WO2018046066A1

WO2018046066A1 - Method for the authentication of objects

Info

Publication number: WO2018046066A1
Application number: PCT/DE2017/100770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Deitermann
Original assignee: Tailorlux Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-09-12
Filing date: 2017-09-12
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Also published as: DE102016117063A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the authentication of objects, using a computer (7) having at least one camera unit (8), and using a reference map (2) onto which at least one reference colour is applied, comprising the following steps: arranging the reference map (2) and the object (1) in such a way that the reference map (2) and the object (1) are positioned at least partially in a common receiving region for a digital image; at least partially illuminating the receiving region with visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation; receiving a digital image mapping the receiving region using the camera unit (8); evaluating the digital image information using the computer (7), an application program and a server or computer (10) connected to the computer (7) via signals, as well as using a program on same. In order to provide a method for the authentication of objects that is cost-effective and simple to implement, as well as guaranteeing a high level of authentication security, colour locations and/or values proportional to the colour locations are assigned to the pixels of the digital image corresponding to the location points of the receiving region, in particular the individual pixels and/or individual voxels and/or domains, at least one colour is applied to the object (1), the reference colour and the colour are based on at least one colour metamery and/or have at least partially luminescent properties, and the authentication occurs via an alignment of the colour locations based on the pixels of the digital image and/or values that are proportional to same.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for authenticating objects, having a computer having at least one camera unit, and having a reference map to which at least one reference color is applied, comprising the following steps: arrangement of the reference map and the object such that the reference map and the object are at least partially in a common digital image pick-up area; at least partial exposure of the recording area with visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation; Taking a picture of the receiving area imaging digital image with the camera unit; Evaluation of the digital image information with the computer, an application program and a computer connected to the computer computer or server and a program located on this.

Methods for authenticating objects are known in the art. For this purpose, the objects to be authenticated are provided with authentication features, eg. B. printed or embossed. With suitable recognition devices, the authentication features are recorded on the objects and used to authenticate the objects. Often such recognition methods are associated with a high technical complexity and are based on complex mathematical algorithms or routines.

Authentication features can be understood as identifying features, with the purpose of preventing or complicating the unauthorized reproduction and / or copy of objects. Items provided with authentication features can be, for example, value documents, identity documents, legal documents or information carriers. Also any other items can be provided with authentication features. One example is QR-labeled reusable beverage bottles. A QR code scanner detects the QR code applied to the bottle or label via suitable detection means, identifies and authenticates it as a returnable bottle of a specific category and / or brand.

Other examples of authentication features are watermarks, embossing patterns or color patterns applied to objects or print media. Such Authentication features do not necessarily have to be visible to the human eye. Thus, for example, authentication features can only be visible under UV light or under a certain angle of view or a specific line of sight. Also, luminescent colors can be used to authenticate objects (see WO 201 1/098083 A1). With optical means, luminescent substances can only be detected as a result of the excitation of the luminescent system with light of suitable wavelength. In this case, in particular, the emission radiation characteristic of the luminescent system or the luminescent particles, colors or substances can be detected. For this, however, complex analysis devices or analysis methods are needed. Before the emission radiation can be detected by a suitable sensor, the system must first be excited with suitable light. For this purpose, a suitable device for light excitation or a radiation source is needed. Also, the unit for detecting the emission radiation, ie the detection unit, must be adapted to the wavelengths of the emission radiation. Such devices or methods are usually cost-intensive, have a complex structure, are stationary and difficult for the layman to use.

Methods for inspecting or detecting object colors with simple and portable means are known in the art. For example, in WO 2016/055983 A1 a camera or a camera integrated in a mobile terminal for the detection of colors is described. The color recognition is performed in combination with a color sample card or a reference card. The color pattern card described there has an opening and is placed on the object to be examined such that the opening encloses the area of the color to be detected. Thus, the opening overlaps with a portion of the object to be examined. Afterwards, the camera is positioned above the opening for image acquisition. By means of a suitable comparison method between reference colors located on the color pattern card and the color to be recognized, an exact color value can be calculated and assigned to the color to be recognized. The decisive factor here is that the calculation is performed using gray values. The method makes use of an application software or app installed on the terminal. The application software or the terminal communicates during color matching with distal end servers and programs located on them. However, this method is limited to the determination of color values. For example, it is not possible with this method to detect luminescence properties of colors. The invention is based on the object to provide a method for the authentication of objects, which is inexpensive and easy to use, and ensures a high degree of authentication security. To solve this problem, a method for authenticating objects with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

The method according to the invention is a method for authenticating objects, having a computer having at least one camera unit, and having a reference map to which at least partially a reference color is applied, comprising the following steps: arrangement of the reference map and the object in such a way in that the reference map and the object are at least partially located in a common digital image pick-up area; at least partial exposure of the recording area to visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation; Taking a picture of the receiving area imaging digital image with the camera unit; Evaluation of the digital image information with the computer, an application program and a computer connected to the computer computer or server and a program located on this. The method is characterized in that the pixels of the digital image corresponding to the location points of the recording area, in particular the individual pixels and / or individual voxels and / or domains thereof, are assigned color locations and / or values proportional to the color locations. Furthermore, it is characterized by the fact that the object is at least partially applied at least one color, that the reference color and the color based on at least one Farbmetamerie and / or at least partially have luminescent properties, and that the authentication via an adjustment of the pixels of digital image underlying color grades and / or proportional values.

The recording area may correspond to the illumination or exposure area. The number of recorded pixels depends on the camera resolution and is variable. From the color locations of the individual pixels and / or individual voxels and / or domains thereof, mean values, ie. H. Area or room averages of the color loci are calculated. Other proportional values are also suitable for the method.

Articles which can be authenticated using the method according to the invention have authentication features applied to the surface of the article. Items without such features will result in a negative authentication assertion after the procedure has been performed. Items to be authenticated may include, for example, value documents, identity documents and legal documents, including banknotes, tax stamps, tax stamps, identification cards, money and credit cards, transport tickets, lottery tickets, event tickets, access cards. Also, product packaging, labels, bottles, glass and plastic containers, foils, circuit boards, electrical wiring diagrams, casino chips, food, medicines, and any items requiring authentication may be authenticated.

The reference card has defined properties, in particular in the form of a defined color metamerism and / or defined luminescent properties of the reference color applied to the reference card. These defined properties have a direct effect on the color locus in the digital image and thus serve as comparative variables when compared with the color loci underlying the subject in the recording area.

To carry out the method according to the invention, the reference card is arranged in such a way to the object to be examined that the reference card and the object are at least partially located in a common recording area for a digital image. For this purpose, the reference card can be arranged next to the object, but also in front of or behind the object. However, it must be ensured that the authentication features of the object and the at least one reference color of the reference card are at least partially exposed and are located in a common illumination area, which is also a recording area. The reference card and the article may be spaced from each other or in contact with each other. The article and the reference card can be completely or partially printed with at least one color or reference color. The color or reference color are compared in the context of the data evaluation with the colors present on the object, in particular with regard to the color location.

Also, the color or reference color may be otherwise applied to the article or the reference card. The at least one color or reference color may include colors from the entire color spectrum, including clear, colorless or achromatic colors. Also luminescent color components, purely luminescent colors or colors with color metameres can be applied to the article or the reference card. Different color areas may be contiguous or separated. The reference card can be completely printed with only one reference color, or it can be printed area by area or partially with different reference colors. It is possible to print reference colors in the manner of a tile pattern on the reference card or to make various other arrangements of the at least one reference color on the card. The at least one reference color may be applied to the reference card in the form of points, circles, rectangles, squares, ellipses or in other geometric shapes and / or patterns. The reference card may be made of any printable material, preferably plastic, cardboard, paper, metal, glass or other suitable materials.

In one possible embodiment, the reference card can have at least one light-permeable opening arranged on the reference card, which is produced, for example, by a punch-out or by a recess in the base material of the reference card. The opening can be made by simply cutting out base material or through a hole. The opening may have a circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, square, triangular or any other contour. Also, such an opening may be covered with a light-transparent material and form a window. Also, instead of an opening, a partial section of the reference card may be made of a transparent material, for example glass or transparent plastic (eg Plexiglas). The transparent material may be embedded in or molded onto the base material of the reference card. Then the light-transparent covering of the opening or the transparent material incorporated into the base material of the reference card fulfills the function of a radiation-transmissive window. In particular, this is permeable to light. However, an opening or a window in the reference card is not mandatory for carrying out the method according to the invention. Even with a reference card without opening or window, the process is feasible.

In the presence of an opening and / or a window in the reference map, the reference values and the object may be arranged such that the opening and / or the window overlaps at least partially with the object. However, it is also possible to arrange a reference card provided with an opening or a window next to the object, in front of or behind the object, as long as the at least one reference color required for the adjustment lies in the illumination area or recording area.

For the method according to the invention, it can be advantageous for the computer to be a smartphone, a tablet computer, another mobile device that can be connected to the Internet Terminal or a stationary computer. Also, any other mobile or stationary computer or devices that contain a computer with integrated or connected camera unit, come for the implementation of the method according to the invention into consideration, for example, multimedia watches or glasses. Also, the computer can be connected to other computers for data transmission. It is state of the art that mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers or notebooks or laptops can be connected to the Internet or other computers. This connection can be made via conventional signal connections, such as WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared, USB cable, as well as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, HSCSD, LTE and 4G transmission protocols. Also, the computer may be a stationary computer, which is also connected via the aforementioned signal connections to the Internet and other computers. The signal connections can be realized wirelessly as well as wired. The advantage of mobile devices is that they are easy to transport and relatively inexpensive. They can be used flexibly in various locations and can easily be carried by the user, for example in a jacket pocket. A stationary use at a fixed location is possible. In this case, a mobile terminal can also assume the function of a stationary computer.

A compact, i. Space-saving and lightweight construction of the computer used in the invention is advantageous and allows a high transportability and flexibility with regard to carrying out the method according to the invention at different locations. Compact means in this sense not only the preferably small size of the computer, but also includes the integration of a camera unit in the computer or in the computer case, so that no external, additional camera for performing the method is needed. This reduces the positioning and calibration effort of the camera when the method is repeated. At the same time measurement inaccuracies are reduced and the reproducibility increased. Optionally, the procedure can also be carried out with an external camera. Furthermore, further components can also be integrated in such a computer, for example a data memory, an indicating and input unit and means for data transmission. Such components can be readily extended and / or supplemented with external components. Also, individual components may be located outside the computer, such as an external data storage in the form of an external hard drive or a data cloud.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the computer, a camera unit, a computing unit, means for data transmission, a display and Input unit and have a data memory. The units mentioned are known from the prior art and usually belong to the standard equipment of mobile devices such as smartphones or tablet computers, but also stationary computers. Thus, the computer can consist in particular of a computer board and a processor. These form an arithmetic unit. Means for data transmission can be diverse in nature. Suitable communication devices may be wired, such as USB ports and cables, or cable-free. Examples of wireless transmission include WLAN, Bluetooth, Infrared, as well as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, HSCSD, LTE and 4G transmission protocols. The means of data transmission are not limited to this list. Display and input units may be implemented via keyboards and / or touch-sensitive screens such as touchscreens. Non-touch screens can also be used to display data. Furthermore, the computer used in the invention should have a data memory. This can be integrated into the computer or externally connected to the computer, such as an external hard drive. As a data memory in particular electronic data storage come into consideration.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the color or reference color applied to the article and / or the reference card can be at least partially UV-luminescent and / or luminescent for light of suitable wavelengths. This makes it possible to selectively excite the color or reference color or its at least partially luminescent constituents with light which induces a radiation emission characteristic of the particles. It is also possible to apply a plurality of colors or reference colors simultaneously to the object and / or the reference card. The wavelength of the emitted radiation itself is already an authentication feature. Luminescent particles, molecules or color components are difficult to copy, especially since they are unique because of their chemical structure and their chemical-physical properties. Even slight differences in the conditions of synthesis lead to deviations in the luminescence behavior. The luminescence allows authentication features or the at least partially luminescent colors or reference colors to assign unique spectral properties.

Both the colors having the authentication features on the objects, as well as the reference color (s) on the reference card, can be applied by any suitable printing methods, such as low, - high, - flat, - and through-printing in the forms, intaglio, gravure printing, Letterset , Pad printing, flexo printing, Letterpress, embossing, offset printing, Toray printing and screen printing. Also, digital printing methods can be used, for example, ink jet printing, 3D printing, electrophotography, laser sublimation printing, dye sublimation printing, laser ablation, and other methods.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one luminescent component of the at least one color or reference color can be excitable by flashlight for emission of radiation. To excite the luminescent components, the illumination device integrated in the computer or the camera can be used in the form of a light source. The light source may also be a flash light source or an external excitation source in the form of LEDs, lasers, gas discharge lamps, halogen or incandescent lamps. In this case, the light source or flash light source can excite the luminescent components in a specific or in different wavelength ranges and emit visible but also UV or NIR radiation. In addition to excitation of the luminescent components, the light source or flash light source can be used to illuminate the recording area in low light conditions. This can be part of the camera unit or be an external illumination device. After excitation of the system emission of emission radiation occurs, which in turn can be detected or detected by suitable detection means.

In the context of the invention, it may also be advantageous for the color location of the at least partially luminescent color or reference color to change in a pixel, or voxel manner after excitation with flashlight. On the one hand, the color locus includes color values and, on the other hand, the intensity or degree of whiteness of the respective color values. Radiation emission as a result of luminescence excitation can in particular lead to a change in the intensities or degrees of whiteness. However, this change need not apply to all pixels. For example, only those pixels preferably have a significantly changed intensity, which reproduce the positions of the object or the reference card which are acted upon by luminescence particles. The at least one color or reference color may differ in addition to a two-dimensional pronounced variation in a third dimension, for example, by different layers or layer structures. Again, this can be used in the context of the invention for authenticating the objects.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it may be advantageous for the objects to be authenticated via the color locus of the luminescent and non-luminescent color constituents of the at least one color and / or their spatial and / or planar arrangement, the article being visible light, ultraviolet or infrared Radiation illuminated becomes. For this purpose, the spectral characteristics such as the detectable color value, the degree of whiteness or the intensity of the non-luminescent and luminescent color components, as well as the wavelengths of the emission radiation characteristic of the luminescent colors can be used. The spatial and / or areal arrangement or distribution of this information can also be used for authentication.

Furthermore, it is advantageous in the context of the invention that the color locus indicates the degree of whiteness and the color values of the color or reference color. The color locale reflects the LAB value of a color. AB stands for the color value, L for the degree of whiteness. Also, other colorimetric systems representing the color locus may be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a lighting device for illuminating the recording area or recording area can be integrated into the computer. The receiving area at least partially encloses the at least one reference color applied to the reference card and at least partially the object or the authentication features or the color arranged on the object. Thus, at least a part of the reference map and at least a part of the object is illuminated. The receiving region may also include the at least one opening or the at least one window of the reference card and the examination region of the object lying behind or overlapping therewith. When using a reference card without opening or without windows, the at least partially located on the reference card at least one reference color and at least partially the object or arranged on the object authentication features are in the receiving area. The recording area thus determines the spatial limits of the recorded image. Also, the recording area includes the reference area on the reference map, that is, the reference colors arranged on the reference map. The lighting device may be, for example, a conventional LED flash device of the camera unit. Also laser, gas discharge lamps, halogen or incandescent bulbs come as lighting device into consideration. The illumination device can be integrated into the computer or be present as an external illumination device. The illumination area must at least partially include the reference map and the examination area. Examination area can be any location on the object. It may be advantageous for the illumination device to generate a flashlight. This can be used to illuminate the picture in low light conditions. Furthermore, it can be used to excite luminescent substances that either in the authentication features of the item or in the reference color (s) on the reference card. Furthermore, it may be advantageous in the context of the invention that the illumination device is arranged externally to the computer. This makes it possible to make a wide variety of excitation wavelengths accessible and to ensure the highest possible flexibility. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the illumination device to be arranged externally to the camera lens of the camera unit integrated in the computer, for example as a laser, LED or other light source having a radiation range in the ultraviolet and / or visible and / or infrared wavelength range, wherein the illumination device consists of a or multiple light sources may exist in any geometric arrangement. This lighting device may consist of several similar or different radiators. Also, such a lighting device can be exchanged as needed or required excitation wavelength.

In addition, it may be advantageous in the context of the invention that the luminescent color components of the color or reference color are organic and / or inorganic substances. In particular, these may be organic and / or inorganic pigments and / or molecules. These may be dispersed in a matrix, dissolved or otherwise incorporated. For example, water-based and / or organic solvents can be used as the matrix substance. Binders and other colors can also be part of the matrix.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of two embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in the drawings:

1 shows a schematic representation of the process principle according to the invention in a first embodiment, partly in cross section;

2 shows a schematic representation of the process principle according to the invention in a second embodiment, partly in cross section;

3 shows a schematic representation of the process principle according to the invention in a third embodiment, partly in cross section;

4 shows a schematic representation of the method according to the invention in a fourth embodiment, partly in cross section; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the color pattern card and the article according to Embodiments 3 and 4; Fig. 6: a schematic representation of the color pattern card, for use in the

Method according to the third and fourth embodiments.

The inventive method for authenticating objects such as value, legal, or identity documents is feasible for everyone. For carrying out the method, in particular a computer 7 is required, for example in the manner of a smartphone, a tablet computer or a stationary computer and a reference card 2. Any portable or stationary devices which have a computer unit can be used for the method. Furthermore, the object 1 must be provided with at least one authentication feature 5 in order to be able to make a positive authentication determination. If an item 1 has no authentication feature 5, only a negative determination can be made via the method according to the invention, or the statement that the item 1 has no authentication features 5. As FIG. 1 shows partly in cross-section or schematically, according to a first embodiment of the invention a reference card is arranged next to an object 1 to be examined. In order to be able to authenticate an object 1, the reference map 2 must be arranged to the object 1 in such a way that the authentication features 5 and the at least one reference color applied to the reference map 2 are at least partially located in a receiving area for a digital image. The recording area is the illumination area 14, indicated in FIG. 1 by the dotted lines. Similarly, the reference card 2 can be arranged in front of or behind the object 1 with the authentication features 5. It only has to be ensured that the at least one reference color of the reference card 2 and the object 1 to be examined, or an area thereof, lie in the illumination area 14 and form a receiving area. The recording area is included in the digital image, namely in pixel or voxelweise recorded pixels. FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement of the reference card 2 in front of the item 1. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference card 2 and the item 1 can in principle be arranged arbitrarily, that is, under different angles. As FIG. 3 shows, partly in cross-section or schematically, according to a third embodiment of the invention, a reference card 2 is arranged parallel to an object 1 to be examined. The reference card 2 has, according to this embodiment, at least one opening 3 and / or a window 4. Through that opening 3 or that window 4, the examination area on the object 1 must be visible in a viewing direction starting from the computer 7 in the direction of the object 1, ie the at least one opening 3 or the at least one window 4 must be connected to the object 1 or the area to be examined overlap and form an examination area. The examination region formed is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 and identified by reference numeral 17. In order to be able to authenticate an object 1, the reference card 2 must be arranged to the object 1 in such a way that the authentication features 5 are located at least partially in the overlapping area or examination area 17. In FIG. 3, the examination region 17 is identified by a dashed line. However, this also clarifies the possibility of a non-parallel arrangement of the reference card 2 and the object. As long as an overlap area or examination area 17 is present, the reference map 2 and the object 1 can in principle be arranged arbitrarily, ie at different angles. It may also be that the object 1 and / or the reference card 2 have unevenness. In that case, a completely parallel alignment is not possible anyway.

According to the invention, the objects 1 must be provided with authentication features 5 for authentication. Such authentication features may be, for example, applied to the object 1 colors, eg printing inks. Also, used colors may include at least one color component based on color metamerism. Furthermore, only color based on a color metamerism can be used. The at least one color can also be arranged in structures, patterns, shapes or otherwise on the article 1. The color can be applied in a dot-like or area-like manner. The ink can be applied to the object 1 by any desired printing method, for example low, high, low, and throughprint in the forms, intaglio, gravure, letter set, pad printing, flexographic printing, letterpress, embossing, offset printing, Toray printing and screen printing , Also, digital printing methods can be used, for example, ink jet printing, 3D printing, electrophotography, laser sublimation printing, dye sublimation printing, laser ablation, and other methods. According to FIGS. 1 to 4, the reference card 2 must be located in the illumination area 14 for carrying out the authentication method. In all embodiments, the computer 7 has at least one camera unit 8 with at least one illumination device 9. These may be camera units 8 integrated in the computer. Modern smartphones and tablet computers, as well as most stationary computers are provided with at least one camera unit 8 anyway. These often also have corresponding lighting devices 9, which can generate flashes among other things. The camera unit 8 or the illumination device 9 must be able to generate flash light at least temporarily in order to carry out the method according to the invention. The flash can be visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation. Also, the camera unit 8 and the illumination device 9 can be arranged separately from one another on the computer 7 or in the vicinity, ie, the components can be located at different positions in or on the housing of the computer 7. Also, external cameras and lighting devices 9 can be used. However, these must be technically connected to the computer 7.

The computer 7 is also via a signal connection 1 1 with at least one other computer 10 in contact. The computer 10 may also be an external server. The signal connection 11 may be wireless or wired. For example, a wired signal connection may be in the form of a USB connection, including ports and cables. A wireless signal connection can be ensured, for example, via WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared, as well as GSM, UMTS, GPRS, HSCSD, LTE and 4G transmission protocols. The means of data transmission are not limited to this list. Programs or application programs (apps) or programs corresponding to the application programs (apps) located on the computer 7 can be located on the external computer 10 or server. The computer 7 transfers data, for example image files or images underlying data or data packets to the computer 10. On both computers 7, 10, these data can be evaluated and further processed. Also, the data evaluated on the computer 10 or server or other data or files can be sent back to the computer 7. The data transmission can take place in the form of data packets and / or individual files.

To carry out the method according to the invention, an illumination area 14, including an examination area 17, is first illuminated by light or flash light and a digital image is taken by an illumination device 9, the light or flashlight being visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation. The illumination area 14 at least partially comprises the Reference card 2, optionally the opening 3 or the window 4 of the reference card 2 (embodiment of Figure 3 and 4), and at least partially the object 1 and the / the authentication feature (s) 5 of the object or within the overlap region between the opening 3 and the window 4 and the object 1 are (embodiment of Figure 3 and 4), with a. The illuminated area 14 defines the location boundaries of the digital image. The spatial resolution or image resolution depends mainly on the camera settings.

The digitally recorded image at least partially represents an image of the reference map 2 and of the article 1. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the overlap region or examination region 17 and the region of the article 1 with the authentication feature (s) 5 are also shown in FIG the image or digital image reproduced. Each pixel obtained represents within the set or achievable resolution a location point of the receiving area and assigns this image information in the form of a color location. The color locus is composed of color value data and intensity data or the degree of whiteness. Thus, different locations of the recording area, that is optionally (embodiment 3 and 4) and also of the examination area 17, can be differentiated via color values and / or degrees of whiteness via the digital image. These parameters may vary locally depending on the local presence of certain (luminescent) colors. A pixel that represents a location point of the subject 1 without color application shows different color values and degrees of whiteness than a location point that is printed with luminescent color.

The evaluation of the digital image or the digital images takes place within the scope of the invention via the computer 7 or the external computer 10 and the application program (app) located at least on one of the computers 7, 10. As already mentioned above, the locations of the pixels of the digital image corresponding to each pixel or recording area, in particular the individual pixels and / or individual voxels and / or domains thereof, are assigned color locations. Also, proportional values, such as averages, may be used and assigned to the color loci. The achievable image resolution can therefore be decisive for whether color locations or proportional values are assigned to each individual pixel or single voxel or else to a plurality of pixels or voxels. In addition to a two-dimensional image recording, also images three-dimensional images are conceivable, especially when the reference card 2 and the object 1 are arranged at an angle to each other. This can be applied Color layers are also detected in the depth or height level and layer by layer varying color locations are detected in a third dimension. The image recording is not limited to the recording of a single image in the manner of a single shot. Also, routines or recordings in multi-shot mode are conceivable. Before the image acquisition, a calibration or calibration process can be connected upstream. Also, the calibration can take place after image acquisition.

On the reference card 2 is wholly or partially applied at least one reference color. This can be applied to the carrier, the reference card 2, in the form of any number of points, circles or other printing structures. Even a full-surface application of one or more reference colors is possible. Since the authentication features can be based on a color provided with at least one color metamerism, at least one reference color based on a color metamerism can also be arranged on the reference card 2. This reference color can also be applied to the reference card 2 in any desired shape. In the digital image, on the one hand, the authentication feature (s) 5 possibly present in an overlap area or examination area 17 and, on the other hand, the reference color (s) located on the reference map 2 are reproduced. Also, sections of the reference map 2 or the object 1 can not be supplied with reference color, so that these location points have no color information correspondingly or represent only the color information of the base materials of the article 1 and the reference map 2. The color (s) or reference color (s) applied to the object 1 or the reference card 2 is reproduced in the digital image. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the reference card 2 is arranged at a distance from the object 1 to be examined. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, this arrangement is not mandatory. As FIG. 4 shows, it is also possible to arrange the reference card 2 without a distance from the object 1. In this case, the reference card 2 abuts the object 1 or the authentication features 5. The surfaces of the reference card 2 and the object 1 touch each other.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera unit 8 together with the illumination device 9 or the computer 7 can be arranged at different distances from the reference card 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). It should be ensured that the reference card 2 is located completely in the illumination area 14 of the camera unit 8. As a result, all reference colors or color dots that are potentially applied to the reference card 2 are also reproduced in the digital image. It should be noted that the maximum resolution or the image quality changes with the distance of the object to be photographed relative to the camera unit 8.

According to the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the opening 3 or the window 4 of the reference card 2 can be arranged at arbitrary locations on the reference card 2. Thus, Figure 5 shows a centered arrangement of the opening 3 and the window 4 in the reference card 2. The opening 3 shown in Figure 5 and the window 4 of the reference card 2 is of circular contour. The shape or contour is not limited to a circular design. The opening may have any shape, be ellipsoidal, rectangular, square or triangular. One or more opening (s) 3 or window 4 can be arranged on the reference card 2. Other forms of the openings 3 and the window 4 are conceivable. In addition, the opening 3 or the window 4 can be arranged in an edge region of the reference card 2. Outside the opening 3 or the window 3, at least one reference color is applied to the reference card, for example in the form of a tile, as illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows tile fields 16 which may be provided with different or identical reference colors. The tile panels 16 may be adjacent or spaced from one another. As already mentioned, the arrangement of reference color fields is not limited to a tile shape. For example, there may be a plurality of circular color dots or differently designed reference color dots or color areas on the reference card 2.

The course of the method according to the invention for authenticating objects 1 is explained by way of example below. First, the reference card 2 and the object 1 to be authenticated are arranged such that the reference card 2 and the object 1 at least partially lie in a common receiving area or illumination area 14. This area should be selected such that authentication features 5 are suspected there. The article 1 may also be scanned for the presence of authentication features 5 by successively capturing images at various locations. Whether the reference card 2 rests directly on the object 1 or is arranged at a distance therefrom is up to the user. Then the computer 7 or the camera unit 8 and lighting device 9 having computer 7, for example, a smartphone with mobile phone camera, positioned at a distance, at a short distance or without a distance relative to the reference card 2, so that the later digitally captured image or the Illumination area 14 of the reference card 2 is completely illuminated. Also it can sufficient if the illumination area 14, the reference colors present on the reference card 2 and the object 1 and the examination area 17 (embodiment of Figure 3 and 4). Whether the image area detects the desired section can be checked, for example, via a preview image of the digital image taken later.

In the next step, a digital image is taken. During image acquisition, after the illumination of the object, image information is recorded by suitable detector elements, such as diodes. These are at least temporarily stored in the computer 7. The image information pixel or voxelweise, or in domains of pixels or voxels present location information and the color location data are evaluated by the computer 7 or a signal processor 7 connected to the computer 10 or server and on both computers possibly existing application programs. Thus, the color loci of the at least one reference color located on the reference card 2 are compared with the color loci of the colors of the article 1 with regard to the color values and / or the degree of whiteness and / or the intensity. Such a comparison can be carried out using mathematical algorithms or arithmetic operations. With the result obtained from the data comparison, the presence of a color metamerism or the spatial distribution of the color metamerism having color points at certain pixels / voxels or points or pixel or voxel areas (domains) can be detected. The colors or reference colors based on a color metamerism are composed of at least one non-luminescent and / or at least one luminescent color. The luminescent color or reference color can be excited with, for example, flash light, as a result of which the luminescent color constituents emit emission radiation characteristic of the luminescence particles and / or luminescent molecules used. This ultimately leads to an increased intensity or to an increased degree of whiteness in the digital image or the associated locations. Consequently, the increased intensity or the increased degree of whiteness in selected color patterns occurs only at those points which are at least partially provided with luminescent color or reference color. The authentication thus does not take place exclusively via the spectral information, such as the wavelength of the emitted light, but rather through the spatial arrangement of the present luminescent colors. Thus, when printing the article, for example, a predetermined pattern can be applied to the article 1. Only by an actual-target adjustment of in the image information of the detected by the camera unit 8 image the distribution of color value or degree of whiteness and the spatial distribution with reference image data or the at least one reference color on the reference card 2 can be authenticated.

List of Reference Components

reference card

opening

window

authentication feature

calculator

camera unit

lighting device

calculator

signal connection

lighting area

tile

study area

Claims

claims

Method for authenticating objects, with a computer (7) having at least one camera unit (8), and with a reference card (2) to which at least one reference color is applied, comprising the following steps:

Arrangement of the reference card (2) and the article (1) such that the reference card (2) and the object (1) at least partially lie in a common recording area for a digital image;

at least partial exposure of the recording area to visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation;

Recording a digital image which images the recording area with the camera unit (8);

Evaluation of the digital image information with the computer (7), an application program and a computer (7) signal technically connected computer (10) or server and a program located on this, characterized in that corresponding to the location points of the recording area pixels of the digital Image, in particular the individual pixels and / or individual voxels and / or domains thereof, color loci and / or the color loci are assigned proportional values,

in that at least one color is applied to the article (1),

the reference color and the color are based on at least one color metamerism and / or have at least partially luminescent properties, and that the authentication takes place via a matching of the color locations on which the picture elements of the digital image are based and / or values proportional thereto.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference card (2) has at least one translucent opening (3) and / or a window (4) and is arranged such that the opening (3) and / or the window (4) at least partially overlapped with the object.

3. The method according to claim 1 to 2, characterized in that the computer (7) is a smartphone, a tablet computer, another connectable to the Internet, mobile terminal or a stationary computer.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the computer (7) comprises a camera unit (8), a computing unit, means for data transmission, an indicating and input unit and a data memory. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the object and the reference card (2) is completely or partially printed with at least one color or reference color.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that on the object (1) and / or the reference card (2) applied color or reference color is at least partially UV-luminescent and / or luminescent for light of suitable wavelengths.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one luminescent component of the color or reference color can be excited by flashlight for radiation emission.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claim 7, characterized in that the color location of the at least partially luminescent color or reference color after excitation with flashlight pixel or voxelweise changed.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects are authenticated on the color location of the luminescent and non-luminescent color components of the color and / or their spatial and / or planar arrangement, wherein the article (1) with visible light, ultraviolet or infrared radiation is illuminated.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the color locus indicates the degree of whiteness and the color values of the color. 1 1. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the computer (7) is integrated a lighting device (9) for illuminating the recording area.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device (9) generates flash light.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device (9) is arranged externally to the computer (7).

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device (9) is arranged externally to the camera lens integrated in the computer camera unit (8), for example as a laser, LED or other light source with a radiation range in the ultraviolet and / or visible and / or infrared wavelength range, wherein the illumination device consists of at least one light source in any geometric arrangement.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminescent color components of the color or reference color are organic and / or inorganic substances.