EP2435994A1

EP2435994A1 - Position marking for identifying a surface region and method for identifying / authenticating on the basis of the marked surface region

Info

Publication number: EP2435994A1
Application number: EP10722939A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Gerigk; Andreas BÄCKER; Thomas Birsztejn; Ralf IMHÄUSER; Christian Roth; Walter Speth; Simon Hoff
Original assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
Current assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
Priority date: 2009-05-30
Filing date: 2010-05-18
Publication date: 2012-04-04
Also published as: JP2012529062A; CN102449669A; DE202010017843U1; DE102009023536A1; US20120162666A1; BRPI1011550A2; RU2011153768A; KR20120016152A; WO2010139396A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a position marking that can be connected to an object, distinctly identifying a designated region of a surface of the object, such that said region can be clearly differentiated from other regions of the surface. The invention further relates to the use of the position marking according to the invention for identifying surfaces for the purpose of identifying and/or authenticating, and to a method for detecting characteristic radiation patterns, preferably for the purpose of identifying and/or authenticating an object.

Description

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POSITIVE MARKING FOR IDENTIFICATION OF A SURFACE AREA AND METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION / AUTHENTICATION BASED ON THE MARKED SURFACE AREA

The invention relates to a position sensor, which can be connected to an object and uniquely identifies a designated area of a surface of the object, so that it can be clearly distinguished from other areas of the surface. The invention further relates to the use of the position sensor according to the invention for marking surfaces for the purpose of identification and / or authentication and to a method for detecting characteristic radiation patterns, preferably for the purpose of identifying and / or authenticating an object.

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.

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. 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 e.g. the Data Matrix Code defined in the International Standard ISO / IEC 16022.

In the following, machine-readable optical codes such as the abovementioned barcodes, 2D codes and matrix codes but also OCR text (OCR = Optical Character Recognition) or similar optically machine-readable codes are summarized under the generic term optical codes.

On the one hand, optical codes can be produced simply and extremely inexpensively (pressure) and on the other hand, they can be quickly and stably optically recorded, ie read out. They are therefore ideally suited for the identification of objects. In particular, optical codes are suitable for object tracking (track & trace). An object, for example, is assigned a unique number 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 do not provide forgery protection because they are easy to copy and reproduce.

Badges, banknotes, products, etc. are now provided with counterfeit protection elements that can only be imitated with special knowledge and / or high technical effort. Such elements are referred to herein as security elements. Security elements are preferably inseparably connected to the objects to be protected. The attempt to separate the security elements from the object preferably leads to their destruction, so that the security elements can not be misused.

The authenticity of an object can be verified by the presence of one or more security elements. The method of verifying the authenticity of an object is referred to herein as authentication.

Optical security elements such as e.g. Watermarks, specialty inks, guilloche patterns, micro-typefaces and holograms are established worldwide. An overview of optical security elements, which are particularly but not exclusively suitable for document protection, is published in the following book: Rudolf L. van Renesse, Optical Document Security, Third Edition, Artech House Boston / London, 2005 (pp 63-259).

There are also methods of identification and / or authentication that do not use features other than those provided by the object itself.

WO2005 / 088533 (A1) describes a method with which objects can be identified and authenticated on the basis of their characteristic surface structure. The method comes without additional means such as security elements that are connected to the objects from. In the method, a laser beam is focused on the surface of the object, across the surface moves (scanning) and detected by means of photodetectors at different points 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 because it is due to coincidences in the production of the object. 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 random features of the object used by the method WO2005 / 088533 (A1) result in very high protection against counterfeiting.

The method described in WO2005 / 088533 (A1) comprises the steps of initial detection and re-detection. During the initial detection, the characteristic scattered radiation of a defined surface area is measured. The measured scattered radiation is stored - e.g. as a code on the object itself or as a record in a database. Upon re-detection, the characteristic scattered radiation is again recorded and with one or more

Data sets of stored scattered radiation compared to identify the object or confirm the identity of the object.

In order to be able to use the method described in WO2005 / 088533 (A1) for identifying and authenticating objects, it must be ensured that the surface area at the time of re-detection is the same as the surface area during the initial detection.

With increasingly larger objects, the choices for the area to capture become increasingly larger. WO2005 / 088533 (A1) describes that unique markings on the object can be used to uniquely define the detection area. It is also possible to create prominent points or boundaries of the object, e.g. an edge may be used on a paper document to define and position the detection area. Such prominent points, boundaries or markers are referred to collectively as position sensor.

Ideally, position sensors are located in the immediate vicinity of the detection area. If the position sensor and the detection range are increasingly far apart, the position determination of the detection range becomes increasingly more difficult. There may be objects that are used as high-quality components in machines (for example, aerospace or military technology) and have positioners. However, it is conceivable that the surface areas in the immediate vicinity of the position sensors either are not suitable for detecting characteristic scattered radiation at all or are hidden in the finished machine. In such a case, the position determination of the detection area is difficult.

There are also objects that do not have unique locators, such as high quality perfume bottles with rounded edges and corners. Such objects would be either from - -

the method described in WO2005 / 088533 (A1) or a large part of the surface would have to be detected during the initial detection, in order to achieve a high probability that the detected region at least partially coincides with the first detection region upon a new detection.

Likewise, it is conceivable that paper-like objects which have a printed position encoder, this e.g. could lose as a result of water damage. In such a case, the paper-like object would most likely still be accessible to the method described in WO2005 / 088533 (A1), but the missing position encoder would make the process of identification and / or authentication more difficult. The same applies to a paper-like object in which one edge of the paper has been used as a position transmitter, which has frayed over time.

The larger the captured area, the larger the recorded amount of data. However, the amount of data that can be stored in an optical code on the object itself is limited. Increasing amounts of data in databases increase costs and slow down the speed of identification and / or authentication when accessing the stored data records online. For this reason, it would be advantageous to use the smallest possible detection range. However, the smaller the detection range, the more difficult it is to determine its exact position.

Although the method described in WO2005088533 (A1) thus represents a very tamper-proof method for the identification of objects, there are numerous limitations in the use in practice.

It would be desirable to be able to use said method also for objects which either have no position encoders or in which potential position encoders are far away from the detection area. It would be desirable to be able to use the said method also for objects in which only position encoders are present which can easily be damaged. It would be desirable to be able to use the method unrestrictedly even for small detection areas, without making the position determination more difficult as the size of the detection area decreases.

Based on the state of the art, the object thus arises of providing a solution for an object which, on account of its surface or volume character, in principle, for identification and / or authentication on the basis of characteristic features - -

Radiation pattern is suitable, regardless of its size, shape and nature in practice such a method is accessible.

Surprisingly, it has been found that this object can be achieved simply and efficiently by a position sensor which is connected to an object and which has a designated area which finally marks a surface area of the object.

The subject of the present invention is therefore a position transmitter for attachment to an object, at least comprising an identification area which finally marks a selected surface area of the object.

A final labeling of a surface area is understood to mean that

Area of the surface of an object by means of the position sensor according to the invention is highlighted and compared to other surface areas so delimited that this

Surface area is clearly distinguishable from all other surface areas and that there is no surface area for which there is uncertainty as to whether or not it belongs to the designated surface area.

The position indicator accordingly identifies a region of the surface of an object by means of a marking region which is to be used to detect a characteristic radiation pattern.

It is conceivable that the position sensor according to the invention comprises more than one identification area.

The detection of a characteristic radiation pattern is understood to mean a method in which a region of an object is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation and the radiation emitted by the object is recorded by means of suitable detectors and converted into a storable signal. The radiation with which the object is irradiated is referred to below as the input signal and the radiation emanating from the object as the output signal. It is conceivable that the output radiation is reflected and / or scattered radiation. In such a case, the detection of the characteristic radiation pattern takes place in reflection, ie the source for the input signal and detectors for the output signal are located on the same side as seen from the object. It is also conceivable that the detection of the output signal occurs in transmission, ie the source for the input signal and detectors for the output signal are on different sides of the object seen from the object, and parts of the input and the output signal must be part of the object - -

penetrate. Examples of the detection of characteristic radiation patterns are discussed below.

The position sensor has at least one surface which can be brought into positive contact with a part of the surface of an object. Since the surface region of an object which is preferably designed to be planar for detecting a characteristic radiation pattern, the position sensor according to the invention also has at least one planar surface.

The identification area of the position sensor according to the invention is preferably designed as a recess. The position transmitter therefore comprises an area which can be brought into contact with a part of the surface of an object and which has a recess which uniquely and conclusively identifies that surface area of the object which lies in the area of the recess in the case of contact between position sensor and object.

The surface of the position sensor according to the invention preferably exhibits a different behavior upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation than the marked surface area of the object. If, for example, the object is a paper-like object which, when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, scatters it over a wide angular range, the surface of the position sensor is preferably either mirror-like or designed so that the irradiated radiation is completely or almost completely absorbed. This has the advantage that, as far as possible, no or very little radiation emanates from the position sensor itself, which could lead to an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio during the detection of the characteristic radiation pattern.

In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor according to the invention comprises a layer which is at least partially transparent to the input signal. This layer is referred to below as a transparent layer. If the output signal is measured in reflection, then the transparent layer is also at least partially transparent for the output signal.

The transparent layer includes or includes the identification area. The use of a transparent layer has the advantage that the surface area for detection by the transparent layer is protected from damage by environmental influences such as dust, scratches, moisture and the like. The marked surface area is covered by the transparent layer but, due to the transparency, remains accessible for the detection of characteristic radiation patterns. Preferably, the position sensor is provided with means for connection to a part of the surface of an object. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is designed, for example, as a self-adhesive label, ie it has an adhesive layer which, when in contact with a part of the surface of an object, connects the position transmitter and the object to one another.

The connection between the position transmitter and the object can be made detachable or non-detachable. A detachable connection means a connection that can be released without evidently leaving traces of the former connection on the object or on the position transmitter. An undetachable connection is understood to mean a connection in which the object and / or the position sensor is damaged when trying to release the connection. Thus, if the undetachable connection has been forcibly released, apparently clear traces remain on the locator and / or on the object indicating a peel attempt.

The position sensor may have further features. In a preferred embodiment, the position transmitter has at least one optical code. The optical code may include, for example, information about the identity of the object. For example, it may comprise the characteristic radiation pattern of the designated surface area in digital form. This makes it possible to considerably speed up the process of identifying the object. If it is not known which object is involved in this case, it would be necessary to compare the characteristic radiation pattern of the object with all the radiation patterns of objects stored in a database in order to identify the object whose radiation pattern is involved most closely matches the present object (so-called 1: n alignment in the presence of a number n of radiation patterns). If the identity of an object can already be determined by the optical code, then only its authenticity must be checked in a so-called 1: 1 comparison with the currently detected radiation pattern of the present object. The 1: 1 comparison requires much less time than a 1: «comparison with a number n of existing radiation patterns with« »l.

The position sensor according to the invention may have any shape; it may be round, elliptical, oval or n-shaped, for example. The size of the position sensor according to the invention is preferably between 10 mm ² and 10,000 mm ² .

The position sensor according to the invention is suitable for the final marking of a surface area. The object of the present invention is thus also the use of the Position encoder for the final marking of a surface area of an object. For this purpose, the position sensor according to the invention with the object is detachably or permanently connected. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is permanently connected to the object. In this preferred embodiment, the position sensor preferably simultaneously acts as a security element. By attempting to remove the locator from the object, the locator is rendered unusable. The locator may include other security features to further enhance counterfeit security, such as watermarks, specialty inks, guilloche patterns, microfonts, and / or holograms.

The insolubility of the connection between the position transmitter and the object can be achieved by various features and their combination. It is e.g. conceivable to introduce a release layer within the position sensor. The adhesive layer for bonding to an object and the separating layer are matched to one another such that the forces which hold the separating layer together are weaker than the forces which hold the position transmitter and the object together via the adhesive layer. The attempt to remove the position sensor from the object, therefore, leads rather to a separation of the separation layer than to a detachment of the adhesive layer from the object. The separation layer therefore represents a predetermined breaking point.

Another feature that indicates a detachment attempt are, for example, substances that undergo an irreversible color change on exceeding and / or falling below a certain temperature limit. It is known that adhesive layers can only exert their adhesive power within a limited temperature range (effective adhesion area). At low temperatures, the adhesive can become brittle and thus fragile; at high temperatures, the glue may soften. This allows a potential counterfeiter, by temperature change above or below the range in which the adhesive layer is effective to make a detachment of the position sensor from the object. Therefore, such an experiment results in the inventive security element to an irreversible visible change of the security element, indicating the attack attempt. Preferably, the irreversible color change occurs at least 5 Kelvin below the upper temperature limit of the effective adhesive area and / or at least 5 Kelvin above the lower temperature limit of the effective Kle area.

Also, the introduction of punched holes can prevent a reversible detachment of the position sensor from the object by leading to a division of the position sensor in a detachment attempt. Forces acting on the position sensor during a detachment attempt are deliberately channeled through the punches and lead to its division. The division is preferably irreversible, which can be achieved, for example, by the fact that the punching is not done by all - -

Layers of the position encoder drove, so that at a division a layer in which no punching is present through the division undergoes an irreversible, recognizable separation (destruction).

The position sensor is preferably used to clearly highlight the area of a surface to be used for detecting characteristic radiation patterns. The detection of characteristic radiation patterns preferably takes place for the identification and / or authentication of an object. For this purpose, the object is designed so that emanating from the object when irradiated with an input signal, a characteristic output, which can be used for unambiguous recognition of the object (identification) and / or verification of the identity of the object (authentication). The subject matter of the present invention is therefore also methods for detecting characteristic radiation patterns, preferably for the purpose of identifying and / or authenticating an object, comprising at least the following steps:

(A) attaching a position sensor to an object, the position indicator uniquely and conclusively marking a surface area of the object,

(B) irradiation of the marked surface area with electromagnetic radiation,

(C) detecting radiation emanating from the object

(D) Determination and storage of a characteristic radiation pattern based on the detected radiation.

The attachment in step (A) may, depending on the embodiment of the position sensor and the object, be accomplished by a technique for joining objects known to those skilled in the art, for example by gluing, laminating, welding, brazing or other techniques.

The irradiation in step (B) takes place, depending on the nature of the object, with polychromatic or monochromatic radiation in a wavelength range at which the object generates a characteristic radiation pattern upon irradiation. Likewise, the shape of the radiation profile (point, line or area irradiation) is adapted to the object and the nature of the characteristic radiation pattern. - 1 -

If the random surface texture of an object is used to identify and / or authenticate the object using the method described in WO2005 / 088533 (A1), the marked surface area is preferably scanned by means of monochromatic radiation with a line-shaped beam profile. If the object has metal identification platelets as described, for example, in WO2009 / 036878 (A1), its random distribution and / or orientation can be used to identify and / or authenticate the object. For this purpose, the object can be irradiated by means of polychromatic electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range in which the metal identification platelets are reflective. The irradiation is preferably carried out in the form of a scan by means of a linear Strahlungspro fils. Details can be found in the application PCT / EP2009 / 000450.

If the object has randomly distributed luminescent nanoparticles, as described, for example, in US2007 / 0054120A1, their distribution in the object can be used for identification and / or authentication. For example, the object can be illuminated areally by means of radiation at the excitation wavelength.

The detection of the characteristic radiation pattern in step (C) and the derivation and storage of a characteristic radiation pattern in step (D) occur depending on the nature of the object and the nature of the radiation emanating from the object. Reference is made in each individual case to the respective methods for detecting the characteristic radiation patterns (see, for example, WO2009 / 036878 (A1), PCT / EP2009 / 000450, US2007 / 0054120A1).

Usually photodetectors are used to detect radiation, which convert incident electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal. Examples of photodetectors are photodiodes, phototransistors and CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors.

The electrical signal can then optionally be stored as a digital file in a database after an analog-to-digital conversion or printed on the object or the position encoder in the form of an optical code.

The subsequent identification and / or authentication of the object comprises at least the following steps: - -

(a) irradiation of the marked surface area with electromagnetic radiation,

(b) determining a characteristic radiation pattern from the detected radiation,

(c) comparison of the characteristic radiation pattern with at least one

Radiation pattern collected and stored earlier,

(d) outputting a message regarding the identity / authenticity of the object as a function of the result of the comparison in step (c).

The identification and / or authentication of an object is preferably carried out by machine.

For steps (a) and (b), what is already written above for steps (B), (C) and (D) applies.

For the comparison in step (c), the characteristic radiation pattern usually does not agree 100% with a radiation pattern determined at an earlier time. The reason for this is, for example, the fact that the surface of the object is subject to an aging process and the characteristic radiation pattern changes as a result of environmental influences. As a rule, therefore, a threshold value S is set. If the degree of correspondence between the characteristic radiation pattern and a radiation pattern determined at an earlier time, e.g. S or more, a match is considered given, if the degree of agreement is below S, the compared records are considered different.

The radiation patterns are usually in machinable form, ie, for example, as a number table. The comparison of the data sets can be made on the basis of the complete number table or on the basis of characteristic features from the number table. For this purpose, for example, known pattern matching methods can be used in which similarities between the data sets is sought (see, for example, Image Analysis and Processing: 8th International Conference, ICIAP '95, San Remo, Italy, September 13-15, 1995. Proceedings ( Lecture Notes in Computer Science), WO 2005088533 (A1), WO2006016114 (A1), 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, US Pat. No. 7333641 B2, DE10260642 A1, DE10260638 A1, EP1435586B1). - 1 -

In step (d), a message is issued regarding the identity and / or authenticity of the object depending on the result of the comparison in step (c).

In step (d), e.g. a message is issued as to whether the object is authentic

Object or a forgery. It is e.g. it is possible to use a light signal for this purpose: if the data sets compared in step (c) are considered to be coincident, it is obviously not a forgery and it will be lit up e.g. a green light on; apply in

Step (c) compared records as mismatching, it is obviously a fake and it will be lit e.g. a red light on. Alternatively, it is also an acoustic one

Signal or other message that is detectable with the human senses conceivable. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the degree of agreement via a printer, monitor or

To spend something similar.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures and examples, without, however, to be limited thereto.

In FIGS. 1 (a), (b), (c) and (d), preferred embodiments of the position sensor according to the invention are shown schematically. All embodiments are shown in the plan.

FIG. 1 (a) shows a position sensor 1 which comprises a recess which represents the identification area 2. By attaching the position sensor to an object, the surface area of the object that is contained within the identification area 2 is highlighted and uniquely and finally marked.

FIG. 1 (b) shows a position sensor 1 which has a transparent layer as the marking region 2. By attaching the position sensor to an object, that surface area of the object that lies below the identification area 2 is highlighted and clearly and finally marked. At the same time, it is protected against harmful environmental influences.

The surface 3 of the position sensors in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) is preferably designed such that they emit no signal or a signal as strongly different as possible upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation than the surface area of the object which the position sensors mark.

Figure l (c) shows a position sensor 1, which is designed as a transparent layer composite. An LM marking, which can be realized by printing, marks the outer one - 1 -

Frame of the layer composite. By attaching the position sensor to an object, that surface area of the object which lies below the layer composite and within the marking 4 is highlighted and clearly and finally identified. At the same time, it is protected against harmful environmental influences. In the example of FIG. 1 (d), the marking is not applied to the outside region of the layer composite, but instead identifies a delimited region within the position sensor. As the layer composite, for example, a biaxially oriented polyester film provided with an adhesive layer can be used. Such films are sold, for example, under the trade name ^Tesa® film by the company tesa SE.

Figures 2 (a) and (b) show schematically a preferred embodiment of the position sensor according to the invention, which is designed as a self-adhesive label.

Figure 2 (a) shows the locator in plan view, Figure 2 (b) in cross-section through the dashed line between the points A and A 'shown in Figure 2 (a).

The position encoder has three types of punches: radial safety punches 20 in the edge area of the position sensor, wave-shaped safety punches 21 which run over the position transmitter and an outer contour punching (22) in the edge area.

The position encoder also has an optical code in which information about the identity of the object can be stored.

The position sensor is designed as a layer composite. The layer sequence beginning with the lowest layer is: an adhesive protection layer 10, an adhesive layer 11, a layer comprising a pulp 12, a print layer 13 and a protective layer 14. The fibrous layer 12 in the present case, in addition to providing a predetermined breaking point in a release test (release layer) nor the function of recording for the printing ink (printing layer).

The layer sequence shown in FIG. 2 (b) can be realized, for example, as follows: The lower region is formed by the special paper 7110 from 3M (3M 7110 litho paper, white). This special paper is a composite material that already includes the layer sequence adhesive protective layer, adhesive layer and fibrous layer. The adhesive layer is a strongly adhering acrylate adhesive whose adhesion to the substrate (eg polyethylene or polypropylene) according to the manufacturer is higher than the strength of the fibrous layer. Thus, the fibrous layer acts as a release layer, which ruptures during a separation attempt. - -

The special paper 7110 is temperature resistant in the range of -4O ⁰ C to 175 ° C. The matt surface allows printing and thus provides the surface for printing with an optical code (and possibly other printed images).

A primer on special paper 7110 (eg Indigo Topaz 10 Solution MPS-2056-42 from Hewlett Packard) can be used for better adhesion of the printing ink. On the primer a color change layer and a print layer can be applied by means of known printing techniques (eg digital printing). For example, ThermaFlag W / B from the manufacturer Flexo & Gravure Ink is suitable as a color change layer which causes an irreversible color change when a temperature of about 12O ⁰ C is exceeded. From transparent to black. The color of the cover is preferably printed only in the code area. The optical code is printed on the envelope color by means of known printing techniques (eg digital printing). The conclusion of the composite forms a protective layer, for example, the laminate PET Overlam RP35 UPM Raflatac, which can be applied by known lamination.

reference numeral

1 position sensor

2 marking area

3 Surface of the position sensor

4 line marker

10 adhesive protection layer

11 adhesive layer

12 fibrous layer

13 print layer

14 protective layer

20 radial safety punching

21 wave-shaped safety punching

22 outer contour punching

60 optical code

Claims

- Patent claims

A position encoder for attachment to an object, at least comprising a surface which can be brought into positive contact with a part of the surface of an object, and an identification area which finally marks a selected surface area of the object.

2. Position sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking area is designed as a recess.

3. Position sensor according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the marking region is designed as a transparent layer which is at least partially transparent at least for a portion of electromagnetic radiation.

4. Position sensor according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises means for connecting the position sensor with an object.

5. Position sensor according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is designed as a self-adhesive label.

6. Position sensor according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it with

Exception of the marking area is executed mirroring.

7. Position sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is designed, with the exception of the identification range, that it predominantly absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range.

8. Use of a position sensor according to one of claims 1 to 7 for the final

Marking a surface area of an object.

9. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the position sensor is detachably connected to the object.

10. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the position sensor is permanently connected to the object.

11. A method for detecting characteristic radiation patterns comprising at least the following steps: (A) attaching a position sensor to an object, the position indicator uniquely and conclusively marking a surface area of the object,

(B) irradiation of the marked surface area with electromagnetic radiation,

(C) detecting radiation emanating from the object