DE102006031795A1 - Printed product with printed information has electrically conducting substance forming conducting track with at least two contact points for device for reading out information - Google Patents

Abstract

The printed product has printed information implemented with an electrically conducting substance. The electrically conducting substance forms a conducting track (300) with at least two contact points (306,308) for a device for reading out the information. The electrically conducting substance forms a conducting track integrated into an interference pattern (301). Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a system for reading printed information representing coded information (B) and a method of reading printed information representing coded information.

Description

The The present invention relates to a printed product with a printed one Information according to the generic term of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a System for reading out printed information of a printed product according to the generic term of claim 5 and a method for reading a printed Information of a printed product according to the preamble of claim 7th

Out The prior art has many possibilities known, printed products, eg. As packaging, by security features against counterfeiting too protect. For example, except features recognizable by humans without further technical aids, such as B. guilloche, iris print or microprint of machines recognizable features, such. B. the use of colors that only visible under infrared or ultraviolet radiation, or integrated RFID microchips described.

From the DE 32 36 374 A1 a security paper 1 is already known, which is composed of several layers and has an acting as an electrical insulation liner 11 with marker pads 2 of electrically conductive material, wherein the spots form an irregular pattern for storing, for example, digital information or coding. The information is read out by means of two mutually decoupled, capacitive electrodes 3.1 and 3.2, which are spaced, that are arranged contactless to the paper. By influencing the size and / or the distance of the spots to the electrodes, the coding can be done not only digitally but also analogously. The spots exist z. Example of a metal layer, which in a one of a fast and inexpensive to be performed printing method different methods, eg. Example by means of vacuum evaporation or cathode sputtering, be applied in papermaking. Moreover, the coding process can only be carried out in conjunction with special paper which has a multilayer structure.

In the DE 198 26 800 A1 is already described the production of special papers for proof of origin, wherein during the papermaking process inspection characteristics in the form of electrically conductive feature substances 6, z. As electrically conductive polymers are integrated into the special paper. The integration process can be non-homogeneous, but partial, so that a coding is possible. Further coding can be achieved by changing the consistency of the feature substance. The coded information is detected by means of capacitive, non-contact scanning sensors 11 arranged at a distance from the special paper. The partial feature substance application can be effected by means of dripping devices or outlet pipes 17. The application of a complex, high-resolution coding structure, for example as a 2D structure, does not appear to be possible with the proposed method. In addition, the coding for a subsequent printing process is fixed and can neither be freely chosen nor freely placed.

The from the DE 32 36 374 A1 and the DE 198 26 800 A1 known use of electrically conductive materials is described only in conjunction with specialty papers and already in the production of these papers. Special papers, however, are usually more expensive than conventional printing papers, so that the methods described can be disadvantageous in terms of cost. Further, the electrically conductive materials are already incorporated in the preparation in the paper, so that a later definition or change of the type of information and the location of the information no longer seems possible.

The Applying a coded information when printing is z. B. off the use of one-dimensional barcodes known. The German Post AG turns it over In addition to the electronic franking of postal items a so-called data matrix code which is in the form of a two-dimensional barcode on the mail piece with conventional, d. H. non-conductive ink, is printed. The reading of the code is obviously via optical, spaced from the mailpiece arranged sensors and an image processing unit to the code to extract and evaluate from the optically recorded image to be able to.

The Company Jumbo Spiele GmbH sells a game called "Electro Junior ", in which Plug in openings provided a question and answer card can be plugged.

Provided correctly answered the question or an assignment correctly has occurred, lights up due to the closing of an electrical circuit a small lamp on.

Starting from the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printed product which can be produced quickly and inexpensively and which carries preferably freely selectable information, in particular a supplementary information representing a security or authenticity feature, which only human beings wear can be recorded with technical aids. This object is achieved by a printed product with the features of claim 1 solved.

It is another or alternative object of the present invention, a system for reading out printed information, in particular a supplementary information representing a security or authenticity feature, to create a printed product, which is easy and reliable applicable is. This object is achieved with a system with the Characteristics of claim 5 solved.

It is another or alternative object of the present invention, a method for reading a printed information, in particular a supplementary information representing a security or authenticity feature, to create a printed product, which is simple and reliable feasible. This object is achieved by a Method solved with the features of claim 7.

advantageous Further developments of the inventions are contained in the subclaims.

One Inventive printed product with printed information passing through an electrically conductive Substance is realized, characterized by the fact that the electric conductive substance a conductor track with at least two contact points for a device to read out the information.

The Printed product may be provided with text and / or image information Printing material z. As paper, cardboard or foil - each as a printing material sheet or printing material web - be. In particular, the printed information may be a security or authentication feature performing additional information to a further information of the printed product represent. The additional information may be on the surface of the Printed product on one side or printed on both sides. The electric Conductive substance can be an electrically conductive printing ink or be an electrically conductive paint. Both the ink and the paint can be transparent.

The Contact points for a device for reading out the information can be used as broadened points, in particular terminals, the electrically conductive tracks formed be. The contact points can for example, circular be educated.

• – Offsetdruck, Hochdruck (Flexo- oder Buchdruck), Tiefdruck, Siebdruck: metallbasierte Farben, z. B. silber- oder kupferbasierte Farben, oder graphitbasierte Farben;
• – Offsetdruck, Flexodruck, Siebdruck, Inkjet-Druck: Farben auf Basis von elektrisch leitendem, organischem Material, z. B. PEDOT:PSS (3,4-Polyäthylendioxitiophenpolystyrensulfonat, unter den Bezeichnungen „Orgacon" oder „Baytron" bei Agfa bzw. Bayer zu beziehen).

A print product according to the invention has the advantage that it can be produced quickly and inexpensively, preferably in a printing process. The printing of the information which is realized by an electrically conductive substance, ie which is formed, for example, by printed, electrically conductive patterns or webs, can take place by way of example with the following printing processes using the following printing inks:

• - offset printing, high-pressure (flexographic or letterpress printing), gravure printing, screen printing: metal-based inks, eg. Silver or copper based colors, or graphite based colors;
• - offset printing, flexo printing, screen printing, inkjet printing: colors based on electrically conductive, organic material, eg. B. PEDOT: PSS (3,4-Polyethylenedioxitiophenpolystyrensulfonat, under the names "Orgacon" or "Baytron" Agfa or Bayer).

One Inventive printed product has the further advantage that it contains information, in particular a security or authenticity feature additional information, wearing, which of people only with technical aids - through a contacting the contact points device for reading the information - recorded can be. A visual readout of the information with the naked eyes is thus difficult or even impossible, what the usability the information as security or Authenticity feature positively supported.

Farther can the information, in particular a security or authenticity feature performing additional information, chosen arbitrarily and on the printed product to be placed. An adverse determination of the nature of the or Place of information already in papermaking omitted in vorteilre Wise. After all can with advantage of the use of expensive specialty papers apart and instead on conventional substrates such. B. Paper, cardboard or foil are used.

A advantageous with regard to the improvement of counterfeit security Further development of the printed product according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the electrically conductive substance one in a disturbance pattern integrated track forms. By integration into a disturbance pattern, d. H. in a pattern that involves the visual readout of the information the bare one Eye bothers by its construction and complexity becomes usability the information as a security or authenticity feature continues to be positive supported.

Another improved, with regard to the counterfeit security, advantageous development of the printed product according to the invention is characterized in that the printed information, in particular a security or authenticity feature representing additional information in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional geometric pattern, in particular in the form of lines pattern, or a labyrinth-like pattern, is realized with a variety of contact points. The configuration as a line pattern or as a labyrinth-like pattern supports the usability of the information as a security or authenticity feature positively. The designation of the pattern as "labyrinthine" is intended to emphasize that the design of the pattern makes a visual evaluation of the pattern more difficult, in particular it is not immediately possible to visually recognize which conductor path lines run uninterruptedly through the pattern The increase of the complexity of the pattern can be used to improve the security against counterfeiting.The structure of the geometric pattern can, according to the invention, be determined by the physical variable "electrical conductivity" or "electrical conductivity" are detected via the physical variable "electrical resistance".

A further, with regard to the protection against counterfeiting improved, advantageous development of the printed product according to the invention characterized by the fact that the printed information is printed with a color a lacquer or a laminate is covered in such a way that the contact points are lying freely. The visual perception and the visual readout the printed information, in particular the security or Authenticity-representing additional information, is by a covering with Paint, lacquer or laminate advantageously difficult or prevented.

A further, with regard to the protection against counterfeiting improved, advantageous development of the printed product according to the invention is characterized by the fact that another printed information, which an encrypted one Information is provided is provided. The further information can in encrypted Form contains data that informs a user about the z. B. give a security or authenticity feature performing additional information and in this example allow him to easily check whether the security or authenticity feature and thus the printed product real or fake is.

One inventive system for reading a printed information of a printed product draws through a printed product, as above with respect to the invention is described and a device for reading the information, which the electrical resistance between two contact points certainly, out.

The inventive system of printed product with printed information and device for Reading the information has the advantage of making it easy and reliable is applicable. A user or an automatic testing device needs to read the printed information, especially the a security or authenticity feature additional information, only the device in contact with the printed information bring to. A spaced arrangement in compliance with predetermined Distance is not necessary. Also a wrong test by wrong distance in terms of the distance amount or direction of the device can not. The device for reading the information is such that an electrical resistance can be measured. The to be read Information is therefore such that it has an electrical resistance embodies In particular, it is also designed so that they are circuit-free and / or antenna-free, d. H. she works in yours Function - at least primary - not as electrical circuit and / or antenna.

A advantageous in terms of improved security against counterfeiting Further development of the system according to the invention is characterized by another device for reading and decoding another printed information representing encrypted information out. The device for reading and decrypting further printed information can be designed, for example, as a computer or microprocessor and can be integrated in particular in the device for reading the information be.

One inventive method for reading a printed information of a printed product, which is realized by an electrically conductive substance, draws characterized in that the reading the contacting of the electrical conductive substance comprises at least two contact points.

The inventive method has the advantage that it is easy and reliable feasible. A user or an automatic test device needs to read the printed information, in particular the security or Authenticity feature additional information, only the electrical conductive substance to contact at least two contact points. One Reading in compliance with a given distance is not necessary. Also a wrong test by wrong distance in terms of the distance or the direction is not possible.

A refinement of the method according to the invention that is advantageous in terms of reliability and accuracy is distinguished by the fact that the reading comprises the determination of the electrical resistance between the at least two contact points. Advantageously, by a simple and precise feasible resistance determination information is read out. If it is a binary information z. B. is in the form of a high or a low resistance, also a high level of error safety is guaranteed.

A in terms of reliability and accuracy further advantageous development of the method according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the reading out the creation of a Actual matrix of resistance values or corresponding 0/1 values between the contact points. If a large number of contact points, For example, more than 10 or more than 100, is provided the results of the resistance measurements between any contact points two groups of contact points in an actual matrix summarized. At matrix sites that have a low resistance between two contact points represent the two groups, For example, a 1 can be entered. At matrix sites, the a high resistance between two contact points of the two groups represent, For example, a 0 can be entered. The inventive method according to the embodiment thus transmits the in the additional information as resistance having interconnects realized, stored data in a 0/1 matrix for further evaluation.

A in terms of reliability and accuracy further advantageous development of the method according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the reading out compares the actual matrix with a predetermined target matrix. In the target matrix can also 0/1 values can be stored in a simple way with the 0/1 values the actual matrix can be compared.

The Invention as well as other advantages of the invention will become apparent below with reference to the drawings based on a preferred embodiment described in more detail.

The Drawings show:

1 an inventive system for reading a printed information of a printed product;

2 an embodiment of a reading device;

3 an embodiment of printed information of electrically conductive substance;

4 another embodiment of a printed information of electrically conductive substance; and

5 another embodiment of a printed information of electrically conductive substance.

In 1 is a printed product 100 shown, for example, a printed paper or cardboard sheet, with a text / image information area 102 which may contain texts) and / or images). In addition to the area 102 carries the product 100 at least one piece of information 104 , in this case additional information to the text / image information area 102 , as well as optional further information 106 , in this case also an additional information. As with the dashed line 107 can be seen, the additional information 104 and / or the additional information 106 also within the range 102 be arranged, ie in particular surrounded by text and / or image or even be covered. The additional information can be of very small area, such. B. occupy only a few square centimeters area.

Furthermore, in 1 a device 108 for reading the additional information 104 (hereinafter referred to as "first reader") and another device 110 for reading the additional information 106 (hereafter referred to as "second reader") both devices 108 and 110 are about data connections 112 respectively. 114 , z. B. cable or wireless connections, with a computer 116 connected, the read additional information 104 respectively. 106 evaluates. The computer 116 can be the result of evaluation via an ad 118 and / or over a speaker 120 to a user.

2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the first reader 108 with a housing 200 , on its underside electrically conductive contact points 202 , z. As metal pins or electrodes are arranged for reading out the additional information 104 serve. The first reader may further include an indicator 203 and / or a speaker 204 include, which serve to output an information generated from the additional information to a user. In addition, the first reader may be an optical reader 206 , z. As a camera, have, with which the additional information 106 is detected. In this case, on the second reader 110 be omitted, or the unit 206 then forms the second reader 110 , The first reader 108 can by a user or by an automatic testing device on the additional information 104 be placed so that the contact points 202 corresponding contact points of the additional information 104 contact mechanically. Through this contact is a reading of the additional information 104 allows.

The following is the structure of the additional information 104 described in greater detail on the basis of enlarged illustrations. In the 3 embodiment shown comprises a plurality of electrically conductive traces 300 which are on the printed product 100 can be printed. The tracks 300 are formed by an electrically conductive substance, for example, applied by offset printing metal-based ink, and together form a noise pattern 301 , which does not allow for a human being, ie not without technical aids, which tracks continuously from a first edge 302 to a second edge 304 the additional information 104 to lead. The tracks form a two-dimensional pattern, in particular a line pattern or a pattern that can be referred to as "labyrinthine" 300 can be formed by a transparent, or only poorly visible printing ink. Also, a three-dimensional pattern is possible, provided that the interconnects are electrically isolated from each other over each other. For this purpose, the tracks and the insulation can be applied in several printing operations.

At the first edge 302 are electrically conductive contact points 306 and at the second edge 304 are second electrically conductive contact points 308 provided, which of the electrically conductive contact points 202 can be touched simultaneously by the first reader due to their arrangement. The first reader can thus access the additional information 104 be attached, with the contact points 202 , z. As metal pins, with the contact points 306 and 308 , z. B. points of metal-based ink, make electrically conductive connections.

In the in 3 embodiment shown are only the contact points 306a and 308a through a continuous track 300a connected, what in the presentation in 3 should be clarified by a bold printed circuit trace. In fact, the tracks show 300 all essentially the same web width and height.

Will now contact the contact points 306 and 308 by means of the attached reader 108 applied a respective voltage, so can the current between the two contact points on the first and on the second edge on the current according to Ohm's law, the resistance 302 respectively. 304 (Groups of contact points) are determined, ie the reader 108 can be designed as a simple ohmmeter or as a multi-channel ohmmeter. With a broken trace, the resistance will be high, while with a continuous trace, a low resistance will be determined. These two different states can be encoded with 0 and 1 for further evaluation.

In the course of the further evaluation, the obtained values "0" and "1" can now be used for the interrupted or uninterrupted electrically conductive connections between the contact points 306 and 308 are combined in an actual matrix and compared with a desired matrix in which "0" and "1" values for a given additional information 104 , ie for a specific coding, are deposited. If the actual matrix coincides with the target matrix, the information can be regarded as "true" - otherwise as "false" - and a corresponding visual or audible feedback to the user.

By simply placing the first reader 108 and thereby contacting the contact points 306 and 306 can be generated via a measurement of the electrical resistance of the interconnects an actual matrix, which can be compared to determine, for example, the authenticity of the printed product with a desired matrix. A very user-friendly embodiment can be designed as follows: the operator sets the resistance reader on the printed additional information (to facilitate the correct placement additionally investment marks can be printed) for checking the authenticity of a printed product, such as a packaging of a pharmaceutical product or a data carrier receives via a green LED and / or a pleasant sounding information that the printed product is genuine. In the event of a fake, a red LED may light up and / or an unpleasant sound may be emitted.

In 4 a further embodiment is shown in which the interference pattern 301 additionally with a paint, a varnish or a laminate 400 is covered so that only the contact points 306 and 308 at the first and the second edge 302 respectively. 304 free and to determine one in the additional information 104 encoded true / false information with a first reader 108 be contacted. The visual determination of the uninterrupted trace (s) by the eye is further complicated by these additional security measures. The cover may be formed by a non-transparent material. The cover can also represent an electrical insulation, so that only the non-covered contact points are electrically contacted and therefore faulty contacts can be avoided in an advantageous manner. The cover can itself form a security or authenticity feature by z. B. a hologram is applied as a laminate. In this way, advantageously different security or authenticity features can be arranged to save space at the same point of a printed product.

In addition to the additional information 104 can another additional information 106 be arranged on the printed product, in which z. B. in the form of a number or a bar code a predetermined target matrix is encoded. After entering the additional information 106 and the then existing knowledge of the desired matrix becomes the additional information 104 recorded and generated an actual matrix. From the comparison of the predefined desired and the generated actual matrix, a "true / false" value can be generated, which can be displayed visually or audibly to the user, for example, so that the user is informed about the authenticity or forgery of the printed product is informed.

In 5 a further embodiment is shown in which between the contact points 306 and 308 several electrically conductive connections, partly with branches. When reading the information 104 and the resulting generation of the actual matrix will contain a "1" at three matrix locations corresponding to the three uninterrupted interconnects, and a "0" at all other locations. In this example, the complexity of the pattern is further increased and consequently the counterfeit security is also further improved.

The printed information, in particular the additional information is preferably designed such that a visual readout or even a machine optical readout of the pattern used not possible is. This can be due to the complexity and the degree of miniaturization very high (according to the maximum resolution of the printing process used), the other can be done by covering the pattern reading can be prevented provided the overlap not non-destructive can be removed. This can be done for example by a firmly adherent Laminate, which also the structure of the pattern, d. H. the raised conductor tracks, einbnet and thus an optical readout closes.

Next the applicability of the printed product as having a security or authenticity feature provided product, the printed product also find another application in an advantageous manner. For example is the application as playing or teaching material possible by the printed Information, in particular the additional information, answers to preferred also contains printed questions in the form of "yes / no" information, which is used to control the Accuracy of a given answer read out via the contact points and visually displayed or audible output.

When Alternative or supplement to the broken tracks are also uninterrupted tracks made of electrically non-conductive material, which preferably optically can not be distinguished from the tracks.

Further is out of the box the described digital, binary solution also an analog solution possible by the printed conductors due to their width (resistance R ~ 1 / width, with homogeneous width), thickness (resistance R ~ 1 / thickness, with homogeneous Thickness) and length (Resistance R ~ 1 / length, with homogeneous width and thickness) have different electrical resistances can.

100

print product

102

Text / image information area

104

Additional Informtion

106

Further extra information

107

line

108

first reader

110

second reader

112

Data Connection

114

Data Connection

116

computer

118

display

120

speaker

200

casing

202

contact points

203

display

204

speaker

206

optical reader

300

conductor tracks

301

interference patterns

300a

conductor path

302

first edge

304

second edge

306

first contact points

308

second contact points

306a

first contact point

308a

second contact point

404

coverage

Claims (11)

Printed product with printed information, which is realized by an electrically conductive substance, characterized in that the electrically conductive substance is a conductor track ( 300 . 300a ) with at least two contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ) forms for a device for reading the information. Printed product according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrically conductive substance in a Störmuster ( 301 ) integrated track ( 300 . 300a ). Printed product according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed information ( 104 ) in the form of a two-dimensional geometric pattern ( 301 ), in particular in the form of a line pattern or a labyrinthine pattern, with a multiplicity of contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ) is realized. Printed product according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed information ( 104 ) with a paint, varnish or laminate ( 400 ) is covered in such a way that the contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ) are exposed. Printed product according to claim 1, characterized by further printed information ( 106 ), which represents an encrypted information. System for reading out printed information of a printed product, characterized by a printed product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and a device ( 108 ) for reading the information ( 104 ), which determines the electrical resistance between two contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ) certainly. System according to claim 6, characterized by a further device ( 110 ) for reading and decrypting further printed information ( 106 ), which represents encrypted information. Method for reading out a printed information of a printed product, which is realized by an electrically conductive substance, characterized in that the readout the contacting of the electrically conductive substance to at least two contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ). A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the reading out the determination of the electrical resistance between the at least two contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ). A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the read-out the creation of an actual matrix of resistance values or corresponding 0/1 values between the contact points ( 306 . 306a . 308 . 308a ). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that reading the comparison of the actual matrix with a given one Target matrix includes.