DE102004051056A1 - Key, key system, method of identifying an individual key and method of making such a key - Google Patents

Abstract

Known methods and systems are relatively complex and prone to failure, for example. In an impairment or damage to the magnetic memory field of a magnetic card or a disruption of the transmission paths in a chip or transponder card. DOLLAR A The present invention relates to a key comprising at least one three-dimensional body and is formed of at least two different materials, a key system with a carrier, the individual coding is assignable, a method for identifying an individual key, in which the structural dimensions as Dateninforamtion be stored, as well as a method for producing a key in which at least two different materials, a three-dimensional body is formed in which the at least two materials are arranged in a random spatial distribution and largely distributed in phase separation to each other. DOLLAR A The invention is suitable for the identification of persons or objects as well as access control.

Description

The The present invention relates to a key having the features of Claim 1, a key system with the features of claim 11, a method of identification an individual key according to claim 21 and a method for producing a key with the features of claim 27.

to unambiguous identification of persons or objects or for checking Credentials etc. are different keywords and Coding systems known. Most of these systems are based on electronic devices, for example on the known transponder technology, on known smart card systems or magnetic card systems. For access control in security areas are usually Identification systems used on an unambiguous assignment a previously defined code or key to a specific person based. This code or key can, for example, as an electronically stored combination on a Chip card, stored on a transponder card or magnetic card or the like which the person carries with him and for identification in a reader push or bring to this can.

The known key systems are relatively expensive and prone to failure, eg. with an impairment or damage the magnetic memory field of a magnetic card. Even with a chip card or a transponder card the transmission paths slightly disturbed be, for example, in the field of a strong electromagnetic field.

From the DE 41 37 790 A1 an identification device for the identification of objects is known, which has at least one attached to the object identification mark and at least one of the object spatially separated transmitting / receiving device for reading the identification mark. The identification mark is designed as a spatial body which has at least one recess which faces the transmitting / receiving device in each case. If the object provided with such an identification mark passes the transmitting / receiving device, which emits, for example, electromagnetic and / or acoustic signals, then this transmitting / receiving unit reads the identifier by receiving the transmitted signals reflected at the recesses of the identification mark and transfers the read information, which is in the dependent on the nature of the recess change in the reflection behavior of the emitted by the transmitting / receiving device signals to a downstream evaluation.

at However, this known identifier is only a limited and finite number of different shapes and contours available can be used for recording and evaluation. If an unlimited Number of different, individual identifiers needed, a combination of several different landmarks is necessary which increasingly have an increased space requirement as the number increases.

One The aim of the present invention is to provide a reliable and cost-effective key system for identifying an object or a corresponding identification method to disposal to deliver. Another object of the invention is to provide a tamperproof Key as well to provide a method for its production.

These Objects of the invention are achieved with the objects of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent ones Claims.

Of the inventive key or the key system according to the invention comprises a carrier, to which an individual coding can be assigned; it is used in particular for access control or authorization in appropriately protected and / or controlled areas or rooms. The system according to the invention is based on a three-dimensional body, for example a map o. Like., Which consists of at least two different materials, eg. Plastic materials consists, each having a defined phase boundary to each other. This can be achieved that the cards have an individual reflection and / or transmission profile, that for individualization and repeated query of the individual card structure can be used. The preparation can, for example, such done that on a basemap, consisting of a first plastic material, still while she in liquid State is one, a measurable beam or another unit second material of a person or a random generator completely uncoordinated is distributed and flows. The Map structure and / or spatial Distribution of the at least two materials can in particular be formed completely randomly be, for example by means of a random number generator control in the production. In this way it can be achieved that every three-dimensional body an individual, unmistakable and almost unrepeatable structure gets to his later Identification can be used.

The card structure can then be measured so that such data cards can be used for individualization and the queried and stored data can always be assigned to this single card again. The measurement for storing the structural data of the body and / or the measurement for later identification of the previously stored structural data can optionally be done by one, by several, but in particular by all sides of the body in order to obtain the highest possible information density in a small space.

On This way, for example, a very simple and inexpensive to produce Access system are created in which each authorized user one access controlled area such a card is handed out, where all cards differ by their individual structure profile. An interrogation system consisting, for example, of an ultrasound generator and a detection device, the individual map profile query and read out, after which the data read out is analyzed and compared with a stored individual profile can. In this way access control is possible.

The Cards have to not necessarily have two different plastic materials. There are also variants possible where more than two materials are used to create an even more complex one To create structure. Instead of plastic can also be a fiber matrix be introduced, for example. Consisting of mineral, glass or other fibers, for example of organic origin (for example flax, hemp, Straw or similar). Also, a rock flour, granules or splinter insert provided be embedded in plastic. In addition, all are basically suitable Metal types in various forms, for example as fibers, as splinters, as granules, to form an identifying and customizable insert into a plastic body.

The Introduction or mixing of the different materials can by means of a nozzle respectively. Optionally, the first material can harden and subsequently the second material can be applied to a clear phase separation guarantee. Of course Variants are also conceivable in which part of the card is made of transparent Material consists, leaving only the embedded particles, fibers or structures for customizing the map data. The Query of these structures takes place in such a case expediently by means of an optical scanning method.

Of the three-dimensional body can not only as a flat code card, but optionally as almost arbitrary Be designed object, which may also be on the body or on a garment of a user can be attached.

The Structure data can be detected and / or queried in almost any way, for example by means of Ultrasonic detection or by means of electromagnetic waves.

One inventive method for permission query or access control provides that the Structure information of such a three-dimensional body accordingly one of the embodiments described above by means of a Ultrasound detection device read and as data information be stored. Optionally, the structure data can also read out by means of an optical or electromagnetic method become. These stored structure data can then be arbitrary often queried and read by scanning the three-dimensional body and compared with the stored data for further use become. By assigning the individual structure data of a particular map For a particular person, the query of the structural data of the body Part of an authorization query, for example, an access-controlled Area or access-controlled security area o. Like. Be.

Of the key according to the invention can be very easy and inexpensive produce. He lets himself but very difficult to imitate, because the materials used disordered and randomly connected or mixed or are distributed. Thus, you can the key structures and / or the key surfaces though analyzed and read out, for example, by a layer by layer Analysis. This data can However, hardly be copied with reasonable effort, because due the production process according to the invention for one individual key infinite distribution possibilities be created, which can not be repeated or only with disproportionate effort and thus are copyable. It should be not possible with reasonable effort be a randomly produced key in a regular manner with exactly the same spatial Distribution of the used at least two different To restore materials. An example of this, e.g. suitable injection molding machine can not so precise be controlled to copy an analyzed key structure can.

A further increase in the achievable security level of the system according to the invention can be achieved by using two or more relatively similar materials which, for example, have only minimally different transmission and / or reflection properties for ultrasound or for electromagnetic waves or the like. By variable and / or individually definable frequency or wavelength ranges, which are respectively queried when reading, a additional coding can be achieved. A body produced by means of the method according to the invention can, for example, have a specific coding pattern at a predeterminable sampling frequency and a different pattern at a different sampling frequency. The variation of these interrogation frequencies may, for example, change over time, so that an unauthorized user with a copied card can still gain access to a protected and secured area if he does not know the polling frequency, which is valid at the current time. With regard to the variation of these interrogation frequencies, numerous other possibilities for additional security are conceivable, for example an additional information or the like hidden on the key, which defines a frequency selection and / or variation.

Of course it works This principle of varied query frequencies also stronger in but their characteristics are different the analysis of the body structure through to make it easier for an unauthorized third party than for others who are very similar Materials.

In summary contains the present invention, the following aspects: at random or manually, a three-dimensional map structure created, which queried again and again after a single measurement can be. Optionally, this can be a three-dimensional structured surface and / or a three-dimensional material distribution of two or more different materials are created. In a three-dimensional Material distribution is the surveying and the subsequent query preferably by means of an ultrasound process or by means of another suitable scanning method, for example by means of electromagnetic radiation in the visible light wavelength range or in the invisible area (infrared, ultraviolet or x-ray radiation). A pure surface structure may optionally be applied to only one or more sides of the three-dimensional body be. Accordingly, the later sampling of one or done from several sides. With a map structure can thus the scan either from only one side or from both sides of the map be provided.

The Invention will be described below with reference to a preferred embodiment explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a schematic representation of a key system, comprising a card and a recognition system for retrieving structural data contained on the card.

2 shows an embodiment of a designed as a map three-dimensional body.

3 shows an access control device in which the information contained on the card is queried, analyzed and evaluated in terms of authorization of the card carrier.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of a key system 8th comprising a key 6 in the form of a map 10 and a detection device 12 to query on the map 10 contained structural data 14 , The detection system 12 can, for example, a transmitting device 16 with an ultrasonic transmitter 18 and an ultrasound receiver 20 with downstream evaluation unit 22 exhibit. A central processing unit 24 serves for the decoding of the evaluation unit 22 supplied structure data 14 and comparing these data with stored structure data of a plurality of maps to thereby make a decision on the authority or rejection of the person carrying the map.

Instead of an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver can also Other physical principles are used, for example. Light in visible, in the ultraviolet or in the infrared range. Besides can Other methods of interrogation are also suitable, for example a scanning method by means of X-rays o. The like.

In the 2 exemplified map 10 (Key 6 ) consists of plastic, namely of at least two different materials, each having a phase boundary. A first base material 26 is in the still liquid or viscous state with a second material 28 acted upon, for example by extrusion through a fine nozzle, so that a disordered distribution of the second material 28 in largely homogeneous base material 26 is possible.

Essential for the invention is that the two materials 26 and 28 at almost every point have a unique phase boundary, so that no mixing takes place to form a mixed area. When mixed in individual areas, the demands on the evaluation accuracy increase, since if the evaluation is too imprecise incorrect measurements are possible which could lead to a rejection of a card or to different measurement results at different measuring points. It is also essential that the distribution takes place randomly or randomly, in order to obtain different structural data in each case, as a result of which the cards are clearly distinguishable from each other, so that they are suitable for identifying a user or an object.

The two materials 26 and 28 need of the capture device 12 be identifiable. Thus, the first material may, for example, be a transparent plastic, while the second plastic is non-transparent, so that the structural data can be identified by means of optical detection. Possibly. It is also possible to use different plastics materials, each of which has a different reflection or transmission behavior for ultrasound or for electromagnetic radiation.

After curing the two materials 26 and 28 can the card structure 14 be analyzed and stored by means of an ultrasonic detection device, so that each card 10 from a multiplicity of maps an individual data structure 14 can be assigned. This makes it possible for the cards 10 for customization and use in an access control system.

Optionally, only one of several surfaces of the card 10 be queried. However, to get a higher information density, it may be beneficial to use the cards 10 read from all sides and to use the information collected in each case for the individualization or for unambiguous recognition of the structural information.

3 shows a schematic representation of such access control system 30 in which the card 10 on a reader 32 read out and with the one user 34 associated individual code is compared. If the read-out data matches the stored data, the access control system becomes 30 released, leaving the user 34 a lock 36 o. The like can pass through, in an access-controlled security area 38 to get.

The key 6 according to the present invention can be produced in a relatively simple manner and also quite inexpensively. However, it is very difficult to imitate, because the materials used 26 and 28 spatially disordered and randomly connected or mixed or distributed. Thus, the surface structures and / or the spatial structures of the key 6 Although read at a reasonable cost, which finally in the detection system according to the invention 12 he follows ( 1 ) he follows. Also, a subsequent analysis by a non-authorized is possible, for example. By a stratified analysis. However, these data can hardly be copied with reasonable effort, since due to the inventive production method for an individual key 6 infinite distribution possibilities for the two or more different materials 26 . 28 be created that are not or only with disproportionate effort repeatable and thus copying.

The in the foregoing description, drawings and claims Features of the invention can both individually and in any combination for the realization the invention in its various embodiments of importance be. The invention is not limited to the above embodiments limited. Much more is a variety of variants and modifications conceivable by the idea according to the invention Use and therefore also fall within the scope of protection.

Claims (34)

Key ( 6 ) comprising at least one three-dimensional body made of at least two different materials ( 26 . 28 ) is formed, which are arranged in disordered spatial distribution and largely distributed in phase separation to each other. key according to claim 1, which can be produced or produced at random is. A key according to claim 2, wherein the at least two different materials ( 26 . 28 ) are in a random spatial distribution. Key according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a first of the two or more different materials ( 26 . 28 ) Plastic. A key according to claim 4, wherein at least the plastic materials ( 26 . 28 ) are processed by means of an injection molding process. key according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one the materials mineral, fibrous and / or organic o. The like. is. A key according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second material ( 28 ) into the still liquid first material ( 26 ) is introduced by means of a nozzle. A key according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second material ( 28 ) after curing of the first material ( 26 ) is applied around this. Key according to one of the preceding claims, in which the three-dimensional body is designed as a flat code card ( 10 ) is trained. key according to one of the preceding claims, in which the three-dimensional body as on the body or on a piece of clothing fastened object formed or arranged on such is. Key system ( 8th ) with a carrier, in particular with a key ( 6 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, to which an individual coding is assignable, in particular for access control or authorization inquiry or the like, consisting of at least one three-dimensional body which consists of at least two different materials ( 26 . 28 ) is formed, which are arranged in disordered, in particular randomly producible spatial distribution and which are largely distributed in phase separation to each other, the structural information of the body can be stored and arbitrarily often interrogated by a measuring or scanning. key system according to claim 11, wherein the structural information of at least one surface of the three-dimensional body can be detected and stored or queried. key system according to claim 11, wherein the structural information of several, in particular all surfaces of the three-dimensional body can be detected and stored or queried. A key system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least a first of the two or more different materials ( 26 . 28 ) Plastic. A key system according to claim 14, wherein at least the plastic materials ( 26 . 28 ) are processed by means of an injection molding process. key system according to one of claims 11 to 15, where at least one of the materials is mineral, fibrous and / or organic or the like. A key system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein a second material ( 28 ) into the still liquid first material ( 26 ) is introduced by means of a nozzle. A key system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the second material ( 28 ) after curing of the first material ( 26 ) is applied around this. A key system according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the three-dimensional body is a flat code card ( 10 ) is trained. key system according to one of claims 11 to 19, in which the three-dimensional body as on the body or on a piece of clothing fastened object formed or arranged on such is. Procedure for authorization inquiry or access control, in which the structural information ( 14 ) of a three-dimensional body according to one of claims 1 to 20 by means of a detection device ( 12 ) are read out and stored as data information. The method of claim 21, wherein the structural information read by an ultrasonic detection method and as Data information is stored. The method of claim 21, wherein the structural information read out by means of an optical or electromagnetic method and stored as data information. Method according to one of Claims 21 to 23, in which the structural data ( 14 ) of the three-dimensional body repeatedly and with the stored data of a detection device ( 12 ). Method according to Claim 24, in which the structural data ( 14 ) of a body to a previously defined user ( 34 ) assigned. Method according to one of Claims 21 to 25, in which the query of the structural data ( 14 ) of the body is part of an authorization query, for example of an access-controlled or -regulated security area ( 38 ). Method for producing a key ( 6 ), in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, in which at least two different materials ( 26 . 28 ) a three-dimensional body is formed in which the at least two materials ( 26 . 28 ) are arranged in disordered spatial distribution and largely distributed in phase separation to each other. A method according to claim 27, wherein the key is produced at random by exposing the at least two different materials ( 26 . 28 ) are brought together or mixed with each other in a random spatial distribution. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein at least a first of the two or more different materials ( 26 . 28 ) Plastic is or has plastic. Process according to Claim 29, in which at least the plastic materials ( 26 . 28 ) by means of a Injection molding process are processed. Method according to one of claims 27 to 30, wherein at least one of the materials mineral, fibrous and / or organic o. The like. Is. Method according to one of claims 27 to 31, wherein a second material ( 28 ) into the still liquid first material ( 26 ) is introduced by means of a nozzle. Method according to one of Claims 27 to 32, in which the second material ( 28 ) after curing of the first material ( 26 ) is applied around this. Method according to one of Claims 27 to 33, in which the three-dimensional body is designed as a flat code card ( 10 ) is formed.