification tag, when said computer program is executed by said at least one server.

The present invention further relates to a method for the authentication and traceability of products by means of a system according to the invention, which method is characterized in that it comprises A / a phase of design and manufacture of the labels of identification, B / a phase of affixing identification tags to the products and, within said at least one authentication / traceability server: a phase of pairing said identification tags with said at least one data item; characteristic of the respectively associated products, and - a phase of activation of said identification tags, C / a phase of authentication and traceability of a product, comprising: - the capture of a digital image containing the label of identification of said product, and parameters collected relating to said captured digital image, by means of the client terminal equipment of said system; transmitting said captured digital image and collected parameters relating to said captured digital image to an authentication / traceability server, - checking the authenticity of the identification tag, - remission of an answer to said client terminal equipment, following the authenticity check of said identification tag.

Detailed description of an example embodiment

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, will make it clear what the invention is and how it can be achieved.

In the accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 is a schematic and isolated representation of an identification tag according to the invention; FIG. 2 diagrammatically represents a system for the authentication and traceability of products equipped with the identification tag according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the process for the authentication and the traceability of products by the implementation of the system according to FIG. 2.

Identification label The identification label 1, as shown in Figure 1, is intended to be affixed to a product (preferably a manufactured product) for its authentication and traceability.

By "authentication" is meant in particular the action of verifying the original character of the product.

"Traceability" refers in particular to the ability to monitor the product throughout its marketing process (especially from its production site to the final consumer). For this purpose, the identification tag 1 here comprises a body 11 on the front face of which is visually accessible a combination of three control elements: a graphic identification element 2, in which digital data are coded, a security graphic element 3, whose resolution in a captured digital image is degraded so as to prevent identical reproduction, and - a marking element 4, controllable in the laboratory. The graphic identification element 2 here consists of a graphic identification element in which digital data are coded from at least one algorithm based on the conical predictive geometry technology.

Such an identification graphic element 2 advantageously consists of a BLEAM (registered trademark) type graphic element, proposed by UBLEAM.

Such a BLEAM identification graphic element 2 is described, for example, in document WO2012 / 076828.

This graphic identification element 2 consists in this case of different parts: a ring 21 delimited by two circular borders, namely, on the one hand, a circular outer edge 211 and, on the other hand, an inner edge circular 212 defining an inner circular space 22, - an intermediate ring 23, formed in the ring 21 between its two edges 211,212, and - a set of points 24 distributed in an annular inner band 25 formed in the inner circular space 22 and along the circular inner edge 212.

In particular, the intermediate ring 23 is a key element; it could also present any other easily dissociable geometric form of the coded data, which allows it to be detected without ambiguity.

In such a BLEAM identification graphic element 2, the dot arrangement 24 codes digital data.

The corresponding digital data advantageously comprise at least one unique identifier, advantageously consisting of a serial number.

By "serial number" is meant a unique number that is assigned to an object of a series (or a lot) in order to identify it among the other objects of that series (or batch). This serial number changes from its successor, or predecessor, to a fixed value.

Such a serial number advantageously consists of a single alphanumeric character string.

Furthermore, the internal circular space 22 may also contain other elements, for example: a figurative element 27, for example a commercial figurative mark (or pictogram) and / or an additional graphic identification element (not shown) ), for example a 2D barcode, and still presence an element of the QR code type.

"2D bar code" means a two-dimensional code, which takes the form of a set of lines, squares, dots, polygons or other geometrical figures, which is used to deliver information.

By "QR code" is meant a type of two-dimensional bar code (or datamatrix matrix code) consisting of black modules arranged in a square with a white background. The arrangement of these points defines the information contained in the code. The graphic security element 3 here consists of a band sensitive to photocopying.

This photocopy sensitive band consists of the species in a complex frequency image, for example of the type "Copy Sensitive Printed Strip" (also called "CSPS").

If such a security graphic element 3 is copied or scanned, and then reprinted, it is intended to automatically undergo a degradation of resolution that will be detectable.

This graphic security element 3 is here arranged almost tangentially, and at a distance, from the circular outer edge 211 of the crown 21 constituting the graphic identification element 2. The marking element 4, controllable in the laboratory, advantageously consists of in a physical marker which is for example chosen from nanoparticles.

The nanoparticles advantageously consist of an organized assembly of luminescent nanoparticles, invisible to the naked eye without optical excitation.

For example, these nanoparticles are of the Nanoproof (trademark) type developed and marketed by Nanolike.

This solution consists in producing a micrometric size mark, invisible to the naked eye, made from an assembly of luminescent nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are organized to encode personalized information. The marking element 4 is advantageously formed in the intermediate circle 23 of the graphic identification element 2, which allows its rapid and unambiguous detection.

In practice, the identification tag 1 is intended to be affixed to the product whose authenticity and traceability must be ensured (generally a manufactured product).

For this, the body 11 of this identification tag 1 comprises a rear surface (not shown) provided with adhesive means (for example a glue, preferably a sealing glue) adapted to its irremovable attachment to the product.

To reinforce its tamper-proof nature, the body 11 of this identification tag 1 advantageously consists of several superimposed (over-coated) and transparent (not shown) films on which are distributed the elements 2, 3, 4 mentioned above. These films are made for example in a plastic material.

For example: a first film carries the identification graphic element 2, a second film carries the security graphic element 3, and a third film carries the marking element 4.

Alternatively: a first film carries the graphic identification element 2 and the graphic security element 3, and a second film carries the marking element 4.

Each element 2, 3 and 4 is advantageously deposited by printing on one of the films.

These superimposed films are joined together by means of adhesive means whose adhesion force is less than the adhesive force generated by the adhesive means of the rear surface of the identification label 1.

Thus, in the case of an attempt to separate the identification tag 1 from its product, the superimposed films will tend to separate from each other and lead to the degradation of the label. identification 1. The identification label 1 can not then be fraudulently transferred from one product to another, without causing its degradation.

According to an alternative embodiment, the identification tag 1 is directly manufactured with the product packaging. This identification label 1 is then monoblock with the packaging of this product.

Such an identification tag can then be directly printed on the product packaging and / or be directly etched on the product packaging (for example for plastic, wood or metal).

Authentication and traceability system

As shown in Figure 2, the invention also relates to the system 10 for the authentication and traceability of products.

Such a system 10 comprises for this the following combination: a) a plurality of products 101 on each of which is affixed an identification tag 1 above, b) at least one client terminal equipment 102 (also called terminal reading equipment), and c) at least one authentication and traceability server 103.

Each product 101 is thus equipped with an identification tag 1 according to the invention, which is judiciously placed to ensure its visibility by an end user. The client terminal equipment 102 and the authentication and traceability server 103 are advantageously intended to communicate via an extended network R, also called "WAN" for "Wide Area Network" (namely advantageously Internet).

"Internet" means the global computer network accessible to the public. Information is transmitted over the Internet through a standardized set of data transfer protocols that enable the development of a variety of applications and services.

In general, access to this extended network R (in particular the Internet) is effected by various means of electronic telecommunication, in particular wireless (for example a technology called 2G, 3G, 4G or Wifi). The client terminal equipment 102 is conventional in itself. It consists of a computer, a tablet or a mobile phone / mobile type smartphone.

This client terminal equipment 102 will allow the detection and reading of the identification tag 1 affixed to the products 101.

This client terminal equipment 102 may be in the possession of the various actors in the control chain (consumers, experts, wholesalers, distributors, etc.).

Such a client terminal equipment 102 includes: - telecommunication means 1021, for access to an extended network R, - optical means 1022 for image capture, able to take an image of a scene containing at least one identification tag 1, - memory means 1023 containing computer programs, and - a man / machine interface 1024.

The optical means 1022, or photographic sensor, provide the acquisition of an image of the scene, whatever the orientation and the position of the identification tag 1 in this scene. The man / machine interface 1024 may be a screen, for example associated with a keyboard, or a touch screen, on which can be displayed decoded data of the identification tag 1 and / or information from the server of authentication and traceability 103.

For this, the memory means 1023 comprise in particular a computer program which forms, on the one hand, an image processing unit which ensures the detection of the identification tag 1 in the captured image as well as the decoding the data contained within said identification tag 1 and, secondly, a control unit managing the decoded data.

This computer program advantageously consists of a mobile application that is downloaded from an online store (native application) or that is accessible from a Web server (mobile website).

In the present case, said at least one computer program comprises: - program code means for capturing a digital image containing said identification tag 1, - program code means for extracting the coded data in said identification tag 1, and in particular in the identification graphical element 2 (advantageously a decoding algorithm for decoding the coded digital data in the identification graphical element 2), - program code means to verify the authenticity of the identification tag 1 present in said captured digital image (advantageously off-line or off-line), - program code means for collecting parameters relating to said captured digital image, by example a unique identifier of said client terminal equipment 102 (serial number or Unique Device Identifier -UDID, for example), and / or date, time , geolocation of said digital image capture, program code means for transmission of said captured digital image and collected parameters relating to said captured digital image to said at least one authentication / traceability server when said computer program is executed by said client terminal equipment 102.

The parameters relating to the captured digital image are useful for identifying possible forgery attempts.

In particular, the program code means for verifying the authenticity of the identification tag 1 advantageously comprise: means for reading the graphic security element 3, in this case the CSPS, and / or means for extracting the serial number encoded in the identification graphic element 2 and for verifying that said serial number belongs to an authentic range of serial numbers.

The authentication / traceability server 103 is associated with telecommunication means (not shown), also for access to the wide area network R.

This server 103 comprises memory means 1031 in which is stored a database 1032 comprising at least one data table.

Said at least one data table contains a plurality of record lines each comprising: - an identifier contained in one of said identification tags 1, - at least one characteristic data item on which is affixed said tag of identification 1, for example a product code, a batch number, a date of manufacture, a use-by date, - a status of said identification tag 1, chosen from at least one of an activity state and an inactivated state. Note that, by default, identification tags 1 are advantageously in an "inactivated state"; they are intended to be presented as being in an "activated state" following their affixing to a product.

At least one computer program 1033 is also recorded in these memory means 1031.

Such a computer program 1033 comprises: - program code means for recording and pairing data in said database 1032, and - program code means for controlling the authenticity of the label identification number 1 (online or in connection), - program code means for sending a reply to said client terminal equipment 102, following the authenticity check of said identification tag 1, when said program of computer 1033 is executed by said at least one server 103.

In particular, the program code means for controlling the authenticity of the identification tag 1 comprises: - program code means for checking, in said database 1032, the existence of a serial number extracted from said identification tag 1 (the existence of this serial number constitutes a first checkpoint showing the authenticity of the tag), - program code means for checking, in said database 1032, the coherence of the serial number extracted from said identification tag 1 with the lot number assigned during the generation of serial numbers (this consistency constitutes a second checkpoint showing the authenticity of the tag), and - program code means for checking the status of said identification tag, in particular its "activity state" (the activated state constitutes a third point control system showing the authenticity of the label), when said computer program is executed by said server 103.

These program code means will thus make it possible to confirm the authenticity of an identification tag 1 through three distinct and successive control points.

Furthermore, the program code means for sending a response to said client terminal equipment 102 are adapted to issue two alternative types of response: a favorable response ("Certified Authentication") when the identification tag is authenticated (in this case where the above three checkpoints are conclusive), or - an adverse response ("uncertified authentication") when the identification tag is not authenticated (in this case when the three control points above are inconclusive).

The favorable response will advantageously be accompanied by the display of a marketing interface on the client terminal equipment 102.

Method for product authentication and traceability

As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, the authentication / traceability process mainly comprises: A / a phase of designing and manufacturing identification tags 1, advantageously at the manufacturer of identification tags 1, B / a phase of affixing the identification labels 1 to the products 101 (B1 in FIG. 3) and data recording in the server 103 (B2 in FIG. 3), advantageously to the manufacturer of the products 101 to be authenticated and to follow, and C / a phase of authentication and traceability of the product 101, generally by the final consumer.

During the design / manufacturing phase A /, the same serial number is coded, on the one hand, in the graphic identification element 2 (Bleam) and, on the other hand, in the graphic security element 3 (CSPS).

The identification tags 1 are advantageously manufactured by printing.

During the second phase B / above, within said at least one authentication / traceability server 103, it is implemented: - a pairing (assignment) of the identification tags 1 with at least one characteristic data of the products 101 respectively associated (including "product sheets"), and - an activation of the identification labels 1 affixed to the products 101 (configuration "active state" in the database 1032).

Furthermore, the authentication and traceability phase C / allows a client to verify the authenticity of an identification tag 1 and therefore the associated product 101.

This phase of authentication and traceability C / comprises for this: the capture of a digital image containing the identification tag 1 of said product 101, and collected parameters relating to said captured digital image, by means of the client terminal equipment 102 of said system 10 (C1 in FIG. 3), - preferably, direct (off-line) control of the authenticity of the identification tag 1 by said client terminal equipment 102 (C2 in FIG. the transmission of said captured digital image and the parameters collected relating to said captured digital image, from said client terminal equipment 102 to the authentication / traceability server 103 (C3 in FIG. 3); the authenticity of the identification tag 1 by the authentication / traceability server 103 (online - C4 in FIG. 3), - the transmission of a response by said server authentication / traceability 103 to said client terminal equipment 102, following the authenticity check of said identification tag 1 by said authentication / traceability server 103 (C5 in Figure 3).

In particular, the authenticity check of the identification tag 1 comprises: a verification, in said database 1032, of the existence of a serial number extracted from this identification tag 1 (the existence of this serial number constitutes a first checkpoint showing the authenticity of the label), - a check, in said database 1032, of the coherence of the serial number extracted from the identification tag 1 with the batch number assigned during the generation of serial numbers (this consistency constitutes a second checkpoint showing the authenticity of the label), and - a check of the status of said identification tag 1, in particular its " activity state "(the activated state is a third control point showing the authenticity of the label).

In the case where these three checkpoints are positive, the server 103 sends a favorable response ("Certified Authentication") to the client terminal equipment 102.

Conversely, in the case where at least one of these three checkpoints is negative, the server 103 issues an unfavorable response ("non-certified authentication") to the client terminal equipment 102.

In case of dispute as to the authenticity of the identification tag 1, it will still be possible to check, in the laboratory, the marking element 4 carried by it.

In general, where appropriate, the authentication and traceability system 10 according to the invention is particularly secure by the combination of several layers and control levels: an identification tag 1 combining a graphic identification element 2 , a graphic security element 3 and a lab controllable marking element 4, the coding of a unique serial number in the graphic identification element 2, the multi-film structure of the body 11 of the label identification, and - the authentication / traceability server 103 containing a status of said identification tag 1, chosen at least from an activity state and an inactivated state.

Still in a general manner, the system according to the invention offers product manufacturers the following advantages, in particular: - protection of products, - innovative marketing support, - promotion of know-how, - increased traceability, - control of parallel markets.

In a general manner, the system according to the invention offers end-users (consumers) the following advantages in particular: - access to various information, in a simple and rapid manner, - certification and authenticity of products, - information on the product, - visibility of the entire manufacturer's catalog.

Claims (12)

1. Identification label, intended to be affixed to a product for its authentication and traceability, which identification tag (1) is characterized in that it comprises: a graphic identification element (2), in which are encoded digital data, - a security graphic element (3) whose resolution in a captured digital image is degraded so as to prevent identical reproduction, and - a lab controllable marking element (4). . Identification label according to claim 1, characterized in that said graphic identification element (2) comprises a graphic identification element in which data are coded from at least one algorithm based on geometry. projective conic. 3. ID label, according to claim 2, characterized in that said graphic identification element (2) is a graphic identification element of the Bleam type comprising: - a ring (21) delimited by, on the one hand , a circular outer edge (211) and, on the other hand, a circular inner edge (212) delimiting an internal circular space (22), - an intermediate ring (23) formed in said ring (21) between said borders ( 211,212) of the latter, and - a set of points (24) distributed in an annular inner band (25) formed within said internal circular space (22) and along said circular inner edge (212), the arrangement of said points ( 24) encoding said data. 4. Identification label, according to claim 3, characterized in that the marking element (4) is formed in said intermediate ring (23). Identification tag, according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the inner circular space (22) contains: - a figurative element (27), for example a commercial figurative mark, and / or an additional graphic identification element, for example a 2D barcode, more preferably a QR code. Identification label, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the graphic security element (3) comprises a band sensitive to photocopying, advantageously a complex frequency image, for example of the type "Copy Sensitive Printed Strip". Identification label, according to claim 6 in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the graphic security element (3) is arranged tangentially and at a distance from the circular outer edge (211) of the ring (21). ) composing the graphic identification element (2). 8. Identification label, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a rear surface comprising adhesive means for its irremovable attachment to said product (101). 9. Identification label, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least two superposed films on which are distributed said elements (2, 3, 4), and in that said films superposed are secured together by means of adhesive means whose adhesion strength is less than the adhesive force to be generated by the adhesive means of the rear surface of said identification tag (1). 10. Product (101) on which is affixed an identification tag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. System for authentication and traceability of products, which system (10) is characterized in that it comprises: a) a plurality of products (101) according to claim 10, b) at least one client terminal equipment ( 102), which at least one client terminal equipment (102) comprises telecommunication means (1021), optical means (1022) for capturing digital images, and memory means (1023) containing a computer program, which computer program comprises: - program code means for capturing a digital image containing said identification tag (1), - program code means for extracting the data encoded in the tag of identification (1); - program code means for verifying the authenticity of the identification tag (1) present in said captured digital image; - program code means for the collection of relative parameters; ative to said captured digital image, e.g. a unique identifier of said client terminal equipment (102), and / or the date, time, geolocation of said digital image capture, - program code means for transmission of said captured digital image and collected parameters relating to said captured digital image, to at least one authentication / traceability server (103), when said computer program is executed by said client terminal equipment (102), c) at least one authentication / traceability server (103), associated with telecommunication means, comprising memory means (1031) comprising: c1) a database (1032) comprising at least one data table which comprises a plurality recording lines, which registration lines each comprise: - an identifier contained in one of said identification tags (1), - at least one e characteristic data of the product (101) on which is affixed said identification tag (1), - a status of said identification tag (1), chosen at least from an activity state and an inactivated state, c2) a program computer program (1033) comprising: - program code means for registering and pairing data in said database (1032), - program code means for controlling the authenticity of the label identification means (1); program code means for transmitting a response to said client terminal equipment (102) following the authenticity check of said identification tag (1) when said computer program is executed by said at least one server (103). A method for authenticating and traceability of products by means of a system according to claim 11, which method is characterized in that it comprises N a phase of design and manufacture of identification tags (1), B / a phase of affixing the identification tags (1) on the products (101) and, within said at least one authentication / traceability server (103): a pairing phase of said tags; identification (1) with said at least one characteristic data of the products (101) respectively associated, and - an activation phase of said identification tags (1), C / a phase of authentication and traceability of a product ( 101), comprising: - capturing a digital image containing the identification tag (1) of said product (101), and collected parameters relating to said captured digital image, by means of a client terminal equipment ( 102) of said system (10), and - the transmission of said captured digital image and the collected parameters relating to said captured digital image to an authentication / traceability server (103), - the control of the authenticity of the identification tag (1), - the transmission of a response to said client terminal equipment (102), following the authenticity check of said identification tag (1).