EP2240914A1

EP2240914A1 - Method and device for identifying and authenticating objects

Info

Publication number: EP2240914A1
Application number: EP09709006A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Gerigk; Ludger BRÜLL; Martin Friedrich; Jürgen Focke; Simon Vougioukas; Josef Kenfenheuer; Klaus WÜRSCHINGER; Wolfgang Joa
Original assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
Current assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
Priority date: 2008-02-05
Filing date: 2009-01-23
Publication date: 2010-10-20
Also published as: US20110049235A1; WO2009097975A1; US8245922B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying and authenticating an object. Said method is characterized in that the object comprises an identifier which has a code zone and a dispersion zone that is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation for authentication and/or identification purposes in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the code zone is used for identifying the object and the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the dispersion zone is used for authentication purposes. The invention further relates to a device for identifying and authenticating an object in parallel.

Description

Method and device for identifying and authenticating objects

The invention relates to a method for the parallel identification and authentication of objects. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device with which objects can be identified and / or authenticated.

The automated recognition of objects by optical methods is known in the art. Everyone is familiar with e.g. Bar codes applied to goods and / or packages, and which enable machine identification of the goods to determine e.g. allow the price.

A well-known representative of the bar codes is the code EAN 8, which is defined in the international standard ISO / IEC 15420. It encodes a sequence of 8 digits in the form of bars and gaps of different widths. Typically, the bars are coated with a black ink on a white support, e.g. the packaging of the object to be marked or printed on the object itself. When reading the code by machine, it is scanned by means of a suitable light source and the reflected light is collected by a detector. Since the dark bars reflect less light than the bright gaps, the reflected light beam has corresponding differences in brightness, which are detected by the detector and converted into electronic signals. The evaluation of the electronic signals is carried out by means of microprocessors. As a rule, the decoded number of digits is output via an output channel.

In addition to the described code EAN 8, there are numerous other barcodes that encode not only numbers but also letters, special characters and control characters. Further, some codes contain error detection and error correction characters which allow to detect and in part even correct errors in the signal transmission.

A further development of the bar codes represent the 2D codes, in which the information is not only one-dimensional, but optically coded in two dimensions. A subset of the 2D codes form the so-called matrix codes. A known representative is, for example, the Data Matrix Code, which is defined in the international standard ISO / IEC 16022. The advantage of matrix codes lies in their higher information density. Depending on the size of the Data Matrix Code, up to 2334 ASCII characters (seven bits), Encoding 1558 extended ASCII characters (eight bits) or 3116 digits. While bar codes are usually scanned with a focused beam of light, camera systems are used to read matrix codes. Therefore, matrix codes have so-called "finder patterns" for orientation of the reader.

In the following, bar codes, 2D codes and matrix codes are summarized under the generic term optical codes. Optical codes can be created easily and at a very low cost (pressure) and are fast and robust in capturing. They are ideal for identifying objects. In particular, optical codes are suitable for object tracking (track & trace). In the process, a number is assigned to an object, so that the object can be identified at each station in the logistics chain and thus the movement of the object from one station in the logistics chain to another tracked.

However, optical codes can be easily copied and reproduced and faked so that they can not be used to authenticate objects.

However, there are objects where there is a desire to recognize the individual objects at a later date and to prove their authenticity (authenticity). A simple example is badges. An ID card should be unique. In the context of increasing automation, the uniqueness of a badge should be detectable by machine.

RFID chips are capable of doing this. They contain a secret key that can not be read from the outside. When communicating with the RFID chip, messages are encrypted from the chip with the secret key. The messages can be decrypted with the corresponding public key. However, since the secret key is not accessible, a duplicate or dummy (counterfeit) is very difficult to deploy. Thus, in principle, by attaching RFBD chips to objects, it is possible to provide a way to identify and authenticate the objects. However, there are many objects that can not be equipped with an RFID chip for technical and / or economic reasons. For example, RFID chips are susceptible to breakage and susceptible to electromagnetic interference. RFID chips are many times more expensive than printed ones - -

optical codes. Furthermore, reports of fake or counterfeit RFED chips have been accumulating lately.

In WO 2005088533 (A1), a method is described which manages to identify and authenticate an object without an additional data carrier (optical code, RFID chip) and to unambiguously assign objects based on their surface condition. In this case, a laser beam is focused on the surface of the object, moved across the surface (scanning) and detected by photodetectors at different locations of the surface at different angles different degrees of scattered rays. The detected scattered radiation is characteristic of a variety of different materials and is very difficult to imitate, as it is due to manufacturing randomness. For example, paper-like objects have a manufacturing fiber structure that is unique to each manufactured object. The scatter data for the individual objects are stored in a database in order to be able to authenticate the object at a later time. For this purpose, the object is measured again and the scatter data compared with the stored reference data.

The disadvantage is that an extensive database for the scatter data of all captured objects must be created. On the one hand, the database must have a high storage capacity in order to be able to store the large amount of data of scatter data of a large number of objects. On the other hand, the access time to the data in the database must be fast, since the collected scatter data for an authentication must be compared with all the reference data in the database (reconciliation) in order to find the correct record. Due to positioning inaccuracies in the detection, due to lightly changed over time scattering behavior of the object (due to contamination, wear, etc.) and due to technical deviations in various detection devices, the detected scatter data of an object are never absolutely identical but have variations on. Therefore, it is necessary to match all reference data to find the record with the highest match. Furthermore, the positioning of the object below the detection device must be sufficiently accurate for a sufficiently accurate match to be achieved. In simple terms, it must be ensured that the area used for authentication always the same. This means that the object has to be positioned in relation to the acquisition device. The positioning accuracy is significantly higher than in the detection of optical codes, as can be quickly illustrated by comparing the dimensions of the bars and gaps in the bar code with the dimensions at scatter centers of a paper-like object. However, a higher positioning accuracy means nothing else than a longer time to acquire an object (time for measuring preparation + measuring time). While optical codes only have to be brought into the optical field of view of a scanner, in the case of WO 2005088533 (A1), an object for detecting its scattering behavior must be precisely aligned and fixed relative to the detection unit.

Due to the above-mentioned disadvantages, the method of WO 2005088533 (Al) is only of limited use for the identification and tracking of objects. Identification solutions based on the detection of optical codes are firmly established. Thus, an IT infrastructure is available, to which, however, the method of WO 2005088533 (A1) for the reasons mentioned above can not fall back. To use the method of WO 2005088533 (A1), a new IT infrastructure or at least an extension of the existing IT infrastructure would be necessary, which makes the market introduction of the method from WO 2005088533 (Al) more difficult (high market entry barrier). Immediate migration from established technology (identification based on optical code acquisition) to new technology (identification and authentication by detecting scatter behavior) is not possible.

It can thus be stated that, according to the prior art, there are methods and devices for identifying and authenticating objects. However, methods and apparatus for identifying by optical codes are not suitable for authentication of objects due to the simple forgery of the features used for identification. Conversely, although the authentication method from WO 2005088533 (A1) is ideally suited for authentication, it is due to the high data volumes and the associated high demands on the IT backend system (database, network) and the high demands on the positioning accuracy and the associated high duration of acquisition is not suitable for identification and object tracking (track & trace). Thus, starting from the known state of the art, the object is to provide a method which makes it possible to identify and authenticate objects and, if possible, to make use of existing IT infrastructures of existing identification solutions. The process should be inexpensive and have a low market entry barrier. The method should be robust and easy to handle by a user. If possible, the procedure should not require user habituation, but should be similar to existing procedures.

The invention therefore provides a method for the parallel identification and authentication of an object, characterized in that the object has a

Identifier with a code area and a scattering area, which belongs to the

Authentication and / or identification is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, such that the returned from the code area electromagnetic radiation for

Identification of the object and the returned by the scattering electromagnetic radiation is used for authentication.

Identification is understood as the process used to recognize a person or an object. If an object or a person is recognized, it can be assigned or it can be assigned to the detected object or the recognized person. For example, An item (object) can be assigned a price or its destination. Identification is based on characteristics characterizing the person or object and different from other persons or objects.

Authentication is the process of verifying (verifying) an alleged identity. The authentication of objects, documents or data is the statement that they are authentic - so it is an unchanged, not copied original.

Like identification, authentication is also based on the person or person

Object characteristic and different from other persons or objects

Features. In contrast to identification, the features used for authentication are preferably non-transferable, not copyable and not fake. Using physical methods, unique, electronically processable data are determined from the physical characteristics, so that objects can be recorded and assigned by machine. Hereinafter, the feature data used for identification will be referred to as an identification code and the feature data used for authentication as a signature.

By parallel identification and authentication, it is meant that the method of the invention is useful for both identification or authentication, as well as combined, e.g. successive identification and authentication, as well as simultaneous, i. simultaneous identification and authentication.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that electromagnetic radiation is directed to an object to be identified and / or authenticated and the signal returned by the object is analyzed and evaluated. The irradiation of the object and the evaluation of the radiation returned by the object is effected by a detection unit, which is likewise the subject of the invention.

For the authentication of the object preferably coherent electromagnetic radiation is used.

The object includes an identifier. The identifier is used to identify and / or authenticate the object. He is inseparably connected to the object. In attempting to separate the identifier from the object, the identifier becomes unusable, i. it can no longer be used to identify and / or authenticate the object. The identifier comprises a region which is provided with an optical code - hereinafter referred to as code region - and a region for detecting the scattering behavior - hereinafter referred to as scattering region. Scatter area and code area may be spatially separated, i. they may partially overlap, or one area may completely overlap the other area (see Figure 1). The identifier is preferably executed evenly.

According to the invention, the code area serves to identify the object during the

Scatter area of the authentication serves. The identifier can be an element that connects to the object. But it can also be part of the object itself. So far to understand the term identifier rather abstractly than objectively. If, for example, a drug is to be identified and / or authenticated, this is usually incorporated in a packaging. In that case, a part of the packaging may be used as an identifier. For this purpose, an optical code is applied to an area of the packaging and an area defined, which is used to determine the scattering behavior and thus to determine the signature. The scattering area does not have to be identified as such, ie it does not have to be marked, for example, by an optical marking, because the position of the scattering area can be clearly defined and found relative to the position of the optical code. It is also conceivable, for example, that the identifier is part of an electronic board on which an optical code is printed or in which an optical code is stamped. It is also conceivable, for example, for the identifier to be a label which carries a printed optical code and has already been detected once to determine the scattering behavior. In that case, the label is authentic and preferably inseparably linked to an object, thereby rendering the object itself authenticatable. The scattering range of the identifier preferably has a surface structure due to the production and / or processing which is characteristic and difficult to falsify and difficult to imitate. Preferably, a fibrous material such as paper, cardboard or textile is used as material for the scattering area. Scatter area and code area can be made of different materials. They can be made in one piece or in several pieces. The code area and the scattering area preferably consist of the same material. The identifier is preferably made in one piece.

The identifier preferably has a size of 0.1 cm ² to 100 cm ² , particularly preferably a size of 0.5 cm ² to 30 cm ² .

As the optical code, any optically machine readable code is contemplated, e.g. Barcodes, stacked codes, matrix codes, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) text. The size of the optical code results from the respective specification for the code.

The electromagnetic beam directed to the identifier becomes the identifier

Part reflected. The reflected radiation is collected and analyzed by means of at least one detector. Depending on whether the electromagnetic radiation the

Code range or the scattering range, or both, contains the reflected radiation Information for identification or authentication or identification and authentication. This is illustrated by the example shown in FIG. Figure 2 (a) indicates the signal (2-3) measured on a detector in the form of a brightness curve generated by electromagnetic radiation reflected from the code area (2-1). The dark bars of the optical code in Figure 2 (a) absorb much of the incident electromagnetic radiation; only a small part is reflected; accordingly, the signal (2-3) measured at the detector is small at these locations. The bright gaps of the optical code in Figure 2 (a) reflect a majority of the incident electromagnetic radiation; accordingly, the signal (2-3) measured at the detector is high at these locations.

Figure 2 (b) indicates the signal (2-4) measured on a detector in the form of a brightness curve produced by coherent electromagnetic radiation reflected from the scattering region (2-2). The scattering range (2-2) has a high density of scattering centers which, when irradiated with coherent radiation, lead to a superposition of speckles and diffuse scattering. The signal (2-4) caused by irradiation of the scattering area (2-2) has less variance than the signal (2-3) caused by irradiation of the code area (2-1).

Both signals contain information. Performing a Fourier transform of the signals, one sees that the signal (2-3) is determined by the code range by lower frequencies, while the signal (2-4) of the scattering range is determined by higher frequencies.

The signal (2-3) from the code area is preferably used to identify the object, while the signal (2-4) from the scatter area is preferably used for authentication. The signal reflected from the code area and / or spread is directed to at least one detector where the electromagnetic signal is converted to an electronic signal. It then takes place optionally a signal filtering and the decoding of the signal. The decoding of the scatter signal or the determination of a signature from the scatter signal takes place, for example, in the manner described in WO 2005088533 (A1) and / or in WO2006016114 (A1). In this case, a Fourier-transformed signal can preferably be used to determine the signature, since the Fourier transformation has a translatory invariance - -

and thus a higher positioning tolerance is given. The decoding of the signal from the optical code takes place in the manner known for the respective optical code. Reference should be made here to the extensive literature on the decoding of optical codes (eg C. Demant, B. Streicher-Abel, P. Waszkewitz, Industrial Image Processing, Springer-Verlag, 1998, p. 133 ff, J. Rosenbaum, Barcode, Verlag Technik Berlin, 2000, p. 84 ff).

For identification and / or authentication by an electromagnetic beam, the identifier can be scanned in a dot-shaped or line-shaped manner or irradiated in a planar manner.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the signals from the code area and the spreading area are detected simultaneously, ie simultaneously. Preferably, an identifier is used for this purpose in which the code range and the scattering range overlap (see, for example, FIG. 1 (c), 1 (d)). In this case, too, the signals overlap, as illustrated by an example in FIG. 2 (c). Figure 2 (c) indicates the signal (2-6) measured on a detector in the form of a brightness curve generated by coherent electromagnetic radiation reflected from an area (2-5) of the identifier in which code area and Overlap scatter area. The signal is a superposition of the signals from FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). Accordingly, the signal includes information for identification and authentication. Since the signal (2-6) is dominated by the signal portions of the code area, a signal filter can be used which filters out the lower frequency portions of the signal from the code area (Figure 3). The result is a signal (3-2), which is still characterized by the signal from the code area, but which can be used for authentication. Because the black bars of the code area in FIG. 2 (c) absorb most of the incident electromagnetic radiation, the scatter signal is also very small in this area. Therefore, the signal originating from the code area can still be recognized in the filtered signal (3-2) in FIG. The fact that most of the light is absorbed in the dark portions of an optical code, and therefore these contributions provide only a small contribution to the leakage signal, results in lower information content for authentication. A smaller proportion of the information content means that, in principle, fewer objects can be clearly distinguished on the basis of the scattered signal. It may therefore be useful and / or necessary to increase the security that the scatter area and code area overlap little or not at all. Preferably, scattering area and code area are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the signal from the code area can be used for positioning and / or position determination of the identifier in relation to the registration unit. Due to the coarse structures of the code area, which are visible to the human eye, a manual positioning of the identifier with respect to the detection unit based on the structures of the code area is easily possible. Due to the finer structures that are used for authentication, a higher positioning accuracy of the identifier in relation to the detection unit is necessary.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by using the code area for manual and / or automatic positioning and / or position determination.

This can be done in two steps. First, the identifier and detection unit are manually positioned to each other, wherein the optical code on the code portion of the identifier or a part of the optical code is aligned with a mark on the detection unit or made coincident with a mark of the detection unit. If necessary, automated fine positioning is performed in a second step such that the code area or a part of the code area is irradiated and the signal reflected from the code area or a part of the code area is analyzed. Based on the evaluated signal, an actuator is controlled, the identifier and detection unit positioned sufficiently accurately to each other.

Positioning accuracy plays an important role in two interrelated processes: initial capture and authentication.

In the initial acquisition, it is important to position the identifier and the detection unit in such a way that an optimal signal-to-noise ratio is achieved at the detector. Namely, a signature is determined from the signal at the detector, which is used as a reference for all future authentication processes. The better the signal-to-noise ratio in the initial acquisition, the safer this object can be recognized at a later time or different from other objects, or other objects can be distinguished from this object. The optimal position is decisive for the concrete execution of the detection unit, the object and the identifier dependent. For position optimization during the initial acquisition, reference is made to the descriptions in WO 2005088533 (A1) and WO2006016114 (A1). Preferably, the identifier should be flat. The electromagnetic radiation for detecting the identifier should preferably fall perpendicular to the plane of the identifier. In the relative movement between the identifier and the detection unit to each other, in which different areas of the identifier are detected, the vertical incidence should be maintained. The degree of tilt of the identifier plane with respect to the incident radiation should be less than 10 °. Preferably, the radiation returned by the identifier should be detected in an angular range of ± 1 ° to ± 60 ° around the incident radiation. The distance between the identifier and the detection unit along the vertical Z-axis of the incident radiation should preferably be between 0.5 mm and 30 cm. The detection is preferably carried out along a straight line in the identifier plane. The length of this straight line corresponds to the length of the detected area in the X direction and is preferably between 1 mm and 30 cm. The Y-axis, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and also in the identifier plane, indicates the second dimension of the detected area. The size of the detected area along the Y-axis is dependent on the spot size of the laser and it depends on whether a detection in only one direction (X) or in a second directions (Y) is made.

In (later) authentication, the location of the identifier and the capture unit should be the same as possible, as in the initial capture. Small deviations are always given, since the object can be subject to change over time and detection units are never built absolutely identical, but have manufacturing deviations. The higher the coincidence of the situation, the safer a statement can be made as to whether or not the detected object is identical to an object that has already been detected earlier. If possible, the location of the identifier in the authentication (X, Y, Z coordinates) to the position of the identifier in the initial detection should differ by less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm. The identifier should be tilted from the first detection position by less than 10 ° (around the X axis or Y axis) and less than 10 ° (around the Z axis). Depending on the task for which the method according to the invention is used, different processes result:

1. pure identification:

The inventive method can be used in principle for the pure identification of objects:

a. Manual and / or possibly automatic positioning of identifier and detection unit with one another, the optical code or a part of the optical code of the code area and / or a marking on the detection unit preferably serving as orientation means,

b. Irradiation of the code area with electromagnetic radiation,

c. Detecting the electromagnetic radiation returned from the code area by means of at least one detector and converting the electromagnetic signal into an electronic signal,

d. if necessary digitization of the electronic signal, decoding of the digitized signal to determine an identification code,

e. if necessary, comparison of the identification code with identification codes stored in a database,

f. if necessary issue of the identification code,

G. if applicable, output of other information related to the identification code (e.g., price of a good).

2. pure authentication

The inventive method can be used in principle for the pure authentication of objects:

a. Manual and / or automatic positioning of identifier and detection unit to each other, wherein the optical code or a part of the optical codes from the code area and / or a marking of the detection unit preferably serve as orientation means,

b. if necessary, automatic fine positioning of identifier and detection unit to each other, wherein the code area or a part of the code area are irradiated with electromagnetic radiation from the

Code portion or a portion of the code area reflected light detected by means of at least one detector, and analyzed based on the analyzed signal, an actuator is controlled, which makes a fine positioning of the identifier and detection unit to each other,

c. Irradiation of the scattering area with coherent electromagnetic

Radiation,

d. Detecting the electromagnetic radiation returned by the scattering area by means of at least one detector and converting the electromagnetic signal into an electronic signal,

e. possibly signal filtering, in particular if the code area and the scattering area overlap partially or completely in order to free the scattered signal as far as possible from the code signal,

f. if necessary, digitization and decoding of the scatter signal to determine a signature,

G. if necessary, matching the signature with signatures of objects that were captured earlier,

H. if applicable, outputting information on how the signature of the object matches one of the signatures of objects that were acquired at an earlier point in time.

3. combined identification and authentication

In the combined identification and authentication, an identification and an authentication of the object take place in succession. Preferably takes place in a first step an identification and in a second step an authentication:

a. Manual and / or automatic positioning of identifier and detection unit to each other, wherein the optical code or a part of the optical code from the code area and / or a mark of the

Detection unit preferably serve as a means of orientation,

b. Irradiation of the code area with electromagnetic radiation,

c. if necessary, automatic fine positioning of the identifier and the detection unit relative to one another, wherein the light reflected from the code area or a part of the code area is detected and analyzed by means of at least one detector and an actuator is actuated based on the analyzed signal, which makes a fine positioning of the identifier and the detection unit relative to one another,

d. Detecting the returned electromagnetic radiation from the code area by means of at least one detector and conversion of the electromagnetic signal into an electronic signal, optionally digitizing the electronic signal, possibly decoding the digitized signal to determine an identification code, possibly comparing the identification code with identification codes, in a Database are stored, if necessary output of the identification code, possibly output of other information which is associated with the identification code (eg price of a product),

e. Irradiation of the scattering area with coherent electromagnetic radiation,

f. Detection of the electromagnetic energy returned by the scattering area

Radiation by means of at least one detector and conversion of the electromagnetic signal into an electronic signal, if necessary signal filtering, if the code area and the scattering area partially or completely overlap in order to free the scattered signal as far as possible from the code signal, if necessary digitization and decoding of the scattered signal to determine a signature, possibly matching the signature with signatures of objects that were acquired at an earlier time, possibly outputting information on the extent to which the signature of the object with one of the signatures of objects that been recorded at an earlier date.

4. simultaneous identification and authentication

In the case of simultaneous identification and authentication, identification and authentication of the object take place simultaneously:

a. Manual and / or automatic positioning of the identifier and the detection unit with one another, the optical code or a part of the optical code from the code area and / or a marking of the detection unit preferably serving as orientation means,

b. Irradiation of the code area and scattering area with coherent electromagnetic radiation,

c. if necessary, automatic fine positioning of identifier and

Detection unit to each other, wherein the light reflected from the code area or a part of the code area detected by at least one detector, analyzed and the basis of the analyzed signal, an actuator is controlled, which makes a fine positioning of the identifier and detection unit to each other,

d. Detecting the electromagnetic radiation returned by the code area and the scattering area by means of at least one detector and conversion of the electromagnetic signal into an electronic signal, if necessary digitization of the signal, if necessary signal filtering to determine separate signals for identification and authentication, if necessary

Digitization of the signals, possibly decoding the signal for identification to determine the identification code, possibly decoding the signal for authentication to determine the signature, possibly output of the identification code, possibly output of another information, with the identification code is related (eg price of a commodity), possibly matching the signature with signatures of objects that were collected at an earlier time, possibly outputting information on the extent to which the signature of the object with one of the signatures of objects, the been recorded at an earlier date.

It should be noted that the steps in the above-mentioned procedures do not necessarily have to be in the listed order. In particular, the signal filtering can take place before or after the digitization of the electronic signal. The signal filtering preferably takes place using electronic circuits. For example, high pass filters and / or bandpass filters are used. The specific design of the signal filter is dependent on the specific embodiment of the invention. Reference should be made here to textbooks on signal processing (e.g., Martin Meyer, Signal Processing, Analog and Digital Signals, 4th Edition, Vieweg-Verlag, 2006).

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the information from the identification flows into the process of authentication. The optical code is decoded. The decoded information provides information about the

Identity of the object. To verify the identity, it is therefore not necessary to compare the currently recorded signature with all stored in a database signatures. The information from the optical code makes it possible to reduce the number of signatures to be compared to a few (fewer than 1000) signatures, ideally to a single signature.

The method according to the invention combines the advantages of identifying objects by detecting optical codes and authenticating objects by detecting the scattering behavior. In addition, the method according to the invention leads to synergistic effects. First, the presence of the code area allows effective and efficient positioning of the identifier and the detection unit with each other. The code area makes it possible to always find the area used for authentication each time it is retrieved. Furthermore, the method according to the invention permits the use of the IT system which may already be present for identification solutions based on optical codes. In particular, the method according to the invention allows a slow migration from a pure identification solution to a combined one Identification / authentication solution. Because the identifier according to the invention can also be used for pure identification, whereby existing detection system for optical codes can be used. Thus, a user of the method according to the invention can gradually substitute the existing optical code identification systems with the detection systems of the present invention and extend the identification solution database with the ability to store and match authentication reference data sets.

Finally, the inventive method allows the use of a single detection unit for identification and authentication, possibly even for simultaneous identification and authentication. The detection unit is described in more detail below.

The subject of the present invention is also a detection unit for the parallel identification and authentication of objects.

The detection unit according to the invention comprises at least one source of coherent electromagnetic radiation, preferably with a wavelength between 300 nm and 1900 nm, particularly preferably in the range between 400 nm and 1000 nm, very particularly preferably in the range between 500 nm and 800 nm. By means of the coherent radiation source the identifier or a part of the identifier is illuminated.

The geometry of the laser spot on the surface of the identifier is preferably elliptical or linear, wherein the longer axis of the ellipse or the line is preferably perpendicular to the relative direction of movement between detection unit and identifier. The lengths of the axes of the ellipse are preferably between 1 .mu.m and 10 mm.

The detection unit according to the invention furthermore comprises at least one detector unit for recording the electromagnetic radiation returned by the identifier or a part of the identifier. The at least one detector unit converts electromagnetic radiation into electronic signals. As a detector unit such as photodiodes or cameras (CCD, CMOS) into consideration. The detection unit according to the invention preferably comprises at least one analog / digital converter (A / D converter), which converts analog electronic signals into digital electronic signals.

The detection unit according to the invention preferably comprises at least one decoding module which converts the electronic signals into digital information. The decoder module is usually a microprocessor.

In the following, some embodiments of the detection unit according to the invention are shown for clarification, but without limiting the invention to these embodiments.

A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in FIG. As a source of coherent electromagnetic radiation, a laser (4-1) is used. The coherent radiation (4-2) emitted by the laser is focused onto the surface of an identifier (4-5) by means of a mirror (4-3) and suitable lenses (4-4). The mirror (4-3) is semi-permeable. Identifier and detection unit are moved to each other (indicated by the vertical arrow next to the identifier). The radiation returned by the identifier is directed to a detector (4-6) in which the conversion to an electronic signal occurs. The electronic signal is processed by means of a signal filter so that two signals result, one signal contains predominantly information about the optical code and is used for identification and the other signal contains predominantly information about the scattering behavior and is used for authentication. The signals are decoded in the decoding block (4-8). The decoder module is connected to an external peripheral (not shown here) in which the decoded signals are further processed.

The movement of identifier and detection unit relative to each other by means of an actuator (not shown here). The movement takes place while maintaining a constant distance between the identifier and the registration unit. As Akruatoren electric motors such as servomotors, stepper motors or other motors in question. In addition, in principle, other Akruatoren in question that a relative - 1 -

Allow movement of the identifier and the detection unit towards each other, e.g. Piezo actuators.

The movement may be performed so that the identifier is stationary and the detection unit is moved; However, the movement can also be carried out so that the detection unit is stationary and the identifier is moved.

It is also possible to keep the detection unit and the identifier stationary, and to guide the electromagnetic beam via the identifier by means of a scanning device. An example of such a scanning device is shown in Figure 5, where a mirror wheel is used: A laser (5-1) emits coherent electromagnetic radiation (5-2) through a mirror with hole (5-5) on a mirror wheel (5 -3). Rotation of the mirror wheel causes the electromagnetic radiation to sweep the identifier (5-4) longitudinally. The radiation returned by the identifier is directed to a detector (5-7) by means of suitable lenses (5-6). As an alternative to the mirror wheel, an oscillating or tilting mirror can also be used. It is also possible to combine two oscillating or tilting mirrors, each of which is moved independently of one another, in order to scan the identifier not only in one dimension but in two dimensions. Likewise, it is conceivable to combine a swinging or tilting mirror with a mirror wheel in order to achieve the same effect of the areal scanning of the identifier. Of course, other optical elements which may suitably deflect electromagnetic radiation may also be used for this purpose.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the detection unit according to the invention. The previous embodiments (Figure 4, Figure 5) came with a detector. However, it may be useful and useful to equip the detection unit according to the invention with a plurality of detectors. As already explained above and from FIG. 2, the variance of the scattering signal is less than the variance of the signal obtained by scanning the optical code. Additional detectors can be used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, additional detectors allow a cross-correlation to be made between the signals measured at different detectors. The cross-correlation can be used for signal processing and detection of the signature, as described, for example, in WO 2005088533 (A1). In addition to the elements already known from FIG. 4, the embodiment in FIG. 6 has further detectors (6-1, 6-2) which are mounted at an angle laterally around the radiation incident on the identifier. These detectors are used to record the leakage signal used for authentication. Another detector (6-3) is used to record the signal for identification. Possibly. the detection unit has a signal filter (6-4), which frees the scattered signal largely from low frequencies, which result from the optical code. The decoding of the signals takes place in a decoding block (6-5). If necessary, the detector (6-3) can also be used to determine the scattered signal.

In addition to the side-mounted detectors (6-1, 6-2) further detectors can be mounted around the incident beam. The detectors are preferably located within a plane together with the incident beam. The detectors are preferably arranged in an angular range of 1 ° to 60 ° to the side of the incident beam.

FIG. 7 shows a further particular embodiment of the detection unit according to the invention. The identifier is illuminated flat by means of an expanded laser beam (7-2). The reflected by the identifier radiation is on one

Area sensor (7-4) passed. As surface sensors come e.g. Camera systems (CCD,

CMOS) in question. But even a planar arrangement of photodiodes is conceivable. The

Detector system captures the entire measuring range of the identifier at once. The signal is evaluated analogously to the example in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The positioning of the identifier relative to the detection unit can also be carried out electronically and / or by means of software with the aid of an area sensor. For this purpose, the camera section, ie the area which the area sensor detects, is larger than the identifier shown on the area sensor. The surface sensor displays the optical code and its surroundings. The brightness differences are converted by the area sensor into electronic signals. Since the individual elements of the area sensor (called pixels) are individually addressable and readable, it is possible to read in which area of the camera section the optical code is imaged. Since the geometry of the identifier and the arrangement of the scattering area and code area on the identifier are known, it can be calculated which pixels of the area sensor have to be read in order to determine the signal from the scattering area. In particular, it is possible to read out for authentication only the pixels and to use for determining the scattering behavior, which have a minimum brightness. For example, it is not possible to use the pixels on which dark areas of the optical code are mapped to determine the scattering behavior in order to avoid the problem of signal filtering.

It should be noted that the detection unit according to the invention can also be obtained by combining elements from the embodiments of FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7. So it is e.g. possible, in a detection unit according to the invention, an area detector, e.g. to combine with a photodiode. The area detector is used for rapid identification and positioning of identifier and detection unit to each other, since the area detector detects the identifier as a whole and thus no movement of the identifier and detection unit to each other must be performed. In a second step, the scattering range of the identifier is scanned by laser and the scattering behavior is detected. Furthermore, a laser is not necessarily required for identification, so that the detection unit according to the invention can be used, for example. is equipped with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), which illuminate the identifier for detecting the optical code and / or positioning of the identifier, in particular the scattering range relative to the detection unit, while a laser is used only for authentication.

Preferably, the detection unit according to the invention has a housing to protect the components from contamination. Preferably, at least one fixed element is inserted into the housing, through which the electromagnetic detection beam can exit and reach the identifier. Furthermore, the radiation returned by the identifier can preferably pass through the same window into the housing and onto the detector.

Preferably, the identifier for identification and / or authentication is positioned manually to the window. For this purpose, markings on or on the housing or on or in the window can be used. Preferably, the identifier remains stationary relative to the window and the housing while the detection unit and / or the electromagnetic radiation is moved within the housing. When using only a surface sensor as a detector unit, of course, no movement is necessary. It is conceivable to introduce several detection units side by side into the housing, in order to increase the signal / noise ratio or to be able to carry out a faster identification and / or authentication.

The detection unit according to the invention is preferably connected to a periphery in which the decoded signals are further processed. The connection to the periphery can be connected electronically via cable, via radio, optically, acoustically or via another channel of the signal transmission. The periphery preferably comprises a database with stored signatures and / or identification codes. It further preferably comprises components (microprocessors) for matching between the already recorded at an earlier time signatures and currently detected signatures. It also preferably comprises further data that can be assigned to the identification codes. Preferably, the periphery includes the possibility of providing information to a user by means of optical and / or acoustic and / or other human senses responsive signals.

It is conceivable to introduce parts of the periphery together with one or more detection units in a housing.

The inventive method and erf Erfassungndungsgemäße detection unit are suitable for the identification and / or authentication of persons, animals and all conceivable items such as packaging, letters, parcels, documents, money, identity cards, jewelry, medicines, electronic and mechanical components, intermediates, end products, more Valuables, etc.

The invention is characterized by a high degree of robustness, is stationary and mobile applicable, intuitive, inexpensive to manufacture and use and allows the combination with existing methods for identification using optical codes.

FIG. 1 shows an identifier having a code area (1-1) and a spreading area (1-2). Code area (1-1) and spreading area (1-2) may be separate (Fig. L (a)), they may partially overlap (Fig. L (b)), and one area may completely cover the other area (Fig l (c) and Fig. l (d)). FIG. 2 (a) shows the signal (2-3) measured on a detector in the form of a brightness curve generated by electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source

CnHehp.rp.irh O-Λ \ reflp.Vtiprt wirr) Fiσiir? Fl-Λ 7PiO + ^ή ac ar p '"Pf" TJW ^p VtQr "eniεSSεne

Signal (2-4) in the form of a brightness curve, which is generated by coherent electromagnetic radiation, which is reflected by the scattering range (2-2). Figure 2 (c) indicates the signal (2-6) measured on a detector in the form of a brightness curve generated by coherent electromagnetic radiation reflected from an area (2-5) of the identifier in which code area and Overlap scatter area.

FIG. 3 shows the effect of signal filtering. The signal (3-1) measured at a detector, which is generated by coherent electromagnetic radiation reflected from a region of the identifier in which the code area and the scattering area overlap, is largely filtered by signal filtering from the low-frequency components, that of the optical code come, free (3-2).

FIG. 4 shows a detection unit comprising a source (4-1) which generates coherent electromagnetic radiation (4-2), a semitransparent mirror (4-3), lenses (4-4) for focusing the electromagnetic radiation onto an identifier (FIG. 4-5), a detector (4-6), a signal filter (4-7) and a decoder module (4-8).

FIG. 5 shows a detection unit consisting of a source (5-1) which generates coherent electromagnetic radiation (5-2), a mirror with hole (5-5), lenses for focusing (5-6), a detector (5-5), 7) and a mirror wheel (5-3) which scans the electromagnetic radiation via the identifier (5-4).

FIG. 6 shows a detection unit with analog components, as in the example of FIG. 4, and additionally two detectors (6-1, 6-2) which are mounted laterally around the beam incident on the identifier. The detectors (6-1, 6-2) serve to receive the scattered signal, while the detector (6-3) serves to record the identification signal. Again, signal filters (6-4) and decoding devices (6-5) are incorporated to process the signals.

FIG. 7 shows a detection unit consisting of a source (7-1) for coherent electromagnetic radiation (7-2) which illuminates the identifier areally (7-3). One - -

Area detector (7-4) serves to receive the radiation returned by the identifier, with a mapping of the identifier to the area detector.

Claims

claims

Method for identifying and / or authenticating an object, characterized in that the object comprises an identifier with a code area containing at least one optical code and with a scatter area containing a multiplicity of scattering centers, which for identification and / or

Authentication is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the returned from the code area electromagnetic radiation for identification of the object and the electromagnetic radiation returned by the scattering area is used for authentication.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the electromagnetic radiation is coherent.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a part of the scattering area overlaps with a part of the code area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the code range is within the scattering range or the scattering range within the

Code range is located.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the identifier or a part of the identifier is scanned pointwise or linearly by means of a source of electromagnetic radiation.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the identifier or a part of the identifier is illuminated surface by means of a source of electromagnetic radiation.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that identification and authentication take place successively.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that identification and authentication take place simultaneously.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the object is positioned in a first step manually against a detection unit, in a second step, the Identiflkator or a part of the Identifϊkators is irradiated by coherent electromagnetic radiation and the returned radiation by means of at least one detector collected and in an electronic

Signal is transferred, from which a unique signature is determined.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the object is positioned in a first step manually against a detection unit, irradiated in a second step, the at least one optical code or a part of the at least one optical code by means of electromagnetic radiation and the radiation returned from the optical code or from a part of the optical code is captured by means of at least one detector and converted into an electronic signal and this electronic signal is used to drive an actuator which performs a fine positioning of the object relative to the detection unit third step, a region of the object which scatters electromagnetic radiation and whose position is uniquely determined in relation to the position of the optical code is irradiated with coherent electromagnetic radiation, and the radiation returned from the scattering region by means of at least a detector is collected and converted into an electronic signal, from which a unique signature is determined.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one detector, an area detector is used, on which the optical code is mapped, and only the bright pixels of the optical code on the area detector are used to determine a signature.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the object is irradiated in a first step by means of coherent electromagnetic radiation, in a second step, the radiation returned by the object is collected by means of at least one detector and is converted into an electronic signal , in a third step, a signal filtering is performed, which leads to the two signals, of which a signal predominantly

Information about the optical code contains and the other signal predominantly Contains information about the scattering behavior of the scattering surface of the object, wherein the first signal is used for identification and the second signal for authentication.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that one or more signatures are selected by means of the information from the optical code, which is compared with the currently determined signature.

14. An apparatus for identifying and / or authenticating an object comprising at least one coherent source for emitting electromagnetic radiation to the object, at least one detector for receiving the electromagnetic radiation returned by the object and for converting the radiation into an electronic signal, and a signal filter for filtering the electronic signal in such a way that two signals result, one of which is used for identification and the other for authentication.

A device according to claim 14, characterized in that the signal used for identification is used to drive an actuator which positions the object with respect to the at least one source of electromagnetic radiation.