EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241057958, filed on October 10, 2022, and titled “A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATION OF PRODUCTS”

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to help service of counterfeit products and more particularly to a system and a method for authentication of products.

BACKGROUND

In the emerging market, the authenticity of a product is a major issue to get a genuine product. Products that are mass produced are distributed to end users through sales and distribution channels. At times, counterfeit products are produced and introduced into the sales and distribution channels. Typically, the counterfeit products are products that imitate authentic products with the intention to destroy or replace the authentic products. In other words, the counterfeit products can be made to look identical to their cloned products, making it difficult if not impossible for a consumer to identify a counterfeit item either before or after purchase.

The presence of counterfeit products in a market can negatively impact the value of authentic products. The counterfeit products not only attack the name and value of a known business, but, in many cases, can cause harm, and sometimes cause fatal consequences for unsuspecting buyers. Also, counterfeit products in industries such as the medical industry may cause a serious threat to the safety and health of consumers. Specifically, poor-quality, fake and counterfeit medicines are growing and becoming more and more of a threat to public health as they increasingly contaminate the drug supply systems. 10 % of medicines worldwide are falsified, 30 % in some countries and a staggering 70 % of all drugs in the supply chain in some countries.

Various technologies are available for preventing the counterfeiting of a product. The technologies that are currently existing, are complicated to use. Many systems for preventing the counterfeiting of the product uses technologies that need specific knowledge to use the system, and hence a common man with less knowledge or a person living in a rural area would not be able to use the system. There is a need for a system that enables every user to identify the counterfeit product.

Hence, there is a need for a system for authenticating products which addresses the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for authentication of products is disclosed. The system for authentication of products includes a unique code disposed on a product. The unique code includes information of the product. The unique code is a dynamically changing code. The system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to enable communications among a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules includes a scanning module, a comparison module, a selection module, an image processing module, a tracking module, and a recommendation module.

The scanning module is configured to scan the unique code disposed on the product. The scanning module is configured to generate a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product upon scanning the unique code and number printed on the product to identify a specific product. The comparison module is operatively connected to the scanning module. The comparison module is configured to compare unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code with the details provided by a vendor of the product. The comparison module is also configured to validate the product as one of an authenticate product and a counterfeit product by assigning an alphanumeric value corresponding to the authenticate product and the counterfeit product respectively. The selection module is operatively connected to the comparison module and configured to select a plurality of random unique parameters, wherein the plurality of random unique parameters is displayed after the comparison and validation of the product, and wherein the selection module enables a user to cross verify the authenticity of the product based on the displayed plurality of random unique parameters. The image processing module is operatively connected to the selection module and configured for analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product and analyzed unique parameters of the product, wherein the predetermined features comprise a placement and an orientation of the description printed on the product. The tracking module is operatively connected to the scanning module and configured to track the product consumption rate of the scanned product based on the purchase history of the user. The recommendation module is operatively connected to the consumption tracking module and configured to recommend the quantity of the products to be purchased by the user based on the tracked consumption rate. The recommendation module references to the previously bought products by the user.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for authenticating products is disclosed. The method includes disposing, a unique code on a product wherein the unique code comprises information of the product, wherein the unique code is a dynamically changing code. The method also includes scanning, by a scanning module of the processing subsystem, to scan the unique code. Further, the method includes generating, by the scanning module of the processing subsystem, a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product upon scanning the unique code and number printed on the product to identify a specific product. Furthermore, the method includes comparing, by a comparison module of the processing system, unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code with the details provided by a vendor of the product. Furthermore, the method includes validating, by a comparison module of the processing system, the product as one of an authenticate product and a counterfeit product by assigning an alphanumeric value corresponding to the authenticate product and the counterfeit product respectively. Furthermore, the method includes selecting, by a selection module the processing subsystem, a plurality of random unique parameters, wherein the plurality of random unique parameters is displayed after the comparison and validation of the product, and wherein the selection module enables a user to cross verify the authenticity of the product based on the displayed plurality of random unique parameters. Furthermore, the method includes processing, by an image processing module of the processing subsystem, analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product and analyzed unique parameters of the product, wherein the predetermined features comprise a placement and an orientation of the description printed on the product. Furthermore, the method includes recommending, by a recommending module of the processing subsystem, the quantity of the products to be purchased by the user based on the tracked consumption rate, wherein the recommendation module references to the previously bought products by the user.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a system for authenticating products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the system for authentication of products of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing another exemplary embodiment of the system for authentication of products of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the system for authentication of products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for authentication of products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the system, one or more components of the system may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for authenticating products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system for authentication of products includes a unique code disposed on a product. The unique code includes information of the product. The unique code is a dynamically changing code. The system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to enable communications among a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules includes a scanning module, a comparison module, a selection module, an image processing module, a tracking module, and a recommendation module.

The scanning module is configured to scan the unique code disposed on the product. The scanning module is configured to generate a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product upon scanning the unique code and number printed on the product to identify a specific product. The comparison module is operatively connected to the scanning module. The comparison module is configured to compare unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code with the details provided by a vendor of the product. The comparison module is also configured to validate the product as one of an authenticate product and a counterfeit product by assigning an alphanumeric value corresponding to the authenticate product and the counterfeit product respectively. The selection module is operatively connected to the comparison module and configured to select a plurality of random unique parameters, wherein the plurality of random unique parameters is displayed after the comparison and validation of the product, and wherein the selection module enables a user to cross verify the authenticity of the product based on the displayed plurality of random unique parameters. The image processing module is operatively connected to the selection module and configured for analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product and analyzed unique parameters of the product, wherein the predetermined features comprise a placement and an orientation of the description printed on the product. The tracking module is operatively connected to the scanning module and configured to track the product consumption rate of the scanned product based on the purchase history of the user. The recommendation module is operatively connected to the consumption tracking module and configured to recommend the quantity of the products to be purchased by the user based on the tracked consumption rate. The recommendation module references to the previously bought products by the user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a system for authenticating products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a unique code (102) disposed on a product and a processing subsystem (104). The product are any items sold to a customer. Typically, a product is a raw material, a refined material or a completed item. In a preferred embodiment, the product is a tangible element. Examples of the product include, but are not limited to, medicines, electronic devices, toothpaste, food, shampoo, perfume, and laundry detergents. The unique code (102) disposed on the product wherein the unique code (102) comprises information of the product. In one embodiment, the unique code (102) may be a bar code, a quick response (QR) code, and the like. In one embodiment, the unique code (102) is printed on the product. In another embodiment, the unique code (102) is printed on each package of the product. In another embodiment, the unique code (102) contains information about the product, fetched from a dynamic database (124), located at server (106) side.

The processing subsystem (104) is hosted on a server (106) and communicatively coupled to the unique code (102), wherein the processing subsystem (104) is configured to execute on a network (108) to enable communications among a plurality of modules. In another embodiment, the server (106) may include a local server. The processing subsystem (104) is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near-field communication (NFC), infrared communication (RFID), or the like. The plurality of modules includes a scanning module (110), a comparison module (112), a selection module (114), an image processing module (116), a tracking module (118), and a recommendation module (120).

The scanning module (110) is configured to scan the unique code (102), wherein the scanning module (110) is configured to generate a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product. In one embodiment, the scanning module (110) enables a user device to scan the unique code (102).

The comparison module (112) is operatively connected to the scanning module (110) wherein the comparison module (112) is configured to compare unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code (102) with the details provided by a vendor of the product. The comparison module (112) is also configured to validate the product as one of an authenticate product and a counterfeit product by assigning an alphanumeric value corresponding to the authenticate product and the counterfeit product respectively. In one embodiment, the alphanumeric value may be ‘ 1’ or ‘O’.

The selection module (114) is operatively connected to the comparison module (112) and configured to select a plurality of random unique parameters, wherein the plurality of random unique parameters is displayed after the comparison and validation of the product. The selection module (114) enables a user to cross verify the authenticity of the product based on the displayed plurality of random unique parameters.

The image processing module (116) is operatively connected to the selection module (114) and configured for analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product stored in a database (124) and analyzed unique parameters of the product, wherein the predetermined features comprise a placement and an orientation of the description printed on the product.

The tracking module (118) is operatively connected to the scanning module (110) and configured to track the product consumption rate of the scanned product based on the purchase history of the user. In one embodiment, if the user is purchasing a specific product frequently, the history is stored in the database (124).

The recommendation module (120) is operatively connected to the consumption tracking module (118) and configured to recommend the quantity of the products to be purchased by the user based on the tracked consumption rate, wherein the recommendation module (120) references to the previously bought products by the user.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing another embodiment of the system authenticating products in accordance with FIG. 1. The unique code (102) is disposed on a product (126). The unique code (102) includes information of the product (126). The unique code (102) is a dynamically changing code. The processing subsystem (104) is hosted on a server (106) wherein the processing subsystem (104) is configured to execute on a network (108) to enable communications among a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules includes a scanning module (110), a comparison module (112), a selection module (114), an image processing module (116), a tracking module (118), and a recommendation module (120).

In one embodiment, the server (106), and the database (124) are configured to obtain a purchase history of the product (126) based on the identification and receiving, at the server (106) from the database (124), the distribution history of the medication based on the identification.

In one embodiment, the scanning module (110) generates a response voice statement about the authenticity of the scanned product (126), upon scanning the unique code (102) disposed on the product (126). In one embodiment, the response voice statement is generated in a user preferred language, wherein the preferred language is set by the user.

The selection module (114) is operatively connected to the comparison module (112) and configured to select a plurality of random unique parameters. In one embodiment, the unique parameters comprise product id, batch number, serial number, and manufacturing details of the product (126) including the expiry date of the product (126).

The image processing module (116) is configured for analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product (126) stored in a database (124) and analyzed unique parameters of the product (126). In one embodiment, the plurality of predetermined features comprises logo printed on the product (126) or the package of the product (126), color, text, and text characteristics of the product name. In another embodiment, the plurality of predetermined features comprises logo printed on the product (126) or the package of the product (126), color, text, and text characteristics of the product name In one embodiment, the system (100) includes a feature analysis module (122) configured to analyze the weight of the product (126) or the package of the product (126), wherein determining the weight of the package helps in analysing the price of the package of the product (126). In another embodiment, the system (100) includes a braille script for eyes-disabled users to identify the position of unique code (102) on the product (126) prior to scanning of the unique code (102). In one embodiment, a braille script is a tactile writing script used by people who are visually impaired, including people who are blind, deafblind, or who have low vision. In another embodiment, the braille is a series of characters, that is made up of raised dot patterns, arranged in a rectangle containing two columns of three dots each. The pattern arrangement corresponds to letters of the written alphabet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the system for authenticating the product of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The block diagram comprises a presentation layer (128), an application or interface layer (130) and a database layer (132).

Considering a non-limiting example of a pharmaceutical product, wherein the user scans the QR code or a 16/ 24-digit number (102) printed on a medicine strip or a medicine box via the presentation layer (128). Typically, the user scans the QR code (102) through a user device. Examples of the user device includes, but is not limited to a mobile phone, desktop computer, portable digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, tablet, ultra-book, netbook, laptop, multi-processor system, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronic system, or any other communication device that the user may use.

The application programming interface (API) (130) establishes connectivity between the system (100) to Vendors server by a Standard Security guideline. The guidelines are as follows:

1. The API is asynchronous 2. In the vendor’s server without disturbing any existing table, a new table is created to store a plurality of unique parameters of the medicine. The plurality of unique parameters include: a. Product id / batch number / serial number b. Manufactured date and year c. Expiry date and year d. Manufactured location e. Manufactured time with seconds which is important f. Any sensitive information related to the organization is need not to be mentioned.

3. Authentication steps are developed to validate the scanned details with the table details.

4. The details of the authentication steps are stored in the database layer (132).

5. Final output of validation is either ‘ 1’ or ‘0’ OR ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ (134).

6. This result (134) is passed to the system (100) via same API (130), wherein the system may be hosted by the user device.

7. In the system (100) may display a tick mark sign after authentication (134).

8. Along with the tick mark (134) - any of the unique identification of final output, a field data is displayed such that the user is able to crosscheck and come to a conclusion that the medicine is an authenticated medicine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server (106) for the system for authentication of products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (106) includes processor(s) (302), and memory (306) operatively coupled to the bus (304).

The processor(s) (302), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

The bus (304) as used herein refers to be internal memory channels or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (304) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (304) as used herein, may include but not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.

The memory (306) includes a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of modules stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor (302) to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (306) is substantially similar to the system (100) of FIG.1. The memory (306) has following submodules: a scanning module (110), a comparison module (112), a selection module (114), an image processing module (116), a tracking module (118), and a recommendation module (120).

The scanning module (110) is configured to scan the unique code (102), wherein the scanning module (110) is configured to generate a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product upon scanning the unique code (102) and number printed on the product to identify a specific product.

The comparison module (112) is operatively connected to the scanning module (110) wherein the comparison module (112) is configured to compare unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code (102) with the details provided by a vendor of the product. The comparison module (112) is also configured to validate the product as one of an authenticate product and a counterfeit product by assigning an alphanumeric value corresponding to the authenticate product and the counterfeit product respectively.

The selection module (114) is operatively connected to the comparison module (112) and configured to select a plurality of random unique parameters, wherein the plurality of random unique parameters is displayed after the comparison and validation of the product, and wherein the selection module (114) enables a user to cross verify the authenticity of the product based on the displayed plurality of random unique parameters.

The image processing module (116) is operatively connected to the selection module (114) and configured for analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product and analyzed unique parameters of the product, wherein the predetermined features comprise a placement and an orientation of the description printed on the product.

The tracking module (118) is operatively connected to the scanning module (110) and configured to track the product consumption rate of the scanned product based on the purchase history of the user.

The recommendation module (120) is operatively connected to the consumption tracking module (118) and configured to recommend the quantity of the products to be purchased by the user based on the tracked consumption rate, wherein the recommendation module (120) references to the previously bought products by the user.

Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. The executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (302).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for authenticating products. The method (200) includes disposing, a unique code on a product wherein the unique code comprises information of the product, wherein the unique code is a dynamically changing code in step (202). The method also includes disposing, a quick response code on the product.

The method includes scanning, by a scanning module of the processing subsystem, the unique code disposed on the product in step (204). The method also includes scanning, by a user device, the unique code printed on the product.

In one embodiment, the unique code is directly printed on the product or may be printed on an adhesive label that is affixed to the product. Typically, the unique code may be coupled, affixed, embedded or otherwise attached to the item.

In one embodiment, a braille script is disposed on the product to aid users who are visually impaired (users who are blind, deafblind or who have low vision) to identify the position of unique code on the product prior to scanning of the unique code.

It is to be noted that the unique code corresponds to a QR code. However, it will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the product may be is adapted to be configured with any other suitable verification element that is configured with a capability of being scanned. Examples of the verification element includes, but is not limited to, a linear bar code with encoded data, print markings such as color barcodes or encoded color sequences, a human readable printed data, a physical label, an active/ passive machine-readable device and an optical readable pattern that is composed of numbers, letters and/or symbols. The optical readable pattern may be etched into the product.

Further the method includes generating, by the scanning module of the processing subsystem, a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product upon scanning the unique code and number printed on the product to identify a specific product in step (206).

Furthermore, the method includes capture, by a comparison module of the processing system, unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code with the details provided by a vendor of the product in step (208). The method also includes storing, the unique parameters in the database.

Furthermore, the method includes validating, by a comparison module of the processing system, the product as one of an authenticate product and a counterfeit product by assigning an alphanumeric value corresponding to the authenticate product and the counterfeit product respectively in step (210).

The method also includes generating a response voice statement about the authenticity of the scanned product, upon validating the unique code disposed on the product. The method also includes generating, the response voice statement in a user preferred language, wherein the preferred language is set by the user.

In one embodiment, the weight of the product or the package of the product is also analyzed, by a feature analysis module wherein determining the weight of the package helps in analysing the price of the package of the product.

Furthermore, the method includes selecting, by a selection module the processing subsystem, a plurality of random unique parameters, wherein the plurality of random unique parameters is displayed after the comparison and validation of the product, and wherein the selection module enables a user to cross verify the authenticity of the product based on the displayed plurality of random unique parameters in step (212). The method also includes selecting, the unique parameters such as product id, batch number, serial number, and manufacturing details of the product including the expiry date of the product.

Furthermore, the method includes processing, by an image processing module of the processing subsystem, analyzing of a plurality of predetermined features of the product, and analyzed unique parameters of the product, wherein the predetermined features comprise a placement and an orientation of the description printed on the product in step (214). The method also includes processing, the plurality of predetermined features such as logo printed on the product or the package of the product, color, text, and text characteristics of the product name. The method also includes printing, the plurality of predetermined features such as logo printed on the product or the package of the product, color, text, and text characteristics of the product name.

Furthermore, the method includes recommending, by a recommending module of the processing subsystem, the quantity of the products to be purchased by the user based on the tracked consumption rate, wherein the recommendation module references to the previously bought products by the user in step (216). The method also includes recommending, the product to the used based on the purchase history stored in the database.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure authenticate the products in the market before and after purchase. The present system provides preventing the user from buying and using counterfeit products. The system in the present disclosure scans the unique code printed on the product and can check the authenticity of the product. Further, the system in the present disclosure is easy to use with the help of the scanning. Furthermore, the system in the present disclosure allows a common people who are ignorant about technology to use the system for authenticating the product.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.