WO2003038767A1 - Method for product traceability and authentication - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for traceability and authentication of a product with high added value such as bottled, corked, capped and labelled wine or sensitive products such as medicines individually protected in a labelled package. The invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: affixing at least a first identification code (18) marked in clear, on the upper surface of the cork (10) or on the individual protection of the medicine, or on the label, said code being generated by an algorithm held by the producer and readable by that same algorithm; affixing at least a first identification code (22) marked in clear, on the cap (12) of the bottle or on the package, box, flask or blister pack, of the medicine, said code being generated by a algorithm held by the producer and readable by that same algorithm; and recording with the producer, on any appropriate media, combinations of pairs of identification codes.

Description

 PROCESS OF TRACEABILITY AND AUTHENTICATION OF

PRODUCTS

The present invention relates to a process for tracing products with high added value such as wine or sensitive products such as medicines.

French patent application No. 00 15349 discloses a process for monitoring products, in particular wine bottles. Nevertheless, there are more and more problems of counterfeit products with high added value or sensitive which can prove not only sources of financial losses as in the field of wine but also sources of dangers when it comes to drugs.

It is therefore necessary to be able to identify, but also authenticate and monitor these products from manufacturing to consumption, throughout the various stages.

This is the aim of the method according to the present invention which consists of a succession of information arranged in different places, even on the products, accessible and not immediately accessible, the different codes being generated, arranged, accessible in a differentiated manner and known by the various parties involved in said products.

The method according to the present invention is described below according to two preferred embodiments in two distinct fields but presenting the same problem, that of wine and that of medicine. The single attached figure represents a diagram of a wine bottle with a stopper, a capsule and an overcap and the circulation flows. In the case of the first example concerning wine, a process can be presented which comprises different stages during bottling, for example in a château, directly by the producer.

The bottle is of known type, wandering and does not bear any specific marking before filling.

Once filled, three elements are added to this bottle: a stopper

10, a capsule 12 and a label 14.

The plug 10 may bear at least one mention 16. Such indications may be placed on each of the end faces or on the side. After the introduction into the neck, only one side is immediately accessible for reading without removing said plug, the upper side.

Thus, the code 18 on the upper face can be read or identified by any suitable means. This is the identification cap code 18, written in clear.

On the lateral face preferably and / or on the lower face, it is possible to mention another code 20, not immediately accessible, since it is necessary to remove the cap to read the code written laterally.

This code is the producer cap code 20.

The identification cap code 18 is of random type, obtained from an algorithm and basic data, processed by said algorithm and readable by the same algorithm. The method of generating codes under the trade name "Data Matrix" is known, for example.

The producer cap code 20 can also be a code obtained from an algorithm and from basic data, processed by said algorithm and readable by the same algorithm. These cork codes are generated by the cork supplier, a service provider or directly generated by the producer. In all cases, these plug codes are secret, recorded on any suitable medium, and brought to the attention of the only producer who manages stocks and who must guarantee a provenance and authenticate the product in the event of a dispute, fraud or any other quality or packaging problem.

A database can be created with all the data.

In order to further reinforce the difficulty of counterfeiting products and to improve authentication, it is possible to encrypt the producer cap code 20. In this case, the encryption means may be identical or of different nature, for example a code or a sign to be revealed only under special lighting.

The producer builds up a stock of corks referenced with at least one code 18 and / or 20 or with a combination of the two codes. These simple codes or in combination are stored on any medium the management of which is ensured by the producer.

The capsule 12 is also an information medium. It is possible to affix on these capsules at least a code 22 and / or 24 on the upper face and / or on the lateral or lower face for example.

The code 22 on the upper face of the capsule is written in clear, for example of the type known under the trade name "Data Matrix" because it is a capsule identification code 22. Such code is advantageously obtained by a specific algorithm. The code 24 written on the side or on the underside is a code written in clear or encrypted, by any means as indicated above.

The producer can thus build up a stock of capsules with at least one capsule code and / or combinations of identification and producer capsule codes 22, 24, specific for each of them. These capsule codes are generated by the capsule supplier, a service provider or directly generated by the producer. In all cases, these capsule codes are secret and brought to the attention of the only producer who manages stocks and which must guarantee a provenance in the event of a dispute, fraud or any other quality or packaging problem.

The producer at the time of bottling has a stock of caps with customer and producer codes and capsules with customer and producer codes.

Each bottle will receive a stopper and a capsule, making an association of two codes or better of two combinations of two codes, making the system even more random. The entry of these codes by automatic reading during the bottling is easy so that the producer is the only one to know all of the four paired codes per bottle.

This is an additional guarantee, including with regard to improper maneuvers which would make it possible to have knowledge, for example, of sets of combinations of plug codes and sets of capsule codes, since they still have to be paired.

The first capsule code allows the buyer to determine a priori, before removing the capsule, whether the bottle carries a capsule referenced by the producer.

All means of verification are then possible. Through the Internet, access to a server 26 makes it possible to introduce the code read on the upper face of the capsule and the algorithm, loaded into this server, checks the validity of this code interactively. Terminals can be set up at the point of sale. A pocket controller 28 can also be used. For example, computers are known which are substantially in the format of bank cards. In this case, the algorithm is loaded and made inaccessible for any reproduction, modification or study, for example in a microprocessor. The end consumer enters the code read on the upper face of the capsule, the calculator operate the algorithm and the controller indicates if this code is an assigned code therefore valid, authenticating the origin or if this code is wrong. As this capsule identification code 22 is accessible, it is possible to reproduce it. In this case, the second capsule code, carried by the same capsule, can allow identification for the producer who wishes to verify a batch. Indeed, it can control any bottle, provided with means suitable for reading the encryption when the code is encrypted, without affecting the integrity of the bottle. When removing the capsule, the identification cap code 18 appears on the upper face. Again, the client can enter this code on the appropriate means to determine whether this code is valid after reverse processing by the algorithm. In the case of a direct link with the producer, it is possible to verify that, in addition to the fact that the two capsule and cap codes are valid, the two identification codes, noted on the capsule and on the cap, are indeed paired as it was memorized during bottling. There is still a means of checking the integrity of the bottle which is the producer cap code 20. Once the bottle is open and the cap removed, the code placed on the side is accessible for direct reading if it is clear or with specific reading means if it is encrypted. Thus, the traceability of the bottles is possible but also the authentication. It may also be useful to authenticate bottles which have already been capped and which have a capsule but which do not each have a capsule code and a cork code, originally. This is the case of bottles warned by the producer. It is possible to have on the existing capsule, an overcap 30, made of heat-shrinkable material. This is of known type. It is a sleeve which preferably includes a bottom, but a simple sleeve placed on the neck would be perfectly suitable. It is then possible to have an opaque support at the bottom of the over-cap, for example a pellet cut from a sheet. of aluminum, insensitive to heat, which carries at least one encapsulated code 22 'of identification in clear on the upper face, generated by a given algorithm and visible through the transparent overcap. It is also possible to report a producer 24 'overcapsule code on the side face of the overcapsule or on the underside of the pellet. If the code is reported on the underside, it is therefore only accessible by removing and destroying the overcap.

Initial identification is therefore possible, by consulting the server online via the Internet, through a terminal at a place of purchase or using a portable controller.

This process consisting in the establishment of an overcap is, a fortiori, applicable in the case where the bottles still have capsule and cap codes. In this case, the overcap is not superfluous because it may be desirable to provide for temporary or additional identification during certain inventory management.

The method according to the present invention which consists in affixing distinctive information, directly readable or readable by decryption, can be supplemented by the affixing of other distinctive information. Thus, the labels can carry characteristic identifying marks.

Advantageously, a mention may be reported on the label by laser engraving with a beam of great finesse or a mention in micro-writing certified and produced by a state printing house. A security sign with disclosure only under certain conditions can also be reported as a producer logo.

In the same way, it is also possible to have a clear label code on the label, obtained using the same algorithm as that of the capsules and caps, this label code further completing the combination. Such supplements support the security and traceability of products. The example which has just been given relates to bottles, more particularly wine bottles, but it is also possible to apply such a process to medicines so as to check whether they are not counterfeit or harmful products. for health or products that have passed the expiration dates. In this case, the packaging, box, bottle or blister, is considered to be a first barrier analogous to the bottle cap of the previous example. As for personal protection, capsule shell, ampoule or sachet to give examples, it is considered a second barrier, similar to the bottle cap, immediately before access to the product.

In order to know the origin, it is possible to report immediately accessible codes in the same way in the form of a succession of digits generated using an algorithm from basic data. Thus, by means of a controller or even remotely by interrogating the server, it is possible to know whether the first code, immediately accessible since it is written in clear on the packaging, box, bottle or blister, is a code generated and affixed by the producer .

For medical personnel in charge of supplying or monitoring batches of medicines, this is a very useful and reliable means of checking. In addition, as indicated above for the bottles, a second packaging code, not immediately accessible, arranged for example under an opaque scratch-off layer, makes it possible to confirm the origin in the event of doubts. Finally, the second code which is not immediately accessible can be encrypted with revelation under light with particular wavelengths for example or in the form of micro-writing.

Then, a first product code is provided in the individual protection of the product in case the products have undergone a repackaging, which is often the case for distant distributions or for reasons of transport. or for packaging in suitable quantities on the distribution site.

This product code provides additional control.

In this case, the doctor, the pharmacist or simply the person in charge of the supply can check the product immediately before delivery. It is also possible, thanks to the codes, to have references concerning this product such as the expiry date, the dosage or the recommendations. For a more detailed verification, a second product code can be added to the personal protection such as the capsule shell, the ampoule or the sachet.

This second code is not immediately accessible and can be under a masking film. In addition, it can be encrypted and revealed only by suitable means. This second code, in the case of bottles of wine or of medicines, can be a writing appearing visually only under a given light or a micro writing with also a numerical code.

In this case, this digital code can also be generated by the producer at the time of apposition and therefore verified by the consumer using the same algorithm, after decryption.

The affixing of this code in the form of micro-writing, an operation reserved for state printing houses, is an unacceptable obstacle for counterfeiting. In fact, very specific and very delicate means to be implemented are necessary, which are in themselves dissuasive. In addition, as seen above for the bottles, it is possible to combine the first and second codes, both for the packaging and for the products, so that this combination of the two codes is itself random and secret keeping. It is thus possible with the method according to the present invention, to have a tool for traceability but also for authentication and the fight against fraud. It is quite possible to retain only the two codes written in clear and immediately accessible, for example that of the capsule and the label in the case of the bottle of wine. These two codes are generated by an algorithm therefore random. Therefore, on each bottle there is a unique combination of at least two of these random codes, in this case, carried by the capsule and by the label. This is equivalent to the combination of the two cap / capsule codes to allow immediate identification of the product. For authentication, it is necessary to provide, in addition, the cap code or the code on the individual packaging in the case of the drug.

The given applications, bottles of wine and medicines, immediately show interest, but many other fields may be concerned, such as perfumes or agrifood products with very high added value.

Claims

1. Method of traceability and authentication of a product with high added value such as bottled wine with a stopper, a capsule and a label or sensitive as medicines protected in individual protection and in a packaging with a label, characterized in that it includes the following steps: - affixing at least a first identification code (18) written in clear, on the upper face of the cap (10) or on the individual protection of the drug, or on the label, said code being generated by an algorithm held by the producer and capable of being read by this same algorithm, - affixing at least a first identification code (22) and written in clear, on the bottle cap (12) or on the packaging, box, bottle or blister, of the drug, said code being generated by an algorithm owned by the producer and capable of being read by this same algorithm, and - registration with the producer, on any suitable medium, of combinations of pairs of identification codes. 2. A method of traceability and authentication according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following additional steps: - affixing at least a second producer code (20), written in clear, on the side face of the cap (10) or on the individual protection of the drug, said code being generated by an algorithm owned by the producer and capable of be read by this same algorithm, - affixing at least a second producer code (24), written in clear, on the capsule or on the packaging, box, bottle or blister, and - registration with the producer, on any suitable medium, of combinations of pairs of producer codes. 3. A method of traceability and authentication according to claim 2, characterized in that one encrypts the second codes (20,24) producer and / or packaging. 4. A method of traceability and authentication according to claim 3, characterized in that the encryption consists of micro-writing or in information the revelation of which is obtained by specific means. 5. A method of traceability and authentication according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paired combinations of the capsule / cap or packaging / individual protection codes are memorized during bottling or during packaging. 6. A method of traceability and authentication according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a label is placed on the bottle or on the packaging, which comprises at least one code, this code being generated by a algorithm owned by the producer and capable of being read by this same algorithm. 7. A method of traceability and authentication according to claim 6, characterized in that the code or codes carried by said label are encrypted. 8 A method of traceability and authentication according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of wine bottles, an overcap (30) made of heat-shrinkable material is placed on the cap, said cap carrying an opaque pellet allowing the inscription of at least one code (22 ') immediately accessible overcap reported on the upper face of the patch. 9. A method of traceability and authentication according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of loading the algorithm into a controller (28) and making it inaccessible for any reproduction, modification or study, to enter the code read in clear, to do