FR2968798A1 - Method for authenticating stopper for closing bottle containing liquid, involves detecting remarkable elements of random pattern on visible surface of stopper, and marking remarkable elements by laser or inkjet to form remarkable pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves detecting remarkable elements (2) of a random pattern on a visible surface of an object i.e. stopper (1), where the remarkable elements are detected by acquiring and processing an image of the surface. The remarkable elements are marked by a laser or an inkjet to form a remarkable pattern (3), where the remarkable pattern is stored in a database. A reference code (4) is assigned for authenticating the remarkable pattern, where the reference code is stored in the database, and the database is queried by using the reference code. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for authenticating an object having a random pattern on a visible surface (2) a stopper for closing a bottle containing liquid, comprising a marking.

Description

The invention relates generally to the authentication of objects, and more specifically to the authentication of objects comprising at least one random pattern on a surface. visible. Natural objects (plants, rocks), organic matter (leathers) and composite materials generally have surfaces with random patterns. For example, plants consist of cells that are uniquely organized, random, and impossible to reproduce. In particular, cork, in solid or agglomerated form, which consists of lenticels or grains of brightness and of different size, may be mentioned. It has been proposed in the French patent application FR 2 804 784, a method of identification and authentication of objects, plants, and living beings. A volume identifier object is made by mixing at least two immiscible bodies producing a random aggregate. A two-dimensional pattern is obtained, for example by illuminating the volume object, and this random pattern is recorded and associated with the object to be identified and authenticated. Reference may also be made to DE19847247A1, which describes an identification and authentication means consisting of a substrate on which is engraved or printed a serial number and which on the other hand has a random pattern or contour. A representation of the random pattern or contour is stored in a database with the corresponding serial number. In view of these two documents, plants and objects composed of at least one natural material can therefore be used for authentication. In these two documents, the random pattern is recorded in its entirety. This pattern recorded in its entirety can be complex to recognize, for example by a computer capable of processing a representation of the random pattern, or by an individual discovering the random pattern with the naked eye. The object of the invention is therefore to solve the disadvantages mentioned above, and in particular to simplify the authentication of objects comprising at least one random pattern. The subject of the invention is therefore a method of authenticating an object comprising at least one random pattern on a visible surface, said method comprising the following steps: detection of remarkable elements of said random pattern, marking on said surface of the elements remarkable to form a remarkable pattern and memorizing said remarkable pattern in a database. The so-called remarkable elements are the elements that can be distinguished from the other elements that make up the random pattern.

Thus, the invention makes it easier to recognize the random pattern by marking remarkable elements on the random pattern. Advantageously, said marking is performed by means of a laser or an ink jet.

Thus, the application of a laser beam or an ink jet makes it possible, for example, to increase the contrast between the remarkable elements and the rest of the random pattern. The detection of remarkable elements may comprise the acquisition of an image of said surface and the processing of said image. In addition, the method comprises the additional steps of assigning a reference code authenticating said remarkable pattern, storing said code in said database and marking said code on the object.

The method may include an additional step in which the database is queried by means of said reference code.

Advantageously, the method comprises an additional step in which the database is interrogated by means of a representation of a marked pattern. Thus, a representation, for example numeric, of a marked pattern and not the entire random pattern, allows to query the database. In addition, the object may consist of at least one natural or composite material. Thus, said material comprises a random pattern that is not reproducible and in which a remarkable pattern is marked. The object may consist of agglomerated cork grains and said detection of the remarkable elements may comprise a detection of the contours of at least one cork grain. When assembling agglomerated cork grains, grains of different sizes are glued together. The contours of these grains are visible on a surface and they form a random pattern. According to another embodiment, the object may consist of agglomerated cork grains and said detection of the remarkable elements may comprise a detection of at least two grains according to their brightness. The marking of the remarkable elements may comprise the marking of a line connecting said two grains. According to yet another embodiment, the object may consist of solid cork and said detection of the remarkable elements comprises the detection of at least one longitudinal trace, for example a lenticel forming a pore on the surface of the cork, a growth stop line or even a vein. The term "longitudinal trace" includes in particular grooves such as lenticels or veins, or colored bands such as stopping lines. According to another aspect, there is provided an authentication system for an object comprising at least one random pattern on a visible surface, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting remarkable elements of said random pattern, marking means on said surface of the remarkable elements to form a remarkable pattern and a database suitable for storing said remarkable pattern. According to yet another aspect, there is provided a plug for sealing a bottle containing a fluid, consisting of at least one natural material such as agglomerated cork grains or solid cork, characterized in that comprises marking a remarkable pattern on its surface for authentication and, optionally, a marking of a reference code.

Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon studying the detailed description of embodiments and embodiments, taken by way of nonlimiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings in which: FIGS. and lb illustrate a first mode of implementation and embodiment according to the invention; FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a second mode of implementation and of embodiment according to the invention; FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate a third mode of implementation and embodiment according to the invention; and FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an authentication system according to the invention. In the figure there is shown a plug 1 for sealing a bottle containing a liquid. The stopper 1 consists of a number of agglomerated cork granules 2.

The bonding of the cork grains 2 makes it possible to obtain a random pattern on the surface of the stopper 1. This pattern is not reproducible and depends on the arrangement of the grains 2. During a step of detection of remarkable elements, grains 2 can be detected, for example according to their size, hue or if they are present in a detection window. In FIG. 1b, the plug 1 is represented after a step of detecting three grains 2, for example grains 2 present in a detection window, and after a step of marking the contour 3 of the grains 2 detected.

This contour marking 3 may be for example made by means of a laser or an ink jet. The arrangement of the grains 2 detected and the contour 3 form an assembly which is not reproducible and which therefore allows the authentication of the plug 1. Moreover, the grains 2 having dimensions of the order of one millimeter, it is easy to 3. The cap 1 also comprises a marking of a reference code 4 located near the contour 3. This unique reference code 4 is assigned when marking the contour 3, and it can be composed of numbers and letters. Advantageously, it is possible, during the formation of the stopper 1 by bonding the grains 2, to use a dye or an adjuvant combined with an adhesive which facilitates the detection of the grains 2. This dye makes it possible to increase the contrast between the grains 2 and their contour. The stopper 1 also forms an object capable of authenticating the bottle on which the stopper 1 is mounted. FIG. 2a shows a plug 5 consisting of agglomerated cork grains, for example fine grains, with dimensions of the order of one hundred micrometers. The stopper 5 comprises a certain number of grains among which grains 6 are darker than the other grains which form the stopper 5. The visible surface of the stopper 5 forms a random pattern. During a step of detecting remarkable elements of the random pattern of the plug 5, the darkest grains 6 can be detected. For example, it is possible to define a brightness threshold, as well as a detection window. The detection according to a threshold of brightness is preferable on a plug made of fine grains such as the plug 5. In addition, a detection according to the size of the grains is preferable on a plug such as the plug 1. During a marking step (Figure 2b), the darker grains 6 can be connected, for example in pairs, by means of lines 7 connecting the two points of each pair to form a remarkable pattern. The marking of the lines 7 can be achieved by means of a laser or an ink jet.

The set formed by the darkest grains 6 and the lines 7 is unique and can not be reproduced. A reference code 4 is also attributed to the remarkable pattern and is marked on the cap 5. Moreover, it is possible, during the formation of the cap 5, to paste a set of grains, some of which are colored so as to facilitate their detection. In Figure 3a, there is shown a plug 8 made of solid cork. Optionally, the plug 8 is conventionally made of several rounds of solid cork.

The surface of the plug 8 has a number of longitudinal traces 9, for example lenticels forming pores on the surface of the plug 8, veins or growth stop lines. The longitudinal traces 9 are generally darker than the rest of the surface of the plug 8.

In FIG. 3b, the plug 8 is shown after a step of detecting remarkable elements, for example longitudinal traces 9 present in a detection window, and after a step of marking the detected longitudinal traces 9. This marking forms a remarkable pattern 10, for example made by means of a laser or an ink jet. A reference code 4 is also marked on the plug 8. The assembly formed by the reference code and the remarkable pattern 10 is unique and makes it possible to authenticate the plug 8. It will be noted that the modes of implementation and realization Figures la, lb, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b may be used for other objects having at least one random pattern a visible surface. By way of example, it is possible to use an object made of wood, an assembly of several elements forming an aggregate or a composite material.

Note also that the authenticated object having a marked remarkable pattern can be attached to a different article of a bottle. The article may also include the reference code and the remarkable pattern of the authenticated object.

For example, a pellet having a visible random pattern can be authenticated and fixed on any type of article. FIG. 4 shows a SYS authentication system according to the invention. The SYS system makes it possible to authenticate an object, for example a stopper 1 consisting of cork seeds 2. In a first step, an IMG image of at least a part of the random pattern of the stopper 1 is acquired, at the means of an APN digital camera. Of course, the digital camera APN can be replaced by a digital video camera. The IMG image is then sent to processing means TR capable of detecting contrast variations in the IMG image, and of detecting the different elements of the random pattern, for example the grains 2 of the plug 1.

The processing means TR make it possible to detect the contours of the grains 2 present for example in a detection window. The processing means TR may conventionally comprise a microcomputer.

The processing means TR then supply an LS laser with the contour CT of the detected grains or the remarkable pattern. The laser beam FS then travels the contour of the grains 2 detected along the contour CT to form the marked contour 3. Of course, the laser LS can be replaced by an ink jet device. Advantageously, the processing means TR supply to a database BD the contour CT of the detected grains. This database BD can be conventionally located remotely and connected to the processing means TR by the Internet network.

The database BD makes it possible to store the contour CT, as well as information relating to the plug 1, or information relating to any other authenticated object or to the article on which the authenticated object is fixed.

Moreover, a set of information INF is transmitted to the database BD. The information set INF includes information relating for example to the object, or the article on which the object is fixed. For example, for a plug 1 for closing a bottle containing a liquid, the information set INF contains information relating to the liquid contained and the date of bottling. The database BD assigns a reference code REF unique to the contour CT. This reference code is first stored in the database BD then it is transmitted to the processing means TR to be transmitted to the laser LS in order to be marked on the plug 1. In FIG. Another SYS2 authentication system according to the invention, intended to authenticate already marked objects, for example a plug 1. In this figure, the elements which bear the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 4 are identical. The digital camera is able to acquire an IMG image of the marked cap 1. This image is then supplied to the processing means TR which detect on the IMG image the marked contour 3 as well as the reference code 4. This detection is facilitated. by the marking. The detected CT contour and the reference code REF are then transmitted to the database BD.

If the set formed by the reference code REF and the contour CT is stored in the database BD then the database BD transmits the set of information relating to the cap 1 INF. If the set formed by the reference code REF and the contour CT is not stored in the database, or if the reference code REF does not correspond to the contour CT, then the plug 1 is not authenticated and the means of treatment are warned. If a user queries the database BD by means of a reference code REF, then if this code is stored in the database, the database BD also transmits the contour CT corresponding to the processing means TR. On the other hand, if the set of information INF does not correspond to the authenticated object or the article on which this object is fixed, then the user finds that there is no authentication.

The marking of the objects can be implemented by the manufacturer of the objects to be authenticated. In this case, the manufacturer of the article on which the object will be fixed, if it is different, can inform the database BD by providing the information INF. The database BD can also be searchable in the form of a website. If the outline marked on a plug 1 and the reference code are authenticated by the database BD, the user can also easily verify that the contour 3 respects, for example, the contours of the grains.

Note that the IMG image, or a representation of the pattern in its entirety, can also be stored in the database BD. The IMG image is then transmitted, for example during the interrogation of the database, to facilitate the detection of a pattern marked on a random pattern.

Thanks to the invention, a simplification of the authentication of objects having at least one random pattern is obtained. The marking of remarkable elements makes it easy to authenticate. Moreover, the use of natural or composite materials makes it possible to obtain remarkable, marked, non-reproducible patterns.

Claims (13)

REVENDICATIONS1. A method of authenticating an object (1, 5, 8) having at least one random pattern on a visible surface, said method comprising the steps of: detecting outstanding elements (2, 6, 9) of said random pattern, marking on said surface of the remarkable elements to form a remarkable pattern (3, 7, 10) and storage of said remarkable pattern in a database (BD). 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said marking is performed by means of a laser (LS) or an ink jet. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection of outstanding elements comprises acquiring an image (IMG) of said surface and processing said image (IMG). 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the additional steps of assigning a reference code (REF) authenticating said remarkable pattern of storing said code (REF) in said database and marking (4) of said code on the object (1, 5, 8). 5. The method of claim 4, comprising an additional step in which the database (BD) is interrogated by means of said reference code (REF). 6. The method of claim 4 or 5, comprising an additional step in which the database (BD) is interrogated by means of a representation (IMG) of a marked pattern. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (1, 5, 8) is made of at least one natural or composite material. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the object (1) consists of agglomerated cork grains (2) and said detection of the remarkable elements comprises a detection of the contours (3) of at least one cork grain (2). ). 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the object (5) consists of agglomerated cork grains (6) and said detection of the remarkable elements comprises a detection of at least two grains (6) according to their brightness. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the marking of the remarkable elements comprises the marking of a line (7) connecting said two grains. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the object (8) is made of solid cork and said detection of the remarkable elements comprises the detection of at least one longitudinal trace (9). 12. authentication system (SYS) for an object (1, 5, 8) comprising at least one random pattern on a visible surface, characterized in that it comprises detection means (APN, TR) of remarkable elements said random pattern, marking means (LS) on said surface of the remarkable elements to form a remarkable pattern and a database (BD) capable of storing said remarkable pattern. 13. Stopper (1, 5, 8) for sealing a bottle containing a liquid, consisting of at least one natural material such as agglomerated cork grains or solid cork, characterized in that it comprises a marking (3, 7, 10) of a remarkable pattern on its surface for authentication and optionally a marking of a reference code (4).