DE102010022794A1 - System and device for verifying data - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and an apparatus for verifying data at a local control point. Such data are, for example, coupons for obtaining a discount or identification data for goods. Known control point systems require a direct connection to a validation server. The object of the invention is to create a system in which checkpoint systems can also verify the coupons or the goods or services without a direct connection to the validation server. To solve this problem, a validation terminal (1) is provided which has a first interface (7) for reading authentication data from a mobile data carrier (10), a second interface (5) for exchanging data between the validation terminal (1) and a validation server (2 ), a third interface (6) for data exchange with a control point system (11) and a control device (4) which uses the second interface (5) to verify the authentication data read in via the first interface (7) or a data record formed from the authentication data to the verification server (2), which evaluates the data received via the second interface (5) and forwards the evaluated data to the third interface (6).

Description

The invention relates to a system and apparatus for verifying data at a local control point. The inventive system and the inventive device are particularly suitable for redeeming coupons and the authenticity of goods and authorization of services.

Manufacturers and retailers distribute millions of paper coupons and thousands of loyalty cards each year to attract new customers or retain existing customers. Often, manufacturers and dealers share the cost or rebate granted to the customer demonstrating the coupon. In such promotions, for example, the manufacturer grants the retailer a refund for each coupon that has been redeemed and proven by him. Here, manufacturers and retailers can specify restrictions, such as the number, the period or the local validity of coupons, which must be checked before redemption.

Many coupons are not redeemed at all. The reasons for this vary, including often the cumbersome nature of redemption and the fact that many coupons are distributed to customers who have little interest in the products or services. In addition to coupons, savings and customer loyalty can also be achieved through loyalty cards. In order to benefit from such bonus systems, customers would have to carry too many cards with them, and in the end they will carry only a few, if any.

It is therefore, for example WO 2004/02240 A1 Systems for distributing electronic coupons are known in which the coupons can be loaded onto the mobile phone of a customer and the customer transmits his coupon to the cash register system of the merchant when paying at a POS system of the merchant. The dealer's cash register system is connected to the issuing office of the coupon, so that the cash register system can check the coupon's solvency by exchanging data with the issuing office of the coupon, among other things, to make sure to get back the manufacturer's reimbursement.

Especially at small retailers and boutiques are only the simplest POS systems available, which are not equipped to communicate with the verification server of the manufacturer, or the organizer of a coupon promotion. Under certain circumstances, small chains of retailers whose POS systems support such verification would also be unwilling to take the risk of being exposed to the risk of computer viruses or attacks by so-called hackers by connecting their POS system.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a system and corresponding devices for such a system that allow the dealer to participate in a discount promotion or an authenticity check whose POS system is not specially set up for such participation.

• – eine erste Schnittstelle zum Lesen von Authentifizierungsdaten
• – eine zweite Schnittstelle zum Datenaustausch zwischen dem Validierungsterminal und einem Validierungsserver
• – eine dritte Schnittstelle zum Datenaustausch mit dem Kontrollpunktsystem
• – eine Steuervorrichtung welche die über die erste Schnittstelle eingelesenen Authentifizierungsdaten bzw. einen aus den Authentifizierungsdaten gebildeten Datensatz über die zweite Schnittstelle zur Verifikation an einen Validierungsserver sendet, welche über die zweite Schnittstelle empfangene Daten auswertet und die ausgewerteten Daten an die dritte Schnittstelle sendet.

This object is achieved in a system or a device of the type mentioned in that an electronic validation terminal is provided for the verification of portable media, which has the following features:

• A first interface for reading authentication data
• - A second interface for data exchange between the validation terminal and a validation server
• - a third interface for data exchange with the control point system
• A control device which sends the authentication data read via the first interface or a data set formed from the authentication data via the second interface for verification to a validation server, which evaluates data received via the second interface and sends the evaluated data to the third interface.

The validation terminal enables the processing, verification and validation of encoded data on portable media carriers such as discount coupons, or RDiF tags / NFC data on goods flow and inventory checks and / or goods authentication even with traditional data collection devices such as electronic ones Cash registers or systems for recording movements of goods. In this way it supplements these data acquisition devices with a function without the need for intervention or substantial intervention in this system.

If the first interface for reading authentication data from an optical scanner is formed in the validation terminal, then z. As optical, machine-readable codes are read. With a one-dimensional scanner, so-called barcodes (barcodes) can be read from a coupon, for example.

So-called 2D scanners can read more robust 2D matrix area codes that contain much more information. These codes can be z. B. be spread by promotions in magazines and on packaging and also consist of a newspaper break or have been printed by the user at home itself. These 2D codes, for example QR code can already be photographed with commercially available mobile software from printed media, also stored as a picture. By means of software programs already belonging to the state of the art, the photographed QR code can then for example be directly translated into an Internet address. A link, which can be called up by the 2D code, then opens the Internet access available on the mobile device for the relevant website or the web interface in connection with local applications on the mobile device, thus providing up-to-date information on validity, but also on available quotas and their associated location so that the user wishing to participate in a discount promotion can already check in advance whether he meets the redemption conditions.

Finally, there are also promotions in which such a code can be either retrieved (gepullt) from the user of a mobile user terminal, such as a mobile phone or a personal assistant (PDA / Smartphone) with integrated data access to electronic networks such as the Internet or on the mobile User terminal can be filed (pushed) or delivered as MMS or SMS link.

Using location based services (LBS) and the software applications available through the mobile network, these codes can be updated, as well as easily and conveniently delivered or requested based on the location. The validation via the local terminal with the processing via the validation server, location based services and comparable mobile network services, for example based on geocoding by satellites, significantly enhances the possibility of a transaction fee for actually redeemed coupons or used loyalty cards and associated promotions safe to settle.

If the first interface of the validation terminal is formed of electro, magnetic, or electromagnetic receivers, the authentication data can also be from electronic chip cards or cards with magnetic read stripes (eg loyalty cards, bank cards) or also from active and passive near field transmitters such as, for example so-called Radio Frequency Tags (RFID) or NFC devices. In addition to the conventional customer cards, for example, highly flexible, if necessary removable tags or RFiD stickers can be read, as they are now used for authenticity in expensive luxury goods, such as garments and fashion accessories, such as handbags, or even for automatic Warranty registration for technical goods or similar transactions. The records of this can be assigned to portable media carriers such as customer cards as customer RFiD tags, as well as stickers and thus customer accounts, which can also be processed via this validation terminal.

The validation terminal can also connect to the authentication provider, namely the validation server, over a point-to-point connection, for example, over a telephone line. The validation server is in turn connected to its own or external clearing houses to settle joint promotions from manufacturers and distributors, or to enable manufacturers, distributors, and logisticians as exhibitors to hire, view, and process through self-service access, advertising campaigns, and flow control transactions.

This can go so far that the logistical location and authentication processes that can be associated with commercial promotions have the advantage of being able to access the same validation terminal.

The validation terminal, equipped with a remote configuration unit for the control unit and the interface controls, as well as secure encryption technologies, is thus able to unite logistic processes, authentication, promotions and customer loyalty programs all together. Interested buyers and users, in addition to geocoded applications and mobile applications, at the same time also have access to a large extent to printed information in the form of 1D, but above all 2D codes and this totality of all portable media contributions can be processed through a global system on a broad basis. This broad basis is only guaranteed by the validation terminal. Larger organizations can map this validation terminal through a software client in conjunction with commercially available hardware.

Smaller and medium-sized organizations and individual companies, however, rely on such a terminal, as it is precisely organizations of this size that represent an essential part of the overall market potential in all countries. The fact that this validation terminal can handle analogue and digital portable media together, and the fact that this validation terminal enables organizations and companies of all sizes to participate in a global system, highlights the scope of the problem being solved by such a validation terminal.

Preferably, in the electronic device, the second interface is configured to establish a wired or wireless connection to a data network. This can be the data network of the authentication provider. However, the majority of authentications take place today, usually in encrypted form via the Internet, so that the validation terminal is preferably equipped with an Ethernet interface for a wired connection to the Internet or intranet or with a WLAN interface or both interfaces.

To display the result of the verification process optical or acoustic display elements can be provided. For example, a green signal lamp may be displayed if the authentication was successful and a red signal lamp is displayed if the authentication was denied. The same can be achieved, for example, in addition or alone with an acoustic signal generator. For example, three short beeps as confirmation and a long beep, possibly with a lower frequency.

The user of the local terminal can then for example make or deny the corresponding discount or validation, or reject or deliver the goods delivered or awaiting delivery.

Preferably, the optical interface of the device is designed so that it can be read by a handheld scanner, which is generally used at POS systems. In this way, the user can, as usual, instead of the original label of the document to be checked (coupon, label), read the bar code or area code created on the validation terminal with the normal scanner connected to his cash register or goods flow control system.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, another code is displayed when the coupon is accepted. In preparation of the rebate action, the dealer or body preparing the rebate action should, in the system, provide a special code for each discounted merchandise for the discounted merchandise either directly in the merchant's cash register system or if its POS system is connected to a dealer network have deposited. If the cash register scanner now recognizes the code that was stored for discount items, it can now be used to compile the invoice. By using an optical interface and reading the optical interface with the hand-held scanner, which is usually connected to the cash register system, the risk of transmission of defective computer codes is virtually eliminated and will therefore probably generally be well accepted by security-conscious users.

For cash registers with prism scanner, the display representing the bar code is preferably installed remotely in the scanning area of this prism scanner to achieve this particular type of firewall function.

Much larger design options arise when the third interface of the validation terminal is designed such that it uses the evaluated data via an electronic interface, eg. B. a serial interface or a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth with the POS system or the goods receipt or exit system is replaced. Of course, this requires a corresponding programming of the POS system or the goods flow control system.

An embodiment of the validation terminal as a portable device, for example by integrating a power supply with batteries or rechargeable batteries and the design of the third interface as a radio interface increases the practicality of the validation terminal. It can then be used simultaneously by, for example, several point-of-sale systems or multiple checkpoint, goods flow and inventory systems, so that only a single electronic validation terminal has to be purchased for shops with multiple POS systems or can be used in mobile applications such as ticketing.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the validation terminal results when the portable variant of such a terminal at least parts of the control device and the interfaces are formed from a mobile device. Today's mobile devices have a sufficiently powerful processor that can take over the tasks of the control device. Optionally, the display of the mobile phone can be used as a visual display device.

The connection to the Internet can be done by integrated in the mobile phone LAN and WLAN function, or even by the mobile system itself. Under certain circumstances, even the scanner interface can be realized by using the integrated camera, which is widely used in many mobile phones.

To provide a worldwide Internet based coupon and loyalty card validation system for point of sale and checkpoint applications, such as ticketing, counterfeit protection, warranty registration, or To be able to introduce logistics processes, a small validation terminal, also as a mobile version, can provide support for the market launch on a very broad basis. Especially for organizations with little or no IT infrastructure and limited resources, companies and organizations of all sizes and multiple segments can be enabled to validate portable media identification codes of coupons, tickets, NFC devices, or RFiD-equipped goods. Especially due to the fact that printed codes and RFiD have to be processed in parallel, even when RFiD or other technologies are spreading rapidly. The imprint of the identical code on the RFiD label or a comparable label, does not necessarily provide a remedy to replace the special benefit of RFiD and related technologies, and thus to fully exploit.

The validation terminal is part of a verification system and is interposed between the verification provider and the merchant system.

The invention will now be described and explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Show it:

1 the basic structure of a validation system according to the invention

2 a validation system for a discount promotion

3 A verification system for the authentication of goods

4 A mobile validation terminal that includes a mobile phone

1 shows the basic structure of a validation system with an issuing office 3 , by means of which validation data are generated and by data transfer 9 the validation data on a validation server 2 be deposited. Alternatively, the validation data can also be on the validation server 2 be generated and through data transfer 9 to the issuing office 3 sent. The issuing office 3 is at the same time responsible for ensuring that the validation data is suitably handled with a mobile medium 10 be linked.

The moving medium 10 is for example carried by a customer and, for example, to obtain a discount on the payment process or to collect bonus points on a customer card, at a checkpoint 11 submitted. The moving medium 10 But it can also be permanently associated with a product, or even provided to be removable after purchase, in which case at the checkpoint 11 It is possible to check whether the goods marked in this way meet the authenticity criteria of the manufacturer.

The moving medium 10 can either be designed as a physical disk, z. B. in the form of a loyalty card with magnetic stripe, or a so-called RFID tag or in non-physical form, for. B. be displayed as a stripe or area code on a paper print. Depending on the configuration, customers can also access this code on their personal data carrier, eg. In the form of an MMS or photo, NFC unit, on their mobile phone, and the customer displays this data on the display of his mobile phone for the purpose of validation.

At the checkpoint 11 becomes a validation terminal for purposes of validation, whether to check a discount code or an authenticity feature 1 maintained. By means of the validation terminal 1 Be the ones on the moving medium 10 stored data, and the validation server 2 sent and compared with the criteria given there.

The validation terminal according to the invention 1 has a first interface, which due to its function in the following as a network interface 5 , a second interface, hereinafter referred to as scanner interface 7 and a third interface which, due to its function, hereinafter referred to as a checkpoint interface 6 referred to as. A control unit 4 is with all three interfaces 5 . 6 . 7 connected and controls the data transfer between the individual interfaces 5 . 6 . 7 ,

The scanner interface 7 can depending on the application as an optical scanner for one or two-dimensional codes or as a reader for cards with magnetic data strip, with contacts for reading so-called smart cards, with a coil for the inductive reading of cards or with antennas for reading RFID tags or NFC elements.

This list is not exhaustive and may include other interfaces as needed. In a particular embodiment, multiple interfaces for different volumes are connected in parallel, so that, for example, optional inductive cards and smart cards from the validation terminal 1 can be read. Optionally, these interfaces are modular so that the validation terminal 1 individually for the each application can be equipped and configured.

For certain mobile data carriers 10 is detected by inserting the chip card, approaching the RFID tag, the mobile data carrier independently and read. For printed codes, by placing the portable media, for example, the paper print or mobile device reading by pressing a control button, not shown, also forcibly started and / or by a control button or sensor which does not show which detects a scan, the process will be confirmed final , Customer cards, RFID tags or NFC-equipped devices are guided past the corresponding readers or transponders at a suitable distance and angle. Here, too, can be forcibly started and confirmed with elements not shown, the process.

The code read is from the control unit 4 over the network interface 5 for example over a network 8th with which also the validation server 2 connected is forwarded to this. In general, this network will be the Internet. Alternatively, this network can also be formed from a company-internal network, a virtual point-to-point connection or even a true point-to-point connection.

Preferably, the control unit 4 designed so that they simultaneously for different validations, for the different validation server 2 be responsible, can be used. This is either in an address memory 12 stored a mapping table of the validation terminal, an assignment of one via the scanner interface 7 read code and the address, z. For example, the IP address of the validation server responsible for this code 2 contains. The control unit 4 reads the address associated with each code and assembles a data packet which is sent to the address of the validation server 2 is sent. In this case, this assignment table must be brought up to date by remote maintenance. Alternatively, this mapping table can also be maintained in a central service center, not shown, and validation requests are made by the validation terminal 1 First always sent to the service center, then from there to the respective validation server 2 to be forwarded. Another technical possibility is that the address of the validation server 2 is already included in the read code, and is found by evaluating the code.

The validation server 2 evaluates the information sent to him and, if all the prerequisites, such as promotion period, quota is not exhausted or supply chain is consistent, sends a positive acknowledgment back to the validation terminal with the product being reviewed 1 , The control device 4 evaluates the incoming confirmation message and sends the acknowledgment to the control point interface in an adapted form 6 ,

The checkpoint interface 6 is formed in this embodiment as a display and shows a stored in the cash discount code, which the operator of the checkpoint 11 enters or reads into his cash register to carry out a discount on the submitted item. In a preferred embodiment is on the display 6 a bar code displayed which with the reader, which usually at POS systems anyway for reading the bar code printed on merchandise labels, z. B. so-called EAN / UPC code is used. Alternatively or additionally, an alphanumeric representation of this barcode can also take place. Alternatively, alternatively or additionally, a confirmation display, not shown, for. B. a green LED can be controlled for a few seconds.

Alternatively, the checkpoint interface 6 also consist of a wired interface, such as a parallel or serial interface, for example, a USB interface, which directly to the control point device 11 connected is. In this case, too, a larger amount of data between the validation terminal 1 and checkpoint device 11 be replaced.

In the case that, due to the data transmitted to him, the validation server 2 If a validation refuses, a reject message will be sent to the validation terminal 1 sent back and the rejection displayed accordingly. For example, the display may show: "Voucher expired" or "Allowable rebate amount exceeded" or similar. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a red LED for a few seconds flash or an acoustic display, for example, generate a low tone.

In this way, a control point system, for example a POS system, which does not use the hardware or the software for exchanging data with the validation server can also be used 2 be extended in its function so that it can be integrated into a validation system.

2 describes an exemplary embodiment of a validation system for a goods sales promotion program based on coupons or customer cards. At the beginning of a coupon action will be Data from a campaign manager to the validation server 2 entered. The campaign manager may be the manufacturer or dealer or it may be a contractor, such as an advertising agency. The campaign manager determines the goods for which the vouchers are redeemable and may, among other things, limit the number of vouchers to be redeemed and the redemption period, such as: For example, a maximum of ten thousand vouchers in total, fifty for a particular merchant and three for each customer.

The goods can be clearly identified, for example, using the so-called EAN / UPC. In this embodiment, identical EAN / UPS codes are given for identical goods, the original EAN / UPC for the goods without discount and two other EAN the goods with 10% discount and 25% discount. Alternatively, discounts with fixed amounts such as five euros or ten euros can be specified. These additional EAN / UPC codes are provided by the campaign manager at the issuing office 3 with an application on the validation server 2 created. The data transfer can be different than through the in 2 shown direct connection 9 of course also over the Internet, for example a VPN connection. Each retailer or participating retailer chain participating in the discount promotion will be appropriately notified, for example by information on the website, of a cover letter or email, such as these additional EAN / UPC or similar codes in their POS system 19 must be maintained.

Alternatively, these additional EAN / UPC codes can also be replaced by a direct data exchange, not shown, with the merchant systems, if the merchant system is made remotely maintainable.

For example, through advertising, customers access a web application that provides them with code that promises a discount or an addition to a participating merchant. In this embodiment, the contains on the mobile phone 13 downloaded two-dimensional code, an individualized discount code that is awarded only once, and the web address of the validation server 2 , As in 2 this web application runs on the web server of the issuing office 3 , Through data exchange 9 with the validation server 2 The web application ensures that the individualized code is the validation server 2 is made known. This ensures that the validation server 2 also recognize the discount code as valid if it is the validation server 2 from the validation terminal 1 submitted for examination. Alternatively, such a web application for the distribution of the discount codes could also on a dedicated, not shown web server, or on the validation server 2 be yourself.

The customer goes with his mobile phone 13 to the cash register system 19 of the participating merchant and shows when paying the coupon code on the display of his mobile phone 13 and puts the display of his cellphone 13 on the optical scanner 12 of the validation terminal 1 on. The dealer starts the validation process by pressing a start button (not shown) on the validation terminal 1 ,

This causes the control circuit by means of the validation terminal 1 contained optical scanner module 12 which consists, for example, of a built-in camera, an image of the display of the mobile phone 13 to take. Means of a programmed application evaluates the controller 4 the photographed two-dimensional code and compiles a data packet, which from the validation terminal 1 to the validation server 2 is sent. The data packet contains at least the discount code to be checked, but may also contain additional data, such as the identifier of the merchant. The identifier of the dealer can, for example, via a unique assigned serial number of the validation terminal 1 or, for example, as a parameter in the memory of the validation terminal 1 stored.

The validation server 2 compares each received discount code with the saved discount code and controls the other validity requirements. In the case of a match and if the validity requirements are met, the validation server sends 2 a validation message back to the respective validation terminal 1 , In this embodiment, the validation message contains the EAN code with the respectively provided discount, z. For example, a fixed amount of 5 euros. For a one-off discount code, the validation server identifies 2 the corresponding discount code as consumed, so that it can not be redeemed a second time. At the same time, it stores further received data, such as the dealer identifier, for example for an advertising range analysis. In the event that the discount code is unknown, has expired, or other criteria are not met, it sends a denial message, which may advantageously include the reason for the rejection, back to the validation terminal 1 ,

Via the network interface 5 Received messages are received from the control unit 4 evaluated and the processed result to the control point interface 6 to hand over.

In this embodiment, the checkpoint interface is as a display 6 configured, the display of which, at the POS system 19 connected reading device 20 can be read. There are corresponding displays commercially available, which can represent a barcode and this barcode can be read with so-called laser scanners. Such a configuration has the advantage that on the POS system 19 , most already used reading devices anyway 20 can be used, and no other reading devices must be purchased. Alternatively, however, on the display 6 of the validation terminal 1 Alternatively, an alphanumeric representation can be selected so that the validation terminal 1 also for Point of Sales (POS) systems without readers 20 suitable.

The one from the display 6 of the validation terminal 1 The EAN code read is compared in the cash register system with the EAN / UPC code stored in the POS system and the corresponding discount is carried out.

To limit a discount on certain goods or to allow different discounts for different goods is the control device 4 preferably configured so that it can also evaluate the codes of merchandise labels. In the simplest case of application, the product label becomes the same optical scanner module 12 read, which is also provided for reading the discount code. Optionally, input via a keyboard, not shown, or one at the validation terminal 1 connected, not shown, handheld readers are read. Alternatively, the product label can also be used with the handheld scanner 20 of the cash register system 19 and the checkpoint interface 6 which is designed, for example, as a serial interface to the control device 4 of the validation terminal 1 be transmitted.

The control device 4 packs this data into the data packet which is sent to the validation server 2 is transmitted to the validation server 2 a discount depending on the goods to be purchased by the customer.

There are already promotions known in which the discount code in print media 15 or printed on billboards. The customer, who is a mobile phone 13 owns with a built-in camera, can photograph this code 16 and display on his display. There are also software applications for mobile phones are known that can reprocess a photographed code, and then either new, in normalized form on the display or as other data, eg. B. via a radio interface of the mobile phone 13 , For example, a so-called Bluetooth interface to a properly equipped validation terminal 1 Send. Depending on the configuration, the optical scanner interface is suitable 12 but also for reading paper coupons 17 that the customer either printed himself or consisted of a newspaper break.

Another embodiment of the validation options is still in 2 shown. The validation terminal 1 is except with an optical scanner module 11 also with an RFID reader module 12 for reading customer cards 15 fitted. Depending on the customer card to be read, an unillustrated magnetic stripe reader or a non-illustrated chip card reader may be provided. RFiD and comparable technologies are finding their way into personal identification as well as logistics. However, these technologies will eventually co-exist with conventional printed codes, magnetic stripes and smart cards, and can therefore be equipped with a validated validation terminal 1 be processed in parallel in an advantageous manner.

When redeeming the discount code, the customer can also use his customer card 18 submit. The identification information stored on the customer card is then sent to the validation server along with the other data 2 cleverly. The additional use of customer identification data results in further, diverse combination possibilities. On the one hand, the customer identification can be used to limit the number of coupons that can be redeemed for a customer. Regardless of this, the redemption of a discount code can also be made dependent on the submission of a customer identification, in order to control the success of the promotion and to collect statistical material. Another application is the deterrence of abuse that can result from the merchant attempting to redeem discount codes for themselves. It would then attract attention that always only the same customers redeem in large numbers Gutsscheine.

Usually, the data on the discounts performed are collected in the dealer's cash register system and sent in a known manner to an unillustrated clearing house for the purpose of calculating the amount to be reimbursed to the merchant. However, the validation server can also be used with the presented system 2 take over the task of collecting the data and transmitting it to the clearinghouse. Furthermore, these actions are often borne jointly by the supplier or the brands with the participating dealers. Such joint campaigns would be greatly simplified, automated and accelerated by such a global validation system Connection to clearing houses, then processes such as security, timely billing and transparency are realized and optimized. In this way, such analyzes can be performed, although the merchant's POS system is only capable of evaluating the relatively simple information of a bar code or number entry.

3 shows an embodiment in which the authenticity of goods can be tested. Especially luxury goods such as perfume, clothing and fashionable accessories, which are sold under expensive brands, are often the victims of product piracy. But even with everyday objects, such as batteries for mobile phones are imitated end-users and traders counterfeit products, which also hold security risks in itself. Such products 21 are increasingly being equipped with data carriers, such as RFID tags. Although these RFID tags can also be imitated, they allow you to check whether a product by an individualized identifier 21 has already been submitted elsewhere with the identical identifier for authenticity. Although the cost of RFID tags with their dissemination is increasingly falling, the presented verification system is also suitable for goods 22 and services characterized only by a complex code, for example a two-dimensional code. Since these codes have a large length, they can be awarded worldwide only once per product.

The issuing office 3 assigns in this embodiment RFID tags with a unique identifier and connects them with the goods to be protected 21 , The data is stored centrally in a validation server 2 saved. Once the goods 21 leave the factory, the ID is scanned at the goods issue and the validation server 2 updated accordingly. As soon as the goods arrive at the middleman, his incoming inspection scans the goods 21 . 22 , In the exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the goods receiving system 23 the intermediary is a conventional incoming goods control system which is not designed to carry out the authenticity check itself.

In this case, the validation terminal 1 used, with which the unambiguous identifications of the goods via the scanning module 7 is read. In a manner already described in detail, the validation terminal sends this data to the validation server 2 , This compares the received identifier with the stored identifier and makes a plausibility check if necessary. In this respect, every middleman with a validation terminal 1 equipped in the validation server 2 For each goods receipt and goods issue, the place of goods in and out are stored. The location results, for example, from a configuration parameter 12 stored identification of the respective dealer. That way, the validation server can 2 Verify that the data provides a traceable supply chain.

Upon confirmation of authenticity by the validation server 2 generates the validation terminal 1 a record, which in the incoming goods control system 23 the booking of the goods 21 . 22 performs. Likewise, the validation terminal is used to store the data in the validation server for a goods issue 2 to bring up to date.

Of course, the validation terminal 1 also be used at a retailer to prove to the end customer the authenticity of the goods. If the validation terminal is equipped with a printer or a printer interface, a certificate of authenticity can also be printed out to the end customer or automatically assigned to his customer account online. Another use case would be automatic warranty registrations through checkout via the validation terminal 1 ,

However, collaboration is also customary for the various fields of application in logistics, so that optimizations and new simplified processes can be designed and handled with such a system. This process can also be automatically assigned to an online customer account.

4 shows an embodiment of a validation terminal 1 whose functions are partly through a mobile phone 24 are formed. Today's mobile phones have a powerful processor and a variety of functions which, depending on the design, have some or even all the functions of a validation terminal 1 can execute. In the presented embodiment, the mobile phone 24 enclosed in a housing. Three push buttons 25 . 26 . 27 are used to start, stop and abort the already well-described validation process. The control device is through the processor of the mobile phone 24 educated. the display 28 of the mobile phone 24 serves to display status messages, eg For example, to indicate the reason for refusing validation. At the moment, no mobile phones are known which would allow a reading of a bar code with a handheld scanner, therefore, this function, as in the other embodiments already presented, by a separate display device 6 reached. If mobile phones are available with a display suitable for reading, this function can also be used with the mobile phone 24 be achieved. USB ports of the mobile phone 24 can also be attached to a plug-in device in the housing 29 be looped through, so that with suitable control point systems also a wired data transmission between the mobile phone and the control point system is possible, or the power supply of the validation terminal 1 is ensured.

Since many mobile phones nowadays already have WLAN or Bluetooth interfaces, a connection to the control point system can also take place by means of these techniques. To read the commodity code 21 . 22 is still a separate scanning device in the illustrated embodiment 7 intended. Since many mobile phones already have a built-in camera, this can also be used to read the code displayed on mobile phones or the code shown on paper 22 be read. Optionally, by optical deflection devices, such as mirrors and prisms, the reading surface, such as through a translucent disc on the housing of the validation terminal 1 is formed and on which the mobile phones or paper strips are placed on the camera optics of the mobile phone inside the housing of the validation terminal 1 be imaged. The mobile phone can connect to the validation server 24 on the one hand, if available use a Wi-Fi access of the dealer. The special advantage of the mobile phone 24 But it is that it can make Internet access via the mobile system itself and thus is autonomous from the existing infrastructure at the point of sale.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2004/02240 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Device ( 1 ) for verifying data at a local control point with - a first interface ( 7 ) for reading authentication data - a second interface ( 5 ) for data exchange between the validation terminal ( 1 ) and a validation server ( 2 ) - a third interface ( 6 ) for data exchange with a control point system ( 11 ) - a control device ( 4 ) which via the first interface ( 7 ) or a data record formed from the authentication data via the second interface ( 5 ) for verification to the verification server ( 2 ), which via the second interface ( 5 ) evaluates received data and the evaluated data to the third interface ( 6 ). Electronic device according to Claim 1, in which the first interface ( 7 ) for reading authentication data from an optical scanner or an electromagnetic receiving unit, such as so-called RFID tags or Near Field Communication NFC is formed. Electronic device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the second interface ( 5 ) is configured to establish a wired or wireless connection to a data network. Electronic device according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the third interface ( 6 ) is designed as an optical display device. Electronic device according to Claim 4, in which the visual display device ( 6 ) has the technical property of so-called hand scanners ( 20 ) to be read. Electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 that the third interface ( 6 ) is configured such that it the evaluated data via an electronic interface, for. B. a serial interface or a radio connection with the control point system ( 11 ) can exchange. Electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2 3, 4, 5 or 6 in which the electronic device is designed as a portable device. Electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 in which at least parts of the control device ( 4 ) and the interfaces ( 7 . 5 . 6 ) from a mobile device ( 24 ) are formed. System for verifying data with a validation server ( 2 ), which compares incoming data with stored data and, depending on the data comparison, sends back a confirmation or denial message, the data also being stored on a mobile data carrier ( 13 . 17 . 18 . 21 . 22 ), and with an electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 for reading the data of the mobile data carrier and for exchanging data with the validation server ( 2 ). A system according to claim 9, wherein the data from the mobile data carrier ( 13 . 17 . 18 . 21 . 22 ) through the validation server ( 2 ) or the validation terminal ( 1 ) into another data format and / or data with changed data content.

Images