System and methods for monitoring items

• US 20040162828A1
• Filed: 01/12/2004
• Published: 08/19/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: De La Rue International Limited (De La Rue PLC)
• Original Assignee: De La Rue International Limited (De La Rue PLC)
• Inventors: Haasler, Heiko Olaf, Moyes, Jeremy Paul
• Application Number:
  US10/343,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20040162828A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/9
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisions for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/08 by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means without personal verification means G07F7/02
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/12 Card verification

Abstract

A system for monitoring items each carrying a security device including a unique identifier wherein, in use, the items are packaged securely within one another, the system comprising a database for storing data defining each item, the items packaged within it and the items in which it is packaged; and a control system for allowing the database to be updated with new information and to allow remote users to access the database using the unique identifiers so as to read the stored information.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring items each carrying a security device including a unique identifier wherein, in use, the items are packaged securely within one another, the system comprising a database for storing data defining each item, the items packaged within it and the items in which it is packaged;

and a control system for allowing the database to be updated with new information and to allow remote users to access the database using the unique identifiers so as to read the stored information.

3. A system according to claim 1 and claim 2.

4. A system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control system operates a website accessible via the Internet.

5. A system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control system is adapted to update the database only if it receives the data from a genuine source and/or with a password, and/or authorised by a digital certificate.

6. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of secure labels to be affixed to respective items, each label defining a unique identifier.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the labels are tamper evident.

8. A system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the labels are authenticatable.

9. A system according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the labels include at least one anti-copy feature.

10. A system according to any of the claims 6 to 9, wherein the unique identifier is recorded on or in the label in a concealed manner.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the unique identifier is recorded in a hologram.

12. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier is recorded in a manner which is not visible to the naked eye.

13. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier is machine readable.

14. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier comprises a bar code.

15. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier is encrypted.

16. A method of monitoring items using a system according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising providing to the database data relating to characteristics of the item as it passes along the supply chain;

inspecting an item so as to obtain the unique identifier; and

obtaining the content of the database corresponding to the unique identifier.

17. A method of authenticating items using a system according to any of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising inspecting an item so as to obtain the unique identifier;

obtaining the content of the database corresponding to the unique identifier;

comparing the obtained information with the current status of the item; and

authenticating the item if its current status is consistent with the obtained information.

18. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the information stored in the database defines the expected location of the item as it passes along the supply chain.

19. A method according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the information stored in the database provides details about the content of the item.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the item contains one or more further items each including a respective identifier, the database storing data defining the relationship between the items.

2. A system for monitoring items each carrying a security device including a unique identifier, the system comprising a database for storing, for each item, information indexed to the respective unique identifier relating to characteristics of the item as it passes along its supply chain, and a control system for allowing the database to be updated with new information and to allow remote users to access the database using the unique identifier so as to read the stored information.