Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Jorge E Badillo

Bill Serra

Steven J Simske

Salil Pradhan

Geoff M Lyon

Alipio Caban

Cyril Brignone

Malena Rosa Mesarina

Guillaume Oget

Vinay K Deolalikar

Enrique C Abreu

Jose M Gonzalez

Angel L Enriquez

Peter A Melendez

Allpio Caban

A path-based identifier is provided. An entity identifier is generated at an entity of a supply chain and the entity identifier is based on a reliability of the entity of the supply chain at which the entity identifier is generated. In addition, an updated path-based identifier is stored based on a predetermined function, where the entity identifier is an input to the predetermined function.

Providing a path-based identifier

A system is provided that includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) writer and a target tag within operational range of the RFID writer. The system also includes a processor coupled to the RFID writer and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to prepare a target tag value for the target tag. The target tag value comprises a position vector that identifies a positioning of data fields of the target tag value.

Methods and systems for positioning data fields of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag

Aspects of the present invention describe a method of tracking an item, comprising. The items is associated with a tag and capable of responding to a query from a tag reader and tag combination. The tag reader and tag combination capable of identifying the item associated with the tag using a tag reader. In operation, a tag reader makes a request to at least one tag reader and tag combination for the identity of an item associated with a tag. The tag reader and tag combination identifies the item associated with the tag and provides the identity of the item and tag to the tag reader.

Method and system for item tracking with tags

A method of authenticating products includes receiving a description of detectable features read from a package. The package includes two or more detectable features, and the detectable features are affixed on the package based on encoded information. Authentication information is provided based on a comparison of the received description to one or more stored package identifiers.

Authenticating products

A method of authenticating a package is described. The method includes receiving a read identifier. The read identifier includes information from multiple modes of information storage on a package. Authentication information is provided based on a comparison of the read identifier and one or more stored identifiers.

Package authentication

A seal for a package includes a circuit having electrical characteristics that change under mechanical deformation and an attaching material coupled to the circuit and for attaching the circuit to the package. The seal is attached to the package and processed prior to shipping to establish an untampered state for the seal. This includes identifying a circuit on the sealed package according to a seal type associated with the seal, recording one or more characteristics associated with the circuit from the seal and storing the seal type and one or more characteristics associated with the circuit from the seal for later comparison. To detect tampering to the package, the seal type and corresponding seal and circuit for the seal is identified, the characteristics associated with a circuit from the seal are determined and compared with the previous characteristics recorded when the seal was initially applied to the package. If the comparison indicates that a mechanical deformation of the seal occurred, it is possible the seal and package were tampered with during shipment or delivery.

Seal method and system for packages

A blister packaging production line preferably includes an unmarked supply of backing for blister packaging, a printer for selectively printing on the backing and a host system controlling the printer and providing a variety of desired designs to the printer. The design being printed on the backing can be changed on-demand by transmitting a new design from the host system to the printer. Additionally, a blister packaging production line may include an unmarked supply of material backing for blister packaging, a printer for selectively printing on the material and a shaping device for forming recesses in the material that will receive items being blister packaged. The printed design can be of any desired length.

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Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Jorge E Badillo