Authentication method and system for distributing items
First Claim
1. A method of introducing items into a distribution network, comprising:
- placing an item in an identifiable packaging;
storing an identifier associated with the item and packaging in an item identifier database; and
distributing the item and associated identifier into the distribution network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention describe a method of introducing items into a distribution network. Before entering items into the distribution network, the item is placed in an identifiable packaging that has an identifier. The identifier associated with the item and packaging is stored in an item identifier database and then the item is distributed into the distribution network. Another aspect of the present invention includes the identification and authentication of the items received from the distribution network. These operations include first receiving the item and corresponding identifier from the distribution network. The identifier associated with the item is read and then cross referenced with the item identifier database. A determination is made whether the identifier associated with the received item matches an entry in item identifier database or not. The item is indicated as authentic when the identifier matches the entry in the item identifier database.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of introducing items into a distribution network, comprising:
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placing an item in an identifiable packaging;
storing an identifier associated with the item and packaging in an item identifier database; and
distributing the item and associated identifier into the distribution network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12)
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10. A method of authenticating items received from a distribution network, comprising:
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receiving an item and corresponding identifier from the distribution network;
reading the identifier associated with the item and cross reference with an item identifier database;
determining whether the identifier associated with the received item matches an entry in item identifier database; and
receiving an indication that the item is considered authentic when identifier matches the entry in the item identifier database. - View Dependent Claims (11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for authenticating items to be introduced into a distribution network, comprising:
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a processor capable of executing instructions;
a memory for holding instructions when executed on the processor process an item in an identifiable packaging, store an identifier associated with the item and packaging in an item identifier database and distribute the item and associated identifier into the distribution network. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An apparatus for authenticating items received from a distribution network, comprising:
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A processor capable of executing instructions;
a memory for holding instructions when executed on the processor receive an item and corresponding identifier from the distribution network, read the identifier associated with the item and cross reference with an item identifier database, determine whether the identifier associated with the received item matches an entry in item identifier database and receive an indication that the item is considered authentic when identifier matches the entry in the item identifier database. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of authenticating items received from a distribution network, comprising:
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receiving an identifier from the distribution network corresponding to an item;
cross referencing the identifier associated with the item using an item identifier database;
determining whether the identifier associated with the received item matches an entry in item identifier database; and
providing an indication that the item is considered authentic when the identifier matches the entry in the item identifier database. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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Specification