Abstract:
A method and apparatus for verifying the authenticity of, and detecting tampering with, an item is disclosed. An RFID transponder comprises an antenna resonant circuit which is coupled to an associated integrated circuit when the integrated circuit is positioned proximately to the antenna resonant circuit, thereby enabling the integrated circuit to receive and respond to a radiofrequency query signal. The antenna resonant circuit can be integrated with a capsule or other form of removable packaging, such that it is destroyed upon removal of, or tampering with, the packaging.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/125,519, filed Apr. 25, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the prevention or detection of product counterfeiting or tampering, and more particularly, to an RFID tag that can be applied to an object to indicate tampering with, or counterfeiting of, the object. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many expensive products are subject to tampering or counterfeiting in the marketplace. Wines and high-end spirits are particularly susceptible to such activities, as the goods often have high value, and such tampering or counterfeiting may be difficult to detect. Tampering and counterfeiting can become a significant commercial issue, resulting in loss of revenue, reduced consumer confidence in product quality and authenticity, as well as impairment to brand value. Due to their high cost and reliance on consumer goodwill, wine and spirit products are also particularly sensitive to negative market effects that may be caused by product tampering and counterfeiting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided for verifying the authenticity of an item. The system can be used in connection with an interrogator, which transmits a query in the form of a radio signal, and includes a tamper-resistant transponder, or “tag,” which is attached to the item and responds to the query with a verification signal. The transponder can evidence tampering by virtue of its construction. The transponder includes two components: an antenna circuit, and an associated transponder integrated circuit such as an RFID integrated circuit (“RFID IC”). The antenna circuit and RFID IC are coupled to one another through electro-magnetic coupling rather than by direct connection. The electromagnetic coupling is achieved through close physical proximity between the two components. The two components can be incorporated into different parts of the item, such that they are in close proximity when the item is sealed, but are separated on opening, preferably with one or both being destroyed by the opening process. Destruction of either component of the transponder, or simply separating the two components, can result in disabling of the transponder. 
         [0005]    The antenna circuit is designed to resonate in response to a radio frequency signal from an interrogator, such that it can reproduce the radio frequency signal. The antenna circuit includes a coupling element, either inductive or capacitive, which is designed to be brought in close proximity to the transponder integrated circuit. The transponder integrated circuit has an integral resonant circuit designed to couple to the antenna circuit when they are in close proximity. 
         [0006]    The integrated circuit generates a verification signal in response to signal passed through the antenna circuit from the interrogator. The verification signal can convey a security code, which is stored in digital memory within the RFID integrated circuit. The security code may optionally be uniquely associated with the item. The authenticity of the item can be verified via analysis of the security code. 
         [0007]    When used in the context of packaging for a wine, a wine closure, such as natural or synthetic cork, can be employed, having the integrated circuit affixed to one end. The intermediate antenna resonant circuit can then be affixed to a closure cover, which is placed over the wine closure, such that the antenna resonant circuit is positioned proximate the RFID integrated circuit. 
         [0008]    The integrated circuit digital memory can further contain product information, which can be conveyed via the verification signal. The verification signal can then be received and decoded by an RFID interrogator, such as a cellular telephone or handheld device. Information conveyed within the verification signal can be decoded and displayed to a user of the RFID interrogator. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the security code corresponding to an item can be separately stored in a database. The database may be provided with a communications link to the RFID interrogator. The database can be queried to further verify the authenticity of the item through verification of the security code. In some embodiments, the database can be implemented within the RFID interrogator. The database can be periodically updated with new information through communications with a secondary remote database. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the security code can be stored within the integrated circuit digital memory in an encrypted format. An encryption key can then be provided in the query signal. Upon receiving the query signal, the integrated circuit verifies whether the provided encryption key operates to decrypt the stored security code. The verification signal can be generated if, and only if, the encryption key operates to properly decrypt the security code. 
         [0011]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a prior art bottle and closure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of a prior art bottle and closure, having a protective capsule enclosing the closure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, partial cutaway diagrammatic view of a stopper and capsule in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an inverted partial cutaway diagrammatic view of the capsule; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view of the capsule surrounding a bottle neck and closure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of a system for verifying the authenticity of an item; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating a method for programming an RFID IC; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for verifying the authenticity of an item; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating a second embodiment of a method for verifying the authenticity of an item; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view of a capsule and bottle closure, in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a bottle closure, in accordance with another embodiment; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a partial cutaway diagrammatic view of a bottle, bottle closure and capsule, in accordance with another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there are shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more presently preferred embodiments. of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0025]    Radiofrequency identification (“RFID”) tags are becoming increasingly popular as tag manufacturing costs are reduced and the technology for implementing RFID systems becomes more widespread and economical. RFID tags typically include a resonant circuit which resonates in response to exposure to a compatible electromagnetic signal. The signal from the resonant circuit can be conveyed to an integrated circuit via direct connection or electro-magnetically, through inductive or capacitive coupling. Upon detection of the conveyed signal, the integrated circuit responds by transmitting a responsive electromagnetic signal, which may contain encoded information. The encoded information can reflect information corresponding to the item to which the RFID tag is attached, a unique security code, or other information. 
         [0026]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an RFID device can be beneficially employed for inhibiting counterfeiting of and/or tampering with, a product. One example of such an application is in the context of wine bottles.  FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional wine bottle closure, in which stopper  110  is inserted into a neck portion of bottle  100 . Stopper  110  has been traditionally made of cork, although non-cork substitute materials are becoming increasingly commonplace. In such conventional wine bottle packaging, the neck portion of bottle  100  is then covered with capsule  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Historically, capsule  200  has often been fabricated from lead foil. More recently, aluminum foil or sheet or polymer materials have been employed. In any event, capsule  200  operates to ensure that stopper  110  remains secured inside the neck of bottle  100  and provides additional protection for the closure. 
         [0027]    In some circumstances, it may be difficult to detect or prevent tampering with wine, spirits or other materials that are packaged in bottles that are sealed with closures such as the closure of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Capsule  200  and stopper  110  can be removed to exchange, dilute or otherwise tamper with the contents of bottle  100 . Stopper  110  can then be reinserted into the neck portion of bottle  100 , or replaced with a counterfeit stopper. Counterfeit stoppers can be readily fabricated to resemble the original stopper. Alternatively, even if the counterfeit stopper differs in appearance, many consumers may not be aware of the differences in appearance, and in any event, the stopper often will not be viewed until well after bottle  100  is purchased. Once a stopper is reinserted, a counterfeit replacement capsule can be applied. Since stoppers and capsules are often fabricated from common, readily-available materials, the burden of producing counterfeit stoppers and/or capsules may be relatively low. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment in which an RFID device is implemented through interaction of stopper  300  and its surrounding capsule  320  (illustrated in partial cutaway view). In particular, stopper  300  includes RFID integrated circuit (“RFID IC”)  310  mounted on its top end. In the illustrated embodiment, RFID IC  310  is a passive RFID device, which responds to a coded electromagnetic signal by emitting a responsive electromagnetic signal. While RFID IC  310  is described herein as an “integrated circuit”, it is understood that in some embodiments, the structure referred to as RFID IC  310  may include additional components such as resistive or capacitive structures, or discrete resonant structures, although such additional components will preferably be implemented with an integrated circuit on a common substrate. 
         [0029]    Passive RFID ICs can be associated with a resonant structure which increases the efficiency with which electromagnetic signals are received. In some instances, such resonant structures are directly connected to the RFID IC to conduct the received electromagnetic energy to the RFID IC. Alternatively, a resonant structure can be coupled to the RFID IC indirectly. In this case, the electromagnetic signal received from the interrogator induces a current in the intermediate, antenna resonant structure. This current passes through a portion of the structure which is coupled wirelessly, either inductively or capacitively, to another resonant structure integrated within or connected to the RFID IC, thereby inducing a current in that secondary, integrated resonant structure. Embodiments of such devices, having intermediate antenna resonant structures, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,693, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0030]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , RFID IC  310  is capable of interaction with a resonant structure implemented on or within capsule  320 . Resonant structure  330  is implemented on the underside of the top surface of capsule  320 , as further illustrated in the inverted partial cutaway view of capsule  320  provided by  FIG. 4 . While resonant structure  330  is attached to the underside of capsule  320  in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it is understood that other placements of resonant structure  330  can also be used. For example, in embodiments in which capsule  320  is formed from a multi-layer sheet media substrate, resonant structure  330  can be embedded between two or more layers of material from which the capsule is formed. 
         [0031]    Various structures can be used to implement resonant structure  330 . In some embodiments, resonant structure  330  can be formed through deposition of conductive ink onto capsule  320 . In other embodiments, resonant structure  330  can be pre-formed from conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, deposited on a non-conductive substrate, and formed into a resonant structure via a chemical or physical etching process. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  depicts apparatus  500 , which includes capsule  320  mounted over the neck of bottle  100 , such that it covers stopper  300 . A variety of techniques can be employed to achieve mounting of capsule  320  onto bottle  100 . The capsule application technique may depend upon the composition of the capsule. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, capsule  320  can be formed from a sheet-stock polymer material which contracts around the neck of bottle  100  upon application of heat, sometimes referred to as a shrink-wrap process. 
         [0033]    When capsule  320  is positioned over the neck of bottle  100 , RFID IC  310  is physically situated near resonant structure  330 , such that RFID IC  310  and resonant structure  330  are electromagnetically coupled. In accordance with one possible application of apparatus  500 , RFID IC  310  can then be programmed via the operation illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In step  710 , RFID IC  310  is first programmed with a security code. In the illustrated method, the security code uniquely corresponds to apparatus  500 , and is stored on digital memory within RFID IC  310 . A coded electromagnetic signal is coupled to resonant structure  330 , which, in turn, resonates to emit a secondary signal. The secondary signal is received by RFID IC  310  through coupling to an integral resonant circuit within RFID IC  310 , and decoded. RFID IC  310  then stores the security code data within integrated non-volatile digital memory. 
         [0034]    In step  720 , the security code is stored separately in a database, which is preferably maintained by a third party, such as the manufacturer of apparatus  500  or an independent authentication service provider. The security code can be correlated within the database to product information corresponding to apparatus  500 . In the case of a wine bottle, the product information may include the type of wine, its vintage, vintner name, historical information concerning the vineyard from which the wine was produced, information concerning the bottler, tasting notes, ratings, suggested foods to pair with the wine, and other information. In some applications, the database can also be periodically populated with additional information describing each sale of the product corresponding to the security code, thus providing a record of chain of title for the product. The product information stored in the database can later be recalled from the database by referencing the product security code. Accordingly, the product information recalled from the database can be subsequently compared against apparatus  500  itself to confirm the authenticity of the product. 
         [0035]    Finally, in step  730 , RFID IC  310  is optionally programmed with some or all of the product information data directly, which is stored in digital non-volatile memory within RFID IC  310 . By storing the product information data directly within RFID IC  310 , apparatus  500  can be interrogated locally by an RFID-enabled device to recall the product information without requiring communication connectivity with the database. Once RFID IC  310  has been programmed, the product is sold and/or distributed (step  740 ). 
         [0036]    In use, the information stored within RFID IC  310  can be used to verify the authenticity of apparatus  500 , and/or to provide additional information, such as information which may be useful to consumers at, e.g., the point of purchase. For example,  FIG. 6  depicts and environment in which the present system can be utilized.  FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a method through which the system of  FIG. 6  can be utilized. Specifically, in step  800 , an RFID query signal is transmitted from RFID interrogator  610  to apparatus  500 . The RFID query signal has characteristics, such as amplitude and frequency, which are tuned to cause a response in resonant structure  330  within apparatus  500 . 
         [0037]    It is contemplated that RFID interrogator  610  could be implemented using a variety of devices. For example, in some embodiments, RFID interrogator  610  may be a cellular telephone having an RFID near field communication feature. In other embodiments, RFID interrogator  610  could be an application-specific hardware device provided by a retailer near the point of purchase. In any event, the RFID query signal causes resonant structure  330  to respond by emitting a secondary signal, which induces a response in a secondary resonant structure integral within RFID IC  310 . 
         [0038]    In step  810 , apparatus  500  responds by emitting a response signal. The response signal may be encoded with the security code, and optionally, product information. In step  820 , the response signal is received by RFID interrogator  610  and decoded. Product information can be presented to a customer or other user of RFID interrogator  610  via an electronic display provided thereby. Thus, the product information can be used to assist a potential customer in a decision as to whether to purchase a product. Additionally, the product information can provide an additional level of authenticity verification, as the user can verify whether the product information programmed into the RFID IC corresponds to the actual product to which the RFID IC has been attached. 
         [0039]    Once the security code has been received by RFID interrogator  610 , it can be used to further verify the authenticity of apparatus  500  (step  830 ). For example, RFID interrogator  610  can transmit a query to database  640  via wireless data network  620  and Internet  630 . Database  640  responds by returning verification information to RFID interrogator  610 , via Internet  630  and wireless data network  620 . The verification information can include an indication as to whether the security code is valid. The verification information may also include a description of the product to which the security code was originally assigned, so that the recipient can compare the product description to the actual product from which the security code was queried. Database  640  may also provide product information corresponding to the product with which the security code was originally associated. The product information provided by database  640  can be used in lieu of storing product information within RFID IC  310 , or it may supplement product information that is stored within RFID IC  310 . 
         [0040]    Finally, in step  840 , RFID interrogator  610  displays information indicative of the authenticity of, and/or otherwise descriptive of, apparatus  500 . For example, RFID interrogator  610  can display an indication as to whether the detected security code is valid within database  640 . RFID interrogator  610  may also display a description of the product with which the security code was originally associated, to facilitate a determination as to whether the product has been substituted, altered or tampered with. 
         [0041]    In accordance with another embodiment, in some applications it may be desirable to limit access to information stored within the tag to authorized individuals, thus further inhibiting unauthorized duplication of the product.  FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of such an operation. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , implemented via the apparatus of  FIG. 6 , the security code stored within RFID IC  310  is encrypted data prior to distribution of apparatus  500 , to which RFID IC  310  is attached. In step  900 , a query signal is transmitted from RFID interrogator  610  to apparatus  500 . 
         [0042]    In step  910 , RFID IC  310  decodes data conveyed by the query signal, towards extracting an encryption key. The encryption key is tested in step  920 , such as through application of the key to the encrypted security code. If the query signal does not contain the correct encryption key, then RFID IC  310  provides no further response,  930 . If the query signal does convey the correct encryption key, then RFID IC  310  emits a response signal, step  940 . The response signal may contain the decrypted security code, product information, or other data stored within RFID IC  310 . In step  950 , the response signal is received by RFID interrogator  610 , decoded, and displayed. 
         [0043]    By limiting the transmission of data from RFID IC  310  to queries from authorized users, prospective counterfeiters are further inhibited from recovering data from RFID IC  310  and applying it to a counterfeit product. 
         [0044]    While  FIGS. 3-5  illustrate one embodiment of intermediate and integral resonant structures positioned at the end of a cork or stopper-type closure, is understood that other configurations can be readily employed for different applications. The size, shape and orientation of the resonant structures can vary depending upon required closure or package type, electromagnetic signal frequency, interrogator technology, or other design criteria. For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment, still in the context of a wine bottle application, in which an enlarged resonant structure  1030  is provided on or within capsule  1020 . Resonant structure  1030  spans multiple surfaces of capsule  1020 , potentially providing enhanced coupling of signal energy to RFID IC  310  in certain circumstances. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a further embodiment, having an alternative bottle closure  1100 . Bottle closure  1100  includes RFID IC  310 , positioned within recessed area  1110  on the top surface of closure  1100 . Recessed area  1110  is surrounded by shoulder portion  1120 , which can act to protect RFID IC  310  from impact or damage.  FIG. 12  illustrates bottle closure  1100 , inserted into the open neck of bottle  100 . Closure  1100  and bottle neck  100  are covered with polylaminate capsule  1210 . Resonant circuit  1200  is attached to the underside of polylaminate capsule  1210 , proximate to RFID IC  310 , to enable capacitive or inductive coupling between RFID IC  310  and resonant circuit  1200 . 
         [0046]    In addition to security and authenticity verification enabled through communications with data stored on RFID IC and elsewhere, tampering and/or counterfeiting is further discouraged in the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-12  by the implementation of an antenna resonant circuit in the capsule to enable wireless communications with the RFID IC. After their initial application to a container closure, capsules such as capsules  320 ,  1020  and  1210  are frangible such that they are typically cut, torn, stretched or otherwise damaged during the process of their removal. Preferably, the antenna structure is formed in a manner that promotes its destruction upon removal of the capsule. For example, the antenna structure may be formed through application of a conductive ink that provides little or no structure integrity upon deformation or cutting of the capsule material to which it is applied. The antenna structure can also be applied over a seam, tear tab, perforation or other line of weakening formed in the capsule material, such that the antenna structure is more likely to be severed during removal of the capsule. 
         [0047]    If the original capsule is subsequently reapplied, tampering will be evident due to the damage incurred during the prior removal of that capsule. If the removed capsule is replaced with a new capsule of conventional construction, lacking a properly-configured antenna resonant circuit, wireless communications with the associated RFID IC will be prevented. This disabling of RFID functionality can likewise reveal the occurrence of tampering. A supply of closure capsules having a properly-matched and correctly-positioned integrated resonant circuit may be unavailable to many prospective counterfeiters. 
         [0048]    While certain embodiments are illustrated in the context of packaging for wine or spirits, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention described herein are readily applicable to other types of items and/or packaging for items. For example, an antenna resonant structure can be readily applied to plastic shrink wrap or other types of packaging that must be removed before accessing the item to which the shrink wrap or other packaging is applied. Moreover, other aspects described herein, such as the authenticity verification and remote database functionality, can be readily applied in a variety of contexts, regardless of whether the RFID transponder is implemented using the two-part construction described herein. From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous other modifications and variations can be affected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.