Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02938969 2016-08-16
BOTTLE FRAUD DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a bottle fraud detection
system and method
for detecting fraud of a bottle. More so, a bottle fraud detection system and
method encapsulates
a wireless communication tag into a bottle, and utilizes an algorithm to
detect fraud and ensure
the authenticity of a wine bottle.
Background of the Invention
[0002] The following background information may present examples of
specific aspects of
the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom)
that, while expected
to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the
prior art, is not to be
construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to
anything stated or
implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0003] However, there are alternative wine closures are substitute closures
used in the wine
industry for sealing wine bottles in place of traditional cork closures. These
synthetic corks are
made from plastic compounds designed to look and "pop" like natural cork, but
without the risk
of TCA contamination The following is an example of a specific aspect in the
prior art that,
while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional
aspects of the prior art,
is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments
thereof, to anything
stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0004] By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art
generally useful to
be aware of is that wine and related types of beverages are most often
packaged in glass bottles
and depending on the kind or quality of the wine, the bottles are sealed with
a cork. Some wines,
e.g. Champagnes, are corked with stoppers having enlarged heads and which can
be grasped and
twisted. However the majority of red, white and rose wines are "corked" with
stoppers made out
of cork which is recessed in the neck of the bottle requiring some implement
such as a corkscrew
to extract the cork. Though there are other wines that are bottle packaged
with "screw tops" and
movement in this direction is obviously predicated to some extent on meeting
consumer's
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demands for packaging which is easily opened without the necessity of
additional equipment.
[0005] In many instances, wine fraud is a form of fraud in which the wine
bottle is molested
to change either the wine, or the bottle itself. The wines can be adulterated,
usually with the
addition of cheaper products such as juices and sometimes with the addition of
harmful
chemicals and sweeteners to compensate in color or flavor. Another form, is
the substitution of
labels, with cheap poor quality products sold under the labels of more
expensive better wines. It
is known that Federal governments and individual producers have taken many
efforts in order to
curb the prevalence of wine fraud. Some examples include marking bottles with
engraved serial
numbers on the glass and taking more control of the distribution process of
their wines. Better
documentation of the wine bottles can also help reduce wine fraud. However,
for older vintages,
the threat of fraud persists.
[0006] It is well known that a bottle stopper, especially for wine, is
generally made from
cork, which is an impermeable, buoyant material. Because of its
impermeability, buoyancy,
elasticity and fire retardant, cork is used in a variety of products, the most
common of which is
for wine stoppers.. It is significant to note that both types of bottle
stoppers may have other
components and materials integrated therein.
[0007] Near-field communication (NFC) is a type of radio frequency
communication
technology, operating at about 13.56 MHz and at bandwidth of about 2 MHz,
which allows for
read-only and read-write communications between a NFC-enabled RF tag reader
and a NFC-
enabled tag. NFC operation is based on inductive coupling between two loop
antennas, which
allows for sharing of power and data between NFC-enabled devices.
[0008] Even though the above cited methods for detecting wine fraud address
some of the
needs of the market, a bottle fraud detection system and method that
integrates a wireless
communication device tag into a bottle cork, and then tracks and analyzes
information from the
tag to predict fraud is still desired.
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Summary of the Invention
[0009] The present invention is directed to a bottle fraud detection system
and method that
encapsulates a wireless communication tag into a bottle to help track the
bottle and ensure the
authenticity of the bottle. The tag stores information about the bottle. In
one embodiment, the tag
is physically integrated into a bottle stopper through encapsulation by
multiple layers of a
polymer film and a wax composition. The physical condition of the bottle
stopper may serve as
an indication of whether tampering has occurred to the tag. The information in
the tag is
accessible through a reading device, such as a scanner. The reading device
communicates with a
database that stores information about the bottle and analyzes the probability
of fraud with an
algorithm. The algorithm analyzes the information about the bottle, such as
shipping history,
contents, and location, to predict whether fraud is likely. In this manner,
both the physical
condition of the bottle, and the predictive capacity of the algorithm work in
conjunction to help
detect fraud on the bottle.
[0010] In one embodiment, the bottle is a wine bottle. The bottle stopper
is a cork used to
close off a bottle neck for storing wine in a wine bottle. In another
embodiment, the wireless
radio communications tag may include, without limitation, a near field
communication (NFC)
tag. The tag is restrained against the bottle stopper or general proximity of
the bottle neck by
multiple layers of fastening material. The information on the tag is accessed
through a remote
database. The information can be viewed by a user, and analyzed by an
algorithm to detect fraud.
[0011] In some embodiments, the tag may be encapsulated on the bottle
stopper with a thin
polymer film that wraps around the tag and the bottle stopper. The polymer
film can be heated to
contract around the bottle stopper, consequently forming a snug fit around the
bottle stopper and
the tag. In this manner, the polymer film forms a smooth overlaying surface
that securely
integrates the tag with the bottle stopper. Thus, any attempt to access the
tag by removing the
thin polymer film is visibly apparent due to the nature of the polymer film to
tear and form
jagged edges when manipulated.
[0012] In some embodiments, a wax composition may be applied over the NFC
tag. The wax
composition serves to secure the tag onto the bottle stopper, and also
prevents extraction of the
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liquid contents via a needle passed through the cork. The wax composition may
include beeswax
that covers the NFC tag. Thus, the beeswax is effective in providing a barrier
against extraction
of the liquid contents of the bottle via needle passed through the cork. Due
to the wax layer
being affixed to the top of the cork, removal of the layer is not possible
within damaging the
NFC tag.
[0013] In some embodiments, the tag may be used to store information about
the contents of
the bottle. In essence, the tag provide instant access to the information
about the bottle, which
may include, without limitation, a bottle content, a location history, a
shipping route, a
manufacturing date, manufacturer contact information, a price, a dietary
information, and a
website URL link. The information may be stored in a remote database, which
can be accessed
with the tag to review and verify the authenticity of the bottle. In one
embodiment, the
information in the tag can be accessed, viewed, and manipulated through a
reading device, such
as a smart phone.
[0014] Thus, the aforementioned tamper proof integration of the tag into
the bottle stopper or
bottle neck region may be efficacious for eliminating removal or modification
of the tag.
Consequently, fraud is prevented because removal of the tag requires removing
the wax
composition and the polymer film from the bottle stopper, thus creating a
visibly obvious
disfigurement of the bottle. However, the system and method is configured such
that even if a
fraudulent tag replaced an authentic tag the algorithmic security features
provided by the system
and method would be able to detect it as fraudulent.
[0015] The system utilizes a database for storing the information about the
bottle. The
database may also include an algorithm to organize and decipher the
information about the
bottle. The algorithm is efficacious for predicting the probability of fraud
on the bottle since
various parameter and variables of the bottle can be used to indicate fraud.
In one embodiment,
the algorithm may utilize predictive analytics to perform statistical
techniques including
modeling, machine learning, and data mining that analyze current and
historical facts about the
bottle, and similar bottles, to make predictions about future, or otherwise
unknown, events. Thus,
factors, such as present location, shipping history, and the type of wine in
the bottle can be
analyzed to calculate a probability of whether the particular bottle in
question is authentic or
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counterfeit.
[0016] One objective of the present invention is to authenticate, as
genuine or fraudulent, a
wine contained in a bottle.
[0017] Another objective is to track suspicious movements of the bottle
that may indicate
fraud.
[0018] Another objective is to enable real time access to information
pertinent to the bottle.
[0019] Another objective is to integrate an NFC tag into a cork, such that
attempts to remove
the NFC tag are visibly apparent.
[0020] Another objective is to integrate an NFC tag into the bottle without
altering the bottle.
[0021] Yet another objective is to operatively connect the NFC tag with a
remote database,
such that a user can access the information from the database at any time with
a simple reading
device.
[0022] Yet another objective is to predict the probability of fraud with an
algorithm that
analyzes information about the bottle.
[0023] Yet another objective is to provide a simple fraud detection system
and method that
can be accessed over numerous platforms.
[0024] These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and
appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written
specification, claims
and appended drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary bottle fraud
detection system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
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[0027] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate top view of exemplary reading devices,
where FIG. 2A
illustrates an exemplary legitimate message, and FIG. 2B illustrates an
exemplary fraudulent
message, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIGs. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate detailed perspective views of an
exemplary tag
integrated into an exemplary bottle stopper, where FIG. 3A illustrates the tag
positioned above
the bottle stopper, FIG. 3B illustrates a polymer film wrapped around the tag
and a wax
composition being applied over the polymer film and the tag, and FIG. 3C
illustrates the wax
composition and the polymer film overlaying the tag, in accordance with an
embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart diagram of an exemplary bottle fraud
detection method,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram depicting an exemplary
client/server system which
may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment, in accordance
with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[00311 Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various
views of the
drawings.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0032] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended
to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the
described embodiments.
As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an
example, instance,
or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or
"illustrative" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
implementations. All of the
implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to
enable persons
skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are
not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of
description herein,
the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. I.
Furthermore, there is no
6
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the
preceding technical
field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is
also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and
described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of
the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as limiting,
unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0033] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference
numerals are
intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces
consistently throughout
the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the
entire written
specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The
drawings are intended to
be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion
of the entire "written
description" of this invention.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, presented in FIGs. 1-5,
a bottle fraud
detection system 100 and method 200 encapsulates a wireless communication tag
102 into a
bottle 104 to help track the bottle 104 and ensure the authenticity of the
bottle 104. The tag 102
stores information pertinent to the bottle 104. The information in the tag 102
is accessible
through a reading device 112 for viewing, and analysis by an algorithm for
predicting possible
fraud on the bottle 104. The reading device 112 communicates with a database
114 that stores
information about the bottle 104. The database 114 also includes an algorithm
that helps predict
the probability of fraud for the bottle 104.
[0035] In one embodiment, the tag 102 is physically integrated into a
bottle stopper 106
through encapsulation by multiple layers of a polymer film 108 and a wax
composition 110. The
physical condition and position of the bottle stopper 106, the polymer film
108 the wax
composition 110, and the tag 102 serves as an indication of whether tampering
has occurred to
the bottle 104. The algorithm analyzes the information about the bottle 104,
such as shipping
history, contents, and location, to predict whether fraud is likely. In this
manner, both the
physical condition of the bottle 104, and the predictive capacity of the
algorithm work in
conjunction to help detect fraud on the bottle 104.
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[0036] The bottle 104 may include a wine bottle. However, in other
embodiments, the bottle
104 may contain any consumable contents, including, liquor, juice, jams or
foods. In one
possible embodiment, the bottle fraud detection system 100 and method 200
involves
encapsulating a wireless communication tag 102, containing information
pertinent to the bottle
104, into a bottle stopper 106 for tracking and ensuring the authenticity of
the bottle 104. The
system 100 and method 200 enables real time monitoring of a bottle 104 by
integrating a
wireless radio communication tag 102 into a bottle stopper 106, or general
proximity of a bottle
neck.
[0037] In one embodiment, the bottle stopper 106 is a cork on a wine
bottle. However, in
other embodiments, the bottle stopper 106 may include, without limitation, a
screw cap, a crown
cork, a rubber stopper, and a wax seal. In one embodiment, the wireless radio
communications
tag 102 may include, without limitation, a near field communication (NFC) tag.
The tag 102 is
restrained against the bottle stopper 106 or general proximity of the bottle
104 neck by multiple
layers of fastening material. The information stored in the tag 102 is
accessed through a reading
device 112, which communicates with a database 114. In this manner, the
information about the
bottle can be viewed by a user, and analyzed by an algorithm to detect fraud.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a bottle fraud detection system 100 that helps detect
fraud for a bottle
104 by integrating a wireless communication tag 102 into a bottle stopper 106,
or the general
region of a bottle neck. However, in one alternative embodiment, the tag 102
may be integrated
in the base of the bottle 104. In some embodiments, the wireless communication
tag 102 may be
encapsulated in the bottle stopper 106 with a thin polymer film 108 that wraps
around the tag
102 and the bottle stopper 106. A wax composition 110 forms a secondary layer
over the
polymer film 108 and the tag 102. The polymer film 108 and the wax composition
110 integrate
the tag 102 into the bottle stopper 106, such that tampering and other
fraudulent acts are at least
partially restricted.
[0039] In some embodiments, the tag 102 may be used to store information
about the
contents of the bottle 104. In essence, the tag 102 provide instant access to
the information about
the bottle 104. The information may include, without limitation, a bottle
content, a location
history, a shipping route, a manufacturing date, manufacturer contact
information, a price, a
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dietary information, and a website URL link. The information may be stored in
a remote
database 114, which can be accessed through the reading device 112 to help
review and verify
the authenticity of the bottle 104.
10040] Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will
recognize that an NFC
tag is a wireless technology which allows for the transfer of data such as
text or numbers
between two NFC enabled reading devices. Various sets of data types can be
stored on the NFC
tag. The actual amount of data varies depending on the type of NFC tag used,
as different tag
102s have different memory capacities. For example, a standard Ultralight NFC
tag can store a
URL of around forty one characters, whereas an NTAG NFC tag can store a URL of
around one
hundred thirty two characters.
[0041] In one embodiment, the information in the tag 102 can be accessed,
viewed, and
manipulated through a reading device 112, such as a smart phone. In other
embodiments, the
reading device 112 may include, without limitation, a tablet, a computer, a
scanner, and a server.
Furthermore, the tag 102 may be scanned using standard off the shelf cellular
phones having
apps that can read the tag 102. The reading device 112 communicates with the
database 114,
which is configured to store, analyze, and return information about the bottle
104 and the
probability of fraud. The database 114 stores the information about the bottle
104 for retrieval by
the reading device 112. The database 114 may include an algorithm to analyze
the information
about the bottle 104. The algorithm is efficacious for predicting the
probability of fraud on the
bottle 104 since various parameter and variables of the bottle 104 can be used
to indicate fraud.
In one embodiment, the algorithm may utilize predictive analytics to perfoini
statistical
techniques including modeling, machine learning, and data mining that analyze
current and
historical facts about the bottle 104 to make predictions about future, or
otherwise unknown,
events.
[0042] As referenced in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the reading device 112 displays
messages for
alerting about the status of the bottle 104, based on the analysis of the
algorithm. In one
embodiment, the reading device 112 displays a legitimate message 116 if the
probability of a
legitimate, untampered bottle 104 is great. However, if the algorithm predicts
a tampered bottle
104 or bottle stopper 106, the reading device 112 displays a fraudulent
message 118. In this
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manner, the authenticity of the bottle 104 may be quickly verified. The
reading device 112
includes a display that presents the messages 116, 118 in an easy to view and
understand
colored, graphical format. This provides enhanced visual information. In some
embodiments, the
scanning of the tag 102 may be accomplished using a purpose built application,
running the
application on the smart phone, coupled with a cloud computing based warehouse
and the
algorithm for detecting the fraud. It is also significant to note that since
the system 100 utilizes
standard closures, no retooling of the bottling equipment would be required.
[0043] As referenced in FIG. 3A, the polymer film 108 wraps around the tag
102 in the
general proximity of the bottle stopper 106 or bottle neck. However, in one
alternative
embodiment, the tag 102 may be integrated in the base, body, or neck regions
of the bottle 104.
In some embodiments, the polymer film 108 can be heated to contract around the
bottle stopper
106, consequently forming a snug fit around the bottle stopper 106 and the tag
102. In one
embodiment, the polymer film 108 comprises a thin film of polyolefin that is
heated or shrink
wrapped over the tag 102 and the bottle stopper 106 to form a tight fit. In
this manner, the
polymer film 108 forms a smooth overlaying surface that securely integrates
the tag 102 with the
bottle stopper 106. Thus, any attempt to access the tag 102 by removing the
polymer film 108 is
visibly apparent due to the nature of the polymer film 108 to tear and form
jagged edges when
manipulated.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 3B, a wax composition 110 is applied over the
tag 102. The wax
composition 110 provides a layer of wax that serves to secure the tag 102 onto
the bottle stopper
106, and also prevents extraction of the liquid contents via a needle passed
through the bottle
stopper 106. This is especially problematic due to the soft characteristics of
cork. The wax
composition 110 may include beeswax that covers the tag 102. Thus, the beeswax
is effective in
providing a barrier against extraction of the liquid contents of the bottle
104 via needle passed
through the bottle stopper 106. Due to the wax composition 110 being affixed
to the top of the
bottle stopper 106, removal of the wax composition 110 is not possible within
damaging the tag
102 (FIG. 3C).
[0045] Thus, the aforementioned tamper proof integration of the tag 102
into the bottle
stopper 106 or bottle neck region may be efficacious for eliminating removal
or modification of
CA 02938969 2016-08-16
the tag 102. Consequently, fraud is prevented because removal of the tag 102
requires removing
the wax composition 110 and the polymer film 108 from the bottle stopper 106,
thus creating a
visibly obvious disfigurement of the bottle 104. However, the system 100 and
method 200 is
configured such that even if a fraudulent tag 102 replaced an authentic tag
102, accessing the
database 114 would not be possible, due to algorithmic security features
provided by the system
100 and method 200.
[0046] For example, by applying these data analytics across the entire data
set of bottle 104
movements through the supply/retail chain, it is possible to develop metrics
that would identify
which vintages of wine are more likely to be counterfeited. Thus, factors,
such as present
location, shipping history, and the type of wine in the bottle 104 can be
analyzed to calculate a
probability of whether the wine is authentic or counterfeit. In another
example, the shipping
history and location of the bottle 104 can indicate fraud. If an NFC tag on a
unique wine bottle
104 tag 102 is scanned in New York, and then the same bottle 104 appears to be
scanned again
in Los Angeles within an hour, it could be concluded that one of the two
scanned bottles was a
counterfeit (using a cloned tag) due to the low probability of shipping the
bottle 104 between
those two cities in such a short time frame.
[0047] Yet another example of the algorithm detecting fraud could be the
large number of
French wine bottles detected in California. While French wine is sold in
California, the odds of
thousands of French wine bottles appearing in California in a short span of
time could raise red
flags in the algorithm, as this may indicate that tags 102 are being removed
from the wine bottles
and collected from sold or consumed wine bottles for reuse. Additional anti-
fraud measures
provided by the system 100 may involve monitoring the bottle's 104 prior
movement from a
retail seller, to a private buyer, and back to a retail seller. In this
example, this pattern of
movement is possible, but the algorithm would still provide a fraudulent
message 118 to alert the
consumer or collector. The fraudulent message 118 enables further
investigation and questioning
about the authenticity of the bottle 104 prior to making a purchase.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 200
for detecting
fraud for a bottle 104. The method 200 encapsulates a wireless communication
tag 102 into a
bottle 104 to help track the bottle 104 and ensure the authenticity of the
bottle 104. The tag 102
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stores information pertinent to the bottle 104. The information is accessible
through a reading
device 112 for viewing, and analysis by an algorithm for predicting possible
fraud on the bottle
104. The method 200 may include an initial Step 202 of obtaining a bottle 104.
The bottle 104
may include a wine bottle. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present
teachings, will
recognize that wine fraud tampering of the bottle 104 to change either the
wine, or the bottle 104
itself. The wines can be adulterated, usually with the addition of cheaper
products.
[0049] The method 200 may further comprise a Step 204 of storing
information about the
bottle 104 on a wireless communication tag 102. The tag 102 may be used to
store information
about the contents of the bottle 104. In essence, the tag 102 provide instant
access to the
information about the bottle 104. The information may include, without
limitation, a bottle 104
content, a location history, a shipping route, a manufacturing date,
manufacturer contact
information, a price, a dietary information, and a website URI, link. The
information may be
stored in a remote database 114, which can be accessed through the tag 102 to
review and verify
the authenticity of the bottle 104.
[0050] A Step 206 includes joining the wireless communication tag 102 with
a bottle stopper
106 positioned in the bottle 104. A polymer film 108 wraps around the tag 102
in the general
proximity of the bottle stopper 106 or bottle neck. In some embodiments, a
Step 208 comprises
encapsulating the wireless communication tag 102 and the bottle stopper 106
with a polymer
film 108. A Step 210 includes contracting the polymer film 108 around the
wireless
communication tag 102 to form a snug fit. The polymer film 108 integrates the
tag 102 into the
bottle stopper 106 or bottle neck. The polymer film 108 can be heated to
contract around the
bottle stopper 106, consequently forming a snug fit around the bottle stopper
106 and the tag
102.
[0051] In some embodiments, a Step 212 may include at least partially
encapsulating the
polymer film 108 with a wax composition 110. The wax composition 110 is
applied over the
polymer film 108 to create a second layer of security for the tag 102. The wax
composition 110
serves to secure the tag 102 onto the bottle stopper 106, and also protects
the polymer film 108
from physical damage or undesirable removal of the tag 102. A Step 214
comprises checking for
damage to the polymer film 108 and/or the wax composition 110, wherein the
damage possibly
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indicates manipulation of the wireless communication tag 102. Fraud is
prevented because
removal of the tag 102 requires removing the wax composition 110 and the
polymer film 108
from the bottle stopper 106, thus creating a visibly obvious disfigurement of
the bottle 104. In
some embodiments, a Step 216 may include scanning a region proximal to the
bottle stopper 106
for reading the wireless communication tag 102 with a reading device 112, such
as a smart
phone having a scanning app. In one embodiment, the information in the tag 102
can be
accessed, viewed, and manipulated through a reading device 112, such as a
smart phone.
[0052] A Step 218 comprises accessing the information from a remote
database 114. A
database 114 for storing the information about the bottle 104. The reading
device 112
communicates with a database 114 to retrieve information. The database 114
also contains an
algorithm for predicting the probability of fraud and operating other
manipulations for the
method 200. A final Step 220 includes predicting the probability of fraud
based on the
information about the bottle 104. The database 114 may also include an
algorithm to analyze the
information about the bottle 104. The algorithm is efficacious for predicting
the probability of
fraud on the bottle 104 since various parameter and variables of the bottle
104 can be used to
indicate fraud. In one embodiment, the algorithm may utilize predictive
analytics to perform
statistical techniques including modeling, machine learning, and data mining
that analyze current
and historical facts about the bottle 104 to make predictions about future, or
otherwise unknown,
events.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server
system which may be
used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present
invention. In the
present invention, a communication system 500 includes a multiplicity of
clients with a sampling
of clients denoted as a client 502 and a client 504, a multiplicity of local
networks with a
sampling of networks denoted as a local network 506 and a local network 508, a
global network
510 and a multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a
server 512 and a server
514.
[0054] Client 502 may communicate bi-directionally with local network 506
via a
communication channel 516. Client 504 may communicate bi-directionally with
local network
508 via a communication channel 518. Local network 506 may communicate bi-
directionally
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with global network 510 via a communication channel 520. Local network 508 may
communicate bi-directionally with global network 510 via a communication
channel 522.
Global network 510 may communicate bi-directionally with server 512 and server
514 via a
communication channel 524. Server 512 and server 514 may communicate bi-
directionally with
each other via communication channel 524. Furthermore, clients 502, 504, local
networks 506,
508, global network 510 and servers 512, 514 may each communicate bi-
directionally with each
other.
[0055] In one embodiment, global network 510 may operate as the Internet.
It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that communication system 500 may take
many different
forms. Non-limiting examples of forms for communication system 500 include
local area
networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired telephone networks, wireless
networks, or
any other network supporting data communication between respective entities.
[0056] Clients 502 and 504 may take many different forms. Non-limiting
examples of
clients 502 and 504 include personal computers, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), cellular
phones and smartphones.
[0057] Client 502 includes a CPU 526, a pointing device 528, a keyboard
530, a microphone
532, a printer 534, a memory 536, a mass memory storage 538, a GUI 540, a
video camera 542,
an input/output interface 544 and a network interface 546.
[0058] CPU 526, pointing device 528, keyboard 530, microphone 532, printer
534, memory
536, mass memory storage 538, GUI 540, video camera 542, input/output
interface 544 and
network interface 546 may communicate in a unidirectional manner or a bi-
directional manner
with each other via a communication channel 548. Communication channel 548 may
be
configured as a single communication channel or a multiplicity of
communication channels.
10059] CPU 526 may be comprised of a single processor or multiple
processors. CPU 526
may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded
RAM/ROM) and
microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based, or
CPLDs and
FPGAs) and devices not capable of being programmed such as gate array ASICs
(Application
Specific Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors.
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CA 02938969 2016-08-16
[0060] As is well known in the art, memory 536 is used typically to
transfer data and
instructions to CPU 526 in a hi-directional manner. Memory 536, as discussed
previously, may
include any suitable computer-readable media, intended for data storage, such
as those described
above excluding any wired or wireless transmissions unless specifically noted.
Mass memory
storage 538 may also be coupled hi-directionally to CPU 526 and provides
additional data
storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media described
above. Mass
memory storage 538 may be used to store programs, data and the like and is
typically a
secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be appreciated that the
information
retained within mass memory storage 538, may, in appropriate cases, be
incorporated in standard
fashion as part of memory 536 as virtual memory.
[0061] CPU 526 may be coupled to GUI 540. GUI 540 enables a user to view
the operation
of computer operating system and software. CPU 526 may be coupled to pointing
device 528.
Non-limiting examples of pointing device 528 include computer mouse, trackball
and touchpad.
Pointing device 528 enables a user with the capability to maneuver a computer
cursor about the
viewing area of GUI 540 and select areas or features in the viewing area of
GUI 540. CPU 526
may be coupled to keyboard 530. Keyboard 530 enables a user with the
capability to input
alphanumeric textual information to CPU 526. CPU 526 may be coupled to
microphone 532.
Microphone 532 enables audio produced by a user to be recorded, processed and
communicated
by CPU 526. CPU 526 may be connected to printer 534. Printer 534 enables a
user with the
capability to print information to a sheet of paper. CPU 526 may be connected
to video camera
542. Video camera 542 enables video produced or captured by user to be
recorded, processed
and communicated by CPU 526.
[0062] CPU 526 may also be coupled to input/output interface 544 that
connects to one or
more input/output devices such as such as CD-ROM, video monitors, track balls,
mice,
keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers,
magnetic or paper
tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, or other
well-known input
devices such as, of course, other computers.
[0063] Finally, CPU 526 optionally may be coupled to network interface 546
which enables
communication with an external device such as a database or a computer or
telecommunications
CA 02938969 2016-08-16
or internet network using an external connection shown generally as
communication channel
516, which may be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link
using suitable
conventional technologies. With such a connection, CPU 526 might receive
information from
the network, or might output information to a network in the course of
performing the method
steps described in the teachings of the present invention.
[0064] Since
many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the
described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all
matters in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a
limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims
and their legal equivalence.
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