Authentication results could be displayed in a web browser just by using NFC-compatible smart phones to read NFC tags which is registered in the cloud platform.

■ Development background

As people pay more attention to the Internet of Things and robotics, automation and optimization of production and supply activities using ICT technologies such as IC tags are accelerating in the production site and logistics industry. At the same time, the use of IC tags is also expanding in response to counterfeiting and piracy worldwide. In particular, the application of NFC tags is highly anticipated as they can be read not only by dedicated readers but also by NFC-enabled smart phones owned by people.

TOPPAN INC. started the IC tag business ahead of the industry in 2003. We develop goods management and assets management solutions using IC tags, authenticity determination solutions for brand protection, which are widely used in many companies' distribution centers, production plants, and products sold overseas.

This time, Toppan developed a new product that has cloud authentication function while being an NDEF method. In the past, it was only used for direct access to web pages based on fixed URL information and device pairing using Bluetooth, but we successfully developed IC tags that can be cloud authentication based on the IC tag design know-how that TOPPAN INC. has cultivated so far.

■ Features of this product

・IC tag authentication is possible without a specific app

This product uses a special IC chip that can be cloud certified by NDEF. It can be read by an NFC-enabled smartphone, and the authentication results can be displayed on a Web browser without the need for a dedicated application.

・Can be read with nfc-compatible smartphones

Because it is an NFC-compatible IC tag, it can be read with NFC-compatible smartphones owned by consumers without a dedicated reader writer.

・Can be linked with cloud-based services

In combination with the cloud-based integrated identity authentication service "ID-NEX" that TOPPAN INC. has provided so long, it is possible to provide a service that can manage the full life cycle of products.

< Authenticity judgment type>

・ IC authentication by calculation is performed by each reading

When the IC tag is read, it not only reads label ID information, but also reads authentication data. Authentication information is read-by-read, and it has high security to determine the calculation result based on the cloud.

・Anti-transfer measures with brittle processing

This product has a brittle process, and it will breaks the antenna and breaks the IC tag when the label is peeled off, so unauthorized replacement and other tampering can be prevented.

< Open detection type>

・ The read function of IC tag remains even when IC circuit is broken

Normal IC tags become unreadable when a part of the circuit is broken, but this product has two circuits, a communication antenna and a disconnection detection circuit. Therefore, it can maintain its function as an IC tag even if the detection circuit is broken.

・ Can be used for marketing function even after opening

It can be used as a tool to provide traceability information, marketing information and so on, even after the consumers opens it.