AlpVision Cryptoglyph employs camera phones to reveal counterfeit products

AlpVision is showing Cryptoglyph, a watermaking (I think) digital printing technology that’s embedded in products to show they are genuine rather than, for example, counterfeit or grey market goods, according to an article in PackWire.com.

Counterfeit products are big business and cosmetics, fragrances, CDs and clothing are among the items most copied.

A camera phone can be used to take a photo of a product and then transmit the image to a server.  The server is able to determine whether the product is genuine.

Return data via SMS

According to PackWire:

 

“The company says that, if detected, the embedded ciphered information is decoded, instantly identifying the batch or serial number of the product as well as other information contained in the security data base.

“The solution also provides instant detection of possible grey market activity – which outlaws the possible import of good legitimately produced overseas and then imported into another market beyond the brand owner's traditional distribution channels.

“The security server then reacts to the brands Cryptoglyph labelling by identifying the coding and then sending an SMS back to the camera phone to confirm if the product is genuine or fake as well as indicating possible fraudulent re-importation.”