Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to product identification and more specifically relates to digital ledger for identification of fake products.

BACKGROUND ART
[0001] Since customers can't verify the authenticity of the products they purchase, counterfeit goods have grown to be a global concern. The ecosystem of digital identities is severely fragmented since users must switch between many identities while accessing various websites. When leveraging data produced by one platform for applications on another platform, users lack a consistent method or structure. Most significantly, the tenuous connection between real and online identities makes it simpler to create false identities.

[0002] The importance of better security in identity management is not limited only to logging into our social media accounts. Many of the critical infrastructures such as grids and power plants are still subject to password protection. Employees of the infrastructure can only access the important control systems, thereby ensuring limited potential for attacks on critical infrastructure.

[0003] Nowadays, there are techniques to determine genuineness of the products. For example, reference can be made to US20190075455A1 which discloses techniques for confirming that the presence of a specific characteristic of a given physical product is legitimate. Further, reference can be made to US10730337B2 which discloses custom systems and methods for authenticating articles. However, none of the techniques disclose ways to determine genuine products using distributed technology.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The principal object of the present invention is to provide techniques for identifying whether a product is genuine by using blockchain technology.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide techniques for identify issues with false identities by using blockchain identity management.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide techniques improving privacy by combining blockchain encryption and digital signatures for inherent anonymity by design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one embodiment, a system for identifying genuine products is disclosed. The system comprises a first subsystem available at a manufacturing facility. The first subsystem comprises an input unit configured to receive input from a manufacturer and a QR code generator configured to generate QR code, wherein the QR code is used to store information regarding one or more products. The system further comprises a second subsystem available with a customer, wherein the second subsystem comprises an input unit configure to input details about a product required by the customer, and a QR code scanner configured to scan the QR code generated by the QR code generator, wherein the QR code is used to determine whether the product required by the customer is genuine.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for identifying genuine products is disclosed. The method comprises providing a first subsystem available at a manufacturing facility, wherein at the first subsystem receiving input from a manufacturer, generating QR code, wherein the QR code is used to store information regarding one or more products. The method further comprises providing a second subsystem available with a customer, wherein at the second subsystem inputting details about a product required by the customer; and scanning the QR code generated by the QR code generator, wherein the QR code is used to determine whether the product required by the customer is genuine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for identifying genuine products, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a first subsystem, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a second subsystem, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for identifying genuine products, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0014] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0015] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0016] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 for identifying fake products is disclosed. The system 100 is used to identify whether products available with customers are genuine. The system 100 comprises a first subsystem 102, a second subsystem 104 and a cloud network 106 for establishing a connection between the first subsystem 102 and the second subsystem 104. In one embodiment, the first subsystem 102 is a subsystem present at a manufacturing side and the second subsystem 104 is a subsystem present at a customer side.
[0018] In one embodiment, the first subsystem 102 is a subsystem present with the manufacturer of the product. The products may be manufactured at a manufacturing facility by a manufacturer. In one embodiment, the first subsystem 102 may be present with seller selling the products. In this embodiment, the product may not be manufactured by the seller but only sold by the seller. In another embodiment, the product may be manufactured and sold by the same entity.
[0019] In one embodiment, the second subsystem 104 is a subsystem present with a customer. Thus, the second subsystem is a subsystem which is available with a customer for checking the genuineness of a product. The second subsystem 104 have features which can be used to analyze the products.
[0020] The cloud network 106 is responsible for establishing a connection between the first subsystem 102 and the second subsystem 104. One or more details about a plurality of products may be stored in the cloud network 106. The details may be accessed by the first subsystem 102 and the second subsystem 104. Accessing the details by both the subsystems 102 and 104, it may be determined whether the product is genuine or not.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2 now, a block diagram of the first subsystem 102 is shown. As mentioned above, the first subsystem 102 is available with a manufacturer or a seller. With the help of the first subsystem 102, the manufacturer or the seller is responsible for inputting the details about the product on the cloud network 106. In one embodiment, the first subsystem 102 is a computing device. The first subsystem 102 comprises an input unit 202, an image sensor 204, a display unit 206, a digital ledger 208 and a QR code generator 210. In one embodiment, the first subsystem 102 may also include an application 212 running on the first subsystem 102.
[0022] The input unit 202 is used to input details regarding one or more products. The manufacturer or the seller may provide details regarding product name, total price of the product, other details about the product. In one embodiment, the input unit 202 is also used to enter username and password in the application 212. The details about the products may be stored in the cloud network 106 via the application 212. A manufacturer or the seller is authenticated using the username and the password. The username and the password are predefined by the manufacturer or the seller.
[0023] The image sensor 204 may be used to capture images of the product. The images of the products may be captured from different views and can be input on the application 212. The images of the products can help various customers to properly decide and choose the products. The customer before purchasing the product can properly check the product from various different views and decide whether to purchase the product.
[0024] The display unit 206 is used to display details about the product which the manufacturer or the seller has displayed. The display unit 206 may be a display screen of the computing device available with the manufacturer or the seller. In one embodiment, the display unit 206 may be a touchscreen display. The display unit 206 shows various details of the products along with the images captured by the image sensor 204. In one embodiment, the display unit 206 displays the sequence in which manufacturer or the seller may view client order information and then choose whether to accept or reject the order. The manufacturer or the seller may also see whether the product has been delivered to the customer.
[0025] The digital ledger 208 is a ledger where the products can be stored. The digital ledger 208 stores thee details about the products along with their images. In one embodiment, the digital ledger 208 also stores transaction history chain. The history chain comprises all the transactions of the product. The cloud network 106 contains all of the product information, including block name and hash value used in the digital ledger 208.
[0026] The QR code generator 210 is responsible for generating a QR code. The QR code is used store details about the product including the images of the product. The QR code also stores serial number of the product. Once the details about the product are stored in the QR code, it can be determined that the product is genuine and not fake. In one embodiment, a unique QR code is generated for each of the product.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3 now, a block diagram of the second subsystem 104 is shown. As mentioned above, the second subsystem 104 is available with a customer. In one embodiment, the second subsystem 104 is a computing device. The second subsystem 104 comprises an input unit 302, a display unit 304, an application 306 running on the second subsystem 104 and a QR code scanner 308.
[0028] The input unit 302 may be used to enter the details of the product desired by the customer. The details can be entered in the application 306 running on the second subsystem 106. In one embodiment, the input unit 302 is used to enter a username and password in the application 306. The username and password are predefined by the customer and are used to register the customer on the application 306. Customer logs in and completes the information necessary to order the product and reserves the item.
[0029] The display unit 304 is used to display details regarding the product to be purchased by the customer. The display unit 304 may be a display screen of the computing device available with the customer. In one embodiment, the display unit 304 may be a touchscreen display. The display unit 304 shows various details of the products along with the images captured by the image sensor 204.
[0030] Using the display unit 304, the customer can see order information and other information about the products. The other information can include name, amount, date of order, and price of the product. In one embodiment, the products are sorted using the price of product.
[0031] The QR code scanner 308 is used to scan the QR code generated by the manufacturer or the seller by the QR code generator 210. The QR code is stored along with each product and displayed on the display unit 304. Once the QR code is scanned by the QR code scanner 308, it can be determined whether the product is genuine or not. In particular, once the QR code is scanned, the details about the product can be displayed along with the unique serial number of the product. In one embodiment, the details about the product can be accessed from the digital ledger by scanning the QR code by the QR code scanner 308.
[0032] Due to its ability to build trust between previously distrusting people, the digital ledger technology can be used to stop the selling of fake goods. Manufacturers may now upload genuine product serial numbers to the ledger using blockchain, and customers can use the serial number (by scanning the QR code) to check the validity of a product before making a purchase. Blockchain is essential for confirming that data was not altered and for establishing trust in an ecosystem.
[0033] In one embodiment, the system 100 can help identify issues with False Identities. The ecosystem of digital identities is severely fragmented since users must switch between many identities while accessing various websites. When leveraging data produced by one platform for applications on another platform, users lack a consistent method or structure. Most significantly, the tenuous connection between real and online identities makes it simpler to create false identities.
[0034] The use of blockchain technology, issue of "false identities can be prevented," which serve as the perfect basis for fraudulent transactions and eventually result in lost income. Fake identities can also contribute to the creation and dissemination of "fake news," which poses serious risks to society at large.
[0035] In one embodiment, IoT System User Identity Management can be used. Internet of Things or IoT is invading almost every aspect of our life at a faster scale. Devices such as fitness trackers, smart appliances, and remote patient monitoring systems enabled with IoT collect data and transfer it to the related service providers. Presently, there are billions of IoT-enabled devices streaming highly valuable data, with many more to join the ecosystem soon.
[0036] Interestingly, the internet is the stage for all the communications between IoT-based devices, thereby presenting a profound security risk. Many IoT devices collect Protected Health Information or Personally Identifiable Information, thereby leading to serious risks for users. In this case, the benefits of blockchain for identity management are profoundly favourable for IoT devices.
[0037] In one embodiment, improved Safeguards for Critical Infrastructure can be provided. The importance of better security in identity management is not limited only to logging into our social media accounts. Many of the critical infrastructures such as grids and power plants are still subject to password protection. Authentication systems powered by blockchain could offer more advantages than just security and personal convenience. Employees of the infrastructure can only access the important control systems, thereby ensuring limited potential for attacks on critical infrastructure.
[0038] In one embodiment, Blockchain-based identity management solutions allow for the maintenance of individual identity across several network nodes. Regardless of how data is distributed over peer-to-peer networks, ongoing data reconciliation keeps the data current. The absence of a single point of failure is another benefit of blockchain identity management. Without a single point of failure, hackers could have a very tough time tampering with the integrity of a particular data collection.
[0039] In one embodiment, the system can help to improve privacy. Privacy would be the ultimate feature of digital identity management revolutionized by blockchain. Regulators are fighting to protect the privacy of individuals' sensitive and private information all around the world. As a result, blockchain identity management solutions that combine blockchain encryption and digital signatures can provide inherent anonymity by design. All user transactions must have digital signatures attached to them in order to be protected from fraud.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4 now, a flowchart of a method 400 for identifying fake products is disclosed. At step 402, the method comprises inputting, by a manufacturer or a seller, details about a plurality of products on a digital ledger. At step 404, the method comprises generating a QR code to generate genuineness of the products, wherein the QR code includes details regarding product. At step 406, the method comprises scanning the QR code, by a customer. At step 408, the method comprises determining if the product is genuine if correct information is displayed by scanning the QR code. The correct information may include details about the product including the unique serial number.
[0041] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow diagram may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0042] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for identifying genuine products, comprising:
a first subsystem (102) available at a manufacturing facility comprising:
an input unit (202) configured to receive input from a manufacturer;
a QR code generator (210) configured to generate QR code, wherein the QR code is used to store information regarding one or more products on a digital ledger;
a second subsystem (104) available with a customer, comprising:
an input unit (302) configure to input details about a product required by the customer; and
a QR code scanner (308) configured to scan the QR code generated by the QR code generator (210), wherein the QR code is used to determine whether the product required by the customer is genuine.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the product required by the customer is genuine by verifying serial number of the product.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cloud network (106) configured to establish a connection between the first subsystem (102) and the second subsystem (104).

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the digital ledger stores details regarding chain of transactions about the product.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the details about the product includes name, date, price and amount of the products.

6. A method for identifying genuine products, comprising:
providing a first subsystem (102) available at a manufacturing facility, wherein at the first subsystem:
receiving input from a manufacturer;
generating QR code, wherein the QR code is used to store information regarding one or more products on a digital ledger;
providing a second subsystem (104) available with a customer, wherein at the second subsystem:
inputting details about a product required by the customer; and
scanning the QR code generated by the QR code generator (210), wherein the QR code is used to determine whether the product required by the customer is genuine.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein it is determined whether the product required by the customer is genuine by verifying serial number of the product.

8. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising establishing a connection, by a cloud network, between the first subsystem (102) and the second subsystem (104).

9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the digital ledger stores details regarding chain of transactions about the product.

10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the details about the product includes name, date, price and amount of the products.