EP3970125A1

EP3970125A1 - Device and method for monitoring electrically conductive security features, and monitoring device for electrically conductive security features

Info

Publication number: EP3970125A1
Application number: EP20726353.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karin Weigelt; Jan Thiele
Original assignee: Prismade Labs GmbH
Current assignee: Prismade Labs GmbH
Priority date: 2019-05-13
Filing date: 2020-05-13
Publication date: 2022-03-23
Also published as: JP2022534658A; CN113811924A; US20220398888A1; WO2020229517A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for verifying an object, preferably a document, a (bank) card, and/or a product packaging comprising an electrically conductive security feature on a device comprising a capacitive surface sensor. After the object comprising the security feature has been placed on the surface sensor, a dynamic input process in particular is carried out on the object and the electrically conductive security feature using an input means in order to generate a characteristic time-dependent signal on the surface sensor. The detected time-dependent signal is then evaluated. The invention additionally relates to an object comprising a security feature and to a method for producing same and to a system or kit for carrying out the method and for verifying a document comprising a conductive electric security feature on a capacitive surface sensor.

Description

Device and method for checking electrically conductive security features and control device for electrically conductive security features

DESCRIPTION

The invention preferably relates to a method for verifying an object, preferably a document, a (bank) card and / or product packaging, comprising an electrically conductive security feature, on a device comprising a surface sensor and an object with a security feature or a method for its production , System or kit for carrying out the process and for verifying a document with a conductive electrical security feature on a capacitive area sensor.

Background and prior art

The invention relates to a safe and simple method for checking or checking the authenticity of electrically conductive security features, for example holograms,

Security strips, security threads, and patches, but not limited to them.

The security features mentioned are i.a. Applied as authenticity features on documents, banknotes, securities, identification cards and documents as well as on high-quality products and packaging and serve to protect the documents against forgery. Electrically conductive security features in general and holograms in particular are im

Difficult to forge or imitate compared to other print samples or print structures and are therefore used to protect valuable documents. For end users or end users, however, electrically conductive security features, for example holograms, are difficult to check with regard to authenticity and / or originality. Examining the

Security features are usually created optically by the end user. In particular, color change effects, movement effects, 3D effects and other effects that become visible under certain conditions are tested. For example, the lighting, the viewing angle, the movement of the document etc. have an influence on the recognizability of such effects. In summary, a great deal of knowledge about the respective security feature is required in order to make a statement about the authenticity. This knowledge is usually not available to the end user and is difficult to communicate by the publisher of the respective document.

There is thus a need to provide methods for checking the authenticity of electrically conductive security elements which are easily accessible to the end user and which do not require a subjective assessment by the viewer.

In the prior art, there are various methods for checking electrically conductive security features.

EP1760670 describes a device for checking holograms by means of optical methods. Most of the methods known from the prior art are based on optical methods and in each case require special devices for evaluating or checking the

Security features. Thus, these methods are not suitable for use by the end consumer, but primarily address interest groups along the value chain, e.g. Wholesalers, intermediaries, banks, authorities, etc.

Some methods based on electronic interactions are also known from the prior art.

US 2001054901 describes a method for checking the authenticity of optically diffractive features, in which the feature is subjected to an electrical voltage and a signal is detected and compared with a stored signal.

WO 2012038434 describes a capacitive information carrier in which at least one electrically conductive touch structure is arranged on an electrically non-conductive substrate, as well as a system and method for recording information consisting of a capacitive information carrier, a capacitive area sensor, a contact between the two elements and a Interaction which makes the touch structure of the information carrier evaluable for a data processing system connected to the area sensor and which can trigger events associated with the information carrier. The claimed touch structure is characterized in that it reproduces the properties of fingertips.

The information carrier is recorded with the aid of a capacitive area sensor by evaluating position data. This method has some disadvantages, which are explained in more detail below.

DE 102012023082 describes a method for the interaction of a flat, portable

Data carrier, in particular a document of value, with a terminal. The evaluation is based on position data that is evaluated by a terminal with a "capacitive display". The evaluation is based on determining the positions at which or at which the touch-sensitive, capacitive surface is influenced by an electrically conductive structure, i.e. the evaluation is based on static signals. This type of evaluation has some disadvantages, which are explained below.

WO 2018/1 19525 A1 describes the retrieval of information from a security document by means of a capacitive touchscreen. A capacitive signal is evaluated as a function of position data.

The signals determined are evaluated in all three of the documents mentioned

position-dependent. The evaluation of position data has some disadvantages. In particular in application WO2012038434 and DE102012023082, it is necessary that the electrically conductive structure to be detected has certain structural features. This is often implemented in the form of circles or ellipses. These elements are designed in such a way that they reproduce the properties of fingertips when they come into contact with a capacitive area sensor.

The circles are, for example, often connected to one another by electrically conductive line structures and have a diameter in the range of 8 mm +/- 3 mm. The capacitive touch screens currently in use are designed to recognize input from human fingers as reliably as possible. To view such screens as

“To use” an input device for electrically conductive structures, one has to be as close as possible to the input by fingers or when designing the electrically conductive structures

Stylus oriented. If the electrically conductive structures are significantly smaller, they are usually not recognized or ignored by the touch controller of the capacitive touch screen. If the electrically conductive structures are significantly larger, the recognized positions are not reproducible or clearly selectable. In addition, when there is effective contact between electrically conductive elements with capacitive touch screens that are too large, a so-called "cancel event" occurs regularly, i.e. the corresponding information is not evaluated or ignored / filtered out by the touch controller.

This results in narrow limits or strict design rules for electrically conductive ones

Structures if they are to be recognized reliably and reproducibly by capacitive touch screens. In other words, the design freedom for such structures is severely restricted and largely determined by the readout technology. This has a disadvantageous effect on the provision of security features that are as tamper-proof as possible.

In application WO 2018/1 19525 A1, a finger or an input pen is swiped along an inhomogeneous surface, while the security document with the capacitive

Touchscreen is in operative contact. "The capacitive signal as a function of the position" is evaluated, which makes access to raw data seem necessary.

The application WO 2018/1 19525 A1 only describes material-related variations of the inhomogeneous structure, but does not go into the design or shape of the inhomogeneous structure. The graphics show generic patterns for the inhomogeneous areas, such as strips of different widths. The inhomogeneous areas cover large parts of the bank note or the security document.

In summary, the methods described in the prior art for the capacitive detection of security features are, on the one hand, very limited with regard to the design of the security element and, on the other hand, by the end devices widespread on the market, such as

Smartphones or tablets, not readable, as raw data access to the capacity values is usually not granted.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for checking electrically conductive security features with significantly expanded freedom in the configuration and design of the security features compared to the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to enable practical detectability or verification of objects, for example documents, by means of end devices (smartphones, tablets) that are widely used in the market and are capable of electrically conductive ones without further modifications to the device To detect security features reproducibly.

Summary of the invention

B. The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred

Embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

In one aspect, the invention preferably relates to a method for verifying an object with an electrically conductive security feature on a device with a capacitive one

Area sensor comprising the steps

a. Provision of a device comprising a capacitive area sensor b. Provision of an object with an electrically conductive security feature c. Placing the object on the capacitive area sensor

d. Performing a dynamic input on the object by means of an input means for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal on the area sensor

e. Evaluation of what is detected on the area sensor during input

time-dependent signal, the evaluation comprising a detection of edges within the electrically conductive security feature.

The present invention describes a method for authenticating or verifying electrically conductive security features, for example holograms, by means of capacitive area sensors. A special form of capacitive area sensors are capacitive

Touch screens, which are now available in all common smartphones as a combined input and output interface. Capacitive area sensors can also be specially designed and designed for certain applications.

Electrically conductive security features, in particular holograms, usually comprise a metallized layer, i. they are usually electrically conductive. If electrically conductive structures or elements are brought into effective contact with a capacitive area sensor, local capacitive interactions take place between the electrically conductive elements and the area sensor, i.e. the security feature or the hologram locally changes the capacitance in the area sensor. This local change in capacitance can be detected by the evaluation electronics of the area sensor and processed further using hardware and software.

The present invention enables electronic and significantly more secure checking of a security feature that was previously only visually evaluable with the aid of devices that are available to practically every citizen. This means that the method for checking the authenticity of the security features is not exclusive, but is a very broad one

Target audience available.

Counterfeiting is becoming more common in the area of documents of value, e.g. banknotes, as well as valuable documents that are used for identification such as ID cards, passports, ID cards, Visa stickers, birth certificates and certificates, notarized documents, etc. Branded products, medicines or other high-quality goods are also counterfeited and pose a potential threat to end consumers or other participants in the value chain. The method according to the invention for checking authenticity is preferably characterized by an interactive interaction between the user, security feature and smartphone or testing device. As a result of the improved checking of the security feature, as described here, there is the application-side possibility of using these security features or the documents that they use as access keys to digital applications.

For example, users can check a banknote for authenticity electronically on their smartphone. After the check, the banknote switches to the

Smartphone, for example, free additional information such as information about other things

Security features on the banknote or exchange rates. This can also

The recognition function can be used to identify the type, denomination or other information of the banknote acoustically, visually or via other methods

communicate.

Identity documents or payment cards can also be equipped with an individual security feature that can be read electronically according to the invention. In addition to electronic authenticity verification, this enables the user to be recognized and thus access to a digital user account, either via a reader in a bank branch, for example, or directly on the user's smartphone. In particular in the field of e-government and e-banking, this invention thus enables the provision of a new and secure one

Access key to digital services.

The inventors have succeeded in developing rules for the structural design that have as little restriction as possible on the optical design of the electrically conductive security features or even integrate into the optical design and at the same time enable a reproducible evaluation by capacitive area sensors. Surprisingly, such a structuring can take place in particular by providing edges within the structure of the security feature.

The term edge is preferably understood to mean a transition between a conductive area and a non-conductive area within the security feature. Here, for example, strip-shaped conductive and non-conductive areas can alternate. Likewise, non-conductive interruptions with any line shape, for example straight, circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, etc. can be present in a flat, largely homogeneous, electrically conductive area (see. Fig. 3-6). The transitions between the flat electrically conductive area and the non-conductive interruptions represent edges in the sense of the invention. In the transverse profile along a preferred direction, edges in the sense of the invention are therefore preferably through a

sudden rise (or fall) of conductive material when transitioning from a non-conductive area to a conductive area (or vice versa). Jumping preferably means an increase or decrease over a distance which is extremely small compared to the dimensions of the conductive and non-conductive areas. In the transverse profile, an edge is preferably characterized by an essentially vertical rise or fall in conductive material. According to the invention, it was recognized that occurring inhomogeneities as edges can be detected particularly reliably by a preferably linear stroking movement. In addition, any design for structuring can be provided very freely by demetallization - even afterwards - so that particularly reliable coding can take place. The demetallization can preferably include the removal of, for example, strip-shaped areas from a metallic security feature. Line-shaped interruptions of any other design can also be advantageous by means of demetallization

(circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, etc.) are introduced into a flat, preferably homogeneous, electrically conductive area. By providing a large number of design options, security features can be individually coded to a particularly high degree in order to meet the highest security requirements.

This method of evaluating or checking an electrically conductive

A security feature can also be referred to as the determination of a so-called “capacitive footprint”. From the prior art, no method is known to date to specifically detect edges of electrically conductive structures and thus to determine the shape of almost any element with the help of a capacitive touch screen and without access to raw data. This process allows a great deal of design freedom

Design of the electrically conductive security elements.

It should be noted that capacitive touchscreens or touchscreens currently customary do not output any capacitance values. As a developer of applications (apps or websites) you usually have no access to so-called raw data or capacity values. This data is obtained from the touch controller, an integrated circuit, from the electrode grid of the

Area sensors recorded and preprocessed and output in the form of so-called touch events. The information about touch events available to the developer of applications usually includes the information ID (number of the respective

Touches), type (touch start, touch move, touch end, touch cancel), x-coordinate, y-coordinate and time stamp. Under certain conditions, developers can still access additional information, such as the diameter of the touch or the input. When developing applications or apps, you have to limit yourself to this data.

The method described in WO 2018/1 19525 A1 for the detection of inhomogeneous areas with a small 10 percent deviation in the thickness of the security document, the permittivity or the electrical conductivity cannot be carried out without access to capacitance values or raw data of the area sensor and therefore with the help of current smartphones or terminals not applicable. Only through a very complex evaluation of raw data from a

Such an evaluation would theoretically be feasible. In practice, the raw data are not accessible to developers of corresponding software programs or applications. A simple transfer to an evaluation by means of data provided by common touch controllers is not possible.

Instead, the method according to the invention allows a significantly simplified evaluation, which is also made possible in particular using commercially available smartphones.

The invention preferably relates both to a device in the form of a security feature or a document with such a security feature and to a method for checking the security feature. The security feature preferably comprises at least one electrically conductive structure. Since the electrically conductive security feature is characterized in particular by the structuring of the electrically conductive structure, the terms electrically conductive

The security feature and the electrically conductive structure are sometimes used synonymously.

In practice, this security feature is applied to an object or object to be protected. For the purposes of the invention, an object or object to be protected is, in particular, a document or card-like object to be protected. The terms are preferably used synonymously. The object can also be referred to as a verification object in the context of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the object is a document, preferably a bank note, a card-like object, preferably a bank or credit card and / or product packaging.

Objects to be protected can be, for example, the following objects:

Documents, e.g. Certificates, contracts, security certificates, birth certificates

Notary documents

Securities, banknotes, checks

Bank cards, credit cards

Badges, ID cards, employee badges, badges for access control systems

Warranty certificates, drug packaging, product packaging, hangtags, product protection labels, labels, safety stickers, stickers

Without being limited to it.

In a further preferred embodiment, the security feature according to the invention is preferably applied to an electrically non-conductive substrate material, e.g. Paper, cardboard, synthetic paper, banknote paper, laminates, plastics, foils, wood or other electrically non-conductive substrates or carrier materials. The object thus preferably comprises a non-conductive substrate, e.g. the paper of a bank note, as well as an electrically conductive security feature which is applied to the substrate. Non-conductive areas are preferably formed by the substrate, while the conductive areas are defined by the security feature. The transition between conductive and non-conductive areas preferably characterizes those edges which can be detected according to the invention. In preferred embodiments, the method for checking the authenticity of the security feature can comprise the following steps:

Provision of an electrically conductive security feature (applied to a document or product)

Provision of a terminal, e.g. a smartphone, which is equipped with a capacitive touch screen (or touch screen) Provision of software (app) or access to a website on the end device

Placement of the security feature or the document including the security feature on the capacitive touch screen of the end device

Carrying out an input with the aid of an input means, e.g. with the help of a finger, for example by swiping the finger across the security feature while the document including the security feature rests on the capacitive touch screen of the terminal

Recording and processing of the so-called touch data that the end device makes available for further processing in the software

Evaluation, checking, comparison or decoding of the touch data and display of the result of the security check on the device or execution of a specific action on the device

In preferred embodiments, the electrically conductive security feature can have the following features.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive security feature comprises a metal and / or other conductive material, which is preferably structured. Minimum or maximum structure sizes result preferably from the geometry of the electrode grid (of an area sensor) and from the geometry of a finger / input means.

The invention also preferably comprises an object and a method for checking or verifying a device (preferably a document). The aim of checking the object can be to determine the authenticity or originality of the security feature. The device is checked with the aid of a capacitive area sensor, e.g. by means of the capacitive touch screen of a smartphone or other terminal device. The main advantage of using such a terminal is its widespread use and constant availability. This means that documents can be checked at any time at any location. The capacitive touch screens are primarily designed for operation using finger gestures. Through various gestures, e.g. Typing, swiping with one or more fingers, zooming and other variants, a diverse operation of graphical user interfaces is possible. The capacitive ones exist technologically

Touch screens usually consist of a grid of transmitting and receiving electrodes, which are arranged, for example, orthogonally to one another.

The term “capacitive area sensor” preferably denotes in the context of the invention

Input interfaces of electronic devices. A special form of the "capacitive

Area sensor "is the touchscreen, which in addition to the input interface also serves as an output device or display. Devices with a capacitive area sensor are able to perceive external influences or influences, for example touches or contacts on the surface, and to evaluate them using attached logic. Such surface sensors are used, for example, to make machines easier to operate. Area sensors are usually provided in an electronic device, which is

Smartphones, cell phones, displays, tablet PCs, tablet notebooks, touchpad devices, Graphics tablets, televisions, PDAs, MP3 players, trackpads and / or capacitive input devices, without being limited to them.

They are preferably multi-touch capacitive surface sensors. Such

Area sensors are preferably set up to detect multiple touches at the same time, as a result of which, for example, elements that are displayed on a touchscreen can be rotated or scaled.

The term sequence “device containing an area sensor” or “device with an area sensor” preferably refers to electronic devices, such as those mentioned above, which are able to further evaluate the information provided by the capacitive area sensor. In preferred embodiments, these are mobile terminals. Throughout the document, the terms “device” and “device” are used as synonyms for each other and can be replaced by the other term on both sides.

Touchscreens are preferably also referred to as touchscreens, surface sensors or sensor screens. A surface sensor does not necessarily have to be used in connection with a display or a touchscreen, i.e. do not necessarily have an advertisement. In the context of the invention, it can also be preferred that the area sensor is visible or invisible in devices, objects and / or devices.

Area sensors include in particular at least one active circuit, the

is preferably referred to as a touch controller, which can be connected to a structure of electrodes. Area sensors are known in the prior art, the electrodes of which comprise groups of electrodes which, for example, differ from one another in their function. This electrode structure is preferably also referred to as an “electrode grid” in the context of the invention. In the context of the invention, it is preferred that the electrode grid of an area sensor comprises groups of electrodes, the groups of electrodes differing from one another, for example, in their function. This can be, for example, transmitting and receiving electrodes, which can be arranged in a particularly preferred arrangement in column and row form, i.e. in particular form nodes or intersections at which at least one transmitting and one receiving electrode cross each other or overlap. The crossing transmission and reception electrodes are preferably aligned with one another in the area of the nodes so that they essentially enclose a 90 ”angle with one another.

Terms such as essentially, approximately, approximately, etc. preferably describe one

Tolerance range of less than ± 20%, preferably less than ± 10%, even more preferably less than ± 5% and in particular less than ± 1%. Details of essentially, approximately, approximately, etc. disclose and always also include the exact stated value.

An electrostatic field, which is sensitive to changes or capacitive, is preferably formed between the transmitting and receiving electrodes of the area sensor

Interactions reacts. These changes can be brought about, for example, by touching the surface of the area sensor with a finger, a conductive object and / or an electrically conductive structure. Capacitive interaction,

for example, a discharge of charges to the finger or a conductive object leads in particular to local changes in potential within the electrostatic field, which is preferably caused by the fact that, for example, by touching a

Contact surface of an electrically conductive structure, the electric field between the transmitting and receiving electrodes is locally reduced. Such a change in the potential relationships is preferably detected and processed further by the electronics of the touch controller.

For this purpose, it is preferred that the touch controller controls the electrodes in such a way that between one or more transmitting electrodes and one or more

Receiving electrodes, a signal is transmitted, which is preferably an electrical signal, for example a voltage, a current strength or a

Potential (difference) can act. These electrical signals in a capacitive

Area sensors are preferably evaluated by the touch controller and for the

Operating system of the device processed.

The information transmitted from the touch controller to the operating system describes so-called individual "touches" or "touch events", which can be imagined as individual detected touches or can be described as individual inputs. These touches are preferably identified by the parameters "x-coordinate of the touch", "y-coordinate of the touch", "time stamp of the touch" and "type of touch". The parameters "x- and y-coordinate" describe the position of the input on the touchscreen. Each

A time stamp is preferably assigned to the pair of coordinates and describes when the entry was made at the corresponding point. The parameter "Type of touch event" describes the detected state of the input on the touch screen. The skilled person is i.a. the types Touch Start, Touch Move, Touch End and Touch Cancel are known. With the help of the parameters Touch Start, at least one Touch Move and Touch End as well as the associated coordinates and time stamps, a touch input can be written to the capacitive area sensor.

It is preferred and known in the art as multitouch technology that several touch inputs can be evaluated at the same time. The projected-capacitive

Touch technology (projected capacitance touch technology, PCT) is an exemplary technology that allows multi-touch operation.

With the usual use of mobile devices, the electric field between the electrodes is locally reduced by touching them with a finger or an electrically conductive object, i.e. "charges are drawn off". Likewise, by placing an object with an electrically conductive security feature and making a dynamic input on the same by means of an input means, the electric field is changed and a characteristic signal is generated or detected by the touch controller.

For the purposes of the invention, the term “during dynamic input on the

Area sensor generated or detected signal "preferably understood that signal, which due to the capacitive interaction between the electrically conductive structure, input means and area sensor during the implementation of the input sequence from

Area sensor is detected. It is therefore preferably a dynamic signal, for example in the form of sequential coordinate positions of touch events, which from Area sensors are processed. The detected or generated signal is therefore preferably also referred to as a time-dependent signal. The detected or generated signal is alternatively preferably also referred to as a path-dependent signal. The “path” preferably relates to the input gesture or the path covered by the input means during the input sequence and the resulting sequential coordinate positions of touch events.

In the context of the invention, the input means are preferably fingers or special input pens, for example touch pens. The input means are preferably capable of a capacitive coupling between row and column electrodes within the

To change the area sensor. The input means are preferably designed in such a way that they can trigger a touch event on a capacitive touchscreen. Since the touchscreens are optimized for input using human fingers, in particular any

Input means which imitate the shape, size and / or capacitive interactions between a finger and an area sensor may be preferred.

The diameter of the touch area of a finger on the capacitive touch screen is approximately 7-8 mm. Most commercially available touch screens are accurate

Position determination of touch inputs optimized on this scale. Should he

If touch screens are now used to recognize electrically conductive structures, certain boundary conditions regarding minimum and maximum size must be observed in the design (size, shape, geometry, outline, internal structuring, etc.) of the electrically conductive structure. As already described above, this results in narrow limits or strict design rules for electrically conductive structures if they are reliable and

should be reproducibly recognized by capacitive touch screens. In other words, the design freedom for such structures is severely restricted and by the

Readout technology largely determined. It was completely surprising that, through minor adjustments in the design of electrically conductive structures, almost any design of electrically conductive security features can be read capacitively. In this way, electrically conductive security features can be provided which meet both the requirements for an attractive appearance and the requirements for a simple check that can be carried out by the end user.

If the electrically conductive structures are read out based on position data, as is customary in the prior art, the electrically conductive structures are limited with regard to the minimum and maximum size of the individual elements, the arrangement of interconnects / connections and the distance between the individual elements.

If the electrically conductive structures are significantly smaller than the mean diameter of the contact point of a finger on the touch screen (7-8 mm), such electrically conductive individual elements are usually not recognized or ignored by the touch controller of the capacitive touch screen. Depending on the device, elements with a diameter of <3-5 mm are affected.

If the electrically conductive structures are significantly larger than the mean diameter of the contact point of a finger on the touch screen (7-8 mm), they are recognized

Positions not reproducible or clearly selective. Depending on the application, such Inputs from the touch controller, for example, as part of the so-called “palm rejection” (recognition of unwanted inputs by the ball of the hand) are ignored or when there is effective contact with electrically conductive elements that are too large and capacitive

Touch screens for the so-called "Touch Cancel Event", i.e. the corresponding information is not evaluated or ignored / filtered out by the touch controller.

If the electrically conductive structures correspond to the above-mentioned restrictions with regard to size, the distance between the elements is also important for reliable and reproducible detection. If two individual elements are too close together, the touch controller interprets the input not as two individual elements, but as one larger element. This effect can be described as a merging of touch points and occurs, depending on the end device or touch controller, at distances of <6-10 mm (center to center).

Due to the restrictions mentioned, the design freedom of the electrically conductive features described in the prior art is severely restricted. The present invention describes a new method for capacitive reading of electrically conductive structures, which consequently allows a significantly greater freedom of design in the design of the electrically conductive security features. In contrast to the position-based evaluation of the touch events, the inventors have a time-based or time-dependent evaluation of

Touch data developed that is much more flexible, tamper-proof and at the same time more robust.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive security feature comprises at least two individual elements, which are galvanically separated from one another, preferably when a dynamic input is made on the electrically conductive security feature start and / or end sides of the individual elements or front or rear sides of the

Individual elements can be detected as edges. The dynamic input can be, for example, an essentially straight stroke movement of the input means over the entire security feature. As described, jumps in a speed profile can preferably be used to detect the edges.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the geometry of the electrically conductive security feature, preferably its shape, outline, contour and internal structuring, in particular with regard to the presence of edges, defines the course of the time-dependent signal in the capacitive area sensor. The term “internal structuring” or “internal structure” preferably characterizes the distribution of conductive and non-conductive areas within the (overall) outline of a security feature.

The internal structuring of the security feature can preferably be defined by the individual elements arranged within the security feature. The arrangement of the individual elements, their geometric design and the edges generated thereby give the security feature an individual internal structure.

A security feature which is designed with a smaller number of wider, strip-shaped individual elements has, for example, a different internal structure than a security feature

Security feature, which with a higher number of thinner, strip-shaped

Individual elements is designed, with the entire outer geometry of the two

Security features can be identical. It is particularly preferable for the security features to be individually structured internally by demetallization, that is to say a subsequent removal of conductive areas from a flat layer. With reference to the above example, different numbers and differently dimensioned strips can be removed from security features with an identical external shape in order to obtain different internal structures.

In addition to strip-shaped modifications, any other internal

Structures are provided and reliably differentiated by means of the method. For example, a large number of different line-shaped interruptions (including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, etc.) can be introduced into a homogeneous area. Both by the positioning of the interruptions, e.g. a positioning of stars, circles, spirals etc. as well as their designs

Security features with highly individualized “inner structures” are obtained (cf. Fig. 3-6).

The introduction of even complex linear interruptions preferably leads to the formation of galvanically separated individual elements. For example, when successive circular interruptions are introduced (cf. FIG. 7), a large number of electrically isolated

Individual elements created. The innermost individual element has a circular shape and is surrounded by increasing ring-shaped individual elements, which are outer

Individual element are enclosed. The line-shaped interruptions can have small line widths of, for example, less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, it being preferred that the line-shaped interruptions have one

Line width of at least 10 μm, preferably at least 50 μm, particularly preferably at least 100 μm.

A position-based evaluation of touch events when such a modified security feature is placed on a surface sensor cannot even come close to resolving the complex structure. In contrast, the edge detection according to the invention allows even such complex structures to be distinguished on the basis of an evaluation of the speed profiles of the touch events. A complete characterization of the internal structure is advantageously not necessary for the verification purposes. Rather, it is sufficient if the detectable edges generate a characteristic signal for a preferred direction that is sufficiently different from security features with other modifications.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature comprises at least two individual elements, which are galvanically separated from each other, preferably when a dynamic input is made on the electrically conductive security feature start and / or end areas of the individual elements or interruptions in the conductive security feature can be detected as edges.

For the purposes of the invention, the beginning and end areas of individual elements are edge areas of these individual elements, with a first edge area of an individual element in a dynamic input along a preferred direction or direction of movement to a first (Start) point in time is detected and a second edge area is detected at a second (end) point in time.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the dynamic input comprises an essentially straight stroke movement of the input means over the entire security feature, the stroking movement taking place parallel or orthogonally to the largest dimensioning of the security feature.

The stroking movement can preferably be along a stroking direction and / or along

oppositely changing strokes are repeated several times.

An essentially straight stroke movement over the security feature is preferably a movement that occurs along a preferred direction or stroke direction without

Change of direction or change of slope a continuous contact to the

Has security feature.

This movement can be designed to be repetitive, so that after a movement has been completed, the input means can be touched to the security feature - for example by lifting the

Input means - is canceled. The stroking movement can then be repeated, starting from the starting point of the previous stroking movement, along the same stroking direction. The starting point or end point does not have to be determined exactly. Rather, it is sufficient to select this preferably outside the outer contour of the security feature so that it is completely covered over.

In a further embodiment, the rectilinear stroking movement can take place repetitively backwards. In this regard, a subsequent swiping movement from the end point of a previous swiping movement is designed mirror-inverted compared to the previous backward movement, the input means preferably not releasing the contact between the previous and subsequent swiping movement. Particularly preferably, stroking motion sequences with oppositely changing stroking directions can also be repeated repeatedly. In everyday language, this can be used, for example, as a “back and forth

Stroking ”or“ scratching ”are understood.

The dimensioning of a security feature preferably corresponds to the distance between two essentially diametrical edge points which are associated with the security feature, the largest possible dimensioning preferably being the greatest possible distance between two such edge points on the security feature.

The person skilled in the art is also able to apply the described embodiments of the method with regard to the terms “parallel” and “orthogonal” to further orientations or

Adapt configurations. For example, the person skilled in the art understands how to adapt the method accordingly if the stroking movement does not take place parallel or orthogonally to the largest dimensioning of the security feature, so that all the advantages according to the invention are nevertheless effective. The person skilled in the art thus knows to what extent he can deviate from the features “parallel”, “orthogonal” and still be able to implement the advantages according to the invention. In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that a plurality of conductive and non-conductive areas alternate along at least one preferred direction of the security feature, so that when a dynamic input is made along the preferred direction the transition between conductive and non-conductive areas as Edges can be recognized. The conductive areas can also be used as

Individual elements are understood which are galvanically separated from one another by non-conductive areas. As explained above, the method according to the invention on the basis of edge detection also allows recognition or differentiation of complexly shaped individual elements, the method preferably having the arrangement and / or shape of the

Reliably recognizes individual elements through the successive appearance of edges along a preferred direction.

In the context of the invention, it is preferred that the time-dependent or path-dependent signal that is generated on a surface sensor by a relative movement between an input means and the security feature, through the structuring of the security feature,

in particular whose inhomogeneity or edges are changed and in particular differs from an input of an input means on a surface sensor, which occurs directly, that is, preferably without using the document or card-like object or without the presence of the electrically conductive security feature. A distinction is made in particular between two situations: on the one hand, a direct dynamic input on a surface sensor with an input device and, on the other hand, a dynamic input in which a document or card-like object with an electrically conductive security feature is interposed between the input device and the surface sensor.

It may be preferred to use an input device on the direct input

Designate the area sensor as a reference input. It is preferred in the context of the invention that the structure of the security feature changes the direct dynamic input, as a result of which a time-dependent signal is generated on the area sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that conductive and non-conductive areas of the electrically conductive security feature are designed in terms of size, spacing and shape so that the time-dependent signal resulting from the relative movement on the capacitive area sensor compared to the reference input with the

Input means that takes place without using the security feature is changed. This results in a modulation, definition, change, distortion or shift of the signal.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the resulting time-dependent or path-dependent signal on the capacitive surface sensor is at least partially changed with respect to position, speed, direction, shape, interruption of the signal, frequency and / or signal strength compared to a reference signal which is generated by a reference input with the Input means that takes place without the use of an electrically conductive security feature is set. It is preferred in the context of the invention that it is the

resulting time-dependent signal acts, which can preferably be generated by the proposed method. Starting from an exemplary input in the form of a straight, line-shaped movement (essentially straight stroke movement) on an individual element of the electrically conductive structure, this means in the context of the invention preferably that the generated time-dependent signal due to the modulation by the electrically conductive security feature, compared to the straight, line-shaped input of the input means a different position, direction, shape, speed and / or

Can have signal strength, that is, for example, is detected spatially offset, distorted and / or displaced by the area sensor, has a different shape than the straight, line-shaped movement (essentially straight stroke movement), points in a different direction or has an unexpected signal strength.

If, for example, a user swipes his finger over a capacitive surface sensor as an example of an application of an input means within the meaning of the invention, the sensor detects

Area sensor this movement essentially takes place at the positions on the screen of the area sensor indicated by the finger, i.e. the input means are actually touched. A straight, line-like movement of the finger is preferably detected by the area sensor in

Essentially, it can be detected as a straight, line-shaped, uniform movement. Such an input without the presence of a map-like object is preferably referred to as a reference input in the context of the invention.

In the context of the present invention, it is preferably provided that between the

Input means and the surface sensor is an electrically conductive security feature arranged. This security feature preferably comprises electrically conductive individual elements.

In a possible application example of the invention, it is provided that a user moves a finger over an object with a security feature, in particular over the security feature. The object preferably rests on the area sensor so that the movement of the user finger causes the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure that the user touches to become “visible” to the area sensor by being activated. The inventors have recognized that by using an object that includes an electrically conductive security feature, an input on a surface sensor can be changed in comparison to a reference input. In the context of the invention, this change is preferably referred to as modulation. It is preferably carried out in that the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are activated by touching the input means, whereby the area sensor can detect them, the resulting time-dependent signal being spatially distorted by the arrangement of the individual elements on the object, for example, compared to a reference input . If, for example, an input means occurs along an imaginary straight line on the object without an electrically conductive security feature, then the area sensor would be a straight line movement of the reference input

Detect input means. If, however, there is now an object arranged between the input means and the surface sensor on which individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are present, characteristic deviations in the detected speed of movement occur.

Thus, when moving over the security feature, the input means gradually comes into operative contact with the electrically conductive elements, i.e. the input means gradually covers the electrically conductive elements. If the input means reaches an electrically conductive one

Individual element, at this point in time the position of the resulting signal on the area sensor is preferred in the direction of the center point of the individual element, which is related to this Time is in operative contact with the input means, shifted. The center is preferably defined as the geometric center of gravity (center of gravity) of the individual element.

In a specific example, the input means is moved along an imaginary straight line in the y direction at a uniform speed on the object while the object is on the area sensor and there is essentially no relative movement between the object and the area sensor. As long as the input means does not come into contact with electrically conductive elements, the resulting time-dependent or path-dependent signal is characterized by touches, which essentially differ in the time stamp and the respective y-coordinate, the speed of the signal essentially corresponding to the movement speed of the input means (and is almost constant). If the input means reaches an electrically conductive individual element, at this point in time the position of the resulting signal is preferably suddenly shifted in the direction of the individual element, or more precisely in the direction of the center point of the individual element, i.e. Compared to the previous touches, the individual touch is shifted significantly more in terms of the y coordinate. A speed profile can be calculated using the parameters of the individual touches of the resulting time-dependent signal. At the position where the

When the input means reaches the electrically conductive individual element, the speed profile has a sudden sharp rise, that is to say the speed of the resulting signal is high in this area. If the input device continues to move over the electrically conductive individual element, the speed of the resulting signal gradually decreases again until the input device reaches the center or the geometric centroid of the area

Has reached a single element. With further movement, the speed increases again slowly and then suddenly drops or decreases with a clearly negative increase as soon as the input means leaves the electrically conductive element or is no longer in contact with the electrically conductive element. It is preferred in the context of the invention that

Fluctuations in the speed profile can be seen in particular when the input means comes into contact with electrically conductive individual elements or the contact between input means with electrically conductive individual elements is terminated.

In other words, the signal changes abruptly at such points. Based on the "jumps", i.e. The edges of electrically conductive elements can be clearly detected based on the suddenly changed speed of the time-dependent signal. Usually this is

Speed profile asymmetrical, i.e. on a jump with high rise in

Speed is followed by a slower decrease in speed. This increase in the speed profile can be examined mathematically by determining and evaluating the increase in the curve. This asymmetry leads to particularly reliable edge detection. Even when leaving an electrically conductive individual element, the speed profile of the time-dependent signal changes abruptly. Due to the asymmetry of the signal, it is possible during the decoding process to see whether the front edge or the rear edge of an electrically conductive individual element has been reached, i.e. if this

Input means has reached or left an electrically conductive individual element at the moment. Complex structures of the electrically conductive security feature can thus be recognized. The terms leading edge and rear edge or starting and ending areas of a Individual elements are to be understood in relation to the respective direction of movement of the input means via the electrically conductive security feature.

In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that when the edges are recognized by the speed profile, a temporally asymmetrical course of the speed profile at the edges is taken into account, preferably on one

Leading edge on a jump with a steep increase in speed a slow one

Decrease in speed with a shallow drop follows. At a rear edge, a steep drop follows a flat rise.

In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that when the edges are recognized by the speed profile, a temporally asymmetrical course of the speed profile at the edges is taken into account, with a jump with a steep drop preferably at a rear edge on a slow increase in speed follows.

The terms steep rise and shallow fall are preferably to be understood relative to one another and relate to the amount of change in speed over a distance.

With regard to a speed profile in the area of a leading edge, a jump in speed is preferably followed by a high point, which is followed by a drop in speed. The amount of the increase in speed or increase in the speed profile in the area before the high point is significantly greater than the decrease or the negative increase in speed after the high point. For example, the slope before the high point can be greater by a factor of 2, 3, 4 or more. The asymmetry can be defined visually with regard to a vertical axis leading through the high point, which divides the course of the speed profile into an area occurring before the high point and an area occurring after the high point. The area before the high point is not symmetrical with the area below.

With regard to a speed profile in the area of a rear edge, a slow increase in speed is preferably followed by a high point, which is followed by a steep decrease in speed. The increase in speed or slope of the

The value of the speed profile in the area before the high point is significantly smaller than the decrease or the negative increase in speed after the high point.

For example, the slope before the high point can be less by a factor of 2, 3, 4 or more. The asymmetry can be defined visually with regard to a vertical axis leading through the high point, which divides the course of the speed profile into an area occurring before the high point and an area occurring after the high point. The area before the high point is not symmetrical with the area below.

These differences are extremely characteristic of the occurrence of edges and can be reliably differentiated from other jumps or fluctuations in the speed profile. In addition, the occurrence of the asymmetries can also be correlated with the distribution of the conductive or non-conductive areas before and after the edges. In a preferred embodiment, a temporal asymmetrical course of the speed profile in the area of the edges can be used to determine whether a front edge, preferably at the beginning of a conductive area, or a rear edge, preferably at an end of a conductive area, is used with the input means was painted over. In the speed profile of the time-dependent signal, the edges are each marked by high points. The evaluation of the increase in

The speed profile before and after the high point enables the distinction between front and rear edges.

In another embodiment is a repetitive back and forth movement

(Stroking movement with oppositely changing stroking direction) of the input means over the electrically conductive security feature is preferred. This advantageously results in multiple sweeping over the edges in the various directions. The combined evaluation of all “jumps” when reaching and / or leaving the electrically conductive security feature or its individual elements allow an even more precise one

Edge determination of the electrically conductive security feature. In this way, the internal structure or the “capacitive footprint” of the security feature can be determined even more precisely.

The term speed profile preferably refers to the point-to-point speed, i.e. the speed between two touch events. It is calculated from the quotient of the path difference and the time difference of two consecutive touch events: v (y) = Ay / At. To illustrate the effect, a graphic representation of the point-to-point speed or touch-to-touch speed depending on the coordinate along which the input means is moved, e.g. depending on the y-coordinate of the touch screen. Such a representation can be referred to as the speed profile of the signal and can be processed and evaluated by a software algorithm as part of the decoding process. The speed profile of the signal can be evaluated as a function of time or distance. The characteristic signal that is generated on the area sensor can be referred to as a time-dependent signal or a path-dependent signal.

As soon as an input is made on a capacitive touch screen, the touch controller outputs a lot of touch data or touch events, which are further processed by software on the end device. With commercially available devices, these touch data essentially comprise the information

ID (identification number of the respective touch),

Type (touch Start, touch move, touch end, touch cancel),

x-coordinate,

y coordinate and

Time stamp. Under certain conditions, a developer (of software for a mobile device with a touchscreen) can still access further information, such as the diameter of the touches.

With this data, the input of the user can be reconstructed and suitable or assigned actions can be triggered.

If you place an electrically conductive security feature on a capacitive one

Touch screen and strokes with the finger or another input means over the electrically conductive structure, the signal is modulated or changed by the combined influence of the input means (finger) and the electrically conductive structure. The touch controller outputs a lot of touch data or touch events which are characteristic of the electrically conductive security feature used and the input gesture by the user. This data is further processed by software on the end device or sent to a server via a network connection and evaluated there.

The signal which is the combination of the input with an input means and the influence of an electrically conductive security feature differs from a reference signal without the influence of an electrically conductive security feature. The

Reference signal essentially depicts the input gesture, i.e. the signal is characterized by a number of touch events that map the input as a data signal. For example, in the simplest case, the set of touch events includes:

A start touch event with the coordinates at the start position of the movement

Several Move Touch events with different coordinates between Touch Start and

Touch end

An end touch event at the position where the gesture ended

All events are marked with a time stamp and can therefore also be evaluated as a function of time. The term was introduced here for explanation. The generation of the reference signal is preferably not part of the invention.

The characteristic signal produced by combining the input with a

Input means and the influence generated by an electrically conductive security feature differs from the (virtual) reference signal. As soon as the input means comes into contact with the electrically conductive security feature or the electrically conductive structure and both objects (input means and electrically conductive structure) are in operative contact with the capacitive area sensor, the time-dependent signal experiences a change, e.g. in the form of a shift, distraction, acceleration, deceleration, interruption, deletion, division or comparable effects. The signal also has characteristic features when the finger or the input means leaves the electrically conductive structure. If the electrically conductive structure is interrupted at one point, e.g. through a targeted

Demetallization, the characteristic signal at this point is usually characterized by a sudden change in the direction of movement and / or the speed of movement. The characteristic signals are preferably evaluated by software. In a preferred embodiment variant, a so-called machine learning model is trained with the characteristic signals, ie a set of signals for a specific electrically conductive security feature is recorded and characterized or classified using selected parameters. Suitable parameters include, but are not limited to, for example:

Total duration of the signal

Length of the signal

Amplitudes of the signal

Frequencies of the signal

Absolute number of touch events

Number of touch events per route (histogram)

Spatial density of touch events

Distance to previous touch events

Event-to-event speed

Symmetry of deflections

Most of the parameters mentioned can be determined for the overall signal as well as for sections or selected areas of the signal. The recorded data is assigned to classes by the machine learning model. With a sufficient amount of training data, any inputs or amounts of touch data can be classified with the help of the model, i.e. checked for originality / authenticity.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the characteristic signal is evaluated with regard to a speed profile and the detection of edges takes place on the basis of the speed profile. Due to the asymmetry of the speed profile, it is therefore advantageously possible, inter alia, to recognize whether the front edge or the rear edge of an electrically conductive individual element has been reached, i.e. whether the input means has reached or left an electrically conductive individual element at the moment. If two electrically isolated electrically conductive elements are close together and are in contact with the input means one after the other, the effects of the rear edge of the first element and the effects caused by the front edge of the second element are superimposed. Complex structures of the electrically conductive security feature can thus be recognized. In the further course of the document, such an evaluation will be illustrated using exemplary embodiments.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the characteristic signal is evaluated with regard to a speed profile and edges are recognized on the basis of the speed profile and the characteristic signal is additionally evaluated with regard to spatial deflections or other modulations becomes. As known from WO 2018 141478 A1, for example, a dynamic input can be deflected or modulated by providing an electrically conductive structure, preferably comprising a plurality of individual elements. What is meant here is preferably that the electrically conductive structure or, preferably, its individual elements are set up to deflect a signal on the area sensor, the time-dependent signal generated compared to a reference input of an input means without an electrically conductive structure is changed or modulated. The combination of different parameters in the evaluation of the touch data enables greater variance and / or greater security against manipulation.

The object or security feature according to the invention, which is suitable for capacitive reading according to the method described above, comprising an electrically conductive structure, is characterized by the features described below. The electrically conductive structure consists of several individual elements. These individual elements can be divided into two different types according to their function: active and inactive elements. Active elements are elements that are designed in such a way that they can be detected using the method described, i.e. a characteristic signal on a capacitive area sensor is suitable for this purpose. Such elements have a certain minimum size. Inactive elements (non-active elements, passive elements) cannot be detected, i.e. they are so small that they do not generate a characteristic signal on a capacitive area sensor or the signal that can be generated does not differ sufficiently from a signal that can only be generated by input using input means without a combination with an electrically conductive element.

With regard to their maximum size, the (individual) elements are essentially limited by the fact that from a certain size they lead to non-reproducible signals, interference signals or so-called touch-cancel effects.

In other words, the suitable sizes and geometries of the individual elements are determined by the detectability through a capacitive touch screen. The aim of the design process is, on the one hand, to provide individual elements that can generate reproducible signals and, on the other hand, do not cause any unwanted signals or interference signals on the capacitive touch screen.

In the present description, the dimensions of the electrically conductive structure or the electrically conductive security feature are preferably defined as follows: the width of the electrically conductive structure extends transversely or essentially orthogonally to the intended direction of movement of the input means; the length extends in

Direction of movement or parallel to the intended direction of movement of the input means.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature comprises at least two individual elements or active areas, the distance between which is at least 10 μm, preferably at least 50 μm.

The preferred minimum distances between two individual elements ensure particularly reliably that the characteristic signal to be detected advantageously reproduces a jump in the speed profile at the transitions (edges) between the two areas, so that security features can be distinguished on the basis of the signal. The distance between two individual elements can preferably be linear

Interruption, for example by means of demetallization. The linear interruption should therefore likewise preferably have a line width of at least 10 μm, preferably at least 50 μm.

In preferred embodiments, the linear interruption and therefore the distance between the individual elements is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm. By means of extremely narrow line widths of the interruptions between 10 μm and 3 mm, preferably 50 μm to 2 μm or even 50 μm and 1 mm, a variety of different structuring can be carried out on a narrow area. In preferred

Embodiments for this purpose are, for example, methods of demetallization e.g. by means of a laser or chemical etching. The person skilled in the art knows that the production of demetallizations is subject to certain tolerances.

It can also be preferred here to implement particularly thin line widths for the interruptions so that they are optically inconspicuous.

In some embodiments, the line-like interruption and therefore the distance between the individual elements can thus also preferably be less than 500 μm, less than 200 μm or less than 100 μm. Advantageously, even such thin interruptions are reliably detected by means of the edge detection according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature comprises at least two individual elements or active areas whose width is between 1 mm and 15 mm and / or whose length is between 6 mm and 30 mm. The individual element can be used in areas

described sizes for length or width be designed.

In a further preferred embodiment, the length is the largest dimensioning of the individual element, the width being essentially orthogonal to the length.

In a further preferred embodiment, the comprises electrically conductive

Security feature at least two individual elements or active areas, the area of the active individual elements each being between 10 mm ² and 450 mm ² .

The following table summarizes the dimensions of the individual elements and the design rules for the design of the electrically conductive security features. The relevant parameters of the electrically conductive structure are specified for inactive elements, ie non-detectable elements, and for active elements, ie detectable elements. The stated values were determined through tests on currently available, common smartphones with capacitive touch screens. The person skilled in the art recognizes that different types of area sensors may require adapted design rules for the design of the electrically conductive structure.

The total area of the electrically conductive structure is preferably at least 15 mm ² and is limited at the top by the size of the touch screen or touch screen.

The sizes of the individual elements and the

Design rules for the design of the electrically conductive security features refer to the conditions prevailing at the time this description was drawn up

Area sensors. In particular, features such as the resolution of the area sensors and the geometry of the electrode grid, e.g. Space between rows and columns of the

Electrode grid, influence the appropriate dimensions of the individual elements. In the table below, these size specifications are shown in generalized form as a multiple of the spatial period length L of the electrode grid of an area sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature comprises at least two individual elements or active areas whose width is between 0.2 L and 4 L and / or whose length is between 1.2 L and 8 L, where L preferably characterizes the spatial period length of an electrode grid of an area sensor.

The total area of the electrically conductive structure is preferably at least 1 ^* L ² and is limited at the top by the size of the touch screen or touch screen.

In the following, the invention is to be further illustrated using preferred exemplary embodiments.

In a particular embodiment, a capacitive touch screen can be used in a

Terminal can be used for capacitive checking of an electrically conductive security feature, for example a capacitive touchscreen of a smartphone, tablet or in an information or self-service terminal. For example, bank notes often contain security strips or threads. By placing a bank note on a capacitive touch screen and executing a gesture along or across such a security element, a characteristic dynamic signal is generated in the capacitive

Touch screen generated, which can be evaluated with the help of software algorithms.

As described in more detail below with reference to the figures, a gesture can be carried out along an electrically conductive structure or the security feature, for example with the aid of an input means or finger. The electrically conductive structure is preferably in one or more parts and can have interruptions.

These interruptions or edges can advantageously be recognized in the detected time-dependent signal. To clarify the signal course, it makes sense to use the touch events to be recorded and represented, for example, as points at the associated xy coordinates (cf. FIG. 2). The touch events or points appear on the touch screen gradually, ie staggered in time. Corresponding to the edges of the electrically conductive structure on the security feature, interruptions or gaps occur in the otherwise essentially uniform course of the touch points or the time-dependent signal.

The evaluation is preferably carried out on the basis of the speed profile of the time-dependent signal (cf. FIG. 2c). Every touch point is in common end devices with capacitive

Touch screens have a timestamp available and can be used for evaluation of the

Can be used in the software. A speed can be calculated for each touch event from the xy coordinates and the time stamps of the touch event currently under consideration and of the previous touch event (see FIG. 2c). In particular, edges and / or interruptions in the electrically conductive structure or the electrically conductive security feature cause jumps in the time-dependent signal when executing a swipe gesture with the aid of an input device and thus changes in the

Detectable speed profile. From this speed profile, conclusions can be drawn about the shape, outline, internal structuring and / or contour of the electrically conductive structure and thus electrically conductive security features can be recognized, authenticated, verified, checked or differentiated.

In particular, the jumps in the time-dependent signal correlate with edges in an electrically conductive structure or security feature, i.e. preferably at transitions between conductive and non-conductive areas. Such a detection is both particularly fast and reliable. In addition, such a recognition is particularly secure against manipulation. It is practically impossible to have such a signal without the presence of the electrically conductive

Generate security feature. It can thus be clearly demonstrated that the security feature or the document (or object) including the security feature was present on the touch screen at the time of entry. This evidence of the presence of one

Object ("proof of presence") has many different areas of application.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the verification of the object comprises a differentiation, control, capacitive recognition and / or authentication.

The terms “distinction”, “control”, “capacitive detection” and “authentication” are partly synonymous with one another and include the same and / or similar terms. In the context of the invention, the verification preferably enables, inter alia, a “distinction” between various security features, which in turn enables a “distinction” between the objects to which the security features are applied. The authentication of a security feature, on the other hand, is preferably the checking of the authenticity of such a feature. Such an application example can be of high relevance, for example, when checking banknotes with regard to counterfeiting.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that, after the object has been placed on the surface sensor, the input means on the electrically conductive security feature is placed and preferably so that the object is kept pressed onto the surface sensor, a dynamic input being made in that the object is pulled through between the input means and the capacitive surface sensor. The alternative described generates the time-dependent signal (just like the one before

described embodiments) by a relative movement between an input means and the security feature. In contrast to the preceding embodiments, the relative movement is brought about by “pulling through” the security feature, while the input means is essentially fixed in place. The time-dependent signal, which in this case is generated on the capacitive touch screen, is essentially characterized by touch events that oscillate around the position of the input means on the capacitive area sensor and this movement has a specific speed profile.

Explanations of the speedorofU:

It can also be preferred in the context of the invention that deviations in the

Speed occur, that is, for example, a fast movement of the input means is modulated into a slow time-dependent signal. It can also be preferred that the time-dependent signal has a specific speed profile. If, for example, an input means takes place along an imaginary straight line on the map-like object without electrically conductive structures, then the area sensor would detect a time-dependent signal as a reference input, which represents a straight line and has an almost constant speed. If, however, a map-like object is now arranged between the input means and the area sensor, on which the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are, for example, arranged at certain intervals on the map-like object, the area sensor becomes a resultant when an input means is moved on the map-like object Detect a signal that has a specific speed profile. In this case, when moving over the card-like object, the input means gradually comes with the electrically conductive ones

Elements on the card-like object in capacitive or galvanic active contact, i.e. the input means gradually covers the electrically conductive elements. If the input means reaches an electrically conductive individual element, the position of the resulting signal is preferably shifted in the direction of the center point of the individual element at this point in time.

In a specific example, the input means is moved along an imaginary straight line in the y direction at a substantially uniform speed on the map-like object. As long as the input means does not come into contact with electrically conductive elements, the resulting time-dependent signal is characterized by touches, which essentially differ in the time stamp and the respective y-coordinate, the speed of the signal being essentially the speed of movement of the

Corresponds to the input means (and is almost constant). If the input means reaches an electrically conductive individual element, the position of the resulting signal in the direction of the individual element or in the direction of the center point of the is preferred at this point in time

Individual element shifted, ie the individual touch is shifted significantly more in terms of the y-coordinate compared to the previous touches. With the help of the parameters of the A speed profile can be calculated for individual touches or touch events of the resulting time-dependent signal. It is preferred in the context of the invention that

Fluctuations in the speed profile can be recognized in particular when the input means comes into contact with electrically conductive individual elements. In other words, the signal changes abruptly at such points. Based on the "jumps", i.e. The edges of electrically conductive elements can be clearly detected based on the suddenly changed speed of the time-dependent signal. Usually this is

Speed profile asymmetrical, i.e. on a jump with high rise in

Speed is followed by a slower decrease in speed.

The term speed profile preferably refers to the point-to-point speed, i.e. the speed between two touch events. It is calculated from the quotient of the path difference and the time difference of two consecutive touch events: v (y) = Ay / At. To illustrate the effect, a graphic representation of the point-to-point speed or touch-to-touch speed depending on the coordinate along which the input means is moved, e.g. depending on the y-coordinate of the touch screen. Such a representation can be referred to as the speed profile of the signal and can be processed and evaluated by a software algorithm as part of the decoding process.

As part of the further evaluation of the speed data, it can be useful, for example, to determine the mean value of the point-to-point or touch-to-touch speed and to evaluate the overall signal with regard to the local deviation from the mean speed. It can furthermore be preferred not to use all determined speed values as absolute numbers for the further signal processing, but to convert them into relative data or to normalize the data. This step enables an evaluation of the signal which is largely independent of the speed of movement of the input means.

Other suitable parameters for evaluating the signal include:

Total duration of the signal

Length of the signal

Amplitudes of the signal

Frequencies of the signal

Absolute number of touch events

Number of touch events per route (histogram)

Spatial density of touch events

Distance to previous touch events

Symmetry of deflections The person skilled in the art is aware that the security feature or hologram is either located on the surface of the object or, in particular in the case of a multi-layer card, is located on an inner layer of a multi-layer body (object). If the electrically conductive security feature is preferably a so-called security thread, this is for example partly on the surface and partly embedded in the paper. Such threads are already introduced into the paper during the manufacture of security paper, for example for the manufacture of banknotes. The invention described here makes it possible to electronically verify a conductive security feature, even if it is partially or completely incorporated within a multilayer object. The generation of a signal in the capacitive area sensor is based on capacitive interactions between the

Area sensor, the electrically conductive security feature and, if necessary, the input means. Direct galvanic contact is not required either with the input device or with the area sensor.

In a further aspect, the invention preferably relates to an object, preferably a

Document, a (bank) card or a product for performing the described method on a device with a capacitive area sensor, wherein the object comprises an electrically conductive security feature and wherein the electrically conductive security feature is structured with conductive and non-conductive structures along at least one preferred direction Has areas, so that after placing the object on the capacitive area sensor and making a dynamic input on the object by means of an input means for

Generation of a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction. Transitions from conductive and non-conductive areas can be detected as edges.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that preferred embodiments and advantages disclosed in

Connection with the method described at the beginning for the verification of an object with an electrically conductive security feature on a device with a capacitive one

Area sensors were disclosed, equally transferred to the claimed object. Likewise, described preferred configurations of the object, in particular its security feature, can preferably be used in the claimed method.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to an object for performing a described method, the object comprising an electrically conductive security feature which has a structure with conductive and non-conductive areas along at least one preferred direction so that after the object has been placed on the capacitive area sensor and making a dynamic input on the object by means of an input means for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction, a transition between conductive and non-conductive areas can be detected as edges.

In a further preferred embodiment, the object is characterized in that the geometry of the electrically conductive security feature, preferably its shape, outline, contour and internal structuring, in particular with regard to the presence of edges, defines the course of the time-dependent signal in the capacitive area sensor. In a further preferred embodiment, the object is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature is applied to an electrically non-conductive substrate material.

In a further preferred embodiment, the object is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature comprises at least two individual elements that are galvanically separated from one another, with the start and / or end sides of the individual elements preferably being detectable as edges when a dynamic input is made on the electrically conductive security feature are. In a further preferred embodiment, the object is characterized in that the structuring of the security feature is carried out by demetallization, the demetallization preferably comprising the removal of electrically conductive areas, preferably strip-shaped areas or line-shaped interruptions, by means of a chemical etching process or by means of a laser. Various methods of demetallization are known to the person skilled in the art based on his specialist knowledge or the standard literature (cf. inter alia Monika Kaßmann (ed.), Basics of Packaging: Leidfaden für die

Interdisciplinary packaging training, 2nd revised and expanded edition 2014, DIN German Institute for Standardization e.V. Beuth Verlag GmbH Berlin).

In a preferred embodiment, the object is characterized in that this one security feature comprises a flat, preferably substantially homogeneous, conductive area in which there are line-shaped interruptions (linear non-conductive areas), the line-shaped interruptions preferably dividing the flat conductive area into two or more divided into more galvanically isolated individual elements. Essentially homogeneous preferably means that the flat area is formed by a homogeneous area with electrically conductive material apart from the linear interruptions (see e.g. Fig. 6). The linear interruptions can preferably have small line widths of, for example, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less 1 mm, it being preferred that the linear interruptions have a line width of at least 10 μm, preferably at least 50 μm, particularly preferably at least 100 μm exhibit.

In particular, more complex structures can also be obtained here, for example by means of star-shaped, circular, triangular etc. non-conductive lines which were introduced into a flat, preferably essentially homogeneous, conductive area.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is electrically conductive

Security feature, in particular a hologram, partially or completely covered, for example by painting, overprinting, lamination, pasting or similar methods known to the person skilled in the art. For the implementation of the method according to the invention, it is irrelevant whether a cover layer is optically transparent or opaque, i.e. whether parts of the electrically conductive security feature are possibly covered. Due to the advantages of the capacitive evaluation according to the invention, the concealed security feature can nevertheless be recognized in its complete (non-concealed) form and property.

Through targeted demetallization of the electrically conductive security feature, i.e. the targeted removal of electrically conductive material, the signal in the capacitive area sensor can be changed in a targeted manner. Such demetallization can either be done by a partial

BO Printing a (protective) lacquer and subsequent chemical etching process or, alternatively, using a laser, can be carried out very finely so that they are not visible to the human eye. Such a demetallization, which corresponds to a galvanic interruption in the electrically conductive security feature, however, changes the time-dependent signal on the capacitive area sensor.

An embodiment variant of the invention comprises the combination of the electrically conductive security feature and an optically similar or identical, electrically non-conductive paint layer. With the aid of the electrically non-conductive color structure, the optical design of the electrically conductive security feature can be supplemented or expanded or changed without this affecting the capacitive detection of the electrically conductive one

Has security features, i.e. such electrically non-conductive elements behave passively on the touchscreen. Purpose of such a combination of electrically conductive

Safety features and additional electrically non-conductive elements is e.g. hiding demetallizations, enabling greater degrees of freedom in the design of security features, optical variations in security features, etc.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises combining the electrically conductive security feature with an additional electrically conductive layer, i. additional printed conductive elements are added. This additional electrically conductive layer can be visible or also invisible or transparent. In any case, the additional electrically conductive layer or the additional element changes the signal that can be detected on the touchscreen. An additional electrically conductive color as an electrically conductive layer can be applied by means of various printing processes, for example gravure printing, intaglio printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, offset printing, inkjet printing or also film application methods, such as e.g. Cold foil application, hot stamping or

Thermal transfer printing. For example, materials based on electrically conductive polymers, metal oxides or carbon nanotubes are available for electrically conductive, optically transparent layers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method described is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature is changed by a further printed electrically conductive element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method described is characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature is present together with an electrically non-conductive element. This preferably corresponds to a combination of the electrically conductive security feature with an optically similar or identical electrically non-conductive color layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive layer can be in direct contact with the electrically conductive security feature (galvanic contact). Alternatively, a protective lacquer can also be used as an intermediate layer. In this case, there is a capacitive coupling between the electrically conductive security feature and the additional printed electrically conductive element. Also a so-called release varnish or primer or protective varnish, which, if necessary, the electrically conductive security element after

Bl Cover the application, prevent direct galvanic contact with the printed electrically conductive layer. This variant can be particularly advantageous in order, for example, to metallize the electrically conductive security feature from corrosion or

To protect interactions with ingredients of the electrically conductive paint. The resulting signal on the touchscreen is always changed by the electrically conductive elements, both with galvanic and capacitive coupling.

A combination of the two exemplary embodiments mentioned (electrically conductive security feature combined with electrically non-conductive paint and electrically conductive security feature combined with electrically conductive paint) is of course also possible.

The electrically conductive structure or the security feature is preferably formed by electrically conductive areas on a non-electrically conductive substrate, wherein

Forms interruptions in the electrically conductive areas in the security feature, creating non-conductive areas.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substrate consists of an electrically non-conductive material, preferably a plastic, a paper, bank note paper, a cardboard, a composite material, ceramic, textile or a combination of the aforementioned materials. The substrate is in particular an electrically non-conductive material, which is preferably flexible and has a low weight. It can be translucent or

opaque substrates can be used. Preferred plastics include

especially PVC, PETG, PV, PETX, PE and synthetic papers.

In a preferred embodiment, the security feature or the electrically conductive structure is formed by electrically conductive materials, preferably selected from a group consisting of electrically conductive inks, metals, metallized foils, metal particles or nanoparticles, electrically conductive particles, in particular carbon black, graphite, graphene, ATO

(Antimony tin oxide), electrically conductive polymers, in particular PEDOT: PSS (poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polystyrene sulfonate), PANI (polyaniline), ITO, EDot, salts, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, conductive fibers and other conductive material types or

Coatings or a combination thereof.

The sheet resistance preferably denotes the electrical resistance of a material which is present in a layer applied to a substrate. The electrical sheet resistance is typically abbreviated as R _s and has the unit (ohm / square). Electrically conductive layers with an electrical sheet resistance of less than 100,000 ohm / sq, preferably less than 10,000 ohm / sq or 1,000 ohm / sq.

In a preferred embodiment, the area coverage of the electrically conductive material in the area of the electrically conductive structure or security feature is 100%. It can also be preferred that the area coverage of the electrically conductive material in the area of the electrically conductive structure is less than 100%, ie the electrically conductive structure is not completely filled with electrically conductive material. In this case, it is preferred that the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are surrounded by a closed contour line. The individual elements are, for example, within the contour line a grid, a grid or an irregular filling pattern, which is designed such that electrically conductive paths are formed within the respective individual element. This variant can be preferred, for example, in order to save electrically conductive material. It is preferred that the area coverage of the conductive material within the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure is greater than 25%, particularly preferably greater than 40% and very particularly preferably greater than 60%.

In preferred embodiments, the electrically conductive structure or the

Security features can be applied to a preferably flexible substrate material of the card-like object by means of film transfer processes, for example cold film transfer, hot stamping, film transfer processes and / or thermal transfer, without being limited to these application processes. In particular, for the production of the card-like object

Printing methods such as offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing and / or screen printing are used and / or inkjet methods using electrically conductive inks, which

for example, based on metal particles, nanoparticles, carbon, graphene and / or electrically conductive polymers, without being limited to these printing processes and / or materials. In the context of the invention, it can also be preferred to cover the electrically conductive structure with at least one further layer, wherein this layer can be a paper or film-based laminate material or at least one lacquer / paint layer. This layer can be designed to be optically transparent or opaque.

In a further aspect, the invention preferably relates to a method for producing and / or modifying an object with an electrically conductive security feature, comprising a. Provision of a security feature comprising an electrically conductive surface, preferably made of metal, the security feature optionally being applied to a non-conductive substrate

b. At least partial demetallization of the surface to form a structure with conductive and non-conductive areas,

c. Optional application of the electrically conductive security feature on the

Object on a non-conductive substrate

so that an object is obtained with a security feature which has been modified by at least partial demetallization in such a way that after placing the object with applied electrically conductive security feature on the capacitive surface sensor and making a dynamic input on the object by means of an input means for

Generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along a preferred direction, a transition from conductive and non-conductive areas can be detected as edges.

By means of such a method, a security feature with a particularly flexible design can be obtained which meets the highest security requirements and can thus also be used for the verification of particularly valuable objects (value documents) etc.

The modification of the security feature can take place both before an application on a non-conductive substrate, for example a bank note paper, and in the

Connection. Rather, a demetallization can be preferred on both exposed

BB Security features that are optionally present on a carrier material as well as security features that have already been applied to an object.

The term demetallization preferably means the ablation or removal of electrically conductive areas from a security feature. The term is known to the person skilled in the art in particular from the field of the design of holographic foils (preferably metal foils). In the context of the described method, the removed electrically conductive material can also be metal, but removal of other conductive materials should also be used

Materials in the sense of the invention are understood under the term demetallization.

For example, the security feature can comprise a nearly homogeneous, flat, electrically conductive area which is individualized by removing linear strips of the electrical material (cf. FIG. 6). The ones created by demetallization

Interruptions are preferably also called demetallizations.

In preferred embodiments, the demetallization takes place with the aid of a laser beam and / or by chemical etching.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method for production and / or modification is characterized in that the conductive and non-conductive areas resulting from the demetallization of the electrically conductive security feature are designed in terms of size, spacing and shape in such a way that the relative movement between a Input means and the object resulting time-dependent signal on the capacitive area sensor is changed compared to a reference signal, which is determined by a reference input with an input means without using the object.

Area sensors have been disclosed, apply equally to the claimed method for producing and / or modifying a security feature and vice versa.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for performing the method described, preferably for verifying an object with an electrically conductive one

Comprehensive security feature on a device with a capacitive area sensor

a. an object according to the invention or a preferred embodiment thereof b. a device with a capacitive area sensor

wherein the object comprises a security feature which is designed in such a way that after placing the object on the capacitive area sensor and making a dynamic input on the object by means of an input means for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal, an evaluation of the time-dependent signal detected during the input on the area sensor Signal can take place, which includes a detection of edges within the electrically conductive security feature. The system according to the invention is preferably set up to detect and evaluate that signal which is generated by making the dynamic input on the area sensor in order to verify the object.

In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a data processing device which is set up to evaluate the generated signal, with the

Data processing device preferably has software ('app') installed comprising commands for evaluating the detected signal, in particular for recognizing edges, and for comparing the detected signal with training data, whereby preferably a verification of the object based on the evaluation of the signal and the comparison with training data takes place and / or for the transmission of information or characteristic data via the generated signal to a server device in data connection with the device, which is set up for an evaluation by means of the aforementioned commands, the software preferably being configured to establish a secure data connection and resultant statements of the the

Server device to receive and display commands executed

The processing of the detected signal as a set of touch events is preferably carried out by the operating system or the touch controller of the electronic device, such as a smartphone. The software (, app ‘) installed on the data processing device evaluates the signal preferably on the basis of the detected number of touch events. The software preferably includes commands for evaluating the detected time-dependent signal, as described in detail for the method. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the preferred embodiments or steps for evaluating the detected signal or its comparison with training data disclosed in connection with methods are preferably carried out by the software (, app ‘), which includes corresponding commands.

In a further preferred embodiment, the software is provided at least partially in the form of a cloud service or internet service, the device transmitting the touch data or touch events to an application in the cloud via the internet. In this case, too, there is software ('app') on a data processing device which includes commands for evaluating the detected signal, in particular for recognizing edges, and for comparing the detected signal with training data, with preferably a verification of the object on the evaluation of the signal and the comparison with training data takes place.

However, the software installed on the data processing device of the device does not necessarily carry out all computationally intensive steps independently on the device. Instead, the data about the detected, time-dependent signal or the number of touch events are transmitted to a software application in a cloud (with an external data processing device) for comparison with training data and / or for determining characteristics of the signal. In a preferred embodiment, the software for recording or recording the touch data can also be the browser of the device.

The software as a cloud service, which preferably includes commands to compare the signal with training data, processes the signal in the form of a number of touch events and sends the result back to the device comprising the area sensor or to one on the device installed software or the browser. The software on the device can preferably use the

Process results and control their display, for example.

If preferred features of the software are described below, the person skilled in the art will recognize that these preferably apply equally to software that carries out the steps completely on the device and to software that includes some (preferably computationally intensive) steps, such as the determination of speed profiles or the detection of edges and their comparison with training data to an external one

Has outsourced the data processing device of a cloud service. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the intended evaluation of the detected signal is to be understood as a uniform concept, regardless of which steps of the algorithm are carried out on the device itself or by an external data processing device on a cloud. In preferred embodiments, for example, a determination of a

Speed profiles for detecting edges of the signal are carried out by the software on the device and a comparison of the edge or speed profiles with training data is outsourced by a cloud service.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the device containing the area sensor processes the generated signal as a set of touch events and the software and / or the server device carries out an evaluation based on the set of touch events.

A touch event preferably denotes a software event that is provided by the operating system of the device with the capacitive area sensor when an electronic parameter detected by the touch controller changes.

An operating system preferably refers to the software that communicates with the hardware of the device, in particular the capacitive surface sensor or the touch controller, and enables other programs, such as the software (, app ‘) to run on the device. Examples of operating systems for devices with capacitive surface sensors are Apple's iOS for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch or Android for operating various smartphones, tablet computers or media players. Operating systems control and monitor the hardware of the device, in particular the capacitive area sensor or a touch controller. Operating systems preferably provide a set of touch events for the claimed system which reflect the detected signal.

In the case of a substantially straight stroke movement as a dynamic input on the security feature, this can be recognized, for example, as a touch start, a touch move and a touch end, with the chronological progression and the time stamp on the basis of the x or y coordinates and the time stamp of the touches a speed profile can be calculated.

If the stroking movement takes place along a straight line in the y-direction at an essentially uniform speed on the security feature, then on average the speeds calculated from the touches correspond to the speed of movement of the

Input means and are almost constant. As explained in detail above, it matters

Transitions between conductive and non-conductive areas to "jumps" in the

Speed profile. In particular the leading edge when reaching an electrically conductive one Individual element or its back when leaving leads to a characteristic increase and decrease in speed. The software is preferably set up to use the parameters of the individual touches or touch events both to calculate the speed profile and to analyze fluctuations or jumps in the speed profile and thereby recognize edges.

The data processing device is preferably a unit which is suitable and configured for receiving, sending, storing and / or processing data, preferably touch events. The data processing unit preferably comprises an integrated circuit, a processor, a processor chip, a microprocessor and / or microcontroller for processing data, as well as a data memory, for example a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) or also a flash memory for storing the data. In commercially available electronic devices with area sensors, such as mobile terminals or smart devices, there are corresponding

Data processing devices.

The software (, app ‘) can be in any programming language or model-based

Development environment, such as C / C ++, C #, Objective-C, Java, Basic / VisualBasic or Kotlin. The computer code can comprise sub-programs which are written in a proprietary computer language which are specifically intended for reading out or for the control or other hardware component of the device.

In particular, the software determines edges or jumps in the signal (preferably based on the number of touch events) in order to compare them with training data sets and thus enable verification.

For this purpose, the software preferably records a, as described above

Speed profile and, if applicable, other dynamic characteristics that characterize the detected signal while the dynamic inputs are being made, in particular with regard to the presence of edges.

The dynamic characteristic data can preferably be local speeds, local maxima, minima, local deflections and / or amplitudes of a set of touch events.

The totality of the dynamic characteristic values, in particular a comprehensive one

Speed profile and its jumps or fluctuations as well as distractions which characterize the detected signal can preferably be combined in a data record, which can be compared with a training data record in order to identify or verify the applied security feature.

In a preferred embodiment, the comparison of the data record takes place using a machine learning model (artificial neural networks) previously created from records, training data or calibration data. For example, training data can be generated for this purpose by placing the device with a safety feature on the surface sensor and recording a large number of dynamic inputs, preferably stroking movements. For example, a training data set can be related to a specific Security feature can be generated. Training data sets for a reference structure without edges or more complex internal structures are also conceivable.

The term training data preferably relates to any data that allows a statement to be made about the probability with which a detected signal was generated on a security feature to be verified. The training data can preferably be stored on a computer-usable or computer-readable medium on the

Data processing unit are stored. Any file format used in the industry can be suitable. The training data can be saved in a separate file or database and / or integrated in the software (e.g. in the source code).

The training data preferably represent the basis of a statistical model calculated by algorithms. After the learning phase, the statistical model is able to classify or interpret any input data. In a preferred embodiment, the machine learning model is set up in such a way that, even after the initial

Learning phase continues to learn during use and the model thus becomes more and more precise over time or changing circumstances, e.g. new smartphones appearing on the market or identified or discovered counterfeits.

Due to the complexity of possible configurations of security features and the high level of accuracy with which software can understand this with appropriate evaluation, such a verification is particularly secure and protected against manipulation. The use of a machine learning model to carry out the verification of an object is particularly well suited for evaluating the touch data, since these occur with great variance. Depending on the type of surface sensor of the device, the operating system, the design of the security feature, possible production fluctuations or tolerances and the individual input by the user, a large number of different variants are valid signals. The use of machine learning models is particularly suitable and preferred over static algorithms in order to verify or recognize these with high recognition accuracy and reliability.

On the basis of the determination of further, preferably dynamic, characteristic values, the software can also carry out a series of plausibility checks in order to rule out any manipulation of the signal.

For example, it may be preferred that the software compares the time course of the input as well as the speed profile and training data for a swiping movement in order to check whether the symmetry or asymmetry of the jumps (regardless of their position in the security feature) has a plausible probability for expected edges or

Interruptions occur.

The determination of the dynamic characteristic values of the detected signal, in particular the speed profile, and the comparison with training data sets preferably allows both a check of the plausibility of the signal and its assignment to training data for verification and authentication purposes. The evaluation by means of the software can be implemented in various ways and comprise several steps. Preferably can first of all the device parameters of the device containing the area sensor, for example the resolution of the area sensor or touchscreen, are determined.

As a result, the signal can preferably be pre-filtered, including a number of touch events, and specific characteristics of the signal can be amplified or adapted.

The software is therefore advantageously not restricted to a specific device type, but can provide optimal results for different electronic devices.

After filtering the signal, the signal can be checked for plausibility by

Parameters such as a signal over time, speed and data density can be calculated. On the basis of a comparison with known or calibrated training data and / or a comparison with defined threshold values and / or processing by the statistical model, any manipulation can thus be reliably excluded.

A number of diverse characteristic values and parameters of the signals are then particularly preferably determined or calculated. For this purpose, i.a. the characteristic values for the start, end, movement, abort, the coordinates, information on geometric properties, a time stamp, local speeds, local maxima, minima, local deflections and / or amplitudes of the touch events are determined.

The characteristic values should in particular be suitable for comparing the detected signal as such and its modification by the electrically conductive security feature.

The data record obtained can then be compared with a training data record, which is for example in a database, in order to decode the signal, with a machine learning algorithm preferably being able to be used. Decoding preferably means an assignment of the detected signal to an expected signal for a known one

Security feature or the assignment of the detected signal to a class by the statistical machine learning model.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a kit for performing the method described at the beginning for verifying an object with an electrically conductive security feature on a device with a capacitive area sensor

a. an object for performing the method comprising an electrically conductive security feature, wherein the electrically conductive security feature has a structure with conductive and non-conductive areas along at least one preferred direction, so that after placing the object on the capacitive surface sensor and making a dynamic input on the object by means of a Input means for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction transitions from conductive and non-conductive areas can be detected as edges and

b. a software ('app') for installation on a device containing a surface sensor, which comprises commands for evaluating the detected signal, in particular for recognizing edges, and for comparing the detected signal with training data, with a verification of the object based on a Evaluation of the signal and a comparison with the training data takes place and / or for the transmission of information or characteristic data about the generated signal to a device in data connection

Server device which is set up for an evaluation by means of the aforementioned commands, the software preferably being configured to establish a secure data connection and to receive and display resulting statements of the commands executed on the server device.

Optionally, the kit can also include instructions for installing the software on the device and / or for performing the method described.

In connection with the described method or object were disclosed, are equally transferred to the claimed system or kit and vice versa.

It is pointed out that advantages, features and details of the above description and the following exemplary embodiments may be preferred individually or in any combination for carrying out the invention. In this way, mutual reference can always be made to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention.

Detailed description

In the following, the invention is to be explained in more detail using examples and figures, without being restricted to these.

characters

Brief description of the images

Fig. 1 a - c illustrate a preferred embodiment of the method below

Use of a value document (10 banknote) and one

Smartphones

2a-c illustrate a further embodiment of the method below

Use of a simple electrically conductive security feature with three individual elements and a smartphone

3a-c show various preferred electrically conductive ones

Security features

4 shows a preferred security feature in combination with a non-conductive paint layer

5 shows a preferred security feature with additional printed electrically conductive elements

Fig. 6 Schematic illustration of a possible modification of a

Holograms or security features by means of demetallization 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the method at

softer a value document with a security feature between

Input means and capacitive area sensor is pulled through

8 shows a bank note with a preferred security feature comprising a security thread or so-called window thread

9 overview diagram to illustrate further aspects of the invention

Detailed description of the images

FIG. 1 a shows a value document 10, in particular a bank note, with an electrically conductive security feature 14 in the form of a security strip on a capacitive touch screen 20 of a terminal 22 as well as an input means 30 with which a gesture 32 is performed along the security strip 14. The signal curve of the time-dependent signal 50, the deflection and the speed profile 52 of the signal are determined by the geometric shape of the electrically conductive feature 14 and the gesture 32, which is made by means of input means 30 along the security strip 14, on the security strip 14 or parts thereof or across the security strip 14 is carried out, determined or established.

The security features 14 of banknotes 10 of a banknote series usually differ with regard to the geometric shape, the configuration or design, the width, the length, the number of individual elements 16, the design of connections between elements 16, the presence of windows, the position and design of

Demetallizations 18 and other features. The totality / sum of these features generates a characteristic signal 50 on a capacitive area sensor 20 when the value document 10 is brought into contact with the capacitive area sensor 20 and a gesture 32 is carried out along the security feature 14 with the aid of an input means 30. This characteristic signal 50 can be a dynamic signal in the form of a time-dependent signal 52. With the help of software, a so-called “capacitive

Determine the footprint ”of the security feature.

Fig. 1 b shows the representation of the time-dependent signal 50. To illustrate the

In the course of the signal, it makes sense to record the touch events and display them, for example, as points at the associated xy coordinates. The touch events or points emerge on the touch screen 20 gradually, i.e. staggered in time and correlating in time with the execution of the gesture 32. For the sake of clarity, the touch points are shown collected in the xy coordinate system of the capacitive touch screen 20, as if they had been recorded.

1c shows the speed profile 52 of the time-dependent signal 50. A time stamp is available for each touch point in conventional terminals 22 with capacitive touch screens 20 and can be used for evaluating the signal profile in the software.

A speed can be calculated for each touch event from the xy coordinates and the time stamps of the touch event currently being viewed and of the previous touch event. In the illustration of Figure 1c, the speed of the signal is a function of the y coordinate of signal 50 is shown. Each security feature 14 has an individual speed profile 52.

FIG. 2 a-c shows a method for the detection of an electrically conductive security feature 14 with individual strips on a capacitive touch screen 20 on the basis of an analysis of the speed profile.

FIG. 2a shows a document 10 with an electrically conductive structure 14, arranged on a substrate material 12. The document is placed on a capacitive touch screen 20 of a terminal device 22 - in this case on the capacitive touch screen of a smartphone. A gesture 32 is performed along the electrically conductive structure 14 with the aid of an input means 30 or finger. The electrically conductive structure 14 is in one or more parts and can consist of several electrically conductive individual elements 16 and have interruptions.

FIG. 2b shows the representation of the time-dependent signal 50. The representation corresponds to the signal representation from FIG. 1b. Referring to Fig.2a are corresponding to

To recognize interruptions in the electrically conductive structure 14 on the document 10 interruptions or gaps in the otherwise essentially uniform course of the touch points.

Figure 2c shows the speed profile 52 of the time-dependent signal 50. For each

Touch point or touch event is in conventional terminals 22 with capacitive

Touch screens 20 have a time stamp available and can be used for evaluating the

Can be used in the software. A speed can be calculated for each touch event from the xy coordinates and the time stamps of the touch event currently being viewed and of the previous touch event. This is shown in Figure 2c. It can be seen that the electrically conductive structure 14 leads to jumps in the signal and thus also to changes in the speed profile 52. From this speed profile 52, conclusions can be drawn about the electrically conductive structure 14 and thus electrically conductive security features 14 can be recognized, checked or differentiated.

FIG. 3 a is an illustration of a further electrically conductive security strip 14 which is applied to an object 10. As described in the previous figures, a gesture 32 along the security strip 14, which rests on the capacitive touch screen 20, is carried out using an input means 30. The security strip 14 has different demetallizations 18 in the direction of a gesture 32. these can

be different, for example star-shaped. In the area of the demetallizations 18, the electrically conductive security feature 14 is galvanically interrupted, at some points over the entire width of the security feature 14 and only partially at other points.

FIG. 3b shows a document of value 10, in particular a banknote with an electrically conductive security feature 14 in the form of a hologram patch, the geometric shape of the conductive feature 14 and in particular also the demetallized areas 18 determining the deflection and the speed profile 52 of the detected signal. Figure 3c shows an identification card 10, such as an identity card or a bank card with a hologram. With the aid of an input means 30, a characteristic signal 50 can be generated on the area sensor 20 by a gesture 32, as shown in FIGS. 1 b and 2 b.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the security feature 14 shown in FIG. 3a. Here, the electrically conductive security feature 14 is supplemented by an electrically non-conductive paint layer 19 that looks the same. For a user, it is therefore not optically visible at which points the security feature 14 is electrically conductive or not electrically conductive or has demetallizations 18. Purpose is e.g. hiding

Demetallizations 18 and allowing greater degrees of freedom in the design of the

Security features etc.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment, the electrically conductive security feature 14 being supplemented with an additional layer or with additional printed electrically conductive elements 17. This additional layer 17 can be visible or also invisible or transparent. In any case, it changes the signal. Possible combinations of the configurations from FIGS. 4 and 5 are also possible here.

FIG. 6 shows three different variants of a hologram 14 which differ with regard to the internal structure or the appearance of edges. The holograms 14 or

electrically conductive security features 14 all have the same external geometry and shape. They differ in the partial demetallization 18. The left hologram 14 was not demetallized. The middle hologram 14 was partially demetalized by vertical interruptions. The right hologram 14 became line-shaped

Demetallizations 18 changed at a 45 ° angle. These demetallizations 18 can be made so fine that they are not visible to the human eye, i. E. optically, the three illustrated holograms 14 look the same. With the method according to the invention, however, a reliable differentiation or verification can advantageously take place through capacitive detection using a commercially available smartphone.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative use variant - as an alternative to the case described up to now: the document 10 with the security element 14 placed on the surface sensor 20 and swiped over the electrically conductive security element 14 with an input means 30 - is possible in the following interaction:

Document / device 10 is placed on area sensor 20

The input device 30 is placed on the electrically conductive security feature 14 (and thus the document 10 is pressed onto the area sensor 20)

The document 10 is drawn through between input means 30 and capacitive touch screen 20

As an alternative to the previously described usage variants, a further variant is shown in FIG. 7: The document 10 comprising an electrically conductive security feature 14 rests on the surface sensor 20 and is fixed with an input means 30 or on the

Area sensor 20 pressed. The document 10 is now between input means 30 and capacitive touch screen 20 so that the input means 30 comes into contact with the electrically conductive security feature 14. The input means 30 and the area sensor 20 essentially do not move relative to one another. As a result of this movement of the document 10, the security feature 14 comes into contact with the input means 30, while the input means is already in operative contact with the area sensor 20. At the same time, the signal 50 on the capacitive touch screen 20 is deflected or changed.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. Bank notes 10 often contain a security thread or so-called window thread as a security feature 14. Such security threads 14 are embedded in the bank note paper 12 and come into contact with the paper surface (window) at defined points in the bank note 10. The security thread 14 is partially visible when viewed from above.

Such a window thread is visible along its entire length when looking through it. For the

It appears to the observer as if such a thread 14 was woven into the paper 12. This type of thread 14 is introduced into bank note 10 during papermaking. The introduction of the metallized security thread 14 as a window thread into the paper 12 results in a characteristic capacitive signal which can be evaluated by means of the touchscreen 20 of a smartphone 22. When the input gesture 32 is carried out, the finger or the input means 30 gradually comes up with window areas and non-window areas of the

Window thread 14 in contact. In other words, the input means 32 is alternately in galvanic active contact and in capacitive active contact with the window thread or the distance between the metallic thread 14 and the input means 30 varies depending on whether the input means is located over a window area or in between during the input gesture. By adapting the structure or the design of such metallized security threads 14, reproducible signals can be generated and verified on a smartphone 22. Whenever the input means touches a boundary between window area and non-window area, the signal shows a significant change, for example

Speed compared to the more or less constant speed of movement of the input means 30.

FIG. 9 shows an overview diagram which, based on a market-specific

Evidence of safety represents two relevant aspects of the invention. A first

The application aspect is the authentication of bank notes 10 in connection with a smartphone 20, wherein the inventive capacitive verification can be supplemented by optical authentication. A second aspect of the invention relates to a number of potential software services, e.g .:

Providing information about bank notes 10 and their security features 14

Synergies with payment applications

Provision of information from the regional and central banks

Assisting citizens in identifying the denomination, for example

Support for the visually impaired With the aid of the capacitive detection of electrically conductive security features 14 according to the invention, these applications can be provided in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, data protection-compliant and user-friendly manner.

REFERENCE MARK

10 Object, e.g. document or bank card

12 substrate material

14 electrically conductive security feature (hologram, strip, thread, patch)

16 electrically conductive element

17 printed electrically conductive element

18 Demetallization

19 electrically non-conductive element

20 capacitive touch screen or area sensor

22 device

30 input devices (finger, pen)

32 dynamic input or operating track (gesture)

50 Representation of the time-dependent signal

52 Speed profile of the time-dependent signal

Claims

1. A method for verifying an object (10) with an electrically conductive one

Security feature (14) on a device (22) with a capacitive area sensor (20) comprising the steps

a. Provision of a device (22) comprising a capacitive area sensor (20) b. Provision of an object (10) with an electrically conductive one

Security feature (14)

c. Place the object (10) on the capacitive area sensor (20)

d. Making a dynamic input (32) on the object (20) and the electrically conductive security feature (14) by means of an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal on the area sensor (20) e. Evaluation of what is detected on the surface sensor (20) during input

time-dependent signal, the evaluation comprising a detection of edges within the electrically conductive security feature (14).

2. The method according to the previous claim

characterized in that

the characteristic signal is evaluated with regard to a speed profile (52) and the detection of edges takes place on the basis of the speed profile (52).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the characteristic signal is a time-dependent and path-dependent signal.

4. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

when the edges are recognized by a speed profile (52), a temporally asymmetrical course of the speed profile (52) at the edges is taken into account.

5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

a temporal asymmetrical course of the speed profile (52) in the area of the edges is used to determine whether a front edge, preferably at the beginning of a conductive area, or a rear edge, preferably at an end of a conductive area, is swept with the input means (52) has been.

6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the object (10) is a document, preferably a bank note, a card-like object, preferably a bank or credit card and / or product packaging.

7. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the device (22) containing the area sensor (20) processes the generated signal as a set of touch events and evaluates the time-dependent signal based on the set of touch events.

8. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the geometry of the electrically conductive security feature (14), preferably its shape, outline, contour and internal structuring, in particular with regard to the presence of edges, defines the course of the time-dependent signal in the capacitive area sensor (22).

9. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) is applied to an electrically non-conductive substrate material (12).

10. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) which are galvanically separated from each other, preferably when a dynamic input (32) is made on the electrically conductive security feature (14)

Beginning and / or end areas of the individual elements (16) or interruptions in the conductive security feature (14) can be detected as edges.

1 1. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the dynamic input (32) comprises a substantially rectilinear swiping movement of the input means (30) over the entire security feature (14), the

Stroke movement parallel or orthogonal to the largest dimension of the

Security feature (14) takes place.

12. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the dynamic input (32) a swiping movement along a swiping direction and / or along oppositely changing swiping directions can be repeated several times.

13. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

along at least one preferred direction of the security feature (14), a plurality of conductive and non-conductive areas alternate so that at

Performing a dynamic input (32) along the preferred direction, the transition between conductive and non-conductive areas can be recognized as edges.

14. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) or active areas, the distance between which is at least 10 μm.

15. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) or active areas whose width is between 1 mm and 15 mm and / or whose length is between 6 mm and 30 mm.

16. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) or active areas, the area of the individual elements (16) each being between 10 mm ² and 450 mm ² .

17. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) is supplemented by a further printed electrically conductive element (17).

18. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) is present together with an electrically non-conductive element (19), the electrically non-conductive element (19) preferably being optically similar to the electrically conductive security feature.

19. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

after the object (10) has been placed on the area sensor (20), the input means (30) is placed on the electrically conductive security feature (14) and the object (10) is preferably kept pressed onto the area sensor (20), with a dynamic Input (32) takes place in that the object (10) is pulled through between input means (30) and capacitive area sensor (20).

20. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the verification of the object (10) comprises a differentiation, control, capacitive detection and / or authentication.

21st Object (10) for performing a method according to one or more of

preceding claims on a device (22) with a capacitive area sensor (20), wherein the object (10) comprises an electrically conductive security feature (14)

characterized in that

the electrically conductive security feature (14) has a structure with conductive and non-conductive areas along at least one preferred direction, so that after Placing the object (10) on the capacitive area sensor and making a dynamic input (32) on the object (10) by means of an input means (30) to generate a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction of one or more transitions between conductive and non-conductive areas are detectable as edges.

22. Object (10) according to the preceding claim

characterized in that

the geometry of the electrically conductive security feature (14), preferably its shape, outline, contour and internal structuring, in particular with regard to the presence of edges, defines the course of the time-dependent signal in the capacitive area sensor (20).

23. Object (10) according to one of the preceding claims 21 or 22

characterized in that

24. Object (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims 21-23

characterized in that

Start and / or end sides of the individual elements (16) can be detected as edges.

25. Object (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims 21-24

characterized in that

the structuring of the security feature (14) takes place by demetallization (18).

26. Object (10) according to the preceding claim

characterized in that

the demetallization (18) comprises the removal of electrically conductive areas, preferably strip-shaped areas, by means of a chemical etching process or by means of a laser.

27. A method for producing and / or modifying an object (10) with an electrically conductive security feature (14), preferably comprising according to one or more of the preceding claims 18-26

a. Provision of a security feature (14) comprising an electrical

conductive surface, preferably made of metal, the security feature (14) optionally being applied to a non-conductive substrate (14) b. At least partial demetallization (18) of the surface of the security feature (14) to form a structure with conductive and non-conductive areas, c. Optional application of the electrically conductive security feature (14) on a non-conductive substrate (14)

, so that an object (10) with a security feature (12) is obtained which has been modified by at least partial demetallization in such a way that after the object (10) has been placed on the capacitive surface sensor (20) and a dynamic input (32) has been made the object (10) by means of an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along a

A transition from conductive and non-conductive areas can be detected as edges in the preferred direction.

28. A method for producing and / or modifying an object (10) with an electrically conductive security feature (14) according to the preceding claim

characterized in that

the conductive and non-conductive areas resulting from the demetallization (18) of the electrically conductive security feature (14) are designed in terms of size, spacing and shape such that the relative movement between an input means (30) and the object (10) The time-dependent signal on the capacitive surface sensor (20) is changed compared to a reference signal which is determined by a reference input with an input means (30) without using the object (10).

29. System for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1-20 comprising

a. an object (10) according to one of the preceding claims 20-26

b. a device (22) with a capacitive area sensor (20)

characterized in that

the object (10) comprises an electrically conductive security feature (14) which is configured such that after the object (10) has been placed on the capacitive

Area sensor (20) and making a dynamic input (32) on the object (10) by means of an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal, an evaluation of the time-dependent signal detected during the input on the area sensor (20) can be carried out, the Evaluation preferably includes recognition of edges within the electrically conductive security feature (14).

30. System according to the previous claim

characterized in that

the system has a data processing device which is set up to evaluate the generated signal, software ('app') preferably being installed on the data processing device comprising commands for processing and evaluating the detected signal, in particular for recognizing edges, with verification being preferred of the object (10) takes place on the basis of the evaluation of the signal and / or for the transmission of information or characteristic data about the generated signal to one with the Device in a data connection server device, which is set up for processing and evaluation by means of the aforementioned commands, wherein the software is preferably configured to establish a secure data connection and resulting

To receive statements of the commands executed on the server device and

to represent.

31. System according to one of the preceding claims 29 or 30

characterized in that

the device (22) containing the area sensor (20) processes the generated signal as a set of touch events and the software carries out an evaluation based on the set of touch events.

32. Kit for performing a method according to one of the preceding claims 1-20 comprising

a. an object (10) for performing the method, comprising an electrically conductive security feature (14), the electrically conductive security feature (14) having a structure with conductive and non-conductive areas along at least one preferred direction, so that after the object (10) is placed on the capacitive area sensor (20) and making a dynamic input (32) on the object (10) by means of an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction, at least one transition from conductive and non-conductive areas can be detected as edges and

b. a software (, app ‘) for installation on an area sensor (20)

containing device (22), which comprises commands, for processing and evaluating the detected signal, in particular for recognizing edges, the object (10) preferably being verified on the basis of an evaluation of the signal and / or for transmitting information or characteristic data via the generated signal to a server device in data connection with the device, which is set up for processing and evaluation by means of the aforementioned commands, the software preferably being configured to establish a secure data connection and to receive and display resulting statements of the commands executed on the server device.