WO2000034928A1 - A method and security-system for determining the identity of valuable objects - Google Patents

A method and security-system for determining the identity of valuable objects Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000034928A1
WO2000034928A1 PCT/NL1999/000745 NL9900745W WO0034928A1 WO 2000034928 A1 WO2000034928 A1 WO 2000034928A1 NL 9900745 W NL9900745 W NL 9900745W WO 0034928 A1 WO0034928 A1 WO 0034928A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
memory circuit
authenticity
certificate
unique code
arithmetic operation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL1999/000745
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Theodorus Hubertus Marie Ruiten
Original Assignee
Ruiten Theodorus Hubertus Mari
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ruiten Theodorus Hubertus Mari filed Critical Ruiten Theodorus Hubertus Mari
Priority to AU15864/00A priority Critical patent/AU1586400A/en
Publication of WO2000034928A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000034928A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00—Marking of animals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00—Marking of animals
    • A01K11/006—Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/28—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/12—Card verification

Definitions

  • Title A method and security-system for determining the identity of valuable objects.
  • the invention relates to a method for determining the identity of valuable objects, wherein an integrated memory circuit is used, which is activated by an external activation signal, which results in the delivery of a unique code which is stored in the memory circuit.
  • An integrated memory circuit which can be activated by an external activation signal and which thereby delivers a unique code stored in the memory circuit is a well-known and freely available electronic device.
  • the unique code makes the memory circuit particularly suitable for identification purposes by attaching this circuit, preferably permanently, internally or externally to an object to be identified.
  • Said "object” may be a domestic animal, for example a dog, a cat, a horse or other living or dead creature, but also a painting or a sculpture.
  • the unique code and the essential identity characteristics of the associated object are recorded into a specially arranged register.
  • the memory circuit can be activated by suitable means to deliver the unique code stored therein. By receiving the unique code thus delivered and reading said code, it is possible to determine the identity of the object or of the domestic animal after consultation of the register.
  • this method does not provide a watertight guarantee as regards the authenticity of the object.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome the above drawbacks and to provide a method for determining the identity of valuable objects by means of which it is possible to determine not only the identity but also the authenticity of the object beyond question.
  • the method is accordingly characterized in that the memory circuit is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity or, externally or internally, to the valuable object, wherein the unique code, together with one or more identification sequences present on or in the valuable object, is subjected to an arithmetic operation, with the result of said arithmetic operation being used to determine the authenticity of the valuable object.
  • the arithmetic combination of the unique code and the identification sequence (s) demonstrates beyond question that the certificate of authenticity (for example a passport) is indeed associated with the object, and it makes the method highly suitable for determining not only the identity but also the authenticity of the object.
  • the use of another, forged certificate of authenticity or forged passport or a forged object (work of art) will not provide the correct combination, so that the authenticity of the object can directly be questioned.
  • An alternative embodiment based on the same inventive concept, wherein the integrated memory circuit is permanently attached externally or internally to an object to be identified, is characterized in that use is furthermore made of at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity and which is activated by an external activation signal, resulting in the delivery of a further unique code stored in said memory circuit, wherein said first and said further unique code are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which is used to determine the authenticity of the object.
  • the combination of the unique codes provides a watertight method for determining not only the identity but also the authenticity of the object.
  • the combination of the unique codes provides a watertight guarantee that the certificate of authenticity and the object belong together.
  • the use of another, forged certificate of authenticity or a forged object will not give the correct combination, as a result of which the authenticity of the object can directly be questioned.
  • the authenticity of the object can be determined directly, quickly and beyond question by storing the result of the arithmetic operation permanently on the certificate of authenticity.
  • the invention furthermore relates to a security system for determining the identity of valuable objects as defined in any one of the method claims, comprising an integrated memory circuit, which will deliver a unique code stored in the memory circuit under the influence of an external activation signal.
  • the security system is characterized in that the integrated memory circuit is permanently present on a certificate of authenticity or in or on said valuable object, wherein the unique code that is delivered is subjected to an arithmetic operation together with one or more identification sequences present on the valuable object, the result of which arithmetic operation determines whether or not the valuable object is authentic.
  • An alternative security system wherein the integrated memory circuit can be permanently attached externally or internally to an object to be identified, is characterized by at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is permanently present on a certificate of authenticity and which delivers a further unique code stored in said memory circuit, wherein the first and further unique codes are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which determines the authenticity of the object.
  • the security systems according to the invention are furthermore characterized in that the memory circuit present on an object or on a certificate of authenticity can be permanently covered by a seal which cannot be removed without damaging said object or said certificate of authenticity.
  • the seal is self-adhesive.
  • the system according to the invention is characterized in that it furthermore comprises apparatus for delivering an activation signal to the integrated memory circuit (s) , receiving the unique code(s) delivered by the memory circuit (s) , optionally inputting and/or reading one or more identification sequences associated with the valuable object, carrying out an arithmetic operation on the unique code(s) and/or on the identification sequence(s), and displaying the result of said arithmetic operation on a display panel.
  • Such apparatus may be configured as a compact and easily manageable unit, as a result of which it is possible to determine the authenticity of an object on the spot in a quick and simple manner.
  • the memory circuit present on the object or on the certificate of authenticity (passport) can be activated and read in a simple manner, after which the apparatus can directly determine and display the relationship between the unique code and the identification sequence (s), which relationship can be compared with that which is stated on the certificate of authenticity or on the passport.
  • the invention furthermore relates to a certificate of authenticity provided with an integrated memory circuit for use in the method and the security system according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a security system which uses a method according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the security system, which uses an alternative method according to the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows another use of the security system, which uses the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the security system and of the method according to the invention.
  • the security system is used with a valuable object, for example a work of art, in this embodiment represented as a painting 1 fixed in a frame la and a certificate of authenticity 3.
  • the certificate of authenticity 3 is an official document, which is issued by an officially authorized agency in order to prevent fraud, forgery or imitation. Said agency may for example a reputable museum, an auction firm or the artist himself.
  • certificate 3 is the usual information regarding the associated work of art. This information may contain, among other things, information about the artist, the year of production, a short description of the work of art, information about the agency that issues the certificate as well as an illustration or photo of the work of art. An illustration of the work of art may for example be provided in the box indicated at 4.
  • An integrated memory circuit 5 is affixed to certificate 3 in such a manner that said memory circuit cannot be removed without causing irreparable and visible damage to the certificate.
  • an alphabetical and/or numeric sequence 6 is permanently placed on certificate 3, which sequence is represented by the letter z for easy reference.
  • Painting 1 and the certificate of authenticity 3 issued by the officially recognized agency form a unique combination.
  • an integrated memory circuit 2 has been attached to the certified work of art 1.
  • Said memory circuit 2 forms a unique combination with the memory circuit 5 of certificate 3, as will be explained in more detail hereafter.
  • Memory circuit 2 is permanently present on or in the painting 1.
  • the memory circuit 2 may for example be attached to the rear side of the canvas and be covered by a permanent self-adhesive seal (not shown) . Thus it is impossible to remove the memory circuit 2 from painting 1 without causing visible and permanent damage to the seal.
  • Stored in each memory circuit 2 and 5 is a code associated with said memory circuit, which code is unique throughout the world.
  • Each memory circuit 2 (5) is capable of being activated by an external activation signal 9 (7) .
  • each memory circuit will deliver its own unique code.
  • This is schematically represented in the figure by the wave fronts 10 and 8.
  • the unique codes 10 and 8 delivered by memory circuits 2 and 5 may be random codes; in this embodiment each code that is delivered is an alphabetical/numeric sequence.
  • the unique code 8 delivered by memory circuit 5 is represented by the designation x- ⁇ .
  • the unique code 10 delivered by memory circuit 2 is represented by the designation x 2 .
  • the activation signals 7 and 9 may be identical as regards their shape and structure, and thus they can be delivered by a single apparatus.
  • the unique codes x- ⁇ and x 2 that are delivered are received and read in a suitable manner, after which they are subjected to an arithmetic operation.
  • said arithmetic operation 11 is so complex that it is impossible to crack or to decipher. Simplistically represented, the arithmetic operation 11 is a function f (x_ ; x 2 ) dependent on x- ⁇ and x 2 , which gives value y (represented at 12 in this embodiment) .
  • the result y can be shown to the user of the security system in a suitable manner.
  • the essence of the security system is the fact that the alphabetical/numeric sequence resulting from the arithmetic operation 11 carried out on unique codes 8 and 10 of the associated memory circuits 5 and 2 is placed permanently on the certificate of authenticity 3. Said sequence z unequivocally indicates the relation between the memory circuit 5 present on certificate 3 and the memory circuit 2 which is attached permanently to the painting 1 associated with certificate 3.
  • an authentic painting will be authenticated by means of the memory circuit 2 associated with memory circuit 5 upon issue of the certificate of authenticity 3 by the competent agency or by the artist.
  • both the memory circuit 5 and the memory circuit 2 are activated by signals 7 and 9 and the unique codes 8 (x ⁇ ) and 10 (x 2 ) are received and read, and the arithmetic operation 11 is carried out on said codes, the result y (12) of said arithmetic operation 11 will match the combination sequence z present on certificate of authenticity 3.
  • the painting 1 described on certificate 3 is an authentic painting and not a forgery. If on the other hand painting 1 is a forgery, and accordingly contains a nonauthentic memory circuit 2 which does not match memory circuit 5, the value of unique code 10 will be different upon determination of the authenticity. Consequently, the arithmetic operation 11 will give a different result 12 (y) , which result y does not match the combination sequence z present on the certificate of authenticity. Paint 1 does not match the painting described on the certificate of authenticity 3, but it will be a forgery.
  • the security system according to the invention can be used not only for paintings, but also for sculptures, for example, or other works of art.
  • the memory circuit 2 may also be incorporated in the material of a sculpture, for example.
  • the authenticity of the valuable object is and can be determined by means of two integrated memory circuits in this embodiment, it is also possible to establish the authenticity by means of more than two memory circuits.
  • the carrying out of an arithmetic operation on for example three or four unique codes of as many different memory circuits provides a more secure security system which is less sensitive to fraud.
  • first memory circuit internally to the painting
  • second memory circuit internally to the original frame
  • third memory circuit to the certificate of authenticity.
  • the authenticity of the painting and of the frame will be proved in a more watertight and fraud-proof manner in that case by the combination of the three unique codes.
  • the security system can also be used very well for other valuable objects, for example motor vehicles, bicycles, jewellery, (rare) books, antique furniture etc.
  • one or more memory circuits can be attached permanently to some part of the car body, whilst the other memory circuit is attached permanently to the vehicle registration certificate or the title deed.
  • the invention is suitable not only for use with valuable objects, but the method and device according to the invention can also be used in the chemical industry, for example, for the "matching" or mixing of hazardous chemical substances.
  • the user or operator of said chemicals can readily determine on the basis of the combination of the unique codes whether said chemical substances may be mixed safely and without any risk.
  • FIG 2 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the security system as well as an alternative method based on the same inventive concept.
  • the security system is used with a valuable object, for example a classic car 21, combined with a certificate of authenticity 23.
  • the certificate of authenticity 23 is an official document, which is issued by an officially recognized agency in order to prevent fraud, forgery or imitation. It may also be a passport or other identification document, therefore.
  • Said agency may be a reputable museum, an auction firm, a notary public, an appraiser, the artist or, in this example, the Ministry of Transport Industries or another competent ministry.
  • the certificate 23 contains the usual information on the associated vehicle. This information may inter alia include the vehicle specifications, the date of manufacture, a brief description of the car, information about the agency that issues the certificate, as well as an illustration or a photo of the car. An illustration of the car may for example be placed in the box indicated at 24.
  • An integrated memory circuit 25 is attached to certificate 23 in such a manner that said memory circuit cannot be removed without causing irreparable and visible damage to the certificate.
  • a self-adhesive seal to be affixed over the memory circuit 25, which cannot be removed without causing damage, is very suitable for this purpose.
  • an alphabetical and/or numerical sequence 26 is permanently placed on certificate 23, which sequence is represented by the letter z for easy reference.
  • the car 21 and the certificate of authenticity 23 issued by the officially recognized agency form a unique combination.
  • a specific identification sequence associated with car 21 is used, for example the engine number or chassis number 30 which is permanently formed in engine block 21a.
  • This numerical sequence forms a unique combination with memory circuit 25 of certificate 23, as will be explained in more detail hereafter.
  • the chassis number or another numerical sequence, for example the engine number cannot be removed from the engine block or from the chassis without leaving clear traces of fraudulent activity.
  • Memory circuit 25 Stored in memory circuit 25 is a code associated with this memory circuit, which code is unique throughout the world.
  • Memory circuit 25 can be activated by means of an external activation signal 27. This will cause the memory circuit to deliver its unique code. This is schematically represented by wave front 28 in the figure.
  • the unique code delivered by memory circuit 25 may be a random code; in this embodiment the code that is delivered is an alphabetical/numerical sequence.
  • the code 28 which is delivered by memory circuit 25 is represented by the code x- ⁇ .
  • the activation signal 27 may have a uniform shape and structure and be used for activating several memory circuits, so that it can be delivered by a single apparatus.
  • the unique code X-L that is delivered is suitably received and read and subsequently subjected to an arithmetic operation 31 together with the identification sequence 30 (indicated x 2 for easy reference) , which is likewise input.
  • the identification sequence 30 can be input manually via a keyboard, or, if it is a bar code, be read by optical means (with a laser pen) .
  • said arithmetic operation 31 is so complex that it is impossible to crack or decipher the operation.
  • the arithmetic operation 31 is a function f (x ⁇ ; x ) dependent on x- ⁇ and x 2 , which gives value y (represented at 32 in this embodiment) .
  • the result y can be shown to the user of the security system in a suitable manner, for example via a display panel.
  • the resulting alphabetical/numerical sequence of the arithmetic operation 31 is placed permanently on the certificate of authenticity 23, and said sequence z unequivocally indicates the relation between the memory circuit 25 present on certificate 3 and the identification sequence 30.
  • the chassis number 30 of an authentic classic car 21, for example, will be linked to the unique code 28 associated with memory circuit 25 upon issue of the certificate of authenticity 23 by the competent agency.
  • the result y (32) of said arithmetic operation 31 will match the combination sequence z present on the certificate of authenticity 23.
  • Car 21 does not match the car described on the certificate of authenticity 3, but it will have been exchanged therewith. The same applies when the car is provided with a different, forged chassis number. It will be apparent, of course, that the security system according to the invention can be used not only for cars, but also for other objects (works of art) provided with an identification sequence. In order to prevent fraud, the memory circuit 25 may also be attached internally to the engine block of car 21.
  • the authenticity of the car is and can be determined by means of one integrated memory circuit and one identification sequence in this embodiment, it is also possible to establish the authenticity by means of more than one memory circuit and/or identification sequence (chassis number and engine number) .
  • Chassis number and engine number a memory circuit and/or identification sequence
  • the combination of as many as four specific codes in this case can thus demonstrate beyond question, in a manner which is fraud- proof, the authenticity of the car, of the engine block and of the vehicle registration certificate.
  • the security system according to the invention is very suitable for determining the authenticity of valuable objects, and consequently it is suitable not only for cars, for example, (as shown in Figure 2) , but it can also be used with living creatures, for example thoroughbred horses.
  • Figure 3 shows a thoroughbred horse 40 which is provided with an integrated memory circuit 41. Said circuit can be implanted permanently under the skin, and preferably in a muscle, by means of a simple implantation method. The integrated memory circuit cannot be removed afterwards.
  • the thoroughbred horse is linked with a certificate 23 provided with serial number 28, hereinafter represented by . Furthermore it is possible to place a photo 24 of the thoroughbred in question on the certificate 23 with a view to providing an initial, quick identification.
  • the memory circuit 41 can be activated by an external activation signal 42. As a consequence, the memory circuit will deliver its unique code. This is schematically represented in the figure by wave front 43.
  • the unique code 43 delivered by memory circuit 41 is represented by code x 2 . Both codes x- and x 2 are subjected to the arithmetic operation 31 and, analogously to the principle described with reference to Figure 2, the result 32 (y) can be compared with the combination sequence 26 (z) present on the certificate of authenticity 23. Thus it can be verified in a simple manner whether horse 40 matches the characteristics stated on certificate 23.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the identity of valuable objects, wherein an integrated memory circuit is used, which is activated by an external activation signal, which results in the delivery of a unique code which is stored in the memory circuit. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that the memory circuit is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity or, externally or internally, to the valuable object, wherein the unique code, together with one or more identification sequences present on or in the valuable object, is subjected to an arithmetic operation, with the result of said arithmetic operation being used to determine the authenticity of the valuable object. An alternative embodiment based on the same inventive concept, wherein the integrated memory circuit is permanently attached externally or internally to an object to be identified, is characterized in that use is furthermore made of at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity and which is activated by an external activation signal, resulting in the delivery of a further unique code stored in said memory circuit, wherein said first and said further unique code are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which is used to determine the authenticity of the object.

Description

Title: A method and security-system for determining the identity of valuable objects.
The invention relates to a method for determining the identity of valuable objects, wherein an integrated memory circuit is used, which is activated by an external activation signal, which results in the delivery of a unique code which is stored in the memory circuit.
An integrated memory circuit which can be activated by an external activation signal and which thereby delivers a unique code stored in the memory circuit is a well-known and freely available electronic device. The unique code makes the memory circuit particularly suitable for identification purposes by attaching this circuit, preferably permanently, internally or externally to an object to be identified. Said "object" may be a domestic animal, for example a dog, a cat, a horse or other living or dead creature, but also a painting or a sculpture. The unique code and the essential identity characteristics of the associated object are recorded into a specially arranged register. The memory circuit can be activated by suitable means to deliver the unique code stored therein. By receiving the unique code thus delivered and reading said code, it is possible to determine the identity of the object or of the domestic animal after consultation of the register.
Although it is possible in this manner to determine the identity of the object associated with the memory circuit in an adequate and quick manner, this method does not provide a watertight guarantee as regards the authenticity of the object. Firstly, it is possible to change or falsify the information characteristics in the register or, in particular in the case of works of art such as paintings or sculptures, to attach the memory circuit to a forged work of art, whilst it will be considered to be an original and genuine work of art upon identification.
The object of the invention is to overcome the above drawbacks and to provide a method for determining the identity of valuable objects by means of which it is possible to determine not only the identity but also the authenticity of the object beyond question.
According to the invention, the method is accordingly characterized in that the memory circuit is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity or, externally or internally, to the valuable object, wherein the unique code, together with one or more identification sequences present on or in the valuable object, is subjected to an arithmetic operation, with the result of said arithmetic operation being used to determine the authenticity of the valuable object.
The arithmetic combination of the unique code and the identification sequence (s) demonstrates beyond question that the certificate of authenticity (for example a passport) is indeed associated with the object, and it makes the method highly suitable for determining not only the identity but also the authenticity of the object. The use of another, forged certificate of authenticity or forged passport or a forged object (work of art) will not provide the correct combination, so that the authenticity of the object can directly be questioned.
An alternative embodiment based on the same inventive concept, wherein the integrated memory circuit is permanently attached externally or internally to an object to be identified, is characterized in that use is furthermore made of at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity and which is activated by an external activation signal, resulting in the delivery of a further unique code stored in said memory circuit, wherein said first and said further unique code are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which is used to determine the authenticity of the object.
Since both objects and certificates of authenticity are provided with such memory circuits, the combination of the unique codes provides a watertight method for determining not only the identity but also the authenticity of the object. The combination of the unique codes provides a watertight guarantee that the certificate of authenticity and the object belong together. The use of another, forged certificate of authenticity or a forged object will not give the correct combination, as a result of which the authenticity of the object can directly be questioned.
The authenticity of the object can be determined directly, quickly and beyond question by storing the result of the arithmetic operation permanently on the certificate of authenticity. The invention furthermore relates to a security system for determining the identity of valuable objects as defined in any one of the method claims, comprising an integrated memory circuit, which will deliver a unique code stored in the memory circuit under the influence of an external activation signal.
In order to be able to determine the authenticity of an object directly, quickly and beyond question, the security system according to the invention is characterized in that the integrated memory circuit is permanently present on a certificate of authenticity or in or on said valuable object, wherein the unique code that is delivered is subjected to an arithmetic operation together with one or more identification sequences present on the valuable object, the result of which arithmetic operation determines whether or not the valuable object is authentic.
By combining the unique code associated with a memory circuit with one or more identification sequences associated with the valuable object, it is possible to determine directly from the resulting combination whether the object and the certificate of authenticity belong together, and it is also possible to determine directly whether the object and/or the certificate of authenticity or the passport is a forgery.
An alternative security system according to the invention, wherein the integrated memory circuit can be permanently attached externally or internally to an object to be identified, is characterized by at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is permanently present on a certificate of authenticity and which delivers a further unique code stored in said memory circuit, wherein the first and further unique codes are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which determines the authenticity of the object.
By using two memory circuits and to combine the associated unique codes, it is possible to determine directly from said combination whether the object and the certificate of authenticity go together, and it is also possible to determine directly whether the object and/or the certificate of authenticity is a forgery.
In order to prevent fraud and other undesirable activities, the security systems according to the invention are furthermore characterized in that the memory circuit present on an object or on a certificate of authenticity can be permanently covered by a seal which cannot be removed without damaging said object or said certificate of authenticity. Thus it is possible to establish directly whether fraud has been committed with regard to the memory circuit and consequently to the object (work of art) or the certificate of authenticity or the associated passport.
In order to cover the position of the memory circuit present on the certificate or on the object quickly, securely but above all permanently, the seal is self-adhesive. In addition, the system according to the invention is characterized in that it furthermore comprises apparatus for delivering an activation signal to the integrated memory circuit (s) , receiving the unique code(s) delivered by the memory circuit (s) , optionally inputting and/or reading one or more identification sequences associated with the valuable object, carrying out an arithmetic operation on the unique code(s) and/or on the identification sequence(s), and displaying the result of said arithmetic operation on a display panel.
Such apparatus may be configured as a compact and easily manageable unit, as a result of which it is possible to determine the authenticity of an object on the spot in a quick and simple manner. The memory circuit present on the object or on the certificate of authenticity (passport) can be activated and read in a simple manner, after which the apparatus can directly determine and display the relationship between the unique code and the identification sequence (s), which relationship can be compared with that which is stated on the certificate of authenticity or on the passport.
The invention furthermore relates to a certificate of authenticity provided with an integrated memory circuit for use in the method and the security system according to the invention.
The invention will now be explained with reference to a drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows a security system which uses a method according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the security system, which uses an alternative method according to the invention;
Figure 3 shows another use of the security system, which uses the method according to the invention.
Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the security system and of the method according to the invention. The security system is used with a valuable object, for example a work of art, in this embodiment represented as a painting 1 fixed in a frame la and a certificate of authenticity 3. The certificate of authenticity 3 is an official document, which is issued by an officially authorized agency in order to prevent fraud, forgery or imitation. Said agency may for example a reputable museum, an auction firm or the artist himself.
Present on certificate 3 is the usual information regarding the associated work of art. This information may contain, among other things, information about the artist, the year of production, a short description of the work of art, information about the agency that issues the certificate as well as an illustration or photo of the work of art. An illustration of the work of art may for example be provided in the box indicated at 4.
An integrated memory circuit 5 is affixed to certificate 3 in such a manner that said memory circuit cannot be removed without causing irreparable and visible damage to the certificate. As the figure furthermore shows, an alphabetical and/or numeric sequence 6 is permanently placed on certificate 3, which sequence is represented by the letter z for easy reference.
Painting 1 and the certificate of authenticity 3 issued by the officially recognized agency form a unique combination. In order to prevent painting 1 or certificate 3 from being exchanged and/or forged, an integrated memory circuit 2 has been attached to the certified work of art 1. Said memory circuit 2 forms a unique combination with the memory circuit 5 of certificate 3, as will be explained in more detail hereafter. Memory circuit 2 is permanently present on or in the painting 1. The memory circuit 2 may for example be attached to the rear side of the canvas and be covered by a permanent self-adhesive seal (not shown) . Thus it is impossible to remove the memory circuit 2 from painting 1 without causing visible and permanent damage to the seal. Stored in each memory circuit 2 and 5 is a code associated with said memory circuit, which code is unique throughout the world. Each memory circuit 2 (5) is capable of being activated by an external activation signal 9 (7) . As a consequence, each memory circuit will deliver its own unique code. This is schematically represented in the figure by the wave fronts 10 and 8. The unique codes 10 and 8 delivered by memory circuits 2 and 5 may be random codes; in this embodiment each code that is delivered is an alphabetical/numeric sequence. For a better understanding of the invention, the unique code 8 delivered by memory circuit 5 is represented by the designation x-^. The unique code 10 delivered by memory circuit 2 is represented by the designation x2.
The activation signals 7 and 9 may be identical as regards their shape and structure, and thus they can be delivered by a single apparatus. The unique codes x-^ and x2 that are delivered are received and read in a suitable manner, after which they are subjected to an arithmetic operation. For security reasons, said arithmetic operation 11 is so complex that it is impossible to crack or to decipher. Simplistically represented, the arithmetic operation 11 is a function f (x_ ; x2) dependent on x-^ and x2 , which gives value y (represented at 12 in this embodiment) . The result y can be shown to the user of the security system in a suitable manner.
The essence of the security system is the fact that the alphabetical/numeric sequence resulting from the arithmetic operation 11 carried out on unique codes 8 and 10 of the associated memory circuits 5 and 2 is placed permanently on the certificate of authenticity 3. Said sequence z unequivocally indicates the relation between the memory circuit 5 present on certificate 3 and the memory circuit 2 which is attached permanently to the painting 1 associated with certificate 3.
Usually, an authentic painting will be authenticated by means of the memory circuit 2 associated with memory circuit 5 upon issue of the certificate of authenticity 3 by the competent agency or by the artist. When both the memory circuit 5 and the memory circuit 2 are activated by signals 7 and 9 and the unique codes 8 (x^) and 10 (x2) are received and read, and the arithmetic operation 11 is carried out on said codes, the result y (12) of said arithmetic operation 11 will match the combination sequence z present on certificate of authenticity 3.
This means that the painting 1 described on certificate 3 is an authentic painting and not a forgery. If on the other hand painting 1 is a forgery, and accordingly contains a nonauthentic memory circuit 2 which does not match memory circuit 5, the value of unique code 10 will be different upon determination of the authenticity. Consequently, the arithmetic operation 11 will give a different result 12 (y) , which result y does not match the combination sequence z present on the certificate of authenticity. Painting 1 does not match the painting described on the certificate of authenticity 3, but it will be a forgery.
It goes without saying, that the security system according to the invention can be used not only for paintings, but also for sculptures, for example, or other works of art. In order to prevent fraud, the memory circuit 2 may also be incorporated in the material of a sculpture, for example. Although the authenticity of the valuable object is and can be determined by means of two integrated memory circuits in this embodiment, it is also possible to establish the authenticity by means of more than two memory circuits. The carrying out of an arithmetic operation on for example three or four unique codes of as many different memory circuits provides a more secure security system which is less sensitive to fraud.
Thus it is possible to attach a first memory circuit internally to the painting, a second memory circuit internally to the original frame and a third memory circuit to the certificate of authenticity. The authenticity of the painting and of the frame will be proved in a more watertight and fraud-proof manner in that case by the combination of the three unique codes. In addition to that, the security system can also be used very well for other valuable objects, for example motor vehicles, bicycles, jewellery, (rare) books, antique furniture etc. When cars are to be secured, one or more memory circuits can be attached permanently to some part of the car body, whilst the other memory circuit is attached permanently to the vehicle registration certificate or the title deed.
The invention is suitable not only for use with valuable objects, but the method and device according to the invention can also be used in the chemical industry, for example, for the "matching" or mixing of hazardous chemical substances. By linking two or more memory circuits to different chemical substances, the user or operator of said chemicals can readily determine on the basis of the combination of the unique codes whether said chemical substances may be mixed safely and without any risk.
Figure 2 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the security system as well as an alternative method based on the same inventive concept. The security system is used with a valuable object, for example a classic car 21, combined with a certificate of authenticity 23. As in Figure 1, the certificate of authenticity 23 is an official document, which is issued by an officially recognized agency in order to prevent fraud, forgery or imitation. It may also be a passport or other identification document, therefore. Said agency may be a reputable museum, an auction firm, a notary public, an appraiser, the artist or, in this example, the Ministry of Transport Industries or another competent ministry.
The certificate 23 contains the usual information on the associated vehicle. This information may inter alia include the vehicle specifications, the date of manufacture, a brief description of the car, information about the agency that issues the certificate, as well as an illustration or a photo of the car. An illustration of the car may for example be placed in the box indicated at 24. An integrated memory circuit 25 is attached to certificate 23 in such a manner that said memory circuit cannot be removed without causing irreparable and visible damage to the certificate. A self-adhesive seal to be affixed over the memory circuit 25, which cannot be removed without causing damage, is very suitable for this purpose. As the figure shows, an alphabetical and/or numerical sequence 26 is permanently placed on certificate 23, which sequence is represented by the letter z for easy reference.
The car 21 and the certificate of authenticity 23 issued by the officially recognized agency form a unique combination. In order to prevent interchange and/or forgery of car 21 or certificate 23, a specific identification sequence associated with car 21 is used, for example the engine number or chassis number 30 which is permanently formed in engine block 21a. This numerical sequence forms a unique combination with memory circuit 25 of certificate 23, as will be explained in more detail hereafter. As is well- known, the chassis number or another numerical sequence, for example the engine number, cannot be removed from the engine block or from the chassis without leaving clear traces of fraudulent activity.
Stored in memory circuit 25 is a code associated with this memory circuit, which code is unique throughout the world. Memory circuit 25 can be activated by means of an external activation signal 27. This will cause the memory circuit to deliver its unique code. This is schematically represented by wave front 28 in the figure. The unique code delivered by memory circuit 25 may be a random code; in this embodiment the code that is delivered is an alphabetical/numerical sequence. For a better understanding of the invention, the code 28 which is delivered by memory circuit 25 is represented by the code x-^. The activation signal 27 may have a uniform shape and structure and be used for activating several memory circuits, so that it can be delivered by a single apparatus. The unique code X-L that is delivered is suitably received and read and subsequently subjected to an arithmetic operation 31 together with the identification sequence 30 (indicated x2 for easy reference) , which is likewise input. The identification sequence 30 can be input manually via a keyboard, or, if it is a bar code, be read by optical means (with a laser pen) . For security reasons said arithmetic operation 31 is so complex that it is impossible to crack or decipher the operation. Simplistically represented, the arithmetic operation 31 is a function f (x± ; x ) dependent on x-^ and x2 , which gives value y (represented at 32 in this embodiment) . The result y can be shown to the user of the security system in a suitable manner, for example via a display panel.
Also here the resulting alphabetical/numerical sequence of the arithmetic operation 31 is placed permanently on the certificate of authenticity 23, and said sequence z unequivocally indicates the relation between the memory circuit 25 present on certificate 3 and the identification sequence 30.
Usually, the chassis number 30 of an authentic classic car 21, for example, will be linked to the unique code 28 associated with memory circuit 25 upon issue of the certificate of authenticity 23 by the competent agency. When both the memory circuit 25 and the identification sequence are read and said codes are subjected to an arithmetic operation 11, the result y (32) of said arithmetic operation 31 will match the combination sequence z present on the certificate of authenticity 23.
This means that the car 21 described on the certificate 23 is an authentic car and not a forgery. If on the other hand car 21 is a different car, which consequently carries a nonassociated chassis number 30, this identification sequence 30 will not be associated with memory circuit 25. The arithmetic operation 31 will give a different result 32 (y) , therefore, which result y does not correspond to the combination sequence z on the certificate of authenticity.
Car 21 does not match the car described on the certificate of authenticity 3, but it will have been exchanged therewith. The same applies when the car is provided with a different, forged chassis number. It will be apparent, of course, that the security system according to the invention can be used not only for cars, but also for other objects (works of art) provided with an identification sequence. In order to prevent fraud, the memory circuit 25 may also be attached internally to the engine block of car 21.
Although the authenticity of the car is and can be determined by means of one integrated memory circuit and one identification sequence in this embodiment, it is also possible to establish the authenticity by means of more than one memory circuit and/or identification sequence (chassis number and engine number) . Thus it is possible to use 1) the chassis number, 2) the engine number, 3) the registration number and 4) the unique code of the memory circuit on the certificate of authenticity or the passport. The combination of as many as four specific codes in this case can thus demonstrate beyond question, in a manner which is fraud- proof, the authenticity of the car, of the engine block and of the vehicle registration certificate.
As already mentioned before, the security system according to the invention is very suitable for determining the authenticity of valuable objects, and consequently it is suitable not only for cars, for example, (as shown in Figure 2) , but it can also be used with living creatures, for example thoroughbred horses. Figure 3 shows a thoroughbred horse 40 which is provided with an integrated memory circuit 41. Said circuit can be implanted permanently under the skin, and preferably in a muscle, by means of a simple implantation method. The integrated memory circuit cannot be removed afterwards. The thoroughbred horse is linked with a certificate 23 provided with serial number 28, hereinafter represented by . Furthermore it is possible to place a photo 24 of the thoroughbred in question on the certificate 23 with a view to providing an initial, quick identification. Analogously to the method described with reference to Figure 2, the memory circuit 41 can be activated by an external activation signal 42. As a consequence, the memory circuit will deliver its unique code. This is schematically represented in the figure by wave front 43. For a better understanding of the invention, the unique code 43 delivered by memory circuit 41 is represented by code x2. Both codes x- and x2 are subjected to the arithmetic operation 31 and, analogously to the principle described with reference to Figure 2, the result 32 (y) can be compared with the combination sequence 26 (z) present on the certificate of authenticity 23. Thus it can be verified in a simple manner whether horse 40 matches the characteristics stated on certificate 23. On the other hand it is readily possible to apply the security principle comprising two memory circuits as described with reference to Figure 1 with horse 40. To this end a second memory circuit will be affixed to the associated certificate, the unique code of which, combined with the unique code of the memory circuit implanted in the horse, will be subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which is placed on the certificate.

Claims

C A I M S
1. A method for determining the identity of valuable objects, wherein an integrated memory circuit is used, which memory circuit is activated by an external activation signal, which results in the delivery of a unique code which is stored in the memory circuit, characterized in that the memory circuit is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity or, externally or internally, to the valuable object, wherein the unique code, together with one or more identification sequences present on or in the valuable object, is subjected to an arithmetic operation, with the result of said arithmetic operation being used for determining the authenticity of the valuable object.
2. A method for determining the identity of valuable objects, wherein an integrated memory circuit is used, which memory circuit is permanently attached externally or internally to said valuable object and which is activated by an external activation signal, which results in the delivery of a first unique code which is stored in the memory circuit, characterized in that use is furthermore made of at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is attached permanently to a certificate of authenticity and which is activated by an external activation signal, resulting in the delivery of a further unique code stored in said memory circuit, wherein said first and said further unique code are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which is used for determining the authenticity of the object.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the authenticity of the object is registered by storing the result of the arithmetic operation permanently on the certificate of authenticity.
4. A security system for determining the identity of valuable objects as defined in any one of the preceding method claims, comprising an integrated memory circuit, which will deliver a unique code stored in the memory circuit under the influence of an external activation signal, wherein the system is furthermore characterized in that the integrated memory circuit is permanently present on a certificate of authenticity or on or in the valuable object, wherein the unique code that is delivered is subjected to an arithmetic operation together with one or more identification sequences present on or in the valuable object, the result of which arithmetic operation determines whether or not the valuable object is authentic.
5. A security system for determining the identity of valuable objects as defined in any one of the preceding method claims, comprising an integrated memory circuit, which is to be permanently attached externally or internally to an object to be identified and which will deliver a unique code stored in the memory circuit under the influence of an external activation signal, wherein the system is furthermore characterized by at least one further integrated memory circuit, which is permanently present on a certificate of authenticity, and which will deliver a further unique code stored in said memory circuit under the influence of an external activation signal, wherein said first and said further unique code are subjected to an arithmetic operation, the result of which determines whether or not the valuable object is authentic.
6. A system according to claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the memory circuit present on or in an object or on a certificate of authenticity can be covered permanently by means of a non-removable seal.
7. A system according to claim 6, characterized in that said seal is self-adhesive.
8. A system according to any one of the claims 4 - 7, characterized in that the system comprises apparatus for delivering an activation signal to the integrated memory circuit (s) , receiving the unique code(s) delivered by the memory circui (s) , optionally inputting and/or reading one or more identification sequences associated with the valuable object, carrying out an arithmetic operation on the unique code(s) and/or on the identification sequence (s) , and displaying the result of said arithmetic operation on a display panel.
9. A certificate of authenticity provided with an integrated memory circuit for use in the method and the security system according to any one or more of the preceding claims.
PCT/NL1999/000745 1998-12-04 1999-12-06 A method and security-system for determining the identity of valuable objects WO2000034928A1 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NL1010722 1998-12-04
NL1010722A NL1010722C2 (en) 1998-12-04 1998-12-04 Method and security system for determining the identity of valuables.

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CN105092488A (en) * 2015-09-16 2015-11-25 陈心韵 Oil painting counterfeit authentication device

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