EP3602407A1

EP3602407A1 - Method for authenticating a forgery-proof object

Info

Publication number: EP3602407A1
Application number: EP18714497.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Luc DEVENOGE
Original assignee: Hapa AG
Current assignee: Hapa AG
Priority date: 2017-03-28
Filing date: 2018-03-28
Publication date: 2020-02-05
Also published as: WO2018178185A1; CH713631A1; US20210101401A1

Abstract

A method for producing a forgery-proof object (1), wherein the object is marked with a code (2) and additionally with a marking (3) spaced therefrom, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - determining a random position (Pz) of the marking (3) relative to a code position (Cp) determined by one or more position features of the code (2) on the object (1); - encoding the object (1) at the determined code position (Cp) - marking the object (1) with the marking at the random position (Pz) - storing position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) in a database (6).

Description

Method for authenticating a counterfeit-proof object

The invention relates to a method for authenticating a counterfeit-proof article according to claim 1, to a method for producing a

The counterfeit-proof article according to claim 8, an apparatus or a system for producing such an article according to claim 14 or 22 and a counterfeit-proof article according to claim 25.

Technical background

From the prior art, various security ^¬ systems for authentication of printed products are known. For example, a printing system may be equipped with a special device and / or special coloring agents, such as printing ink, ink or toner, in addition to the usual information, such as address, Unique Identification Code (UID), for example

Line or 2D codes, postmarks, etc. also place a product manufacturer or customer-specific authentication information (AI) on the object to be printed. This can be achieved, for example, by using special colorants to which so-called taggants are admixed. Such tagganten can be materials with special molecular, spectral, luminescent or too be magnetic properties. Such colorants can be printed, for example in the form of a simple geometric figure (square, triangle, ...) to make it the

Receiver by means of a color analysis, spectral analysis or

Readout of the magnetic information to allow to conclude on the authenticity of the product or the right, authorized sender. Alternatively, tagants may also comprise encoded microparticles, microdots or micro-labels, their optical or acoustic properties, for example with laser pens, UV light, microscope, special microdot readers or acoustic

Measuring devices are readable. In this regard, too

Radio wave microchips, so-called micro-RFIDs are used, but this is more expensive and expensive.

Other ways to prevent counterfeiting include the manipulation of opto-electronically readable fonts, such as dot or bar codes, or the encryption of such codes. Thus, for example, from certain geometrical manipulations of corresponding codes which are sent to the printer with the print command, a code manipulated in small details but nevertheless readable can be printed on the printed product and subsequently photographed. From the photo, the deviations of the code against a non-manipulated code in the form of a change code can be detected and stored together with the code in a database. Corresponding code and AMENDING ^¬ gene can also be detected by the receiver of the printed product by suitable means and retrieved from the database in correspondence of the code and change code with the stored values in the database the accuracy of confirms the consignment or warns the recipient if it does not match.

Another possibility is the encryption of such codes and deposit in a database, for which the

Receiver in turn communicated the key, or the

Access to the database must be enabled.

In general, in the above examples of the

The prior art requires additional expenditure on apparatus and knowledge on the receiver side, which is why such methods are less ^effective , however, only in special cases, for example for checking dubious documents by the consignor himself or as incoming inspection in companies which only want to process goods of a ^particular supplier for individual control of individual shipped products or documents, for example, by the end user can be used.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a simplified authentication method available with which it can be checked without special only Authentifi ^¬ cation-built, expensive technical equipment the identity of a sent item.

Another object is a simple method for producing a counterfeit-proof article and a device for the corresponding counterfeit-proof

Mark, or provide coding and marking. Although in the following a marking device or a marker is called, it is clear to those skilled in the art that such a device also for attaching a Coding ("coding"), is suitable and hereafter also in different embodiments for both purposes

is used.

Revelation and execution forms

In an inventive method for authenticatio ^¬ tion of a tamper-proof article is applied to the at least one object of a code and to beabstan- finished label attached, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps in preparation / production of the article, for detection by a receiver and

Authentication by the database includes:

Steps to prepare / manufacture the item and collect data, for example before shipping:

- setting a random position (Pz) of the marker, with respect to a predetermined on the article (1) code position (Cp);

- attaching the code and attaching the mark at the random position (P _z );

Storing position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) in a database, wherein the position data (ZPD) coordinates, such as angle, polar,

Distance, vector coordinates, etc. of the center, the center of gravity, one or more vertices or otherwise one or more suitable for determining position characteristics of the marker. This step may also, for example, only during the If, for example, the position data for a query by, or

Forwarding to the database are cached;

The attachment of the code and the marking can, for example, be done by a printing process. It should be noted here that the marking, that is the coding and / or marking of the article, as well known to those skilled in the art by beliebi ^¬ ge other labeling methods, such as. Laser Markers, mechanical markings such as embossing or punching, bluing or any other method, if necessary can also be done by a combination of the corresponding methods. In this case, the marking with the code is preferably applied in one step, for example in a printing operation, but the marking, for example in the case of precoded objects, can also be carried out separately only in a subsequent step of the coding. The method is particularly suitable for printing on different types of printing, such as documents, envelopes, packaging, etc.

Steps for detecting, for example, at a recipient of the at least one individually to be identified

Subject:

- Collectively the position (Pz) of the on the

Object applied label opposite the code position (Cp) by a preferably optical

Collection system and provision of recorded

Image data or determination of the position data (GPD), for example, directly or from the acquired image data by the detection system, which, for example, on a software-implemented detection algorithm that supports a position detection program, and

Providing the position data (GPD);

Sending the provided image data or the

positional data (GPD) provided to the database by the detection system;

- Displaying the result of the authentication of a database in the comparison of records (ZPD and GPB) (see below) by the detection ^¬ system.

Steps for authentication by the database:

Determining the position data (GPD) from the acquired image data by the database and comparing the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined position data (GPD) by a comparator communicating with the database, or

- Comparison of the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined position data (GPD) by a communicating with the database, thereby preferably integrated in the database for automatic comparison comparator.

Returning a confirmation of the authentication when the stored position data (ZPD) is reconciled with the determined or transmitted position data (GPD) to the detection system or

- Returning a rejection of the authentication in case of a lack of conformity of the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined or sent

Position Data (GPD) to the Acquisition System. The return can, in particular, if the database, comparator and receiving / transmitting unit of the database form a unit through the database, with only comparatively connected to the database comparator but also alternatively directly by the comparator, if it is connected to a transmitting unit.

In addition, a return of an error message to the detection system may be provided if the

Determining a positive or negative authentication, by comparing the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined position data (GPD), is not possible, for example. Because one of the data sets (GPD, ZPD) is incorrect or incomplete.

The random position (Pz) can be determined by a function with respect to the code position (Cp), or with respect to one or more positional features of the code position. These may be, for example, the coordinates of the article's inner or outer endpoint of one or more particular bars of a barcode, one or more vertices of a 2-D code, the centroid, a (possibly imaginary) base or sideline of a code, or the like be. In addition, information on the information to be marked on the object to be marked, such as areas permitted and prohibited for the marking, such as the address field or the franking area of a

Briefes, as further function parameters, for example, stored in a memory of a printer or with the

Print command to be sent to the printer. Such functions can also be used as an algorithm in one Software program are mapped. The function or the software program can be based on a random number generator for determining the random position.

One or more evaluation systems, for example arithmetic units, memory cards etc., can be integrated both in the detection system and in the database DB. Alternatively, such evaluation systems, for example. In mobile

Storage media such as dongels or memory cards, or in PCs also arranged externally and with detection system or

Database only be connected. Under detection system or database DB, is therefore here a corresponding

System understood in its most general form, but with particular regard to the detection system, due to the compact design and the associated flexibility integrated systems are preferred.

For example, a particularly compact system with the help of a mobile phone with integrated camera can be realized, bringing images either directly to the

Database sent or first by means of a

Software program, eg. In the form of a so-called app, the position data determined and then, for example.

encrypted, sent to the database. The determination of the position data can here, as with other optical detection systems, in particular cameras, either directly, for example by measuring the geometries,

Reference angle and / or distances, etc., or due to the lower cost, preferably from the captured image data by means of an evaluation program done. Attaching the code can be done in a preparatory manner

Step be made, which also precoded

Articles, for example, mail or documents ^{nachträg ¬} Lich can still be marked counterfeit-proof. As code here not only common, for example. As mentioned above codes, but also franking or one or more lines of an address can be used.

Typically, the attaching of the code and Mar ^¬ kierung is, especially when a high relative position ^¬ accuracy between the code and label is required in order for example. In a small space to allow a high as possible and thus tamper-proof number of random positions (Pz), with a Coding / marking, for example. A printer, preferably in a process step, carried out, since in this case the need for a new ^¬ union clamping and thus necessary exact

Positioning of the article in the marking omitted.

The detection system may be one used by a user or, for example, an automatic control system

Camera, which captured image data of the jointly

Positions of the code and the marker provides or with the help of a position detection program, for example ^¬ in the form of downloadable from the Internet or a disk app, from the made optical detection of the code position (Cp) of the code and the random position (Pz) of the marker on the object, automatically ^¬ the position data (GPD) determined. The determination of the position data (GPD) can directly, for example by Angular measurements between different geometric

Characteristics of the code and the marking, for example, in one or more predetermined distances from the image plane or from the image data of one or more collectively detected

Positions take place.

Subsequently, provided image data or

Position data (GPD) by the camera itself or an associated transmitting unit, to the database

transmitted, processed by them and compared or only compared. The automatically generated by the database response (confirmation, rejection) can also be displayed by the transmitting unit or on the camera. In response, a failed Authentifi ^¬ cation may, for example, be indicated by to large / small distance, lack of position points in the receptacle, or insufficient data transmission etc..

Particularly simple and user-friendly, such a system can be realized with a camera built into a mobile phone. Advantageously, the image data from a position detection program, for example. App, see above, processed directly on the mobile phone, which can be significantly reduce the amount of data to be transmitted.

An appropriate app can also be a guide to

Performing the optical capture with the camera for the user included.

Another object of the invention is a method for producing a counterfeit-proof article for

To provide the object with a code and additionally marked with a mark spaced therefrom, the method being as follows

Steps includes:

- determining a random position (Pz) of the marker against a code position (Cp) determined by one or more positional features of the code on the article;

- Coding of the object at the fixed code position (Cp)

Marking the article with the marking at the random position (P _z );

- Storing position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) in a database;

Also in this method, the random position (Pz) can be a function with respect to the code position (Cp) are defined wherein said one function or a plurality of position features used by the code position, that is, as a reference point or reference points for determination / calculation ^¬ voltage the position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz), for example, with the aid of a random number generator decreases.

Also in this method, the coding in a preparatory step or in a step, for example, by attaching the code and the marking with a coding / marking device can be performed in one step, for example, be printed in a printing operation.

The invention also relates to an article produced by the method described above, in particular to types of printing produced therewith. Under pressure types Here are documents of all kinds, envelopes, envelopes, but especially packaging as the

Information carrier (eg for address, postal, bar, 2D, product codes, manufacturer's information, advertising) are used

Understood. Here are exemplary the packaging of particularly valuable or regarding the risks of a

Forgery of particularly critical goods, such as delicate chemicals and / or medicines or the like. Thus, blister packs, for example for medical products, can also be correspondingly coded, i. with a code

provided, and with one to the code in random position

positioned mark are marked.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for marking an article (marking device) comprising a controller, a marker and at least one input and output for receiving and transmitting data, wherein the controller comprises a position generator configured thereto is a code position (Cp) of a code position (CPP) determined or determined on the item

Generate codes, position data (ZPD) of a random position (Pz) and forward it to the marker, for attaching the marker, and to the output. Codes are preferred in this case but determined not on the object being broke ^¬ th used, allowing a common attachment of all information, particularly the codes and the marking on the article, for example. In a printing operation. At least for precoded objects, it is advantageous to always use the same fixed code position (Cp), which then, for example, as a code position data (CPD) in a the Position generator associated storage of the device stored permanently, when a marker or

Coding command, for example. A pressure command, at the output for calculating the random position, from the random number generator

can be retrieved. On the other hand, the code position data (CPD) can also be present via the output, for example, together with a print command and, for example, forwarded via the controller to the position generator, which in turn calculates the position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) and for the coding - / Markier thus eg.

provides a printing process with a printing unit.

Alternatively, when using non-standard precoded objects, the code position (Cp) can also be determined, for example, immediately prior to the application of the marking, but this is an upstream optical

Capture and data processing necessary.

The forwarding of the position data (ZPD) of the random position to the marking is usually not directly, but via the control of the device and / or one of the position generator or the control associated, for example, temporary buffer. The

Coding / Markierwerk can be, for example, any printing unit, for example. An ink jet head or the image-forming device of a laser printer.

The forwarding of the position data (ZPD) to the output need not be immediate, the data can also be provided in a memory for retrieval, for example. For retrieval by an external database. Of such Memory, the controller may also retrieve the data to store the tag either in addition to information already applied to the item, such as code, address,

Franking or apply together with them. It is a common affixing of at least code and

Marking due to the easier to control

Positional tolerances with only one clamping for

Attach the information to prefer.

If a defined but not yet attached to the article code is used, all information, in particular code and marking but also information such as address or franking on the object, for example. In a printing process can be made.

The position generator may include a logic circuit for defining the random position (Pz) and for generating the position data (ZPD), or be designed as such and may include a random number generator. Alternatively, the position generator as well as the random number generator can be partially or completely in the form of an algorithm, for example as a software program

present.

In any case, the position generator is implemented in the control of the device.

The marking device may be a printer, for example an inkjet or laser printer.

The invention also relates to a system for

anti-counterfeit marking of an object consisting of a marking device connected to an external control unit, the system having an input and output for receiving and transmitting data and an interface between the marking device and the control unit for exchanging data. The marking device in this case comprises a controller for labeling with a position generator which is configured to, on the basis of code-position ^¬ data (CPD) of an established on the article or fixed code position (Cp) of a code position data (ZPD) a random position ( Pz) and forward to the output and via the interface to the control of the marking device.

The control unit can be a dongle, for example with a special USB-based microprocessor or in the form of a programmed USB stick, wherein the marking device, for example a printer, comprises the input and output and which are received via the interface

Position data (ZPD) on the one hand to the output, on the other hand to the marker. This can usually be done via the controller.

On the other hand, the control unit may be a PC or an on ^¬ attitude control, which itself comprises input and output and communicates with the interface with the marking device. In this case, the position data (ZPD) are forwarded by the control unit via the output OUT, for example to the database and via the interface to the marking device.

Although the invention has been previously considered

has been explained in different embodiments and concrete examples, it also includes all combinations of embodiments with features associated with Other examples have been shown, unless this appears to the expert not at first glance inappropriate

figure description

In the following, the invention is based on figures

described by way of example. Showing:

Fig.l A marking device with tamper-proof

Packaging;

Fig.2 A detection system in interaction

In Figure 1 is the example of a printer 7th

formed marking device, such as such a device may be constructed according to the invention to produce a forgery-proof packaging 1 as shown schematically. The printer 7 has an input / output 8 for exchanging data, via which a print command CDM _pr int is forwarded to the controller 9 of the printer. Of the

In addition to the usual information for printing the address field 5 and the franking field 4, the print command here also contains the command for printing a code 2, here a bar code, as well as corresponding code position data (CPD). The code position data (CPD) are here first to a

Position generator 10 forwarded on the one hand itself, as shown constructed in the form of a microprocessor, on the other hand, but can also be an integral part of the controller 9. Furthermore, the

Position generator 10 is a random number generator 11 which, depending on the demands on the security against counterfeiting, is more deterministic, for example as a software algorithm, i. as an algorithm implemented in a software program, or non-deterministic, eg physical

Random number generator 11 may be formed. In order to For example, the position generator 10 generates the position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) of the marker 3 which, in a simple case, as shown in the figure below

Packaging 1, at least the coordinates (χ ', y') or (r '/ 0') of the selected coordinate system in a P includes. In this case, the zero point of the coordinate system is given by the right upper edge of the 3rd code bar and the alignment of the coordinate system is carried out with x-axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the code, or of the

Packaging. Also, this information (coordinate base) is usually included in the position data (ZPD). The latter are transferred to the controller 9, which generates therefrom the printing function Pfz = F (ZPD) for printing the marking 3 in addition to the printing function Cfp = F (CPD) for printing the code 2 and forwards it to the printing unit 13. Alternatively, depending on the printing protocol used, the printing function of the code can already be present at the input to guide them to the printing unit 13 without further processing by the controller 9. In such a case, the random generator generates the position data (ZPD) and the printing function Pfz from the printing function of the code Cfp and sends both to the controller 9. In either case, the controller 9 sends the printing function Cfp = F (CPD) to the printing unit 13 and Position data (ZPD) to the output OUT on. The latter can be delayed immediately or delayed, for example, only after retrieval of the database 6, sent, including in the

Position generator 10 a dashed line drawn here Memory M / 12, for retrievable caching of

Position data (ZPO), can be provided.

In another embodiment, the data for the coordinate base can already be sent to the printer with the print command CDM _pr int. In this case, however, this data must also be in the database 6 or described in Figure 2 mobile phone 15, or in the app loaded thereon, which makes one may, for example, desired as an additional security measure change of coordinates ^¬ basis.

The printing unit 13 is shown schematically here as Inkj et printing unit 13, which moves in the pressure shaft 14 on a carriage, not shown.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the sequence of the authentication by the recipient. In this case, code and mark ^¬ tion on the address side of the package with the camera 16 of a mobile phone 15 on which a position detection program, or a position detection APP is installed, photographed and the position data (GPD) of Zufallsposi ^¬ tion (Pz) determined. The position data (GPD) are sent to the database 6, or to a computer not shown here, whereupon the position data stored there (ZPD) using a comparator of the database, or the computer with the determined and transmitted position data (GPD ) and the result of the

Authentication to the mobile phone 15 is returned for display to the user. Reference sign list

1 packaging, envelope, document, shipped item

2 code

3 mark

4 franking field

5 address field

6 database

7 marking device, printer

8 input / output

9 Control (CPU) of the marking device, the printer

10 position generator PG

11 random number generator

12 memory

13 marking unit, printing unit

14 pressure shaft

15 detection system, mobile phone

16 camera

Claims

claims

A method for authenticating a counterfeit-proof article (1), wherein a code (2) and a mark (3) spaced therefrom are attached to the article, characterized in that the

Procedure includes the following steps:

- Setting a random position (Pz) of the marker (3), with respect to one, on the object (1) vorbe ^¬ agreed code position (Cp);

- attaching the code (2) and attaching the marker (3) at the random position (P _z );

- Storing position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) in a database (6);

- Collectively the position (Pz) of the on the

Article (1) applied mark (3) and the code position (Cp) by a detection system (15) and providing image data or determination of the

Position data (GPD) by the detection system (15) and providing the determined position data

(GPD);

Sending the provided image data or the

determined position data (GPD) to the database (6) by the detection system (15);

- Determination of the position data (GPD) from the image data by the database (6) and comparison of the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined

Position data (GPD) by a comparator communicating with the database (6), or - Comparison of the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined position data (GPD) by a communicating with the database (6) and comparator

Returning a confirmation of the authentication when the stored position data (ZPD) is reconciled with the determined position data (GPD) to the

Detection system (15) or

- Returning a denial of authentication in case of lack of conformity of the stored position data (ZPD) with the determined position data (GPD) to the detection system (15);

Displaying the result of the authentication by the detection system (15).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the random position (Pz) is determined by a function with respect to the code position (Cp).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the function uses one or more positional features of the code position.

4. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized

characterized in that the function is a

Random number generator (11) for determining the

Random position used.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the attachment of the code (2) is performed in a preparatory step.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the attachment of the code (2) and the marking (3) with a marking device (7), thereby preferably with the same marking device (7) in a process step, is performed.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the detection system (15) comprises a camera (16) containing image data for

Provides delivery, or with the help of a

Position detection program from the optical detection of the code position (Cp) and the random position (Pz) on the object (1), the position data (GPD) determined and provides for transmission.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the detection system comprises a mobile telephone (15) with a camera (16).

9. Method for producing a counterfeit-proof

Article (1), wherein the article is coded with a code (2) and additionally with a thereto

marked mark (3), characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

- Setting a random position (Pz) of the marker (3) opposite one by one or more

Positional characteristics of the code (2) on the item (1) fixed code position (Cp);

- Coding of the object (1) to the specified

Code position (Cp)

Marking the object (1) with the marking at the random position (P _z )

- Storing position data (ZPD) of the random position (Pz) in a database (6);

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the random position (Pz) is determined by a function with respect to the code position (Cp).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the function uses one or more positional features of the code position.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the function uses a random number generator (11) for determining the random position.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the coding in a

preparatory step takes place.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that for determining the random position, a position generator (10) is used and

Position generator (10) and / or random number generator (11) partially or completely present in the form of a software ^¬ program with implemented algorithm.

15. Device for marking an object (1), with a control (9), a marking unit (13) and

at least one input and output (8) for receiving and transmitting data, characterized in that the controller (9) comprises a position generator (10) which is configured on the basis of code position data (CPD) on the object (1 ) determined or fixed code position (Cp) of a code (2),

Position data (ZPD) to a random position (Pz) too generate and to the marker (13) for attaching the marker (3) and to the output OUT forwarded.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that it is configured to receive the code position data (CPD) via the input and to the

Forward position generator (10).

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that it has a with the position generator (10)

connected memory (12) for permanently stored there code position data (CPD).

18. Device according to one of claims 15 to 17,

characterized in that the position generator (10) comprises a random number generator (11).

19. Device according to one of claims 15 to 18,

characterized in that the position generator (10) comprises a logic circuit for setting the

Random position (Pz) and for generating the position data (ZPD).

20. Device according to one of claims 15 to 19,

characterized in that the position generator (10) and / or the random number generator (11) partially or completely in the form of a software program

are implemented.

Device according to one of Claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the position generator (10) is implemented in the control (9) of the device.

22. Device according to one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the device is a printer (7), preferably an inkjet or laser printer.

23. Counterfeit-proof marking system

An article (1) comprising a marking device (7) connected to an external control unit, the system comprising an input and output (8) for receiving and transmitting data and an interface between marking device (7) and data exchange control unit, wherein the marking device (7) comprises a control (9) for marking, characterized

in that the control unit has a

Position generator (10) comprises, on the basis of code position data (CPD) on the object (1) detected or fixed code position (Cp) of a code (2), position data (ZPD) a random position (Pz) generated and at the output OUT and, over the

Interface to the controller (9) of the

Marking device (7) forwards.

24. System according to claim 23, characterized in that the control unit is a dongle, the marking device (7) input and output (8) and the position data (ZPD) from the control unit via the interface or via interface and control ( 9) to the output OUT.

25. System according to claim 24, characterized in that the control unit input and output (8) and is a PC or a plant control.

26. An article produced by a method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

27. An article according to claim 26, characterized in that the article is a type of printing, in particular a packaging.