EP1741072B1 - Method for securely authenticating an object or a substance by chemical marking or tracing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method comprising an identification and an authentication phase including a theoretical identification of an object, a spectrophotometric analysis of the object, determining a marker used as standard, comparing data concerning said standard marker obtained during the spectrophotometric analysis with said specific data previously stored, calculating the correction to be brought to the analysis, detecting the presence, absence, intensity of the markers, determining the code authenticating the object and emitting a validation or alarm signal as the case may be.

Description

The present invention relates to a secure authentication method by marking or chemical tracing of objects or substances. It applies more particularly, but not exclusively, to the fight against counterfeiting, automatic sorting ...

The document WO 97/24699 discloses an article identification system according to the prior art.

In general, many objects or substances in transit or offered for sale are identified by means of a bar code. This code makes it possible to define products but it is not enough to authenticate them, that is to say to certify after analysis that the object or the substance is the one defined by the barcode.

To try to solve this problem, processes incorporating into the objects or substances a chemical marker have been realized. However, it is necessary to resort to laboratories to carry out the analyzes and to detect the counterfeit products: this procedure is much too long and tedious.

As for the solution that would consist in developing an analysis device specific to each product, it is not economically feasible.

The object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages by proposing to use only one device for a multiplicity of products.

• ■ Une phase initiale comprenant :
  • le choix d'une pluralité de marqueurs chimiques qui, lorsqu'ils sont excités par un rayonnement lumineux incident, émettent des rayonnements énergétiques dont les spectres de fréquence sont discernables les uns par rapport aux autres et par rapport aux objets et aux substances dans lesquels ils sont destinés à être incorporés,
  • l'attribution puis l'incorporation dans chacun des objets ou substances d'une combinaison de marqueurs précédemment choisis différente de celles attribuées aux autres objets ou substances,
  • l'établissement d'un code d'authentification dudit objet ou de ladite substance déterminé par des paramètres relatifs à la présence ou l'absence des marqueurs dans la combinaison attribuée,
  • le stockage en mémoire d'un système informatique du code d'authentification de tous les objets ou substances et de données annexes correspondant à ces objets ou ces substances,
  • l'affectation à l'objet ou à la substance d'un code d'identification, tel qu'un code à barres ou analogue, ce code d'identification pouvant être associé à l'objet, à la substance, à son contenant, et/ou à son emballage,
  • le stockage en mémoire dans ledit système des codes d'identification de chacun des objets ou substances,
  • l'établissement d'une correspondance entre les codes d'identification et les codes d'authentification.
• ■ Une phase d'identification et d'authentification par ledit système, cette phase comportant :
  • l'identification théorique de l'objet ou de la substance par lecture du code d'identification associé à l'objet ou à la substance,
  • l'analyse spectrophotométrique d'au moins une partie de l'objet ou de la substance de manière à détecter les susdits paramètres, notamment la présence ou l'absence de marqueurs et la détermination du code d'authentification de l'objet ou de la substance,
  • l'authentification de l'objet ou de la substance dans le cas où le code d'identification théorique correspond au code d'authentification,
  • l'émission d'un signal de validation dans le cas où une correspondance a été détectée ou un signal d'alerte dans le cas où le code d'authentification ne correspond pas avec le code d'identification.

For this purpose, the Claimants have proposed to see the document WO 2004/040504 a method for authenticating different objects or substances to be identified using a computer system coupled to spectrophotometric means and comprising at least two successive successive phases:

• ■ An initial phase comprising:
  • the choice of a plurality of chemical markers which, when excited by incident light radiation, emit energetic radiations whose frequency spectra are discernable with respect to each other and with respect to objects and substances in which they are intended to be incorporated,
  • the attribution then the incorporation in each of the objects or substances of a combination of markers previously chosen different from those attributed to the other objects or substances,
  • establishing an authentication code for said object or substance determined by parameters relating to the presence or absence of the markers in the assigned combination,
  • storing in memory of a computer system the authentication code of all the objects or substances and related data corresponding to these objects or substances,
  • the assignment to the object or substance of an identification code, such as a bar code or the like, which identification code may be associated with the object, the substance, its container, and / or its packaging,
  • storing in memory in said system the identification codes of each of the objects or substances,
  • the establishment of a correspondence between the identification codes and the authentication codes.
• A phase of identification and authentication by said system, this phase comprising:
  • the theoretical identification of the object or substance by reading the identification code associated with the object or substance,
  • spectrophotometrically analyzing at least a portion of the object or substance to detect said parameters, including the presence or absence of markers and determining the authentication code of the object or the substance,
  • the authentication of the object or the substance in the case where the theoretical identification code corresponds to the authentication code,
  • the transmission of a validation signal in the case where a match has been detected or an alert signal in the case where the authentication code does not correspond with the identification code.

• l'irradiation de l'objet ou de la substance marqué à l'aide d'un faisceau lumineux à large spectre de fréquence,
• l'envoi des ondes transmises ou réfléchies par l'objet ou la substance émis par un générateur sur un élément dispersif qui les dévie de manière à obtenir un spectre lumineux de l'intensité lumineuse en différentes zones du spectre correspondant à des plages de longueurs d'ondes différentes,
• la détection de l'intensité lumineuse dans chacune des zones,
• la comparaison de cette intensité avec une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil spécifiquement attribuées à cette zone et qui sont enregistrées en mémoire au titre des susdits paramètres,
• le résultat de cette comparaison contribuant à la détermination du code d'authentification de l'objet ou de la substance,

In this method, the spectrophotometric analysis phase comprises the following steps:

• the irradiation of the object or substance marked with a light beam with a broad frequency spectrum,
• sending waves transmitted or reflected by the object or the substance emitted by a generator on a dispersive element which deflects them so as to obtain a light spectrum of light intensity in different areas of the spectrum corresponding to ranges of lengths of d different waves,
• the detection of the luminous intensity in each zone,
• comparing this intensity with one or more threshold values specifically assigned to this zone and which are stored in memory under the said parameters,
• the result of this comparison contributing to the determination of the authentication code of the object or the substance,

Advantageously, the determination of the zones of the spectrum to be analyzed, as well as the different parameters assigned to each of these zones, are carried out by the system, from the identification data. This solution makes it possible to obtain better reliability of the results and to considerably reduce the power of the processing means used.

• la présence ou non de fluorescence,
• une durée de fluorescence supérieure ou inférieure à au moins une valeur de seuil,
• la présence ou l'absence d'un pic à une longueur d'onde préétablie ainsi, qu'éventuellement, l'amplitude et/ou la largeur de ce pic,
• des hauteurs de pic d'émission correspondant à une concentration de marqueurs supérieure ou inférieure à une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil prédéfinies.

The parameters relating to the presence or absence of markers in the assigned combination and used for the determination of an identification and / or authentication code include in particular:

• the presence or absence of fluorescence,
• a fluorescence duration greater than or less than at least one threshold value,
• the presence or absence of a peak at a pre-established wavelength as well as, optionally, the amplitude and / or the width of this peak,
• emission peak heights corresponding to a marker concentration greater or less than one or more predefined threshold values.

To increase the number of possible combinations, different concentrations of markers are used to obtain lines of different intensity.

Furthermore, to overcome all the optical factors that may disturb the reading and subsequent spectrophotometric analysis, it has been proposed to control the light intensity emitted by the light radiation generator as a function of the difference between the value the light intensity detected in a predetermined frequency range not affected by the presence of the markers and a predetermined set value.

This is necessary when using several intensity levels as parameters.

The invention more particularly aims to further secure the previously described authentication method.

For this purpose, it proposes to use a plurality of chemical markers whose presence and absence make it possible to establish an authentication code for a multiplicity of different objects, each type of object having, at a given instant , a specific authentication code.

According to the invention, at least one of said markers is used as a reference standard for the determination of the presence, absence and / or intensity of the other markers, in particular with a view to performing corrections and calibrations that make it possible to overcome any noises that may arise for example from the composition of the substance or the object, positioning variations such as the angle of incidence, the distance to the object or material transparent enveloping or surrounding this substance or object, or a decrease in the signal due to the presence of foreign products (dirt, ...) or a possible decrease in the signal resulting from prolonged exposure to bad weather or aging of the object.

• le choix de l'un des susdits marqueurs et l'attribution de ce marqueur en tant qu'étalon à un type de produit ou de substance et/ou pour une période de temps prédéterminée,
• l'affectation à ce marqueur de données d'identification et de données spécifiques à sa fonction d'étalon et la mémorisation de ces données,
• lors d'une phase d'authentification, la détermination du marqueur utilisé en tant qu'étalon, à partir des données d'identification précédemment mémorisées, la comparaison de données relatives à ce marqueur étalon obtenues lors de l'analyse spectrophotométrique de l'objet ou de la substance, avec les susdites données spécifiques précédemment mémorisées,
• le calcul de la correction à apporter à l'analyse spectrophotométrique à partir du résultat de cette comparaison,
• la détection de la présence, de l'absence et/ou de l'intensité des marqueurs à partir des résultats de l'analyse spectrophotométrique corrigée,
• la détermination du code d'authentification de l'objet ou de la substance à partir de la présence, de l'absence et/ou de l'intensité desdits marqueurs.

Accordingly, the method according to the invention further comprises:

• selecting one of the above-mentioned markers and assigning that marker as a standard to a type of product or substance and / or for a predetermined period of time,
• the assignment to this marker of identification data and data specific to its standard function and the storage of these data,
• during an authentication phase, the determination of the marker used as a standard, from the previously stored identification data, the comparison of data relating to this standard marker obtained during the spectrophotometric analysis of the object or the substance, with the aforesaid specific data previously stored,
• calculating the correction to be made to the spectrophotometric analysis from the result of this comparison,
• detecting the presence, absence and / or intensity of the markers from the results of the corrected spectrophotometric analysis,
• determining the authentication code of the object or substance from the presence, absence and / or intensity of said markers.

Of course, this method may comprise the transmission of a validation signal in the case where a correspondence has been detected, or an alert signal in the case where the authentication code does not correspond with the identification code. .

• ■ La possibilité d'utiliser en tant que marqueurs chimiques, des nano-matériaux, c'est-à-dire des particules ou des structures dont la taille se mesure en nanomètres (ou milliardièmes de mètre). On utilise ici la propriété relative au fait que plus la taille des particules est petite, plus le rapport surface/volume augmente et, en conséquence, plus l'analyse spectrophotométrique est significative.
• ■ Compte tenu des très faibles quantités utilisées, les propriétés physiques et chimiques essentielles de la matrice dans laquelle le marqueur est ajouté sont inchangées, un dépôt en surface au moyen de marqueurs assimilable par l'organisme pourra être ainsi utilisé pour identifier des médicaments et éviter des faux éventuellement dangereux pour la santé.
• ■ Pour la même raison, le coût du marqueur est faible.
• ■ Le signal émis à la suite de l'éclairement du produit ou de la substance est faible et est perdu au milieu du bruit de fond. Il est donc difficilement repérable pour celui qui ne possède pas un détecteur dédié.
• ■ Le signal est quasiment impossible à imiter car il est faible et présente une longueur d'onde très précise avec une largeur de pic spécifique.
• ■ L'intensité du pic d'émission est fonction de la concentration du marqueur. Or, il est pratiquement impossible de dupliquer artisanalement une concentration de l'ordre de quelques ppm, surtout de manière homogène. Par exemple, si la concentration originale contrôlée est de 4,0 ppm, une copie présentera des variations de 0 à quelques dizaines ou centaines de ppm, ce qui empêche la réalisation d'une lecture positive par le détecteur pour lequel les critères d'acceptation sont étroits (3,8 à 4,2 ppm par exemple).
• ■ La difficulté pour réaliser une contrefaçon est encore accrue quand on utilise simultanément plusieurs marqueurs dont les signaux sont analysés indépendamment puis comparés.
• ■ Il est en outre possible d'utiliser des leurres, c'est-à-dire des pseudo-marqueurs, dont la présence a uniquement pour but d'égarer le contrefacteur.
• ■ L'entité qui a en charge la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention pourra adapter les codes d'authentification, sans altérer la sécurité du procédé, même si la source de ses traceurs était connue. Il peut choisir ses codes à l'insu de ses fournisseurs. Il peut en outre modifier périodiquement ses codes de la même façon que l'on effectue le changement d'un mot de passe dans un système informatique.
• ■ Il devient possible de considérer plusieurs niveaux de codage avec des dispositifs de lecture ou d'authentification prédéterminés pour ne lire qu'un certain niveau. Ainsi, par exemple, un fabricant pourra utiliser trois marqueurs A, B et C, les marqueurs A et B servant à identifier un modèle déposé, tandis que le troisième marqueur correspond au site de production.
• ■ Le personnel en charge du contrôle sur le marché de l'authenticité du produit disposera d'un dispositif conçu pour l'identification des marqueurs A et B. Le service de "sécurité interne" ou de la qualité pourra utiliser un dispositif permettant de capter le marqueur C.
• ■ Les marqueurs pourront être :
  1. a) noyés dans la masse : A titre d'exemple, ces marqueurs peuvent être incorporés à une matrice plastique dans laquelle le marqueur peut avoir pour but d'identifier le titre et le grade du polymère, le producteur, la traçabilité, l'authentification de l'objet, etc..
  2. b) disposés en surface, par exemple :
     • par imprégnation (par exemple dans un textile, une teinture...),
     • par enduction (dépôt de vernis, peinture, pulvérisation) sur différents supports, par exemple des pièces métalliques d'aviation, que ce soit sur l'ensemble de la surface ou ponctuellement (sérigraphie, dépôt au tampon),
     • sous forme d'étiquettes marquées en partie visible ou non.

De même, le code d'authentification pourra être déterminé à partir de la présence ou de l'absence de marqueurs noyés dans la masse et de la présence ou de l'absence de marqueurs disposés en surface, éventuellement sur une étiquette.An advantage of this solution is that it allows the use of very low concentrations (from a few ppm to a few hundred, preferably a few tens of ppm or parts per million) of chemical markers each having a characteristic luminescent signal. Nevertheless, these concentrations may possibly reach a few percent in the case of particular matrices, such as colored or black. The result is:

• ■ The possibility of using as chemical markers, nano-materials, ie particles or structures whose size is measured in nanometers (or billionths of a meter). The property of the fact that the smaller the size of the particles, the higher the surface area to volume ratio, and therefore the greater the spectrophotometric analysis, is used.
• ■ Given the very small quantities used, the essential physical and chemical properties of the matrix in which the marker is added are unchanged, a surface deposition using markers that can be assimilated by the body can thus be used to identify drugs and avoid fakes possibly dangerous for health.
• ■ For the same reason, the cost of the marker is low.
• ■ The signal emitted as a result of illumination of the product or substance is low and is lost in the middle of the background noise. It is therefore difficult to find for those who do not have a dedicated detector.
• ■ The signal is almost impossible to imitate because it is weak and has a very precise wavelength with a specific peak width.
• ■ The intensity of the peak emission is a function of the concentration of the marker. However, it is practically impossible to duplicate a concentration of the order of a few ppm, especially in a homogeneous way. For example, if the original controlled concentration is 4.0 ppm, a copy will vary from 0 to a few tens or hundreds of ppm, which prevents the realization of a positive reading by the detector for which the acceptance criteria are narrow (3.8 to 4.2 ppm for example).
• ■ The difficulty of counterfeiting is further increased when multiple markers are used, the signals of which are analyzed independently and then compared.
• ■ It is also possible to use lures, that is to say pseudo-markers, whose presence is only intended to mislead the counterfeiter.
• The entity that is in charge of implementing the method according to the invention will be able to adapt the authentication codes, without compromising the security of the process, even if the source of its tracers was known. He can choose his codes without the knowledge of his suppliers. It can also periodically change its codes in the same way that it makes the change of a password in a computer system.
• ■ It becomes possible to consider several levels of coding with predetermined reading or authentication devices to read only a certain level. Thus, for example, a manufacturer may use three markers A, B and C, markers A and B to identify a deposited model, while the third marker corresponds to the production site.
• ■ The personnel in charge of market control of the authenticity of the product will have a device designed for the identification of markers A and B. The service of "internal security" or quality may use a device to capture the marker C.
• ■ The markers can be:
  1. a) embedded in the mass: By way of example, these markers may be incorporated into a plastic matrix in which the marker may be intended to identify the title and the grade of the polymer, the producer, the traceability, the authentication of the object, etc.
  2. b) placed on the surface, for example:
     • by impregnation (for example in a textile, a dye ...),
     • by coating (varnish deposition, painting, spraying) on various supports, for example aviation metal parts, whether on the entire surface or occasionally (screen printing, buffer deposit),
     • in the form of labels marked partly visible or not.

Similarly, the authentication code may be determined from the presence or absence of markers embedded in the mass and the presence or absence of markers arranged on the surface, possibly on a label.

Advantageously, this label may comprise a reflective zone covered with a transparent layer containing markers. This solution thus makes it possible to carry out a reflection spectrophotometry which considerably reduces the energy losses.

The authentication data may include the combination of chosen markers, the wavelengths of the characteristic lines, their intensity, the duration of a possible fluorescence ...

Thus, it is not necessary to cover all the wavelengths, it is sufficient to analyze the ranges of values corresponding to the expected lines which are identified from the identification code in order to verify their presence or absence without worry about areas outside these beaches.

To perform the authentication, the operator conducting the analysis does not need to know the theoretical identity of the object or substance because it is provided by the barcode directly to the computer system performing the comparison of the objects. data.

Advantageously, the marked areas may be shaped so as to achieve an invisible marking according to areas having well-defined shapes.

In this case, the authentication process may include a reading of the marked areas coupled to a pattern recognition process, which leads to making the counterfeit even more random.

Such a method can be used in the fight against counterfeiting but also be applied to automatic sorting. For example, in the case of plastic recycling, it is possible to envisage using a combination of markers by type of plastic or by grade of plastic, which then makes it possible to sort them by type or by grade once the authentication has been carried out.

The reading devices used for the implementation of the method according to the invention may be portable for on-site or point-of-sale checks. Nevertheless, batch checks in production can also be carried out because of the large number of possible measurements (up to 10,000 and 100,000 measurements per second).

• La figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif utilisant le procédé selon l'invention, les ondes étant transmises ;
• La figure 2 est un schéma fonctionnel du procédé selon l'invention ;
• La figure 3 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif utilisant le procédé selon l'invention, les ondes étant réfléchies ;
• La figure 4 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif utilisant le procédé selon l'invention, les ondes étant réfléchies sur une étiquette.

Embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter by way of non-limiting examples.

• The figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device using the method according to the invention, the waves being transmitted;
• The figure 2 is a block diagram of the process according to the invention;
• The figure 3 is a schematic representation of a device using the method according to the invention, the waves being reflected;
• The figure 4 is a schematic representation of a device using the method according to the invention, the waves being reflected on a label.

In the example of the figure 1 these are the waves transmitted through a substance containing a combination of markers and more exactly on a sample possibly diluted in a solution which are analyzed.

It should be noted that this type of analysis can also be performed on objects whose material allows it either directly or on the substance (solid or liquid) through its container.

• un générateur de rayonnement lumineux à long spectre de fréquence et à intensité réglable faisant intervenir une source lumineuse 4 alimentée par un générateur de courant électrique 6 à puissance réglable ; un collimateur 2 dans l'axe duquel est placé un objectif 5,
• un échantillon de produit 8 contenu dans un récipient 9 transparent situé dans l'axe optique du générateur de lumière,
• un élément dispersif 1 situé dans ledit axe du côté du récipient 9 situé à l'opposé du générateur de lumière ; cet élément dispersif 1 (prisme ou réseau de diffraction) décompose le rayonnement lumineux en fonction de la fréquence pour produire un spectre,
• des moyens de détection du spectre, ici une barrette de détecteurs à transfert de charges DTC 3 qui permet de détecter les radiations émises à différents niveaux spectraux par l'élément dispersif 1 et de transmettre à un système électronique un signal numérique représentatif du spectre détecté.

In this example, the identification and authentication device implementing the method according to the invention comprises a spectrophotometer comprising:

• a light frequency generator of long frequency spectrum and adjustable intensity involving a light source 4 powered by an electric power generator 6 adjustable power; a collimator 2 in the axis of which is placed a lens 5,
• a product sample 8 contained in a transparent container 9 located in the optical axis of the light generator,
• a dispersive element 1 located in said axis on the side of the container 9 located opposite the light generator; this dispersive element 1 (prism or diffraction grating) breaks down the light radiation as a function of the frequency to produce a spectrum,
• spectrum detection means, here a DTC 3 charge transfer detector array which makes it possible to detect the radiation emitted at different spectral levels by the dispersive element 1 and to transmit to an electronic system a digital signal representative of the detected spectrum.

As previously mentioned, the light source 4 is a source with a broad frequency spectrum. It can consist of arc lamps (Xenon type) or a bulb generating a white light. Optionally, it could consist of a plurality of laser radiation sources specifically chosen according to the nature of the chemical markers used, an optical mixer then being used to effect a mixture of the different radiations emitted by these sources.

Objective 5 may, for example, consist of an achromatic doublet.

Of course, the electric power generator 6 may also be used to supply the electronic circuits associated with the spectrophotometer.

In this example, the detector array 3 comprises a cell C located at a position of the spectrum unaffected by the presence of the chemical markers.

This cell C emits a detection signal applied (after amplification) to the input of a subtractor S whose second input receives a calibrated voltage VC. The output of this subtracter S is applied to a power amplifier AP which drives the generator 6 so that the output of the subtracter S is maintained at a constant value, preferably equal to zero.

With this arrangement, it is ensured that the level of light intensity received by the cell C is constant. This eliminates disturbances likely to vary the light intensity of the radiation transmitted through the sample 8.

According to the invention, the light source is associated with a bar code reader 12 which emits light radiation (for example laser) towards a bar code 11 carried by the container 9. This reader 12 comprises a receiver to detect the radiation reflected by the bar code. An electronic circuit makes it possible to process the information received by this receiver and to generate a digital signal representative of this barcode intended for the electronic system E.

The electronic system comprises a processor P (shown in broken lines) associated with means for storing a database of the identification codes BC, a database of the authentication codes BA and a program of identification. management of the different PG treatments, as well as AF display and signaling means.

This processor P is designed so as to carry out a theoretical identification (block B1) of the container 9 from the signal delivered by the bar code reader 3, from the database of the identification codes BC. Once the theoretical identification has been carried out, the processor P determines the zones of the spectrum to be explored (block B2). For this purpose, it uses, in addition to the identification code read, the corresponding authentication code through a correspondence table TC established between the two databases BC, BA. The processor P then analyzes (block B3) the previously determined zones of the spectrum through the signal supplied by the detector array 3.

In the case where a standard marker is used, this signal can be corrected (block B4) before analysis from the digital signal produced by the detector corresponding to this standard marker.

The processor P then determines (block B5) the detected authentication code that it compares (block B6) to the predetermined identification code. In the case of a concordance between these two codes, the processor transmits a validation signal SV. In the opposite case, the processor sends an alarm signal SA.

• ■ Une phase initiale comprenant :
  • le choix de marqueurs en fonction de leur adéquation les uns par rapport aux autres et par rapport à la substance,
  • l'introduction de ces marqueurs à des concentrations différentes dans ladite substance,
  • la détermination des codes d'authentification constitués par des chiffres binaires représentatifs de la présence ou de l'absence, voire de la concentration des marqueurs, ces codes étant stockés en mémoire dans le système électronique E,
  • l'attribution à chacun de ces codes d'une substance identifiée par un code à barres 11.
• ■ Une phase d'identification et/ou d'authentification comprenant :
  • la lecture du code à barres 11 situé sur le contenant de la substance marquée au moyen du lecteur de codes à barres 12 et l'émission d'un signal spécifique contenant un code d'identification de la substance (bloc 1),
  • la transmission dudit signal au système électronique E qui identifie ce code d'identification (bloc 2),
  • l'analyse spectrophotométrique comportant :
    • ○ l'irradiation de la substance au moyen de la source de rayons 4,
    • ○ la transmission des ondes transmises sur l'élément dispersif 1 qui les dévie différemment en fonction de leur longueur d'onde,
    • ○ l'obtention d'un spectre de la radiation transmise grâce aux ondes planes ainsi déviées qui donnent, dans une zone de détection composée de la série de barrettes DTC 3, une succession d'images de la source (bloc 3),
    • ○ l'échantillonnage de ce spectre puis la conversion du signal analogique en un signal numérique présentant une trame numérique prédéterminée (bloc 4),
    • ○ un fenêtrage effectué en fonction des plages de longueurs d'onde indiquées dans les données d'authentification stockées en mémoire et extraites grâce à l'identification du code à barres, de façon à ne considérer que la présence ou l'absence des raies caractéristiques des marqueurs qui détermine alors un code lu (bloc 5),
    • ○ la comparaison des données ou code d'authentification avec les données expérimentales ou code lu de manière à effectuer l'authentification de la substance (bloc 6),
  • l'affichage du résultat de manière visuelle, par exemple sur un écran 13 et/ou de manière auditive :
    • ○ authentification réussie s'il y a coïncidence entre les codes d'authentification et le code lu (bloc 7),
    • ○ signal d'alerte en cas de non authentification s'il y a discordance entre les codes d'authentification et le code lu (bloc 8).

The method according to the invention used by the device illustrated on the figure 1 comprises the following phases ( figure 2 ):

• ■ An initial phase comprising:
  • the choice of markers according to their suitability with respect to each other and with respect to the substance,
  • the introduction of these markers at different concentrations in said substance,
  • the determination of the authentication codes constituted by binary digits representative of the presence or absence, or even the concentration of the markers, these codes being stored in memory in the electronic system E,
  • the assignment to each of these codes of a substance identified by a bar code 11.
• An identification and / or authentication phase comprising:
  • reading the bar code 11 located on the container of the labeled substance by means of the bar code reader 12 and sending a specific signal containing a substance identification code (block 1),
  • transmitting said signal to the electronic system E which identifies this identification code (block 2),
  • spectrophotometric analysis comprising:
    • ○ the irradiation of the substance by means of the ray source 4,
    • ○ the transmission of the waves transmitted on the dispersive element 1 which deviates them differently according to their wavelength,
    • ○ the obtaining of a spectrum of the radiation transmitted thanks to the plane waves thus deviated which give, in a detection zone composed of the series of DTC strips 3, a succession of images of the source (block 3),
    • ○ the sampling of this spectrum then the conversion of the analog signal into a digital signal having a predetermined digital frame (block 4),
    • ○ a windowing carried out according to the wavelength ranges indicated in the authentication data stored in memory and extracted thanks to the identification of the bar code, so as to consider only the presence or absence of the characteristic lines markers which then determines a read code (block 5),
    • ○ comparing the data or authentication code with the experimental data or code read so as to perform the authentication of the substance (block 6),
  • the display of the result visually, for example on a screen 13 and / or audibly:
    • ○ authentication successful if there is coincidence between the authentication codes and the code read (block 7),
    • ○ warning signal in the event of non-authentication if there is a discrepancy between the authentication codes and the read code (block 8).

The figure 3 illustrates an analysis using reflected waves on at least a portion of an object or substance 14.

In this case, the dispersive element 1 is located on the axis of the reflected wave.

The process is the same as that described above for the example of figure 1 .

The figure 4 illustrates a variant of the example of the figure 3 . Indeed, the markers are not directly integrated into an object or a substance 14 but applied by means of a film, a clear varnish on a label 15 which is affixed to the object to be marked.

The process is the same as that described above for the example of figure 1 .

For a better analysis result, the label can be reflective.

In addition, the use of a blank label of any marker and possibly covered with a film or varnish used to apply the markers may allow, during data processing, to eliminate the corresponding signals and thus simplify the process. 'analysis. In effect, the labeled label and then the blank label are irradiated, then, during the data processing, the spectrum data of the blank label are removed from the spectrum data of the marked label.

In the case of fluorescent markers, it is possible to envisage carrying out a second measurement after a time Δt in order to check the duration of the fluorescence. The tracers used can be organic or inorganic. They can be based on rare earths such as dysprosium, europium, samarium, yttrium ...

Some markers used and their characteristics are presented by way of example in the table below:

The companies marketing them include "BASF" (registered trademark), "Bayer" (registered trademark), "Glowburg" (registered trademark), "Lambert Rivière" (registered trademark), "Phosphor Technology" (registered trademark), "Rhodia "(registered trademark), SCPI, ... Marker pen Excitation wavelength λ _ex + Δλ _1/2 Wavelength of the emission peak λ _emax + Δλ _1/2 (nm) AT 300 ± 40 480 ± 6 572 ± 6 B 300 ± 40 562 ± 10 601 ± 6 VS 335 ± 35 470 ± 85 D 365 ± 70 480 ± 90 E 350 ± 20 612 ± 3 F 380 ± 45 480 ± 75 BOY WUT 365 610 ± 50

It should be noted that the markers are not limited to commercial markers, they can be synthesized by total synthesis or derived from commercial markers.

Claims (22)

1. A method for identification and authentication of different objects or substances, this method utilising an information system coupled to spectrophotometry means, characterised in that it comprises at least the following two successive phases:

   ■ an initial phase comprising :

   - the selection of a plurality of chemical markers which, when excited by incident light radiation, emit energetic radiations whereof the frequency spectra are discernible relative to one another and relative to the objects and substances in which they are intended to be incorporated,

   - the attribution then incorporation in each of the objects or substances of a combination of previously selected markers different to those attributed to the other objects or substances,

   - the setting up of an authentication code determined by parameters relative to the presence or the absence of the markers in the attributed combination,

   - the storing in memory of an information system of the authentication code of all the objects or substances and associated data corresponding to these objects or these substances,

   - the assignment to the object or the substance of an identification code, such as a bar code or similar, this identification code capable of being associated with the object, the substance, its container, and/or its packaging,

   - the storing in memory in said system of the identification codes of each of the objects or substances,

   - the setting up of a correspondence between the identification codes and the authentication codes.

   ■ an identification and authentication phase by said system, this phase comprising :

   - theoretical identification of the object or the substance by reading the identification code associated with the object or substance,

   - spectrophotometric analysis of at least part of the object or the substance so as to detect the abovementioned parameters, especially the presence or the absence of markers and determination of the authentication code of the object or the substance,

   - authentication of the object or the substance in the event where the theoretical identification code corresponds to the authentication code,

   - emission of a validation signal in the event where correspondence has been detected or an alert signal in the event where the authentication code does not correspond with the identification code.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the concentration of markers utilised is of the order of several ppm to several hundreds of ppm, preferably several tens of ppm.
3. The method as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the abovementioned markers comprise nano-materials producing characteristic light signals.
4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises the utilisation of markers serving as decoys.
5. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the authentication code of the same product is periodically modified.
6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises selection of the markers by levels of intensity.
7. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the markers assigned to the same object or to the same substance define several codes legible by different reading means.
8. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the abovementioned markers are embedded in the mass or arranged on the surface.
9. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the authentication code is determined from the presence or the absence of markers embedded in the mass and markers arranged on the surface.
10. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises marking according to one or more zones presenting well-defined forms, and in that the authentication phase comprises reading the zones marked with recognition of said forms.
11. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said spectrophotometric analysis comprises the following stages :

    - irradiation of the object or the marked substance by means of a wide-frequency spectrum light beam,

    - sending waves transmitted or reflected by the object or the substance emitted by a generator on a dispersive element (1) which deviates it so as to produce a light spectrum of the light intensity in different zones of the spectrum corresponding to ranges of different wavelengths,

    - detection of the light intensity in each of the zones,

    - comparison of this intensity with one or more threshold values specifically attributed to this zone and which are registered in memory by way of the abovementioned parameters,

    - result of this comparison contributing to determination of the authentication code of the object or of the substance.
12. The method as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that it comprises determination of the abovementioned zones of the spectrum to be analysed, as well as different parameters assigned to each of these zones, from the abovementioned identification codes.
13. The method as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that it comprises control of the light intensity emitted by the generator of light radiation, as a function of the spread between the value of the light intensity detected, in a predetermined frequency range not affected by the presence of the markers, and a predetermined deposit value.
14. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the abovementioned generator of light radiation comprises a wide-frequency spectrum light source such as an arc lamp or a bulb generating white light.
15. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 13,
    characterised in that the abovementioned generator of light radiation comprises a plurality of sources of laser radiation specifically selected as a function of the nature of the chemical markers utilised, and a mixer to mix the different radiations emitted by these sources.
16. The method as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that said spectrophotometric processing of the analysis data comprises the following stages :

    - the sampling of the spectrum,

    - the conversion of the analog signal to a digital signal presenting a predetermined frame (block 4),

    - the windowing as a function of the ranges of wavelengths indicated in the authentication data stored in memory and extracted due to identification of the bar code, so as to determine a read code with the abovementioned parameter (block 5),

    - the comparison of the authentication data to the experimental data or read code (block 6),

    - the display of the result visually (13) and/or by using audio means so as to indicate :

    o a successful authentication if there is coincidence between the authentication codes and the read code (block 7),

    o an alert in the event of non-authentication if there is discordance between the authentication codes and the read code (block 8).
17. The method as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that it comprises the insertion of a reflecting support containing the markers.
18. The method as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that it comprises the insertion of a blank support of any marker, this support being likewise irradiated then, during data processing, the data of the spectrum of the blank support being removed from the data of the spectrum of the marked support so as to eliminate the corresponding signals and therefore simplify analysis.
19. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, during data processing, the data of the spectrum of the object or of the substance free of markers are removed from the data of the spectrum of the object or the marked substance.
20. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said combination of markers comprises at least one fluorescent marker.
21. The method as claimed in Claim 18, characterised in that said parameters also comprise the duration of the light emission of the substance to be identified further to excitation.
22. The method as claimed in Claim 21, characterised in that said parameters comprise :

    - the presence or not of fluorescence,

    - a duration of fluorescence greater or less than a threshold value,

    - the presence or the absence of a peak having a preset wavelength and/or,

    - heights of emission peak corresponding to a concentration of markers greater or less than a predefined threshold value.

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