APPARATUS FOR CUSTOMER AUTHENTICATION OF AN ITEM

• US 20130097085A1
• Filed: 12/05/2012
• Published: 04/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kloke LLC
• Original Assignee: DT Labs LLC
• Inventors: Peckover, Douglas
• Granted Patent: US 10,636,040 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/50
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6254 by anonymising data, e.g. decorrelating personal data from the owner's identification
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/73 by creating or determining hardware identification, e.g. serial numbers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/78 to assure secure storage of data address-based protection against unauthorised use of memory G06F12/14; record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2101 Auditing as a secondary aspect
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2117 User registration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2129 Authenticate client device independently of the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/018 Certifying business or products
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0185 Product, service or business identity fraud
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/12 Applying verification of the received information cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for data integrity or data verification H04L9/32

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for authentication of an item or a label by storing unique random serial numbers or codes in a remote secure storage that can be used to authenticate the item or the label, generating a pointer to each stored unique random serial number/code and storing the generated pointer(s) in a client data storage. During or prior to a production run of the item(s) or label(s): the generated pointer(s) are sent from the client data storage to one or more media devices, the generated pointer(s) are obtained from the media device using a post-content manager, the unique random serial number(s)/code(s) are obtained from the server via the post-content manager using the generated pointer(s), the obtained unique random serial number(s)/code(s) are sent to the media device, and the received unique random serial number(s)/code(s) are imprinted on the item(s) or the label(s) using the media device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for authentication of one or more item(s) or one or more label(s) comprising:

one or more processors;

a communications interface communicably coupled to the one or more processors;

one or more media devices communicably coupled to the one or more processors;

one or more memory devices communicably coupled to the one or more processors, wherein at least one of the memory devices contain non-transitory computer readable instructions when executed by at least one of the processors causes the processor(s) during or prior to a production run of the item(s) or label(s) to perform the steps of obtaining a pointer to each of one or more unique random serial numbers or codes that are used to authenticate the item(s) or label(s) from the one or more media devices, obtaining the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from a server device via the communications interface using the pointer(s), and transmitting the obtained unique random serial number(s) or code(s) to the one or more media devices; and

wherein the media device(s) imprint the received unique random serial number(s) or code(s) on the item(s) or the label(s).

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are generated by the server device.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the apparatus is operated by a contract manufacturer and the server device is operated by an owner, a primary manufacturer or agent of the owner or the primary manufacturer;

the contract manufacturer does not have access to or control over the unique random serial number(s) or code(s); and

the labels are printed and attached to the items.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are generated by the owner or the primary manufacturer and transmitted securely to the server device.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the pointer(s) are requested as part of a production run of the items or labels.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a desktop computer, a workstation, a data terminal, a manufacturing controller or a combination thereof; and

the server device is communicably coupled to the communications interface via a computer network, a telecommunications network, a wireless communications link, a physical connection, a landline, a satellite communications link, an optical communications link, a cellular network or a combination thereof.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the media devices comprise a printer, a plotter, a label maker, a copier, an inscribing device, a stamping machine, an etching machine or a combination thereof.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the items comprise a manufactured product.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are combined with a contact information or a security mechanism.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the contact information comprises a phone number, a web address, an instant messaging address, a communications address, or a combination thereof.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the contact information is used to certify the authenticity of the item or label, or determine whether an expiration date associated with the item or label has been exceeded.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein an authenticity confirmation, an authenticity denial, the expiration date, one or more instructions, promotions or advertisements, or a combination thereof are provided whenever the contact information is used.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the security mechanism comprises a scratch-off portion, a special ink, a special thread, a special code, a holographic symbol, or a combination thereof.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the server device monitors the production run to detect illegal or unauthorized production of the item(s) or label(s), and detects any attempt to circumvent the system.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors perform one or more corrective or destructive actions whenever the authentication fails and the apparatus is determined to be compromised, lost or stolen.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the communications between the server device and the one or more processors are encrypted.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the server device further comprises:

an application program interface layer;

an authentication layer coupled to the application program layer;

a plug-in layer coupled to the authentication layer;

a data layer coupled to the plug-in layer; and

an events layer coupled to the data layer, the plug-in layer and the authentication layer.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the pointer(s) is subsequently used to access the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) after proper authentication.

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein access to and storage of the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) is governed by one or more rules.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more media devices further performs the following steps whenever the one or more media devices receives the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from the server device or the one or more processors:

sends one or more authentication codes to the server device or the one or more processors, accepts the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) whenever the one or more authentication codes is accepted by the server device or the one or more processors, and rejects the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) whenever the one or more authentication codes is rejected by the server device or the one or more processors.

21. An apparatus for authentication of one or more item(s) or one or more label(s) comprising:

a communications interface; and

one or more media devices communicably coupled to the communications interface, wherein the one or more media devices contain non-transitory computer readable instructions when executed by at least one of the media devices causes the media device(s) during or prior to a production run of the item(s) or label(s) to perform the steps of obtaining a pointer to each of one or more unique random serial numbers or codes that are used to authenticate the item(s) or label(s), obtaining the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from a server device via the communications interface using the pointer(s), and imprint the received unique random serial number(s) or code(s) on the item(s) or the label(s).

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are generated by the server device.

23. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein:

the apparatus is operated by a contract manufacturer and the server device is operated by an owner, a primary manufacturer or agent of the owner or the primary manufacturer;

the contract manufacturer does not have access to or control over the unique random serial number(s) or code(s); and

the labels are printed and attached to the items.

24. The apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are generated by the owner or the primary manufacturer and transmitted securely to the server device.

25. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the pointer(s) are requested as part of a production run of the items or labels.

26. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a desktop computer, a workstation, a data terminal, a manufacturing controller or a combination thereof; and

the server device is communicably coupled to the communications interface via a computer network, a telecommunications network, a wireless communications link, a physical connection, a landline, a satellite communications link, an optical communications link, a cellular network or a combination thereof.

27. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the media devices comprise a printer, a plotter, a label maker, a copier, an inscribing device, a stamping machine, an etching machine or a combination thereof.

28. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the items comprise a manufactured product.

29. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are combined with a contact information or a security mechanism.

30. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the contact information comprises a phone number, a web address, an instant messaging address, a communications address, or a combination thereof.

31. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the contact information is used to certify the authenticity of the item or label, or determine whether an expiration date associated with the item or label has been exceeded.

32. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein an authenticity confirmation, an authenticity denial, the expiration date, one or more instructions, promotions or advertisements, or a combination thereof are provided whenever the contact information is used.

33. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the security mechanism comprises a scratch-off portion, a special ink, a special thread, a special code, a holographic symbol, or a combination thereof.

34. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the server device monitors the production run to detect illegal or unauthorized production of the item(s) or label(s), and detects any attempt to circumvent the system.

35. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the one or more media devices perform one or more corrective or destructive actions whenever the authentication fails and the apparatus is determined to be compromised, lost or stolen.

36. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the communications between the server device and the one or more media devices are encrypted.

37. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the server device further comprises:

an application program interface layer;

an authentication layer coupled to the application program layer;

a plug-in layer coupled to the authentication layer;

a data layer coupled to the plug-in layer; and

an events layer coupled to the data layer, the plug-in layer and the authentication layer.

38. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the pointer(s) is subsequently used to access the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) after proper authentication.

39. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein access to and storage of the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) is governed by one or more rules.

40. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the one or more media devices further performs the following steps whenever the one or more media devices receives the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from the server device:

sends one or more authentication codes to the server device, accepts the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) whenever the one or more authentication codes is accepted by the server device, and rejects the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) whenever the one or more authentication codes is rejected by the server device.

41. An apparatus for authentication of one or more item(s) or one or more label(s) comprising:

one or more processors;

a communications interface communicably coupled to the one or more processors;

one or more memory devices communicably coupled to the one or more processors;

one or more media devices communicably coupled to the one or more processors;

wherein at least one of the memory devices contain a first set of non-transitory computer readable instructions when executed by at least one of the processors causes the processor(s) during or prior to a production of the item(s) or label(s) to perform the steps of receiving a pointer to each of one or more unique random serial numbers or codes that are used to authenticate the item(s) or label(s) from the one or more media devices, obtaining the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from a server device via a communications interface using the pointer(s); and

wherein at least one of the media devices contain a second set of non-transitory computer readable instructions when executed by at least one of the media devices causes the media devices to perform the steps of obtaining the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from the one or more processors using the pointer(s), and imprinting the received unique random serial number(s) or code(s) on the item(s) or the label(s).

42. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are generated by the server device.

43. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein:

the apparatus is operated by a contract manufacturer and the server device is operated by an owner, a primary manufacturer or agent of the owner or the primary manufacturer;

the contract manufacturer does not have access to or control over the unique random serial number(s) or code(s); and

the labels are printed and attached to the items.

44. The apparatus as recited in claim 43, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are generated by the owner or the primary manufacturer and transmitted securely to the server device.

45. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the pointer(s) are requested as part of a production run of the items or labels.

46. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein:

the apparatus comprises a computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a desktop computer, a workstation, a data terminal, a manufacturing controller or a combination thereof; and

the server device is communicably coupled to the communications interface via a computer network, a telecommunications network, a wireless communications link, a physical connection, a landline, a satellite communications link, an optical communications link, a cellular network or a combination thereof.

47. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the media devices comprise a printer, a plotter, a label maker, a copier, an inscribing device, a stamping machine, an etching machine or a combination thereof.

48. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the items comprise a manufactured product.

49. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) are combined with a contact information or a security mechanism.

50. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the contact information comprises a phone number, a web address, an instant messaging address, a communications address, or a combination thereof.

51. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the contact information is used to certify the authenticity of the item or label, or determine whether an expiration date associated with the item or label has been exceeded.

52. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein an authenticity confirmation, an authenticity denial, the expiration date, one or more instructions, promotions or advertisements, or a combination thereof are provided whenever the contact information is used.

53. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the security mechanism comprises a scratch-off portion, a special ink, a special thread, a special code, a holographic symbol, or a combination thereof.

54. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the server device monitors the production run to detect illegal or unauthorized production of the item(s) or label(s), and detects any attempt to circumvent the system.

55. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the one or more processors perform one or more corrective or destructive actions whenever the authentication fails and the apparatus is determined to be compromised, lost or stolen.

56. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the communications between the server device and the one or more processors are encrypted.

57. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the server device further comprises:

an application program interface layer;

an authentication layer coupled to the application program layer;

a plug-in layer coupled to the authentication layer;

a data layer coupled to the plug-in layer; and

an events layer coupled to the data layer, the plug-in layer and the authentication layer.

58. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the pointer(s) is subsequently used to access the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) after proper authentication.

59. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein access to and storage of the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) is governed by one or more rules.

60. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising:

a data storage communicably coupled to the one or more processors; and

wherein the first set of non-transitory computer readable instructions when executed by at least one the processors causes the processor(s) to store the pointer(s) in the data storage.

61. The apparatus as recited in claim 60, wherein the one or more processors further receives a first request from one or more applications for data stored on the data storage, determines whether the requested data includes the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) or a non-sensitive data, provides the non-sensitive data to the one or more media devices or to the one or more applications, and performs the following steps whenever the requested data includes the unique random serial number(s) or code(s):

sends a second request containing the pointer(s) to the server device that authenticates the second request, denies the first request whenever the authentication fails, and receives and provides the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) to the one or more media devices or to the one or more applications whenever the authentication succeeds.

62. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the one or more media devices further performs the following steps whenever the one or more media devices receives the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) from the server device or the one or more processors:

sends one or more authentication codes to the server device or the one or more processors, accepts the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) whenever the one or more authentication codes is accepted by the server device or the one or more processors, and rejects the unique random serial number(s) or code(s) whenever the one or more authentication codes is rejected by the server device or the one or more processors.