WO2010075881A1

WO2010075881A1 - Authentication object for an item and/or a person, item having a corresponding authentication object, method for producing an authentication object, method for authenticating an object and/or a person

Info

Publication number: WO2010075881A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/068327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlo A. Trugenberger; Albertus Geldenhuys
Original assignee: Novelty Group Limited
Priority date: 2008-12-29
Filing date: 2008-12-29
Publication date: 2010-07-08

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved authentication object (10) for persons and products. The aim is achieved according to the invention by an authentication object (10) for an item and/or a person, wherein the authentication object comprises a first layer (12a) of spatial points (14) and at least one further layer (12b) of spatial points (14), wherein the further layer of spatial points is disposed such that it at least partially overlaps the first layer of spatial points, wherein the spatial points comprise a first plurality of spatial points having a first material property and a second plurality of spatial points having a second material property, wherein the first material property and the second material property differ from each other for encoding information. Falsification is substantially more difficult for such a three-dimensional authentication object (10) than has been the case for conventional two-dimensional authentication objects.

Description

Authentication object for an object and / or a person, object with a corresponding authentication object,

Method for producing an authentication object, method for authenticating an object and / or a person

description

The invention relates to an authentication object for an object and / or a person, a method for producing a corresponding authentication object, an object with a corresponding authentication object and a method for authenticating an object and / or a person.

Counterfeiting is a major problem in the manufacture and distribution of mass-produced goods, especially pharmaceuticals. Products that have a certain associated value are often copied and distributed by counterfeiters. These counterfeit products are then channeled into sales and distribution channels and offered to end-users or distributors. This violates trademark rights, competition regulations, copyrights, designs and patents.

End users and intermediaries are deceived as to the origin and quality of the products. This can be particularly serious for medicines

Consequences. Furthermore, the individual manufacturers of the original products incur very high financial losses.

Furthermore, the provision of secure identification cards for persons poses a major problem. Falsified documents are the starting point for numerous criminal acts and a danger to society. For example, the leads Misuse of health insurance cards at significant losses that damage the insurance system.

It is known (see DE 698 24 291 T2) to provide products with labels or labels containing a verification code.

Reading devices or optical devices can be used to capture the verification code on a product and pass it on to a corresponding device that determines whether this is a valid verification code. Copying such verification codes is relatively easy with the technology available on the market.

Furthermore, seals, watermarks and holograms are provided to ensure sufficient protection against counterfeiters. On the one hand, the corresponding objects are easy to copy, and on the other hand, their manufacture is so complicated that it is not worthwhile backing up products with a low market value. From WO 92/03297 it is known to translate 3D symbols into transparent objects, e.g. a glass bottle to engrave to ensure the authenticity of the object.

In addition, product identification methods are provided to monitor the manufacture and distribution of a product. For example, corresponding identification numbers on the product are detected and stored at numerous stations (manufacture, packaging, shipping). The result is a history that makes it possible to recognize forgeries. One of the most well-known identification numbers is the barcode, in which alphanumeric characters are coded as black and white stripes.

While product identification barcodes are very well suited, it is not possible to gather more information with them. The storable amount of data is limited by the length of the label. Therefore, two-dimensional data codes have been introduced that allow to store much more data. The code PDF 417 is an example of such a two-dimensional code. With this code can be mapped about 15 to 46 bytes per square centimeter. However, these are not exclusively digital codes, since the actual dimensions of the characters are taken into account in order to identify the individual information.

With the two-dimensional data matrix code (2D code), a significantly higher data density can be achieved compared to the previously described code. It is about this is a true arrangement of digital information about a two-dimensional image. Known standards include ECC 200 from GSI.

Unfortunately, the data matrices are easy to copy and do not protect against copying or copying.

Starting from this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved authentication object. In particular, an authentication object is to be provided which can carry information and at the same time is difficult to copy. Furthermore, a corresponding method for producing an authentication object and a method for authenticating an object and / or a person should be provided.

The object is achieved by an authentication object according to claim 1.

In particular, the object is achieved in an object for an object and / or a person for whom the authentication object comprises a first layer of spatial points and at least one further layer of spatial points, wherein the further layer of spatial points is arranged such that it covers the first layer of Spatial points are at least partially covered, wherein the space points comprise a first plurality of space points with a first material property and a second plurality of space points with a second material property, wherein the first material property and the second material property for coding information differ.

According to the invention, spatial points comprise elements that have a certain physical extent. This also includes voxels, wherein the individual points can be designed as a cuboid, rectangles, spheres or any other geometric body with a three-dimensional expression. A layer may be an arbitrarily oriented layer within or on the authentication object. However, this may include planar and non-planar grids.

An essential point of the invention is that the space points are arranged in a three-dimensional structure. That is, individual points in space overlap each other at least in sections. Preferably, the individual points in space are applied in layers, each of which is a two-dimensional data matrix correspond. The application may also include baking or engraving space points in a three-dimensional body. To encode information and to make the authentication object forgery-proof, the space points are provided with different material properties. For example, it is possible to distinguish between exactly two different material properties. Depending on the information to be coded, the respective point in space on the respective layer is selected from the first or second group. Alternatively, the space points may be selected from a set of groups having a significantly higher cardinality.

In one embodiment, information is digitally encoded, for example, bit by bit. It is possible to create a complex three-dimensional object through the spatial points that is forgery-proof, and to store further, in particular digital, information for identifying the object in this object.

Preferably, the material properties are selected such that, in a corresponding read operation, it is possible to detect the material property or information that includes a hidden point. Alternatively, it may be desired that only some of the spatial points, namely those encoding digital information, be readily detectable - for example, as a raster graphic in a plan view.

In one embodiment, the first plurality or group of space points comprises space points having a first transparency and the second plurality or group of space points comprises space points having a second transparency. For example, a first group of spatial points may have an optical property that allows electromagnetic waves, in particular light, to be transmitted substantially, while a second group reflects and / or absorbs the waves. Thus, there are opaque and transparent spatial points with respect to the light which can be scanned or detected by suitable means.

It is possible to read out the authentication object like conventional data matrices or data matrices. The detected 2D image or the raster graphic results, for example, as a logical OR combination of the individual superposed spatial points or as additive. For example, three translucent space points lying one above the other appear as a translucent or as used

Support material as a white dot or white area. Insofar as the said constellation of three superimposed points in space contains an opaque point in space, results in an opaque or black dot or a corresponding area. Thus, information can be encoded in the same manner as has been possible with conventional 2D data matrices, eg, with the aforementioned 2D data matrix codes. With a corresponding design of the authentication object, it is even possible to control the visible pattern or 2D image by a person.

Furthermore, the said 2D data matrix resulting from the OR operation can be detected with conventional 2D scanners or readers and serve as an identification code or identification number.

The further layers are not registered in detail by conventional two-dimensional or 2D detection methods. However, they serve to secure the authentication object against duplication. The multi-dimensionality of the authentication object may be detected by a human pointing a light source obliquely to the authentication object.

Alternatively, scanners, in particular laser scanners, can capture the three-dimensionality with corresponding detection devices. It is possible to extract information from deeper layers and thus increase the data density that an authentication object can hold.

The authentication object can be applied to a carrier material, the carrier material specifying the appearance of the corresponding point or area in the case of transparent spatial points.

Each layer may have a substantially predetermined thickness. A homogeneous thickness of the layers makes the detection of the individual points in space easier.

The above object is also solved by an article comprising the authentication object described above.

The item may be a badge, a personal identification card, a loyalty card or a health insurance card.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for producing an authentication object, the method comprising the following steps: a) applying a first layer of spatial points; b) applying a further layer of spatial points, the further layer at least partially covering the first layer, the spatial points having a first plurality of spatial points with a first

Material property and a second plurality of spatial points with a second material property, wherein the first material property and the second material property differ and the space points are applied with the first or second material property such that they encode information.

The further layer may comprise one or more layers. According to the invention, at least some of the spatial points are again arranged in such a way that they overlap one another. Their distinctiveness is ensured by different material properties.

The method may comprise mapping at least one authentication information, in particular an identification number or ID number and / or a verification code to a three-dimensional data matrix and mapping the data matrix by means of steps a) and b) onto a carrier material, wherein one spatial point in each case Layer corresponds to a matrix value. The mapping may be done according to a left-to-center relation, where certain authentication information is mapped by a plurality of three-dimensional matrices.

That is, at least one of the layers is used to encode information in the authentication object. Alternatively, multiple layers may additively work together to encode the information. This information may be an identification number and / or a verification code. For example, it is conceivable to match the identification number and / or the verification code with a central database. The authentication information may also include an identification number and a verification code, providing a suitable mapping function or mechanism that allows the authenticity of the identified product or person to be identified. The application can be carried out by means of selective laser sintering (SLS) and / or melt stratification (FDM) and / or stereolithography (STL or SLA), in particular for polymers, and / or application of paper and / or film in layers and / or Laser generation and / or 3D printing and / or electron beam melting (EBM: Electron Beam Melting) and / or focusing, especially strong focusing lasers done. For example, it is possible to engrave the layers with a focusing laser, in particular as described in WO 92/03297, into a three-dimensional body. As a starting body are particularly suitable body made of polycarbonate and / or acrylic and / or Plexiglas or polymethacrylate.

Thus, numerous production methods are known, in particular from the field of rapid prototyping (rapid prototyping) and / or engraving (eg Subsurface Laser Engraving), which make it possible to produce the authentication object according to the invention. Depending on the field of application, different materials can be used to produce the authentication object. It should be possible for a person skilled in the art to select a suitable production method for the respective material.

With regard to the application of paper and / or film in individual layers, it should also be noted that it is conceivable to print the paper or the film before or during the arrangement and thus to produce the individual points in space.

The method may include the additional steps of:

c) generating at least one light pattern or a specific pattern by screening the authentication object with a light source or an electron source;

d) storing the at least one light pattern in a database for authenticating the authenticity of the authentication object.

After the authentication object has been manufactured, it can be illuminated by means of a light source. It results in a given positioning of the light source, a characteristic pattern of light. This light pattern can be stored completely or partially in a database. It is conceivable, in addition, the position of

Save light source relative to the authentication object in the database. The information obtained in this way serves for a later verification of the authenticity of a specific authentication object and / or the associated product. According to the application, the term "transillumination" is understood to mean not only a process in which an electromagnetic wave penetrates the object of authentication, but also reflections, transmission and absorption, in which the electromagnetic wave is partially or almost completely reflected or absorbed. The light pattern can therefore be a reflection pattern and / or an absorption pattern.

The light source may be a laser.

Preferably, the generation of the light pattern is performed by the transillumination of the authentication object in at least one predetermined orientation of the light source. The light pattern may be dependent on the orientation of the light source. Positions and orientations can be defined that allow the authentication of an authentication object.

The above object is also achieved by a method for authenticating an object and / or a person, the method comprising the following steps:

a) examination of an authentication object with a light source at a predetermined orientation for generating at least one light pattern;

b) comparing the generated light pattern with at least one stored light pattern in a database.

As already mentioned, it is possible to generate and store corresponding light patterns when generating the authentication object. To authenticate an object, these stored light patterns are compared with re-generated light patterns. In order to prevent a forgery, it is possible to dispense with storing the entire structure of the authentication object, for example the 3D template, in the database. Only certain light patterns that result from the application of light from a predefined direction can be stored. Thus, for a full access to the database forgery of authentication objects can be very difficult because the reconstruction of an authentication object based on different light patterns is difficult to impossible. So it can not be concluded on a possibly existing generation pattern. The authentication object can have a substantially planar surface and preferably be transilluminated by a laser beam, wherein the laser beam is preferably aligned at an angle, in particular at an acute angle to the normal vector of the plane. The deeper layers of an authentication object can be better detected by obliquely incident electromagnetic waves. Thus, it is possible to produce a very characteristic light pattern with relatively little effort.

A plurality of light patterns at a plurality of predetermined orientations may be compared to a plurality of stored light patterns. It is therefore conceivable to store multiple light patterns to an authentication object. These different light patterns differ due to the orientation and / or positioning of the light source. When verifying an authentication object, numerous light patterns of the present authentication object can be compared with the stored light patterns.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device according to claim 16.

The invention will be described with reference to some embodiments, which are explained in more detail by means of illustrations. Hereby show:

1 shows a system for verification and production of an authentication object;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an authentication object in plan view; FIG.

3 shows a cross section through the authentication object from FIG. 2 with a corresponding reading device; and

4 shows an exemplary database entry corresponding to an inventive database

Authentication object is assigned.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts.

1 shows an inventive authentication device in an exemplary embodiment. The authentication device comprises a server 20 and a Workstation 40 communicating with each other over a network 1. The workstation 40 has a workstation reader 41 that can capture an authentication object 10 (see Fig. 2). The workstation 40, after scanning an authentication object 10, forwards a corresponding verification or authentication request to the server 20. This determines if that

Authentication object 10 is authentic, or whether it is a forgery. Furthermore, it can be determined whether a particular authentication object 10 belongs to a specific article or a specific person.

In order to be able to answer the inquiries of the at least one workstation 40, the server 20 is in communicative connection with at least one database 30. This database 30 contains the data that makes it possible for a particular product or a specific person to have a specific data record 31 (cf. Fig. 4) and / or determine the authenticity of a particular authentication object 10.

In a first embodiment, the server 20 further controls means for generating a registered authentication object 10, namely a manufacturing device 26 for manufacturing and a registration device for registering manufactured authentication objects 10, e.g. a server reader 21. In further embodiments, the devices for producing and / or registering authentication objects 10 may be controlled by further servers 20 or by the workstation 40 or other workstations 40. The corresponding registration data can then be transmitted via the network 1 to the server 20, which stores them in the database 30.

An authentication object 10 according to the invention comprises a 3D data matrix 12, which is applied to a carrier material 11 in layers (one layer per 2D layer). The carrier material 11 may be, for example, an identification card for a person or a label for a medicament.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the 3D data matrix 12 has four by four fields in a first and a second data matrix layer 12a, 12b. The authentication object 10 comprises, as shown in FIG. 3, two layers, namely the first data matrix layer 12a, which is disposed directly on the carrier material 11, and the second data matrix layer 12b, which has a terminating surface of the

Authentication object 10 forms. Overall, the authentication object 10 thus has 4 × 4 × 2 = 32 spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 ". In the present embodiment, the individual space points 14, 14 ', 14 "have a different opacity, that is, there are two groups of space points 14, 14', 14" or voxels, the first group being translucent and the second group being opaque or opaque. The differing optical properties of the spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "can be ensured by the choice of different materials in the preparation of the spatial points 14, 14', 14" or by processing identical materials.

Because of the two differing groups of spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 ", each spatial point 14, 14', 14" can encode a bit (opaque corresponds to a "1", translucent to a "0"). Thus, the authentication object 10 can receive 32 bits of information. For example, product information, an identification number or a verification code can thus be stored in the authentication object 10.

It is not absolutely necessary to use each data matrix layer 12a, 12b of the data matrix 12 for storing information. In the present exemplary embodiment, only the spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "detectable with a 2D scanner are used for coding information, meaning that only 16 bits of information can be stored. 2) as opaque, while the cross-section (see Fig. 3) shows that this is a transparent point of space 14 ', on the other hand, the point of space 14 is in fact opaque, as the cross-section of Fig. 3 shows Although the capacity of the authentication object 10 is not fully utilized in this embodiment, the coded information, in the present case an identification number ID, can be compared with conventional 2D Scanners, in particular with the workstation reader 41 are detected. Furthermore, it is conceivable to process the information in the authentication object 10 in such a way that it can be detected and interpreted by the human eye. Thus, the information stored in the authentication object 10 could also be entered manually at the workstation 40.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that there are many

Configuration options are to distribute the same information about the two data matrix layers 12a, 12b. This means the identical identification number ID can be stored in the authentication object in different ways, with a 2D scanner always capturing the substantially same pattern. Since the cardinality of the spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "is greater than the stored information units (eg bits), even with a known identification number ID, the associated authentication object 10 can not be reconstructed.

Due to the three-dimensionality of the authentication object 10, copying is not possible, as in the conventional 2D data matrices described above.

It is intended to detect the three-dimensionality of the authentication object 10 and to use it for authentication.

According to the invention, the following steps are carried out during the production of the authentication object 10 for this purpose.

A random identification number ID is generated for a specific product. This identification number ID is used later to identify the product and to assign a specific authentication object 10 to a specific data record 31 (see FIG. 4) that is stored in the database 30. After generating the identification number ID, taking into account given boundary conditions, a three-dimensional matrix or 3D data matrix 12 is randomly generated, which represents the given identification code in the two-dimensional observation described above. In this case, the individual bits can be coded both in the first data matrix layer 12a and in the second data matrix layer 12b of a corresponding field.

Alternatively, the 3D matrix 12 may be generated at random and detected in a later detection step, which random identification numbers ID results in a plan view. The resulting raster graphics can therefore be used to identify a particular authentication object 10. In the latter approach, it is readily apparent that the use of a plurality of layers is likely to produce a raster image that appears completely opaque or black in the described two-dimensional view. Thus, the individual authentication objects can not be distinguished from each other. According to the invention it is therefore proposed, when using a plurality of randomly generated layers, the probability for the For example, for two layers, opaque spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "should only occur with a probability of one quarter.

Alternatively, an identification number ID can be generated in advance randomly or deterministically. Thereafter, the identification number ID is transferred to a raster graphic or a two-dimensional matrix having the coordinates (X, Y). In order to generate the 3D data matrix 12 according to the invention with the coordinates (X, Y, Z) from the two-dimensional matrix, iteratively considers each two-dimensional coordinate (X, Y) of the two-dimensional matrix. As far as a bright or transparent field in the two-dimensional matrix results for a certain coordinate value (eg X = 1, Y = 0), each spatial point 14, 14 ', 14 "with corresponding coordinates (X, Y, Z), eg X = I, Y = O, Z = arbitrarily designed as a transparent point in space 14, 14 ', 14 ". Otherwise - the two-dimensional coordinate (X, Y), z. B. with X = I, Y = 2, the two-dimensional matrix corresponds to a one and / or an opaque and / or black field - can with appropriate X and Y value any number of opaque spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "on the If, for example, the two-dimensional coordinate (1, 2) of the two-dimensional matrix corresponds to an opaque pixel, at least one of the spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "with the coordinate (1, 2, Z), 0 <Z <number of data matrix layers 12a, 12b, is formed as an opaque or non-transparent spatial point 14, 14 ', 14 "For example, it is conceivable for a column of spatial points 14, 14', 14", which in the Top view should appear as a black pixel, to determine randomly how many of the space points 14, 14 ', 14 "as opaque space points 14, 14', 14" are formed. Furthermore, their position can be distributed randomly over the column. Preferably, the algorithm selected for this purpose is configured such that the further spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 ", which do not characterize the appearance of the raster graphic in plan view, are occupied randomly.

After the generation of the 3D data matrix 12, corresponding spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "are applied to a carrier material 11. The data matrix layers 12a, 12b are formed.

To produce the authentication object 10, methods known in rapid prototyping can be used. For example, a stereolithography method can be used in which a light-curing plastic, such as epoxy resin, is cured in thin layers. The procedure can done in a bath which is filled with the base monomers of the photosensitive plastic. After each step, the workpiece is lowered a few millimeters into the liquid and returned to a position which is lower than the previous one by the amount of a layer thickness. The liquid plastic over the part is then evenly distributed by a wiper. Thereafter, a laser, for example, controlled by the server 20, travels over the area that is to be cured. By means of this method it is possible to produce, for example, the light-impermeable spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "The light-transmitting points can be supplemented, for example, in a subsequent bath.

After the authentication object 10 is created, the digital model of the SD data matrix 12 may be deleted to prevent later replication of the authentication object 10.

In a further step, the authentication object 10 is registered. This is served by the server reader 21. This includes, as shown in Fig. 3, a light source 22 and a photodetector 23, which are arranged side by side. To register the generated authentication object 10, the authentication object 10 is brought to a predefined position to the server reader 21. In this predetermined position, laser beams 2, 2 'are output from the light source 22 distributed over an array, wherein the individual laser beams 2, 2' strike each other parallel to the surface of the authentication object 10. The light source 22 is formed such that the laser beams 2, 2 'impinge at an acute angle to the normal vector of the plane. Fig. 3 illustrates this process. The laser beams 2, 2 'are selected such that they penetrate more or less losslessly through the translucent spatial points 14, 14', 14 "into the corresponding medium. When they impinge on an opaque spatial point 14, 14 ', 14", the laser beam becomes 2, 2 'reflected.

3 shows how a first laser beam 2 traverses the spatial point 14 'and is reflected at the transition boundary to a further spatial point 14 "In contrast, the second laser beam 2' impinges directly on the spatial point 14 in the second data matrix layer 12b The reflected laser beams 2, 2 'are detected by photodetector cells 23a, 23b, 23c of the photodetector 23. Specifically, the first photodetector cell 23a detects the first laser beam 2 and the second photodetector cell 23b detects the second laser beam 2' Further photodetector cells 23c receive further laser beams 2, 2 ' Photodetector cell 23c not hit by a laser beam 2, 2 '. This results in a specific for the authentication object 10 light pattern. This is stored together with the identification number ID and an orientation angle β (indicating the orientation of the authentication object 10 to the server reader 21). The light pattern according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 could be represented digitally by the bit sequence "011".

As shown in Fig. 4, a table in the database 30 includes a column for the identification number ID, one for the orientation angle β, and one for the pattern of light.

After registering the authentication object 10, it can be used on a product. In an authentication process, for example by the workstation 40, the identification number ID is read from the authentication object 10 (a 2D detection is sufficient). This is transmitted to the server 20 along with an authentication request. The server 20 then returns an alignment angle β, which it extracts from the data record 31 in the database 30. The workstation reader 41 aligns the authentication object 10 so that this alignment coincides with the orientation angle β. Thereafter, the authentication object 10 is irradiated by laser beams 2, 2 'from a light source 22 and by means of a photodetector 23 and detected. The workstation reader 41 may be constructed substantially identical to the server reader 21. The workstation 40 detects a light pattern and sends it to the server 20. The server 20 compares this measured light pattern with the stored light pattern from the database 30. Only if the patterns match, the authentication object 10 is considered authentic.

In the exemplary embodiment described here, a specific orientation angle β is predetermined by the server 20. However, it is also conceivable that a predetermined orientation of the light source 22 and the photodetector 23 with respect to the authentication object 10 has been agreed and the server reader 21 and the workstation reader 41 are configured so that they the detection of the authentication object 10 only in this orientation make. In this case, it is unnecessary to store the alignment angle β in the data set 31. Furthermore, it is conceivable to capture, store and compare a plurality of orientation angles β. In the foregoing embodiment, the specific reflection pattern of the three-dimensional authentication object 10 was used as a light pattern to check its authenticity. However, it is also conceivable to detect the three-dimensionality by laser transit time measurements. In this case, the laser beams 2, 2 'may be aligned perpendicular to the surface of the authentication object 10.

Previously, only a few space points 14, 14 ', 14 "were used to encode information. Space points from the first data matrix layer 12a obscured by opaque space points 14, 14', 14" from the second data matrix layer 12b do not carry informational content the identification number ID at. However, it is conceivable to detect all spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "and their transparency by a correspondingly more elaborate design of the server reader 21 and the workstation reader 41. Thus, more information can be stored.

In the exemplary embodiment described, spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "with differing light transmittance were used, whereby only a distinction was made between an opaque spatial point 14, 14', 14" and a transparent spatial point 14, 14 ', 14 ", but it is conceivable To use space points 14, 14 ', 14 ", which are partially translucent. That is, one could distinguish between opaque, partially translucent, and fully translucent spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "Thus, the information density within an authentication object 10 could be further increased and further, different patterns of light of differing intensity would result.

The spatial points 14, 14 ', 41 "described differ by their translucency, but other physical properties may be used to distinguish the individual points in space 14, 14', 14", e.g. the scatter.

In the foregoing, a method for producing an authentication object 10 in which the individual space points 14, 14 ', 14 "have been built up in layers is possible It is possible to produce a corresponding authentication object 10 by means of focusing lasers Such methods are known from internal grayscale engraving (Subsurface Laser Engraving As a starting body, a glass body or

Plastic body (eg a body made of polycarbonate, acrylic or polymethylmethacrylate) serve. At least one laser beam is transmitted via mirrors operated with galvanometers deflected and focused with a lens in the interior of the plastic body. Depending on the orientation of the mirrors and the adjustment of the focus areas with a spatially high energy density arise. A laser beam may be pulsed such that due to the high energy density, ionization and formation of plasma occurs at a point or within the plastic body or body. Areas before or after this point remain unaffected by a change in a corresponding focusing of the laser beam. The ionized areas become optical scattering areas where light is randomly scattered. It is possible to scan the spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "produced in this way by means of corresponding laser devices, so that it is also possible to read out the stored information in the spatial points 14, 14', 14". Likewise, a specific light pattern results, which serves to verify the authenticity of the authentication object 10 thus produced.

For the production of the authentication object 10, a pulsed Nd: YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm can be used. Pulse repetition rates can range from 500 hertz to 300 kilohertz. It is therefore possible to generate a multiplicity of spatial points 14, 14 ', 14 "within the shortest possible time.

It is also possible to use a large number of lasers in order to generate a correspondingly high energy density at individual points within a body and thus to machine the body in a targeted manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 network

2, 2 'laser beam

10 authentication object

11 carrier material

12 3D data matrix

12a, 12b data matrix layer

14, 14 ', 14 "room point

20 servers

21 server reader

22 light source

23 photodetector

23a, 23b, 23c photodetector cell

26 manufacturing device 30 database

31 record

40 workstation

41 Workstation reader ß Alignment angle

ID identification number

Pattern light pattern

Claims

claims

1. Authentication object for an object and / or a person, comprising a first layer (12a) of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 ") and at least one further layer (12b) of spatial points (14, 14', 14"), wherein the further layer (12b) of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 ") is arranged such that it at least partially covers the first layer (12a) of spatial points (14, 14', 14"), the spatial points (14 , 14 ', 14 ") comprise a first plurality of space points (14, 14', 14") having a first material property and a second plurality of space points (14, 14 ', 14 ") having a second material property Material property and the second material property to

Distinguish coding information.

2. Authentication object according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plurality of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 ") with a first transparency and the second plurality of spatial points (14, 14', 14") with a second transparency.

3. Authentication object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a carrier material to which the first layer (12a) of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 ") is applied.

4. Authentication object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the at least one further layer (12a, 12b) are arranged in such a way, in particular parallel, that in a plan view a respective point in space from the first layer (12a) is covered by a further point in space from at least one further layer (12b).

5. Authentication object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the authentication object encodes at least one digital information, in particular an identification code.

6. An article comprising an authentication object (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

An article according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the object is at least one of the following:

ID card, personal identification card.

8. A method for producing an authentication object (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the steps: a) applying a first layer (12a) of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 "), b) applying another Layer (12b) of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 "), wherein the further layer (12b) at least partially covers the first layer (12a), wherein the space points (14, 14', 14") have a first plurality of spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 ") having a first material property and a second plurality of

Spatial points (14, 14 ', 14 ") having a second material property, wherein the first material property and the second material property differ and the space points (14, 14', 14") are applied with the first or second material property such that they Code information.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by: Mapping at least one authentication information, in particular an identification number and / or a verification code, onto a three-dimensional data matrix;

Imaging of the data matrix (12) by means of the steps a) and b) on a carrier material (11), wherein in each case a spatial point (14, 14 ', 14 ") in a layer

(12a, 12b) corresponds to a matrix value.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mapping of at least one authentication information to the three-dimensional data matrix comprises mapping the authentication information to a two-dimensional authentication matrix, in particular a raster graphics, wherein the three-dimensional data matrix is selected such that in a plan view additively results from the plurality of space points the authentication matrix.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the application is carried out by means of selective laser sintering (SLS) and / or focusing, in particular strongly focusing lasers and / or melt stratification (FDM) and / or stereolithography (STL), in particular for polymers, and / or application of paper and / or film in layers and / or laser generation and / or 3D printing and / or electron beam melting (EBM).

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, ei chn et by the steps: c) generating at least one light pattern by an illumination of the authentication object (10) with a light source (22); d) storing the at least one light pattern in a database (30) for authentication of the authenticity of the authentication object (10).

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the light source is a laser.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized adurch gekennz, since ss the generation of the light pattern by the transillumination of the

Authentication object (10) at least one predetermined orientation of the light source (22).

15. A method of authenticating an object and / or a person, comprising the steps of: a) screening an authentication object (10) with a light source at a predetermined orientation to generate at least one light pattern; b) comparing the generated light pattern with at least one stored light pattern in a database (31).

16. The method according to claim 15, gekennz ei chne t by: a read an authentication information, in particular a

Identification number and / or a verification code, from the authentication object (10).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, in particular according to claim 16, characterized in that the reading out of the authentication information comprises a capture of a raster graphic in a plan view.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the authentication object has a substantially planar surface and the transillumination for generating at least one light pattern is effected with a laser beam, which preferably takes place angled, in particular at an acute angle to the normal vector of the plane is aligned.

19. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a plurality of light patterns are compared with a plurality of stored light patterns at a plurality of predetermined orientations.

20. An apparatus for producing an authentication object according to the method of claim 7, comprising: a manufacturing device for producing the authentication object with an encoding device for coding the information in the authentication object.

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the manufacturing device comprises at least one focusing, in particular strongly focusing laser.

22. The device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized adurch gekennz, d a s s a detection device for determining at least one authentication object-specific light pattern.

23. Device according to one of claims 20 to 22, gekennz eichnet by a database (30) for storing the at least one light pattern.