Abstract: A method and a coding line (128) for serializing a plurality of products in a coding line (128), wherein each product is packed in a cuboid box (114), is disclosed. Herein, the coding line (128) comprises at least one slide (132) and at least one main pusher (130) being adapted for jointly moving the boxes (114) on the slide (132) in a row of the boxes (114) through the coding line (128), wherein the coding line (128) further comprises at least one printing system (118) designed for printing a serial code onto each of the boxes (114), wherein the serial code comprises at least one unique serial number, and at least one camera (120) designed for reading the serial code printed on each of the boxes (114).

Abstract: A method and a coding line (128) for serializing a plurality of products in a coding line (128), wherein each product is packed in a cuboid box (114), is disclosed. Herein, the coding line (128) comprises at least one slide (132) and at least one main pusher (130) being adapted for jointly moving the boxes (114) on the slide (132) in a row of the boxes (114) through the coding line (128), wherein the coding line (128) further comprises at least one printing system (118) designed for printing a serial code onto each of the boxes (114), wherein the serial code comprises at least one unique serial number, and at least one camera (120) designed for reading the serial code printed on each of the boxes (114).

Abstract: A method for serializing products using a barcode and checking authenticity of barcodes. A printing modification introduces an authentication feature into the barcode. Print batch data comprising a batch of serial codes and an individual security rationale for modifying the barcode is provided. A modified barcode is printed using a single serial code out of the range of sequential serial numbers and the assigned individual security rationale to provide the barcode with an authentication feature. To check authenticity of a barcode, an image of the modified barcode is processed and submitted to a central database. Content of the modified barcode is read to decode the serial number. The serial number is used to identify a print batch and individual security rationale. If reconstructed properties of the modified barcode and corresponding original properties of the modified barcode stored in the central database are identical, the barcode is considered an original barcode.

Abstract: A method for serializing products using a barcode and checking authenticity of barcodes. A printing modification introduces an authentication feature into the barcode. Print batch data comprising a batch of serial codes and an individual security rationale for modifying the barcode is provided. A modified barcode is printed using a single serial code out of the range of sequential serial numbers and the assigned individual security rationale to provide the barcode with an authentication feature. To check authenticity of a barcode, an image of the modified barcode is processed and submitted to a central database. Content of the modified barcode is read to decode the serial number. The serial number is used to identify a print batch and individual security rationale. If reconstructed properties of the modified barcode and corresponding original properties of the modified barcode stored in the central database are identical, the barcode is considered an original barcode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proving an integrity status of an outer packaging. The outer packaging covers an item and includes a modification of a foil provided for the outer packaging. A picture of a section of the outer packaging is recorded and a reference to a feature of the modification of the foil is analyzed. The integrity status of the original outer packaging is proved by storing the reference with respect to the original outer packaging for further use, wherein the outer packaging is uniquely identifiable by using the reference. The integrity status of suspect outer packaging is determined by comparing the reference of the suspect outer packaging with the reference of the original outer packaging. This allows using the outer packaging itself to be used for determining its integrity and may, thus, support avoiding a willful tampering or manipulation of the outer packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for authenticating an item wherein a code is assigned to the item and includes a plurality of modules arranged in an ideal image. A barcode is encoded within the modules and a picture of the code is printed onto the item. A picture of the printed code is recorded with a low resolution camera at high speed during the production process from which the barcode content is decoded. Irregularities in the picture are analyzed and a numerical value describing an individual imperfection profile is calculated. The numerical value of the imperfection profile depends on at least one unique feature inherently related to the original printing device. The individual imperfection profile is printed onto the item and/or a database record is generated. To authenticate a suspect item, the imperfection profile of the suspect item is compared with the imperfection profile of the original item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for authenticating an item wherein a code is assigned to the item and includes a plurality of modules arranged in an ideal image. A barcode is encoded within the modules and a picture of the code is printed onto the item. A picture of the printed code is recorded with a low resolution camera at high speed during the production process from which the barcode content is decoded. Irregularities in the picture are analyzed and a numerical value describing an individual imperfection profile is calculated. The numerical value of the imperfection profile depends on at least one unique feature inherently related to the original printing device. The individual imperfection profile is printed onto the item and/or a database record is generated. To authenticate a suspect item, the imperfection profile of the suspect item is compared with the imperfection profile of the original item.