KR20130060169A - A method of content authentication inside a sealed box using special labels - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention proposes a method for identifying and authenticating contents in a sealed box, which is transported between packing time and transport time through the supply chain of the logistics company on a per-hop basis. This method tags a label with an inner layer of propagation-impermeable material randomly placed in each content. Externally all labels / tags look symmetrical, and if the insider replaces the original contents and tags the genuine label on the counterfeit, this will be detected because the original reference image signal will have a different position. Because. Each time these labels are reused, they automatically acquire their image credentials. This method also mitigates false alarms after confirming that the image has changed due to the horizontal movement of the contents within the box, not because of its location. The method has an inherent ability to solve count-defects due to pattern overlap. In the high volume logistics industry, two labels with stealth patterns are very useful for scanning regardless of the accelerated direction for box level authentication. Labels with covert patterns are based on location, which is unknown to insiders, and their credentials are only acquired when the label is used. This method can also be used as a covert anti-counterfeiting mechanism by associating images of random covert patterns with external features of unique-letter and numbered article-per ID.

Description

A METHOD OF CONTENT AUTHENTICATION INSIDE A SEALED BOX USING SPECIAL LABELS}

This application claims the priority benefit of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 625 / CHE / 2010, filed on March 10, 2010, with the title of 'X-ray image based item counter' to Chennai, India.

The following specification describes the nature of the invention.

The present invention belongs to the field of verification of the contents in terms of the number and the genuine inside of the sealed container when the sealed container is transported between the time of packing and the time of transport. Today customers can track and locate their shipments, and the present invention allows them to monitor and verify the contents at each point in the transportation. The direct advantage is that if the contents are stolen and genuine labels are replaced with counterfeits of the same shape, size and weight, then the point of intrusion is identified and the logistics company can investigate the problem with accurate information. The present invention therefore confers responsibility at each point of transport.

Methods for preventing content theft, such as RF-ID tags, are known. The RF-ID tagging method is an excellent solution for inventory management and location tracking, but it is not a reliable technique for preventing theft / replacement of contents and hidden losses in the supply-chain. An important problem is due to the fact that the RF-ID reader counts the RF-ID label but does not count the actual contents. This means that even if someone takes out the contents and puts the RF-ID label back in the box, the count will still be shown as correct. If the genuine RF-ID label is applied to a counterfeit foam that replaces the original content then there is no room for differentiation and checks and balances. RF-ID tags also do not auto-acquire their credentials every time they are reused.

It is an important object of the present invention to detect such kinds of intrusions that result in hidden losses and the inability to remain in the undetected state and the lack of position tracking, and to only expose them at the transport-point after the box is opened. This method detects not only the content count, but also that the contents have been reorganized or replaced with counterfeits of the same shape, size and weight. The disclosed subject matter is improved, with a more robust method of content theft / replacement detection technology, even insider threats are protected.

The following description describes the methods and designs of the present invention.

The present invention proposes a special purpose label, which is arranged randomly and has an inner layer of embedded radio-opaque material. Visually, all labels look symmetrical in shape, size and use. These labels are affixed at specified locations by content or by box. Externally all tags look similar in visual inspection, but internally they have a radio-impermeable layer placed in a random position. After tagging, the contents are stacked as multiple layers in rows and columns in the box. The X-ray image job of the box will show the column-by-row and row-by-tag matrix of tagging. If any content is stolen, then the overlapped images will be different. Assuming that the counterfeit is replaced with a counterfeit label at the designated location, the location will be different and the image comparison module will find it.

In other embodiments, such labels may have a randomly printed pattern as invisible ink and may be scanned as a special purpose camera. If invisible ink is difficult to use, then such labels with black patterns may be placed under the red and blue color screens to hide from the human eye. This embodiment only assures that the box has not been opened during the shipping route and has not been repackaged with genuine tape.

Specific advantages include:

・ Check the contents at each point of transportation

360-degree responsibility and auditability for insiders

Unauthorized opening of box and reorganization of contents

Search for replacement of original contents with counterfeit

· Content monitoring in normal location tracking for customer satisfaction while sending valuable or sensitive shipments

Evidence is clearly real and legally acceptable

The invention described herein is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting to the content set forth in the accompanying drawings. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the specification of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.
1: Diagram of tagging with an inner layer of a radio-impermeable material.
Figure 2: Diagram of the inner tagging, showing the propagation-impermeable layer placed in a random position and externally showing all tags symmetrically to the human eye.
3: Contents diagram attached to two different sides of the box.
4: Diagram showing X-ray images of contents stacked in a box after being attached as labels with propagation-impermeable layer requests in different positions. (004) and (005) are two different aspects of the box. X-ray images from.
5: Diagram showing an X-ray image after one contents have been withdrawn.
6: Diagram showing X-ray images after one content is replaced with a counterfeit and a similar label is attached.
FIG. 7: Diagram showing the top surface of the contents with image symmetric labels with all contents inside the container intact.
8: A diagram showing the top surface of the contents with labels symmetric in the image, wherein the image shows that the inner-pattern spacing has changed due to one content being withdrawn from the container.
9: A diagram showing the lateral X-rays of five contents, stacked by depth, each labeled with one pattern hidden in overlap, showing only 4 patterns in any column and row.
FIG. 10: Diagram showing side X-rays of five contents, stacked by depth, each with labels showing all five patterns in any column and row by exposing a pattern obscured by angled X-rays.
Figure 11: Diagram showing two labels with an invisible ink pattern, where one label has a reference pattern, and the other label has an actual comparison pattern, and both the reference line and the comparison patterns are on the label. Printed in ink. These are not visible to the naked eye, but can only be scanned digitally by a suitable infrared camera.
Figure 12: Diagram showing two labels of different types, wherein the reference circular adhesive label has two circles printed as invisible ink. The other circle is on the base tape. The angle associated with the base adhesive tape is calculated using image processing according to the position of the circular adhesive tape. These adhesive tapes can break themselves to prevent reuse.
FIG. 13: Diagram showing an embodiment of randomly placed propagation-impermeable labels, wherein a small, invisible, small circular layer of propagation-impermeable material is random in a larger circular propagation-label. Formed at the point of, and a unique image signal is auto-acquired depending on the position of the larger circular label.
14: Diagram showing X-ray imaging operation of a box with a bundle of bills having four bundles of length-by-length, five bundles of height- and five bundles of depth-by, each bundle with a smart label. has exist.
FIG. 15: Diagram showing the X-ray imaging operation of a padded box with a thermocol block, ensuring that the radio-transmissive medium is placed in the X-ray ray path and underneath the plastic string bundle Equipped with two circular labels, any theft will alleviate the bundle of plastic straps and change the label position.
16: A diagram of 360 degree scanning of a trapezoidal box, wherein scanning is performed using an image acquisition platform with two cameras, covering all sides and edges of the box.

The following detailed description describes a method and apparatus for X-ray image base technology of content loss / theft / replacement. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more complete understanding of the invention, such as the implementation, type and correlation of system components. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented without such specific details. Various low-level details of structure, or the overall order sequence, which are not directly related to the present invention, have not been described in order to prevent the present invention from becoming obscure. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue testing, as described in detail herein.

Criteria related to 'an embodiment' in the specification, the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but all embodiments may not necessarily include such a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it has an impact regardless of whether such feature, structure, or characteristic has been described in detail with respect to other embodiments within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It is mad.

In the following description and claims, the term 'propagation-impermeable layer' inside a tag is shown as a straight line, triangle or circle, but this should not be understood as a particular shape, because it may be any other random Because it can be made into shapes. The manner in which the labels are applied on a per-content basis inside or outside the box will depend on the exact custom requirements of the particular batch. Similarly, the present invention proposes the use of circular labels for the highest level of security, but it may likewise be in any other form.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below.

Tagging Labels with Randomly Placed Radiopaque Layers: Each content needs to be attached to special purpose labels. In FIG. 1, a label is shown with the naked eye (001), and with an embedded radio-impermeable layer (002). Externally all tags look symmetrical to the naked eye, but internally they have a random position of the radio-impermeable layer as shown in FIG. Another format of the label is shown in FIG. 13 where the symmetrically visible circular label has an inner layer of propagating impermeable material 018. In a typical case, each box is attached with one label. However, the box may be attached with one or more labels 003, as shown in FIG. 3. These labels only acquire their credentials on use, but automatically acquire new credentials on each reuse. In a second embodiment, this is an external scanning solution that does not use X-ray labels, has invisible patterns, and can be digitally scanned by a special purpose camera, and also automatically acquires its credentials, This is determined by the position of the invisible pattern relative to the pattern on the reference label.

Reference X-ray Imaging: These imaging tasks should be performed at the time of packaging in the high level of physical security and surveillance. Images of the sealed box are obtained from two different sides of the box such that the overlapped position 004 and the individual positions 005 are obtained as shown in FIG. 4. Once the box is sealed, internal image operations 004 and 005 are terminated, and the reference image will show an overlapping image of a radio-opaque layer randomly located from other tags in the stacked content. The baseline image, indexed as the unique-ID of the box, is sent to the central server after digital signature.

X-ray images of transport and transport points: The box X-ray images of each transport and transport point are compared to reference images showing the label matrix, where X-ray images of randomly positioned propagation-impermeable layers Will overlap. If someone reorganizes the contents, steals the contents, or replaces the counterfeit, the image comparison module will recognize it during the comparison with the reference images of the particular box.

Content Loss / Stolen Detection: If any of the above content is lost or stolen, the superimposed image from the stacked content will have significantly different special columns or rows (006) and (007), and the image comparison module will Will acknowledge and issue an alarm.

Content Replacement Detection: If any of the content is replaced with a counterfeit of similar shape, size and weight, the overlapping images 008 and 009 will be different for the stacked content in a particular column or row. The image comparison module will recognize it and issue an alarm.

Content reorganization detection: If the positions of two similar contents are interchanged, then the overlapping images will also be different for the stacked contents in a particular column or row. The image comparison module will recognize it and issue an alarm.

False alarm mitigation: Due to an unintentional human error, if one content is not tagged, the reference image will capture it and thus it will not be issued as a false alarm.

Corner likelihood of the same position label on the stacked contents: In some cases, if the two contents have exactly the same position, then no loss or theft may be detected. The replacement will be detected because the replaced content will not have the same location again for all practical purposes. However, in order to mitigate this edge possibility, two tags may be used so that this scenario can be effectively ruled out by combining the mathematical possibilities of exact overlap.

Image indexing at the central server: During the reference image operation, each box is assigned a randomly generated unique-ID, which is preferably attached on the box on the same side from which the reference image was obtained. The unique reference image of each box is digitally signed, and the reference image is called during the comparison and indexed with the box's unique-ID. All subsequent imaging operations need to be obtained from the same side from which the reference image was obtained. For additional protection of the network path, calling the reference image can be hidden and protected utilizing known protocols such as IPSEC / SSL.

Image Normalization: Perfect comparison requires extinction of the X-ray image. Wood or cardboard boxes may have metal parts such as nails. Thus each time the X-ray image is obtained, it must be subtracted as X-ray images of standard empty boxes.

Content horizontal movement detection: Once the image capture module determines the difference between the normalized reference image and the normalized current-hop capture image, it also determines whether the difference is due to some horizontal movement of the contents during transportation. Determine whether or not. The entire image of the box is obtained by length-by-length and by height-by-parts in a number of parts, where each obtained part represents the contents stacked in depth. The horizontal movement detection is made by subtracting the part obtained from each obtained part from the reference image and second subtracting the part obtained from the reference image from each obtained part from the recently captured image. After these two subtractions, each pixel can be identified for horizontal movement. If it is not a true horizontal shift then the number of pixels with horizontal shift will be minimal.

Size based analysis on content count: This mode is used to count the number of contents. In this case, all labels will have a symmetrical and consistent layer of propagation-impermeable material and a layer that is not randomly placed. For example, if the tags were circular, then the radio-impermeable layer would be a circle of the same size. These tags are applied to the top surface of each of the contents in a place that is radio-transmissive in the direction of the X-ray beam. In X-ray imaging where the X-ray beam is directed from the bottom to the top, the label closest to the flat panel detector will be larger in size. If any content is taken out, depending on the largest sized circle in the X-ray image pattern, it may be the number of calculated contents taken out of the box. If no contents were taken out then all circles 010 in the X-ray image would be the same size as shown in FIG. The amount of size deviation (011) as shown in FIG. 8 will depend on how many contents have been taken out. This method will work best on the X-ray device of a flat panel detector, and if all the contents in the box are of standard size and shape, some benchmarking will be known in advance.

Alternative Absolute Count Method for Solving Count Defects Due to Overlapping Patterns Without Dual Ray X-ray Imaging: While size-based analysis has been described above, this is an additional top X-ray image and Regardless of their location requires the use of additional labels that are symmetric in the image. An alternative method is proposed, which does not require additional top X-ray images and utilizes the same levels for both image comparison and absolute count of contents. These labels have a propagation-impermeable material pattern of small-circle or small-square (only for illustrative purposes only) type. The image software simply counts the number of small-patterns for every column and every row in the lateral X-ray image. The coefficient of the small patterns in any column and in any row represents the number of contents stacked by depth. However, if one or more patterns exactly or partially overlap one after the other, there may be a problem with the count. This counting problem can be solved by an angular X-ray, which is obtained by simply rotating the box at a defined angle on the transport belt of the X-ray apparatus. In an angled X-ray, the hidden pattern is exposed. For illustration, assuming that there are five contents stacked by depth, as shown in FIG. 9, (012) shows only four small-circles 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'. This is because a pattern is hidden due to overlap. After the box is rotated, the fifth pattern 'E' is exposed in an angled X-ray, as shown in FIG. 10 (013). It is shown that an area of 1 inch by 1 inch is obtained from the full box image, which represents an image of five contents stacked in depth-by-row in any column and row. In an angled X-ray, an stretched area of 1 inch by 1.5 inch is obtained, where the hidden pattern 'E' is exposed, and this information is digitally recorded during the reference image itself operation, and the feed-point Can be identified at

Count of partially overlapping circular patterns in the X-ray image: This method is only applicable when the partially overlapping and patterns are circular. This way, if a circle is traversed along its circumference, then the summed absolute difference (both positive or negative) of both the x- and y-coordinates between the two equidistant points on the circumference Uses the same fact. If two or more circles partially overlap, then the perimeter will not be geometrically circular, in which case the summed absolute difference of the x- and y-coordinates is the same as analyzed along the edge of the overlapping pattern. It will not be the same for the distance. Each time the combined absolute difference between the x- and y-coordinates changes each time, the count of overlapping patterns is increased, and this traversal continues until the first starting point on the periphery of the pattern is reached.

Anti-counterfeit covert features associated with external features: Often there is a need for anti-counterfeit covert features. In this aspect of the invention, the authentication of the box is described. Once the box is sealed, a label with invisible patterns printed on it is attached to the box. The label used in this application is not a propagation-impermeable layer, but it is noteworthy that invisible patterns were printed. The patterns are scanned with a special purpose camera capable of scanning both externally and digitally within the invisible range. The patterns can be of any shape / size, or can be as simple as one randomly placed line, in which case the degree of location can be an image credential. Image credentials can relate to a random number printed at the time of packaging and thus become a unique signal per item, which cannot be re-replicated even by an insider and is not replaceable. Multi-numbered random number system designs for counterfeiting are disclosed in Indian Patent No. 41 / CHE / 2009 and PCT International Application No. PCT / IB2010 / 050940. In the production-line, a special purpose camera image acquisition system scans each package externally, and links their image credentials to the unique alphanumeric credentials, which are recorded in the database. . The random pattern can be any shape and size. The reference image is captured by a special camera, such as an infrared camera, and combines this image with a per-item unique ID. Upon verification in the field, the image is again compared programmatically to the reference image combined with the unique-ID.

Two Label Attempts for External Scanning in a Direction-agnostic Way: This embodiment is suitable for the logistics industry, which handles large quantities, where the content is a smart label with an internal random propagation-impermeable layer. It is not possible to perform level tagging, so only box level authentication is required, and the box sizes are different or custom made. If the boxes are trapezoidal, then all faces and edges are scanned via top and bottom scanning. Two labels are used in this embodiment as shown in FIG. One is a base or reference label, which provides a reference panel 014. Another comparison label 015 has a comparison pattern 016. The image of the reference pattern is used to determine the position of the comparison pattern image. Thus, regardless of the box scanning direction, image analysis is performed based on the position of the comparison image relative to the reference image.

Both patterns will not be visible to the naked eye (preferably printed with ink that is not visible to the naked eye) but can be digitally scanned with a suitable camera. Preferably such labels should be self-destructive for better security. The comparative labels appear symmetrically in shape, size and application to the naked eye, and differ only in the position of the pattern, the shape of the pattern and the size of the pattern, which are printed with invisible ink. These labels are attached in such a way that the tear point is sealed. Such labels may also be two concentric labels, and a smaller diameter base label may be attached on top of a larger diameter reference label. Such labels may have a unique-ID printed with invisible ink, and likewise the images are indexed in the database. Another embodiment may have two invisible circles on the reference label 017, and the angle associated with the circles on the base label is calculated as shown in FIG. 12. If it is not feasible to produce patterns using invisible ink, a combination of red and blue screens can be used as the adhesive tapes on the label, where the pattern is printed in black. For example, if the pattern is printed in black on a reference label with a red background, then using a semi-transparent dark blue color tape makes the pattern invisible, but with infrared cameras digital scanning is not possible. It becomes possible.

Internal monitoring in box labels: Sometimes content label tagging is not possible and still requires internal monitoring. The difficulty is that the box can contain any contents that can be metal or nonmetal. The box may be padded and bundled along a thermocol block or any other radio-transmissive material. The padding of the Dermocol block is suitable for flat panel X-ray detectors, but in conventional baggage scanning X-ray devices, the Dermocol block may not be needed and the X-ray image of the metal contents in the box is smart. In exceptional cases where the image of the label overlaps, the internal metal content needs to be rearranged to some extent. Before the plastic string bundle, the two labels are placed on the Dermocol block, and after tightly tightening the string bundle, these labels automatically acquire their image credentials. For illustrative purposes, as shown in FIG. 15, the credentials may be, but are not limited to, relative positions 019 and 020. This box is placed inside the larger container, and X-ray images are used to verify the credentials. Any intrusion that cannot be detected will require breaking of the string bundle, so the labels will change their position, and the image credentials will change automatically.

Claims (14)

  Labels with a randomly embedded layer of radio-impermeable material are used in the tag shipment, and each label appears externally symmetrically to the naked eye, but due to the random position of the inner radio-impermeable layer on the label. Generate a unique image signal, which can only be detected in the X-ray image of the label, and the method of counting and authenticating the contents in a sealed box that automatically acquires a new image credential at each first use or reuse. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the label can be of any shape and is preferably circular for best security. The method of claim 1, wherein content loss, theft, reorganization, or replacement is performed by comparing an overlaid X-ray image of a label with randomly placed propagation-impermeable material to that of a portion obtained column-by-row and row-by-row of the reference image. Content counting and authentication method in a sealed box, characterized in that it is detected. The method of claim 1 wherein false alarms for content loss or theft or replacement are made by detecting the horizontal movement of the stacked contents along the X-ray beam direction at any column and row location in the box during transportation, which is a reference image. And monitoring the difference between the portions obtained from column-by-row and row-by-row from each and the portions obtained from the recently acquired images, respectively. The image of claim 1, wherein an image of a container with radio-impermeable layer labels internally symmetric to the top surface of each content can be obtained, and size analysis between the X-ray images of the labels resulting in lost content in the container. Method of counting and increasing the contents, characterized in that it can be used for the detection of them. The method of claim 1, wherein the arithmetic count of the depth-by-stacked contents is made by counting the number of patterns in the X-ray image, and due to the random position of each circular label, their image credentials only upon tagging. Content counting and authentication method characterized in that the automatic acquisition. 7. Content counting and authentication according to claim 6, wherein the count defect due to partial or exact overlap of the patterns is resolved by exposing the hidden patterns by rotating the box by an angle on the transport belt of the X-ray apparatus. Way. The method of claim 1, wherein the partially overlapping circular patterns are detected by observing the summed absolute difference of both x- and y-coordinates for the same distance analyzed along the edges of the overlapping pattern, the summed value being said. Each time it changes for the same distance analyzed along the edge, the overlapping circle is recorded for counting purposes. Box authentication by internal scanning is achieved by string binding of the box along the radio-transmissive Dermocol block, and inside the string-strap belt, a label containing an inner layer of randomly placed radio-impermeable material is placed. Their image credentials are automatically acquired while the string bundle is tightened, and the entire box can be placed inside a larger container, and also a per-hop X-ray image to demonstrate the credentials. Content authentication method. Patterns printed with ink that are not visible to the naked eye in random size, shape and location are printed on the package, and the reference image captured by special cameras per item is secret forgery in the database with a unique ID per item. -Covert counterfeit-prevention method, indexed as the implementation of the prevention. The patterns on the reference label were made invisible, without using invisible ink, and by using a semi-transparent dark blue color adhesive tape on the reference level with a red background and a pattern printed in black. Contents authentication method by external scanning which can scan digitally. Box authentication through direction-agnostic image scanning is achieved by attaching two labels, the comparison-label and the reference-label, on the open edge of the box, where the pattern in the two labels Are printed using ink that is not visible to the naked eye, and the acquired image is analyzed for the pattern position on the comparison label relative to the pattern on the reference-label, and the same as above is used as a unique credential, using a special camera. Method for content authentication by external scanning that is recorded and associated with a per-box unique-ID in the database. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reference-labels used are of any shape and are preferably circular for maximum security. The system of claim 12, wherein the 360 degree scanning of all sides and corners of the box for detecting any hidden intrusion is for two special purpose cameras, one from the top and one from the bottom. Method of authenticating contents by external scanning, characterized in that using a trapezoidal box disposed on a transparent shelf in the platform on which the cameras are mounted.

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