Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labelled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to selectively restrict payment transactions. In one aspect, a system includes: a data storage facility to store restriction data in association with a phone number; and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with mobile controllers. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. In response to a payment request identifying the phone number and a merchant, the common format processor determines whether to reject the payment request based at least in part on the restriction data and the identity of the merchant. If the request is not rejected, the common format processor uses one of the converters to communicate with a telephonic apparatus at the phone number to confirm the payment request.

Abstract: A counterfeit detection system may include a memory storing a module comprising machine readable instructions to determine a X-identification (XID) associated with a product. The XID may include an unencrypted component and/or an encrypted component associated with a parameter associated with the product. The machine readable instructions may further include selecting one or more validation rules, from a plurality of validation rules, to select one or more validation techniques from a plurality of validation techniques used to determine an authenticity of the product. The machine readable instructions may further include using the one or more selected validation techniques to determine the authenticity of the product based on the XID associated with the product. The counterfeit detection system may include a processor to implement the module.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit method and system using the identity codes and marks of both products and merchants for authenticating goods are disclosed, where a client apparatus acquires identity codes via their marks of both a merchant and its plurality of products and sends codes to an authentication server. The server compares the codes in the client request with the codes in its database. The match result together with the detail merchant description and status is sent back to the client apparatus as the indication of authenticity of the products and the merchant at the point of sale.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and method for confining content. A digital receipt is generated in response to a request for content. An identifier associated with the remote device sending the request is included in the digital receipt such that use of the content is confined to the remote device.

Abstract: A method for labeling an object such as a biological sample, including printing at least two different light-emitting species onto a substrate which are capable of displaying a unique optical signature when excited; and externally attaching the object to the printed at least two different light-emitting species.

Abstract: A fraud detection system and method uses unique indicators for detecting fraud that extend beyond traditional transaction-based indicators. These unique indicators may include environmental information about a customer or a transaction. Such indicators may be used to identify fraud events based on computer-executable instructions that evaluate fraud risk. Further, an improved fraud detection system may include a learning component with a feedback loop. Also, authenticating and other information may be directed to the system for updating indicating data, fraud models, and risk assessments.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for generating a record (R1-R1) corresponding to the validity of a proof of purchase including obtaining (98) product data elements (31-37) by a camera (24), a keyboard (28) or near-field communication through a mobile device (1), determining (99) contextual information of the mobile device (1) such as its geolocalization, transmitting (100, 101) product data elements (31-37) and contextual information to a server (2), determining (102) on the server (2) from the contextual information and the product data element (31-37) whether the proof of purchase is valid and generating (107) a record (R1-RI) corresponding a valid proof of purchase.

Abstract: An approach provides detection of unauthorized use of data services. The number of data calls for access to a data network is tracked over a predetermined time period, and the cumulative duration of the data calls is determined. Thereafter, a determination is made as to whether the number of the data calls and the cumulative duration satisfy, respectively, a first threshold and a second threshold. A potential fraudulent use of the account is determined, if the thresholds are satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a commodity carrying out device that can reliably carry out a vertically-long shaped commodity in an upright state from a commodity storage column to a bucket. More specifically, since a commodity positioned at the front end side of a commodity storage column is tilted forward to be moved into a bucket, when moving a vertically-long shaped commodity in an upright state into a bucket, it is possible to move the commodity without the commodity toppling backwards. Thus, the commodity can be reliably moved into the bucket.

Abstract: The publishing system and method automates at least some portion of a publishing process. The system publishes content using metadata, rights templates and/or specifications, publishing profiles and business rules.

Abstract: A method for selling genuine goods by a barcode and network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) generating a barcode for a product; b) attaching the barcode on the product and registering the barcode and the product in a server; c) a retailer updating the server to render the product sellable by reading and sending the barcode; d) a customer reading the barcode and sending to the server for verifying the product; e) the server answering if the product is genuine or not; f) informing the customer not to buy the product when the product is not genuine; g) informing the customer the product is OK when the product is genuine; and h) the retailer updating the server to render the product unsellable when the product has been sold.

Abstract: A method of tracking and tracing tablets, in particular pharmaceutical tablets, includes reading, i.e. detecting, code structure from the tablet, reading additional information from the package on an information sheet, and then comparing the readings to verify authenticity. The code structure may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The detected code may further be compared with information stored in a database.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting and mitigating fraud in a distributed monitoring system which includes fixed-location monitoring and communication devices. According to one aspect, a method for detecting and mitigating fraud includes receiving a signaling message that originates or appears to originate from a wireless communication device that is associated with a fixed-location management system that performs at least one of monitoring and control of a resource, wherein the wireless communication device is responsible for communicating information generated by the management system over a network. The method further includes determining whether the signaling message indicates an expected location of the wireless communication device and in response to a determination that the signaling message does not indicate an expected location of the wireless communication device, initiating a mitigating action.

Abstract: A method of delivering digital content for use on an electronic cutting machine. The method includes displaying at least one themed project in a rich internet application, where the themed project has at least one glyph of a glyph collection. The method further includes providing access to the rich internet application over a network and offering purchased access to the glyph collection. Any glyphs of the glyph collection can be added to the themed project. The themed project is cuttable on an electronic cutting machine in communication with the rich internet application.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to enable users to assess the legitimacy of an alleged transportation provider. In an embodiment, a method for assessing the legitimacy of a transportation provider comprises retrieving from a user information relating to an alleged transportation provider. The system then accesses information relating to the alleged transportation provider. The system then assesses whether the alleged transportation provider is a legitimate transportation provider. Next, the system flags the alleged trasportation provider as legitimate or illegitimate. The system then transmits to the user information relating to the legitimacy of the alleged transportation provider. The system can provide crime insurance and other services to users based on the assessment of the legitimacy of the transport of choice and user stated preferences.

Abstract: A transaction security code database and a method and apparatus for generating the transaction security code database. The transaction security code database is comprised of multiple transaction security codes, each transaction security code constituting a transaction code generated based upon a transaction initiated by a user, which is appended to or linked to a security code which is based upon a biometric sensor code generated by a biometric sensor from a biometric presentation of a biometric feature of the user.

Abstract: A counterfeit product detection method and system for detecting whether a product is genuine or counterfeit. The method allows a consumer to check whether a product is authentic or counterfeit by way of using a sequential serial number assigned to the particular product by the manufacturer of the product. Alternatively, the authenticity of the product can be verified at the point of purchase at the retailer or over the telephone by way of the sequential serial number. The method provides a way for a manufacturer's recall to reach the consumers who purchase the product. There is also a RFID tag product verification method and system provided that allows consumers to verify the authenticity of a product based on the RFID tag that is adhered to the product and/or part of the product packaging. A two dimensional barcode verification product verification method and system is also provided.

Abstract: A managed service for the detection of fraud and/or anomalous transactions is disclosed. In one implementation, the managed service receives data from customers over a wide area network, the data for each customer relating to information that the customer would like monitored for anomalous transactions. The service may analyze data from the customers based on Benford's law to detect potential anomalous transactions in the data from the customers. The managed service may further report occurrences of detected potential anomalous transactions to the customer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for embedding and authenticating ancillary information in digitally signed content are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating an identity of an object being tracked while traversing a supply chain, which includes an interface communicating with object custodians in the supply chain using a standard protocol in which event tracking information for the object is stored when any one of the object custodians reports a predefined event for the object. The system and method also include a repository storing authentication data to authenticate the event tracking information for the object, the event tracking information including a first object identifier and a second object identifier, the second object identifier being independently authenticated from the first object identifier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to constructing an Object Analytic Record (OAR) that may be used to store data from one or more sequential chains. Analytics may be performed on data in the OAR to generate ratings for one or more components of a supply chain or the supply chain itself. Analytics may also be performed on the OAR to provide a certification for a supply chain or for a supply chain components and products.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an advocate system to facilitate automated online presence verification for different entities on behalf of the entities. The advocate system places service providers on notice that profiles and information hosted by them and that form the online presence for a particular entity should first be verified with that particular entity. The advocate system further facilitates online presence verification by 1) directly or indirectly connecting the service providers that are placed on notice with the appropriate authoritative entities to facilitate the verification of the profiles and information, 2) selectively targeting service providers hosting profiles and information that are unverified, 3) automatedly verifying hosted profiles and information based on a verified profile lists and verified information that authoritative entities provide to a central repository.

Abstract: The present invention describes a biomedical track-and-trace solution based on unique item-level QR codes printed on product packaging and encoding unique URLs to enable granular, item-level product management. In some embodiments of the invention, the information presented to users who access these unique URLs is tailored based on the role of the user in the supply chain. Embodiments of the invention may be used for the purposes of item authentication, anti-counterfeiting measures, product recall management, and the efficient distribution of supplementary product information.

Abstract: A device management apparatus for managing a device includes a contract information acquiring unit configured to acquire contract information on the device; a status information acquiring unit configured to acquire status information indicating a status of the device; a checking unit configured to check whether the status of the device complies with a content of a contract based on the contract information and the status information; a generating unit configured to generate status history information in which a check result obtained by the checking unit is associated with the status information; and an output unit configured to output the status history information.

Abstract: Detection and deterrence of device tampering and subversion may be achieved by including a cryptographic fingerprint unit within a hardware device for authenticating a binding of the hardware device and a physical structure. The cryptographic fingerprint unit includes an internal physically unclonable function (“PUF”) circuit disposed in or on the hardware device, which generate an internal PUF value. Binding logic is coupled to receive the internal PUF value, as well as an external PUF value associated with the physical structure, and generates a binding PUF value, which represents the binding of the hardware device and the physical structure. The cryptographic fingerprint unit also includes a cryptographic unit that uses the binding PUF value to allow a challenger to authenticate the binding.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to incorporating a plurality of nanoparticles with a physical structure of an object. The object is transportable via locations associated with a chain of supply. Some embodiments are further directed to writing charges to modifiable portions of the plurality of nanoparticles incorporated with the physical structure of the object. Some embodiments are further directed to configuring the charges on the modifiable portions of the plurality of nanoparticles as data. The data describes one or more characteristics of the object and components of the object. The data is accessible via the locations associated with the chain of supply.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding and controlled authentication of security documents, ID cards, tickets and products and the like is described which can provide a secure means to determine them to be authentic. The method involves encoding the surface of the said security documents or ID cards or tickets and the like with of a pair of identity components comprising a pair of unique numbers, or a combination of a uniquely encoded image and a unique number, or a combination of a unique barcode and a unique number, or a combination of encoded images. The pair of identity components together comprise a challenge response pair and are related such that one component of the pair, the response, is a mathematical derivative of the other component, the challenge. A processing module determines the response by processing the challenge using complex mathematical functions such as one-way mathematical functions.

Abstract: Examples to prevent the return of a printed medium and to authorize access to supplemental material to a printed medium upon resale of the printed medium are described. An example method of preventing the return of a printed medium including a product identification code and a unique identification code includes verifying the authenticity of the unique identification code against a database of genuine unique identification codes. The product identification code identifies a type of printed medium, and the unique identification code is associated with the printed medium and not associated with other printed media having the same product identification code. The example method also includes providing a clearance status based on the verification, which authorizes the return of the printed medium when the unique identification code is valid and denies the return of the printed medium when the unique identification code is invalid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for inspecting commodities and providing an evaluation proposal in real-time in an integrated information management system are disclosed herein. The method includes configuring (110) one or more events recorded in the inspection system as an inspection trigger. The inspection trigger is set-off (120) in response to recording at least one event of the one or more events. Further the method includes generating (130) an inspection template, by a processor of the computer, in response to the inspection trigger. The inspection template is then rendered (140) on an inspection device within the information management system. Further, the method includes extracting (150) inspection data from the inspection template and providing an evaluation proposal based on analyzing (160) the inspection data.

Abstract: A fraud detection engine is provided that analyzes transactions for fraudulent transactions. The transactions may include credit card or debit card transactions. The fraud detection engine may identify possible sources of fraud. The fraud detection engine may identify possible phony acceptors that masquerade as genuine merchants. The fraud detection engine may identify compromising points where accounts become compromised and are prone to fraudulent transactions thereafter. The fraud detection engine may receive and analyze transaction data in real-time or in batch mode. The fraud detection engine may use fuzzy logic. The fraud detection engine may use artificial intelligence such as case-based reasoning or business rules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing enhanced product information is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving consumer product identification information relating to the consumer product from an electronic tag co-located with the consumer product, sending an information request to a remote server, the information request comprising the consumer product identification information, receiving the enhanced product information from the remote server, the enhanced product information comprising information relating to the consumer product, and displaying the enhanced product information on an electronic display.

Abstract: A denominated authenticating royalty collection and enforcement system and process. The invention includes a data generation process including creation and assignment of a plurality of product category values. A process is provided to manufacture anti-fraud tags for merchandise. One or more merchandise vendors for the merchandise are licensed under the process. Royalties are collected from the licensed merchandise vendors. The process includes the steps of supplying secure tags and authenticating the supply of the secure tags. Additionally, a procedure is provided for the public, licensees, licensor and others to visually authenticate that an appropriate royalty has been paid for a particular product or products.

Abstract: Promoting a candidate content item included in a plurality of content items is disclosed. A plurality of user reputation scores is received. For the candidate content item in the plurality of candidate content items, a content reputation score is determined based at least in part on a portion of the received user reputation scores. A determination of whether to promote the candidate content item is made based at least in part on the content reputation score and a dynamically adjusted threshold. The candidate content item is promoted if it is determined that the candidate content item should be promoted.

Abstract: Promoting a candidate content item included in a plurality of content items is disclosed. A plurality of user reputation scores is received. For the candidate content item in the plurality of candidate content items, a content reputation score is determined based at least in part on a portion of the received user reputation scores. A determination of whether to promote the candidate content item is made based at least in part on the content reputation score. The candidate content item is promoted if it is determined that the candidate content item should be promoted.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for authentication of an item or a label by storing unique random serial numbers or codes in a remote secure storage that can be used to authenticate the item or the label, generating a pointer to each stored unique random serial number/code and storing the generated pointer(s) in a client data storage. During or prior to a production run of the item(s) or label(s): the generated pointer(s) are sent from the client data storage to one or more media devices, the generated pointer(s) are obtained from the media device using a post-content manager, the unique random serial number(s)/code(s) are obtained from the server via the post-content manager using the generated pointer(s), the obtained unique random serial number(s)/code(s) are sent to the media device, and the received unique random serial number(s)/code(s) are imprinted on the item(s) or the label(s) using the media device.

Abstract: A method of modeling includes quantifying a co-operative strength value for a plurality of pairs of variables, and identifying a clique of at least three variables based on a graph of the co-operative strength values of a plurality of pairs of variables. The method also includes selecting a first pair of variables of the plurality of pairs of variables having a high co-operative strength value. A second clique may also be identified. A model of the first clique and a model of the second clique are made. The outputs of these models are combined to form a combined model which is used to make various decisions with respect to real time data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable computing device to retrieve agricultural certification information. In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises a hand-held device including a display and one or more input devices to sense product identification indicia associated with or affixed to a food product that is grown or raised in an agricultural operation, the product identification indicia comprising at least a universal product code for the food product. The hand-held device includes at least one processor to determine a machine-readable identification code from the product identification indicia; send the identification code to at least one remote server; receive, from the at least one remote server, agricultural certification information that is associated with the product, the certification information being associated with the product using the machine-readable identification code; and display the certification information on the display in human readable form.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to incorporating a plurality of nanoparticles with a physical structure of an object. The object is transportable via locations associated with a chain of supply. Some embodiments are further directed to writing charges to modifiable portions of the plurality of nanoparticles incorporated with the physical structure of the object. Some embodiments are further directed to configuring the charges on the modifiable portions of the plurality of nanoparticles as data. The data describes one or more characteristics of the object and components of the object. The data is accessible via the locations associated with the chain of supply.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to incorporating one or more nanoprocessors to one or more physical structures of one or more components of a product. The product is transportable via a chain of supply. Some embodiments are further directed to configuring the one or more nanoprocessors to store data that describes characteristics of the one or more components, the product, and/or the chain of supply. Some embodiments are further directed configuring the one or more nanoprocessors to transmit one or more signals that contain the data.

Abstract: A food product management system comprises a database configured to store data describing a plurality of relationships, each of the plurality of relationships defining a relationship between a producer, a food product, and a combination of stable isotopes, the food products being associated with the combinations of the stable isotopes that are different from producer to producer; a terminal device configured to receive results of an analysis of the combination of stable isotopes contained in one of the food products; and a management computer operatively connected to the database and the terminal device, and configured to receive the results of the analysis from the terminal device and to identify the producer of the one of the food products with reference to the database based on the results of the analysis.

Abstract: A system for verifying the authenticity of an item. At least one cellular telephone has an image recorder, a receiver and a transmitter. A cellular telephone network receives a recorded image transmitted by the cellular telephone and forwards the recorded image to at least one remote server. An image-recognition device is accessible to the remote server, the image recognition device being configured to decode a latent image embedded within the recorded image and to generate a dataset corresponding to the latent image. A processor accessible to the remote server generates a response corresponding to the dataset and indicating the authenticity status of the item, the response being forwarded from the remote server to the receiver of the cellular telephone by means of the cellular telephone network.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating verification of ownership of a first jewelry-related item are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the method includes receiving at a central terminal, from a mobile device via an internet-type communications medium, a certificate number associated with a first certificate corresponding to the first jewelry-related item, where the central terminal is at least one of operated and controlled by an entity that provides guarantees or warranties in relation to a plurality of certificates that respectively pertain to respective jewelry items, the plurality of certificates including the first certificate. The method additionally includes searching a database associated with the central terminal for ownership data pertaining to the first jewelry-related item, and sending the ownership data from the central terminal for receipt by the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method are described for creating photo stories using video. The method includes receiving a user request to upload a user-specified video stream; determining whether the video stream meets one or more predetermined requirements, uploading the video stream; analyzing the video stream to select video frames for extraction based on a set of predetermined frame selection criteria; extracting the selected video frames from the video image; selecting a story book template to be used with the video images; and generating a preview of the story book template with the video images within a graphical user interface (GUI), the user editing the story book template with text and/or moving or modifying the video frames within the preview.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method, comprising: (a) maintaining a database of known fraudsters, wherein each fraudster has a voice signature and metadata associated therewith; (b) performing a screening operation to match a candidate with a fraudster in the database based on matching a voice signature and metadata for the candidate with a voice signature and metadata for the fraudster in the database.

Abstract: A counterfeit product detection method and system for detecting whether a product is genuine or counterfeit. The method allows a consumer to check whether a product is authentic or counterfeit by way of using a sequential serial number assigned to the particular product by the manufacturer of the product. Alternatively, the authenticity of the product can be verified at the point of purchase at the retailer or over the telephone by way of the sequential serial number. The method provides a way for a manufacturer's recall to reach the consumers who purchase the product.

Abstract: Methods of allowing a customer to access information related to an order of a commodity include entering the information into a central database, updating a content of a web-based application with the information within the central database, and allowing the customer to access the information via the web-based application. Systems for allowing a customer to access information related to an order of a commodity include a server configured to store the information in a central database, one or more terminals having one or more applications configured to enter the information into the central database, and a web-based application configured to allow the customer to access the information within the central database.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting method associates the first code with an article to be authenticated to identify the article, and associates a second code with the first code as a confirmation code to verify the first code. Both the first code and the second code are reproduced on the article. The reproduced first code is overt code while the reproduced second code is covert and concealed from normal viewing by a concealment means such as a scratch-off material. An authorized person (e.g., a consumer) is allowed to conditionally remove the concealment to reveal the covert code. The first code and the revealed second code are used to verify the authenticity of the product with a verification center. During the verification, the first code identifies the article, while the second code verifies the first code to test the authenticity of the associated article.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting method assigns a product code to a product, and reproduces the product code on the product. The reproduced product code has at least an overt code and a covert code. At normal conditions, the overt code is visible but the covert code is concealed from viewing by a concealment means such as a scratch-off material. A consumer is allowed to conditionally remove the concealment means to reveal the covert code, and send the overt code and the revealed covert code to a verification center to verify the authenticity of the product. At least the complete product code is large enough to identify the product, while the covert code is just large enough to discourage counterfeiting yet at the same time small enough to make it easy for the consumer to uncover.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computerized method and system for tracking consumer replaceable units (CRU) used in products such as printing systems. In the method the CRUM ID and destination of the consumable is retrieved on shipment from a supplier. When the consumer replaceable unit is installed in a device such as printing system, the device reports the installation back to a management application. The management application then proceeds to authorize the consumable for the reporting printing system, offer to transfer ownership, or when the printing system is not a managed device then offers a customer the option of being billed for the consumable. The management application has the option of disabling printing with customer replaceable unit when reassignment or intent to purchase is not available. When the consumable is returned the management application can ascertain if the customer replaceable unit was used by its assigned printing device.