EP4377923A1

EP4377923A1 - Method for authenticating a high-value item

Info

Publication number: EP4377923A1
Application number: EP22753990.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Seib
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-27
Filing date: 2022-07-26
Publication date: 2024-06-05
Also published as: CA3226871A1; DE202021002500U1; JP2024530615A; US20240330629A1; CN118103887A; AU2022317975A1; WO2023006135A1; KR20240040749A; DE112022003715A5

Abstract

Method for authenticating a high-value item, wherein an optically identifiable code is generated and applied to the item by being integrated into a surface region of the item that is provided with graphics or a surface structure, wherein the code is in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of code elements and the outline of the two-dimensional arrangement is adapted to the outline of the surface region or of part of a surface region, and wherein the code is linked to an information source that provides information, able to be displayed on a display, in relation to the item, and wherein a reader, such as for example a smartphone, is provided with programming for detecting and reading the code and, when the code is read, the link to the information source is activated and the information is displayed on the display of the reader.

Description

Method of authenticating a higher value item

The invention relates to a method for authentication, for example authenticity testing, of a higher-value object such as a coin or medal, a precious metal ingot, a piece of jewelery or a work of art, an expensive watch or the like, with an optically identifiable code being generated and applied to the object and read from there and can be interpreted.

In the case of valuables such as coins, medals, precious metal bars and other valuable objects such as works of art, their value depends largely on the question of authenticity. It is common practice to issue certificates of authenticity to prove the authenticity of such items. These have the disadvantage of not being connected to the item itself, so that the authenticity problem shifts to the question of whether the item is actually the certified item due to the lack of a connection between the certificate and the item, but then also the Question includes whether the certificate itself is not forged.

However, a corresponding marking on the object itself is of little help, since on the one hand the affixing of a marking on the object itself, if it is visible, is undesirable because of the risk of defacing the object, but even if it is invisible to the eye and, for example, only is visible under UV light does not offer security against counterfeiting, since markings of the usual type, if they can be recognized by counterfeiters, can also easily be copied by counterfeiters. Therefore, labeling such items with encoded information in the form of conventional barcodes, QR codes or the like is also unsuitable for forgery-proof labeling of the items. Such an identification would always be recognized as a code and can therefore also be read out and copied as a code, even if the information content of the code is not recognizable.

|Confirmation copy| But apart from the need for an authenticity mark that exists in the case of valuable objects, there may also be a need for providing a materially or intangibly valuable object with information about the object, for example its origin, age or designer or artist. This can be the case in particular for items in collection systems such as albums or cassettes, where attaching a detailed description of the item in question to the collection system itself is difficult and regularly disruptive. In this case, too, it would be helpful and desirable to provide the object itself with a marking that enables such information to be made visible in a manner that does not impair the object itself and is quasi-invisible.

Conventional security features such as holograms, for example, such as are mainly used on banknotes, are not helpful for the purpose described, since they are also easily visible and can therefore also be copied.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for checking the authenticity of valuable or higher-value objects, in which the problems of conventional measures are overcome.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the method specified in claim 1, which is advantageously further developed by the features of the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention, the objects are provided with a permanent, quasi-invisible marking that offers protection against counterfeiting in the form of a special code that can serve in particular as a hidden and visually invisible or imperceptible security feature. The code can be read with a suitable reading device, for example with a smartphone with a special app, whereby the content of the code itself is not recognizable to the user, but the code serves as a link that forwards the user to a website. The app can be freely available to the user and can be downloaded onto the smartphone from an app store, for example.

The code consists of a two-dimensional pattern of tiny elements, which can be short line elements that can have different shapes and orientations, i.e. straight, curved or bent at different angles can run. Small surface elements such as de or the like can also be contained in the two-dimensional pattern.

The elements of the code are interspersed in the surface areas of the objects to be marked, which are covered by an image pattern, a graphic pattern such as a decoration or inscription or which are otherwise not smooth, the surface patterns being flat (e.g. printed) or in relief can be (e.g. engravings). In contrast to a QR code, the two-dimensional pattern preferably does not have a regular outline shape, but the outline shape can be arbitrary, and it can in particular be adapted to the shape of the respective surface area or a part thereof. The two-dimensional pattern of the code can thus have, for example, an elongated, arcuate or angular, potato-like or other irregular outline shape.

The individual elements of the code can be of the same color or of different colors. In particular, their color can be adapted to the respective color of the surface area in which they are embedded, in which the color does not contrast, but is similar in a way that the elements can only be identified by the app detached from the background and in their entirety by the reader recognizable as a code, but not perceptible to the eye of the beholder.

The invention makes use of the fact that higher-value objects of the type described above are practically always provided with a graphic, an image or decorative elements on at least one surface area, or, as is regularly the case with works of art, at least one non-smooth contact surface or, for example, with Paintings have a non-smooth reverse side where a mark according to the invention can be hidden within the pictorial representation and imperceptible to the viewer. The viewer can therefore not perceive that or whether the object is provided with such a marking at all.

The marking according to the method according to the invention differs from conventional markings not only in that it is not only illegible for an observer of the object even on closer inspection, but its existence is not recognizable, but also in that it is relatively coherent or also disjointed and as needed to various Geometries can be adapted, for example arranged in different areas of a graphic or image representation on the object, if appropriate, divided and can be adapted to the outline shape of the respective graphic or image area.

In contrast to a conventional barcode or QR code, in which the individual elements of the code are geometrically related to each other in a predetermined and unchangeable way in order to be able to be read, the marking according to the invention consists of individual unconnected line elements that can be arranged in any geometric way can therefore easily be integrated into a graphic or image representation located on the object or, for example, into a rough contact area or rear surface of an object. The marking according to the invention can therefore be adapted to the respective graphic. In watches, for example, the dial usually has numbers, lines, a graphic, or text. The line element arrangement can be embedded virtually invisibly in these separate areas.

The identification in the method according to the invention can be described as a "worm pattern", since its individual line elements are reminiscent of worms and can be distributed over a surface area in the manner described and integrated into a graphic located there, where their number, geometric arrangement, strength and even the color can be used in its entirety as a personalized code, the meaning of which can be assigned or defined as desired by the user. Instead of a pure line element pattern, a pattern can also be used as code that has small area elements such as dots, preferably in combination with line elements.

As stated above, the marking in the method according to the invention can be divided into several areas. For example, one portion may be in an upper-right corner of a graphic and another portion may be in a lower-left corner of a graphic. It can also be divided into two or three busier or darker areas of a graphic where it contrasts particularly badly with the background. Or the identification can extend over a part or the entirety of an annular area or another area band or can also be integrated into an inscription.

Even a completely smooth object, for example a precious metal bar that is smooth on all sides, the value of which depends on the material and not on its surface finish, can be provided with such a marking as a security feature an arbitrary decorative graphic is applied to a surface area to hide the indicia therein. In the case of precious metal bars, for example, the indication of value or purity, which is usually applied together with an indication of origin, is sufficient to embed the marking designed as a turret pattern there. The smooth surface of a precious metal bar, for example, can also be provided with a line pattern that has a decorative effect, for example a wave pattern, in order to hide the identification therein. All this is not possible with a bar or QR code in its optical design.

The marking can be applied to the object in any suitable way, for example by printing, engraving or lasering. However, the identification can also be applied by embossing, stamping, punching or casting, in that the code elements are introduced into the corresponding tool as an integral part of the surface pattern to be produced, ie the respective embossing tool, punching tool or casting mold. Since nowadays almost all tools are made with CNC machines, this is easily possible.

The method according to the invention also includes the provision of a reading device for reading out the code and the process of reading out with the reading device, which is programmed accordingly in order to be able to recognize and record the code. A smartphone is preferably used as a reading device, on which a corresponding special app is installed, which contains the program for recognizing and reading the code. As already mentioned, this app can be freely available and downloadable by the user on his smartphone.

The code itself can contain a destination address and thus embody a link that is activated by reading the code and uses it to call up an associated source of information in the form of a website, which then presents information to the user on the display, namely, for example, a Information about the item in question that may indicate its essential characteristics and confirm its authenticity or authenticity, and which may also display other information about the item in question, such as the item's origin, number, time of manufacture, purity or other characteristics.

A further advantageous use of the marking according to the inventive method is that it allows traceability of the respective object with regard to its origin, for example to verify compliance with supply chains. The marking by the worm pattern according to the invention is also not only relevant as a security marking, but can also serve as a digital certificate at the same time.

The process according to the invention described above in its general outline is presented in more detail below by describing its function and implementation in more detail.

The function and implementation of the method is relatively simple. First, it is determined which destination address or which data and information should be assigned to the product. In particular, there is the option described above of attaching a non-visible link code to the product. This can optionally only include a numeric code or text. In addition, there is also the option of integrating information about the product or a graphic etc. on the product, which can then be displayed directly on the reader.

Via the linking code, the user can be directed to a website, which can also be a shop, a landing page, a web address, a special link, an online address or any network connection and/or address. Everything that is possible on the Internet, online and digitally can then be realized and implemented here. The linking can also be dynamic, namely lead to a respective destination address via alternatively interchangeable or changing redirects.

The invention contains the ideal hybrid solution, namely a physical object invisibly connected to the digital and virtual world, the Internet, without having changed the product in terms of its shape, its properties and its appearance. Even the integration of blockchain technology is possible.

With the linked target address to which the code leads, everything that the Internet has to offer can be displayed on the reader's display. From a film that is then played to text and voice information, telecommunications,

Data exchange of information, comparison of relevant data etc. everything is possible. Even changing websites and dynamic links can be implemented. It is also possible to implement a security query by linking the product to a website, domain address, etc. This means that access can be made once after the first entry and no longer accessible to third parties. Security of ownership can be achieved in this way, especially for expensive and rare or limited products with a higher value.

The link address etc. is now broken down and converted into small dots, line elements, line elements, worms and/or small area elements. The choice of which strokes, dots, lines, worms, etc. are used, in what quantity and distribution, as well as the arrangement, color and size depends on the respective motif, i.e. the graphic or the picture etc. Only in this way is an almost invisible integration of the lines and dashes etc. possible.

Now the graphic or the picture etc. can be extremely enlarged to a previously precisely defined dimension in the exact ratio. Due to the precisely defined enlargement, the graphic or image pattern converted into dots, dashes, lines, worms, etc. can now be embedded as a code in the image or surface structure of the object.

It can then be checked whether the dashes, lines, dots etc. integrated into the surface pattern of the object as codes have changed the image or the graphics or surface structure of the object in an undesired manner. It may be necessary to make further adjustments and changes in order to achieve an optimal result. A perfect result is achieved when the inserted small dots, dashes, lines, worms, etc. are almost imperceptible in the enlarged view and create a smooth transition to the flickering background image or the surface structure.

The dots, dashes, lines and worms are not necessarily only embedded in the gaps in the graphic / image / motif / surface to be processed, but can also be applied directly to the optically visible surface pattern or image pattern. This makes it even more difficult to tell what belongs to the image pattern, graphic pattern, or other surface pattern and what belongs to the code. What is now only slightly visible in the very enlarged state becomes even less visible when it is subsequently reduced to the original desired size and is therefore ideal for a quasi-invisible code.

The code can also be implanted in any type of tool such as stamping, injection, deep-drawing, pressing and embossing tools, as well as for all types of molds such as printing molds, etc. This makes it possible, e.g. already during the production of series products such as coins and medals,

Ingots, watches, writing instruments, household items, cosmetics, jewelry, etc. automatically integrate the code. For example, the invisible code can already be integrated in the embossing, stamping and casting tool for the production of coins, medals or bars. As a result, every bar or coin produced or any product or item automatically receives a non-visible identification code.

Depending on the security requirement, visual representation, recognisability, etc., the code can be applied to any and any place on the product. It is also possible to integrate several partial codes at different points on the product, so that a single, valid code is only created by merging all partial codes in one or more scans.

Since the code consists of dots, dashes, lines, worms or small areas, it can be placed very well and hidden. This is particularly useful when, for example, a coin or bar with a relief has the hidden code on the lower surface of a graphic or image. Due to the free design of the code, a combination of the codes applied in relief on the lower surface and the codes integrated directly into the graphic is also possible. This means an even better optical adaptation to the graphics, but above all even more security.

A three-dimensional integration of the code (surface, relief and lateral transition) creates even more flexibility and security. This can be a two-dimensional code on a surface, to which an additional code is added on one side. A development of the method according to the invention consists in a measure for copy protection of the code applied according to the method. For this purpose, a coating that is imperceptible to the human eye and has extremely light-reflecting particles dispersed therein can be applied to the product provided with the code or to its surface area containing the code. By optimally adjusting the size, geometry, number and color of such microbeads, they can be perfectly adapted to the respective surface graphics or surface structure. As a result, the intensity of a flashback effect generated by the beads can also be optimally adjusted.

Due to the flashback effect, when copying is attempted on a copier, the light from the copier illuminates the image as it is scanned and becomes white and blurry so that nothing can be seen.

Example:

The accompanying drawing shows, as an exemplary subject matter, a coin or medal with a coin design comprising an inscription and a pictorial representation of the torso of a man in armor. A section of the beard area from the head of the man depicted in the coin image has been enlarged to the top right, which is also an example of an area of the coin image which is unclear due to a tangle or a large number of lines. This area is particularly suitable for accommodating a code according to the method described above in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of individual line elements, it being possible for the outline shape of the arrangement to be adapted to the outline shape of the beard area.

Such a two-dimensional arrangement in the form of a pattern of individual line elements in a two-dimensional arrangement is exemplified in an enlarged representation to the right, namely as a small section of the pattern in the dot-dash circle.

The specific form of the individual line or dash elements and their relative mutual arrangement, their thickness, length, geometric shape (straight, kinked or curved) and also their color can be freely selected, and the arrangement of the line or dash elements in their entirety forms one Code to which a selectable meaning can be assigned. The line elements can be shorter or longer, straight or curved Bar sections can be formed, which can be designed to be the same or different from one another, and which can be arranged in the same or different orientations.

The individual line elements are thus applied to the coin or medal in a way that makes them at least largely invisible to the human eye, even if they have been physically produced by embossing, since the elements forming the code appear to the viewer as part of the coin image and the viewer can therefore not even recognize that there is a label here, let alone differentiate between the image and the code. However, it is possible to read it out with a reading device such as a smartphone camera, which is equipped with a special app that can be used to recognize the arrangement of the line elements as a code.

Even if the line elements themselves are (barely) perceptible to the eye, they disappear in the tangle of lines of the beard representation of the coin image and appear to the viewer as part of the coin image or another image or surface pattern on the object, for example in the form of a decoration or ornaments.

In the same way, for example, the head hair area of the coin design would be suitable for accommodating such a line element pattern representing a code, or also another area of the coin design.

Claims

Patent Claims:

1. A method for authenticating a higher-value object, in which an optically identifiable code is generated and applied to the object, and the code is read out and interpreted by means of a reader, characterized in that a surface area of the object provided with a graphic or a surface structure or a part of this surface area is selected, a code is generated in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of code elements in the form of line and/or area elements, which has information content, the outline shape of the two-dimensional arrangement being adapted to the outline shape of the surface area or part of a surface area, the code elements are integrated into the graphics or surface structure of the surface area or part of a surface area, that further the code is linked to an information source containing a on a

Display displayable information related to the object provides that further a reader such as a smartphone with a

Programming for recognizing and reading the code is provided, and that when the code is read the link to the information source is activated and the information is shown on the display of the reader.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the code elements include straight, curved, line elements bent at different angles and/or round, angular or any shaped surface elements of the same or different color.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two-dimensional arrangement of code elements is flat or curved in adaptation to the surface area or the part of a surface area or is adapted to a relief of the surface area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the code in the form of two or more sub-codes, each in the form of two-dimensional arrays of code elements, is integrated on two or more distant parts of a surface area or a distant different surface areas of the object , whereby the partial codes are recorded together when they are read out.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the code is integrated into a graphic in that the graphic is first extremely enlarged, the code is integrated into the graphic in a likewise extremely enlarged form, and then the graphic with the integrated Code is reduced back to the desired target size and applied to the object.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the code is applied by printing, engraving or laser engraving on the object.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the code is integrated into a working surface area of a pressing tool, stamping tool, embossing tool, casting mold or other tool used to generate a surface structure of the object in order to contribute to the surface structure of the object provided with the code to produce its production.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the code is linked to the information source indirectly via at least one intermediate location, via which the connection to the information source can be manipulated.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least the surface region of the article provided with the code is coated with a coating in which extremely light-reflecting microparticles are dispersed after the code has been integrated.