EP3528215B1 - System and method for electrically testing and closing a security document, in particular a passport - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system and a method for electrically checking and closing a foldable security document, in particular a passport.

According to the state of the art, security documents such as e.g. passports are known which have so-called security features or characteristic features for protection against misuse, falsification and/or total forgery. Such security features make it possible to check the authenticity of the security document, since some of the security features cannot be reproduced by counterfeiters or can only be reproduced with insufficient quality.

Security documents must also be inspected during production or processing, e.g. checked electrically and/or optically for their security features. For example, production errors can be identified, which can lead to incorrect results, especially in the authenticity check.

In particular, security documents with RFID chips must be checked for data offset after production. This means in particular that it is checked whether the RFID chip matches the security document, i.e. whether the data stored and readable on the RFID chip does not contradict the printed data of the security document. After checking, the document must be closed.

Conventional systems require several modules for this task in order to be able to carry out the test. These modules take up space and require increased automation effort. State of the art is in DE102004022744A to find disclosing the preamble of the first claim.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective and space-saving device and a corresponding method and system for electrically checking and closing a security document, which enable documents to be checked flexibly.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent system claim 1 and independent method claim 8 . beneficial Embodiments of the system are given in the dependent claims 2 to 7 and advantageous embodiments of the method are in Subclaims 9 to 12 specified. These and other embodiments are described below.

• eine elektrische Erfassungseinrichtung zur Erfassung elektrisch erfassbarer Informationen, insbesondere eines oder mehrerer elektrisch erfassbarer Merkmale, die dazu eingerichtet ist, einen Träger elektrisch erfassbarer Informationen, insbesondere ein RFID-Transponder, in einem Sicherheitsdokument elektrisch zu prüfen; und
• eine mechanische Einrichtung, insbesondere einen Schwenkhebel, der dazu ausgebildet ist, ein geöffnetes Sicherheitsdokument zuzuklappen,

umfasst.A device is described, which is not part of the claimed subject matter, for electrically testing and closing a foldable security document, in particular a passport book, the device

• an electrical detection device for detecting electrically detectable information, in particular one or more electrically detectable features, which is set up to electrically check a carrier of electrically detectable information, in particular an RFID transponder, in a security document; and
• a mechanical device, in particular a pivoted lever, which is designed to close an opened security document,

includes.

In particular, the pivoting lever is designed to be pivotable from a substantially vertical position into a substantially horizontal position.

Furthermore, in particular the electrical detection device is designed to electrically check or read out the electrically detectable information stored on the carrier.

A security document is to be understood in particular as a document which is designed in such a way that the authenticity of the document can be verified. In other words, the security document has at least one security feature which can be used to verify the authenticity of the document. Such security features are designed in such a way that it is difficult, in particular for counterfeiters, to reproduce the security features true to the original.

The electrically detectable features are, in particular, electrical security features, such as an electrically stored passport number, which are stored on a corresponding carrier, such as an RFID ( radio-frequency identification ) chip or transponder.

Security documents can be e.g. passports (such as travel or diplomatic passports), ID cards, or driving licenses.

According to a further embodiment, the foldable security document is a book document, in particular a passport book, e.g. a passport, the book document having a book cover with a first book cover and a second book cover which is hinged or foldable to the first book cover on a spine and at least has a page which is connected to the spine and can be arranged between the first book cover and the second book cover.

At least one side can be made of any material, in particular paper or a plastic. Depending on the material and thickness, the side can have a different strength or flexural rigidity. Of course, according to one embodiment, the book document may have both paper pages and plastic pages.

In particular, at least one side can also be a plastic card with an integrated chip, such as an RFID chip or transponder.

According to one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the electrical detection device has an RFID reader, which is designed to be able to read out the carrier of electrically detectable information, in particular the RFID transponder or chip, in the security document.

According to a further embodiment of the device, the device has a positioning device for positioning the security document or a receiving device for receiving the security document.

In a further embodiment of the device, the electrical detection device has a device for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular an antenna. The device for sending and/or receiving electromagnetic waves is preferably designed in such a way that the device can be moved relative to the positioning device.

According to a further embodiment of the device, the electronic detection device is arranged in the device according to the invention so that it can move along at least a first direction, preferably on or on a first guide device such as a rail. Advantageously, this allows the electronic detection device to be moved to the security document to be checked.

According to a further embodiment of the device, the device also has an optical detection device for detecting optically perceptible information, in particular one or more optically perceptible features, with the optical detection device in particular having a camera or a camera system.

An optically perceptible feature is to be understood in particular as any feature of the security document that is reflected by the security document by means of scattered, emitted or transmitted light, in particular visible light, ultraviolet radiation or ultraviolet light and/or infrared radiation or infrared light, can be perceived by a suitable sensor or detector.

According to a further embodiment of the device, the optical detection device is designed to optically detect an access number (CAN, Card Access Number ) printed on the security document.

Furthermore, the electronic capture device is preferably arranged in the device according to the invention so that it can be moved along at least the first direction such that the electronic capture device can be arranged in a first position in which the electronic capture device is not positioned between the passport document to be checked and the optical capture device, i.e. in which the line of sight between the optical detection device and the security document to be checked is not blocked by the electronic detection device, and the electronic detection device can be arranged in a second position in which the security document to be checked is optimally positioned in the effective range of the electronic detection device.

In particular, the optically perceptible information or features are surface structures or printed information. The printed features can be, in particular, a guilloche pattern, in particular a multicolored one, microwriting, a print that luminesces under UV illumination, a printed feature with an optically variable color, a hologram, in particular a holographic portrait, a kinegram, a machine-readable zone or trade a watermark. A surface structure can be, for example, an engraving, in particular a laser engraving, a tactile feature, a surface embossing, a window or a perforation, in particular a laser perforation. Furthermore, the optically perceptible feature can be, for example, a mottled fiber, in particular a luminescent one, or a security thread. The printed features can, for example, be fonts with such a small font size that they can only be reproduced true to the original with high-precision printing processes. An optical check is to be understood in particular as the detection of visible or invisible (eg UV and/or IR radiation) light which is scattered, reflected or emitted by the security document or which is radiated or transmitted by it. For this purpose, the security document is illuminated by a suitable light source, for example, and the intensity and/or the wavelength of the scattered, reflected, emitted or transmitted light is recorded or measured using the respective optical detection device or devices. In particular, at least one image of the Security document included, for example, when the respective detection device is designed as a camera.

During the optical check, an image of the security document is captured or recorded, in particular an image of the access number. It goes without saying that the visual inspection after the image has been recorded can include further steps, in particular data processing and/or image processing steps, which can be carried out, for example, with a computer connected to the optical detection devices. For example, a camera lens of the optical detection device can be located at the viewing position. In this case in particular, the direction is a viewing direction of the detection device. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to position the optical detection device at a distance from the viewing position, with the light scattered, reflected, emitted or transmitted by the security document being deflected, e.g. by a mirror or a light guide (optical fiber) in such a way that it reaches the optical detection device meets. In the latter case, the mirror or an end of the light guide facing the security document is defined as the observation position, so that the corresponding direction runs from the mirror or end of the light guide to the security document.

It is advantageously possible with the device to implement the individual test steps as well as the closing in one device and consequently in a very small volume.

By means of the device, the system complexity and the installation space and automation effort required for processing and/or test stations can advantageously be reduced. The invention therefore enables a variable, customer-oriented inspection concept for security documents.

According to one embodiment of the device, the device also has an illumination device for illuminating the security document with visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light.

According to a further embodiment of the device, the optical detection device is set up to detect the visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light reflected, scattered and/or transmitted by the security document due to the irradiation with visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light by the illumination device to detect, so that the security document can be optically checked by means of visible, ultraviolet and / or infrared light.

In this context, 'transmits' means in particular that the light passes through at least one opening or a transparent area of the security document.

In the context of the present specification, visible light or white light is to be understood as meaning electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 380 nm and 780 nm.

In the context of the present specification, the term infrared radiation or infrared light (also referred to as IR light or IR radiation) means electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 780 nm up to and including 1 mm.

In connection with the present specification, ultraviolet light or ultraviolet radiation (UV light or UV radiation) is understood to mean electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 1 nm up to and including 380 nm.

In particular, a radiation source for irradiating the security document with infrared radiation or infrared light can be provided, with different areas of the security document being heated to different degrees by the irradiation with infrared radiation, in particular due to the different material composition of these areas. The various areas of the heated security document then emit infrared radiation with different wavelengths and/or different intensities, with the infrared radiation being detected by the optical detection device and used for optically checking the security document. In this case, the irradiation with the infrared light serves in particular to create a thermal imbalance between the different areas of the security document.

The areas can be, for example, pages or covers of a book document or passport or sections of a page or a book cover of the book document or passport.

Alternatively, the thermal imbalance can also be created in some other way, for example by direct heating (via thermal conduction) or by transferring the security document from a warmer environment to a colder environment.

In particular, a processing step of the security document, for example a printing process or the introduction of a perforation, can lead to different areas of the security document being heated to different degrees. In particular, when the security document is checked immediately after such a processing step using the inventive device for optical checking, the infrared radiation emitted by the different areas of the security document with different wavelengths and/or different intensities can be used for the optical checking of the security document.

In the case of an optical test using infrared radiation, the optical detection device is, in particular, a thermal imaging camera.

In particular, the illumination device for illuminating the security document with infrared light is also set up for illuminating the security document with visible light; that is, the same light source of the lighting device is used to generate the visible light and the infrared light. A switching device is preferably provided for switching between the generation of the visible light and the infrared light. As an alternative to this, the device for optical checking can of course also have a white light source for illuminating the security document with visible light and a separate infrared light source for illuminating the security document with infrared light as the lighting device.

Furthermore, an RFID transponder of the security document, for example, can also be supplied with energy by the effect of an alternating electromagnetic field, e.g. of a suitable reading device, in such a way that the RFID transponder heats up. The heat radiation from the RFID transponder, which is warmer than the rest of the security document, can then be detected by means of the correspondingly configured optical detection device.

Visible light is preferably emitted here by the security document. Alternatively, UV light can also be emitted from the security document. The emitted UV light can, for example, be UV light scattered, reflected and/or transmitted by the security document.

The security document can, for example, contain a luminescent substance, particularly at certain positions (e.g. in the form of luminescent letters or mottled fibers), which, when irradiated with UV light, emits visible light that is detected by the optical detection device. A luminescent substance can be, for example, a fluorescent or phosphorescent substance.

The illumination device for illuminating the security document with the ultraviolet light is in particular also set up for illuminating the security document with the visible light, ie the same light source of the illumination device is used to generate the visible light and the UV light. Likewise, the illumination device for illuminating the security document with the ultraviolet light can also be set up for illuminating the security document with the infrared light. Of course it is also possible that the illumination device for illuminating the security document with UV light is set up both for illuminating the security document with visible light and for illuminating the security document with infrared light. A switching device is preferably provided for switching between the generation of visible light, UV light and/or infrared light. Alternatively, the device for optical verification can of course also have a white light source for illuminating the security document with the visible light and a separate UV light source for illuminating the security document with the UV light or at least one separate white light source, infrared light source and/or UV light source have as a lighting device.

• eine Vorrichtung (100) zur elektrischen Prüfung und Schließen eines aufklappbaren Sicherheitsdokuments (13), insbesondere eines Passbuches, umfassend- eine elektrische Erfassungseinrichtung (3) zur Erfassung elektrisch erfassbarer Informationen, insbesondere eines oder mehrerer elektrisch erfassbarer Merkmale, die dazu eingerichtet ist, einen Träger elektrisch erfassbarer Informationen, insbesondere ein RFID-Transponder, in einem Sicherheitsdokument (13) elektrisch zu prüfen, insbesondere die auf dem Träger gespeicherten elektrisch erfassbaren Informationen elektrisch zu prüfen bzw. auszulesen, und- eine mechanische Einrichtung, insbesondere einen Schwenkhebel, der dazu ausgebildet ist, ein geöffnetes Sicherheitsdokument zuzuklappen,wobei die Vorrichtung (100) eine optische Erfassungseinrichtung (1) zur Erfassung optisch wahrnehmbarer Informationen aufweist, insbesondere eines oder mehrerer optisch wahrnehmbarer Merkmale, wobei die optische Erfassungseinrichtung (1) insbesondere eine Kamera oder ein Kamerasystem aufweist; und wobei das Prüf- und Schließsystem weiterhin eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung (9) zur Aufnahme eines Sicherheitsdokuments (13) aufweist, wobei die Aufnahmeeinrichtung (3) wenigstens eine Blockadeeinrichtung (14) aufweist, welche dazu eingerichtet ist, zumindest ein Element des Sicherheitsdokuments (13) in Bezug zu einem weiteren Element des Sicherheitsdokuments (13) in einer geöffneten Position zu positionieren, wobei die Blockadeeinrichtung (15) dazu eingerichtet ist, das Element zu dem weiteren Element in einer ersten Winkelposition von 20° bis 70° zu positionieren, insbesondere in einer ersten Winkelposition von 45.

The invention relates to a checking and closing system for a foldable security document. The testing and locking system according to the invention includes:

• a device (100) for electrically checking and closing a foldable security document (13), in particular a passport booklet, comprising an electrical detection device (3) for detecting electrically detectable information, in particular one or more electrically detectable features, which is set up for a carrier electrically detectable information, in particular an RFID transponder, in a security document (13), in particular to electrically check or read out the electrically detectable information stored on the carrier, and a mechanical device, in particular a pivoted lever, which is designed for this purpose to close an opened security document, the device (100) having an optical detection device (1) for detecting optically perceptible information, in particular one or more optically perceptible features, the optical detection device (1) in particular a K has amera or a camera system; and wherein the checking and locking system also has a receiving device (9) for receiving a security document (13), wherein the receiving device (3) has at least one blocking device (14) which is set up to block at least one element of the security document (13) in In relation to a further element of the security document (13) in an open position, the blocking device (15) being set up to position the element in relation to the further element in a first angular position of 20° to 70°, in particular in a first Angular position of 45.

An element of the security document can in particular be a page or a book cover, for example a passport book.

According to a further embodiment, the receiving device is arranged to be movable along at least a second direction, preferably on or on a second guide device, such as a rail. Advantageously, the receiving device through the second guide device in the inventive system can be pushed in or out. Furthermore, the recording device can preferably be positioned within the recording area or in the line of sight of the optical detection system.

The blocking device preferably comprises at least one first clamping device, which is designed to fix at least one element of the security document, in particular in a horizontal position.

According to a further embodiment of the checking and locking system according to the invention, the blocking device is further designed to the element to the further to position the element in an angular position of at least 90°, for example in a second angular position of 180° C.

In addition to the at least first clamping device, the blocking device preferably includes a second clamping device which is designed to fix the further element of the security document, in particular in a vertical position.

• Elektrische Prüfung eines aufklappbaren Sicherheitsdokuments durch Erfassung elektrisch erfassbarer Informationen, insbesondere eines oder mehrerer elektrisch erfassbarer Merkmale,
• Bereitstellen des aufklappbaren Sicherheitsdokuments in einem ersten geöffneten Zustand, wobei ein Element des Sicherheitsdokuments zu einem weiteren Element in eine Winkel von 20° bis 70° positioniert ist; und
• Zuklappen des geöffneten Sicherheitsdokuments.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for electrically checking and closing a foldable security document. The method according to the invention comprises the steps:

• Electrical testing of a foldable security document by capturing electrically detectable information, in particular one or more electrically detectable features,
• providing the foldable security document in a first opened state, wherein one element of the security document is positioned at an angle of 20° to 70° to another element; and
• Collapse the opened security document.

The method according to the invention is preferably carried out using the checking and locking system according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention or one of the embodiments of the checking and locking system according to the invention.

This means in particular that the closing is preferably implemented with the mechanical device, in particular the pivoting lever, of the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the electrical check of the security document that can be opened includes, in particular, the electrical check of a carrier of electrically detectable information in the security document, in particular an RFID transponder or chip. The provision of the foldable security document in the first open position is in turn preferably implemented by means of the receiving device of the system according to the invention.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention for electrically checking and closing a foldable security document, the electric check includes an identification of electromagnetic waves, in particular a reading of an RFID transponder in the security document, the transponder having identifying data.

• Prüfung auf Vorhandensein eines RFID-Transponders im Sicherheitsdokument, insbesondere eines RFID-Chips, welcher kennzeichnende Daten aufweist, und
• Zugriffsautorisierung auf die kennzeichnenden Daten auf dem Transponder, insbesondere durch Eingabe eines Schlüsselcodes; und

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention for electrically testing and closing a foldable security document, the electrical test comprises the following steps:

• Checking for the presence of an RFID transponder in the security document, in particular an RFID chip, which has identifying data, and
• Authorization of access to the identifying data on the transponder, in particular by entering a key code; and

In particular, the key code is an access number (CAN).

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention for electrically checking and closing a foldable security document, the electric check also includes the step of reading out the identifying data on the transponder.

• Bereitstellen des aufklappbaren Sicherheitsdokument in einem zweiten geöffneten Zustand, wobei ein Element des Sicherheitsdokuments in Bezug zu einem weiterem Element in einem Winkel von mindestens 90° positioniert ist, und
• Optische Prüfung des Sicherheitsdokuments.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention for electrically checking and closing a foldable security document, the method according to the invention further comprises the steps:

• providing the foldable security document in a second opened state, wherein one element of the security document is positioned at an angle of at least 90° with respect to another element, and
• Optical check of the security document.

In particular, an access number (CAN) printed on the security document is preferably optically detected during the optical check.

In particular, the method is designed in such a way that the optical and electrical check are carried out on a security document remaining in or on the device. This means that the security document is not removed from the device between the individual checks, but preferably remains positioned in the receiving device and the electrical check and the optical check are carried out on the security document in the second open state.

Here, in particular, the security document that can be opened is made available in the first open position or the second open position by means of the blocking device. The blocking device preferably comprises a first clamping device, which fixes the element of the security document in a horizontal position, and a second clamping device, which fixes the further element in a vertical position. By loosening the vertical fixation by the second clamping device, the security document folds together due to its own stress, so that the element of the Security document is positioned to the other element at an angle of 20 ° to 70 °.

Furthermore, for the optical check, the recording device is preferably positioned within the recording area or in the line of sight of the optical detection device. In particular, after the optical check has been carried out, the electrical detection device is moved up to or positioned on the security document and the electrical check is then carried out.

• Beleuchten des Sicherheitsdokuments in der zweiten geöffneten Position mit sichtbarem, ultravioletten und/oder infrarotem Licht, und
• Erfassen von sichtbarem, ultraviolettem und/oder infrarotem Licht, welches vom Sicherheitsdokument gestreut, reflektiert, oder transmittiert wird.

According to one embodiment of the method for electrical testing and closing according to the invention, the optical test comprises the following steps:

• illuminating the security document in the second open position with visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light, and
• Detection of visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light which is scattered, reflected or transmitted by the security document.

In particular, an optically perceptible feature, in particular a security feature, of the security document is detected by means of light emitted by the security document.

The optically perceptible element is preferably an access number (CAN) printed on the security document.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the printed access number (CAN) is first recorded as part of the optical check of the security document, and the recorded access number is used as access authorization as part of the electrical check of the security document. It is thus advantageously possible to check whether the access number printed on the security document corresponds to the access number which is required for access to the RFID transponder present in the security document.

According to a further embodiment, the security document is processed before the infrared radiation is detected in such a way that the security document heats up. Such processing can be, for example, printing or laser perforation of the security document.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the security document is illuminated with visible light, with an optically perceptible feature being detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and/or transmitted by the security document, and it is, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and detecting the visible light that irradiates the security document with ultraviolet light, wherein an optically perceptible feature by means of which Security document is detected due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light emitted light.

An optically perceptible feature can be detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document, with the security document being irradiated with ultraviolet light, in particular before or after the detection of the infrared radiation, with an optically perceptible feature by means of the security document due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet Light emitted light is detected.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the security document is illuminated with visible light, with an optically perceptible feature being detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and/or transmitted by the security document, and it is, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and the detection of the visible light, an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document, and wherein, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and the detection of the visible light and before or after the detection of the infrared radiation, the security document is irradiated with ultraviolet light, an optically perceptible feature being detected by means of light emitted by the security document due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light.

In other words, in this case, an optical inspection is carried out serially, ie one after the other using visible light, infrared radiation and UV light, ie several types of inspection are carried out in series.

The implementation of the method is not restricted to the order shown, but the individual tests, which differ in the type of light, can also be carried out in a different order or at least partially simultaneously.

This advantageously allows a wide variety of optically perceptible features of the security document to be detected using a single checking module, also using different types of light.

With the method according to the invention, the optically perceptible features of several pages and/or book covers of a security document can be checked optically, in particular simultaneously, using a single device. For example, the security features of the title page and the data page of a passport and the perforation of the serial number on the back cover of the passport can be checked at the same time.

This means that in a first checking process, the security document is checked by at least one optical checking process of an optical detection device, then removed from the device for further processing and returned to the device at a later point in time and in or on the Device another test is performed.

Thus, one and the same device according to the invention can advantageously be used for different testing processes, e.g. after different processing steps.

Accordingly, in an overall system for the production of security documents, in particular passport books, it is not necessary to arrange several modules for checking the security document, but the arrangement of a device according to the invention and the multiple feeding and removal of the document to this device are sufficient to implement all relevant checking processes to be able to Further aspects of the invention are described below with reference to a figure from which further embodiments and advantages can be derived.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur elektrischen Prüfung und Schließen eines Sicherheitsdokuments;

Fig. 2

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur elektrischen Prüfung und Schließen eines Sicherheitsdokuments; und

Fig. 3

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur elektrischen Prüfung und Schließen eines Sicherheitsdokuments.

The

1

a perspective view of a device for electrically checking and closing a security document;

2

another perspective view of a device for electrically checking and closing a security document; and

3

another perspective view of a device for electrically checking and closing a security document.

A compact assembly or device is described for carrying out the electrical check of the RFID chip, including optical identification of the access number (CAN) and subsequent closing or closing of the security document.

the figure 1 shows a perspective view of such a device 100 for electrically checking and closing a security document 13 according to the present invention.

The device 100 has a housing 8 on which an electrical detection device 3, in particular an RFID reader, and an optical Detection device 1 is arranged.

The device 100 also has a pivoted lever 4, which is arranged in the device 100 in such a way that it can close a security document 13 in an open position, the security document 13 being open in such a way that at least one element of the security document 13, for example a book cover or one side is positioned at an angle of about 45° in relation to at least one other element of the security document 13, for example the other book cover or a page.

Furthermore, the device 100 is designed to be able to accommodate a receiving device 9 for receiving a passport document 13, in particular in book form. The receiving device 9 is designed to position the security document 13 in the open position in such a way that the optical detection device 1 can optically detect at least one area of the opened security document 13 . Both book covers, one book cover and one page or two pages of the security document 13 are preferably positioned at an angle of 90° to one another.

The receiving device 9 preferably has a first clamping device 14 and a second clamping device 15, with the first clamping device 14 being designed to fix a book cover or one page of the security document 13 in a vertical position and the second clamping device to fix the other book cover or another page of the security document 13 in a horizontal position, so that the aforementioned elements of the security document are preferably positioned at an angle of about 90° to one another.

Furthermore, the recording device 9 is preferably arranged in the device 100 so that it can be moved along a first direction, in particular on or on a rail 11. This advantageously allows the recording device 9 to be pushed in and out of the device and into the recording area or line of sight of the optical detection device 1 be moved.

To control the receiving device 9 , the device 100 has a control device, which preferably includes pins 7 . After completion of the electrical and optical check, the pins of the control device move along their longitudinal axes in such a way that they mechanically actuate corresponding devices on the receiving device 9, so that an element of the security document 13, for example a book cover or a page, can be fixed in the 90th ° position is lifted and consequently the book closes due to its own tension, namely in the position of about 45 °, in which the complete closure of the book then takes place by the pivoting movement of the lever, preferably a flush closure.

The fixing of the aforementioned elements in the 90° position is preferably canceled by releasing the fixing by the first clamping device 14, which fixes an element of the security document 13 in the vertical position.

The electrical detection device 3 is designed in particular as an RFID reader. Such a reading device is typically set up to generate a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field to which the RFID transponder or chip in the security document 13 to be checked is exposed. The RFID reader preferably has an antenna 5 for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves, which can advantageously be moved relative to the receiving device.

In particular, the receiving device 9 can be arranged relative to the reading device or the antenna in such a way that a security document 13 positioned in the receiving device 9 is located in the effective range of the RFID reading device 3 .

The electrical detection system 3 is arranged in the device 100 so that it can be moved in particular along a second direction, preferably on a rail 12, and can thus be moved towards the security document for electrical testing and out of the recording area or visual axis of the optical detection device for optical testing be moved.

The optical detection device 1 is designed here in particular as a camera and is mounted in the recording device 9 together with at least one first light source 6 designed as a surface emitter for illuminating or irradiating the security document 13 .

A camera lens 2 of the optical detection device 1 is aligned in such a way that the security document 13 can be checked optically by the optical detection device 1 . Optically perceptible features arranged on the security document 13, in particular security features, e.g. guilloches, holograms, watermarks or a serial number, are recorded by the optical recording device 1. The camera lens 2 is preferably aligned in such a way that an access number printed on the security document 13 can be checked optically.

The area to be visually checked can be, for example, the so-called title page of a German passport or a page of paper. The area to be checked optically preferably includes an access number printed on the security document.

The optical detection device 1 can be set up to detect visible light, infrared radiation and/or UV light. That means it can be in the optical Detection device 1, for example, a thermal imaging camera can be combined with a conventional white light camera.

Accordingly, the light source 6, which mainly illuminates the area to be checked optically, can also be designed to illuminate or irradiate the security document 13 with visible light, infrared radiation and/or UV light.

In the case of illumination with visible light, the first detection device 1 can detect, for example, security features that can be seen in the visible range, such as guilloches or micro-lettering.

In this case, in particular, an image of the security document 13 is recorded by the optical detection device 1 .

If the security document 13 is irradiated with UV light, e.g. by means of the light source 6, security features that luminesce under UV light in particular can be detected and checked by the optical detection device 1 by the visible light emitted due to the excitation by the UV light.

When irradiated with infrared light, areas of the security document that are formed from different materials heat up, in particular, at different rates or to different degrees. As a result, the different areas emit infrared radiation of different intensities and/or wavelengths. If the optical detection device 1 is designed as a thermal imaging camera, for example, this infrared radiation can be detected, for example, as a thermal image of the security document.

In an exemplary method according to the invention for optically checking a security document, which is carried out using device 100 for optical checking, the security document can be fed to device 100, for example, after a processing step (eg the introduction or application of a security feature). <u>Reference Character List</u> 100 Device for electrical and optical verification of a security document 1 Optical detection system/camera system 2 camera lens 3 Electrical detection system/RFID reader 4 Pivoting lever/folding lever 5 antenna 6 Light source (white light; UV; IR) 7 Control device for a recording device 8th Housing 9 Receiving device for a passport book 10 hold-down 11 Positioning device for the receiving device 12 Positioning device for the electrical detection system 13 passport book 14 side holder 15 jaws

Claims (12)

1. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document, comprising:

   a device (100) for electrically testing and closing a hinged security document (13), in particular a passport book, comprising

   - an electrical detection device (3) for detecting electrically detectable information, in particular one or more electrically detectable features, which is set up to electrically test a carrier of electrically detectable information, in particular an RFID transponder, in a security document (13), in particular to electrically test or read out the electrically detectable information stored on the carrier, and

   - a mechanical device, in particular a pivot lever, which is designed to fold an opened security document,

   characterized in that the device (100) comprises an optical detection device (1) for detecting optically perceptible information, in particular one or more optically perceptible features, the optical detection device (1) comprising in particular a camera or a camera system; and

   wherein the testing and closing system further comprises a receiving means (9) for receiving a security document (13), wherein the receiving means (3) comprises at least one blocking means (14) which is configured to position at least one element of the security document (13) in an open position with respect to a further element of the security document (13), wherein the blocking means (15) is configured to position the element with respect to the further element in a first angular position of 20° to 70°, in particular in a first angular position of 45°.
2. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical detection device (3) has an RFID reader which is designed to be able to read an RFID transponder in the security document (13) which is provided as a carrier of electrically detectable information.
3. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic detection device (13) comprises a means (5) for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular an antenna.
4. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document according to claim 3, characterized in that the device (100) comprises a positioning means (11) for positioning the security document (13) or a receiving means (9) for receiving the security document (13), and the means (5) for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves is designed in such a way that it can be moved relative to the positioning means (11).
5. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the device (100) comprises an illumination device (6) for illuminating the security document (13) with visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light.
6. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document according to claim 5, characterized in that the optical detection device (1) is arranged to detect the optically perceptible feature by means of light emitted by the security document (13) due to irradiation with the visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light by the illumination device (6).
7. Testing and closing system for a hinged security document according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking means (14, 15) is further adapted to position the element in a second angular position of at least 90° with respect to the further element.
8. Method for electrically testing and closing a hinged security document (13), in particular a testing and closing system according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps:

   - electrical testing of the security document (13) by detecting electrically detectable information, in particular one or more electrically detectable features, wherein a carrier of electrically detectable information, in particular an RFID transponder, in the security document (13) is electrically tested, in particular the electrically detectable information stored on the carrier is electrically tested or read out,

   - providing the hinged security document (13) in a first opened state, wherein one element of the security document is positioned at an angle of 20° to 70° to another element; and

   - folding the opened safety document (13) closed.
9. Method of electrically testing and closing a hinged security document (13) according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrical testing comprises electromagnetic wave identification, in particular a reading of an RFID transponder in the security document (13), the RFID transponder comprising identifying data.
10. Method of electrically testing and closing a hinged security document (13) according to claim 9, characterized in that the electrical testing comprises the following steps:

    - testing for the presence of an RFID transponder, in particular an RFID chip in the security document (13), which has identifying data,

    - access authorization to the identifying data on the transponder, in particular by entering a key code; and optionally

    - reading out the identifying data on the transponder
11. Method for electrically testing and closing a hinged security document (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:

    - providing the hinged security document (13) in a second opened state, wherein one element of the security document (13) is positioned at an angle of at least 90° with respect to another element of the security document (13); and

    - visual inspection of the security document (13).
12. Method of electrically testing and closing a hinged security document (13) according to claim 11, characterized in that the optical testing comprises the following steps:

    - illuminating the security document (13) in the second open state with visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light, and

    - detection of visible, ultraviolet and/or infrared light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the security document (13).

Images