CN1478263A - safety label - Google Patents

Abstract

A security tag for securely identifying items comprises a housing (1); a securing mechanism (6) for securing the housing to the item; a monitoring system (20, 24) for monitoring a tag status, the tag status indicating at least whether the housing (1) and the securing mechanism (6) have been tampered with; a store (22) for storing item data identifying the item; and a communication system (21) for communicating tag status and item data to a remote host.

Description

safety label

technical field

The present invention relates to a security tag for securely identifying items, and a method of using such a tag.

Background technique

Security tags are generally used with merchandise, especially items such as clothing, to deter unauthorized removal of the merchandise. These tags are usually securely attached to the item, with an interrogation system placed at the exit of a retail store or similar that can detect the tag's passage and sound an alarm. Tags are also known to provide security of merchandise or items in the field, as well as to provide an indication if the tag or merchandise has been removed.

Various security tag systems are described in the prior art. WO-A-00/16284 describes a card to which a key can be securely attached by means of a conductive tether so that when the card is secured to an independent monitoring system its Condition. In another embodiment, the card is attached to a flexible bag with conductive threads, and the condition of the card can be detected, whereby attempts to force open the bag can be detected. The downside of this device is that it requires a constant connection to the surveillance system.

US-A-6002343 discloses a tag that can be attached to an object via a resistive element, with an onboard processor monitoring the resistivity of the resistive element and transmitting information if the monitored resistive element is compromised Give an independent monitoring system. This results in a system that is more flexible than the one described above, but does not handle attempts by sophisticated attackers to attack the tags themselves.

US-A-5367289 discloses a commodity surveillance tag, typically attached to clothing or the like, comprising a thin piezoelectric layer which generates a voltage when subjected to mechanical force. The tag includes an alarm that will go off if the voltage exceeds a reference value. This device was developed to detect attempts to tear the label off merchandise, but actually does so by monitoring the force applied to the label. By carefully securing the connection to the merchandise, the label can be removed without triggering an alarm.

GB-A-2257278 describes an anti-theft tag which includes a microcircuit so that there is a data link between the tag and a host computer. Although there is a brief description of some forms of damage detection, the main purpose of the tag is to be able to locate the location of the monitored goods.

US-A-5099228 discloses a security tag that can be attached to merchandise by means of a tack and includes a sensor to sense the presence of the tack head. Attempts to pry the nail can thus be detected.

US-A-5955951 discloses another tag/tack arrangement.

US-A-98/15921 describes a security system for use in transport terminals, this system includes an electronic passenger tag, the tag includes a memory and a wireless communication device, the memory stores a theft-resistant unique passenger identification code; and An electronic luggage tag with wired memory and wireless communication facility. In this way, tags can be uniquely registered with each other.

US-A-6052068 describes a vehicle identification system comprising a set of identification tags attached to the vehicle which communicate with an interrogator to determine the identity of the vehicle.

Contents of the invention

There exists a need for improvements to these security labels and we have developed a new security label which also introduces a novel method of using such a security label.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, we provide a security label for securely identifying items, the security label comprising:

a. a shell;

b. A security device for an enclosure protecting an item;

c. A monitoring system for monitoring the status of a tag indicating at least whether the enclosure and the safety device have been compromised;

d. a memory for storing item data used to identify the item;

e. A communication system for transmitting tag status and item data to a remote host.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, we provide a method of securely identifying and monitoring items, the method comprising:

a. Attaching to an article a security tag according to the first aspect of the invention which:

b. storing item data identifying the item in memory;

c. Monitoring tag status and/or item data from a remote host via the communication system.

We have realized that every security tag of the prior art has one or more disadvantages, and have invented a new security tag which overcomes these disadvantages. In particular, the tag includes an on-board surveillance system, so damage can be detected in time, not just when a remote host interrogates it; in addition, the surveillance system not only monitors the security device used by the tag to protect the item, but also monitors the casing itself. Condition. In this way, all types of damage associated with tags can be detected compared to the prior art.

Additionally, where the item or container enclosing the item is in place, damage to the item or container may be monitored.

In preferred embodiments the tag includes an on-board power supply, although the tag may be remotely powered, for example from a mains power supply to a GSM/satellite module connected to the tag to enable long distance communication. This provides another benefit, since the electricity used from the power supply can be minimized, enabling an on-board surveillance system. Additionally, any external connections would provide an access point for anyone attempting to disable the system. When switched off during manufacture, the tag will not be opened again except for service or during an attack. Comprehensive encapsulation makes the system more resilient to any attack and removes any direct connections to the tag's internal components.

In use, if the monitoring system detects tampering, it can initiate a communication to a remote host via the communication system, typically this will include information about the status of the tag, that is, it is being tampered with, and the information used to identify the item item data. The provision of an on-board surveillance system allows damage to be detected at a very early stage and sent to a remote host so that remedial action can be taken as early as possible. This makes the security tag particularly suitable for use on valuables, such as gold coins and banknotes.

Monitoring of the condition of the enclosure provides an early indication of an attempted tampering with a security tag capable of communicating with a remote host. This also prevents a thief from tampering with the tag so that the remote host does not detect that the item is being stolen. In one example, the housing may include a conductive portion, and the monitoring system is adapted to monitor the electrical characteristics of the conductive portion, thereby determining the integrity of the housing. Thus, for example, if someone punctures the housing in an attempt to disrupt the inner workings of the security tag, the electrical properties of the conductive parts will change, such as impedance, which can be detected by the housing probe.

In an optional example, the housing includes piezoelectric material, and the monitoring system is adapted to monitor the voltage across the piezoelectric material to determine the integrity of the housing. Also, if someone tries to break the housing, it will typically cause vibrations, which in turn will cause the piezoelectric material to generate a voltage. This voltage can be detected by the monitoring system and therefore damage to the enclosure can also be detected.

The surveillance system preferably includes an item detector to detect the integrity of the item. However, this may not be desired if the security tag is attached to a secure container, such as a safe or the like.

Typically, the item is encased in a conductive enclosure, in which case the detector is adapted to monitor the electrical characteristics of the conductive enclosure to determine the integrity of the item. In this case, cash (coins and/or banknotes) can be placed, for example, in a bag, the wires being woven into the fabric of the bag. Then if an attempt is made to pierce the bag to access the contents, the conductivity of the bag is altered. Thus, this will allow the security bag to detect any attempt to remove items from the bag.

Preferably, the security device includes a conductive member for protecting the casing of the article. In this case, the monitoring system includes a device detector adapted to monitor the electrical characteristics of the conductive components and thereby determine the integrity of the safety device.

The safety device may include a piezoelectric material. In this case, the monitoring system may include a device detector adapted to monitor the voltage in the piezoelectric material and thereby determine the integrity of the safety device.

As a further option, the security device may comprise a thin layer of fine metal wires, the characteristics of which are monitored by the monitoring system using radio frequency electric fields applied to the layer.

The security device generally includes an identification mark which can be associated with an indication of the item. This makes it possible to provide an additional security.

The housing is generally made of a breakage resistant material, such as a rubber laminate in reinforced plastic, which is very difficult to break. However, other high pressure resistant materials may also be used.

In addition, the housing typically includes a metal cover to protect at least the memory, and any other delicate electronic components. The metal shield will act as a Faraday shield to protect any delicate components contained in the tag from EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attacks.

The communication system may be any of a number of communication systems, such as radio, infrared, inductive or magnetic communication systems. Thus, for example, the communication system may comprise a Bluetooth type wireless communication system. Alternatively, an inductive coil coupling can be provided so that when the security tag is brought within range of the reader, the tag state and certain data can be read from memory via the inductive coil.

Typically, the communication system is adapted to encrypt tag status and/or item data before transmitting them to a remote host, for example using a PKI encryption system. This prevents third parties from generating their own tag states and item data to mask the true tag's tag state.

The communication system is preferably adapted to communicate with a remote host system under at least one of the following conditions:

i. at predetermined time intervals;

ii. According to the request of the remote host system;

iii. Based on a change in tag status (indicating that the security tag and/or item is damaged).

It should be appreciated that many other options are available, such as allowing the communication system to communicate with the remote host each time it arrives at a predetermined location, or only in one of the above situations (i-iii).

Conveniently, the security tag therefore includes a position detector for detecting the position of the tag, the status of the tag including an indication of the tag's position. This allows the tag's position to be tracked while the item is being moved.

Currently, if ownership of an item needs to be transferred from one party to another, the item must actually be physically transferred from the transferor to the transferee. This process can be risky, especially if the item has a lot of value, such as banknotes. Typically, in these cases, items are secured in a locked container before being transferred in a secure situation by a security company or similar.

To increase the security of these systems, security companies typically use time locks to ensure that items are not removed from the container within a predetermined time interval. This can be achieved, for example, by locking the container in the security van in such a way that it can only be removed at a predetermined point in time, which corresponds to the time the driver arrives at the destination.

In addition to this, it is now also possible to track the location of containers and vans, so it is possible to monitor the current location of the container, that is, the item.

However, these systems have the disadvantage that items can still be stolen in transit. Thus, for example, the container may be forcibly removed from the van, or the van may be stolen and the container removed at the correct time at a different location. Although the location of the container in the van can be tracked, it is still possible for items to be removed from the container without being detected, thus allowing the item to be stolen.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method of transferring ownership of an item includes:

a. Securely identify items by attaching a security tag to the item, the security tag having a monitoring system for monitoring the status of the tag, which indicates whether the security tag and/or the item has been damaged;

b. The situation of the remote detection and monitoring system;

c. The remote host registers a change in ownership of the item when the monitoring system does not indicate damage.

The third aspect of the present invention enables the realization that once an item is secured, ownership of the item can be transferred even without transfer of the item. Alternatively, items can be kept under less secure conditions.

Thus, for example, the store owner can place the earned money in a suitable container in the store and then attach a security tag, as described above. At this point, the cash in the container is securely identified. Then by registering a change with the remote host, the ownership of the contents of the container can be transferred to the store owner's bank, or similar. From this point of view, the money is actually owned by the bank, and the bank is then responsible for the money. However, the container remains physically in the same location.

If at any stage the item or tag is damaged, an indication of this will be sent to a remote host, such as a central control center, which can recognize that there has been a security issue. This provides the owner with full traceability of the item's current state, so the owner can be confident that the item is being safely transferred.

It should be understood that once ownership of the money has been transferred, the money can be credited to the shopkeeper's bank account, allowing the shopkeeper to transact through the money's account while the money remains on the premises. This is because the bank can always know the exact location and safety of the money.

If the shopkeeper then needs to get cash from the bank, he can simply transfer the ownership of the money back, so that the shopkeeper can retrieve the cash from the container according to the bank's instructions. So while the cash was in the bank's possession for a while, it never left the store's premises. This thus allows ownership of the item to be transferred without the item itself being moved, which in turn reduces security risks.

Although this method can be used with conventional security tags, it is particularly suitable for use with the security tag according to the first aspect of the present invention from the viewpoint of the high security attainable with these security tags. The third aspect of the invention is particularly suitable for use with expensive commodities or documents, such as banknotes and gold coins.

Description of drawings

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a security tag according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the safety label of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a is a sectional view of the accessories of the security tag in Fig. 1 along the line A-A' direction;

Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the fitting of Figure 3a along the line B-B';

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the security label along the line C-C' direction;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal components of the security tag in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the security label of Figure 1 secured to a solid container;

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the security label in Fig. 1 installed on a fabric container;

Figure 8 illustrates a packaged note with a security label attached.

Detailed ways

Figures 1 and 2 show a security tag according to the invention. As shown, the security tag comprises a housing 1 with an attached mounting plate 2 . Housing 1 may support a security device such as a hologram or kinegram. Four short fasteners 3 , such as rivets or the like, are provided at respective positions on the border of the housing 1 , which are only used in the case of fixing the housing 1 to the fixing plate 4 . Also attached to the housing 1 is a fitting 5, shown for receiving an accessory element or clamping plate 6.

The fittings are described in more detail in Figures 3a and 3b. Fig. 3a shows a section view of the fitting along line A-A' shown in Fig. 2, while Fig. 3b shows a section view of fitting 5 along line B-B' shown in Fig. 1 . The fitting comprises two slots 7 a , 7 b each designed to receive an arm 6 a , 6 b of a respective accessory element 6 . Each groove 7a, 7b includes a number of spring tabs designed to press the arms 6a, 6b of the accessory element 6 against the upper surface of the respective groove. The shape of the shrapnel is such that the arms 6a, 6b can only move in the direction indicated by the arrow 9 .

Thus, in use the accessory element 6 can be inserted into the fitting 5 in the direction indicated by the arrow 9 . However, it is not possible to withdraw the accessory element 6 from the fitting 5 in the opposite direction. Therefore, the attachment element 6 can only be removed by physically snapping off the attachment element 6 and then independently withdrawing the arms 6a, 6b from the respective slots 7a, 7b. Thereby, the attachment element 6 can be used to fix the shell to the fabric, as will be explained in detail below.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the housing. As shown, the housing is comprised of a hard, tamper-resistant foil layer 10 formed from a laminate of rubber and high strength reinforced plastic that provides sufficient compression resistance to protect the security tag. internal components, even under extreme attack conditions.

Placed within the housing 1 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 11 on which are soldered the electronic components required to operate the tag. The PCB 11 is generally mounted in a layer 12 of a pressure-absorbing material such as sponge, rubber or the like. In this example, a piezoelectric film 13 is placed in the foil layer 10 , and a protective film 14 is placed between the piezoelectric film 13 and the pressure absorbing material layer 12 .

An electrically conductive outer elastomeric coating may also be provided on the outside of the foil layer 10, as indicated by dashed line 15.

Finally, part of the PCB 11 can also be contained in a metal can 16, which acts as a Faraday shield to protect the electronic components on the PCB from EMP attack. It should be noted that in this case the sensor is typically placed on the PCB 11, outside the metal can 16, in order to function correctly. Therefore, electrophoretic capture devices will be attached to these external sensors.

A schematic diagram showing the arrangement of components fixed on the PCB 11 in the housing 1 is shown in FIG. 5 . As shown, the security tag typically includes a microprocessor 20 , a wireless transceiver 21 and a memory 22 connected together by a bus 23 . Also connected to the bus 23 is a number of sensors 24 . These elements are all powered by an onboard power supply 27 .

In this example, although five sensors 24 are shown, it will be understood from the description below that in certain circumstances many more sensors will be required. Each of these sensors forms a sensing system for monitoring the status of the security tag and the item to which the security tag is attached. Signals monitored by the sensors are communicated to processor 20, which is adapted to monitor the signals and determine when these signals indicate that the security tag and/or item has been damaged. The sensitivity of the measurement is set to a level which prevents the processor 20 from determining normal handling as damage, but which is low enough that damage can be detected before the security tag, item or the like is destroyed. This can be accomplished in one of two ways:

i. By analyzing the signal;

ii. By comparing the signal to a predetermined threshold.

In a first example, a processor can be formed from a neural net. In this case, the neural network is trained under common operating conditions so that it learns what signals it should get from the sensors 24 when the security tags and items are being handled correctly. As a result, the processor determines that the security tag or item is being damaged when a signal outside the desired range is detected.

In a second example, an indication is stored in memory 22 of the range of acceptable signals that should be obtained from each sensor 24 . The processor 20 can thus compare the obtained signal to the corresponding range of acceptable signals and determine therefrom whether the item or security tag is being damaged.

When any damage is detected, the processor 20 is operative to transmit a signal via the transceiver 21 to the remote monitoring system 26 indicating that the security tag or item is being damaged, as will be explained in more detail below.

When used, security labels include a number of different security features that can be used independently or combined together as appropriate. The security features will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .

FIG. 6 shows how the security tag is attached to the sealed container 30 . As shown, the security tag is secured to the main body 32 of the container by placing the mounting plate 2 on the surface 31 . The mounting plate 2 consists of a double-sided adhesive plate with damage memory to secure the housing 1 to the surface 31 . The design of the plate is such that if someone attempts to remove the casing from the surface 30, at least a portion of the plate remains on the surface 30, while a corresponding portion remains fixed to the casing 1, thereby indicating that the label has been removed.

In addition to these (or alternatively), a short fastener 3 is inserted into the container 30 and secured to the mounting plate 4, as shown, to secure the security tag in place.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of securing a security tag to a fabric bag. In this embodiment, the fabric bag 40 is secured to the security tag using the attachment element 6 . The accessory element 6 is wrapped around the neck of the bag 40 and the arms 6a, 6b are inserted in the fitting 5 . The arms 6a and 6b are then pushed as far as possible into the slots 7a, 7b thereby preventing removal of the security tag from the fabric bag 40 .

The operation of the security tag is now described. Security tags include 3 different types of sensing devices, namely:

i. An enclosure sensor system to detect enclosure integrity;

ii. an attachment sensor to detect the integrity of the attachment of the container;

iii. An item sensor to detect the integrity of the container containing the item.

The various types of sensor devices described above are described below.

Housing sensor

The enclosure sensor system is used to detect the integrity of the enclosure 1 to prevent the security label from being damaged to disrupt the workings inside.

In the first embodiment, the housing sensor system consists of a piezoelectric film 13 and a corresponding one of the sensors 24 . In this case, the sensor 24 is a current sensor, such as an ammeter or the like, adapted to detect the current generated in the piezoelectric film 13 .

Thus, if the foil layer 10 is deformed, for example by an attempt to crush or puncture the housing, this will result in a deformation of the corresponding piezoelectric membrane 13 , thereby generating an electrical current in the membrane that can be detected by the sensor 24 .

As mentioned above, the sensor 24 is connected to the processor 20 which monitors the signals generated therein and determines if there is an indication of housing breakage.

Thus, usually in normal operating situations, for example if the housing 1 is broken during transport, a certain amount of current is detectable by the sensor 24 . However, if the detected current exceeds a threshold, which indicates that an attempt is being made to open the housing, this can be detected by the processor and a signal transmitted through the transceiver 21 .

In another embodiment, sensor 24 may be used to detect the electrical conductivity of elastomeric coating 15 . Typically the elastomeric coating has a conductivity measurable by sensor 24 . This can be accomplished by, for example, constructing the sensor to apply an electrical potential to the surface and then detect the current flowing through the surface. The label's electromagnetic coating consists of a conductive compound such as graphite or a compound consisting of fine particles that can be added to the elastic material during the compounding (manufacturing) process. Coatings can then be monitored in the same manner as tapes. If at this point the elastomeric coating 15 is damaged, eg punctured, this will change its electrical conductivity, which can be detected by the processor 20 and an appropriate response will be generated.

Attachment sensor

Accessory sensors can be implemented in any of a number of ways.

In the first embodiment, a piezoelectric film (not shown) is sandwiched between the mounting plate 2 and the housing 1 . Therefore, if one attempts to remove the casing 1 from the outer surface of the container, the piezoelectric foil will be deformed. The piezoelectric foil in turn generates an electric current which can be detected by the current sensor 24 .

In addition, in normal use, for example due to movement during transport, a certain amount of electrical current is expected. However, if the generated current exceeds a threshold, it will be detected by the processor and an attempt to remove the security tag from the container 30 will then be determined.

In a second embodiment, the piezoelectric film is replaced by a capacitive film (not shown). Sensor 24 is used to measure the capacitance of the membrane by applying a radio frequency electric field to the membrane and then measuring the response of the current flowing through the membrane. In this case, any variation in capacitance indicates that the properties of the membrane are being affected, which in turn indicates that the connection of the housing 1 to the container 30 is being compromised.

Similar results can be obtained by replacing the piezoelectric film on the mounting board with a conductive film or a large number of thin wires. In each case the conductivity of the film or wire will be measured by a suitable sensor 24 .

In a third embodiment, the sensor 24 is connected to a short piece of hardware 3 . At this time, the sensor 24 is used to monitor the electrical characteristics of the mounting board 4 . Thus, it is possible to operate the system by passing current through a short piece of hardware so that the conductivity of the mounting plate 4 is monitored through the mounting screws.

It is suggested that said one short piece 3 forms part of a transmission line with suitable terminations to have the ability to vary the required capacitance and resistance. Once activated, the tag will utilize a variable resistive or capacitive termination to minimize VSWR, thereby enabling the tag to determine changes in transmission line performance using an appropriate sensor 24.

In this example, if a short piece of hardware 3 or mounting plate 4 is damaged, the change in conductivity can be detected using sensor 24 and then sent a signal to processor 20 .

Finally, the accessory element 6 usually consists of an electrically conductive material. A sensor 24 is connected to the slots 7a, 7b to detect the conductivity of the accessory element. If the change in conductivity exceeds a predetermined threshold amount, microprocessor 20 will detect and thereby determine that the accessory component is being damaged.

The accessory element 6 can also consist of piezoelectric material and is then connected to a suitable sensor 24 .

Item detection

Means are provided for detecting whether an item has been tampered with. The security tag is now attached to a metal container (as shown in FIG. 6 ) and the conductivity of the container can be measured using one of the sensors 24 . Additionally, a change in conductivity indicates that the container has been opened, which can be detected by processor 20 .

The fiber material of the fabric pack 40 (FIG. 7) may be wire interwoven into the fibers. The sensor 24 can thus be fastened to the fiber material via the electrically conductive attachment element 6 . The conductivity of the fibers can then be detected. This can be detected by the sensor 20 if an attempt is made to tear the fibers to obtain an item from the bag 40 .

Such sensing techniques can be improved by using two independent sets of wires running in orthogonal directions. The conductivity of each set of wires can be measured independently with the two sensors 24 and makes it possible to detect changes acting on the pack in only one direction.

Optionally, the items contained in the container 30 or bag 40 may have sensing devices affixed thereto. Can take the form of, for example, a partially tuned inductive circuit. The first part of the inductance tuning circuit consists of the sensor 24, while the second part consists of suitable electronics attached to the contents of the container. Thus, the proximity of the two parts of the tuned circuit will affect the strength of the signal detected by sensor 24 and relayed to processor 20 . This allows the processor to determine the proximity of the item to the sensor 24 to determine if the item has been moved more than a predetermined distance from the security tag.

Alternatively, the piezoelectric film may be embedded in the wrapping film of the wrapping tape of the banknote 40 (FIG. 8). The straps can be two wide strips 41, 42 extending from approximately the middle of the long and short sides of the banknote respectively, so that it is impossible for a single banknote to be removed without changing the shape of the layer, which can Detection is by a suitable sensor 24 of a film label 43 in a manner similar to that described above (FIG. 6). Similar conductive techniques can be used, and the security tag can be suitably wired to the item.

general operation

In use, the security tag is attached in the manner described above either directly to the item of value, or directly to a container 30, or to the package 40 containing the item to be secured.

Once the above steps are complete, details of the item to which the security tag is attached are provided to the security tag's memory 22 via the communication transceiver 21 from the host computer 26 or another input device (not shown). This can be accomplished using a computing device such as a PDA, palmtop, desktop or similar, or a mobile communication device such as a WAP phone, depending on the nature of the communication transceiver.

In particular, if the transceiver is a Bluetooth piconet, then a Bluetooth-enabled PDA, WAP phone or the like can be used to send a series of items to the storage 22 via the transceiver.

It is also possible to transmit an activation signal to indicate to processor 20 that the status of sensor 24 is to be monitored.

If at some point upon activation of the tag, the processor 20 determines that the signal from a certain sensor 24 is outside the expected range, then it is determined that an attempt has been made to damage the item. Therefore, the processor 20 generates an alarm signal and transmits it through the transceiver 21 to a remote control center, such as a host computer 26 or a security company, police, bank, etc., who are responsible for the transfer of money.

The alarm signal is detected by the remote control center and it is determined that the item is being damaged in some way.

In addition to this, the security tag can send additional information, such as an indication of the current sensor reading that is taking place, allowing the remote control center to determine what is wrong with the security tag.

Security tags therefore typically include a position sensor 24, which determines the position of the security tag. Usually a GPS satellite navigation type sensor is used. This type of sensor can precisely indicate the location of the security tag and send this indication information together with the alarm signal to the remote control center. This allows the remote control center to confirm the location of the security tag at the time of the breach and at other times.

As an additional level of security, the processor 20 can be configured to periodically send a status signal to the remote host to allow the remote host to confirm the current status of each sensor. This enables the remote control center to observe the integrity of the system itself, including the current location of the safety tag. Alternatively, a remote host can poll the system and ask for information to be delivered as needed.

Additionally, because details of the item associated with the security tag are stored in memory 22, this enables the remote host to determine the value of the item in question.

For added security, transmission of information from processor 20 to remote host 26 via transceiver 21 may include encryption of the data prior to transmission using conventional PKI systems. This prevents third parties from stealing the signal from the security tag and then transmitting their own signal to indicate that the tag has not been compromised, when in fact the tag is sending an alarm signal.

It will be appreciated that labels can protect documents during identification and transmission. Thus, an additional feature of the current invention is that the security tag can be used to convey ownership of documents such as cash.

In this case, once the document has been securely attached to the tag, eg placed in a suitable container and the security tag secured to the container, the user may enter details of the item into memory 22 in the usual manner. Its owner can also enter a transfer code to transfer ownership of the document (eg banknotes) in the container to a third party.

Upon entering such an assignment code, processor 20 sends information to the remote control center for central registration of the assignment. Therefore, the document is effectively owned by the transferee.

As a result, files can be placed in their current physical location, knowing that they will not be damaged or destroyed without the transferee's authorization to close the security tab. Items can later be transported to other physical locations if desired.

For example, a shopkeeper wishes to deposit money in a bank. Thus, the shop owner would pack the cash in a suitable bag, enter its value into memory 22, and then transfer ownership of the cash to the bank, using the techniques described above. The cash can actually be left in the store because the location is known from the security tag. Cash can be physically sent to the bank at a later date.

Optionally, if the store needs the cash for some reason such as paying a supplier before the cash is sent, the bank can transfer back the ownership of the cash. The store owner can then properly remove the security tag, using cash that never left the store. Despite this, the cash has actually been stored in the store owner's bank account for a certain period of time, allowing the store owner to make transactions using cash that is actually in the store.

Claims (27)

1. safety label that is used for the secure ID article, this safety label comprises:

A. shell;

B. safety feature that is used to protect the shell of article;

C. surveillance that is used for the state of monitoring label, whether tag state has indicated shell and safety feature to be compromised at least;

D. one kind is used for the stores memory of data, and this product data is used for identify objects;

E. communication system that is used for tag state and product data are transferred to distance host.

2. safety label as claimed in claim 1, also comprise one be installed on the shell or shell in power supply.

3. safety label as claimed in claim 1 or 2, described shell comprises at least one current-carrying part, described surveillance is used to monitor the electrical characteristics of described current-carrying part, thereby determines the integrality of shell.

4. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 3, described shell comprises piezoelectric, and described surveillance is used to monitor the voltage that passes described piezoelectric, thereby determines the integrality of shell.

5. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 4; described safety feature comprises a conductive component, is used to protect the shell of article, and described surveillance comprises a device detector; be used to monitor the electrical characteristics of described conductive component, thereby determine the integrality of described safety feature.

6. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 5, described safety feature comprises a piezoelectric, described surveillance comprises a device detector, is used to monitor the voltage that passes described piezoelectric, thereby determines the integrality of described safety feature.

7. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 6, described safety feature comprises a clamp member, this clamp member has two arms, can be pushed into the mounting hole that is installed in the correspondence on the shell, comprises that also a locking system removes from the mounting portion to stop described clamp member.

8. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 6, described safety feature comprises an electric conductor part, as a flat board, described shell is connected with this flat board, and the part of article or the container of placing article are sandwiched in the middle of them, and described electric conductor part has formed the part of the transmission line that impedance can be monitored.

9. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 8, described shell is made of the breakage-proof material such as rubber laminate and reinforced plastics.

10. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 9, described shell comprises that a faraday cage is to protect described storer at least.

11. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 10, that described communication system comprises is wireless, one of infrared ray, inductive or magnetic communication system.

12. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 11, described communication system is used for before safe condition and/or product data are transferred to distance host it being encrypted.

13. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 12, described communication system is used for communicating with distance host under a kind of situation below at least:

I. at interval at preset time;

Ii. according to the request of remote host system; Or

Iii. according to the variation of tag state, this variation shows that safety label and/or article are damaged.

14. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 13, described surveillance comprises a position sensor, is used to survey the position of label, tag state comprises the indication of label position.

15. as arbitrary described safety label in the claim 1 to 14, described surveillance comprises an item detector, is used for the integrality of detecting article.

16. safety label as claimed in claim 15, this safety label are fixed on the conductive jacket, described item detector is used to monitor the electrical characteristics of described conductive jacket, thereby determines the integrality of this overcoat.

17. the method for secure ID and monitored item, this method comprises:

A. the safety label according to any one claim of front is attached on the article;

B. the product data with identify objects is stored in the storer;

C. by tag state and/or the product data of communication system supervision from distance host.

18. method as claimed in claim 17, wherein step (a) is further comprising the steps of:

I. place article in a safety container;

Ii. connect described safety label to described safety container.

19. method as claimed in claim 18, described surveillance is used to monitor the electrical characteristics of described safety container, and this method comprises that also the described surveillance of electrical connection is to described safety container.

20. as the arbitrary described method of claim 17 to 19, monitoring wherein that step from the tag state of distance host and/or product data also comprises impels described communication system and remote host system to communicate under a kind of situation below at least:

I. at interval at preset time;

Ii. according to the request of remote host system; Or

Iii. according to the variation of tag state, this variation shows that safety label and/or article have been damaged.

21. as the arbitrary described method of claim 17 to 20, this method further comprises the position that monitors safety label.

22. a proprietorial method of transferring the possession of article comprises:

A. identify article by additional safety label safely to article, described safety label has a surveillance that is used for the monitoring label state, and whether tag state has indicated safety label and/or article to be damaged;

B. the situation of remote detection surveillance; And

C. when surveillance is not indicated damage, make the change of distance host registration article proprietary.

23. method as claimed in claim 22 is not carried out physical transfer at the described article of step (c) between the owner.

24. as claim 22 or 23 described methods, described safety label promptly is according to the arbitrary described safety label of claim 1 to 16.

25. as the arbitrary described method of claim 22 to 24, described article comprise valuables, as bank note and/or coin.

26. method as claimed in claim 25 is placed in the appended container of safety label described safety of goods.

27. method as claimed in claim 25, described safety label is attached in the external packing of a pile bank note.

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