EP2003623A1 - Dispositif d'authentification - Google Patents

Dispositif d'authentification Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2003623A1
EP2003623A1 EP08158049A EP08158049A EP2003623A1 EP 2003623 A1 EP2003623 A1 EP 2003623A1 EP 08158049 A EP08158049 A EP 08158049A EP 08158049 A EP08158049 A EP 08158049A EP 2003623 A1 EP2003623 A1 EP 2003623A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
polymer
sensor polymer
state
stimulus
sensor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08158049A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Searle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Complicity Ltd
Original Assignee
Complicity Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Complicity Ltd filed Critical Complicity Ltd
Publication of EP2003623A1 publication Critical patent/EP2003623A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/14—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using chemical means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
    • F01D5/00—Blades; Blade-carrying members; Heating, heat-insulating, cooling or antivibration means on the blades or the members
    • F01D5/12—Blades
    • F01D5/22—Blade-to-blade connections, e.g. for damping vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
    • B42D2033/12—
    • B42D2033/26—
    • B42D2035/34—

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device that is suitable for applying to or forming with an object, such as a banknote or other valuable and which is arranged to provide a form of authentication for the object.
  • banknotes and other high value objects such as music, video or software compact discs
  • manufacturers have traditionally employed a number of devices in the manufacture of the banknote or high value object which are difficult for potential counterfeiters to replicate. Some of these devices are specifically designed such that members of the public are able to easily check the authenticity of the item to which the device has been affixed, or in some other way has been incorporated into the manufacture.
  • holograms have been used extensively as they were traditionally difficult to duplicate and members of the public could easily verify the authenticity of the hologram by simply viewing the 3D image.
  • holograms have become ubiquitous and low cost. They can, for example, be found on children's toys and other low cost retail products.
  • the potential for a counterfeiter to acquire holograms for inclusion in a counterfeit banknote, or for inclusion in a counterfeit high value object, has therefore increased substantially in recent years.
  • an authentication device for an object, characterised in that the device comprises a sensor polymer operable to change between a first state and a second state, different to the first state, in response to an applied stimulus and wherein in response to the stimulus being removed the sensor polymer reverts back to the first state.
  • the sensor polymer changes opacity or colour between the first and second state. This results in the sensor polymer being operable to change between, for example, a masking state and a revealing state in response to an applied stimulus. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor polymer may be operable to change between a hidden and revealed state in response to an applied stimulus. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor polymer may change between different colours or different shades of the same colour.
  • the authentication device further comprises a location marker around or adjacent to the sensor polymer.
  • the location marker may be a printed design, area of different texture or material to it's surroundings or other discernable feature.
  • the location marker may serve to indicate the location of the sensor polymer and/or interact with the sensor polymer to form a design or feature.
  • the location marker may indicate the area of the object where the sensor polymer is located.
  • the authentication device further comprises an authentication feature at least partially covered by the sensor polymer, such that changing between the first and second states masks or reveals at least part of the authentication feature.
  • the area defined by the sensor polymer is small in comparison with the area defined by the authentication feature.
  • the authentication feature may comprise an area of colour print.
  • a purpose of the authentication feature is to provide some form of mark that is discernable from another part of the authentication device and/or object, such that stimulation of the sensor polymer reveals the authentication feature.
  • the authentication feature can be an area of different colour or texture to the area around it, so as to be discernable upon the sensor polymer being excited by an external stimulus.
  • the sensor polymer comprises a thermochromic polymer.
  • a thermochromic polymer This enables heat to be the stimulus, which is available to a wide range of users.
  • a person may stimulate the sensor polymer by the heat from a body part, such as a finger or thumb.
  • the sensor polymer may comprise a chromogenic polymer, such as a photochromic, electrochromic, piezochromic, ionochromic or biochromic polymer. Two or more types of sensor polymer may be used in combination, meaning that two types of stimulus are required to cause the authentication device to reveal the authentication feature.
  • an object including an authentication device according to the first aspect of invention.
  • the object may have the authentication device applied to it, by some fixing means such as adhesive.
  • the authentication device is integrally formed with the object during manufacture of the object.
  • a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of checking the authenticity of an object having an authentication device comprising a sensor polymer, the method including the steps of:
  • an object 1 having associated with it an authentication device generally designated 2 representing a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the object 1 may be a valuable object, such as a bank note, compact disc (CD) or the like, to which it is desirable to attach, apply or integrally form an authentication device that serves to identify the object as authentic.
  • the authentication device in this embodiment comprises an authentication feature 4 which is a visually apparent feature, such as a printed letter, number or picture.
  • the authentication feature is visually distinguishable from another part of the object 1 such that, it may be noticed by a person or viewing device when in a revealed state.
  • the authentication feature 4 is at least partially covered, and preferably fully covered, by a sensor polymer 6.
  • the authentication feature 4 comprises a feature that is printed onto a face of the object 1 and overlaid with the sensor polymer 6. This can be done during manufacture of the object 1 or at a later date.
  • the sensor polymer 6 is operable to change between a first state and a second state in response to a stimulus or stimuli (hereinafter referred to as "stimulus"). Upon removal of the stimulus the sensor polymer 6 reverts back to the first state.
  • the sensor polymer 6 may change between more that two states in response to different types or levels of stimulus.
  • the sensor polymer in this exemplary embodiment comprises a chromogenic polymer that, upon application of stimulus, changes between an opaque state, such as a colour, and a substantially transparent or translucent state. Therefore, when no stimulus is incident upon or applied to the sensor polymer 6 it at least partially covers the authentication feature 4 such that the authentication feature 4 cannot easily be recognised or seen by a person or other viewing means looking at the object 1.
  • thermochromic polymers change their visible optical properties in response to external stimulus.
  • Thermochromic Polymers 143 Some examples of suitable thermochromic polymers are Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Polymers, Conjugated Polymers and Thermotropic Polymer Gels, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/PVA/Borax hydrogels.
  • PEG poly(ethylene glycol)
  • PVA poly(ethylene glycol)
  • thermochromic sensor polymer containing PEG with a molecular mass of 20,000 changes its transparency within a temperature range of a few degrees and with a molecular mass of 70,000 changes its transparency within a temperature range of around 30°C to 40°C.
  • the sensor polymer 6 chosen for the authentication device may react (i.e. change between states) in response to a range of stimulus.
  • the activation stimulus may include heating the sensor polymer 6, for example through a person's touch or by any suitable heat source (a polymer that reacts to this type of stimulus is classified as a thermochromic polymer). Pressure could be used as a stimulus (classified as a piezochromic polymer), or electricity (classified as an electrochromic polymer). Other stimuli include applying a material such as a chemical or ion concentration or biochemical material to the sensor polymer 6. Where the sensor polymer 6 is responsive to a material or the like, the stimulus could be exclusive and provided to specific persons such that they may be able to check authenticity. For, example, the exclusive stimulus could comprise a specific protein which may be specifically manufactured.
  • Other potential stimuli include electromagnetic energy, for example visible, infrared or ultraviolet light (a polymer that reacts to this type of stimulus is classified as a photochromic polymer).
  • a suitable sensor polymer can be chosen for the authentication device depending upon the desired stimulus type. For example, by designing the sensor polymer 6 to change states in response to body heat, or pressure, a wider range of persons can authenticate the object. Conversely, by choosing a sensor polymer 6 that only reacts to a specific uncommonly owned and/or known stimulus (e.g. a specific protein), then the ability to check the authenticity of the object is more exclusive.
  • a specific uncommonly owned and/or known stimulus e.g. a specific protein
  • the authentication device comprises a sensor polymer 10 which in its un-stimulated state is substantially transparent, translucent or opaque and in response to an applied stimulus, such as those described with reference to the first exemplary embodiment, the sensor polymer 10 changes to a viewable state, or different viewable state, and thus forms the authentication feature.
  • the viewable state may be the sensor polymer 10 changing to a colour, such as black.
  • the sensor polymer 10 is formed in a shape such as number, letter, or picture, that is to some degree visually apparent to a person or viewing device viewing the part of the object where the sensor polymer 10 is located.
  • a location marker 12 may be provided around or adjacent the sensor polymer 10.
  • the location marker 12 is visible without a stimulus being applied to it and can comprise a material unresponsive to the chosen stimulus.
  • the location marker 12 may comprise a similar sensor polymer to that of the first embodiment such that it becomes transparent when the sensor polymer 10 is stimulated.
  • the location marker 12 and sensor polymer 10 could together form the authentication feature.
  • the location marker 12 may form a part of the authentication feature and the sensor polymer 10 may form a cooperating part that only becomes apparent when stimulated.
  • the location marker may form part of the authentication feature with the sensor polymer 10 forming a cooperating part such that the authentication feature only becomes apparent when stimulated.
  • An example of this would be the sensor polymer 10 forming on half of a circle and the location marker 12 forming the other half of the circle, such that stimulation results in a full circle of predefined properties being displayed.
  • the object 1 may have information printed on it identifying the type of stimulus the sensor polymer 6, 10 is responsive to.
  • a person receiving an object 1 and wishing to verify the authenticity thereof may identify the type of stimulus that the sensor polymer is responsive to, say heat, and apply the stimulus accordingly to the appropriate area. Doing so will result in the sensor polymer 6, 10 changing from the first to second state, thereby revealing the authentication feature. Upon removal of the stimulus the sensor polymer reverts back to the first state. This may be after a predetermined period, in order to give ample opportunity for the source of the stimulus to be removed from a user's field of view of the sensor polymer before it reverts back to the first state. If the sensor polymer is included with the object 1 and performs or operates as expected, the user can verify that it is likely the object 1 is authentic.
  • Each of the first and second exemplary embodiments have an authentication feature that is apparent to a person viewing the part of the object 1 where the sensor polymer 6 or sensor polymer 10 is located, when stimulated.
  • the authentication feature may be more subtle, such that it is unlikely to be perceived by a person viewing the object and may, for example, require an machine vision imaging system such as a charge coupled device (CCD) camera in combination with a computer or microcontroller running machine vision software for comparing the authentication device in un-stimulated and stimulated states.
  • the area of sensor polymer 6, 10 may be small in comparison with the area defined by either the authentication feature or the area defined by the location marker or other constantly-visible feature.
  • the sensor polymer 6 changing between states could result in a small change to a complex design, or a subtle change in its colour. The latter could be resolved by spectroscopy.
  • the invention provides a solution which involves features incorporated into the manufacture of a bank note or other object or item of value, or features which can be applied to an object after it has been manufactured, the features being designed to change their characteristics upon exposure to physical or non-physical stimulus.
  • This provides of an effective authentication system that is difficult to counterfeit.
  • the feedback nature of the authentication process in some embodiments may encourage the public to make greater use of the authentication device that with prior art systems.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Inspection Of Paper Currency And Valuable Securities (AREA)
EP08158049A 2007-06-15 2008-06-11 Dispositif d'authentification Withdrawn EP2003623A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0711572.8A GB0711572D0 (en) 2007-06-15 2007-06-15 Cash/valuable authentication system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2003623A1 true EP2003623A1 (fr) 2008-12-17

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08158049A Withdrawn EP2003623A1 (fr) 2007-06-15 2008-06-11 Dispositif d'authentification

Country Status (2)

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EP (1) EP2003623A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB0711572D0 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010115803A3 (fr) * 2009-04-06 2011-03-24 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Élément de sécurité piézochromique à base de cristaux liquides
WO2010119247A3 (fr) * 2009-04-14 2011-04-21 De La Rue International Limited Dispositif de sécurité
WO2010119248A3 (fr) * 2009-04-14 2011-04-21 De La Rue International Limited Document de sécurité

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5193854A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-03-16 Babn Technologies Inc. Tamper-resistant article and method of authenticating the same
FR2698390A1 (fr) * 1992-11-20 1994-05-27 Arjo Wiggins Sa Document de sécurité authentifiable par effet piezooptique.
US5826915A (en) * 1995-02-17 1998-10-27 Wallace Computer Services, Inc. Method of using thermochromic material on security documents and product
EP1475766A1 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2004-11-10 NHK Spring Co., Ltd. Moyen d'identification et procede d'identification d'un objet

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5193854A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-03-16 Babn Technologies Inc. Tamper-resistant article and method of authenticating the same
FR2698390A1 (fr) * 1992-11-20 1994-05-27 Arjo Wiggins Sa Document de sécurité authentifiable par effet piezooptique.
US5826915A (en) * 1995-02-17 1998-10-27 Wallace Computer Services, Inc. Method of using thermochromic material on security documents and product
EP1475766A1 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2004-11-10 NHK Spring Co., Ltd. Moyen d'identification et procede d'identification d'un objet

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"The Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology", THERMOCHROMIC POLYMERS, vol. 12, pages 143

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010115803A3 (fr) * 2009-04-06 2011-03-24 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Élément de sécurité piézochromique à base de cristaux liquides
EP2818919A1 (fr) * 2009-04-06 2014-12-31 Giesecke & Devrient GmbH Méthode pour produire une encre d'imprimerie piezochromique, encre d'imprimerie piezochromique, et méthode pour produire un élément de sécurité piézochrome
WO2010119247A3 (fr) * 2009-04-14 2011-04-21 De La Rue International Limited Dispositif de sécurité
WO2010119248A3 (fr) * 2009-04-14 2011-04-21 De La Rue International Limited Document de sécurité
CN102458873A (zh) * 2009-04-14 2012-05-16 德拉鲁国际有限公司 安全器件
AU2010238345B2 (en) * 2009-04-14 2013-05-23 De La Rue International Limited Security document
AU2010238344B2 (en) * 2009-04-14 2013-09-19 De La Rue International Limited Security device
RU2507075C2 (ru) * 2009-04-14 2014-02-20 Де Ля Рю Интернэшнл Лимитед Защищенный документ
CN102458873B (zh) * 2009-04-14 2015-12-09 德拉鲁国际有限公司 安全器件
US9411074B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2016-08-09 De La Rue International Limited Security device
EA026759B1 (ru) * 2009-04-14 2017-05-31 Де Ля Рю Интернэшнл Лимитед Пьезохромный защитный элемент (варианты) и защищенный документ, содержащий его

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0711572D0 (en) 2007-07-25

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