Complete Inspection Systems, Inc., has partnered with Digimarc Corp. to create an advanced track, trace, and anti-counterfeiting system.
It uses digital watermarking technology and does not require costly additions to packaging, redesign of graphics, or a bar code marring the product’s appearance. It allows a consumer to verify the authenticity of the product with a web-enabled mobile phone, and helps a company develop a relationship with the consumer by sending marketing information directly to their mobile phone.
Using Digimarc’s digital watermarking technology, virtually undetectable codes can be embedded directly into existing package graphics. A mobile phone, computer, or other specialized detection device can read the watermark and the code represented by it. Complete Inspection Systems licenses these encrypted codes to its customers and maintains a database of all existing codes. When a mobile device or other reader identifies a code on a watermarked package, key information such as track-and-trace data, product information, or marketing materials are transmitted to the device.
For consumers, a publicly readable code will be embedded in the major product graphics, and can be read using a free application available for hundreds of different mobile devices. For companies using the system for brand security, a covert code will also be placed in a less prominent part of the packaging. This covert code is engineered to be difficult to duplicate. Only permitted mobile devices will be able to read the covert code, which is encrypted for added security. Unit-specific track-and-trace information is transmitted to the device under this scenario, allowing on-site verification of product origin and authenticity.
