DE102006049284B4 - Method for creating and checking secure plaintext printing and device and information carrier therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for processing a representation (29) of a security print (40) on an information carrier (1), wherein the information carrier (1) comprises a print medium (2) with a base material (3) and a production-related, by a random process resulting media information (4) in which a processing device (32) for displaying (29) the security print (40) is connected to a device for storing and / or retrieving a ciphering key (44) and to a printing mechanism (75) and the processing device (32) directly or indirectly with a detection device (33) for determining the medium information (4) is connected, characterized in that the pressure mechanism (75) for introducing information on and / or in a thermosensitive material is formed and that the processing device (32) with a Authentication device (79) is connected and the processing device (32) is adapted to only then creating a valid representation (29) of a security print (40) if the authentication device (79) is connected to a valid authentication token (83) and the processing device (32) is adapted to handle the authentication Token (83), for example a smart card, stored encryption key (44) for encrypting and / or decrypting data concerning a security print (40) to use.

Description

The invention relates to a device for processing a representation of a security printing on an information carrier with a security printing, wherein the information carrier comprises a printing medium with a base material and a production-related, resulting from a random process medium information, wherein a processing device for displaying a security printing with a device for storing and / or retrieving a ciphering key and being connected to a printing mechanism and the processing device is connected directly or indirectly to a detection device for determining the medium information.

Today's high-resolution color scanners and color printers are making it possible to make ever-better copies of ID cards and value-representing documents. It is therefore often very difficult or only with great technical effort possible to produce forgery-proof documents. Often, such a document, such as a public transport ticket or a visitor's pass, is applied to a security paper or other medium having a security feature, such as a hologram, by a conventional printing process. A stolen fraudulently raw material can therefore be printed with a commercial printing device and thus a fake document can be produced.

One way to prevent the creation of an unauthorized copy is in the WO 2003/077197 A1 described. The WO 2003/077197 A1 discloses a card having a thermally writable surface and a magnetic or electronic data storage.

In order to achieve a certain degree of protection against counterfeiting, parts of the information contained on the thermally writable surface are also stored in the magnetic or electronic data memory. To produce a counterfeit, it would be necessary, in addition to the imprint and the contents of the data storage, for example, by a commercially available chip card reader to change.

In the DE 101 62 537 A1 A method and a system for authenticity assurance or authenticity checking of documents, in particular banknotes, securities, identity cards, entrance tickets, credit cards or the like, are proposed. These documents each have a substrate with individual substrate features. Prior to the publication of a document, an image of the substrate is taken and the image data obtained in association with document data stored in order to keep this data ready for any subsequent comparison requests regarding the authenticity of a document issued. It is proposed to associate with the authenticity assurance system a printing unit which is connected downstream of an optical image recording device, in particular a scanner and adapted to print on the documents or banknotes the test code values determined by a data processing device, namely by means of a fluorescent or photochromic printing ink. The banknotes or documents thus prepared are then circulated after completion. The calculation of the check code value takes place according to a protected algorithm, which is applied to the respective image data of the banknotes or documents. Because the bills or documents differ because of the random distribution of fluorescent security fibers in the substrate and these differences are reflected in the image data, the check code calculation algorithm results in different check code values for the individual bills or documents. According to one embodiment variant, it is proposed to carry out a specific change of the document initiated and documented by the authentication authority in the case of a respective checking procedure. At the next check, the authentication authority then expects the presence of the changed feature to qualify the document as genuine. The change to the document corresponds to the addition or variation of a feature that documents the authentication process. For this purpose, it is proposed that z. B. with a printer, such as a thermal sublimation printer, a small spot on the document with ink or metal vapor is printed. Furthermore, a deliberate influence or change of the document by means of laser light is proposed.

The specified method is mainly suitable for industrial purposes or large-scale processing of documents, such. B. for banknote production, and are the proposed printing works, such. As thermal sublimation printer or laser beam marking devices, for increasing the security against forgery in the general scope for small series of documents such. B. in ticketing or personalization area little suitable.

The WO 2005/010814 A1 describes a method for producing forgery-proof documents, in particular for the production of ID cards, as well as a corresponding document. The properties of the document are digitally signed and applied to the document. In particular, identifiable bodies are incorporated into the substrate of the document in random distribution. additionally Personal data is applied to the substrate. From these two properties, an identification feature is formed and stored on the document.

The US 4,114,032 A describes a method for the production of counterfeit-proof carrier materials, in particular for paper money, credit cards or identification cards, which carrier material has integrated magnetic or magnetizable fibers. In addition, a device for checking the authenticity of such carrier materials is disclosed. In this case, the fibers enclosed in the carrier material are counted by means of a scanning or scanning device, wherein the carrier material and the scanner device are moved in a predetermined relative movement to each other. The authentication of the carrier material is based on an evaluation of the output signals of the scanner device obtained.

The WO 03/077197 A1 describes an information carrier, in particular a card, a ticket or a passport, which has a thermally write and optionally rewritable section and a magnetic or electronic data memory. This information carrier is provided for the identification of persons in order to allow authorized persons to access correspondingly secured areas. The thermally writable portion of this information carrier has a photograph of the authorized person. A first and a second data record are stored in the data memory. At least part of the second data set is used to verify the authenticity of the information carrier. Furthermore, a method is described in which a photograph of the authorized person is taken, the photo and a first data set are stored in the thermally writable portion of the information carrier, a second data set is stored in the magnetic or electronic data storage and subsequently by reading and comparing the first and second record the authenticity of the information carrier is checked.

In the EP 1 502 764 A1 a card-shaped data carrier is described, which has a thermosensitive, repeatedly written and erasable layer. As is well known, this layer is well suited for introducing variable or updatable information.

The US 2002/170966 A1 describes tamper-proof information carriers which have a digital watermark and another machine-readable code, in particular a bar code, and a method for checking the originality of such information carriers. The digital watermark contains an extract of the barcode information. To verify the authenticity of the information carrier, the digital watermark is compared to the barcode. If there is a match or a predetermined congruence or sufficient relationship quality of the information carrier is evaluated as authentic. The evaluation is carried out by means of a standard computer system which has the necessary programs for the optical recognition of the information, as well as the software for the decryption and authentication. After the digital watermark has been applied, the information carriers signed with it can no longer be changed. If a change in the watermark is absolutely necessary, a new information carrier must be created with a changed watermark.

In the EP 0 656 607 A2 For example, a card-shaped information carrier having a plurality of randomly distributed, electromagnetically detectable recognition features is described. Visually recordable data, such as As graphics, symbols or the like, are printed on the surface of the card-shaped information carrier. These visually recognizable data are associated with the randomly distributed, magnetic characteristics and deposited in a code memory section of the card-shaped information carrier, in particular via a magnetic strip or a barcode. In order to be able to verify the authenticity of the card-shaped information carrier, a device is provided which has electromagnetic sensors with which the electromagnetic behavior of the information carrier or its magnetically sensitive particles or recognition features can be detected. The corresponding electrical signals of these sensors are then encoded and stored in the code storage section of the information carrier. On the basis of this stored security code then the card-shaped information carrier can be checked at any time for authenticity.

One of the objects of the invention is to produce a security print on an information carrier which increases the security against forgery of the information carrier and the representation thereon or to check the security print on the information carrier.

This object is achieved by the device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims 2 to 11.

Characterized in that the representation to be printed is generated by a combination and encryption of the print data and the production-related medium information or in that the representation of the security printing on the Pressure medium is detected and extracted from the security print media data and these are compared with the production-related medium information of the print medium for conformity, a security print can be made or checked, the representation of information about the print medium - ie medium information - includes. By linking pressure data and the production-related medium information, a representation unique to a particular information carrier can be produced. As a result, a unique information carrier can be provided, wherein due to the representation on the information carrier, the originality of the information carrier is fixed or can be determined. An advantage of the representation produced thereby is the unambiguous and recognizable by the representation togetherness of representation and print medium. It can be prevented that the representation valid from a first information carrier to a second - another medium information having - information carrier is copied. By comparing production-related medium information and presentation, the validity of the information carrier or the representation can be determined. An advantage of using a production-related medium information is that it can not be changed or only by a destruction of the information carrier.

The fact that in the medium information processing apparatus according to the present invention, a processing device for displaying a security print is connected to a printing mechanism, and the processing device is directly or indirectly connected to a detecting device for detecting the medium information, it becomes possible to obtain the information medium unique to an information carrier read the detection device and processed by the processing device. As a result, the processing device can make it possible to identify the information carrier during the processing of the medium information or to link the medium information with other data. The inventive device for processing a representation of a security printing also provides that the processing device is connected to a device for storing and / or retrieving a ciphering key. As a result, different encryption keys for various processing devices can be stored or processed by means of the device. It can thus be prevented that a further processing device is used to create or decrypt a security print not intended for that additional processing device. In the device according to the invention, it is further provided that the processing device is designed to use a ciphering key stored on an authentication token and / or on a smart card for encrypting and / or decrypting data concerning a security print. It is advantageous that the encryption key is "portable", for example, a person can be assigned a cipher key, which does not have to be constantly stored on the device. This allows someone with different rights to create or verify security prints on the same device.

By the feature of the information carrier for a security printing, namely that the medium information is formed by a generated during the production of the print medium by a random process property and / or structure of the print medium and the print medium for thermal input or application of visible representations is formed, is advantageous in that the medium information identifies a single thermally writable information carrier and enables the representation of a thermally applied or introduced security pressure. As a result, a manufacturability of security printing on the information carrier by commercially available inkjet or laser printers or copiers is severely limited. The advantage is that the information carrier on the one hand includes security features in the print medium, so that all information carriers are distinguishable from each other, and on the other hand only with a printing mechanism for thermal input or application of information can be printed. The combination of these features allows increased security against counterfeiting.

Advantageously, a development in which the representation to be printed in the form of machine-readable information, in particular as a barcode, Worldcode, Pearlstrings and / or text characters, on and / or in the print medium is brought. As a result, the representation can be read by an automatic detection device, the information can be further processed by machine.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the representation in the form of information recognizable by humans, for example as text characters, symbols and / or images, is brought onto and / or into the print medium. As a result, the information can be read and checked even in the event of a failure of mechanical aids.

It is also possible that the print data is encrypted prior to linking to the media information. As a result, safety-relevant information in the print data can be protected against unauthorized persons. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the - from the print medium machine readable - medium information can not contribute to decrypting the print data, as the Encryption of the print data is performed independently of the medium information. Thus, the security against unauthorized reading of the print data is increased.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that the medium information is encrypted before linking to the print data. Thus, an increase in security is achieved because it can not be recognized which type of media information is used for linking.

By means of a development of the method in which the print data and the medium information are encrypted after linking, it can be achieved that a lesser expenditure of time is required for encrypting, since print data and medium information are simultaneously encrypted. Furthermore, only one encryption key is needed.

Another advantage is achieved when encrypting in a processing device for displaying a security print. As a result, an external encryption device can be saved.

An advantageous development is given by the fact that the production-related medium information from a dependent on the location of the representation on the print medium portion of the print medium, in particular only the portion of the surface on which the print representation or is introduced, is used for linking with the print data. This can prevent the representation or parts of the representation from being copied to other locations on the same print medium.

It is also advantageous if the presentation is recorded on and / or placed on a paper-like or film-like printing medium. It is advantageous that the printing medium has a flexible shape and the cost of a paper or film-like printing medium are normally lower.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the representation on a card-shaped printing medium, in particular on a magnetic and / or smart card, up and / or introduced. A card-shaped print medium has the advantage that it is robust and can contain other data carriers. In particular, a magnet or chipcard can be used to electronically store the information shown in the illustration.

Of advantage, a further development, in which the representation is introduced into a printing medium, which is provided on at least one side with a thermosensitive layer or at least partially consists of a thermosensitive material or in the printing mechanism for introducing information on and / or is formed in a thermosensitive material. It is advantageous that no additional material, such as ink or other dyes, must be applied to the printing medium or stored in the printing mechanism. The printing mechanism must therefore be serviced less often.

Also advantageous is a development in which the representation is introduced into a thermally repeatedly written and erasable pressure medium. Thus, the advantage can be achieved to change the appearance on a print medium more often or to use the print medium for different purposes several times.

The representation is created by a device for thermally introducing information onto a print medium. As a result, on the one hand thermally writable materials can be provided with a security print and on the other hand, a representation can be created on a print medium, which has security features that can be influenced thermally.

In a method for checking a security printing, it is also possible for the representation captured by a detection device to be decrypted or the medium information to be encrypted before comparing the medium data extracted from the security print and the medium information. As a result, preparation for comparing medium data and medium information can be easily achieved.

Another advantage is achieved when a truth value is generated when comparing or decrypting. This makes it possible to decide whether the representation or the print medium on which the representation is located is valid and this information, for example a software program, is passed on. By generating a truth value during decryption, a truth value can be generated without the medium information having to be read out, and it can contribute to a more rapid determination of the validity of the information carrier.

In the method for creating or checking a security printing, a development is advantageous in which a structure and / or property of the printing medium formed by luminescent, in particular fluorescent and / or phosphorescent, or radioactive materials is detected or is an advantageous further development of an information carrier given that the base material and / or another material by an at least short-term self-radiating material, for example by a luminescent, in particular fluorescent or phosphorescent material, and / or a radioactive material is formed. As a result, a very forgery-proof medium information can be used as a security feature. In particular, the afterglow duration of a luminescent material can thereby also be used as a property for the medium information.

An advantageous development is given by the fact that a structure and / or property formed by magnetic, magnetically conductive and / or electrically conductive materials is detected by the printing medium or that the base material and / or another material by a magnetic, magnetically conductive and / or electrically conductive material is formed. A structure and / or property formed thereby can be detected by structurally simple and cost-effective measuring methods, in particular contactless. As a result, the service life of the measuring or detection devices and the information data carrier can also be increased.

It is also advantageous if a structure and / or characteristic of the pressure medium is formed, which is formed by materials which have a different electromagnetic radiation behavior compared to the base material of the pressure medium, in particular a different kind of electromagnetic radiation behavior in a wavelength range of UV radiation, visible light, IR Radiation and / or microwave radiation or if the further material is distinguishable from the base material electromagnetic radiation behavior, in particular in a wavelength range of UV radiation, visible light, IR radiation and / or microwave radiation is formed. Due to the radiation behavior of the pressure medium, a structure and / or property of the pressure medium can thus be detected. It is advantageous that the detection can be done without contact and is therefore to be expected with a lower wear of the devices or the information carrier.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the medium information to be determined from one or more holograms located on and / or in the print medium, or for at least one hologram-like representation to be applied to and / or in the print medium. It is advantageous that holograms offer a high security against counterfeiting and thus the medium information is less easily forged or copied. Furthermore, a hologram can also be used for checking the authenticity of the printing medium by the human eye.

Another advantageous method step provides that the medium information is read from a recording device from the print medium, which comprises a sensor which is selected from a group comprising area camera, line scan, UV sensor and / or IR sensor or a development of a device for Processing a representation of a security printing provides that the detection device comprises at least one optical sensor for detecting the medium information selected from a group comprising area camera, line scan camera, UV sensor and / or IR sensor. As a result, radiating properties can be detected and a contactless determination of the medium information can take place. It is also possible to use medium information in the non-visible range of the light spectrum, for example the UV range or the IR range, so that the medium information can not be recognized by the human eye and thus becomes more tamper-proof.

Another advantage is achieved if the medium information is read from a printing device by a detection device comprising a sensor selected from a group consisting of magnetic sensor, eddy current sensor, capacitive sensor and / or inductive sensor. As a result, contactless detection of the medium information can take place and cost-effective sensors can be used.

An advantageous development is given by the fact that the medium information is read by a detection device from the printing medium, which comprises a SAW (surface acoustic wave) sensor and / or ultrasonic sensor. As a result, special vibration properties can be read out, which serve as medium information. With a surface wave sensor and chemical properties that affect the vibration behavior of the sensor or the pressure medium can be read out.

It is furthermore advantageous if the linking of the print data and the medium information takes place by an electronic device, preferably by an electronic device in a card-shaped information carrier, and / or if the processing device comprises an electronic data processing unit, in particular with a microprocessor , which is designed for comparing the detected medium information from the print medium and from a graphical representation of the print medium determined medium data. In an electronic device, complex, quickly executable linkage algorithms can be implemented, so that the combination of the print data and the medium information contributes to increased security against counterfeiting.

For encryption or decryption is a cipher key or encrypted cipher key, in particular with a length of 2 kilobytes, which is located in particular on an electronically readable medium, such as a smart card. The encryption key on the electronic data carrier can be read by an electronic processing device without the need for manual key entry. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the encryption key can be exchanged, in particular a smart card can be used against a second smart card containing another encryption key. This allows an encryption device to work with multiple encryption keys.

The device comprises a processing device for linking and encrypting data, a printing mechanism and / or a computing unit connected to the printing mechanism, which is authenticated. This will ensure that the proper, authorized devices for the procedure are used.

The authentication takes place by means of an authentication token and an authentication device or the processing device is connected to an authentication device and the processing device is designed to create a valid representation of a security print only if the authentication device has a valid authentication Token is connected. Additional security can be achieved by the authentication token since only those persons have access to the devices necessary for the procedure which have an authentication token. Only specially authorized persons can create a security print.

A refinement proves to be advantageous in which a symmetrical encryption algorithm, in particular a triple DES algorithm, is used for the encryption or decryption. In this development, only a cipher key for creating and reading the presentation is needed. Therefore, when issuing the cipher key, it is not necessary to pay attention to who or what device is provided for reading out and which for creating the display.

It is also possible that an asymmetric encryption algorithm is used for the encryption or decryption. As a result, the security against counterfeiting, or the possibility of obtaining the encryption key without authorization, is limited since the encryption key does not have to be stored in each reading device but merely a key for reading out the information from the print representation or a deciphering key in a reading device only needs to be stored for reading.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that a representation of the security printing is processed, which is formed by a two-dimensional barcode, in particular a Worldcode, by Pearlstrings and by a plaintext or that the representation of security printing by a combination of a two-dimensional barcode, in particular a Worldcode, Pearlstrings and / or plain text is formed. As a result, a forgery-proof and easily readable machine representation can be created and these are also read due to the clear text in the representation by persons with the naked eye.

A further advantage is achieved in that the device for storing and / or retrieving the ciphering key comprises a writing and / or reading unit for a smart card or the like. This allows the encryption key to be stored or retrieved on a smart card. A smart card has the advantage that it can be easily distributed - for example by post - and can be easily exchanged.

A further development proves to be advantageous in which the electronic data processing unit is designed to execute a software or firmware or in which the software or firmware for encrypting and / or decrypting medium information, a cipher key, print data and / or the Representation of a security printing is formed or if the software or firmware is designed to link medium information, a cipher key, print data and / or the representation of a security print. Thus, complex algorithms can be implemented, which are independent of the hardware used. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the software or firmware renewed or a so-called update can be performed.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the printing mechanism for thermal introduction and / or deletion of representations is formed on and / or in several times thermally writable and erasable information carrier or that the print medium is provided on at least one side with a thermo-reversible printable layer or at least partially consists of a thermo-reversible printable material. It is advantageous that an information carrier can be used several times or the information can be changed on the information carrier.

A further development proves to be advantageous in which the processing device is connected to a device for reading, writing and / or deleting electronic storage media of a card-shaped data carrier or the information carrier. As a result, encryption keys can be read from a card-shaped data carrier or software or firmware updates can be carried out for the processing apparatus. Thus, the operability is improved.

Also advantageous is a development in which the processing device is connected to a decoding device for processing a representation for a security printing, in particular with a world code decoder. The processing apparatus can thereby be made simpler since the decoder need not be included in the processing apparatus. The worldcode decoder can decode a world code.

The device comprises a detection device, which is designed to detect the representation on the print medium and / or the medium information of the print medium. Thereby, the representation or the medium information can be detected directly by the decoder and it can be a more reliable processing of the data of the detection device by the decoding device.

An embodiment of an information carrier for security printing provides that the random structure is formed on the surface of the base material, for example by elevations and / or depressions. This type of structure provides enhanced copy protection because the structure can not be reproduced by an ink or laser copier. Furthermore, a cost-effective production of this superficial structure is possible.

It is also advantageous if the printing medium comprises a further material for forming the production-related property and / or structure resulting from a random process. By a printing medium produced by several materials, the reproducibility can be significantly reduced by unauthorized persons.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the other material consists of fibers. By added or incorporated in the print medium fibers easily distinguishable, unique print media can be produced. In particular, each fiber has its own profile, by which it can be distinguished from other fibers. Fibers can also contribute to increasing the stability or strength of the pressure medium.

It is also advantageous if the further material is formed by granular and / or bead-like particles. Grain-like or bead-like particles are particularly easy to handle during production and can produce a uniformly distributed structure in the printing medium with little effort.

It is also possible that the further material or the base material contains molecule markers. As a result, a particularly high security against forgery of the printing medium can be achieved since molecular markers can only be made visible by special laboratory equipment or microscopes.

A further, advantageous embodiment provides that the printing medium is a card-shaped data carrier with a magnetic memory and / or a nonvolatile electronic storage medium. As a result, particularly security-relevant, electronically processable data can be stored on the information carrier.

Also advantageous is a development in which a representation of a security print is shown on the print medium. As a result, an unmistakable relationship can be established between the print medium and the information displayed thereon or the data presented thereon.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Show it:

1a a card-shaped information carrier with security printing and medium information;

1b a sheet-like information carrier with security printing and medium information;

2a a variant for forming the medium information by elevations or depressions on a printing medium of an information carrier;

2 B a further variant for the formation of the medium information by fibers in a superficial layer of the printing medium;

2c a further variant for forming the medium information by fibers on the surface of the printing medium;

2d a further variant for the formation of the medium information by fibers or platelets in the printing medium;

2e a further variant for the formation of the medium information by particles in the pressure medium;

2f a further variant for the formation of the medium information by additives in the pressure medium;

2g a further variant for the formation of the medium information by additives on the surface of the pressure medium;

3 a cross-section of an information carrier with a thermo-reversibly writable coating;

4 an absorption spectrum of two materials of the printing medium to form the medium information;

5 : a device for creating or checking a security print;

6 a further variant of a device for creating or checking a security print;

7 a further variant of a device for checking a security pressure;

8th a detection device with optical sensors;

9a : Detection device with sensors for detecting magnetic field-influencing materials;

9b a variant of a detection device with sensors for detecting magnetic field influencing materials;

10a : Detection devices with capacitive sensors on one side of the information carrier;

10b : Detection devices with capacitive sensors on both sides of the information carrier;

11 : a procedure for creating a security print;

12 : a method for creating a security print with multiple encryptions;

13 : a procedure for checking security printing.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location selected in the description, such as. B. top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are mutatis mutandis to transfer to a new position on a change in position.

In the jointly described 1 to 4 becomes an information carrier 1 for an inventive method for creating or checking a security print 40 explained.

The information carrier 1 is through a printable print medium 2 which is a base material 3 and a print medium 2 uniquely assigned media information 4 includes, formed. On a top 5 and / or a bottom 6 of the information carrier 1 can provide different information 7 in the form of a representation 29 , especially in the form of a security print 40 be up and / or introduced. It is essential that the information carrier 1 due to the production of the pressure medium 2 is unique and that on it or in it a security pressure 40 can be represented.

At the information carrier 1 present representation 29 of security printing 40 includes information about the medium information 4 , The security pressure 40 can graphic elements, symbols, plain text 70 , Pictograms, logos and various machine-readable representations 29 , such as B. one or two-dimensional barcodes 22 , especially a Worldcode 23 , graphic character codes, pearl necklace codes 24 and / or point codes and the like. The security pressure 40 is designed so that there is also information 7 about the medium information 4 of the print medium 2 are included. As a preferred representation 29 of security printing 40 becomes a combination of a worldcode 23 , a pearl necklace code or Pearlstrings 24 and a plain text 70 used. The Worldcode 23 is a two-dimensional machine-readable code, with the information 7 is represented by the arrangement of arranged around a center circular ring segments. The pearl necklace code or Pearlstrings 24 is a code where the information is 7 is represented by information-dependent differently extending or wavy lines and by means of information-dependent different sized points or "beads". It can also be at least part of one through the pearl necklace code 24 presented information 7 as plain text 70 be displayed in order to be read by the human eye.

The print medium 2 is preferably card-shaped or leaf-like with a flat top 5 and bottom 6 educated. On the top 5 and / or the bottom 6 can the information 7 in the form of human-readable information 7 and / or machine-readable information 7 be up or introduced. Under human-readable information 7 is understood information that can be read and understood by persons without the aid of complex, technical devices.

The base material 3 of the print medium 2 or information carrier 1 gives this the necessary strength and can be further materials 8th record and / or with different layers 9 be coated. The base material 3 can also be between two layers 9 are located. Preferably, the base material 3 formed by a paper-like and / or plastic-like material, such as PVC. Furthermore, the base material can also be formed by a, in particular at least partially transparent, film.

The for the information carrier 1 necessary media information 4 is determined by a unique and preferably in a manufacturing process by a random process resulting property or structure and / or by a random process developed unique feature of the print medium 2 educated. The random process is preferably selected such that, due to the size of a result set of the random process, the probability of two identical outputs of the random process - that is, the probability of two print media 2 produce with identical properties or characteristics - very small or almost impossible. The unique feature or characteristic is therefore for each print medium 2 different, so two print media 2 due to a measurement or determination whose characteristics or their properties are distinguishable at least with the aid of a device.

The production-related medium information 4 can through a structure 10 of the base material 3 , through fibers 11 , by platelets 12 , by particles 13 , through pearls 14 and / or by additives 15 be formed. Essential for the medium information 4 is that these are not without destruction of the information carrier 1 can be changed or it is very difficult and very costly, a copy of a print medium 2 with the same medium information 4 How to make the original.

The structure 10 can through surveys 16 and / or depressions 17 in the base material 3 and or an overlying layer 9 be formed. The surveys 16 can also through another material 8th , for example in the form of fibers 11 , Tile 12 , Particles 13 , Pearls 14 or the like may be formed. The surveys 16 can through pimples 18 , stripes and / or linearly arranged webs 19 be formed. The wells 17 may be lens-shaped and / or through channel-like recesses 20 be formed.

In the formation of the medium information 4 through fibers 11 or threads can get these in the base material 3 and / or in another layer 9 are located. It is also possible that the fibers 11 on the top 5 and / or the bottom 6 of the print medium 2 are located.

The materials 8th through which the medium information 4 is formed, may preferably have different material properties than the base material 3 For example, they may have higher or lower electrical and / or magnetic conductivity, be stronger or weaker than the base material, or have a different electromagnetic wave radiation and / or absorption behavior. For example, the materials 8th be made of metal or an electrically conductive plastic so that they are from a capacitive or inductive sensor 39 - 6 - can be registered. It is also possible that the materials 8th from one, in particular only at special, spectral ranges 21 , are transparent fabric. Preferably, the spectral regions are 21 in which the material 8th from the base material 3 in the absorption and / or reflection behavior, outside the recognizable for a human eye, spectral range, for example in the UV range or in the infrared range. It is also possible as a material 8th to use a luminescent substance. For example, it is possible to use substances which have an afterglow duration of different lengths. The afterglow period can be the medium information 4 form. Furthermore, molecular markers can also be used. A molecule marker is understood as meaning particles or substances which interact with certain molecules in the pressure medium 2 make a connection and which can be visualized by a chemical or physical process. For example, molecule markers can have fluorescent properties that can be visualized using special microscopes. By the arrangement of the molecule markers on or in the pressure medium 2 can the medium information 4 be formed.

The information carrier 1 may also be at least one machine-readable data storage element 25 include. This data storage element 25 is in itself insoluble with the card-shaped information carrier 1 connected, in particular in this integrated or at least partially embedded therein, glued or vapor-deposited on this. The data storage element 25 can by doing a magnetic strip 26 and / or by an electronic chip 27 be formed. This electronic chip 27 on the card-shaped information carrier 1 can on the one hand via contact surfaces or contact elements and / or via a coil assembly integrated in the card body for receiving and / or transmitting electromagnetic alternating fields with electronic peripheral units in communication connection.

Instead of a magnetic stripe 26 and / or a chip 27 for a contact or contactless communication to electronic peripheral units, it is of course also possible on the print medium 2 other data storage elements known in the art 25 to provide for preferably changeable but non-volatile deposit of information or data. Such a data storage element 25 on the information carrier 1 should therefore by a depending on the information to be deposited 7 Repeatedly writeable and erasable, without constant supply of external energy the respective information 7 be formed long-term preserving memory element. As a memory element can thus the aforementioned magnetic stripe 26 and / or an EEPROM memory which is assigned to an electronic processing unit, in particular a microcomputer, for processing data. This EEPROM memory and the arithmetic unit form the so-called chip 27 of the information carrier 1 in card form.

An information carrier is preferred 1 which is writable and erasable by a thermal reversible method. To enable this type of information application, the information carrier points 1 at least on one of his flat sides 5 . 6 a coating 28 or film of a thermosensitive material, as known from the prior art, such as. B. from the EP 0 473 403 A2 (NCR Corporation) is well known. Alternatively, it is of course also possible for such materials or materials, which can be transferred from an opaque to a transparent state and vice versa at a defined temperature, into the base material 3 or substrate of the information carrier 1 interfere or integrate and so the desired optical change or a partial change of color of the information carrier 1 to achieve. It should be noted that the optical change of the information carrier 1 or the change in the light transmittance of the thermosensitive material is permanently maintained until the next defined temperature effect. With these materials or coatings 28 Thus, high-contrast graphical representations can be achieved 29 - 1a . 1b - at the information carrier 1 apply and delete or update.

These graphs 29 can be composed of a plurality of individual pixels or pixels or be formed from continuous, uninterrupted lines, arcs and the like. In addition to black / white or monochrome representations, it is of course also possible to generate color representations, provided that the writing tools or treatment mechanisms are adapted thereto and corresponding color contrast producing material on the card-shaped information carrier 1 is present.

5 shows a preferred embodiment of the device 30 for processing and processing a security print 40 - 1a . 1b - on an information carrier 1 - 1a . 1b -. The device 30 preferably comprises a processing device 32 , a connection board 74 and a printing mechanism 75 , The device 30 is about a connection 73 , preferably with a USB connection or an RS232 connection, with a computing unit 37 , in particular with a personal computer, connected.

The processing device 32 is designed to be a representation 29 - 1a . 1b - a security print 40 to produce or to check. To create a representation 29 a security print 40 , especially in the form of a Worldcode 23 - 1a -, the processing device can 32 via a connection 76 with a decoder 77 be connected.

Another form of training provides via a connection 78 an authentication device 79 to the processing device 32 to join. To work with the printing mechanism 75 and the arithmetic unit 37 Being able to communicate is the processing device 32 over a connection 80 with the connection board 74 connected, with which also the pressure mechanism 75 over a connection 82 connected is.

The processing device 32 preferably comprises electronic means permitting at least data encryption or encryption. For this purpose, the processing device 32 a microprocessor adapted to execute software or firmware. The microprocessor is designed for communication with other devices or are connected to the microprocessor interface blocks that allow communication according to the RS-232 standard or the USB standard (Universal Serial Bus).

The to the processing device 32 connected decoder 77 is designed to be made of electronic data or information 7 a printed image 64 - 11 - To produce in electronic form, which for example by the printing mechanism 75 on a print medium 2 can be brought. The decoder 77 preferably also from one of a information carrier 1 Read in presentation 29 information 7 - 1a Extract and extract this extracted information from the processing device 32 provide. Preferably, the decoder is 77 through a worldcode decoder 81 educated.

The in a variant of the device 30 via the connection 78 to the processing device 32 connected authentication device 79 includes an interface to one with the authentication device 79 connectable authentication token 83 , The authentication token 83 is a physical element containing one or more encryption keys 44 or encrypted encryption keys 44 , in particular encrypted by a password encryption key 44 , which contains the correct function or authentication of the processing device 32 be used. Through the authentication token 83 can be ensured that only the owner of a valid authentication token 83 Access to the processing device 32 Has. It is also possible that the processing device 32 is designed to only with a specific authentication token 83 or a specific encryption key 44 on the authentication token 83 to be fully functional. The on the authentication token 83 located ciphering key 44 can also be used for encryption and decryption of information 7 be used. This can be achieved that the device 30 is protected against unauthorized access or security printing 40 - 1a . 1b - only with the help of matching authentication tokens 83 and processing device 32 can be created.

The authentication token 83 is preferred by a smart card with a chip 27 or a magnetic stripe 26 - 1a . 1b - educated. The chip 27 includes at least one nonvolatile memory. It is also possible that the authentication token 83 also equipped with a processor. The authentication device 79 can use contacts or wireless data with the authentication token 83 change. The authentication token 83 may also be a card, in particular a smart card, with a thermoreversible printable material, so that by the printing device 75 can be printed.

The connection board 74 the device 30 is preferred as a backplane 84 formed and includes multiple interfaces, preferably RS-232 and USB interfaces. Via the interfaces of the connection board 74 is the processing device 32 with the printing mechanism 75 connected, wherein the processing device 32 via the connection 80 with the connection board 74 connected and the printing mechanism 75 via the connection 82 with the connection board 74 connected is. The connection 80 is preferably formed by a compound according to the RS-232 standard. It is also possible, the connection board 74 via connection 73 with the arithmetic unit 37 connect to.

The printing mechanism 75 preferably comprises a printing device 34 - 6 - For thermo-reversible writing an information carrier 1 and a detection device 33 - 6 - to capture the medium information 4 - 2a to 2g - of the information carrier 1 , The printing device 34 includes a printhead for creating illustrations 29 - 1a . 1b - with a resolution of preferably 300 dpi.

The to the device 30 connected arithmetic unit 37 is with an authentication software, an encryption software 85 or a token system for authenticating the device 30 fitted. To the arithmetic unit 37 can also have a connection 86 an authentication device 87 be connected.

The connections 73 . 76 . 78 . 80 . 82 . 86 are preferably formed by compounds according to the RS232 standard. It is also possible to have one or more of these compounds 73 . 76 . 78 . 80 . 82 . 86 through USB connections or wireless connections. A wireless connection can be made by means of a radio transmission, for example by means of a connection according to the Bluetooth standard, or an optical transmission form, for example by means of an infrared connection.

6 showed a further embodiment of the device 30 with which the information carrier 1 checked and preferably written and deleted. The device 30 includes a control device 31 with a processing device 32 , a detection device 33 , a printing device 34 , preferably a reading and writing device, a storage unit 35 and a guide mechanism 36 ,

The control device 31 serves to coordinate the individual devices and is connected to them. The control device 31 can also work with an external processing unit 37 , in particular a personal computer, or a local or global network. The connection to the individual units or devices can be made via lines or at least partially via wireless connections, for example infrared connections or radio links. Preferably, the control device comprises 31 also the processing device 32 , It is also possible that the processing device 32 by a independent device is formed. Another possibility is the control device 31 equipped with software or firmware that performs the tasks of the processing device 32 can take over. The control device 31 or the processing device 32 can also be connected to an external encryption device 38 , in particular to be connected to an encryption accelerator card. The task of the processing device 32 can also by a software on a computing unit 37 be performed, for example, a personal computer.

The detection device 33 preferably comprises at least one sensor 39 with which one is at the information carrier 1 information available 7 - 1a - or presentation 29 - 1a -, in particular a security pressure 40 - 1a -, can be recorded or read. The detection device 33 preferably also includes a sensor 41 which is to capture the medium information 4 - 1a - the pressure medium 2 is trained. The detection device 33 may also be used to detect properties of luminescent or otherwise self-illuminating materials 8th or additives 15 be educated. For example, the radioactivity of the print medium 2 or the information carrier 1 by means of a with the control device 31 connected Geiger-Müller counter, are measured by means of a scintillation counter or by means of semiconductor detectors and from this the medium information 4 be won. For measuring properties of luminescent materials, the printing medium 2 preferably irradiated with electromagnetic waves or otherwise energized prior to measurement or during the measurement, to cause the material to be blasted off. The sensor can also by a in the ultraviolet (UV) range 21 the sensor sensitive to light or a sensor sensitive in the infrared (IR) range, for example by a semiconductor element reacting to UV or IR radiation. Some other variants of the sensor 41 for recording the medium information 4 be in the description of 8th to 10 explained in more detail.

It is also possible that the sensor 39 for detecting the information located on the information carrier 7 or representation 29 , especially security printing 40 , and the media information 4 is trained. The detection device 33 can also be a controller 42 for the detection device 33 include that with the control device 31 connected to the control device 31 to relieve or one to the control device 31 to provide a compatible interface.

The printing device 34 the device 30 is preferably for printing the information carrier 1 educated. Preferably, a printhead 43 used, which is suitable for a thermally reversible printing process. This can be information 7 on the information carrier 1 be brought and if necessary changed or deleted.

The storage unit 35 the device 30 can store or retrieve data with the control device 31 be connected. In the storage unit 35 may program data for a control program or other data, in particular one or more encryption keys 44 - 12 . 13 - or encrypted encryption key 44 be saved. The cipher key (s) 44 can from the control device 31 or the processing device 32 be retrieved. The storage unit 35 may comprise a removable medium, in particular a smart card.

To the information carrier 1 To be able to lead is the device 30 preferably also with a guide mechanism 36 fitted. The guide mechanism 36 preferably comprises a plurality of guide rollers 46 , Guide plates or guide rails 47 and preferably also a counter-pressure roller 48 , The guide mechanism 36 serves to guide or convey an information carrier 1 , preferably a card-shaped information carrier 1 , The counter-pressure roller 48 is opposite the printing device 34 or opposite the printhead 43 arranged and serves to support the information carrier 1 during a printing process or during a deletion process.

Furthermore, the control device 31 also be connected to an input and output device. The input device may be in the form of a keyboard, or by a touch screen. The output device can be formed by indicator lights, for example LEDs, a liquid crystal display or by a screen, for example by a touch screen.

Furthermore, the device can 30 also a data interface 45 to describe a data storage element 25 - 1a . 1b -, For example, a magnetic strip 26 - 1a . 1b - or a chip 27 - 1a . 1b -, is trained.

Another object of the device according to the invention 30 it may be that in a corresponding machine-readable data storage element 25 - 1a . 1b -, ie in a magnetic strip 26 - 1a . 1b - or a chip 27 - 1a . 1b - to read deposited information or data, either to process itself or forward for data processing to higher-level units and at least part of the changed or current data in optically recognizable form or in the form of a representation 29 - 1a . 1b - in plain text or other graphic symbols, on at least one flat side 5 . 6 of the information carrier 1 and possibly invalidated information from the information carrier 1 to delete or overwrite this. The representation of the data of the data storage element 25 can also be in the form of a security print 40 - 1a . 1b - respectively. The device according to the invention 30 can therefore serve, at least one extract of the data storage element 25 stored data, such. B. a remaining balance, changed permissions, a history of the use of the information carrier 1 , the current bonus points or the like, in human readable form permanently or with weeks or years of visibility on the information carrier 1 to write or print. These visual images, recognizable by the human eye, are then obtained by subsequent thermal treatments by means of the device 30 often changeable or updatable.

By means of the device 30 can such card-shaped information carrier 1 with any machine-readable information 7 , such as B. one or two-dimensional barcodes, graphic character or point codes and the like., But also with plain text information such. As characters, letters, graphics, logos, pictograms and the like., Are provided. These on at least one of the two flat sides ( 5 . 6 ) of the information carrier 1 information to be filed 7 are doing from the device 30 applied so that their presence is optically detectable by the human eye.

The device 30 is also used for editing, in particular for printing or writing, on-demand deletion and possibly rewriting, at least one side of card-shaped information carriers 1 , Under information carrier 1 are understood in particular in their format standardized, largely made of plastic card body, especially so-called smart cards, visible to the human eye and / or invisible information 7 contain. This information carrier 1 are widely used as an identification or identification card, as a credential for the use of services, as a means of verification of access or use rights, as a means of authorization for transactions, as a means of payment and the like.

Alternatively, it is of course also possible that with the device 30 to be processed information carrier 1 has other, in particular small or large-scale formats. So it is also conceivable, the device 30 for overwriting or rewriting, ie for deleting and optionally rewriting of sheet-shaped information carriers 1 in DIN A4 format or larger. The size of the information carrier to be processed 1 depends only on the sizing of the device 30 from and are the size of the device 30 or the individual functional elements hardly limits. Only because of the preferred, but not limited to the embodiment of the device 30 for the sake of simplicity, card-processing equipment often relies on card-shaped information carriers 1 Referenced.

In 7 is a further embodiment of the device 30 to check a security pressure 40 shown. The device 30 is there as a mobile review unit 49 containing a detection device 33 , an output device 50 , an input device 51 , a transmission device 52 may include. The transmission device 52 may be formed by a radio module, for example by a Bluetooth module, by an infrared module or by an interface module for a cable transmission, for example a USB module.

The mobile review unit 49 is preferably provided with a handle, in the immediate vicinity of at least a part of an input device 51 , in particular a button, is arranged.

The checking unit is preferred 49 via a radio module with a computer 37 connected. The arithmetic unit 37 can be sent to an authentication device 87 be connected to exclude unauthorized users from use. Furthermore, the verification unit can also 49 an authentication device 77 , in particular a Worldcode decoder 81 , include.

In 8th to 10b are different sensors ( 39 . 41 ) for capturing a representation 29 - 1a - on the information carrier 1 or for recording the medium information 4 - 1a - of the information carrier 1 shown.

8th shows a sensor ( 39 . 41 ), who has a camera 53 includes. The camera 53 can be an area camera or a line camera. For recognizing a special, spectral range 21 - 4 - can the camera 53 in the desired area 21 show increased sensitivity. It is also possible a filter 54 in front of the sensor ( 39 . 41 ), especially in front of the camera 53 to arrange a special spectral range 21 to be able to examine. Furthermore, a structured, lichtstrahlablenkender filter 54 be used, for example, a grid, in particular a picture or a hologram adapted grating, or a lens to the desired media information 4 to be able to capture. This can be specific to the information carrier 1 Holograms are well studied and without much computational effort. It is also possible to arrange a lens system between the camera and the information carrier, in particular a lens system can be used which has a focal point in which a structured filter 54 is positioned. As a result, an optical Fourier transformation can be carried out without computation. In order to achieve a better measurement result, the information carrier 1 from a lighting device 55 illuminated or illuminated. The lighting device 55 may be formed by a light emitting diode, a laser diode or a gas discharge lamp. The lighting device 55 can also be pulsed, for example synchronously with a sampling frequency of the sensor ( 39 . 41 ), especially the camera 53 , operate. The lighting device 55 can also be executed multicolored, in particular such that different colors are switched on at different times. The connection of the colors can in turn be effected at a sampling frequency or readout frequency of the sensor ( 39 . 41 ) Synchronous frequency. This can also be a persistence of one or more luminescent materials 8th or additives 15 - 2d to 2g - be measured or recorded.

In 9a and 9b become variants of a sensor 41 for reading out medium information 4 - 1a - shown schematically. The sensor 41 preferably comprises a coil 56 and preferably also a coil core 57 and a controller 58 , With this sensor 41 can be one in the form of magnetic or magnetically conductive materials 8th containing medium information 4 of the information carrier 1 to be read. It is also possible two coils 56 to use one coil as a test coil and another coil 56 is used as a measuring coil. The coils can be from one side of the information carrier 1 or from both sides of the information carrier 1 on the print medium 2 or the information carrier 1 act or measure.

As in 9b shown, the bobbin can 57 also be shaped such that the coil core 57 on both sides of the information carrier 1 borders.

In 10a and 10b is another variant of a sensor 41 shown in which the medium information 4 - 1a . 1b - by capacitors 59 is determined. The capacitors 59 can on one side of the information carrier 1 be applied or from both sides. The for the determination of the medium information 4 necessary capacitors 59 are preferably to a controller 60 or evaluation circuit connected. The control 60 can with the control device 31 be connected or at least partially integrated in this.

It is also possible to use several capacitors 59 or sensors 41 to arrange in a line or grid-shaped. When capturing the medium information 4 can the information carrier 1 relative to the sensor 41 stand still or move past with a relative movement. Preferably, when moving past the information carrier 1 on the sensor 41 the relative speed of the Informationsträges 1 measured or a time path diagram determined.

The sensor 41 for detecting the medium information 4 - 1a . 1b - The detection device 33 - 6 and 7 - Can also be formed by a SAW (surface acoustic wave) sensor or ultrasonic sensor. Through a SAW sensor or SAW (Surface Acousitc Wave) sensor can chemical properties of the pressure medium 2 be detected, which is a medium information 4 form. In this case, the surface of the sensor, which preferably comprises a piezoelectric element, reacts with the substances on the printing medium and thereby the oscillation capability of the sensor is measurably influenced. By an ultrasonic sensor acoustic properties of the pressure medium 2 be used to a medium information 4 of the print medium 2 To determine, for example, the vibration behavior.

In 11 is a process for creating security printing 40 - 1a . 1b - shown. Preference is given to print data 61 , which contain information, and the medium information 4 to a linkage algorithm 62 passed. The through the linking algorithm 62 linked data or information is then sent to an encryption algorithm 63 passed. The encryption algorithm 63 generated together with a cipher key 44 from the input data of the encryption algorithm 63 a printed image 64 , It is also possible to use the linkage algorithm 63 form such that thereby a printed image 64 can be generated. The generated print image 64 is through the printing device 34 - 6 - as a representation 29 - 1a . 1b - or security pressure 40 - 1a . 1b - on the information carrier 1 brought.

The print data 61 can do this different information 7 - 1a . 1b - include, for example, data identifying a person, an entrance ticket or a ticket. To identify a person can provide various information 7 be used. For example, the name, the date of birth, an identification number, a photo and / or other biometric data, such as information 7 about a fingerprint, the nature of the retina of the eye, different body dimensions or other characteristics that could be used to identify a person. It is also possible information 7 a person's voice or electrical characteristics, such as an ECG (electrocardiogram) or an EEG (electro-encephalography), into the print data 61 to be included.

The medium information 4 - 2a to 2g - Is by means of the detection device 33 - 6 - From the nature of the print medium 2 - 1 - of the information carrier 1 - 1 - determined. The nature or properties of the medium information 4 are preferably determined by the random process in the production of the print medium 2 educated. By the detection device 33 become parts of the condition of the print medium 2 recorded, which then the medium information 4 form. For example, by means of the detection device 33 the print medium 2 Scanned at a pitch of 0.5 mm measuring points. When scanning, it can be determined what condition of the print medium 2 is located at the measuring points. The texture can be considered a truth value, for example a fiber 11 - 2 B to 2d - Is present at the measuring point or not, or determined as a value with a higher resolution, in particular an 8-bit or 16-bit value of the color of the measuring point. It is also possible to observe a measuring point over a period of time, and the time course of the measured value by means of the detection device 33 take. As a result, for example, a persistence of a luminescent substance can be measured. Determining which parts of the nature of the print medium 2 can be captured, either for each information carrier 1 be chosen equal or from the print data 61 , Cipher keys 44 and / or from the place of presentation 29 - 1a . 1b - on an information carrier 1 be dependent. For example, for different information carriers 1 , which represent an identity card, the locations of the measuring points are selected depending on the name or other data of the person. Similarly, the locations of the measurement points may be from the cipher key used 44 be dependent. Another possible training provides only those properties or condition of the print medium 2 as medium information 4 which is at the place of representation 29 or can be the location of the measuring points from the place of presentation 29 depend. For example, for a representation 29 , which is printed in a lower surface portion on top of the information carrier, medium information 4 be used by an upper surface portion of the surface or vice versa.

The linking algorithm 62 and the encryption algorithm 63 can in the control device 31 - 6 - or processing device 32 - 6 - be implemented. Preferably, one becomes the link algorithm 62 or the encryption algorithm 63 descriptive or executable software or firmware used by a microprocessor in the control device 31 or in the processing device 32 is performed. The command sequence of the join algorithm 62 or the encryption algorithm 63 is stored in an electronic or magnetic storage medium, which is located in the microprocessor or in an external memory.

It is also possible as a linkage algorithm 62 an encryption algorithm 63 to use. For this example, the medium information 4 as a cipher key 44 used with which the print data 61 be encrypted.

The encryption key 44 is preferably in the storage unit 35 - 6 - saved. The length of the encryption key 44 can be one for encryption algorithms 63 conventional length, for example 56 bits, 64 bits, 128 bits or 512 bits or a length of 2 kbytes. It is also possible that the cipher key 44 in encrypted form in the storage unit 35 For example, the encryption key can be stored 44 be encrypted by a password.

In 12 is another variant of the process for creating a security print 40 shown. In this variant, the medium information 4 and / or the print data 61 before linking each one encryption algorithm 63 be supplied. In the linking algorithm 62 then encrypted print data 61 or an encrypted medium information 4 connected. In addition, it is then possible that the data of the linkage algorithm 62 to an encryption algorithm 63 be handed over. There are also different encryption algorithms 63 use or apply them several times in an encryption process.

In 13 is a method for checking a security print 40 shown. At the same time the representation becomes 29 - 1a . 1b - from an information carrier 1 by a detection device 33 read and sent to a decryption algorithm 65 passed. The decryption algorithm 65 decrypts the read data of the presentation 29 with the help of an encryption key 44 and passes the decrypted data to an extraction algorithm 66 further. The extraction algorithm 66 divides the data into informational data 67 and media data 68 on which, if necessary still through a decryption mechanism 65 and with encryption key 44 be decrypted. Furthermore, the medium information 4 of the information carrier 1 through the detection device 33 read in and to a comparison algorithm 69 which also contains the extracted medium data 68 be supplied, passed on. The comparison algorithm 69 compares the media data 68 which from the representation 29 be gained and the medium information 4 represent, with the medium information 4 coming directly from the detection device 33 is read in, and generates a truth value 72 or information regarding the match of media data 68 and media information 4 , It is also possible to encrypt the encrypted media data 68 not to decrypt, but the directly read medium information 4 to encrypt and then the encrypted media data 68 with the encrypted medium information 4 to compare.

The extraction algorithm 66 can also be designed such that there is a truth value 71 is generated, which provides information about the validity of the representation 29 on the information carrier 1 gives. This can be achieved by the presentation 29 also information 7 includes, with the error in the representation 29 can be recognized. Such information 7 can be redundant information 7 his or for each representation 29 consistent test information. For example, the errors can be made by using a Hamming code in the illustration 29 be recognized, as is well known from the information or coding theory.

As encryption algorithms 63 Different types of algorithms can be used. For example, symmetric encryption algorithms 63 For example, an RC2, RC4, RC5, DES, Triple DES, or AES algorithm may be used. The DES (Digital Encryption Standard) algorithm is understood to mean an encryption algorithm that uses a 56-bit cipher key. The Triple DES algorithm uses the DES algorithm three times in succession.

It can also be asymmetric encryption algorithms 63 to be used for encryption.

To the medium information 4 of the print medium 2 Being able to process more efficiently, in particular for compressing the medium information, hashing algorithms, in particular MD5, SHA-1 or RIPEMD-160, can also be used.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the structure of the information carrier 1 or the device for processing a medium information 4 these or their components have been partially displayed off-scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

information carrier

2

print media

3

base material

4

media information

5

top

6

bottom

7

information

8th

material

9

layer

10

structure

11

fiber

12

Tile

13

particle

14

pearl

15

additive

16

survey

17

deepening

18

burl

19

web

20

recess

21

Area

22

barcode

23

Worldcode

24

Pearl strings

25

Data storage element

26

magnetic stripe

27

chip

28

coating

29

presentation

30

contraption

31

control device

32

processing device

33

detection device

34

printing device

35

storage unit

36

guide mechanism

37

computer unit

38

encryptor

39

sensor

40

security printing

41

sensor

42

control

43

printhead

44

Cipher key

45

Data Interface

46

leadership

47

guide rail

48

Counter-pressure roller

49

Checking device

50

output device

51

input device

52

transmission equipment

53

camera

54

filter

55

lighting device

56

Kitchen sink

57

Plunger

58

control

59

capacitor

60

control

61

print data

62

link algorithm

63

encryption algorithm

64

print image

65

decryption algorithm

66

Extrahierungsalgorithmus

67

information data

68

media data

69

comparison algorithm

70

plain text

71

boolean

72

boolean

73

connection

74

connecting board

75

print mechanism

76

connection

77

decoding

78

connection

79

Authentication device

80

connection

81

World code decoder

82

connection

83

Authentication token

84

Backplane

85

Encryption software

86

connection

87

Authentication device

Claims (11)

Device for processing a representation ( 29 ) of a security print ( 40 ) on an information carrier ( 1 ), the information carrier ( 1 ) a print medium ( 2 ) with a base material ( 3 ) and a production-related, by a random process resulting medium information ( 4 ), wherein a processing device ( 32 ) for the representation ( 29 ) of security printing ( 40 ) with a device for storing and / or retrieving a cipher key ( 44 ) and with a printing mechanism ( 75 ) and the processing device ( 32 ) directly or indirectly with a detection device ( 33 ) for determining the medium information ( 4 ), characterized in that the printing mechanism ( 75 ) for introducing information onto and / or in a thermosensitive material and that the processing device ( 32 ) with an authentication device ( 79 ) and the processing device ( 32 ) is designed to provide only a valid representation ( 29 ) of a security print ( 40 ) when the authentication device ( 79 ) with a valid authentication token ( 83 ) and that the processing device ( 32 ) is adapted to the on the authentication token ( 83 ), for example a smart card, stored cipher key ( 44 ) for encrypting and / or decrypting data concerning security printing ( 40 ) to use. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device ( 33 ) at least one optical sensor for detecting the medium information ( 4 ) selected from a group comprising area camera, line scan camera, UV sensor and / or IR sensor. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for storing and / or retrieving the ciphering key ( 44 ) comprises a writing and / or reading unit for a smart card. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the processing device ( 32 ) comprises an electronic data processing unit, in particular with a microprocessor, which is used to compare the acquired medium information ( 4 ) from the print medium ( 2 ) and from a graphical representation ( 29 ) on the print medium ( 2 ) determined medium data ( 68 ) is trained. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the electronic data processing unit is designed to execute a software or firmware. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the software or firmware for encrypting and / or decrypting medium information ( 4 ), an encryption key ( 44 ), of print data ( 61 ) and / or the representation ( 29 ) of a security print ( 40 ) is trained. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the software or firmware for linking medium information ( 4 ), an encryption key ( 44 ), of print data ( 61 ) and / or the representation ( 29 ) of a security print ( 40 ) is trained. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the printing mechanism ( 75 ) for thermal introduction and / or deletion of representations ( 29 ) on and / or in a multiple thermally write-erase and erasable information carrier ( 1 ) is trained. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Processing device ( 32 ) with a device for reading, writing and / or erasing electronic storage media of a card-shaped data carrier or the information carrier ( 1 ) connected is. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the processing device ( 32 ) with a decoder ( 77 ) for processing a representation ( 29 ) for security printing ( 40 ), in particular with a Worldcode decoder ( 81 ), connected is. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the decoding device ( 77 ) for processing a representation ( 29 ) for security printing ( 40 ) a detection device ( 33 ), which are used to capture the representation ( 29 ) on the print medium ( 2 ) and / or the medium information ( 4 ) of the print medium ( 2 ) is trained.

Images