Patent Application
20080078826
The following description is presented to enable any persons skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
The present invention is directed to a sports memorabilia object to be authenticated, a method for producing a sports memorabilia object to be authenticated, and a method and system for authenticating a sports memorabilia object. The sports memorabilia object may comprise any manufactured sporting goods article used in conjunction with a sporting event including, but not limited to, a baseball, softball, ball bat, ball glove, football, basketball, soccer ball, volleyball, hockey stick, hockey pucks, lacrosse stick, lacrosse ball, helmet, or other protective gear. In a preferred embodiment, the sports memorabilia object is a baseball, softball, ball bat, ball glove, football, or basketball, and most preferably is a baseball. The sports memorabilia object is intended to be associated with an authentication event that makes the object unique and collectable as memorabilia, such as being autographed by a sports figure or being used in a specific sporting event. It is anticipated that the manufacturer of the sports memorabilia object may manufacture the object specifically for use in conjunction with an authentication event.
The sports memorabilia object of the present invention includes an authentication indicator incorporated into or implanted within the sports object during the manufacturing process. The indicator has a unique identifier that may be detected by a detection device for purposes of authenticating the object. The indicator is not visible on the exterior of the object, and is incorporated into the item such that removal of the indicator would require disassembly of and possible damage to the sports object. For example, with reference to
As shown in
Authentication indicator 28 may be any device or object capable of being incorporated into or implanted within baseball 10 during manufacture without altering the external appearance of the ball, and capable of embodying a unique identifier that can be detected by a detection device when placed in contact or close proximity to baseball 10. If the baseball is intended to be used in play, the incorporation of indicator 28 also cannot impact the playing characteristics of the ball. The authentication indicator 28 should therefore be of a size and configuration sufficient to fit within the object, and must also be capable of withstanding the associated manufacturing conditions such as processing temperatures, pressures and any chemicals and withstand possibly extreme impacts that might be seen in playing conditions. For baseballs, the indicator preferably weighs between 0.01 g and 3 g, most preferably 0.05 g and 1 g. In addition, the indicator is preferably of a size ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm in diameter and 0.5 mm to 3 mm in thickness.
Authentication indicator 28 has a unique identifier encoded or otherwise incorporated therein that may be detected by a detection device. The unique identifier may consist of data, letters, numerals, an alphanumeric string, a combination of symbols, or any other code that can be detected by the detection device and uniquely associated with the baseball. While the unique identifier may be encoded into the indicator after it is implanted within the ball, it is preferable that the unique identifier be programmed or otherwise incorporated into indicator 28 prior to implantation within baseball 10. Most preferably, the unique identifier is incorporated into indicator 28 during manufacture of the indicator, such that indicator 28 is “read-only” in nature and not re-programmable. In this manner, tampering with the unique identifier stored in indicator 28 is essentially impossible. In addition, the unique identifier may be provided in indicator 28 in encrypted form, in whole or in part, as is known in the art to further enhance security of the authentication system.
Authentication indicator 28 may comprise a transponder or other communications device capable of transmitting the unique identifier to the detection device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Alternatively, the indicator may comprise a passive identifier that is simply read or otherwise detected by a detection device such as a coded magnetic strip that is capable of being read by a scanner or an identifier that is capable of being read via x-ray, ultrasound or other technologies. In a most preferred embodiment, the authentication indicator is an RFID tag embedded within the sports object during the manufacturing process. The RFID tag is encoded with a unique identification code that is detectable by an RF scanner or reader.
As is known in the art, RFID systems use radio transmissions to send energy to a transponder (the RFID tag), which in turn emits information (e.g., the unique identification code) back to the data collection reader (the RF reader). These systems conventionally utilize two separate antennas—one on the transponder and one of the reader—to accomplish the task of data transfer by radio signals. While any RFID tag capable of being implanted within or incorporated into the sports object is considered suitable for purposes of this invention, the RFID tag is preferably passive in nature meaning that it does not rely upon an internal power source and remains inactive most of the time. The RFID tag transmits the unique identification code in response to an RF signal transmitted by the RF reader. This type of transponder has an indefinite life that makes it ideal for implantation within a sports object. In addition, while the tag may be read only, write only/read many or read/write, it is preferably read only in nature such that the unique identification code is encoded in the tag before it is implanted within the sports object and cannot later be altered. Alternatively, the RFID tag has read/write functionality such that authentication information may be added or written onto the RFID tag at a later time.
RFID tags operate at various frequencies including low frequency operating at about 125 kHz, high frequency operating at about 13.56 MHz, and ultra high frequency operating within the range of 433-915 MHz and 2.45 GHz. For purposes of the present invention, it is preferable that a high frequency tag is utilized such that the reader will pick up a signal being transmitted from within the object when in direct contact or close proximity to the reader. RFID tags considered suitable for purposes of the present invention include Ario Small Module (SM) and Ario Small Disk Module (SDM), commercially available from Tagsys USA, Inc.
The RF reader may be any device capable of “reading” the unique identification code in the RFID tag when placed in contact or close proximity to the sports object into which the tag is implanted. In the preferred embodiment, the RF reader is capable of directly transmitting the identification code to a computerized application and/or database maintained by or on behalf of the manufacturer. In this preferred embodiment, the reader may be connected during use to a PC for sending the data collected from the RFID tag to a host computer through standard interfaces, the data may be stored in a portable hand-held RF reader and uploaded later to a computer for processing, or the tag can be read using an NFC-enabled device such as a mobile phone, PDA or other consumer wireless device capable of transmitting the data via wireless transmission to a computer network. Suitable RF readers include Tagsys L-P101 and Tagsys Medio™ L100 and Tagsys Medio™ L200, commercially available from Tagsys USA, Inc.
A serial number portion of the identification code may be displayed to the user on the RF reader or on the applicable computer screen. This serial number may also be provided on a certificate of authenticity provided to the purchaser of the object. A security code portion of the identification code is preferably not displayed to the user or otherwise made known to the purchaser of the object or any other third parties. Instead, the security code portion is exclusively transmitted to and stored within the database to associate the specific object having that security code encoded therein with the applicable authentication information. The security code portion may be encrypted to further enhance security. Alternatively, the entirety of the identification code may be displayed and/or provided to the user and purchaser of the object.
The sports object may be authenticated by reference to a master list or database comprising the unique identification codes assigned to the various sports objects, such as baseball 10. The database also includes one or more items of authenticating information associated with the object. Examples of such authenticating information include the date on which the object was manufactured, a description of the event or the name of the sports personality who signed the object or made the play, the date on which the event occurred or object was signed, a description of the object, and the name of one or more witnesses who witnessed the event or signing of the object. In the preferred embodiment, this information is maintained in a secure computerized database maintained by or on behalf of the manufacturer of the sports objects. The database may be made accessible via the Internet or other computer network to enable a dealer or prospective purchaser to authenticate the object and to possibly check the registry of owners.
Referring to
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In step 48, the RFID tag is incorporated within the sports object during the manufacturing process. For baseball 10 illustrated in
In step 50, the manufacturer of the sports objects scans each object produced with an RF reader at entry terminal 32 to enter the object and associated unique identification code into database 42 maintained by or on behalf of the manufacturer. In the preferred embodiment, the manufacturer utilizes entry application 40 for purposes of entering the unique identification code into the database. Entry application 40 and database 42 are stored on or connected to host computer or server 38 accessible via a network of dedicated communication links (an “Intranet system”) or via the Internet. Access to entry application 40 and database 42 may be controlled via password or other types of security protections. The RF reader may be connected for communicating with the server via a PC, laptop or other entry terminal 32.
Entry application 40 is programmed to interact with the entry operator via a user interface presented to the operator on the screen of a PC, laptop, or other screen at entry terminal 32. The entry operator will initiate the entry process selecting his or her intention to enter a new object into database 42. The entry operator will then be prompted to scan the object using the RF reader. Upon scanning the object, the RF reader automatically transmits the unique identification code to the entry application in electronic form. In this manner, the unique identification is not made known to the operator of the RF reader to further enhance the security of the system. Alternatively, a serial number portion of the identification code is made known to the operator, and a security code portion is transmitted to the database only.
In step 52, the entry operator may also be prompted to input authentication information into entry application 40 regarding the sports object. This authentication information may include the date and place of manufacture, a description of the object (e.g., “leather-covered baseball”), and a description of the authenticating event for which the object is intended, if known. Upon entry, the entry application will associate the authentication information with the unique identification code within database 42 for purposes of authenticating the object at a later date.
The sports object is later presented in step 54 at an authentication event, such as an autographing session with a sports personality or other notable individual. For example, baseball 10 in
In step 56, a representative or agent of the manufacturer attending the authentication event scans the object at event terminal 34 using the RF reader and enters authentication information regarding the authentication event for inclusion within database 42 to be associated with the object, such as the name of the sports personality who signed the object (e.g., “John Doe”), the date on which the object was signed, and the name of one or more witnesses who witnessed the signing of the object. In the preferred embodiment, this function is accomplished through the use of computerized event application 44 that prompts the representative to scan the object and enter the authentication information. The RF reader will preferably automatically transmit the unique identification to the event application electronically such that the unique identification code is not made known to the representative. Alternatively, a serial number portion of the identification code may be made known to the representative for inclusion on a certificate of authenticity. A security code portion of the identification code will not be displayed to the representative. The event application will associate the authentication information regarding the authentication event with the unique identification code in database 42. The representative may also attach additional documents or materials to be associated with the unique identification code in database 42, such as a photograph of the object, a photograph or video of the person signing the autograph, historical or background information about the object or the person signing the object.
If the person or entity who originally acquired the sports object (such as a dealer) subsequently decides to sell or otherwise transfer the object to another entity (such as a collector) at a sports show or similar event at which such items are traded, he/she will be able to authenticate the signature on the sports object.
In step 58, the object is scanned using an RF reader and the unique identification code associated with that object is obtained. The unique identification code is then transmitted for purposes of authenticating the object by comparison to database 42. In the preferred embodiment, authentication is accomplished by a computerized authentication program 46 stored on server 38 maintained by or on behalf of the manufacturer and having access to database 42. The RF reader directly transmits the unique identification code to the authentication application electronically such that it is not made known to the scanner or others. Alternatively, a serial number portion of the identification code will be displayed to the scanner which can be verified as against the certificate of authenticity. A security code portion of the identification code is not shown to the scanner. The authentication application 46 is programmed to receive and decode the transmission from the RF reader, and to determine the authenticity of the object by reference to database 42. In a preferred embodiment, the authenticity can be verified by a verification service at a kiosk or other authentication terminal 36 at a show. The kiosk 36 will be connected to an RF reader and will connect to the authentication application 46 via an Intranet system or the Internet to verify the authenticity of the object. Alternatively, the authenticity application may be accessible on the Internet, and the dealer or prospective buyer uses an RF reader or an NFC-enabled device such as a cell phone, PDA or other consumer wireless device to scan the object and transmit the data directly to the authenticity application.
In step 60, the authenticity application can then display and provide the authentication information associated with the unique identifier so transmitted, and can also display any additional documents or materials associated with the object upon request. If the unique identification code is not located in database 42, the authenticity application can convey that the object is not found indicating that the item is not authentic. In addition, if the authenticating information provided to the dealer or prospective purchaser does not “match” the object and information being provided by the seller, the dealer or prospective purchaser can deduce that the object is not genuine.
In addition to autograph sessions, it is anticipated that the object may be used in play and that, if the object is used in an important play, such as a record-breaking home run or a game winning touchdown, the object can be associated with that event for authentication purposes. This may be accomplished in baseball, for example, by having an event terminal 34 at the game whereby each ball is scanned prior to its use in the game. The authentication information initially entered may be the date and teams playing in the game, the inning, the batter and the number order of the ball for that hitter at bat (e.g. “3rd ball”). Additional authentication information can be added about the play such as if a home run is hit.
It is to be understood that the preferred system and method illustrated in
Although the preferred embodiment has been illustrated in detail hereinabove with respect to a baseball, it is to be understood that the indicator such as a transponder could also be implanted within a variety of other sports items. For example, the indicator could be inserted into the hollow portion of an aluminum or composite bat, or, a small cavity could be made inside a wood bat to allow for the insertion of a transponder. Also, the indicator could be inserted between the bladder and shell of a football, basketball, soccer ball, volleyball or any other type of inflatable device. The indicator could likewise be secured between the inner and outer panels of the back of a baseball glove. Thus, it can be seen that the present invention is applicable to a wide variety of sports memorabilia.
Finally, while the present invention has been described and illustrated hereinabove with regard to a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that many types of authentication indicators and corresponding detection devices could be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.
