GB2630798A

GB2630798A - Device for encoding a chip

Info

Publication number: GB2630798A
Application number: GB2308572.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rizvi Adam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-08
Filing date: 2023-06-08
Publication date: 2024-12-11
Also published as: GB202308572D0

Abstract

A method of encoding a chip comprises determining an item identifier associated with an item, determining a token associated with the item identifier, and encoding data relating to the token to a chip 130 associated with the item. A device comprises a reader module for making the item identifier determination, a processor for determining the token, and an encoding module for performing the encoding of data. Further provided is a computer-implemented method of transmitting an output to a second node of a blockchain, the method is performed by a first node of the blockchain and comprises the steps of determining an item identifier associated with an item and determining a token associated with the item for encoding data relating to the token onto a chip. An output is then transmitted to the second node in dependence on the token, preferably wherein the output is dependent on one or more features of a transaction associated with the item. The item identifier may comprise a barcode 120 and the token may be associated with a blockchain and comprise a non-fungible token (NFT).

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G1323085723 RTM Date _18 January 2024 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: QR Code Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo Device for encoding a chip

Fiei0 of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, device, and system for, and a method of, encoding a chip. The apparatus may comprise a point of sale (POS) system. The apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein may be used with apparel, such as clothing, e.g. to identity apparel and to encode a chip in dependence on this identification.

Background to the Disclosure

In many consumer items, provenance of the item is a key source of value. It is generally accepted that an imitation is of less intrinsic value than the original, whether the item in question is a painting, a book, or a pair of trainers.

However, improvements in technology have rendered it possible to create forgeries which are indistinguishable (at least to the untrained eye) from the originals that they replicate This is a problem for designers, who may find that they are undercut by sellers who did not contribute towards the creative process. It is also a problem for collectors, who may be unsure whether they have a genuine or forged item.

Summary of the Disclosure

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is described: a device for encoding a chip, the device comprising: a reader module for determining an item identifier associated with an item; a processor for determining a token associated with the item identifier; and an encoding module for encoding data relating to the token to a chip associated with the item.

Such a device enables a chip associated with an item to be encoded with information relating to that item after the manufacture of the item. For example, information may be encoded to the chip at the point of sale of the item, with the chip then being accessible at a later date so as to identify this information.

Preferably, the chip is affixed to, and/or embedded in, the item.

Preferably, the chip comprises a near field communication (NFC) and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.

Preferably, the item identifier is a part of the item and/or is affixed to the item.

Preferably, the item identifier comprises a barcode and/or a quick response (DR) code.

Preferably, the token is associated with a blockchain. Preferably, the token comprises a non.fungibie token (NET). Preferably, the blockchain comprises a public biockchain and/or a decentralised biockchain.

Preferably, the processor is arranged to update the token and/or to change a state of the token. Preferably, the processer is arranged to change a state that is recorded on a biockchain Preferably, the change of state is recorded on the biockchain in dependence on a transaction associated with the item being completed successfully. Preferably, the change of state is recorded in dependence on a payment having been made successfully.

Preferably, the processor is arranged to update the token in dependence on a feature of a transaction associate with the item.

Preferably, the data is dependent on a feature of a transaction associated with the item.

Preferably, the feature comprises one or more of: an acquirer of the item; a transferrer of the item; a time or date of the transaction; a price or consideration associated with the transaction; a context of the transaction: and a reason for the transaction.

Preferably, the encoding module is arranged to encode the data to a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip

or a near field communication (NFC) chip.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a payment module, -herein the apparatus is arranged to receive a payment for the item via the payment module. -2 -

Preferably, the encoding module is arranged to encode the data to the chip in dependence on a payment having been made successfully.

Preferably, the data comprises transaction information corresponding to a transfer of ownership of the item. Preferably, the data comprises one or more of: a time, a date, a creator of the item, a purchaser of the item; and a unique identifier of the item.

Preferably, the data comprises an address of a contract account associated with the token.

Preferably, the data comprises an address of a user account. Preferably, the device is arranged to transfer the token to the user account.

Preferably, the device is arranged to transfer the token to an account associated with the chip.

Preferably, determining the token comprises generating a token and associating the Generated token with the item identifier.

Preferably, the information comprises a hash based on the token.

Preferably, the information comprises an indication of an unspent transaction output (LITX0) associated ith token.

Preferably, the apparatus is arranged to receive a user input. Preferably, the determining of the token and/or the encoding of the data is dependent on the user input.

Preferably, the item identifier is associated with a plurality of tokens, wherein the apparatus is arranged to receive user input selecting a subset of at least one of the plurality of tokens. Preferably, the encoding module is arranged to encode data associated with the subset of the plurality of tokens to the chip.

Preferably, the scanning module is capable of scanning a bar code and/or a quick response (QR) code.

Preferably, the device is a point of sale system.

Preferably, the device further comprises one or more of: a touch-sensitive display screen; and a speaker. Preferably, the item comprises an item of apparel and/or clothing.

Preferably, the device is a node of a blockchain.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is described a system comprising: the aforesaid device; an item comprising an item identifier; and a chip associated with the item. Preferably, the chip is affixed to, or embedded in, the item.

According to another aspect of the present disclosur here is described a kit of parts comprising: the aforesaid device; and one or more chips arranged to be affixed or embedded in, an item, wherein the chips are arranged to be encoded using the device.

According, to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is described a method of encoding a chip, the method comprising; determining an item identifier associated with an item; determining a token associated with the item identifier; and encoding data relating to the token to a chip associated With the item According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is described a computer-implemented method of transmitting an output to a second node of a blockchain, the method being performed by a first node of the blockchain, the method comprising: determining an item identifier associated with an item; determine a token associated with the:tern identifier; encoding data to a chip associated with the item: and transmitting an output to the second node in dependence on the token, preferably,^/herein the output is dependent on one or more features of a transaction associated *with the item.

Any feature in one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appro ate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly -3 -Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

The disclosure also provides a computer program and a computer program product comprising software code adapted, when executed on a data processing apparatus, to perform any of the methods described herein, including any or all of their component steps.

The disclosure also provides a computer program and a computer program product comprising software code.

which, when executed on a data processing apparatus, comprises any of the apparatus features described herein The disclosure also provides a computer program and a computer program product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The disclosure also provides a computer readable mediumhaving stored thereon the computer program as aforesaid.

The disclosure also provides a signal carrying the computer program as aforesaid, and a method of transmitting such a signal.

The disclosure extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a first item of clothing suitable for use with the disclosed system.

Figure 2 shows a second item of clothing suitable for use with the disclosed system Figure 3 shows a device according to the present disclosure.

Figure 4 shows a method of encoding a chip.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary detailed method of encoding a chip.

Figure 6 illustrates a computer device on which aspects of the disclosed system are implemented.

Figure 7 shows a network on which aspects of the disclosed system are implemented.

Description of the preferred embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an item of clothing. The item of clothing comprises a tag 110, which tag comprises readable (e.g. scannable) formation about the item of clothing. This readable information is encoded in an item identifier 120, 'which in this example is a bar code. Such information may include the price, design, size, colour, and other characteristics of the item of clothing. The item of clothing also comprises a chip 130, which chip may be embedded in the item or affixed to the item. The chip is arranged to be encodable (e.g. writeable), so that data can be written electronically to the chip. The chip may, for example, comprise a near-field communication (NE'S) chip and/or a Radio Frequency Identification chip (RFD) chip.

Typically, so that the chip 130 is able to receive data, the chip 130 comprises a wireless communication interfac (e.g a WIC, RFID, Infrared, or Bluetoothe interface). Equally, the chip may be arranged to use a wire communication interface to receive the data. -4 -

In some embodiments, the tag and the chip are integrated into a single component, but typically the tag and the chip are separate components where, for example, the tag may be affixed to the item by a manufacturer of the item and the chip may be affixed to the item at a later date by a seller of the item, or vice versa Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a similar item of clothing. This item of clothing 200 comprises a scannable code 210, which in this example is a quick response (OR) code, and a chip 130. The scannable code is in this example printed on the item of clothing. The scannable code acts as an item identifier; arid provides readable information about the item of clothing. It may be used instead of or in addition to the tag of Figure 1. The scannable code may additionally be embedded in or integral to the item of clothing. For example, the OR code may be woven into the fabric, or may be printed onto the fabric.

More generally, the present disclosure considers an object that comprises an item identifier, which item identifier may be a part of the tag 110, the scannable code 210, or another feature of the object. It will be appreciated that various identifiers that could store or reference item information are known.

Typically, the items of clothino, of es 1 and 2 each correspond to a token. his token may be a physical token, but is more typically an electronic token and/or a digital token. For exampie; the items may each correspond to a non-fungible token (NFT). The non-fungible token may comprise metadata. For example, the metadata may contain information on the provenance of the item, such as information on a designer of the item. The metadata may also comprise a name of the item. The metadata may comprise a uniform resource identifier (URI) directing to a resource with further information about the token. For example, an image may be held at the URI. This image may match the design or may be an unrelated image The URI may be a hash of a file stored on a distributed hash table, such as the Interplanetary File System (IFFS). Alternatively and/or additionally, the metadata may comprise a web address directing to a website with further information about the token.

The token may be generated (or "minted") using a smart contract on a blockchain, such as Ethereum. The token may be associated with an account on an account model blockchain, where the account may be updated (e.g to show that the token has been transferred to another account, or to reference provenance information associated with a sale of the item) Equally, the token may be associated with an unspent transaction output (UTXO) on a UTXO model blockchain. Such a token may be transferred between users of the UTXO blockchain with the properties of the token being updated after each transfer (e a to reference a sale of the item of clothing that is associated with the token). More generally, the token may be associated with a database or a:edger that may be updated as the item is processed or transferred. The ledger is typically a public ledger, a public consensus network, and/or a blockchain.

In some embodiments, each item of clothing is associated with a plurality of tokens. For example, each item of clothing may be associated with one or more of: a token corresponding to the clothing item: a token corresponding to a collectible; a token corresponding to a coupon; and a token corresponding to a loyalty point. At:east one of these tokens may have attributes configurable at the time of minting the token. For example; a token corresponding to a collectible may have an attribute such as colour or virtual animal breed, which may be selected on minting. Alternatively and/or additionally, a token may have attributes which are stochastically configured.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a device 300 for scanning information about an item of clothing and writing data to a chip, which data is dependent on an item identifier associated with the item of clothing. The device typically comprises one or more of: a reading module 310. a payment module 320, a display screen 330, and an encoding moduie 340.

The reading module 310 is arranged to determine the item identifier 120 of the item; e.g. by scanning the barcode 120 of the item. The reading module may, for example, comprise an NEC reader, a OR code reader, or a barcode scanner.

In this embodiment, the reading module 310 comprises a window 312 and lights 314. The reading module is arranged such that a scanner behind the window (not pictured) is capable of reading information from an item identifier positioned in front of the window. For example, the scanner may read a OR code or a barcode. The scanner may comprise a camera. The lights 314 may indicate a state of the reading module. For example, the lights may change our or power state to idicate readiness to scan, scan in progress, and/or scan successfuliy completed.

The encoding module 340 comprises a second window 342, which is surrounded by lights 344. Behind the window (not pictured) is an encoder capable of writing data to a chip, such as an NFC chip. The lights 344 may be configured to change colour or power state to indicate an encoding status. For example, the lights may change colour to indicate readiness to encode, encoding in progress, and/or encoding successfully completed.

In this way, the encoding module 340 is capable of encoding a tag based on the item identifier 120, which item identifier has been obtained by the reading module 310.

The display screen 330 may be configured to display instructions. For example, the display screen may display instructions such as "Please scan your item', "Please insert payment device", and "Purchase complete. The display screen may further display a preview of an item, and/or a preview of one or more tokens corresponding to the item. The display screen may be touch sensitive. it will be appreciated that the inclusion of the display screen is optional and that such instructions may be provided to a user electronically (e.g. via a message sent to a mobile device of the user) or in another manner, such as using a sign that is located near the device 300.

The payment moduie 320 comprises input keys 322, payment screen 324; and card receptacle 326. The payment module is configured to process a payment from a payment card inserted into the card receptacle. The payment screen 324 may be configured to display instructions during the payment process, such as "Insert card", "Enter FIN" and "Remove card". The payment screen may be further configured to display information during the payment process, such as a number of digits received as input, and a transaction status. it will be appreciated that various methods of receiving payments are known. For example, the payment module may comprise an NFC reader for taking wireless payments, or the payment module may comprise a communication interface that is able to identify that a bank transfer has occurred.

In some embodiments, the device 300 further comprises speakers. Advantageously, this allows instructions to be conveyed by audio means instead of or in addition to being conveyed by the screens 324 and 330.

In some embodiments, the device 300 further comprises an SMS module. This allows a code to be sent by the payment module to a device belonging to a user. This may be to allow two-factor authentication of a payment. In an example, the screen 330 and/or the screen 324 may be configured to display a scannable code for two-factor authentication. In this example, a user may scan the scannable code with a device, such as a mobile phone, and may use this to authenticate a payment.

In some embodiments, the device 300 further comprises a thermal printing module. This allows the device to print a receipt for the purchase.

In some embodiments, the device 300 is further capable of receiving a unique identifier number corresponding to an item identifier. If an item identifier is unreadable, the unique identifier number may allow the same information to be retrieved.

Referring to Figure 4, there is described a method 400 of using the device 300 of Figure 3 to read from, and to write to, components of an item of clothing such as those components described with reference to Figures 1 and n In a first step 410, the device 300 is used to scan an item identifier associated with an item. The item identifier may be printed on a tag attached to the item as shown in Figure 1 by tag 110, and/or may be printed on the item as shown by item identifier 210 in Figure 2.

In a second step 420, the device 300 determines a token that is associated with em identifier. For example, the item identifier may be a key, and the device may search a table to find the token as pal of a value for that key. Determining the token may comprise identifying an existing token or generating a new token. For example, the device may identify an existing transaction or an account on a blockchain that is associated with the item identifier. Equally, the device may generate a transaction or account on a blockchain so as to associate this -6 -generated transaction/account with the item identifier. In some embodiments, the de c generates a token by calling a function in a contract account.

In a third step 430, the device encodes data relating to the token to a chip associated with the item. Typically, the chip is affixed to, and/or embedded in, the item. For example, the data may comprise a URI. or URI!inking to a current address of the corresponding token. Equally, the data may comprise the item information, or may comprise information relating to the transaction (e.g. a feature of the transaction).

Encoding the data typically comprises a user tapping the chip on the encoding module 34D of the device 300 so that the chip is in proximity to the encoding module.

The method of Figure 4 enables a user to link an item of clothing to a digital token, or to a digital record of a physical token. For example, the token may be a non-fungibie token, and the device 300 may enable information about the non-fungible token to be written to a chip embedded in the item of clothing. In such a way, the method and device disclosed herein enables data relating to an item identifier and to conditions of a sale to be written to a chip associated with an item. This chip can then be interrogated at a later time to identify the item information and to evaluate the provenance of the item.

Technologically, manufacturing chains are set up to allow harcodes to be attached to items of clothing, and/or for codes to be printed onto items of clothing, with relative ease. However, existing manufacturing chains are not set up to allow writing to chips embedded in items of clothing. Modifying an existing manufacturing chain to include writes to chips would either require restructuring the machinery to incorporate a writing module, or would require encoding the chips by writing the data to them before embedding them into the items of clothing, and then ensuring that the correct chips were embedded Into the correct items of clothing. Either of these options would be challenging to implement and wasteful of resources. A benefit of the present invention is that the disclosed methods and systems enable the writing of the token data to the chip after manufacture of the item of clothing. For example, the device may comprise a point of sale (P06) system that is able to write data to the chip at the time of sale of the item.

Typically, the device 300 is arranged to write data to the chip, which data is written to the chip in dependence on one or more features of the transaction. Similarly, the device may be arranged to update the token in dependence on one or more features of the transaction. For example, the device may write data to the chip andior may update the token in dependence on one or more of: a purchaser or acquirer of the item: a seller or transferrer of the item: a time or date of the transfer; a price or consideration associated with the transfer; a context of the transfer (e.g. a location or an event associated with the transfer), and a reason for the transfer. Such a method of writing the data enables an acquirer of an item to evidence features of the transfer at a later date. For example, an item of clothing that has been purchased at a certain event may have greater value than a similar item that was purchased elsewhere. By storing such information on the chip or the token, an acquirer of an item can be confident that they can later demonstrate the provenance of the item.

In a practical example, the item may comprise a unique item of clothing (or a painting, or a collectible). One problem with acquiring such a unique item is being able to demonstrate thereafter that the item is indeed the unique item and not a forgery. By writing data to the chip that provides context for the acquisition of the item, an acquirer is able to rapidly prove that the item is indeed the unique item.

Referring to Figure 5, there is described a second example method of using the device 300 of Figure 3 to write data to a chip associated with an item of clothing.

In a first step 510. the device 300 scans an item identifier.

In a second step 520, based on the item identifier, the device 300 determines a price of the item and one or more tokens associated with the item. The information may be fetched from a database using wireless or wired technology.

In a third step 530, the device displays a payment request for the cost of the item on payment screen 324 and configures the payment module 320 to receive payment.

In a fourth step 540, the device processes a payment and determ ines vwhether the paryment has been successful. If payment is unsuccessful, the process terminates at endpoint 545. If payment is successful, the process progresses to the next stage.

In a fifth step 550, the device displays token information on the screen 330. For example, the token information may comprise one or more tokens associated with the item of clothing.

In a sixth step 560, the device receives user input relating to a token. For example, the device may be configured to receive a user input indicating a choice of one or more tokens from the plurality of tokens associated with the item. Alternatively and/or additionally, the device may be configured to receive an input associated with an attribute of a token, such as a seiecticn of an attribute.

More generally, the sixth step 560 may comprise the device receiving user input, where the encoding of data to the chip, or the updating of the token, is dependent on the user input For example, the user may identify one or more Features of a transaction that the user wishes to record (such as parties to the transaction, a time of the transaction, of a location of the transaction). The device may be arranged to update the token or to encode the chip in dependence on these identified features, where this allows the user to personalise the information that is recorded and to ensure that information that is of importance to that user is recorded on the token or the chip.

In a seventh step 570, the device transfers at least one token to the purchaser. The token transfer may take place on a blockchain. For example, the token may be transferred from a first account of the biockchain to a second account of the biockchain. Alternatively and/or additionally, the token may comprise a UTXO locked to a first public key, and the UTXO may be spent in a transaction to generate a new UTXO locked to a second public key.

In an eighth step 580, the device writes data to the chip based on the corresponding token or tokens. For example., the device may write an address corresponding to an address at which the token owner may be found. Alternatively and/or additionally, the device may write information corresponding to a hash of the token.

The fourth step 540 allows writing to the chip to be made conditional on successful payment. This means that if an item is stolen From the store, stolen goods may be identified by the lack of information on the chip. As a result, for items in which the value depends in part on the provenance of the item, stealing the original item results in the thief losing access to the value arising from the provenance of the)tern. Theft of such items is therefore rendered less attractive.

The chip may be used in combination with a security apparatus, where this secur * apparatus may be placed at the entrance to a store and arranged to interrogate chips passing through this entrance. The security apparatus may provide an output (e.g. an alarm) in dependence on a feature of a chip detected by the security apparatus. For example, the security apparatus may, sound an alarm where a detects the exit from the store of a chip that does not contain any data (or does not contain a certain type of data associated with a payment having been made).

The method also enables a choice of tokens to be offered to the purchaser. Online digital collectibles such as non-fungible tokens often exist in sets, in which each token may be unique..A buyer of the item of clothing could be offered a choice between unique tokens, and/or the opportunity to choose characteristics of one or more tokens.

Furthermore, if the purchaser chooses to resell the item, a is possible for them to prove their ownership of a genuine item using their token, and it is also possible for a buyer to read the chip to determine that the item is associated with the token. Resale of fashion items is desirable from an environmental perspective to reduce the quantities of textile waste from clothing items that are discarded. Additionally, if the token is held on a blockchain, the token may be configured with conditions for resale. For example, a token may require that a certain proportion of the profits from sale of the token are transferred to an original designer of the token. This allover artists and creators, rather than solely investors, to benefit from appreciation in the value of an item.

The transfer at the sixth step 560 may be a transfer of at least one token to a purchaser's account. In one example, the token may be transferred from a store's account. In another example, the token may be initialised -8 -in a smart contract and transferred on payment to the purchasers account. The purchaser may provide account information as input to the device 300, such as through the keypad 322. Alternatively, the transfer may be a transfer to an account corresponding to the chip. For example, the chip may store a public key address corresponding to an account on a blockchain, and transfer of the token may be a transfer to the public key address. In this case, a purchaser may riot receive the private key for the chips address, and so the purchaser may not be able to transfer the token to a different public key address. A benefit of this configuration is that, since the purchaser cannot move the token, the token cannot be decoupled from the:tern of clothing. This means that the token cannot be transferred from a genuine item to a forged item.

In some embodiments, the token requires authorisation from a plurality of parties for a transfer to be effected; for example, the token may be transferred to a multi-sig wallet. Such an arrangement enables the token to be transferred only with the authorisation of the purchaser and another party, such as a verified resaler.

The data written to the chip at the eighth step 580 may comprise an address of a smart contract corresponding to the token. This may allow an individual to scan the chip and determine, using the link, a current owner of the token. The data written to the chip may comprise a hash of token information, which may be stored in a distributed hash table such that the token information can be retrieved using the hash. The data written to the chip may comprise token information, such as a token name. The data written to the chip may comprise a file comprising a machine-readable image representation corresponding to the token, such as a JPEG or PNG file which may be used to view an image corresponding to the token.

Token ownership may be recorded directly on a blockchain. For exampk, a token may be transferred to a users blockchain account Alternatively and/or additionally, token ownership may be recorded off the blockchain, and may be referenced on the blockchain. For example, a token on a blockchain may link to an external website listing the owners of the token. Alternatively and/or additionally, a transaction on a blockchain may reference an owner of a token. For example, a transaction on a blockchain may include a hash based on ownership information, which may be in an OP_RETURN such that knowledge of the preimage does not allow any outputs 2.5 to be redeemed. Alternatively and/or additionally, a hash based on ownership information may be incorporated into a puzzle locking a token on a blockchain, such that knowledge of the preimage is required to unlock the token on the blockchain. A benefit of recording ownership information on a blockchain is that the record is immutable, meaning that it is virtually impossible to tamper with past ownership records to forge a different token history. An additional benefit to recording such information indirectly is that this may reduce the quantity of information that is stored on chain, reducing the storage requirements for nodes of the blockchain. Another advantage of referencing information indirectly on chain is that it allows the information to be verified while still allowing the information to be kept private or with restricted access. Further methods of recording ownership information on a blockchain (or more generally, a distributed ledger) will be apparent to the skilled reader.

The methods of Figures 3 and 4 are typically carried out by a computer device, such as the device 300. The computer device may comprise a node of a blockchain so that the computer device is able to record transactions on the blockchain for to submit transactions for recording on the blockchain).

The data that is encoded on the chip depends on the item information. The data may further depend on a feature of a transaction, for example an acquirer of the item. In some embodiments, the data comprises security data, such as a security pass, where an access level of the pass may relate to the item information andlor the acquirer. For example, a person may be able to buy an item at an event that provides them with backstage access, where a security pass that provides this access can be encoded onto the chip. Such an acquirer is able to simultaneously obtain a souvenir and a security pass.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown an exemplary computer device 2000 The device 300 may comprise, or be implemented on, such a computer device.

The computer device 2000 comprises a processor in the form of a CPU 2002, a communication interface 2004, a memory 2006. storage 2008, removable storage 2010 and a user ins 'ace 2012 coupled to one another by a bus 2014. -9 -

The CPU 2002 executes List ructions, including ins ctions stor e nemory 2006, the storage 2008; and/or the removable storage 2010.

The communication interface 2004 is typically an Ethernet network adaptor coupling the bus 2014 to an Ethernet socket. The Ethernet socket is coupled to a network, such as the Internet. The communication interface facilitates communication between the computer device 2000 and further computer devices (e.g. other nodes of a blockchain). Furthermore, the communication interface enables the writing of information to the chip. It will be appreciated that any communication medium may be used by the communication interface, such as area networks, infrared communication, and Biuetooth® and that different mediums may be used for different communications.

The memory 2006 stores instructions and other information for use by the CPU 2002. The memory is the main memory of the computer device 2000. It usually comprises both Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).

The storage 2008 provides mass storage for the computer device 2000. In different implementations, the storage is an integral storage device in the form of a hard disk device, a flash memory or some other similar solid state memory device, or an array of such devices.

The removable storage 2010 provides auxiliary storage for the computer device 2000. In different implementations, the removable storage is a storage medium for a removable storage device, such as an optical disk, for example a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a portable:*.ash drive or some other similar portable solid state memory device, or an array of such devices. In other embodiments, the removable storage is remote from the computer device, and comprises a network storage device or a cloud-based storage device.

Referring to Figure 7, the methods disclosed herein may involve the recording of a transaction using a network 3000, which network is typically arranged to view, add to, and/or configure a blockchain.

The network 3000 comprises one or more nodes 3002, 3004, 3006, which nodes are arranged to communicate (directly or indirectly) to propagate information. The nodes typically comprise computer devices. Typically, the device 300 is a node of a blockchain. The method may comprise the device transmitting a communication to a further node of the lelockchain, where this communication may comprise a transaction that indicates a change in the ownership of the item.

The nodes 3002, 3004, 3000 are arranged to communicate with each other so as to propagate information throughout the network. The nodes may be configured differently and/or arranged to provide different services.

For example, the network may comprise: A mining node 3002, which mining node is arranged to propose blocks for addition to the blockchain.

A validating node 3004, which validating node is arranged to validate blocks proposed by the mining node -A propagating node 3006, which propagating node is arranged to receive information from other nodes and then forward this information to ensure that it reaches other nodes in the network.

Alternatives and modifications It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely y y of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

In some embodiments, the device 300 is arranged to determine data that has previously been encoded on the chip. Determining the data may comprise determining an item identifier associated with a previous transfer of the item.

The chip 130 may be an NEC chip. Alternatively, the chip may be any storage device capable of receiving both read and write actions, such as a Radio-Frequency Identification chip.

Although in Figures 1 and 2, the item is an item of clothing, the item may be any:tem such as footwear, technological accessories, artwork, or jewellery. In general, the principle is applicable to any item for which providence information may hold a source of value.

Although in Figure 3, a plurality of lights) are shown, in other examples a single light may be present by the encoding module and/or the reading 'nodule. Similarly, although in Figure 3 the lights are shown encircling the window, the lights may be placed to a side of the window, and may form other shapes. Similarly, the layout of the modules in Figure 3 is not intended to be limiting, and the elements of the modules and/or the modules themselves, may be configured in a different spatial relationship without impact to the functioning of the device. Indeed, the apparatus may be provided without lights and may be provided with another (or no) output that provides information to the user.

While in examples, the token is a token on the Ethereum blockchain, equally the token may be implemented on other blockchains. For example, the token may be a "coloured coin" for use with the Bitcoin blockchain.

In examples. device 300 may not comprise a payment module 320. In these examples, writing to the chip may be done without a dependence on a payment being received. Alternatively, information on whether a payment has successfully completed may be received from another device.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims. -1 1

Claims

1 A device for encoding a chip, the device comprising: a reader module for determining an tern identifier associated with an item, a processor for determining a token associated with the item identifier, and an encoding module for encoding data relating to the token to a chip associated with the item.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the chip is affixed to, and/or embedded in, the item.

3. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the chip comprises a near field communication (NFC) andror a radio frequency identification (RHO) chip.

4. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the item identifier is a part of the item and/or is affixed to the item.

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the item identifier comprises a barcode and/or a quick response (OR) code.

6. The device of any preceding claim. wherein the token is associated with a block chain. preferably wherein the token comprises a non-fungible token (WI).

7. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is arranged to update the token and/or to change a state of the token, preferably to change a state that is recorded on a blockchain, more preferably wherein the change of state is recorded on the biockohain in dependence on a transaction associated with the item being completed successfully, preferably in dependence on a payment having been made successfully.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the processor is arranged to update the token in dependence on a featur a transaction associated with the item.

9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the data is dependent on a feature of a transaction associated with the item.

10. The device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the feature comprises one or more of: an acquirer of the item: a transferrer of the item; a time or date of the transaction; a price or consideration associated with the transaction; a context of the transaction; and a reason for the transaction.

11. T he deuce of any preceding claim, wherein, the apparatus further comprises a payment moauie, wherein he apparatus is anged to receive a payment for the item via the payment module; and/or the encoding module is arranged to encode the data tc the chip in dependence on a payment having been made successfully.

12. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the data comprises transaction information corresponding to a transfer of ownership of the item, preferably comprising one or more of: a time, a date, a creator of the item, a purchaser of the item: and a unique identifier of the item.

13. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the data comprises one or more of an address of a contract account associated with the token; and an address of a user account, preferably wherein the device is arranged to transfer the token to the user account.

-12 - 14. The device of any preceding laim, wherein the device is arranged to transfer he tok o an account associated with the chip.

15. The device of any preceding cairn. wherein determining the token comprises gen associating the generated token vrith the item identifier. ting a token any 18. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the information comprises one or more of: a hash based on the token: and an indication of an unspent transaction output UTX0) associated with the token.17. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to receive a use determining of the token and/or the encoding of the data is dependent on the user input nput, wherein the 13 The device of any preceding claim, wherein the item identifier is associated with a plurality of tokens, wherein the apparatus is arranged to receive user input selecting a subset of at least one of the plurality of tokens, preferably wherein the encoding module is arranged to encode data associated with the subset of the plurality of tokens to the chip.19. The device of any preceding claim, being a point of sale system. 20 20. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the item comprises an item of apparel and/or clothing 21. The device of any preceding claim, being a node of a blockchain.22. A system comprising: the device of any preceding claim; an item comprising an item identifier; and a chip associated with the item; preferably, wherein the chip is affixed to: or embedded in, the item.23 A kit of parts comprising: the device of any of claims 1 to 21; and one or more chips arranged to be affixed to, or embedded in, an item, wherein the chips are arranged to be encoded using the device.24. fs, method of encoding a chip, the method comprising: determining an item identifier associated with an item; determining a token associated with the item identifier; and encoding data relating to the token to a chip associated' ith the item O.J 25. A computer-Implemented method of transmitting output to a second node of a biockchain, the method being performed by a first node of the blockchain, the method comprising: determining an item identifier associated with an item; determine a token associated with the item identifier; encoding data to a chip associated with the item; and transmitting an output to the second node in dependence on the token, preferably wherein the output is dependent on one or more features of a transaction associated with the item.