WO2020130795A2

WO2020130795A2 - System and method to detect potential counterfeits using qr code

Info

Publication number: WO2020130795A2
Application number: PCT/MY2019/050119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Wooi Keat CHEW; Premkumar A/L SOCKALINGAM; Sharmili A/P SEGARAN; Norazman Bin MAT ALI
Original assignee: Mimos Berhad
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-18
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: WO2020130795A3; MY195783A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) and method (300) for detecting potential counterfeits by utilizing a single Quick Response, QR code based on geographical location and time of the QR code being scanned. The system of the present invention comprises a QR code Web Application (102) for receiving QR code transmitted by a scanning device; a network infrastructure (108) coupled with at least one database (110) and a server (112) to communicate with the QR code Web Application (102); and a plurality of QR code modules (104) whereby the plurality of QR code modules includes at least one QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A); at least one QR code Geography Validation Module (104B); at least one QR code Detection Module (104C) and at least one QR code Origin Display Module (104D). The invention further provides that possible counterfeits are detected by QR code Detection Module (104C) by plotting scanning frequency and scan time interval of the QR code over a predetermined range of time on a scanning characteristic quadrant map for tracking potential counterfeits through intermittent scanning of the QR code.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETECT POTENTIAL COUNTERFEITS USING QR

CODE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting potential counterfeits. In particular, the system and method of the present invention utilizes a single Quick Response, QR code for detecting potential counterfeits based on geographical location and time of the QR code being scanned through intermittent scanning of the QR code;

BACKGROUND OF ART Counterfeited products have led to huge losses to manufacturers all around the world as the demand of counterfeit products has increased over the years. Counterfeit products worth about US$1.3 trillion are traded globally every year, and it is estimated to be worth approximately US$2.81 in 2022 according to Seth Hays of International Trademark Association (source: The Edge Financial Daily). The current scenario has led to development of an anti-counterfeiting systems and devices to limit and prevent counterfeiters from trading counterfeited products domestically and internationally.

Currently, manufacturers of goods detect and tracks counterfeited goods by Quick Response, QR code affixed on products or documents. While unique QR code facilitate identification and authentication of the goods, it is conceivable that the unique code being copied and marked on counterfeited goods. The relevant authority such as the manufacturers or customs department scans the QR code to obtain information stored in the QR code to determine whether the goods are genuine or counterfeits. Infiltration of counterfeit goods may take place in the supply chain when genuine goods are transported as counterfeiters may duplicate the QR codes of the genuine goods and assigned the duplicated QR codes on the counterfeit products.

Chinese Patent Application No. CN 203786754 A1 (hereinafter referred to as CN'754 A1 Application) entitled“Digital verification security label” having a filing date of 22 August 2013 (Applicant; Lin Luoqi) discloses an anti-counterfeiting label to verify products’ authenticity. The CN’754 A1 Application provides that the anti-counterfeiting label comprises two layers of QR Codes for Verification purposes whereby a first layer anticounterfeiting QR code having a preset coded image product information, and a second layer anti-counterfeiting QR code having a predetermined coded image URL. The CN'754 A1 Application further provides that during verification process, the first layer anti-counterfeiting QR code is removed, thereafter a mobile smartphone camera is utilized to capture a coded image of the second layer anti-counterfeiting QR code to verify authenticity of the products.

United States Patent Publication No, US 20170032381 A1 (hereinafter referred to as US’381 A1 Publication) entitled“System and method for detecting counterfeiting product using encryption and decryption methodologies” having a filing date of 1 April 2016 (Applicant: Anand Vaidyanathan) discloses an encryption module that generates a QR code with a private key and a decryption module that decrypts the QR code into a serial number to compare the decrypted serial number against encrypted serial number to detect counterfeits. The US'381A1 Publication discloses that an additional peel-away layer is provided on top of the QR code that makes the QR code unavailable to dumpster divers or counterfeiters; The US'381A1 Publication further provides that a server communicates with an analytic engine to detect and confirm whether the product is original or counterfeit by utilizing an analytics algorithm. Chinese Patent Application No. CN 104809620 A (hereinafter referred to as CN'620 A Application) entitled“Anti-counterfeit label based on encrypted QR code and verification: method"' having a filing date of 29 July 2015 (Applicant: Nankai University) discloses a double-code segment verification based on encrypted QR code to prevent QR code from being duplicated. The CN’620 A Application further discloses double-code segment verification comprises an encrypted anti-counterfeiting code, and a sub-anticounterfeit which is covered by a scratch able code coating. The CN'620 A Application further provides the method comprises scanning the encrypted anti-counterfeiting code for verification, thereafter scratching off the coating of the sub-anti-counterfeit code, and verifying the sub-anti-counterfeit code through online anti-counterfeiting system for double code verification

As outlined above, several systems and methods have been developed for detecting potential counterfeits, however it is desirable for an effective system for detecting counterfeiting product using: a single QR code which does not require any specif character or any special layer or lamination. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention consist of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

One aspect of the present invention provides a system (100) for detecting counterfell products by utilising a Quick Response, QR code; The system (100) for detecting counterfeit products by utilizing a quick response, QR code comprising a QR code Web Application (102) for receiving QR code transmitted by a scanning device together with a geographical location information of the scanning device and time of the QR code being scanned by the scanning device; a plurality of QR code modules (104); and a network infrastructure (108) coupled with at least one database (110) and a server (112) to communicate with the QR code Web Application (102), The present invention provides that the plurality of QR code modules (104) further comprises at least one QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A) for determining whether the QR code was being scanned within an expiration timeframe by comparing current time with expiry date or manufacturing date of the products; at least one QR code Geography Validation Module (104B) for determining if the QR code was being scanned from an approved geographical location; at least one QR code Detection Module (104C) for determining if the QR code has been duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval within a predetermined timeframe plotted on a scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) by tracing the QR code transitions over a predetermined range of time by a plurality of snapshots in a scanning characteristic quadrant map (200); and at least one QR code Origin Display Module (104D) for displaying the QR code origin and authentication criteria.

Preferably, the present invention provides that the QR code is a single, regular QR code which does not require any special character or any special layer or lamination.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) comprises of a first section of (LO, HI) for the QR code having low frequency of scan and high average time between scans; a second section of (LO, LO) for the QR code having low frequency of scan and low average time between scans; a third section of (HI, HI) for the QR code having high frequency of scan and high average time between scans; and a fourth section of (HI, LO) for the QR code having high frequency of scan and low average time between scans. A further aspect of the present invention provides that the plurality of snapshots will be captured and stored in the database (110) for comparing position of the QR code in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) at an initial quadrant position and a current quadrant position within the predetermined timeframe. Further, the present invention provides that the plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) can be configured on daily, weekly or monthly basis according to nature of the products.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that the geographical location information of the scanning device may include Internet Protocol, IP address of the scanning device.

A further aspect of the present invention provides that a method (300) for detecting counterfeit products by utilizing a quick response, QR code is characterized by the steps of scanning (302) a QR code of a product through a scanning device; receiving (304) by a QR code Web Application 102), the QR code transmitted by the scanning device wherein the QR code is transmitted together with geographical location information of the scanning device and time of the QR code being scanned by the scanning device; validating (306) the QR code received by the QR code Web Application (102) by a QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A) to determine if the QR code was scanned within an expiration timeframe of the product by comparing current time and expiry date or manufacturing date of the product; validating location of the QR code being scanned* (308) by a QR code Geography Validation Module (104B) based on the geographical location information of the scanning device to determine if the QR code was being scanned from an approved geographical location; predicting if the scanned QR code is being duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval (310) by a QR code Detection Module (104C); and determining if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is violated (312) by utilizing a QR code Origin Display Module (104D),

Another aspect of the present invention provides that predicting if the scanned QR code is being duplicated (400) based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval· by QR code Detection Module (104C) further comprising steps of identifying a QR code scanning frequency (402) within a predetermined timeframe by scanning a specific QR code and logging the scanned QR code into the QR code Web Application (102); identifying a QR code scanning interval (404) within the predetermined timeframe to determine an average time between each scans performed on a same QR code identifier; plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on the scanning characteristic quadrant map (406) by applying a predetermined range of time to both average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency, tracing a QR code transition over the predetermined range of time by a plurality of snapshots in a scanning characteristic quadrant map (408) to determine authenticity of the QR code; and flagging unusual QR code transition characteristics in the scanning characteristic quadrant map as potential duplicated QR code (410).

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that determining authentication criteria of the scanned QR code (412) by QR code Origin Display Module (104D) further comprising steps of displaying a QR code origin if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is not violated (412A); or displaying a warning if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is violated (412B).

A further aspect of the present invention provides that plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on a scanning characteristic quadrant map (406, 500) by applying a predetermined range of time to both average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency further comprising steps of plotting scanning frequency of the QR codes over the predetermined time range as x-axis (502); plotting average time between scans of the QR codes over the predetermined time range as y-axis (504); dividing x-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map based on median value of the scanning frequency (506); dividing: y-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map based on median value of the average time between scans of the QR codes (508); and plotting average position of the QR codes over the predetermined time range (510).

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides tracing a QR code transitions over the predetermined range of time by the plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (508, 600) to determine authenticity of the QR code further comprising steps of tracing transition for each QR code on the scanning characteristics quadrant map over numbers of snapshots (602); and determining quadrant transition speed for each QR code according to numbers of snapshots required to move the QR code from one quadrant to another (604),

Another aspect of the present invention provides that flagging unusual QR code transition in the scanning characteristic quadrant map as potential duplicated QR code (510, 700) further comprising steps of flagging QR codes displaying unusual transition characteristics (702), wherein the unusual transition characteristic comprises movement of the QR code from initial quadrant to final quadrant of either (HI, HI) or (HI, LO); and the transition of the QR code from the initial quadrant to the final quadrant of either (HI, HI) or (Hl, LO) is occurred at fast speed. Next, configuring the flagged QR codes displaying unusual transition characteristic in a Table of Quadrant transition (704).The present invention consists of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings.

FIGURE 1.0 illustrates a schematic diagram of a general architecture system for detecting potential counterfeit products.

FIGURE 2.0 illustrates a scanning characteristic quadrant map of the present invention.

FIGURE 3,0 illustrates an overview of the general methodology for detecting potential counterfeit products of the present invention

FIGURE 4.0 illustrates the steps involved in predicting if QR code is being duplicated by QR code Detection Module.

FIGURE 5.1 Illustrates further steps involved in plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on a scanning characteristic quadrant map.

FIGURE 5.2 illustrates an exemplary of average position of the QR codes over the predetermined time range plotted on the scanning characteristic quadrant map.

FIGURE 6.0 Illustrates further steps involved in tracing a QR code transitions over a predetermined range of time by a plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map. FIGURE 7.0 illustrates further steps involved for flagging unusual QR code transition in the scanning characteristic quadrant map as potential duplicated QR code.

FIGURE 8,0 illustrates an exemplary the QR codes path in a scanning characteristic quadrant map based on the snapshots taken at each timeframe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting potential counterfeits by utilizing a single Quick Response, QR code based on geographical location of a scanning device and time of the QR code being scanned. In particular, the system and method of the present invention utilizes scanning characteristics quadrant map by plotting scanning frequency and scan time interval of the QR code over a predetermined range of time for tracking potential counterfeits through intermittent scanning of the QR code. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Figure 1.0 illustrates a schematic diagram of a general architecture system (100) for detecting: potential counterfeit products of the present invention, As illustrated iih figure 1.0, the system (100) for detecting potential counterfeit products by utilizing a quick response, QR code comprises three layers namely a web portal (102), a plurality of QR code modules (104) and a network infrastructure. It is provided herein that the QR code is a single, regular QR code which does not require any special character or any special layer or lamination* The present invention provides that the network infrastructure (108) coupled with at least one database (110) and a server (112) to communicate with the web portal (102). The present invention further provides that the web portal (102) is a QR code Web Application Which is configured for receiving QR code transmitted by a scanning device together with geographical location information of the scanning device and time of the QR code being scanned by the scanning device. It is provided herein that, preferably the geographical location information of the scanning device is an Internet Protocol, IP address of the scanning device-

The plurality of QR code modules (104) comprises at least one QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A), at least one QR code Geography Validation Module (104B), at least one QR code Detection Module (104C) and at least one QR code Origin Display Module (104D), The QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A) is configured for determining whether the QR code was being scanned within an expiration timeframe by comparing the current time with expiry date or manufacturing date of the products. The QR code Geography Validation Module (104B) is configured for determining location of the QR code being scanned whether the QR code was being scanned from an approved geographical location; Further, the present invention provides that the QR code Detection Module (104C) is configured for determining if the QR code has been duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval within a predetermined timeframe plotted on a scanning characteristic quadrant map by tracing the QR code transitions over a predetermined range of time by a plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map. The system of the present invention provides that, the plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map can be configured on a daily, weekly or monthly basis according to nature of the products; The present invention further provides that, the plurality of snapshots will be captured and stored in the at least one database (110) for comparing position of the QR code in the scanning characteristic quadrant map at an initial quadrant position and a current quadrant position within a predetermined timeframe to determine authenticity of the QR code by the QR code Detection Module (104C), Further, the present invention provides that the QR code Origin Display Module (104D) is configured for displaying the QR code origin and authentication criteria.

Figure 2.0 illustrates the scanning characteristic quadrant map of the present invention. As illustrated in figure 2.0, the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) comprises x- axfe which is represented by QR code scanning frequency and y-axis which is represented by the QR code scanning interval. X-axis and y-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map are divided based on median value of the QR code scanning frequency and median value of the QR code scanning interval respectively. The scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) is divided into four sections, A first section of (LO, HI) for the QR code having low frequency of scan and high average time between scans; a second section (LO, LO) for the QR code having low frequency of scan and low average time between scans; a third section (HI, HI) for the QR code having high frequency of scan and high average time between scans; and a fourth section (HI, LO) for the QR code having high frequency of scan and low average time between scans.

The present invention further provides a method for detecting counterfeit products by utilizing a quick response, QR code. Figure 3.0 illustrates an overview of the general methodology (300) for detecting potential counterfeit products of the present invention. As illustrated in figure 3.0, the method (300) comprising steps of scanning (302) the QR code of a product through a scanning device, thereafter the QR code Web Application (102) will receive the QR code transmitted by the scanning device together with geographical location information of the scanning device and time of the QR code was being scanned by the: scanning device (304). Next, the QR code received by the QR code Web Application (102) will be validated by a QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A) to determine if the QR code was being scanned within an expiration timeframe of the product by comparing current time and expiry date or manufacturing date of the product (306). It is provided herein that the product expiry date depends on the category of the product and generally will be provided by the manufacturers. However, should the expiry date is not available, a default expiry date will be used. For example, a default expiry date for a food product will be one year from the date of manufacturing; and a default expiry date of ten years from the date of manufacturing will be used for an electronic device or component.

Next, location of the scanned QR code is validated (308) by the QR code Geography Validation Module (104B) based on geographical location information of the scanning device to determine if the QR code was being scanned from an approved geographical location (308). It is provided herein that preferably the geographical location information of the scanning device is an IP address of the scanning device. Thereafter, the QR code Detection Module (104C) will predict if the scanned QR code is being duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval (310), A detailed explanation of the steps involved in predicting whether the scanned QR code is being duplicated based on the scanning frequency and average scanning interval is illustrated in figure 4.0. Upon predicting if the scanned QR code was being duplicated by the QR code Detection Module (104C), a QR code Origin Display Module (104D) will determine if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is violated (312), It is provided herein that the authentication criteria may include the QR code being scanned within the expiration timeframe; the QR code being scanned within the approved geographical location; and the code is not suspected of being duplicated. If the authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is not violated (214314), a QR code origin is displayed (312B). However, if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is violated (316), a warning is displayed (312A).

Reference is now made to figure 4.0 which illustrates the steps involved in predicting if the QR code is being duplicated by the QR code Detection Module (104C). As illustrated in figure 4.0, the first step begin with identifying a QR code scanning frequency (402) within a predetermined timeframe by scanning a specific QR code and logging the scanned QR code into the QR code Web Application (102). Upon: identifying the QR code scanning frequency, the QR code scanriing interval within the predetermined timeframe is then identified (404) to determine an average time between each scans performed on a same QR code identifier.

Next, the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency is plotted on the scanning characteristic quadrant map (406) by applying a predeterm fried range of time to both average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency. It is provided herein that the scanning characteristic quadrant map comprises x-axis whereby the scanning frequency of the QR codes over the predetermined time range is plotted as x-axis and y-axis whereby the scanning interval of the QR codes over the predetermined time range is plotted as y-axis. A detailed explanation of the steps involved for plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on the scanning characteristic quadrant map will be illustrated in figure 5.1. Upon plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on the scanning characteristic quadrant map, a QR code transition over the predetermined range of time is traced by a plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (408) to determine authenticity of the QR code. Finally, unusual QR code transition characteristics in the scanning characteristic quadrant map is flagged as potential duplicated QR code (410).

Reference is now made to figure 5.1 which illustrates further steps involved for plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on the scanning characteristic quadrant map. As illustrated in figure 5.1 , the further steps comprises plotting scanning frequency of the QR codes over the predetermined time range as x-axis (502) and plotting average time between scans of the QR codes over the predetermined time range as y-axis (504), Next, x-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map is divided based on median value of the scanning frequency (506). Subsequently, y-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map is divided based on median value of the average time between scans of the QR codes (508). Finally, average position of the QR codes over the predetermined time range is plotted (510). Figure 5.2 illustrates an exemplary of the average position of the QR codes over the predetermined time range plotted on the scanning characteristic quadrant map.

Reference is now made to figure 6.0 which illustrates further steps involved for tracing the QR code transitions over the predetermined range of time by the plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (600) to determine authenticity of the QR code. As illustrated in Figure 6.0, the further steps comprise tracing transition for each QR code on the scanning characteristics quadrant map over numbers of snapshots (602). Next, quadrant transition speed for each QR code is determined based on numbers of snapshots required to move the QR code from one quadrant to another (604), Reference is now made to Figure 7.0 which illustrates further steps involved for flagging unusual QR code transition In the scanning characteristic quadrant map as potential duplicated QR code (700), _: As illustrated in Figure 7.0, the further steps comprise flagging QR codes displaying unusual transition characteristics (702), The present invention provides that the unusual transition characteristic comprises movement of the QR code from initial quadrant to end quadrant of either (HI, Hl) or (HI, LO); and the transition of the QR code from the initial quadrant to the end quadrant of either (HI, HI) or (HI, LO) is occurred at fast speed whereby the fast speed is defined by the numbers of snapshot captured the movement of the QR code from the initial quadrant to the final quadrant. Thereafter, the flagged QR codes displaying unusual transition characteristic are configured in a Table of Quadrant transition (704).

Table 1.0: Table of Quadrant transitions

Table 1.0 shows a Table of Quadrant Transitions according to the present invention. As shown in Table 1.0, the Table of Quadrant Transitions comprises position of QR codes at initial quadrant, position of QR codes at final quadrant, transitions speed of the QR codes and the status of the QR codes which flag as unusual transition characteristic. Only transitions of QR codes as listed in Table 10 are flagged as unusual Any other transitions which are not listed in Table 1.0 are not flagged. Reference is now made to figure 8.0 which illustrates an exemplary of the QR codes path in the scanning characteristic quadrant map based on the snapshots taken at each timeframe. The present invention provides that the QR codes (i.e. QR1, QR2, QR3, QR4 and QR5) are scanned and snapshotted at three different timeframe. As illustrated in Figure 8.0, QR2, QR3, QR4 and QR5 are not flagged as unusual due to stable transition through a first snapshot at timeframe 1 to a third snapshot at timeframe 3. However, QR1 is flagged as unusual due to movement from initial quadrant of (LO, HI) to final quadrant of (HI, LO).

At the first timeframe, QR1; is positioned at (LO, HI) section indicating that the QR1 having low scanning frequency, wherein the QR1 is not scanned frequently, and the QR1 also having high average time between scanning intervals wherein the QR1 has long scanning: intervals.

At the second timeframe, the QR1 position has changed from (LO, HI) to (HI, HI) indicating that in the second snapshot, the QR1 is scanned more frequently than at the first timeframe. Thereafter, at the third screenshot, it can be seen that the QR1 position has changed one more time from (HI, HI) to (HI, LO). The third snapshot indicates that the QR1 having shorter scanning intervals than in the second snapshot. Therefore, QR1 is flagged as unusual due to movement from initial quadrant of (LO, HI) to final quadrant of (Hli, LO),

The present invention provides that QR code that has a very fast transition within two or three snapshots will be flagged as unusual as it might indicate that the code has been applied at other places which could trigger the frequency of the scanned QR code to be increased. However, the present invention provides that the unusual transition does not guarantee counterfeiting, but rather as an indicator that potential counterfeiting is happening, For example, the high frequency of the scanned QR code rate may occur if the product just been promoted or launched. Nevertheless, the frequency rate typically stays within the same quadrant for a period time even if the product just been launched or promoted. An abnormal transition within a short time period may predict counterfeiting of the product.

In conclusion, the distinctiveness of the present invention lies in utilization of a plurality of QR code modules and scanning characteristic quadrant map by plotting scanning frequency and scan time interval of the QR code over a predetermined range of time for tracking potential counterfeits through intermittent scanning of the QR code,

Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps or elements of the invention recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises" or “comprising”, will be understood to Imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps of elements or integers, but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of steps, elements or integers. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning including principally, but not necessarily solely".

Claims

1. A system (100) for detecting counterfeit products by utilizing a Quick Response, QR code comprising; a QR code Web Application (102) for receiving QR code transmitted by a scanning device together with a geographical location information of the scanning device and time of the QR code being scanned by the scanning device; a plurality of QR code modules (104); a network infrastructure (108) coupled with at least one database (110) and a server (112) to communicate with the QR code Web Application (102), characterized in that the plurality of QR code modules (104) further comprises; at least one QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A) for determining whether the QR code was being scanned within an expiration timeframe by comparing current time with expiry date or manufacturing date of the products; at least one QR code Geography Validation Module (104B) for determining if the QR code was being scanned from an approved geographical location; at least one QR code Detection Module (104C) for determining if the QR code has been duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval within a predetermined timeframe plotted on a scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) by tracing the QR code transitions over a predetermined range of time by a plurality of snapshots in a scanning characteristic quadrant map (200); and at least one QR code Origin Display Module (104D) for displaying the QR code origin and authentication criteria.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the QR code is a single, regular QR code which does not require any special character or any special layer or lamination.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) comprises of:

a first section of (LO, HI) for the QR code having low frequency of scan and high average time between scans;

a second section of (LO, LO) for the QR code having low frequency of scan and low average time between scans;

a third section of (HI, HI) for the QR code having high frequency of scan and high average time between scans; and

a fourth section of (HI, LO) for the QR code having high frequency of scan and low average time between scans.

4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of snapshots will be captured and stored in the database (110) for comparing position of the QR code in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) at an initial quadrant position and a current quadrant position within a predetermined timeframe*

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (200) can be configured on daily, weekly or monthly basis according to nature of the products.

6. The system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the geographical location information of the scanning device may include Interet Protocol, IP address of the scanning device.

7. A method (300) for detecting counterfeit products by utilizing a quick response, QR code is characterized by the steps of;

scanning (302) a QR code of a product through a scanning device;

receiving (304) by a QR code Web Application (102), the QR code transmitted by the scanning device wherein the QR code is transmitted together with geographical location information of the scanning device and time of the QR code being scanned by the scanning device;

validating (306) the QR code received by the QR code Web Application (102) by a QR code Expiry Validation Module (104A) to determine if the QR code was scanned within an expiration timeframe of the product by comparing current time and expiry date or manufacturing date of the product; validating location of the QR code being scanned (308) by a QR code Geography Validation Module (104B) based on the geographical location information of the scanning device to determine if the QR code was being scanned from an approved geographical location;

predicting if the scanned QR code is being duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval (310) by a QR code Detection Module (104C); and

determining if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is violated (312) by utilizing a QR code Origin Display Module (104D).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein predicting if the scanned QR code is being duplicated based on scanning frequency and average scanning interval (400) by QR code Detection Module (104C)further comprising steps of; identifying a QR code scanning frequency (402) within a predetermined timeframe by scanning a specific QR code and logging the scanned QR code into the QR code Web Application (102); identifying a QR code scanning interval (404) within the predetermined timeframe to determine an average time between each scans performed on a same QR code identifier; plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on the scanning characteristic quadrant map (406) by applying a predetermined range of time to both average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency; tracing the QR code transition over the predetermined range of time by the plurality of snapshots in the scanning characteristic quadrant map (408) to determine authenticity of the QR code; and flagging unusual QR code transition characteristics in the scanning characteristic quadrant map as potential duplicated QR code (410).

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein determining authentication criteria of the scanned QR code (412) by QR code Origin Display Module (104D)further comprising steps of; displaying a QR code origin if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is not violated (412A); or

displaying a warning if authentication criteria of the scanned QR code is violated (412B).

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein plotting the average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency on the scanning characteristic quadrant map (406, 500) by applying a predetermined range of time to both average time between each scans performed on the same QR code identifier and the QR code scanning frequency further comprising steps of:

plotting scanning frequency of the QR codes over the predetermined time range as x-axis (502);

plotting average time between scans of the QR codes over the predetermined time range as y-axis (504);

dividing x-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map based on median value of the scanning frequency (506);

dividing y-axis of the scanning characteristic quadrant map based on median value of the average time between: scans of the QR codes (508); and

plotting average position of the QR codes over the predetermined time range (510),

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein tracing the QR code transitions over the predetermined range of time by the plurality of snapshots in the scanning: characteristic quadrant map (508, 600) to determine authenticity of the QR code further comprising steps of: tracing transition for each QR code on the scanning characteristics quadrant map over numbers of snapshots (602); and determining quadrant transition speed for each QR code according to numbers of snapshots required to move the QR code from one quadrant to another (604).

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein flagging unusual QR code transition in the scanning characteristic quadrant map as potential duplicated QR code (510, 700) further comprising steps of: flagging QR codes displaying unusual transition characteristics (702), wherein;

the unusual transition characteristic comprises movement of the QR code from initial quadrant to final quadrant of either (HI, HI) or (HI, LO); and

the transition of the QR code from the initial quadrant to the final quadrant of either (HI, HI) or (HI, LO) is occurred at fast speed: and

configuring the flagged QR codes displaying unusual transition characteristic in a Table of Quadrant transition (704).