Method of analyzing tamper evident tape residue
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-9305246-B2
Publication Date
2016-04-05
Expiration Date
2033-08-13
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Abstract
Methods and systems for measuring the effectiveness of pigment transfer in a tamper evident tape. A test area can be established on a substrate upon which a residual image is formed by pulling a tamper-evident tape. The test area is divided into a predefined number of units. Then, the number of units in which a residual is left behind on a surface of the substrate can be counted and compared to the number of units within an area of un-applied tamper-evident tape of identical application design such that a percentage of units remaining on the substrate after removal of the tamper-evident tape with the residual comprises a criterion for evaluating a relative effectiveness of the tamper-evident tape.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and systems for measuring the effectiveness of pigment transfer in tamper-evident tape. It involves establishing a test area on a substrate on which a residual image is formed by pulling tamper-evident tape. This test area is divided into a predefined number of units, and the number of units in which a residual is left behind is counted and compared to the number of units in an identical, un-applied tamper-evident tape area to determine a percentage of residue transfer.
The disclosed approach addresses the need for an objective, visual or pattern analysis measure of the effectiveness of pigment transfer in tamper-evident tapes. This is important because existing tamper-evident tapes often fail in security applications by leaving minimal residue or failing adhesion, making it difficult to detect tampering and verify package security. The method provides criteria for evaluating relative effectiveness of tamper-evident tapes by analyzing the residue left behind, which can help standardize performance and satisfy regulatory requirements.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims covering a method, a system, and a non-transitory processor-readable medium for measuring the effectiveness of pigment transfer in tamper-evident tape.
Method for evaluating pigment transfer effectiveness
A method comprising establishing a test area on a substrate bearing a residual image from tamper-evident tape removal; dividing the test area into predefined units; counting units where residue remains; and comparing this count to units in an area of un-applied tamper-evident tape of identical design to determine a percentage of residue remaining as a criterion for tape effectiveness.
System for measuring pigment transfer effectiveness
A system configured to divide a test area on a substrate into predefined units where a residual image is left by tamper-evident tape; count the units with residue; and compare them to units within an un-applied tape area of identical design to calculate a percentage of residue remaining that serves as a criterion for evaluating tape effectiveness.
Processor-readable medium with instructions for measuring pigment transfer
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that cause a computer to divide a test substrate area with residual image into predefined units, count the units with residue after tape removal, and compare this count to units of an identical un-applied tape area to determine a percentage of residue remaining for evaluating tape effectiveness.
These inventive features provide an objective visual and quantitative measure of pigment or residue transfer effectiveness in tamper-evident tapes by comparing residue presence on substrates to a control, applicable via method, system, or computer program medium.
Stated Advantages
Provides an objective measurement of pigment transfer effectiveness in tamper-evident tapes.
Allows manufacturers to demonstrate product effectiveness relative to regulatory or procurement standards.
Establishes a standard of security for evaluating tamper-evident tape residue transfer.
Enables comparison of different tapes’ effectiveness via quantifiable residue transfer criteria.
Documented Applications
Securing packages, cargo boxes, pallets, bags, pouches, and other containers against tampering or pilferage.
Supporting regulatory and procurement evaluations for tamper-evident tape performance standards, including TSA cargo screening.
Visual and digital analysis of tape residue for detecting tampering and verifying package security in transportation and storage.
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