EP4000049B1 - Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence servant à vérifier une propriété de sécurité d'un objet et procédé de calibrage d'un dispositif capteur de photoluminescence - Google Patents

Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence servant à vérifier une propriété de sécurité d'un objet et procédé de calibrage d'un dispositif capteur de photoluminescence Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4000049B1
EP4000049B1 EP20743639.5A EP20743639A EP4000049B1 EP 4000049 B1 EP4000049 B1 EP 4000049B1 EP 20743639 A EP20743639 A EP 20743639A EP 4000049 B1 EP4000049 B1 EP 4000049B1
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Prior art keywords
radiation
electromagnetic radiation
generated
calibration
signal
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP4000049A1 (fr
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Florian Peters
Piotr Szegvari
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Bundesdruckerei GmbH
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Bundesdruckerei GmbH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/06—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using wave or particle radiation
    • G07D7/12—Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/06—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using wave or particle radiation
    • G07D7/12—Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
    • G07D7/1205—Testing spectral properties

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a photoluminescence sensor device for verifying a security feature of an object in a measuring range of the sensor device.
  • the invention further relates to a method for calibrating such a photoluminescence sensor device.
  • the object can be a security object, in particular a security document, for example an officially issued certificate, a chip card or transponder card, an identity card, another identity card or a passport, to name just a few examples.
  • the object can be an object of value, in particular a document of value, such as a banknote or a share.
  • the object can be made of paper, for example.
  • At least one photoluminescent substance can e.g. B. be integrated into the material of the object and / or applied to the material, for example printed.
  • pigments made from at least one such substance or with at least one such substance can be used.
  • the substance or substances are irradiated with electromagnetic radiation of a suitable wavelength that is matched to the excitation energy, so that atoms or molecules of the respective substance are excited to a higher energy level. When it falls back to a lower energy level, electromagnetic radiation characteristic of the material is emitted, which can be used to determine the authenticity of the object and thus verify the object.
  • Anti-Stokes phosphors are known for use in security documents. Such anti-Stokes phosphors belong to the group of photoluminescent substances, which can be excited to emit electromagnetic luminescent radiation via excitation with electromagnetic radiation. Anti-Stokes phosphors absorb electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength called an excitation wavelength and emit at least a portion of the luminescent radiation at at least an anti-Stokes wavelength that is shorter than the excitation wavelength.
  • the EP 1 241 242 A2 indicates that for automatic detection of the anti-Stokes luminescent substance, the attack times and/or decay times of the time course of the anti-Stokes luminescence radiation can be evaluated.
  • the response times and/or Cooldown times are characteristic of the various anti-Stokes phosphors. It is also known that the response times of anti-Stokes phosphors are relatively long compared to many other luminescent substances and can be up to a few 100 ⁇ s.
  • the invention is not limited to the use of anti-Stokes phosphors in security features.
  • the photoluminescent substance or one of the photoluminescent substances of the security feature can be a Stokes phosphor, which causes a shift of the emitted electromagnetic radiation compared to the exciting electromagnetic radiation to longer wavelengths.
  • the stimulating electromagnetic radiation can therefore lie in a first wavelength range and the emitted electromagnetic radiation, which can also be referred to as luminescent radiation, can lie in a second wavelength range that differs from the first wavelength range.
  • the wavelength ranges are also different if they overlap one another and/or the maxima of the spectral intensities of the radiation are at different wavelengths. Different wavelength ranges do not necessarily require that the wavelength ranges are adjacent to one another or even that they are at a wavelength distance from one another. However, such a wavelength spacing can be achieved in particular if the exciting electromagnetic radiation is generated by a laser, for example a laser diode.
  • the attack time and/or decay time are determined and/or taken into account and an evaluation is used to check whether the checked security document contains the correct luminescent substances for a genuine security document.
  • measurement signals from photoluminescence sensor devices can also be generated by radiation from the environment of the sensor device.
  • the object can reflect back radiation that was irradiated onto the object by the sensor device in order to achieve the excited energy state.
  • a measurement of a comparison object with the same reflection properties in the wavelength range of the exciting radiation as the object to be verified can be carried out, so that an expected signal is available whose consideration can later be used to verify objects.
  • the stimulating radiation is in a different wavelength range than the luminescence radiation of the expected object, it is possible to filter out or suppress the stimulating radiation as completely as possible before the radiation impinges on the receiving device of the sensor device from which the measurement signal is produced.
  • this suppression of the stimulating radiation involves a corresponding effort, since wavelengths of the stimulating radiation and the luminescent radiation are often close to one another and corresponding filters are subject to fluctuations in their production, which sometimes lead to very different filter properties. Suppression is particularly important when different photoluminescent substances are to be distinguished using luminescent radiation in different but similar wavelength ranges.
  • DE 10 2017 211 104 B3 describes a method for verifying an electroluminescent security feature in a valuable and/or security document.
  • the electroluminescent security feature is excited using an electrical excitation signal. Radiation emitted by the security feature is detected and an output signal is generated.
  • a reference safety feature is excited using a known input signal. The output signal is transformed with a characteristic function determined during calibration.
  • both operating modes which can be referred to as calibration mode and as measuring mode
  • a portion of the generated electromagnetic radiation is received by a receiving device of the sensor device in at least a portion of the (first) wavelength range of the generated electromagnetic radiation.
  • the electromagnetic radiation received in this way is evaluated and a corresponding calibration result is generated.
  • electromagnetic radiation in the (second) wavelength range of the luminescent radiation is also received if there is a photoluminescent material is located.
  • the calibration operation there may be no object in the (local) measuring area or there may be an object (such as a microscope slide for carrying an object to be verified) in the measuring area.
  • an object such as a microscope slide for carrying an object to be verified
  • This state cannot be achieved completely, since every object and every environment in the first wavelength range can radiate radiation with low radiation intensity in the direction of the receiving device of the photoluminescence sensor device. However, the state should be achieved as closely as possible, i.e.
  • the radiation emitted and/or reflected by the measuring area in the first wavelength range should be as small as possible compared to the radiation in the first wavelength range that does not emanate from the measuring area but is received by the receiving device.
  • the radiation emanating and/or reflected from the measuring area can be measured, for example by temporarily preventing this radiation from being detected by the sensor during the separate measurement.
  • an absorbing material can be introduced between the measuring area and the receiving device. This can be achieved, for example, by covering a window of the sensor device.
  • the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device in the first wavelength range which can excite the photoluminescent substance in the presence of a photoluminescent substance, intentionally partially reaches the receiving device without having previously reached the measuring range.
  • this part of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the receiving device can be radiation that remains within the sensor device without leaving it and/or radiation that is reflected and/or deflected on its way to the measuring area, so that it does not reach the measuring range.
  • there is no solid or liquid material between the sensor device and the measuring area ie the radiation in the first wavelength range emerging from the sensor device, for example through an exit window, reaches the measuring area without significant attenuation due to reflection or scattering.
  • the radiation that intentionally partially reaches the receiving device in The first wavelength range therefore consists in particular of radiation that remains within the sensor device without leaving it. If the sensor device has a window through which the generated radiation is irradiated into the measuring area, then the radiation remaining within the sensor device also includes radiation that is reflected back at the window and therefore does not emerge from the sensor device.
  • the calibration operation can take place once or repeatedly, especially if it has been recognized that there is no photoluminescent substance in the measuring area.
  • the recognition can be carried out by a user and/or automatically.
  • the calibration operation can take place once or multiple times between two phases of the measuring operation, i.e. in each phase of the measuring operation there is an object to be verified in the measuring area.
  • the calibration operation can therefore only differ from the measurement operation in that the reception signal generated by the receiving device, which corresponds to the received radiation, leads to a calibration result in the calibration operation and to a verification or non-verification of an object in the measurement area in the measurement operation, taking into account the calibration result or one of several calibration results.
  • a calibration result can be obtained in different phases of the calibration operation and, for example, the most recent calibration result or a calibration result derived from several phases of the calibration operation in the measurement operation can be taken into account in the evaluation.
  • objects to be verified repeatedly can be moved through the measuring range of the sensor device. If there is no object to be verified in the measurement area within a time interval, the calibration operation can be carried out. This makes it possible, in particular, to take into account in each measuring operation a calibration result that was at least also obtained from the immediately preceding calibration operation.
  • the reception and evaluation of radiation in the first wavelength range of the stimulating radiation both in the calibration operation and in the measurement operation have the advantage that the influence of the radiation in the first wavelength range is recorded and taken into account in the evaluation in the measurement operation.
  • means for example a filter
  • the receiving device is designed to be less sensitive for other reasons (e.g. the radiation sensitivity of the receiving sensor system). respond to radiation in the first wavelength range than to radiation in the second Wavelength range, then the properties of the means and/or the receiving device can vary depending on the specimen, for example due to production.
  • the radiation in the first wavelength range can therefore have different influences on the received signal of the receiving device depending on the example of the sensor device.
  • the calibration result can be determined for each specific sensor device present and the influence of the radiation in the first wavelength range on the received signal of the receiving device can thus be taken into account.
  • the sensor device is preferably designed in such a way that the radiation in the first wavelength range, which does not emanate from the measuring range or is reflected, has a smaller influence on the reception signal generated by the receiving device than luminescence radiation in the second wavelength range when a security feature with expected photoluminescence properties is in the Measuring range of the sensor device is located.
  • the spectral sensitivity of the receiving device is that incident on the receiving device Influence radiation, preferably at least by a factor of 10 and in particular at least by a factor of 100 smaller in the first wavelength range than in the second wavelength range. This relates in particular to the maximum sensitivity in the first and second wavelength ranges, because the sensitivity can also depend on the wavelength in the individual wavelength ranges.
  • the invention is not limited to receiving devices whose sensor element or sensor elements do not deliver wavelength-resolved signals. Rather, the receiving device can, for example, generate a wavelength-resolved signal by means of a plurality of sensor elements with different spectral sensitivity when radiation is incident on the receiving device.
  • the invention makes it possible to verify security features with photoluminescent substances in a precise manner and with little effort even if the received signals from the receiving device are not spectrally resolved.
  • the electromagnetic radiation incident on the receiving device can first pass through a filter device, which filters the electromagnetic radiation incident on the filter device.
  • the spectral radiation flux density distribution of the incident on the receiving device electromagnetic radiation have a smaller proportion in the first wavelength range than the spectral radiation flux density distribution of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the filter device.
  • the proportions can be determined in particular by integrating the spectral radiation flux density distribution over the different wavelength ranges, in particular over the first wavelength range and outside the first wavelength range, for example in the second wavelength range.
  • the sensor device can have a correspondingly arranged filter device. In this way, the influence of the radiation in the first wavelength range can be reduced, which in particular leads to a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
  • a further advantage is that, as already indicated, a calibration result can be obtained repeatedly in each phase of the calibration operation and thus a current calibration result can be obtained.
  • the influence of the radiation in the first wavelength range can depend on at least one influencing factor, such as the temperature of the sensor device and/or the environment of the sensor device, the air pressure inside or outside the sensor device and/or the age or degree of wear of the sensor device .
  • a further advantage of the invention is that it is in any case possible to evaluate at least one received signal from the receiving device in such a way that information obtained therefrom about the stimulating electromagnetic radiation is taken into account in the measuring operation.
  • the received signal from the receiving device is a time-dependent variable and thus reflects the time course of the radiation incident on the receiving device.
  • the luminescent radiation is only generated with considerable intensity a considerable time after the exciting radiation hits the photoluminescent substance.
  • the received signal will initially correspond predominantly or even almost exclusively to the stimulating radiation. Only when the intensity of the luminescent radiation has increased during the further course of the measurement does the luminescent radiation predominantly determine the received signal. For example, with a sensor element that does not have a spectral resolution, this predominantly means that the level of the sensor value or measured value is predominantly caused by the respective radiation.
  • a time course of the received signal is taken into account in the evaluation, this can be done, for example, by inferring the presence of stimulating radiation from the course. Based on the time course, which is predominantly influenced by the stimulating radiation, one can also point to one The beginning of a time interval or a time interval of a later time course can be concluded at which or in which the received signal is predominantly influenced by the luminescent radiation. Furthermore, the time course of the received signal can be viewed over a time interval and, taking into account a time course expected for the security feature, it can be evaluated whether the object to be verified is real or fake.
  • the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device of the sensor device which is the stimulating radiation during the measuring operation
  • the radiation flux density can repeatedly be zero, increase and fall back to zero.
  • the time course between the rise in the radiation flux density from the value zero and the fall back to the value zero can be designed differently.
  • this time course is the same course repeatedly during the operation of a specific sensor device. The latter makes it possible, in particular during the calibration operation and during the measurement operation, to record corresponding received signals over a time interval with the same time profiles of the radiation flux density of the radiation generated.
  • the time course can be such that the radiation flux density increases steadily from the value zero to a maximum and then steadily drops back to zero.
  • more complex time courses are also possible, for example with two or more than two maxima of the radiation flux density between the first increase in the radiation flux density and the last decrease within the time interval.
  • the electromagnetic radiation can therefore be generated by the radiation generating device in the measuring mode and in the calibration mode in such a way that the radiation flux density of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device has the same non-constant time profile at least in a time interval.
  • the radiation flux density of the The electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device repeatedly has the same non-constant time course both in the measuring operation and in the calibration operation.
  • the control device can be designed to control the radiation generating device in such a way that the radiation flux density has the course described in one of the two previous sentences.
  • a temporal change in the radiation flux density repeated in the same way has the advantage that: Calibration result can be obtained reliably.
  • the beginning of a time interval in which an evaluation of the received signal is to take place can be recognized by a temporal increase in the received signal and/or when a signal value of a predetermined level is reached.
  • the signal value is not only in this embodiment, for example, an electrical voltage of a photocell or a signal derived from it, for example amplified. If, after the increase or decrease in a signal value of the received signal, it turns out that the received signal was also generated due to luminescence radiation, it can be decided that no calibration result is generated by evaluating the received signal or that a measurement operation is taking place.
  • the temporal change in the radiation flux density of the generated radiation when evaluating the received signal makes it possible to determine whether the received signal was generated in a time interval exclusively by the generated radiation and possibly by unwanted interference radiation, for example from the environment of the sensor device, or whether the received signal was also clearly generated by luminescence radiation in the time interval under consideration. Based on at least one time-increasing course and/or one time-decreasing course of a signal value of the received signal, the beginning or the end of a time interval can also be determined, over which an evaluation in the calibration mode for the purpose of determining a calibration result and/or in the measurement mode Verification of a security feature should take place.
  • the radiation generating device can be any suitable device for generating electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range that is suitable for exciting photoluminescence.
  • it is a laser, for example a laser diode or an arrangement of laser diodes, or a light-emitting diode or arrangement of light-emitting diodes.
  • the radiation generating device can have at least one filter which attenuates generated radiation in at least one wavelength range. This allows the spectrum of the radiation generated to be changed before the radiation emerges from the radiation generating device.
  • the radiation generated and emerging from the radiation generating device can be irradiated in any way to the measuring range of the sensor device and another portion can be irradiated onto the receiving device without having previously reached the measuring range.
  • the two components mentioned can run in different directions immediately after generation and/or at any other point on the radiation path up to the measuring area.
  • the generated radiation can spread in different directions within a solid angle.
  • the proportion of the generated radiation that reaches the measuring range can spread within a first sub-region of the solid angle, and within another sub-region of the solid angle the proportion of the generated radiation that reaches the receiving device can spread without having previously reached the measuring range.
  • the division means a division of the intensity or radiation flux density of the radiation between the two components, which propagate from the location of the division on different radiation paths and/or in different solid angle ranges.
  • a division can also take place several times, so that the intensity of the generated radiation running on the radiation path to the measuring area is weakened several times.
  • an optical device of the sensor device such as a mirror or a lens, can be used for division.
  • the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device is partially deflected by at least one optical device of the sensor device coming from the radiation source both in the measuring operation and in the calibration operation, that the part of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device is created, which the receiving device receives in the calibration operation and according to which the receiving device generates the calibration signal.
  • the optical device or one of the optical devices can be a partially transparent reflector, which allows a larger proportion of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation generating device to pass through or reflects it in a first direction in which electromagnetic radiation extends, which exceeds the measuring range of the sensor device achieved, and allows a smaller proportion of the generated electromagnetic radiation in relation to the radiation flux density to be reflected or passed in another, second direction, in which electromagnetic radiation reaches the receiving device without emerging from the sensor device.
  • the proportion that is allowed to pass or is reflected by the reflector in the first direction can be more than 70%, for example more than 80 percent and preferably more than 85 percent of the radiation flux density incident on the reflector.
  • the optical device or one of the optical devices is an exit window through which a portion of the generated electromagnetic radiation is irradiated into the measuring range of the sensor device, with a portion of the generated electromagnetic radiation being reflected by the exit window in the measuring mode and in the calibration mode and at least partially reaches the receiving device.
  • the receiving device can be any device that is suitable for receiving electromagnetic radiation in both the first and the second wavelength range, ie the received signal can also be generated by radiation in the first wavelength range. If the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range do not overlap one another, the receiving device is also sensitive to radiation in the separate first wavelength range. If the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range overlap one another, the receiving device is sensitive to radiation in a partial area of the overlap area, in the entire overlap area and/or at least in a partial area of the first wavelength range that is not in the overlap area.
  • the receiving device can have a photocell or an arrangement of photocells.
  • the receiving device can have one or more sensor elements, each sensor element being designed to generate a sensor signal corresponding in particular to the intensity or the spectral intensity of the incident radiation when electromagnetic radiation strikes in a spectral sensitivity range of the sensor element. In the case of a plurality of sensor elements, these can generate a spatially resolved sensor signal overall.
  • the sensor element and in particular each of the sensor elements is coupled to a signal amplifier, so that the sensor signal is amplified by the signal amplifier.
  • the sensor signal or in the case of at least one signal amplifier the amplified sensor signal, forms the received signal of the receiving device, which can also be referred to as a measurement signal.
  • the received signal can also be a spatially resolved received signal.
  • a spatially resolved received signal makes it possible, in particular, to evaluate the object to be verified, taking the location-dependent information into account.
  • a spatially resolved reception signal it is preferred to generate a spatially resolved reception signal not only in the measuring mode but also in the calibration mode, the sensor signals of all sensor elements in the calibration mode preferably corresponding completely or predominantly to the radiation in the first wavelength range generated by the radiation generating device, which, without to reach the measuring range, was irradiated onto the receiving device.
  • a calibration result is therefore available from the calibration operation, which, as with a non-spatially resolved received signal, corresponds to the generated radiation incident on the receiving device in the first wavelength range.
  • the calibration result can therefore be used in the spatially resolved case and also in the non-spatially resolved case for correction in measuring operation and/or contains information about the measurement signal to be expected in measuring operation in the presence of an expected security feature.
  • the evaluation device is a device which, in calibration mode, generates a calibration result from the received signal, which was referred to above as the calibration signal. Furthermore, the evaluation device is designed to use the calibration result when evaluating the received signal from the measurement operation.
  • the evaluation device can have separate units, for example one unit Evaluates the calibration signal and generates the calibration result and another unit, to which the calibration result is made available, evaluates the received signal in measuring mode using the calibration result.
  • the two units are connected to one another, for example, directly via a signal connection and/or indirectly, for example via a memory for storing the calibration result, so that the other unit can receive the calibration result.
  • the same unit of the evaluation device both generates the calibration result in the calibration operation and uses the calibration result in the measurement operation when evaluating the received signal.
  • the matched filter also known as optimal filter in German
  • the matched filter can be used to check whether the received signal or the corrected received signal shows that the object is an expected one to be verified.
  • a luminescent reference object can be measured with the sensor device or another sensor device, ie a measurement signal is recorded that contributes to the at least one luminescent substance of the reference object.
  • This measurement signal from the reference object can also be caused by radiation in the first wavelength range of the exciting radiation.
  • a calibration operation is also carried out in connection with the measurement of this reference object, a corresponding calibration signal is generated and this calibration signal is used in the evaluation of the measurement signal of the reference object.
  • This calibration operation may be a different calibration operation than verification of an object to be verified. This allows the different conditions and optionally different properties of different sensor devices to be taken into account.
  • a first sensor device is used for measuring the reference object and a second sensor device is used for verifying an object to be verified.
  • These two sensor devices generally have different features Properties relating to the influence of the radiation it generates in the first wavelength range, which affects the measurement signal without having reached the measurement range. It is also possible for the radiation generated by the respective sensor device to be generated in different first wavelength ranges.
  • a reference object is measured. Rather, alternatively or additionally, it can be calculated, for example, which measurement signal is expected for an object to be verified.
  • the evaluation device can carry out the evaluation analogously and/or digitally.
  • the evaluation device can receive the analog signal, convert it into a digital signal and then evaluate the digital signal.
  • the digital received signal can be a data stream if the received signal information is received continuously, or a data set act if the time-resolved received signal is available as a digital data quantity for at least a period of time or a time interval.
  • the calibration signal (ie the received signal in calibration mode) is present as a time-resolved analog signal, is digitized and forms a data set which describes the time course of the calibration signal over a time interval and in particular the time course of the intensity or radiation flux density received by the receiving device received radiation describes.
  • the time interval can in particular be a time interval in which an increase in the measured value or sensor value (e.g. an electrical voltage) from zero or from an offset and/or background radiation value takes place in accordance with the time course of the generated electromagnetic radiation and the course returns to the Value zero or decreases to the offset value and / or background radiation value.
  • the background radiation is the radiation that is received by the receiving device or the sensor element even if the photoluminescence sensor device does not generate any radiation.
  • the background radiation or ambient radiation can fluctuate over time. What is typical is that it fluctuates according to white noise.
  • the offset value corresponds to a possible value of the receiving device or the respective sensor element, which is in particular not zero and is generated when no radiation is incident on the receiving device. Therefore, the above-mentioned increase in the Received signal also assumes a value that is a sum of the value of the background radiation and the offset.
  • the generation of electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range is controlled by the radiation generating device in such a way that the radiation generated has a time profile of the radiation flux density in at least one time interval, which is not constant in the time interval.
  • the photoluminescence sensor device has a correspondingly designed control device.
  • the control device can be designed to control the time course of the electrical power, which the radiation generating device at least partially converts into radiation energy.
  • the photoluminescence sensor device or the method can be designed such that the radiation received by the receiving device in the first wavelength range during calibration operation partially runs on the same radiation path on which luminescence radiation runs within the sensor device during measurement operation.
  • the radiation in the first wavelength range can partially or completely travel on a different path than the luminescent radiation in measuring operation from its entry into the sensor device until it hits the receiving device.
  • the sensor device has an exit window (for example the optical device mentioned above as an exit window) through which the generated radiation in the first wavelength range is emitted in the direction of the measuring range.
  • an exit window for example the optical device mentioned above as an exit window
  • part of the radiation generated is reflected in such a way that it reaches the receiving device on the same radiation path on which the luminescent radiation travels during measuring operation and also reaches the receiving device and is detected by it. Therefore, the radiation generating device, the exit window, the receiving device and optionally further devices of the sensor device which influence the radiation path of the radiation in the first wavelength range and the luminescent radiation are arranged such that the said radiation paths from the exit window to the receiving device are at least partially the same.
  • the reflector can be larger Reflect proportion of the generated electromagnetic radiation, in particular in a first direction in which the reflected radiation reaches the measuring range.
  • a smaller portion of the radiation generated can be transmitted by the reflector and, optionally, after at least one further reflection on a device of the sensor device, reach the receiving device and be detected by it, ie detected by the received signal.
  • the radiation generating device, the reflector, optionally the at least one further reflecting device and the receiving device are arranged accordingly.
  • the portion of the generated electromagnetic radiation that does not reach the measuring range and strikes the receiving device and is detected by it can, as mentioned, partially travel along the same radiation path as the luminescent radiation entering the sensor device in measuring operation and partially reach the receiving device via a different radiation path. If one radiation path is mentioned here, this can mean several radiation paths for which this applies.
  • the luminescent radiation will generally spread along different radiation paths, for example within a certain solid angle range, starting from an entrance window and reach the receiving device.
  • the generated radiation reflected by the exit window can also travel along at least part of these radiation paths.
  • that part of the generated radiation in the first wavelength range which runs on the same radiation path as luminescence radiation, can be of the same order of magnitude in terms of its contribution to the calibration signal and in particular in terms of its radiation power as the part of the generated radiation in the first wavelength range, which is at least partially on a A different radiation path than the luminescent radiation runs from the entry into the sensor device to the receiving device.
  • this part does not run completely along a radiation path that the luminescent radiation takes during measuring operation from the entry into the sensor device to the receiving device.
  • the two mentioned parts of the generated radiation in the first wavelength range contribute in particular to the same magnitude to the calibration signal and therefore also to the received signal in measuring operation.
  • the same order of magnitude is meant that neither part is larger than the other part by more than a factor of 10.
  • the two parts can be the same size. However, this depends on what properties the devices of the sensor device involved in the transmission of the generated radiation from the radiation generating device to the receiving device have in a specific example of the sensor device.
  • the calibration result assuming the same conditions in the calibration operation as in the measurement operation, makes it possible to take into account the influence of the radiation generated on the sensor signal in the measurement operation. Even with different conditions in the calibration operation and in the measurement operation, the calibration result from the calibration operation can be taken into account in the measurement operation.
  • the conditions such as the above-mentioned temperatures and pressures, as well as age and/or degree of wear, can be taken into account.
  • the calibration result can be determined repeatedly at different conditions and the conditions can also be recorded if they involve measurable variables such as temperature and pressure.
  • a calibration result that is valid for the respective conditions of the measuring operation can be determined, for example from a large number of stored calibration results, for which the values of the associated conditions are also stored.
  • the calibration operation can be carried out repeatedly. If the calibration result changes, particularly with otherwise identical conditions such as temperature and/or pressure, other calibration results that were previously determined for the same measurable conditions can also be adjusted in accordance with the advanced age or degree of wear of the device.
  • the optical properties of the devices involved in the sensor device are taken into account by the calibration result.
  • the arrangement shown has an optical module 18, which is part of an in Fig. 1 not completely shown photoluminescence sensor device. Furthermore shows Fig. 1 an object 22 to be verified with a security feature 23.
  • the security feature 23 is arranged on a surface of the object 22.
  • the security feature can alternatively or additionally be integrated into the object 22.
  • the security feature 23 has at least one substance that emits luminescent radiation when excited by suitable radiation.
  • the luminescent radiation has a different wavelength than the stimulating radiation. It is often the case that the luminescent radiation is essentially monochromatic radiation, while the exciting radiation can be in a wavelength range and has the minimum excitation energy per photon that is required to excite the luminescent substance.
  • the object 22 is located on a slide 21.
  • a transport device 24 is shown schematically, which transports the object 22 past an exit window 11 of the optics module 18 while the object 22 is measured by the sensor device.
  • Such a transport device can also be omitted.
  • the object can be examined while not moving relative to the sensor device. Before and/or afterwards, a calibration operation can take place in which there is no luminescent substance in the measuring range of the sensor device.
  • the measuring range of the sensor device is located where the Object 22 and also the security feature 23 are located.
  • the measuring area can be understood as a spatial area which, as seen from the exit window 11, is located at a solid angle below the exit window 11. When we talk about below, above, right and left, this refers to the representation in Fig. 1 .
  • the object and sensor device can be arranged differently relative to one another.
  • the optics module 18 has a housing 7 with a housing interior 10, which allows electromagnetic radiation to pass through the housing interior 10.
  • the optics module 18 has a plurality of entry openings 12. How Fig. 3 shows, the optics module 18 in this specific exemplary embodiment has a total of ten inlet openings 12 arranged in a row next to one another.
  • each of these inlet openings 12 can be assigned a radiation source 13, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is shown as part of a radiation generating device 17.
  • the radiation source 13 which is, for example, a light-emitting diode or has a plurality of light-emitting diodes, occurs as shown schematically by an arrow Fig. 4 is shown, radiation generated by the radiation source 13 through the inlet opening 12 into the housing interior 10.
  • the illustrated embodiment of an optical module 18 has an entrance optics 5 at the inlet opening 12, which can be, for example, an optical lens or arrangement of lenses in order to focus and/or scatter the incoming electromagnetic radiation.
  • a filter (not shown) can be located at the entrance opening 12, which filters the radiation entering the housing interior 10. For example, in this way a portion of radiation that is close to the wavelength of the luminescent radiation can be weakened and thus filtered out.
  • a partially transparent reflector 3 which can also be referred to as a partially transparent mirror. In the exemplary embodiment, it is arranged at an angle of 45° to the main axis of the inlet opening 12.
  • the downward-pointing surface of the radiation entering the housing interior 10 through the inlet opening 12 is deflected downwards into the measuring area through the exit window 11, which is located at the bottom of the housing 7, with a proportion of the total intensity of the radiation. The proportion of this radiation that is not reflected downwards by the reflector 3 is still determined using Fig. 5 received.
  • the housing interior 10 has a recess 2, which is shown in the illustration Fig. 1 extends upwards from the reflector 3 and ends at a receiving optics 6. Included it can in turn be a lens or lens arrangement, which leads to a focusing and/or scattering of the radiation impinging on the receiving optics 6. How Fig. 5 schematically shows, the radiation passing through the recess 2 exits the optical module 18 upwards and strikes at least one sensor element 15 of the receiving device 19, which is located above the optical module 18.
  • the filter arrangement 4 can reduce, i.e. weaken, the spectral portion of the radiation generated by the radiation generating device 17 in the first wavelength range.
  • the filter arrangement can be designed as a bandpass filter, which predominantly allows radiation in the second wavelength range of the luminescent radiation to pass through.
  • An arrow with the letter B indicates in which direction of movement the object carrier 21 with the object 22 moved by the transport device 24 can move, if as in Fig. 3 shown, the optics module 18 has a series of entry openings 12 arranged next to one another.
  • the row of inlet openings 12 lies one behind the other in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the figure Fig. 1 extends.
  • the exit window 11 is so large in the plane of the figure Fig. 1 Vertical direction executed so that the majority of the radiation entering through the plurality of inlet openings 12 can exit downwards after reflection on the reflector 3.
  • the length of the exit window 11 in the transport direction (the horizontal direction in Fig. 1 ) is considerably shorter in the exemplary embodiment.
  • the measuring range therefore refers to Fig. 1 a small length in the transport direction with a much larger width in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
  • the receiving device 19 has a plurality of sensor elements 15, each sensor element 15 being assigned to a sensor opening 16, ie receiving and detecting the measurement radiation emerging from the housing 7 through the sensor opening 16.
  • the plurality of sensor openings 16 lie in a row one behind the other along the perpendicular to the plane of the figure Fig. 1 .
  • the number of inlet openings 12 differs from the number of sensor openings 16.
  • the length of the row of inlet openings 12 is approximately equal to the length of the row of sensor openings 16, where "length" in this case is in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure Fig. 1 is to be measured. Due to the different number of inlet openings 12 and sensor openings 16, each sensor element 15 detects radiation that was generated by a plurality of radiation sources 13 or was generated by excitation using the radiation of several radiation sources 13 due to luminescence.
  • the inlet openings 12 and the sensor openings 16 in the Figures 2 and 3 are shown in a circle.
  • the housing interior 10 can therefore be cylindrical in the area of these openings.
  • the invention is not limited to this form. Rather, the area of the inlet opening and/or the area of the sensor opening can be shaped in any way.
  • there are no separate inlet openings and/or sensor openings but that it is an opening area that is completely or partially continuous along the row of radiation sources and/or along the row of sensor elements.
  • separate openings have the advantage that the radiation bundles generated by the individual radiation sources can in any case be distinguished from at least some of the other radiation bundles. For example, a single sensor element only detects radiation beams from three radiation sources or the resulting luminescence radiation. There is therefore a local resolution when the radiation is detected by the sensor elements.
  • the sensor device can be implemented, for example, as a device integrated in a single housing. It is also possible for either the radiation generating device or the receiving device to be designed as a separate module. In addition, it is possible that the radiation generating device and/or the receiving device are not firmly connected to the optical module, but are, for example, arranged at a distance from one another and there is no material bridge directly between the different modules. However, this has the disadvantage that the radiation path from the radiation generating device to the optical module and the radiation path from the optical module to the receiving device can change, for example due to mechanical vibrations, shocks caused by a user or due to thermal expansion or contraction.
  • first alignment pins 8 and second alignment pins 9 are provided for the purpose of a stable connection of the modules.
  • the first alignment pins 8 extend from the housing 7 of the optics module 18 in the illustration Fig. 1 up. This is also out Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 recognizable. E.g. in the view of Fig. 3 two of the first alignment pins 8 extend upwards. Out of Fig. 1 only a first alignment pin 8 and a second alignment pin 9 can be seen.
  • the radiation generating device 17 has recesses for receiving the second alignment pins 9 and the receiving device 19 has corresponding receptacles for receiving the first alignment pins 8.
  • Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show schematically an assembled state in which the alignment pins 8, 9 (not in Fig.4 and Fig. 5 shown) are recorded in the corresponding recordings.
  • the small distance between the radiation generating device 17 and the optical module 18 and the small distance between the receiving device 19 and the optical module 18 in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are only shown to make the different modules recognizable as separate modules.
  • the surfaces of the different modules preferably lie against one another in pairs. This also applies to the top left Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown area in which the radiation generating device 17 and the receiving device 19 are adjacent to one another.
  • the complete sensor device 1 is formed by the three modules.
  • the three modules can be accommodated in a common housing of the device.
  • the radiation generating device 17 has, as in Fig. 4 is shown, a control device 25 for controlling the radiation generating device.
  • the control device 25 is connected to the radiation source 13.
  • the control device 25 adjusts the time course of the electrical current through the radiation source 13 designed as a light-emitting diode in the desired manner, so that the radiation source 13 causes a corresponding time course of the intensity of the emitted electromagnetic radiation.
  • the receiving device 19 has an evaluation device 26 which receives, records and evaluates the measurement signals generated by the individual sensor elements 15.
  • the radiation generating device 17 and the receiving device 19 are designed as modules or devices separate from the optical module 18, the heat generated during operation of the control device 25 and the evaluation device 26 can largely be dissipated to the outside without significantly heating the optics module 18.
  • the optical properties of the optical module can thus be kept largely independent of the operating temperature of the radiation generating device 17 and the receiving device 19.
  • Fig. 4 shows for one of the radiation sources 13 of the radiation generating device 17, indicated schematically by a single arrow pointing to the right, that the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source 13 enters the optical module 18 in the first wavelength range and impinges on the reflector 3.
  • the radiation source 13 radiates a diverging beam of radiation into the optics module 18, which can optionally be focused by the entrance optics 5.
  • the focus point is preferably not on the surface of the reflector, but in front of or behind it, so that a locally distributed beam of radiation impinges on the reflector 3.
  • the area on the surface of the reflector 3, which is irradiated by the radiation source 13 can be an elliptical surface, which results from an oblique cut through the radiation cone, which results from the combination of the radiation source 13 and the entrance optics 5 results.
  • Fig. 4 The majority of the radiation generated by the radiation source 13 and striking the reflector 3 is, as indicated by a downward-pointing arrow in Fig. 4 is shown, reflected through the exit window out of the optics module 18 into the measuring area. If there is an object 22 to be verified in the measuring area, either radiation is merely reflected back or additional luminescent radiation is radiated, ie emitted, from the security feature 23 in the direction of the optical module 18.
  • the course of the reflected radiation and optionally the luminescence radiation is indicated by a long arrow pointing from bottom to top Fig. 4 shown schematically.
  • the radiation enters the optical module 18 through the exit window 11, passes through the recess 2 and, after leaving the optical module 18, reaches the at least one sensor element 15 of the receiving device 19.
  • the radiation is detected there and a corresponding one is detected Measurement signal generated. How Fig. 1 shows, in particular a filter arrangement is present in the recess 2, so that the radiation spectrum which passes through the reflector 3 is changed by the filter arrangement
  • the at least one sensor element 15 therefore receives electromagnetic radiation from the measuring area even if there is no luminescent radiation there Substance as part of a security feature 23 is located, as well as when such a substance is located there and luminescent radiation is emitted.
  • the intensity of the total radiation impinging on the sensor element 15 is significantly greater in the presence of a luminescent substance in the measuring area than in the situation when only radiation is reflected back to the optical module in the measuring area, for example at least greater by a factor of 10.
  • this depends on the specific optical properties of the specific instance of the sensor direction that is used.
  • the optical properties of specific examples of the entrance optics 5, the reflector 3, the filter arrangement, for example with the first filter 4a and the second filter 4b, as well as the reception optics 6, can differ significantly from other examples.
  • the evaluation of luminescent radiation of a security feature can be improved. It is conceivable that for this improvement a calibration operation also takes place in such a way that there is a radiation-reflecting material in the measuring area. However, the reflective properties of such a material may differ from the reflective properties of the security feature. A calibration operation is therefore preferred if there is no significantly reflective material in the measuring area. When evaluating the luminescent radiation, it is then taken into account that, in addition to the luminescent radiation, reflected radiation from the measuring area may also be present.
  • the measurement signal which results from a luminescence excitation with a time profile of non-constant radiation intensity, can be normalized in terms of its amplitude and/or in particular the effect of a delay in the emission of the luminescence radiation after excitation of the luminescence can also be taken into account. It is therefore advantageous if the time course of the measurement signal is also considered over the time interval in which luminescence-stimulating radiation hits the security feature. It is therefore generally preferred that after luminescence-stimulating radiation hits the security feature, a time interval begins in which no luminescence-stimulating radiation is irradiated from the sensor device into the measuring area and thus onto the security feature.
  • An exemplary embodiment will be discussed using: Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 received.
  • Fig. 5 is shown schematically that radiation generated by the radiation generating device 17 in the first wavelength range is not only irradiated into the measuring range, but is also reflected and deflected internally within the device and thus impinges on the at least one sensor element 15. Even if in Fig. 5 as well as in Fig. 4 a Object 22 and a microscope slide 21 are shown (which can be moved relative to the sensor device 1 as shown by two arrows pointing to the right while the object is being measured), which now occurs on the basis of Fig. 5 The process described occurs even if there is no object or slide in the measuring area.
  • the radiation generated by the radiation source 13 in the first wavelength range hits as well as on the basis of Fig. 4 already described on the reflector 3 and is largely reflected in the direction of the exit window 11.
  • a portion of the radiation striking the exit window 11 is reflected from the exit window 11 back in the direction of the reflector 3 and in turn a portion passes through the reflector 3, passes through the recess 2 and hits the receiving device 19, so that it is received by the sensor element 15 is detected.
  • Another portion of the radiation irradiated by the radiation source 13 onto the reflector 3 passes through it and is diffracted, for example, both when entering the material of the reflector 3 and when emerging again from the material of the reflector 3, so that as a result the radiation path is slightly parallel is relocated. This radiation hits the right in Fig.
  • portions of the radiation generated by the radiation source 13 in the first wavelength range cannot leave the sensor device, but can strike the receiving device 19 and be detected by the at least one sensor element 15, so that a corresponding measurement signal is created or a corresponding proportion of the measurement signal is caused.
  • a calibration operation without an object in the measuring range of the sensor device 1 is carried out immediately before or after a measuring operation, it can be assumed that the operating conditions for the operation of the sensor device in the calibration operation and in the measuring operation are the same.
  • the measurement signal recorded in the calibration operation in particular the measured radiation intensity as a function of time or one thereof Signal derived through evaluation can be used as a calibration result for evaluating the measurement signal during measurement operation.
  • an exit window is present through which the radiation generated by the sensor device exits into the measuring range of the sensor device. Radiation enters the sensor device again through the same exit window and causes the measurement signal.
  • the invention is not limited to such an exit window. In principle, there could also be no exit window, even if in this case the interior of the sensor device and in particular of the optical module would not be protected from the ingress of dirt. However, there does not have to be an exit window through which the radiation exits into the measuring area and through which the measuring radiation re-enters the sensor device. For example, there may be an exit window and a separate entry window. The radiation exits the sensor device into the measuring area through the exit window.
  • the measuring radiation enters the device through the separate entrance window. Nevertheless, there can be the effect that radiation is reflected at the exit window and causes the measurement signal. Furthermore, a reflection or deflection of the measurement radiation generated by the sensor device can take place on other devices of the sensor device, which also contributes to the measurement signal.
  • a calibration operation of the sensor device for example the one in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 illustrated sensor device or another sensor device.
  • the recording of the time profile of the measurement signal from the receiving device or, in the case of several sensor elements, of their measurement signals begins. This can optionally be triggered, for example, by detecting an imminent entry of an object to be verified into the measuring range of the sensor device.
  • electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength range is generated and emitted by the radiation generating device of the sensor device, this radiation being suitable for exciting a luminescent substance in the measuring range of the sensor device, so that it emits luminescent radiation.
  • steps S1 and S2 can be carried out simultaneously, for example. It is also possible for step S1 to be omitted and a calibration operation to be carried out permanently between successive measurement operations without stopping the generation of radiation. Furthermore, it is possible that, unlike described in this exemplary embodiment, the calibration operation is carried out after the measurement operation.
  • step S3 radiation is received and detected by the receiving device, so that a measurement signal or, in the case of several sensor elements, a plurality of measurement signals is generated.
  • the at least one measurement signal is recorded as a measurement signal of the time profile of the measured radiation intensity in the sensitivity range of the receiving device.
  • the measurement and recording preferably takes place at a sampling frequency which is greater by at least a factor of 10 and preferably according to the known sampling theorem than the frequency of generation of the excitation signal by the radiation generating device. It is particularly preferred that the sampling is carried out at such a high frequency that the measurement signal can be reliably evaluated with an expected signal according to matched filter technology.
  • Steps S2 and S3 relate to the beginning of the generation of radiation and the beginning of the generation of the measurement signals and their detection. During the calibration operation, radiation is continuously generated in the first wavelength range and the measurement signal is continuously generated and recorded as a function of time.
  • a calibration signal KS is generated in the following step S4, for example by identifying a partial time profile of the measurement signal.
  • the calibration signal KS is, for example, a signal in a time segment of the in Fig. 7 period shown. In this exemplary embodiment, it includes an increase in the intensity of the radiation, a fall in the intensity of the radiation to the initial value and optionally also the period without the generation of stimulating electromagnetic radiation.
  • step S5 the calibration signal KS from step S4 is saved.
  • step S6 the calibration operation is ended.
  • a calibration result KER can be generated from a plurality of the calibration signals KS, for example by averaging the Calibration signals.
  • a time profile of the measured radiation intensity is generated during the calibration operation, which corresponds to the repeated rise and fall of the measured radiation intensity on average.
  • the influence of random interference signals can be reduced.
  • the calibration result KER can be generated based on a minimum number of calibration signals KS.
  • the calibration result KER which can also correspond to a single calibration signal, even if this is not preferred, is made available to steps S12 and/or S13 of the method to be carried out later.
  • step S7 following step S6, an object is introduced into the measuring range of the sensor device and/or it is detected that an object has entered the measuring range.
  • step S8 the measuring operation is started, in particular by recording corresponding measurement signals.
  • the described time course of the stimulating electromagnetic radiation can occur continuously without interruption between the calibration operation and the measurement operation, so that the intensity of the radiation increases and decreases again in the first wavelength range and then no radiation is generated in a rest time interval.
  • the recording of the time course of the measuring signal from the sensor device can be continued without interruption, although the detection is, for example, B. denotes the latest end of the calibration operation and / or the beginning of the measurement operation.
  • the detection can also take place solely by determining from the continuously recorded measurement signal when it has changed significantly such that an object has presumably entered the measurement area. For this purpose, a first matched filter can be applied.
  • step S9 following step S8 (in particular continued), electromagnetic radiation is generated in the first wavelength range and irradiated onto the measuring range.
  • step S10 corresponding radiation from the measuring range, which is reflected radiation and in particular can also be luminescent radiation, receives and contributes to the measurement signal, which is recorded in particular continuously.
  • step S11 a received signal ES is generated.
  • electromagnetic radiation can be continuously generated in the first wavelength range, in particular periodically in the same way, the measurement signal can be continuously recorded and can, for example, subsequently, after the end of the During the calibration operation and the measurement operation, an evaluation of the measurement signals takes place.
  • a time course of the measurement signal in a time interval can be interpreted as a received signal ES, with the intensity of the received and measured radiation rising to a local maximum and falling again in this time interval.
  • the time interval of the measurement signal can, for example, end when the intensity increases again.
  • the repeated course of the intensity of the measurement signal with several increases to a local maximum and a subsequent decrease to a local minimum can also be viewed as a measurement signal.
  • a time course that repeats itself is well suited as a measurement signal, with the height of the local maxima and local minima being the same or only differing from one another by a predetermined amount. This means that the local maxima are all within the corresponding predetermined intensity range and the local minima are also within the predetermined intensity range.
  • the intensity ranges for the maxima and minima can also differ, i.e. be specified differently. If this condition is met, it can be concluded that a stationary state has been reached, i.e. the stimulating electromagnetic radiation no longer leads to an increase in the intensity of the luminescent radiation averaged over the period.
  • the received signal ES obtained in this way can now be evaluated, for example, by using the above-mentioned second matched filter.
  • This is done in step S12, which also has the calibration result KER available.
  • the second matched filter can therefore compare a measurement signal expected for the security feature with the actual measurement signal, taking into account the calibration result KER.
  • the expected measurement signal it is possible to form the expected measurement signal in such a way that it contains or does not contain the contribution of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the sensor device that does not reach the measuring range. Accordingly, either the calibration signal is calculated out of the measurement signal formed, for example subtracted, or the measurement signal is compared with the expected signal, which was also generated using the calibration result KER.
  • Eg can be used to form the expected signal a signal that is only expected due to luminescence radiation can be added to the calibration result KER.
  • the signal expected only for luminescence radiation can be calculated and/or obtained by measuring and evaluating a reference object accordingly. With such an evaluation, a calibration result can in turn be taken into account, which can be obtained in a corresponding manner as already described. In this way, it can be taken into account in particular that different conditions prevail when measuring the reference object and, for example, that a different sensor device is used than when measuring the object to be verified.
  • step S12 for example, the corrected received signal ESK can be formed and output.
  • step S13 which can be carried out beforehand and/or simultaneously with step S12 and/or afterwards, the expected received signal ESE can be formed and output.
  • the calibration result KER is available in both step S12 and step S13, this does not have to be the case.
  • the expected received signal ESE can only be based on the expected luminescence radiation.
  • step S12 can ignore the calibration result KER and only output the received signal or, for example, an average received signal formed therefrom as a signal for verifying the object to be verified.
  • the verification takes place in a step S14.
  • the received signal ES or the corrected received signal ESK is compared with the expected received signal ESE. It can also be compared in another way, for example by forming the difference between the time course of the expected signal and the received signal. If, within the framework of a predetermined tolerance, the expected received signal ESE agrees with the received signal ES or the corrected received signal ESK, it is decided that the object or its security feature corresponds to expectations and is therefore, for example, not the result of a forgery or falsification.
  • Fig. 7 shows the time course of the intensity I, ie the radiation flux density, over time t for an excitation signal AS.
  • the excitation signal AS is repeated, periodically generated in such a way that there is a time interval between the decay of the intensity I to the initial value before an increase in the intensity and the renewed increase in the intensity I in which the sensor device does not emit any electromagnetic radiation in the first Wavelength range generated.
  • each of the radiation sources can be used repeatedly in this way
  • Generate excitation signal AS and the phase position of the periodic signals of the different radiation sources can be the same, partially the same or, as preferred, at least partially offset. Signals with an offset phase position have the advantage that their effects on the measurement signal or signals can be distinguished from one another.
  • excitation of luminescent substances in the measuring area begins as early as possible. For example, if one of the several radiation sources does not generate any radiation when the security feature enters the measuring area, then the luminescent substance can be excited by a neighboring radiation source during this period.
  • Fig. 8 shows schematically such an answer. This is in Fig. 8 the course of the excitation signals AS is shown by dashed lines Fig. 7 shown. Also Fig. 8 is a representation of the radiation intensity I over time t. However, this intensity I is, for example, the radiation flux density integrated over the detection range of the respective sensor element.
  • the received signals ES which are in Fig. 8 are shown, each show a rising course of the intensity I from an initial value or a local minimum of the intensity I to a local maximum and a fall in the intensity I again to a subsequent local minimum.
  • the level of intensity I increases with the successive received signals ES.
  • the stationary state is approximately reached with the fourth received signal ES, since the local maxima and minima of the third and fourth received signals ES are at approximately the same intensity level.
  • the scaling of the intensity axes in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 do not agree with each other.
  • the intensity is in Fig. 7 around the radiation flux density and the intensity in Fig. 8 about the radiation flux density integrated over a local area.
  • the received signals ES in Fig. 8 It can be seen that the stimulating radiation only leads to luminescence with a time delay.
  • the received signals ES also contain, in particular, reflected stimulating radiation. With the increase in the intensity of an excitation signal (as dashed in Fig. 8 shown) the intensity of the received signal ES therefore also increases. Due to the reflection alone, the received signal would drop again in accordance with the signal curves shown in dashed lines. Due to the luminescence, there is an additional ES in the sequence of received signals Emission of luminescent radiation takes place until a steady state is reached, provided that the excitation signal is periodically generated in the same way and irradiated into the measuring area. It is preferred that a matched filter as described above is applied to a received signal ES in the stationary state.
  • the intensity I of the received signals ES does not drop to zero between two excitation signals. This is preferred in order to be able to evaluate the signal curve between two excitation signals well, because the effect on the received signal ES between two excitation signals is not based on reflected radiation.

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Claims (14)

  1. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence (1) pour vérifier une caractéristique de sécurité d'un objet (22) dans une zone de mesure du dispositif capteur (1), où le dispositif capteur (1) présente :
    - un dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) avec une source de rayonnement conçue pour produire un rayonnement électromagnétique dans une première gamme de longueurs d'onde, où le rayonnement électromagnétique convient pour exciter une substance photoluminescente en tant que caractéristique de sécurité ou élément d'une caractéristique de sécurité (23) de l'objet (22),
    - un dispositif récepteur (19), conçu pour recevoir, dans un mode de mesure, un rayonnement électromagnétique émis par la substance photoluminescente dans une seconde gamme de longueurs d'onde distincte de la première gamme de longueurs d'onde, et pour générer un signal de réception (ES) correspondant,
    - un dispositif d'évaluation (26) conçu pour évaluer le signal de réception (ES),
    - un dispositif de commande (25) conçu pour contrôler le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) dans un mode de mesure et dans un mode d'étalonnage, de façon que le rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) dans au moins un intervalle de temps présente une évolution temporelle de densité de flux de rayonnement qui n'est pas constante dans cet intervalle de temps,
    dans lequel le dispositif capteur (1) est conçu de sorte que le dispositif récepteur (19), dans le mode d'étalonnage où aucune caractéristique de sécurité ne se trouve dans la zone de mesure du dispositif capteur (1), et dans le mode de mesure, reçoit une partie du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) qui atteint le dispositif récepteur (19) sans avoir préalablement atteint le mode de mesure, et sans produire un signal d'étalonnage correspondant,
    dans lequel le rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), aussi bien en mode de mesure qu'en mode d'étalonnage, est partiellement dévié depuis la source de rayonnement par au moins un dispositif optique du dispositif capteur (1), de sorte que se constitue la partie du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) que reçoit le dispositif récepteur (19) et, correspondant à cela, le dispositif récepteur (19), en mode d'étalonnage, produit le signal d'étalonnage, et
    dans lequel le dispositif d'évaluation (26) est conçu pour évaluer le signal d'étalonnage produit en mode d'étalonnage, pour produire un résultat d'étalonnage correspondant (KER) et pour utiliser le résultat d'étalonnage (KER) lors de l'évaluation du signal de réception (ES) issu du mode de mesure.
  2. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif de commande (25) est conçu pour contrôler le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) respectivement en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage de façon que la densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) présente au moins dans un intervalle de temps respectif la même évolution temporelle non constante.
  3. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le dispositif de commande (25) est conçu pour contrôler le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) aussi bien en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage de façon que la densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) présente de façon répétée la même évolution temporelle non constante.
  4. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel le dispositif optique ou l'un des dispositifs optiques est un réflecteur partiellement transparent qui respectivement laisse passer ou réfléchit dans une première direction une part majoritaire de la densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), première direction dans laquelle passe le rayonnement électromagnétique qui atteint la zone de mesure du dispositif capteur (1), et qui laisse passer ou réfléchit dans une seconde direction différente une part proportionnellement minoritaire du rayonnement électromagnétique produit, seconde direction dans laquelle le rayonnement électromagnétique atteint le dispositif récepteur (19) sans sortir du dispositif capteur (1).
  5. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le dispositif optique ou l'un des dispositifs optiques est une fenêtre de sortie à travers laquelle pénètre une partie du rayonnement électromagnétique produit dans la zone de mesure du dispositif capteur (1), et dans lequel, en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage, une part du rayonnement électromagnétique produit est respectivement réfléchie par la fenêtre de sortie et atteint au moins partiellement le dispositif récepteur (19).
  6. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel le rayonnement électromagnétique qui parvient au dispositif récepteur (19) franchit préalablement un dispositif filtre (4a, 4b) qui filtre le rayonnement électromagnétique qui parvient au dispositif filtre (4a, 4b) de sorte que la distribution de densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique qui parvient au dispositif récepteur (19) ait une plus faible partie dans la première gamme de longueurs d'onde que la distribution spectrale de densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique qui parvient au dispositif filtre (4a, 4b).
  7. Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel le dispositif d'évaluation (26) est conçu, en mode de mesure,
    - pour former un signal de réception corrigé (ES) à partir du signal de réception (ES) en prenant en compte le résultat d'étalonnage (KER)
    ou
    - pour former un signal de réception attendu (ES) en prenant en compte le résultat d'étalonnage (KER), et pour le comparer avec le signal de réception (ES) produit à partir du rayonnement électromagnétique reçu ou avec un signal créé à partir de celui-ci.
  8. Procédé d'étalonnage d'un dispositif capteur (1) adéquat pour vérifier une caractéristique de sécurité d'un objet (22), présentant :
    - La production de rayonnement électromagnétique dans une première gamme de longueurs d'onde au moyen d'un dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) dans un mode d'étalonnage, où le rayonnement électromagnétique sert, dans un mode de mesure, à exciter une substance photoluminescente en tant que caractéristique de sécurité ou élément d'une caractéristique de sécurité (23) de l'objet (22),
    - La réception d'un rayonnement électromagnétique et la production d'un signal d'étalonnage correspondant en mode d'étalonnage au moyen d'un dispositif récepteur (19) conçu pour recevoir, en mode de mesure, un rayonnement électromagnétique émis par la substance photoluminescente dans une seconde gamme de longueurs d'onde distincte dans la première gamme de longueurs d'onde, où il n'y a aucune caractéristique de sécurité dans une zone de mesure utilisée en mode de mesure,
    - L'évaluation du signal d'étalonnage produit et la production d'un résultat d'étalonnage correspondant (KER),
    - La production de rayonnement électromagnétique dans une première gamme de longueurs d'onde au moyen d'un dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) en mode de mesure en présence d'un objet à vérifier dans la zone de mesure,
    - La réception de rayonnement électromagnétique et la production d'un signal de réception correspondant (ES) dans une zone de mesure au moyen du dispositif récepteur (19),
    où le rayonnement électromagnétique est produit dans une première gamme de longueurs d'onde en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), de façon à ce que respectivement le rayonnement électromagnétique produit présente dans au moins un intervalle de temps une évolution temporelle de densité de flux de rayonnement qui n'est pas constante dans cet intervalle de temps,
    où le rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), aussi bien en mode de mesure qu'en mode d'étalonnage, est partiellement dévié depuis la source de rayonnement par au moins un dispositif optique, de sorte que se constitue une partie du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) que reçoit le dispositif récepteur (19) sans que cette partie ait préalablement atteint la zone de mesure et, correspondant à cela, le dispositif récepteur (19), en mode d'étalonnage, produit le signal d'étalonnage, et
    où le résultat d'étalonnage (KER) est utilisé lors de l'évaluation du signal de réception (ES) issu du mode de mesure.
  9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le rayonnement électromagnétique est produit respectivement en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), de façon que la densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) présente au moins dans un intervalle de temps respectif la même évolution temporelle non constante.
  10. Procédé selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel le rayonnement électromagnétique est produit respectivement en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), de façon que la densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17) présente au moins dans un intervalle de temps respectif de façon répétée la même évolution temporelle non constante.
  11. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 8 à 10, dans lequel le dispositif optique ou l'un des dispositifs optiques est un réflecteur partiellement transparent qui respectivement laisse passer ou réfléchit dans une première direction une part majoritaire de la densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement électromagnétique produit par le dispositif de production de rayonnement (17), première direction dans laquelle passe le rayonnement électromagnétique qui atteint la zone de mesure du dispositif capteur (1), et qui laisse passer ou réfléchit dans une seconde direction différente une part proportionnellement minoritaire du rayonnement électromagnétique produit, seconde direction dans laquelle le rayonnement électromagnétique atteint le dispositif récepteur (19) sans sortir du dispositif capteur (1).
  12. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 8 à 11, dans lequel le dispositif optique ou l'un des dispositifs optiques est une fenêtre de sortie à travers laquelle pénètre une partie du rayonnement électromagnétique produit dans la zone de mesure, et dans lequel, en mode de mesure et en mode d'étalonnage, une part du rayonnement électromagnétique produit est respectivement réfléchie par la fenêtre de sortie et atteint au moins partiellement le dispositif récepteur (19).
  13. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 8 à 12, dans lequel le rayonnement électromagnétique qui parvient au dispositif récepteur (19) est filtrée avant d'atteindre le dispositif récepteur (19), de sorte que la distribution spectrale de densité de flux de rayonnement qui parvient au dispositif récepteur (19) ait une plus faible partie dans la première gamme de longueurs d'onde que la distribution spectrale de densité de flux de rayonnement du rayonnement en amont du filtre.
  14. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 8 à 13, dans lequel, en mode de mesure,
    - un signal de réception corrigé (ES) est formé à partir du signal de réception (ES) en prenant en compte le résultat d'étalonnage (KER)
    ou
    - un signal de réception attendu (ES) est formé en prenant en compte le résultat d'étalonnage (KER), et est comparé au signal de réception (ES) produit à partir du rayonnement électromagnétique reçu ou avec un signal créé à partir de celui-ci.
EP20743639.5A 2019-07-19 2020-07-16 Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence servant à vérifier une propriété de sécurité d'un objet et procédé de calibrage d'un dispositif capteur de photoluminescence Active EP4000049B1 (fr)

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PCT/EP2020/070205 WO2021013707A1 (fr) 2019-07-19 2020-07-16 Dispositif capteur de photoluminescence servant à vérifier une propriété de sécurité d'un objet et procédé de calibrage d'un dispositif capteur de photoluminescence

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