Method and device for characterizing and verifying product authenticity

The invention relates to a method for marking and to a method for the identification of a packaging, in particular filled with cigarettes, comprising a packaging element for accommodating the packaging material and a wrapping which at least partially encloses the packaging element. Furthermore, the invention is concerned with a device for marking and a device for identifying a package, especially filled with cigarettes, which comprises a packaging element for accommodating the packaging material as well as a wrapping at least partially enclosing the packaging element. The invention further relates to a packaging, in particular cigarette packaging.

Packaging in the sense of the invention may be soft-cup packs, hard-hat packs, stock cans or other containers for cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco or the like. The packaging element itself can consist of several components. In order to identify and identify packages and, in particular, cigarette packs, in order to be able to check the packaging for authenticity or origin, various methods and devices are known. Usually, the packaging is provided, for example, with a bar code. By means of a scanner or the like, the barcode is then read for checking so that the information contained in the barcode permits a conclusion to the manufacturer, the place of production, etc.

However, other, even more complicated, possibilities for identification and identification are known, in which magnetic strips or the like are applied as information carriers in the region of the packaging, wherein the magnetic strip information may include, for example, the manufacturer, place of manufacture, date, etc.

However, the known methods and devices for the identification and identification of packagings as well as the corresponding packagings themselves have the disadvantage that they do not allow clear and doubt-free identification or identification of the packaging. It is, in fact, readily possible to circulate fake packagings whose original origin can not be proved, since the known methods and devices can be manipulated by mimicking or falsifying markings such as the barcodes. A considerable effort is also required for marking, which leads in particular to increased costs in the production of the packaging.

For example, it is known from document DE-A-10100248 to apply an encrypted code, which is usually formed from production data, from numbers / letters to the pack, which is compared for checking with the stored production data.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an easy-to-handle device as well as an inexpensive method for marking and an easy-to-handle device, as well as a cost-effective method for identifying a package filled in particular with cigarettes which ensure a clear and reliable authenticity control of the packaging. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to propose a packaging which can be easily and reliably characterized and identified.

This object is achieved by a method for the identification of a package filled in particular with cigarettes, which is characterized by the following steps:<ul><li>During the production process of the packaging, at least one individual coding, which is provided only once, is applied to the packaging element and / or the wrapping and stored in a storage medium,</li><li>During the production process of the packaging, at least one characteristic characteristic of the packaging element and / or the coating is also recorded as a measured variable,</li><li>The measured variable is assigned to the coding associated with the packaging element in the storage medium to form a unique data set.</li></ul>

With such a labeling process, namely the identification of the packaging with a fixed, that is, unchanging but individual coding, on the one hand, and a variable measured variable of the packaging element and / or the wrapping itself, which is produced as a result of production and thus is variable in all successive packaging, Coding and the measured quantity to a unique data record for each package, so that it can be ensured that the packaging has been produced without doubt by the authorized manufacturer. The marking is also very simple and therefore cost-effective since, apart from a simple coding, no additional elements have to be applied to the packaging.

In a further development of the invention, a raster mark is additionally applied to the packaging element and / or the envelope, thereby facilitating the detection of the characteristic property of each package as a measured variable. In addition, this raster mark can also be an imprinting, such as the brand name, a logo or the like to be applied or already present on the packaging.

Advantageously, the position and overlapping width of the connecting seam of the sheath relative to the screen mark is determined as the measured variable. This procedure ensures an even greater safety when recording the measured variable.

In another preferred embodiment, deviations of the position of folds and / or cutting edges and / or overlapping areas of the wrapping, as well as the position and appearance of patterns, which are caused by the joining or closing of the wrapping, in particular by welding in the area of ​​connecting or sewing locations As a measured variable. With this simple marking which is automatically generated during the production of the packaging without additional effort, an individual and unpredictable measuring variable is created which can be reliably determined and thus used for identification.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by means of a method for identifying a package filled, in particular, with cigarettes, which is characterized by the following steps:<ul><li>Detecting at least one individual coding, which is applied to the packaging element and / or the wrapping, and is assigned only once,</li><li>Detecting at least one characteristic characteristic of the packaging element and / or the covering as a measured variable,</li><li>Comparison of the encoded coding and measured variable with a unique data set, which is stored in a storage medium during the manufacture of the packaging and is formed from the coding and the measured variable, for each package.</li></ul>

With such an identification method, the authenticity of the packaging and thus a manipulation or falsification of the packaging can be easily and reliably verified, since the characteristic property of the packaging element and / or the wrapping is present in an unforeseeable and non-imitatable manner for all produced packaging , So that the opening of the wrapping already leads to a measurable change in the property used for the identification. When comparing the coding and measured quantity recorded for the check with the packaging-specific unique data set previously stored in a database or the like, it is easy to determine whether a match exists or not . In this case, the measured variable can be detected and the associated coding determined by a query of the database. This is then compared with the coding on the packaging being tested. It is also possible to record the coding and to determine by a query of the database the associated measured variable, which is then compared with the measured variable of the package being tested. In the case of a match, the authenticity of the product can be assumed with high certainty.

Preferably, the position and overlapping width of the connecting seam of the sheath relative to a raster mark applied to the packaging element and / or the sheath is determined as the measured variable. As a result of the auxiliary measure, the security of the detection of the measured variable is further increased so that the error rate can be further reduced during the test for the authenticity of the packaging.

Advantageously, deviations of the position of folds and / or cutting edges and / or overlapping areas of the covering, as well as patterns of the connecting or sewing locations formed, in particular, by welding, are determined as the measured variable. These package-specific measurement variables permit a particularly reliable and simple identification of the packaging, in particular also because the opening of the casing, for example for the purpose of manipulation, inevitably results in changed measured variables.

The object is also achieved with a device according to the invention for marking a package filled in particular with cigarettes in that the device comprises means for detecting at least one characteristic characteristic of the packaging element and / or the envelope as measured variable and a storage medium for storing the detected measured variable The medium and the storage medium are connected to one another by means of a personal computer (PC) or the like for assigning the measured variable to an individual and only once-assigned coding of the package stored in the storage medium. With such a device, the method according to the invention can be carried out in particular. The device makes it possible, by simple means, to label each package, Which at any time allows a clear proof of authenticity. Since standard devices can be used for the device, which are usually present anyway on the devices for producing the packages, the device is cost-effective and, in addition, easy to handle.

For this device too, standard standard elements can be used as a means for detecting the coding and the measured variable. Moreover, such a device can also be used as a transportable unit, which further increases the possibilities of use.

Finally, the object is also achieved by packaging the type according to the invention in that an individual, and only once assigned, coding which can be read from the outside is applied to the packaging element and / or the envelope and additionally a screen mark or the like for detecting a characteristic property of the packaging element and / Or the envelope is provided as a measuring variable. With such a packaging, the detection of a characteristic characteristic of the packaging element and / or the wrapping is assisted, which further increases the security of the authenticity control.

Further preferred further developments and / or embodiments of the methods and devices as well as the packaging are to be found in the subclaims and the description. The principle of the devices and methods for identification and identification as well as a preferred packaging are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: FIG.<dl id="dl0001"><dt>FIG</dt><dd>A cigarette pack with a coding as well as an additional raster mark,</dd><dt>FIG</dt><dd>An enlargement of the section A according to FIG. 1,</dd><dt>FIG</dt><dd>Schematical extracts of a tabular data storage in a database, and</dd><dt>FIG</dt><dd>A plan view of the front side of a packaging with grid marks formed by the wrapping itself in the form of spacings, angles and patterns.</dd></dl>

The methods and devices are used for the production, in particular for the identification and identification of packaging, in order to be able to control the authenticity of the packaging.

In principle, each cigarette pack 10 consists of a packaging element 11 and a wrapping 12. The wrapping 12 usually consists of a transparent cellophane wrapper. Other materials are also useful. Within the packaging element 11, which may also be multi-part, the packaging material is arranged. The wrapping 12 preferably encloses the packaging element 11 completely and can usually be opened by means of a tear strip 13. In the production of such packages 10, which is known and, therefore, a detailed description is omitted here, each package is provided with a coding 14. This coding 14 is preferably embodied as a continuous number so that each coding 14 is assigned only once. Each individual package 10 thus has an individual coding 14. However, the coding 14 can consist of letters, combinations of letters and numbers or other individual characteristics. The uniqueness of each coding 14 is decisive. The coding 14 is stored directly at the manufacturer itself, directly when the product is assigned or applied to the packaging. For this purpose, a conventional database is suitable, for example. The coding 14, which can be printed, embossed, punched or otherwise applied to the packaging element 11 and / or the cover 12, can, however, also be detected by means of additional means and fed to the storage medium, namely to the database, after application.

Furthermore, during the production process of the packaging 10, preferably at the end of the production process, a characteristic characteristic of the packaging element 11 and / or the envelope 12 is recorded as a measured variable. This variable and unpredictable measured variable is assigned to the coding 14 associated with the packaging element 11 and / or the envelope 12 in the storage medium to form a unique data set. This data record can be optionally supplemented by additional information, such as date (see FIG. 3). The individual device components required to manufacture the package are also networked with the database so that the desired information can be directly stored or read out.

The position and overlapping width of the connecting seam 15 of the sheathing 12 is determined as a particularly suitable measured variable. As reference points or reference points, characters, logos, lettering or the like, which are already present on the package 10, can be used, as well as physical features such as, for example, edges of the packaging element 11. Alternatively or additionally, other characteristic variables such as the gap width between the cover and the container of a hard-packed box, the offset of overlapping parts of the packaging element 11 or the wave pattern of the connecting seam can also be detected.

Particularly preferred measured variables are shown in FIG. The packaging element 11 is surrounded by the wrapping 12 in the original state of the package 10. Usually in the region of the end faces of the packaging 10, the envelope 12 has folding dimensions. The folding dimensions are individually for each package 10. Changes or deviations in the position of folds, cutting edges, overlapping regions, for example indicated by the distances d and e, as well as the angles α and β, serve as a package-specific measured variable. Alternatively or in combination with the aforementioned measuring variables, patterns 17 and 18 occurring as a result of the connection or closing of the envelope, for example by welding, can also be determined as the measured variable. The patterns 17, so-called wave patterns, are usually formed by warping, shading or the like. The patterns 18 in the region of contact surfaces of the cover 12 are formed, for example, by air bubbles. The position of the patterns 17 and 18 marked by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 4 is not limited to the points shown. Rather, the patterns 17 and 18 can be formed at any other location in the package 10. FIG. However, the deviations in the exact position or in the patterns are not limited to the distances, angles and patterns indicated in FIG. Each package-specific quantity as a distance, angle, pattern, size ratio or the like, which can be recognized from the outside, can be used as a measured variable. Rather, the patterns 17 and 18 can be formed at any other location in the package 10. FIG. However, the deviations in the exact position or in the patterns are not limited to the distances, angles and patterns indicated in FIG. Each package-specific quantity as a distance, angle, pattern, size ratio or the like, which can be recognized from the outside, can be used as a measured variable. Rather, the patterns 17 and 18 can be formed at any other location in the package 10. FIG. However, the deviations in the exact position or in the patterns are not limited to the distances, angles and patterns indicated in FIG. Each package-specific quantity as a distance, angle, pattern, size ratio or the like, which can be recognized from the outside, can be used as a measured variable.

In the event that the cover 12 has a tear-open strip 13, the geometry and / or the position of the tear strip 13 can also be detected as a characteristic property.

In order to support the detection of the measured variable or to form defined reference points, a screen mark 16 is additionally applied to the packaging element 11. The grid mark 16 is fixedly connected to the packaging element 11 and arranged so as to be externally readable. Alternatively, the grid mark 16 can also be attached to the envelope 12 or even be a component of the packaging 10 itself or an imprint on the package 10. The cover 12 itself can serve as a grid mark 16 or form it. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the grid mark 16 is arranged in the region of the connecting seam 15 or directly below the connecting seam 15, wherein the screen mark 16 projects on both sides via the connecting seam 15 with a specific amount b or c. When detecting the measured variable, the projections b and c as well as the width of the overlapping a are determined and combined to form the characteristic measured variable or characteristic number. Since this measurement is based on exact measurement results, the grid mark 16 is preferably firmly connected to the cover 12, for example by gluing, by sealing or the like, in order to prevent a relative displacement of the grid mark 16 and the envelope 12 relative to one another. However, even in the case of a displacement of the screen mark 16 relative to the connecting seam 15 or vice versa, a clear allocation can be produced or authenticated, since the width of the overlap a does not change as a result of the displacement, and the sum of the projections b and c also remains the same. However, the grid mark 16 can also be arranged, for example, on the end face of the package 10,

The coding 14 as well as the measured variable of each package 10 are preferably optically detected and processed electronically. However, all other non-contact and / or mechanical detection, measurement and processing methods can also be used. Preferably, the region of the connecting seam 15 is photographed and measured with the raster mark 16 located thereunder with a corresponding camera or the like. The measured variable abc can then be determined from the measured values.

In order to check a package 10 for authenticity, the characteristic feature, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is therefore the measurement variable abc, in the embodiment of FIG. 4 the position of the folds, and / or cutting edges and / or overlapping areas through the distances D and e as well as the angles α and β or the patterns 17, 18 are measured or detected. The matching of the measured variable (abc or d, e, α and β or pattern) and the coding located on the package 10 is made by query, eg by telephone call, direct network connection or the like, in the database, which is usually only accessible to the manufacturer 14. If there is a data record in the database which corresponds completely to the data set of the tested packaging 10, The authenticity of the package 10 can be emitted with high certainty. It can also be queried which measured variable belongs to a code 14 detected by the inspector or automatically determined. The coding 14 as well as the measured variable can also be detected and started as a data record query. The query can thus be performed simply, ie without any networking, eg by an inspector. In the case of an automated query, the individual components, means, memories and the like of the device are networked with one another. Without any networking, eg by an inspector. In the case of an automated query, the individual components, means, memories and the like of the device are networked with one another. Without any networking, eg by an inspector. In the case of an automated query, the individual components, means, memories and the like of the device are networked with one another.

The devices with which the packages 10 are identified and / or identified consist of commercially available components so that no detailed description is omitted. It is important that a means for detecting at least one characteristic characteristic of the packaging 10 is provided for the identification of the packaging 10. This means can be an optical or mechanical device, eg a camera. In addition, a storage medium is expedient in order, on the one hand, to store the previously applied coding and, on the other hand, also the ascertained measured variable. The storage medium is a database which can be controlled via a PC or the like. The individual means as well as the database and the PC are interlinked, In order to ensure the assignment of the coding and the measured variable. Through the networking, the identification can even be carried out fully automatically. For application of the coding 14, the device may also comprise a separate means which is an integral part of the device itself.

The means for identifying the packaging is similar to, and even identical to, the device just described. In addition, the device expediently also has means for detecting the coding. The means for detecting the measured variable and the coding can also be designed as a unit or even be identical.