Abstract: A path-based identifier is provided. An entity identifier is generated at an entity of a supply chain and the entity identifier is based on a reliability of the entity of the supply chain at which the entity identifier is generated. In addition, an updated path-based identifier is stored based on a predetermined function, where the entity identifier is an input to the predetermined function.

Abstract: Information from a package is read. An encryption key is generated from the information read from the package. A text unit is encrypted using the encryption key. The encrypted text unit is affixed to the package.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) writer and a target tag within operational range of the RFID writer. The system also includes a processor coupled to the RFID writer and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to prepare a target tag value for the target tag. The target tag value comprises a position vector that identifies a positioning of data fields of the target tag value.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a source point in a supply chain generates a secret and devises a secret sharing scheme that parcels the secret into a number of secret shares. The source point retains at least one secret share, and distributes the remaining secret shares to trusted, intermediate points in the supply chain. The source point then ships a shipment comprising are least one object, and frequently including at least one level of packaging, to a destination point in the supply chain, labeling the object or objects and/or packaging enclosing the object or objects with the retained secret share. Each intermediate point incorporates the secret share obtained by the intermediate point from the source point into the object, packaging enclosing the object, or a label on the object or packaging.

Abstract: A package identifier for a package having at least one sub-package is generated. A package identifier generating function is performed on at least one sub-package identifier of the at least one sub-package to generate the package identifier. In addition, the generated package identifier is stored for use in authentication.

Abstract: In a method of authenticating a package, an origin noise level of the package is determined based upon one or more identifying characteristics, where the origin noise level is a deviation from a normal condition caused by the one or more identifying characteristics. In addition, the package is authenticated based upon the origin noise level of the package.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a source point, or security management entity, within a supply chain labels a shipment to be shipped through the supply chain with numbers, text strings, or other type of label information. Different label information may be placed at each of multiple levels of packaging as well as on objects within the packaging. The source point devises an encryption-key chain via a one-way function, and encrypts combinations of the label information incorporated within the packaging and objects using encryption keys from the encryption-key chain to produce one or more encrypted label tags. The one or more encrypted label tags are affixed to the shipment by the source point, and the shipment is sent into the supply chain for eventual delivery to a destination point. At pre-selected intervals of time, the source point reveals encryption keys within the encryption-key chain.

Abstract: A seal for a package includes a circuit having electrical characteristics that change under mechanical deformation and an attaching material coupled to the circuit and for attaching the circuit to the package. The seal is attached to the package and processed prior to shipping to establish an untampered state for the seal. This includes identifying a circuit on the sealed package according to a seal type associated with the seal, recording one or more characteristics associated with the circuit from the seal and storing the seal type and one or more characteristics associated with the circuit from the seal for later comparison. To detect tampering to the package, the seal type and corresponding seal and circuit for the seal is identified, the characteristics associated with a circuit from the seal are determined and compared with the previous characteristics recorded when the seal was initially applied to the package.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) writer and a target tag within operational range of the RFID writer. The system also includes a processor coupled to the RFID writer and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to prepare a target tag value for the target tag. The target tag value comprises a position vector that identifies a positioning of data fields of the target tag value.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention describe a method of tracking an item, comprising. The items is associated with a tag and capable of responding to a query from a tag reader and tag combination. The tag reader and tag combination capable of identifying the item associated with the tag using a tag reader. In operation, a tag reader makes a request to at least one tag reader and tag combination for the identity of an item associated with a tag. The tag reader and tag combination identifies the item associated with the tag and provides the identity of the item and tag to the tag reader.

Abstract: An indicating device configured to indicate that a package has been opened includes a voltage generator configured to convert a mechanical stress caused by opening of the package into a voltage and a circuit configured to employ the voltage to create a package opened indicator. The device also includes a data storage device configured to store the package opened indicator as electronic data.

Abstract: A path-based identifier is provided. An entity identifier is generated at an entity of a supply chain and the entity identifier is based on a reliability of the entity of the supply chain at which the entity identifier is generated. In addition, an updated path-based identifier is stored based on a predetermined function, where the entity identifier is an input to the predetermined function.

Abstract: A seal for a package includes a circuit having electrical characteristics that change under mechanical deformation and an attaching material coupled to the circuit and for attaching the circuit to the package. The seal is attached to the package and processed prior to shipping to establish an untampered state for the seal. This includes identifying a circuit on the sealed package according to a seal type associated with the seal, recording one or more characteristics associated with the circuit from the seal and storing the seal type and one or more characteristics associated with the circuit from the seal for later comparison. To detect tampering to the package, the seal type and corresponding seal and circuit for the seal is identified, the characteristics associated with a circuit from the seal are determined and compared with the previous characteristics recorded when the seal was initially applied to the package.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a source point in a supply chain generates a secret and devises a secret sharing scheme that parcels the secret into a number of secret shares. The source point retains at least one secret share, and distributes the remaining secret shares to trusted, intermediate points in the supply chain. The source point then ships a shipment comprising are least one object, and frequently including at least one level of packaging, to a destination point in the supply chain, labeling the object or objects and/or packaging enclosing the object or objects with the retained secret share. Each intermediate point incorporates the secret share obtained by the intermediate point from the source point into the object, packaging enclosing the object, or a label on the object or packaging.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a source point, or security management entity, within a supply chain labels a shipment to be shipped through the supply chain with numbers, text strings, or other type of label information. Different label information may be placed at each of multiple levels of packaging as well as on objects within the packaging. The source point devises an encryption-key chain via a one-way function, and encrypts combinations of the label information incorporated within the packaging and objects using encryption keys from the encryption-key chain to produce one or more encrypted label tags. The one or more encrypted label tags are affixed to the shipment by the source point, and the shipment is sent into the supply chain for eventual delivery to a destination point. At pre-selected intervals of time, the source point reveals encryption keys within the encryption-key chain.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention describe a method of introducing items into a distribution network. Before entering items into the distribution network, the item is placed in an identifiable packaging that has an identifier. The identifier associated with the item and packaging is stored in an item identifier database and then the item is distributed into the distribution network. Another aspect of the present invention includes the identification and authentication of the items received from the distribution network. These operations include first receiving the item and corresponding identifier from the distribution network. The identifier associated with the item is read and then cross referenced with the item identifier database. A determination is made whether the identifier associated with the received item matches an entry in item identifier database or not. The item is indicated as authentic when the identifier matches the entry in the item identifier database.

Abstract: Client devices, processor-usable media, data signals embodied in a transmission medium and processor implemented methods are described.

Abstract: An earthquake sensor in which a weight falls from a support surface and activates a switch in the event of an earthquake. The support surface is preferably a bell with its opened end downward and the weight resting on a concave, recessed region at the closed end of the bell. The bell is preferably supported by a shaft along the axis of the bell, the tip of which the bell pivots about like a pendulum. A conductive cylinder encircles the bell near its bottom. When the earth moves, the weight falls down the inclined surface of the bell, wedging between the bell and the cylinder, forcing the bell to pivot over to electrically connect the bell to the cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, the weight electrically connects the bell and the cylinder, and the bell does not pivot.