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GB2562048A - Security Label - Google Patents

Security Label Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2562048A
GB2562048A GB1706921.2A GB201706921A GB2562048A GB 2562048 A GB2562048 A GB 2562048A GB 201706921 A GB201706921 A GB 201706921A GB 2562048 A GB2562048 A GB 2562048A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
electrochromic display
security label
resistor
package
electrolyte layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1706921.2A
Other versions
GB201706921D0 (en
Inventor
Ali Moazzam
Sebastian Joachim Jan
Rajendran Nair Rakesh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Saralon GmbH
Original Assignee
Saralon GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Saralon GmbH filed Critical Saralon GmbH
Priority to GB1706921.2A priority Critical patent/GB2562048A/en
Publication of GB201706921D0 publication Critical patent/GB201706921D0/en
Publication of GB2562048A publication Critical patent/GB2562048A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/02Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
    • B65D55/026Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure initial opening or unauthorised access being indicated by a visual change using indicators other than tearable means, e.g. change of colour, pattern or opacity
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02Forms or constructions
    • G09F3/0291Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time
    • G09F3/0292Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time tamper indicating labels
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02Forms or constructions
    • G09F3/03Forms or constructions of security seals
    • G09F3/0305Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used
    • G09F3/0329Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used having electronic sealing means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/08Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
    • G09F3/18Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
    • G09F3/20Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
    • G09F3/208Electronic labels, Labels integrating electronic displays
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02Forms or constructions
    • G09F2003/0272Labels for containers

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)

Abstract

A security label comprises a first electrochromic display 232 and a second electrochromic display 233. Power for these electrochromic displays is provided wirelessly via a circuit comprising an antenna 210 and a rectifier 220. A voltage dropping resistor 242 is connected in series with the second electrochromic display which is connected in parallel to the first electrochromic display. A by-passing resistor 241 is connected in parallel to the second electrochromic display. When power is received wirelessly from an external source the first electrochromic display switches on. If the by-passing resistor is broken by tampering with the security label the second electrochromic display also switches. A third electrochromic display 231 connected in series with a low resistance resistor 243 may also be provided connected in parallel with the other displays such that tampering with the label breaks the low resistance resistor causing the third electrochromic display to switch off. The electrochromic displays convey a message indicating whether a box or bottle to which the security label is attached has been opened.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):
Saralon GmbH
Lothringer StraBe 11, Hall L, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany (72) Inventor(s):
Moazzam Ali
Jan Sebastian Joachim
Rakesh Rajendran Nair (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
Saralon GmbH
Lothringer StraBe 11, Hall L, 09120 Chemnitz, Germany (51) INT CL:
G09F 3/02 (2006.01) B65D 55/02 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:
GB 2199020 A WO 2011/132187 A1
WO 2006/071477 A1 (58) Field of Search:
INT CL B65D, G09F, H04B
Other: Online: EPODOC, TXTE, WPI.
(54) Title of the Invention: Security Label
Abstract Title: Security label with electrochromic display to indicate opening (57) A security label comprises a first electrochromic display 232 and a second electrochromic display 233. Power for these electrochromic displays is provided wirelessly via a circuit comprising an antenna 210 and a rectifier 220. A voltage dropping resistor 242 is connected in series with the second electrochromic display which is connected in parallel to the first electrochromic display. A by-passing resistor 241 is connected in parallel to the second electrochromic display. When power is received wirelessly from an external source the first electrochromic display switches on. If the by-passing resistor is broken by tampering with the security label the second electrochromic display also switches. A third electrochromic display 231 connected in series with a low resistance resistor 243 may also be provided connected in parallel with the other displays such that tampering with the label breaks the low resistance resistor causing the third electrochromic display to switch off. The electrochromic displays convey a message indicating whether a box or bottle to which the security label is attached has been opened.
Figure GB2562048A_D0001
Fsg. 2C /4
Figure GB2562048A_D0002
Figure GB2562048A_D0003
Fig. 1C
Rg, «
Figure GB2562048A_D0004
100,.
Figure GB2562048A_D0005
ig, IE
2/4
250 χ ¥
Figure GB2562048A_D0006
Fig, 2A
Figure GB2562048A_D0007
Fig, 28
200 x .24,1..
231
220
243
NO ONE
HAS
233
SOMEONE.
OPENED THIS SOX
2..10..
232 .242
-VvV
Fig, 2C
3/4
Figure GB2562048A_D0008
Figure GB2562048A_D0009
Figure GB2562048A_D0010
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Fig. 4
Figure GB2562048A_D0012
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587
-1TITLE
Security label
CROSS-RELATION TO OTHER APPLICATIONS [0001] None
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present disclosure relates to a security label which comprises an antenna, a rectifier, resistors and electrochromic displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the modem age there is an immense need to protect the authenticity of products and documents available for mass consumption from unauthorized and copied substandard products. This issue of counterfeited items is critically affecting fields such as, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics and automotive spare-parts, wherein not just existing, original items, have to compete with counterfeits but also original products are tampered with to represent substandard items.
[0004] Current methods for counteracting the sale of counterfeit products is to use public recognition security features. These features are characterized by their facilitation of allowing visual recognition of product authenticity. One very common example is the use of hologram stickers on commercial products that reflect different colors or information when light is reflected off of them in different angles. Another example is the use of watermarks on documents which allow for an easy visual confirmation of authenticity under light. These methods among others such as the use of security threads in paper and packages all suffer from issues related to technological sophistication of the counterfeit market. Once such technologies were a hurdle for counterfeiters, however, these technologies can now be copied with relative ease. This creates a pressing need for the development of new similarly cheap and easy to manufacture anti-counterfeit technology that can simultaneously act as a proof of product authenticity while presenting a technological challenge to unauthorized entities interested in replicating the functionality.
-1[0005] The method of ensuring the authenticity of an original product to an extent that the consumer can be certain of its genuineness can be facilitated if the technology used to guarantee originality is new and not prone to replication or tamper. Usage of electronics in a package of a product can provide an advanced means of protection against counterfeiting and tampering. RFID tag is well-known for its application for anti-counterfeiting. If a display is also included into such electronic devices (e.g. RFID tag) then the device can become end-consumer friendly. This kind of devices have been reported in US 2011/0279242 Al, US 2012/0217303 Al, US 2014/0036336 Al, US 8,243,356 B2, WO 2011/034261 Al and AU 2011224009 AT [0006] A package, for example of a pharmaceutical drug, can have a smart label placed or deposited on it in a manner that it has color changing display elements that can be activated or deactivated without the need of an onboard battery. This is realized with the incorporation of printed antennas that function as onboard voltage sources in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Rectification diodes in conjunction with the antenna or antennas provide a DC (Direct current) supply to the display elements in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The buyer would have the facility to expose a product he or she is interested in to the NFC field of their smartphone or to an active RF reader placed within a store. This would activate the display on the product to assure the consumer that the product is genuine. The label can be incorporated not only on rigid products like medicine bottles or food containers but also on flexible surfaces like currency notes or legal documents. The system has a multitude of advantages (as elaborated upon in later sections) which include the fact that it is much more difficult to replicate as compared to hologram stickers and is much easier to interact with as compared to QR codes.
[0007] In some countries tempered products are big problem. After using a product, its package is thrown. The original packages are collected by counterfeiters, a fake product is placed inside the original package and then fake products enter into the market again. In order to overcome this problem, different anti-tampering means - hologram, perforation in cardboard package, shrinkable plastic wrapped around the cap of a bottle etc. - are used in packages. But all these anti-tampering means can easily be copied by counterfeiters too. Therefore, there is a need for an anti-tampering and anti-counterfeiting solution that can interact with endconsumers, can not be copied easily and must be cost effective.
-3SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention relates to a security label produced by printed methods and comprises electronic components. The security label comprises an antenna and a rectifier, connected in series, which are connected parallel to a first electrochromic display. A second electrochromic display and a voltage dropping resistor, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display. A by-passing resistor is connected parallel to the second electrochromic display. Only the first electrochromic display switches on when the antenna receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source. Tampering the security label breaks the by-passing resistor and hence causing both the electrochromic displays to switch on when the antenna receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source. In an another embodiment of the invention the security label further comprises a third electrochromic display and a low resistance resistor, connected in series, which are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display. The first electrochromic display and the third electrochromic display switch on when the antenna receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source. Tampering the security label breaks the by-passing resistor and the low resistance resistor and causing only the first electrochromic display and the second electrochromic display to switch on when the antenna receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source again.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] Fig. 1A shows the schematic representation of one embodiment of the circuit implemented in the security label.
[00010] Fig. IB is a front view of an un-tampered security label.
[00011] Fig. 1C is a front view of a tampered security label.
[00012] Fig. ID is a front view of a tampered security label.
[00013] Fig. IE is a front view of a tampered security label.
[00014] Fig. 2A shows a security label affixed on top of a package before the package is opened.
-4[00015] Fig. 2B shows a security label affixed on top of a package after the package is opened. [00016] Fig. 2C shows the schematic representation of the circuit implemented in the security label.
[00017] Fig. 3 A shows a security label affixed on a bottle before the cap is opened.
[00018] Fig. 3B shows a security label affixed on a bottle after the cap is opened.
[00019] Fig. 3C shows the schematic representation of the circuit implemented in the security label.
[00020] Fig. 4 shows the schematic representation of the circuit implemented in the security label and in the package.
[00021] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrochromic display according to an aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [00022] The invention will now be described in detail. Drawings and examples are provided for better illustration of the invention. It will be understood that the embodiments and aspects of the invention described herein are only examples and do not limit the protector’s scope of the claims in any way. The invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. It will be understood that features of one aspect or embodiment of the invention can be combined with the feature of a different aspect or aspects and/or embodiments of the invention.
[00023] The present invention relates to a security label 100, as shown in Fig. 1A, Fig. IB, Fig. 1C, Fig. ID and Fig. IE. The security label 100 comprises an antenna 110. The antenna 110 is used to harvest electromagnetic radiation from an external source. The electromagnetic radiation can be any radiation from 10 kHz to 10 GHz. The antenna can be a coil antenna or a dipole antenna, depending on the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. In a non-limiting example, the antenna 110 is produced by a printing method by using conducting ink or paste. The antenna can also be produced by cutting and/or etching of electric conductive (aluminum) sheets. In one non-limiting aspect, the external source can be a mobile phone with NFC
-5communication system. In another non-limiting aspect, the external source can be an RFID tag reader. The security label 100 further comprises a rectifier 120. The purpose of the rectifier 120 is to convert received AC current by the antenna 110 into a rectified DC current. In a nonlimiting aspect, the rectifier 120 is a single diode. In another non-limiting aspect, the rectifier 120 is a combination of more than two single diodes. The single diode can be a SMD diode, that is provided on the security label 100 by a pick-and-place machine. It can be a printed organic and/or inorganic diode. An example of organic diode can be found in the literature (Printed Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Device, Advanced Energy Materials, Volume 4, Issue 2, January 28, 2014, DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201300427), produced by printing methods. The Antenna 110 and the rectifier 120, connected in series, are connected parallel to a first electrochromic display 132. In a typical electrochromic display, an electrolyte layer, a pattern defining layer and an electrochromic layer are sandwiched between a transparent electrode and a back electrode. The electrochromic layer is in direct contact with the transparent electrode. A typical electrochromic display works as a parallel plate capacitor in which ions stored/removed in the electrochromic materials and the back electrode. Whenever a DC electrical current is passed through the electrochromic display, the electrochromic material gains ions (or remove ions) and the colour of the electrochromic material changes because of reversible redox reactions.
[00024] A second electrochromic display 133 and a voltage dropping resistor 142, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 132. A by-passing resistor 141 is connected parallel to the second electrochromic display 133. A third electrochromic display 131 and a low resistance resistor 143, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 132. In this scenario, whenever the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, only the first electrochromic display 132 and the third electrochromic display switch on. The second electrochromic display 133 does not switches on as most of the current passes through the by-passing resistor 141. Once the label is damaged or tampered at a certain position, the by-passing resistor 141 and/or the low resistance resistor 143 are/is broken. If only the by-passing resistor 141 is broken, then all the three electrochromic displays (132, 131 and 133) switch on when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source. If only the low resistance resistor 143 is broken, then only the first electrochromic display 132 switches on when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source. If both the by-passing resistor 141 and the low resistance resistor 143 are broken, then the first electrochromic display 132 and the
-6second electrochromic display 133 switch on when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source.
[00025] In a non-limiting aspect, the by-passing resistor 141 has a resistance value of less than 40 ohms. In another non-limiting aspect, the low resistance resistor 143 has a resistance value of less than 100 ohms. In another non-limiting aspect, the voltage dropping resistor 142 has a resistance value of more than 200 ohms.
[00026] Fig. IB, Fig. 1C, Fig. ID and Fig IE shows a more realistic picture of the security label 100. The security label 100 comprises the first electrochromic display 132, the second electrochromic display 133 and the third electrochromic display 131. When the first electrochromic display 132 is switched on it displays a message “THE PACKAGE IS”. When the second electrochromic display 133 is switched on it displays a message “NOT SAFE”. When the third electrochromic display 131 is switched on it displays a message “SAFE”. The antenna 110, the rectifier 120, the by-passing resistor 141, the voltage dropping resistor 142 and the low resistance resistor 143 are not visible in Fig. IB, Fig. 1C, Fig. ID and Fig IE. In an un-tampered security label 100, when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, the first electrochromic display 132 and the third electrochromic display 131 are switched on and the security label 100 displays “THE PACKAGE IS SAFE”, as shown in Fig. IB. If the by-passing resistor 141 and the low resistance resistor 143 are broken by tampering the security label 100 and when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, the first electrochromic display 132 and the second electrochromic display 133 are switched on and the security label 100 displays “THE PACKAGE IS NOT SAFE”, as shown in Fig. 1C. If only the low resistance resistor 143 is broken by tampering the security label 100 and when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, only the first electrochromic display 132 is switched on and the security label 100 displays “THE PACKAGE IS”, as shown in Fig. ID. If only the bypassing resistance resistor 141 is broken by tampering the security label 100 and when the antenna 110 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, all three electrochromic displays (131, 132 and 133) are switched on and the security label 100 displays “THE PACKAGE IS SAFE NOT SAFE”, as shown in Fig. IE.
[00027] Fig. 2A shows a package 250 on which a security label 200 is fixed. The package can be of any shape and size. It can be made of, but not limited to, paper, plastic, wood, glass or
-7 metal. In a non-limiting example, the package 250 is a box made of cardboard as shown in Fig. 2A and Fig 2B. The security label 200 comprises three electrochromic displays 231, 232 and 233. Fig. 2C shows electrical connections in the security label 200. The security label 200 comprises an antenna 210 and a rectifying diode 220, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 232. A second electrochromic display 233 and a voltage dropping resistor 242, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 232. A by-passing resistor 241 is connected parallel to the second electrochromic display 233. A third electrochromic display 231 and a low resistance resistor 243, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 232. In this scenario, whenever the antenna 210 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, only the first electrochromic display 232 and the third electrochromic display 231 switch on and display a message “NO ONE HAS OPENED THIS BOX”, as shown in Fig. 2A. Once the package 250 is opened for the first time, the area 251 of the package 251 is damaged. This also breaks the by-passing resistor 241 and the low resistance resistor 243, as these two resistors are also located in the same area 251. After the package is damaged, when the antenna 210 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, only the first electrochromic display 232 and the second electrochromic display 233 switch on and display a message “SOME ONE HAS OPENED THIS BOX’, as shown in Fig. 2B. This is just an example to show what can be displayed by electrochromic displays of the security label 200. The electrochromic display can display any text, any image or any message.
[00028] Fig. 3A shows a bottle 350 on which a security label 300 is fixed. The security label 300 comprises two electrochromic displays 332 and 333. Fig. 3C shows electrical connections in the security label 300. The security label 300 comprises an antenna 310 and a rectifying diode 320, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 332. A second electrochromic display 333 and a voltage dropping resistor 342, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 332. A by-passing resistor 341 is connected parallel to the second electrochromic display 333. In this scenario, whenever the antenna 310 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, only the first electrochromic display 332 switches on and displays a message “SAFE”, as shown in Fig. 3A. Once the cap 351 of the bottle 350 is opened for the first time, the by-passing resistor 341 is damaged. This damage occurs because a portion of the security label 300, which comprises the by-passing resistor 341, is wrapped around the cap 351 of the bottle 350. Opening the cap 351 also damage the portion of the security label 300. After the cap 351 is opened for the first time,
-8when the antenna 310 receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, the first electrochromic display 332 and the second electrochromic display 333 switch on and display a message “UN SAFE”, as shown in Fig. 3B. This is just an example to show what can be displayed by electrochromic display of the security label 300. The security label 300 can be fixed on any surface of the bottle 350 or can be hanging on the bottle 350.
[00029] Fig. 4 shows a package 450 on which a security label 400 is fixed. The package can be of any shape and size. It can be made of, but not limited to, paper, plastic, wood, glass or metal. In a non-limiting example, the package 450 is a box made of cardboard. The security label 400 comprises three electrochromic displays 431, 432 and 433. Fig. 4 also shows electrical connections in the security label 400. The security label 400 comprises an antenna 410 and a rectifying diode 420, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 432. A second electrochromic display 433 and a voltage dropping resistor 442, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 432. A first portion 441a and a second portion 441b of a by-passing resistor 441 is connected parallel to the second electrochromic display 433. A third electrochromic display 431 and a low resistance resistor 443, connected in series, are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display 432. The low resistance resistor 443 is made of a third portion 443a and a fourth portion 443b. The first portion 441a of the by-passing resistor 441 and the third portion 443a of the low resistance resistor 443 are provided on the security label 400. The second portion 441b of the by-passing resistor 441 and the fourth portion 443b of the low resistance resistor 443 are provided directly on the package 450 and pass through the area 451 of the package 450. In a non-limiting example, the second portion 441b of the by-passing resistor 441 and the fourth portion 443b of the low resistance resistor 443 are provided on the package 450 by printing a conducting (or resistive) ink. The first portion 441a and the second portion 441b of the by-passing resistor 441 are connected at positions 441x and 441y to make a complete by-passing resistor 441. The connection between the first portion 441a and the second portion 441b of the by-passing resistor 441 can be done by using a conducting adhesive. Similarly, the third portion 443a and the fourth portion 443b of the low resistance resistor 443 are connected at positions 443x and 443y to make a complete low resistance resistor 443. The connection between the third portion 443a and the fourth portion 443b of the low resistance resistor 443 can be done by using a conducting adhesive. If the packaged 450 is opened for the first time, the area 451 is damaged too. This also damages the second portion 441b of the by-passing resistor 441 and the fourth portion 443b of a low resistance resistor 443. The advantage of this system is that the security label 400 is
-9not damaged even after opening the package. The security label 400 works in same ways as the security label 200 works, as explained earlier in Fig. 2A and Fig.2B.
[00030] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic display 500, according to an aspect of the invention mentioned here. The electrochromic display 500 comprises a transparent substrate 580. The transparent substrate 580 can be, but not limited to, plastic, transparent paper or glass. On top of the transparent substrate 580 is provided a poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) layer 581. PEDOT:PSS is a material that is electrically conducting as well as electrochromically active. On top of the PEDOT:PSS layer 581 is provided a first electrolyte layer 582. The first electrolyte layer 582 is solid or gel at room temperature and comprises at least one ion conducting polymer - e.g. PEO, PVA etc - and at least one salt. The salt can be selected from the group of, but not limited to, LiCl, LiSO4, LiClO4 etc. On top of the first electrolyte layer 581 is provided a pattern defining layer 583 which is ionically and electronically insulating. The pattern defining layer 583 comprises one or more openings 584 such that the openings 584 defines the pattern of the image to be displayed. In a non-limiting example, the pattern defining layer 583 is of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). On top of the pattern defining layer 583 is provided a second electrolyte layer 585 such that the second electrolyte layer 585 is in contact with the first electrolyte layer 582 through the openings 584. The second electrolyte layer 584 is solid or gel at room temperature and comprises at least one ion conducting polymer - e.g. PEO, PVA etc. - and at least one salt. The salt can be selected from the group of, but not limited to, LiCl, LiSO4, LiClO4 etc. The concentration of the salt in the second electrolyte layer 585 is higher than the concentration of the salt in the first electrolyte layer 582. On top of the second electrolyte layer 585 is provided a third electrolyte layer 586. The third electrolyte layer 586 is solid or gel at room temperature and comprises at least one ion conducting polymer - e.g. PEO, PVA etc. - and at least one salt. The salt can be selected from the group of, but not limited to, LiCl, LiSO4, LiClO4 etc. The concentration of the salt in the third electrolyte layer 586 is higher than the concentration of the salt in the second electrolyte layer 585. It has been found that a gradual increase in salt concentration in electrolyte layers, while moving away from the PEDOT:PSS layer 581, decreases the blurring effect of the image. Using a gradient of salt concentration in the electrolyte layer creates sharper images.
[00031] In all the afore mentioned embodiments, one or more electrochromic displays are utilized in various ways in conjunction with multiple combinations of resistive elements
-10coupled to one or more signal receiving antennas to display text, images or symbols on rigid or flexible surfaces. These benefits are achieved with no moving parts whatsoever and without the additional burden of a semiconductor chip, transistor logic or battery power to achieve high message resolution and reliability at a reasonable cost.
[00032] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above mentioned embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and that such modifications, alterations and combinations are to be viewed within the ambit of the inventive concept.

Claims (10)

1. A security label (100), comprises:
an antenna (110) and a rectifier (120) connected in series are connected parallel to a first electrochromic display (132);
a second electrochromic display (133) and a voltage dropping resistor (142) connected in series are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display (132); and a by-passing resistor (141) connected parallel to the second electrochromic display (133), wherein the first electrochromic display (132) switches on when the antenna (110) receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, tampering the security label (100) breaks the by-passing resistor (141) and hence causing the first electrochromic display (132) and the second electrochromic display (133) to switch on when the antenna (110) receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source.
2. The security label (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third electrochromic display (131) and a low resistance resistor (143) connected in series are connected parallel to the first electrochromic display (132), wherein the first electrochromic display (132) and the third electrochromic display (131) switch on when the antenna (110) receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source, tampering the security label (100) breaks the by-passing resistor (141) and the low resistance resistor (143) causing the first electrochromic display (132) and the second electrochromic display (133) to switch on when the antenna (110) receives electromagnetic radiation from an external source.
3. The security label (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the electrochromic display (131, 132, 133) comprises:
a transparent substrate (580);
a PEDOT:PSS layer (581) provided on the transparent substrate (580); a first electrolyte layer (582) provided on the PEDOT:PSS layer (581); a pattern defining layer (583) provided on the first electrolyte layer (582) and defining an image, wherein the pattern defining layer (583) is electronically and ionically insulating and comprises one or more openings (584);
a second electrolyte layer (585) provided on the pattern defining layer (583), wherein the second electrolyte layer (585) is in ionic contact with the first electrolyte layer (582) through the one or more openings (584) of the pattern defining layer (583);
-12a third electrolyte layer (586) provided on the second electrolyte layer (585), wherein the salt concentration in the electrolyte layers increases in the order of third electrolyte layer (586) > second electrolyte layer (585) > first electrolyte layer (582); and a counter electrode layer (587) provided on the third electrolyte layer (586).
4. The security label (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rectifier (120) is an organic semiconductor based diode.
5. The security label (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the security label (200) is placed on a package (250), opening the package (250) for the first time damages the security label (200) and hence breaks at least one of the by-passing resistor (241) and the low resistance resistor (243).
6. The security label (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security label (100, 400) is placed on a package (450), a second portion (441b) of the by-passing resistor (441) is provided directly on the package (450), opening the package (450) for the first time damages the second portion (441b) of the by-passing resistor (441) but does not damage the security label (400).
7. The security label (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the security label (100, 400) is placed on a package (450), a fourth portion (443b) of the low resistance resistor (443) is provided directly on the package (450), opening the package (450) for the first time damages the fourth portion (443b) of the low resistance resistor (443) but does not damage the security label (400).
8. The security label (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the by-passing resistor (141) has a resistance value of less than 40 ohms.
9. The security label (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the low resistance resistor (143) has a resistance value of less than 100 ohms.
10. The security label (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage dropping resistor (142) has a resistance value of more than 200 ohms.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: Claims searched:
GB 1706921.2 1 to 10
GB1706921.2A 2017-05-02 2017-05-02 Security Label Withdrawn GB2562048A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1706921.2A GB2562048A (en) 2017-05-02 2017-05-02 Security Label

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1706921.2A GB2562048A (en) 2017-05-02 2017-05-02 Security Label

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201706921D0 GB201706921D0 (en) 2017-06-14
GB2562048A true GB2562048A (en) 2018-11-07

Family

ID=59011157

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1706921.2A Withdrawn GB2562048A (en) 2017-05-02 2017-05-02 Security Label

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2562048A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021144035A1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2021-07-22 Stoba Ag Method for outputting a condition of at least one seal, seal and system
IT202100025613A1 (en) * 2021-10-07 2023-04-07 Omet Srl TAMPER-RESISTANT LABEL FOR A PRODUCT PACKAGING AND RELATED METHOD FOR CREATING THE TAMPER-RESISTANT LABEL AND PRODUCT PACKAGING

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2199020A (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-06-29 American Home Prod Tamper indicating closure
WO2006071477A1 (en) * 2004-12-29 2006-07-06 Avery Dennison Corporation Radio frequency identification device with visual indicator
WO2011132187A1 (en) * 2010-04-18 2011-10-27 Gevaram Quality Envelopes Ltd. Tamper-resistant envelope

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2199020A (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-06-29 American Home Prod Tamper indicating closure
WO2006071477A1 (en) * 2004-12-29 2006-07-06 Avery Dennison Corporation Radio frequency identification device with visual indicator
WO2011132187A1 (en) * 2010-04-18 2011-10-27 Gevaram Quality Envelopes Ltd. Tamper-resistant envelope

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021144035A1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2021-07-22 Stoba Ag Method for outputting a condition of at least one seal, seal and system
IT202100025613A1 (en) * 2021-10-07 2023-04-07 Omet Srl TAMPER-RESISTANT LABEL FOR A PRODUCT PACKAGING AND RELATED METHOD FOR CREATING THE TAMPER-RESISTANT LABEL AND PRODUCT PACKAGING

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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