WO2017137152A1

WO2017137152A1 - Verification of an object provided with a security element

Info

Publication number: WO2017137152A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/000124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georg Depta; Tilo FRITZHANNS; Christian Fuhse
Original assignee: Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-02-09
Filing date: 2017-02-01
Publication date: 2017-08-17
Also published as: DE102016001449A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the verification of an object (10) provided with a security element, wherein the security element is produced with register fluctuations in a multi-step method and contains in a check field (12) an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements (14-B, 16-B) which are produced with register fluctuations during the production of the security element in different production steps and define two or more marking points (14-C, 16-C) with characteristic spacings (20-26), wherein, in the method, the check field of the security element is optically detected by a camera (30), characteristic spacings (20-26) of the two or more marking points (14-C, 16-C) of the check field are determined and a check value for the individual characteristic feature of the security element is formed therefrom, the check value formed is compared with a reference check value, and a verification result for the object provided with the security element is created on the basis of the comparison result. The invention also relates to an associated computer program product, a verification system for carrying out the method, a security element and a checking device for such a verification system and an object provided with such a security element.

Description

Verification of an item provided with a security element

The invention relates to the verification of an object provided with a security element, and relates in particular to a verification method together with associated computer program product, a verification system for carrying out the method, a security element or a checking device for such a verification system and an object provided with such a security element.

Data carriers, such as valuables or identity documents, but also other valuables, such as branded goods, are often provided with security elements for the purpose of security, which permit verification of the authenticity of the data carrier and at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction.

For reliable authenticity testing of such security elements, elaborate inspection devices are often used, for example in cash deposit machines or in bai knot processing machines in business banks. In many cases, however, such complex devices are not available, for example, in an examination of a security element "in the field" or in a security element used to secure an extended or bulky object that can not be easily brought together with the object in a test device , In this case, a hundred percent authenticity check is often not necessary, but it is sufficient to be able to recognize or exclude a readjustment or transfer of the security element to another object with high probability. Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide methods and associated devices with which a element provided with safety element can be verified easily and yet with high reliability. In particular, verification using a smartphone as a test device should also be possible in the field.

For this purpose, the invention contains a method for verifying an object provided with a security element, wherein the security element is produced in a multi-step process with register fluctuations and contains in a test field an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements Production of the security element are produced in different production steps with register fluctuations, and define the two or more mark points with characteristic intervals, wherein the method

the test field of the security element is optically detected with a camera,

characteristic distances of the two or more marking points of the test field are determined and from this a test value for the individual characteristic feature of the safety element is formed,

the test value formed is compared with a reference test value, and

On the basis of the comparison result, a verification result is produced for the object provided with the security element.

The reference check value is advantageously formed during or after the production of the security element or during or after the article has been provided with the security element by determining characteristic distances of the two or more marking points of the test field and from this the reference check value is formed. The reference check value can be stored together with an individual identification of the security element and / or the object in a database and queried for comparison with the test value formed from the database.

Alternatively or additionally, the reference test value, in particular in encrypted or coded form, can be present on the security element or on the object provided with the security element and can be read in for comparison with the test value formed. A reference test value applied to the security element or article is advantageously applied using pressure-free methods, for example in the form of a laser marking, by means of ink-jet or toner-based methods. In this case, it is also possible to dispense with storing the reference check value in a database, so that an expensive database with short access times and a very large dataset can be dispensed with.

The code containing the reference check value may be proprietary to this method or may be based on standard methods such as Data Matrix or other 2D codes, with the data contained in the code advantageously encrypted and / or signed. Standard methods can be used for encryption and decryption, asymmetric methods with public and private keys are advantageous, and proprietary derivations of these methods can be used as long as the required security standards are met.

In addition, before the comparison of the test value and the reference test value, further tests can be carried out which confirm the use of printing methods from the security print and thus copies exclude that rely on always pixelated scans. Advantageously, the typically quite high resolution of smartphone cameras is exploited. In addition, a simple plausibility check can check whether the same test field has already been read in at unusual time or space intervals. Made field checks can not only be recorded for this purpose and so foci with many counterfeits can be determined. When using banknotes, a central bank is simultaneously enabled by access to the check data to observe the circulation behavior of their notes and to derive therefor plan data that helps to avoid unnecessarily high or too small volumes in printing and also in stockpiling.

In an advantageous embodiment, the test field of the security element is optically detected with a smartphone camera and the determination of the characteristic distances and the formation of the test value is carried out by a software program running on the smartphone, hereinafter referred to as app.

In order to have a large number of register fluctuation combinations, the verification method is advantageously carried out on a test field which contains three, four or more point or line elements which are produced during production of the security element in different production steps with register fluctuations. and define the three, four, or more mark points with characteristic distances.

The verification method is advantageously carried out on a test field whose dot or line elements are at least partially printed by printing processes, in particular offset printing, indirect high-pressure, gravure engraving, screen printing. printing, letterpress, stamp printing or flexographic printing are generated. Also advantageously, the verification method is performed on a test field, the point or line elements are at least partially formed by applications, in particular applied film elements, or by elements or window parts on the applications. Further advantageously, the verification process is carried out on a test field, the point or line elements are at least partially formed by laser cuts / perforations, watermarks, laser markings, ink jet Beschrif obligations or toner-based method.

With regard to the achievable resolution, the finest line on banknote substrates is typically positive 30 μιη, negative 50 μιη, usually 40 μιη or 80 μπι wide in the background pressure (indirect high pressure); is in offset printing the finest line on banknote substrates typically positive 25 μιη, negative 35 μιη, usually 30 μιη or 50 μιη wide; In engraving gravure (Intaglio) the finest line on banknote substrates is positive 15 μιη, negative 10 μιη, usually 50 μπι or 30 μιη wide; is in screen printing the finest line positive 250 μηα, negative 500 μιη, usually 400 μπι or 900 μιη wide; and is in stamp printing (imprinting in the digitization) the finest line usual 700 μιη wide.

With pressure-free methods, a variation of the point or line elements can also already be generated in a single pass and thereby additional information is introduced into the test field. For example, the relative distance of marker points of a line element may represent additional information, and these and / or the local distribution of the point or line elements themselves may be stored in a database together with an individual identifier, such as a serial number. In the verification method, vectorial characteristic distances of the two or more marking points are preferably determined, ie distances with distance values in two orthogonal spatial directions in the test field.

In an advantageous process control, at least two marking points are defined in each point or line element and characteristic distances, in particular vectorial characteristic distances, which emanate from different marking points of a point or line element or at different marking points of a point or line are taken into account for the formation of the test value End line element. In this way, a particularly secure and reliable determination of the test value can be ensured. With particular advantage, the verification process is performed on a security element that is integrated into the article. For example, the security element may be part of a banknote or another value document. In this case, the test field is advantageously smaller than the object and, for example, expediently occupies at most half the area of the value document in the case of a document of value. The test field is further advantageously arranged close to a serial number, identification number or other code of the security element or object to be detected in order to easily detect both with the camera. The invention also includes a verification system for carrying out the method of the type described above, with

a security element provided article, wherein the security element is manufactured in a multi-step process with register fluctuations and in a test field an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements, which are produced in the manufacture of the security element in different production steps with register fluctuations, and define two or more mark points with characteristic distances, and

a verification device for the verification of the article, with

a camera for the optical detection of the test field of the security element,

An evaluation unit for determining characteristic distances of the two or more marking points of the test field and for forming a test value for the individual characteristic feature of the safety element thereof, and

Means for comparing the generated check value with a reference check value and for generating a verification result based on the comparison result.

The test apparatus advantageously contains means for detecting a coded reference test value, for decoding the detected reference test value and for comparing the test value formed with the decoded reference test value.

The point or line elements, in particular the extent and the distance of the points or lines can be adapted to the requirements, for example the resolution of the test apparatus.

In an advantageous development, it is further provided that

the verification system comprises a database in which a reference check value for each of the security elements together with a individual identification of the security element and / or the object are stored, and that

the test device means for interrogating the reference test value or the comparison result of the test value and the reference test value from the database on the basis of the individual marking of the

Contains security elements and / or the item.

The test apparatus can be in particular a bank note processing machine or a smartphone.

The invention also includes a security element for a verification system of the type described above, which is manufactured in a multi-step process with register fluctuations and contains in a test field an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements, which in the manufacture of the security element in different manufacturing steps are generated with register fluctuations, and define the two or more mark points with characteristic intervals, as well as the use of such a security element for verifying an item provided with the security element. The invention further includes an article, in particular value document, security paper, identity card or branded article with such a security element.

The invention also includes a test device for a verification system of the type described above

a camera for the optical detection of the test field of the security element,

an evaluation unit for determining characteristic distances of the two or more marking points of the test field and for forming a test value for the individual characteristic feature of the security element thereof, and

Means for comparing the formed check value with a reference check value and for generating a verification result based on the comparison result.

Finally, the invention also includes a computer program product having machine-readable program instructions for a control unit of a data-processing device, in particular a smartphone, which causes it to carry out a method of the type described above.

In further variants of the invention, individual codes or markings of the security element can be used, which are integrated into the design of the test field. On the one hand, these can serve to recognize the individual security element or the object and to identify it for a database query, and can also ensure that each individual security element remains distinguishable even with a coarser scan.

The individualization can consist in particular of characters, graphic elements, bar codes or 2D codes or the like and can either be recognizable as such or integrated into the design. Codes preferably have a redundancy of the useful contents or error correction elements. Preferably, the individualization is part of the data that gives the above test value.

For example, a numbering can overlay the test field and thus contribute to the test value. Since, for example, banknotes or other documents of value do not resemble each other's serial numbers, this contribution is always individually. If only a portion of the index is superimposed, it is advisable, on the basis of the usual numerical schemes, to use the rear characters of a digit changing from note to note in order to achieve a good distinction between the sheets; the front characters, on the other hand, to achieve a good distinction between the individual benefits within an arc. The test value can either be calculated purely according to the methods mentioned above or supplemented by an OCR reading of the numbering. For example, it is possible to use the letterpress printing standard in banknote printing, but also printing-free methods such as laser marking or inkjet methods.

As a further example, color, color components or metallization of film elements can be removed or a color impression can be produced with a laser marking. Accordingly, prints in the test field can be individually modified by changing color fields by removing the color, by removing the absorbing color components, or by removing metallizations from film elements; but it can also be added by blackening of the substrate or color change another color impression. If a laser-absorbing ink is used for at least some of the prints, mixed forms of removal and addition can also occur.

The colors can have the same hue or different hues. For example, it can be a translucent printing ink or a covering printing ink.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a laser marking, the laser is only used to individually remove or lighten color for each security element. Although this can be done in the can be visible zer recognizable test field, but can also extend over a larger area of the object provided with the security element. These markings are expediently in areas produced with different steps and have for each banknote an individual position whose coordinates or relative position to each other also represent a test value. Advantageously, a film application is also included, ie demetallized by the laser approximately in areas.

In the case of a banknote, this check value can be assigned to the banknote identified by the serial number and an encrypted code can be applied to the banknote from the serial number, check value and, if applicable, signature of the issuing point, in particular once again using a pressure-free method, for example the same laser marking unit. In the latter case, the code may also belong with its relative position to the test value. All data may be advantageous, but need not be stored in a database for later tracking of the note.

The test value can be determined in the field and simultaneously read from the code with a public key and compared. For this method, the register fluctuations during printing and in the field need not be measured, since the position of the markings alone is of importance. Even a database query is not essential, but still beneficial.

In customization, ink-jet printers can be used primarily to print individual graphic elements or codes. In most cases, you can only add color, if necessary bleached by solvents or other substance combinations, but also color. For example, the security element or check box may also contain links to consumer information, such as provided by QR (Quick Response) codes, or data matrix codes. Such codes may or may not be integrated into the design of the test field, but may or may not contribute to the test value.

For the evaluation of an optically detected test field, the image acquired by the smartphone camera can first be processed in a manner known per se, for example by transformations in the spatial or frequency domain, for example by Fourier transformation or wavelet analysis, by projections, interpolations, for example between different grids, resolutions or coordinate systems, scaling, rotations, filtering, both isotropic and anisotropic, morphological methods, segmentation and methods of feature extraction, pattern recognition, entropy measurement, or averaging.

To improve the results, a one-time calibration of the used camera of the test apparatus in the field may be required, for example by white balance or the recording of a test pattern. The evaluation can be facilitated by registration marks, which can also result from distinctive points of the design, and thus improve the alignment and / or scaling of the image in the preprocessing. Even codes can advantageously serve as registration marks.

The evaluation can be facilitated and improved in the field and possibly also in the production by the recording of several images, possibly from different angles and distances (hereinafter referred to as video mode). In this case also security features in the Test field are verified, which offer different impressions depending on the angle.

Codes used within the scope of the invention may be visually recognizable as such and thus stimulate use or may be integrated in the design of the test field and possibly even hidden. While hidden codes are advantageously constructed two-dimensionally, the recognizable codes are advantageously LD codes, such as the bar codes EAN, 2 / 5i, UPC, Codel28, and stacked ld codes, such as PDF417, by 2d codes , such as QR codes or data matrix or mixed forms.

In the present case, 2d codes in particular offer themselves, since the readout is advantageously carried out with cameras, ie 2d sensors. But there are also applications with bar code readers into consideration. The presentation must follow not known standards, but can also be proprietary. For example, it can be achieved that the content can only be read by a specific app on a smartphone.

The content of the code or codes on a security element can contain a unique signature of the issuing office. The content may contain real or pseudo-random data. The content may also contain hashed check data for later comparison. For an application with mobile devices, in particular a smartphone, the use of asymmetric encryption methods is advantageous.

Since, as in biometrics, the actual measured quantities are analogue in nature, similar procedures are recommended for the storage in the production and the verification in the field: For example, a "fuzzy vault" can be used. In addition, additional error correction data (auxiliary data) is applied to the security element or object or stored in a database, which ensures sufficient redundancy. The error correction and the elements to be read are advantageously closely matched. However, it is also possible to use standard biometric methods with a template read once and the definition of maximum allowed deviations in the measurement in the field.

Furthermore, the so-called biometric template protection can be used in which instead of the test data protected reference data are stored, which allow a comparison, but no retroactive accounting on the original data. Again, a fuzzy vault can be used. Often, the fault tolerance can also be achieved by quantizing the analog input values.

For example, to compare similar data and determine the degree of correspondence, the method of "context triggered piecemeal hashes (CTPH)", also known as "fuzzy hashing", can be exploited. Statistical methods such as "Principal Component Analysis (PCA)" can also be used or contribute to the storage and evaluation. Furthermore, the code can contain not only the optionally encrypted and signed check value, but also the possible range of variation. The fluctuation can also be included in an extra code. The fluctuation can also be encrypted and / or signed. During verification, the fluctuation range can then be measured, even with a different resolution, and compared with the specified value. In this way, it can be determined whether the test result lies within a precision determined both at the first test and in the field. Depending on the resolution of the camera of the test device This increases the security of the verification. Simultaneous verification of a signature further increases security.

The security element or test field can be combined with further security features, in particular with security features which can only be identified by means of assistance, as long as these do not impair the evaluation of the useful information lying advantageously in the visible range of the light or even contribute to this information. In this way, the test field can help to use the limited area, for example, on banknotes for other security elements, and / or it may indicate the actual function of the test field in the test with the help of additional devices.

For example, a fluorescent pressure over the test field in the form of a smartphone or in the form of a QR code may indicate that information is available for smartphones when the note is held at about a cash register under a UV lamp. An IR cut can also be provided in the test field, for example, without impairing its function. Effect colors can change their register variation to the others

On the one hand, printing methods contribute to the information in the test field, on the other hand, for example, by color-shift effects allow the testing without tools. If a code is checked from several directions, the color-tilting effect can also be checked with the smartphone. This can be done, for example, by using the above-described video mode when recording the test field.

Even paints, filaments or foils with hard or soft magnetic pigments or vapor depositions can contribute to machine readability without disturb the principle of the test field. The same applies to colors that show piezo, photo or thermochromic effects, which can also be electrically excited. The test described the test field can be combined in the field with other methods that allow verification of the authenticity of the bill. These include, for example, an examination of the printing methods used, an examination of security features such as holograms or effect colors on angle-dependent correct image or color data, an examination of the interaction of printing ink substrate in high-resolution images; a plausibility check with respect to the query times and locations of the same serial number, or a check for the presence of the serial number in a database of banknotes in circulation. By means of such supplementary procedures, counterfeiting can be precluded in advance in a simple manner.

In addition to smartphones, stationary devices at bank note processing plants, stationary devices at points of sale and machines that collect banknotes, especially at commercial banks, as well as mobile devices, especially for testing the law enforcement agencies Authorities, outlets, or offices and other authorities.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion has been dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.

Show it: 1 is a schematic representation of a banknote with a security element in the form of a test field printed on the banknote,

2 is a detailed view of the test field of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the verification of the

Banknote of FIG. 1 involved components,

4 shows a test field integrated in the graphic design of a bank note; and FIG. 5 shows a design in which a test field is present in a separate security element which is applied to a cash box to be secured.

The invention will now be explained first using the example of the verification of a banknote with the aid of a smartphone. 1 shows a schematic view of a banknote 10 with a security element in the form of a test field 12 printed on the banknote 10. The test field 12 shown in detail in FIG. 2 is part of the banknote 10 and was combined in the production of the banknote 10 with the other printing elements on the

Banknote substrate generated. In other configurations, however, the test field can also be present on a separate security element, for example a transfer element, which is applied to a banknote or another article to be protected. For checking the authenticity, the bank note 10 with the test field 12 can be optically detected in the manner described below simply with a smartphone camera and verified with the aid of a test app installed on the smartphone.

The banknote 10 and the test field 12 are generated in a multi-step process with register fluctuations. For example, the value 14 A was printed on the bank note 10 in the screen printing process, a portrait 16 A in the engraved gravure printing process, and a serial number 18 in letterpress printing. Simultaneously with the value 14-A, a first, wide printing angle 14-B with several small marking holes 14-M was screen-printed in the test field 12, as shown in more detail in the detail illustration of the test field 12 in FIG. In a separate printing step was simultaneously with the portrait 16-A in the test field 12, a second, narrow pressure angle 16-B, also with several small marking holes 16-M in the engraving deep pressure generated. Due to the generation of the elements 14- A / 14-B and 16-A / 16-B in each separate operations with in particular different manufacturing processes occur inevitable Passerschwankungen, resulting in an offset of the two pressure angle 14-B, 16-B and so that the small marking holes 14-M, 16-M lead in the test field 12.

The present inventors have now recognized that these unavoidable register fluctuations of the various manufacturing processes can serve as a kind of fingerprint for the identification of a specific security element or a particular banknote.

For estimation, it can be assumed, for example, that the production steps involved in the generation of the test field 12 each have register fluctuations of + 1 mm in mutually orthogonal directions (following hereinafter referred to as x and y direction). The maximum permitted variation is, for example, ± 1.5 mm. A typical smartphone camera with a nominal 6 megapixels has a resolution of 2848 x 2136 pixels. If a surface is recorded with such a camera, which contains at least the test field 12 and the serial number 18, for example with a recording surface of 120 mm × 90 mm, the result is a dot density of about 600 dpi or a resolution of 42 μιη. Thus, in two production steps, 2000 μιη / 40 μηι = 50 distinguishable positions result in each direction, ie a total of 50 ² = 2,500 different combinations of register fluctuations. If three production steps are mapped in the test field 12, there are already 6,250,000 possibilities.

If a point or line element is present, for example, in a security thread whose insertion position can vary in the transverse direction by ± 3 mm, then the number of possibilities can be multiplied again by 6000 μπ / 40 μπ \ = 150. With a security thread with a well-recognizable subject can also use the position in the longitudinal direction and thus increase the number of possible combination more. Referring to Fig. 2, the register variations of the manufacturing steps of screen printing (elements 14-A, 14-B) and engraving gravure printing (elements 16-A, 16-B) result in offsetting of the two printing angles 14-B, 16-B and small marker holes 14-M, 16-M, which can be well quantified by measuring the vector distances of marker holes 14-M, 16-M. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, five of the five marking holes 14-M of the printing angle 14-B and the four marking holes 16-M of the printing angle 16-B can already have 5 × 4 = 20 vectorial distances (with distance values in the x and y directions ), all of which depend on the size of the register fluctuations between the pressure angles 14-B, 16- B and some of which are shown in Fig. 2 with reference numerals 20, 22, 24, 26 for illustration. The marking holes 14-M, 16-M therefore represent marking points whose vector distances depend on the register fluctuations which have occurred concretely in the production of the banknote 10, so that a check value can be derived from them which can be used for the bank note 10 individually represents characteristic size. Specifically, of the 20 possible distances, the four vectorial distances 20-26 shown in FIG. 2 can be determined and a test value can be derived from the determined x and y values by adding up, optionally modulo a maximum value.

As can be seen from the above estimation, the number of possible register fluctuation combinations in the current resolution of smartphone cameras in two production steps is generally still too low to be able to clearly identify a banknote. Nevertheless, the number of possibilities is already so great that despite the simple check with a smartphone with a positive verification with high probability on a real banknote can be closed. If a larger number of production steps are included, the number of register fluctuation combinations can also be sufficient for a clear identification of a banknote.

The test value derived from the vectorial distances of the marking points can be detected for the first time during or immediately after the production of the banknote 10, for example in the quality control of the banknotes, and stored together with the serial number 18 of the banknote 10 as reference check value in a database 34 (FIG. 3) become. In the database 34, the serial number 18 with a certain combination of vector distances of the marking points 14-M, 16-M in the test field 12 of FIG Banknote 10 linked. As explained above, the assignment does not necessarily have to be unique for meaningful verification.

For the verification, the banknote 10 is then photographed (as shown in FIG. 3) by a user with the camera of his smartphone 30 (reference numeral 32) and thus optically detects the test field 12 and the serial number 18. A test app running on the smartphone 30 can, on the one hand, read out the serial number 18 of the banknote 10 via an OCR module and, on the other hand, use an image processing module to determine some or all of the vectorial distances of the marking points 14-M, 16-M in the test field 12 and form the check value for banknote 10 therefrom.

The test app then builds a connection 36 from the smartphone 30 to the database 34 and transmits the serial number 18 and the test value formed. In the database 34, the transmitted test value is compared with the reference test value stored there for the serial number 18 and the comparison result is transmitted back to the test app via the connection 36. This displays the result of the authenticity check, for example, in the display 38 and can also give an audible feedback on the successful or failed verification for reinforcement. In one variant, the database can also transmit the stored reference check value to the check app and the comparison of the formed check value with the reference check value can be made in the check app itself.

Alternatively or additionally, the reference check value can also be applied encrypted to the banknote 10 itself after its first detection, for example in the form of a barcode 28 arranged next to the checkbox 12. For verification, the banknote 10 can then be photographed by a user with the camera of his smartphone 30 and thus the test field 12 are optically detected together with the barcode 28. The test app executed on the smartphone 30 then determines the required vectorial distances of the marking points 14-M, 16-M in the test field 12 via the image processing module, forms the check value for banknote 10, reads the bar code 28 and decrypts it thus coded reference check value. The determined test value is compared with the decrypted reference test value and the result of the authenticity check is displayed in the display 38 and, if necessary, also output acoustically.

In Fig. 2 the simpler representation half line elements 14-B, 16-B are shown, which were produced in only two different manufacturing steps, it is understood, however, that in practice also point or line elements can be used in the test field, in three, four or more different manufacturing steps are generated. Because of the greater number of possible combinations of register fluctuations, this is often advantageous in practice. In this case, different production methods can be combined, such as printing steps, introduced security threads or applied applications. Accordingly, there are then more than the combinations of marking points mentioned in FIG. 2 for the calculation of vectorial distance values.

The marking holes 4-M, 16-M may be produced by a structured imprint with recesses, but they may also be produced, for example, by a color-removing laser application, for example after each printing step and / or after the application of the line elements 14-B, 16-B be. The relative distances of the marking holes are unaffected by the register fluctuations between the printing angles 14-B, 16-B and may therefore contain additional information. The laser marking is the width of the laser-exposed one Range selected so large that the registration tolerances of the printing steps, ie the line elements 14-B, 16-B to each other, are included. The line elements 14-B, 16-B are thus despite the register tolerances in the laser marking area.

For determining the test value, the image acquired by the camera of the smartphone is first preprocessed advantageously in the manner described above. In addition, other methods of image processing, such as edge detection can be used.

A test field need not exist as a separate field on the document, it may also be integrated into the graphical design of the document, as illustrated by the test field 50 of FIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a banknote 10 in a partial area as test area 50 contains a graphic 52 in the form of a house, in which the outline 54 of the house, the ground floor window 56 and the roof window 58 are each produced in different printing steps with different printing methods. After each printing step, a series of small marking holes 54-M, 56-M and 58-M were produced in the line elements 54, 56 and 58, respectively, by laser-beam application. Since the line elements 54, 56, 58 have been manufactured in different printing steps using different manufacturing methods, the marking holes 54-M, 56-M and 58-M have individual characteristic register fluctuations which are detected in the test field 50 by means of a smartphone camera 30 can. From the vectorial distances of the marking holes, some of which are shown by way of illustration in FIG. 4 with reference numbers 40, 42, 44, a test value can be derived in the manner described above and this can be compared with a reference value with a reference value. The user must not be aware of the presence or location of the test field 50 in the graphic design 52. It is sufficient if the user takes the entire banknote or at least the design 52 with his smartphone camera 30, since the test app knows the location of the test field 50 and its properties to be tested, specifically the vectorial distances used to determine the test value. If the recording quality is insufficient or the test field 50 is not completely recorded, the test app can generate an error message and ask for a new recording, possibly with a reference to the area to be recorded. Again, additional information may be included in the relative distances of the marker holes 54-M, 56-M and 58-M of each line element.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment in which a test field of the type described above is present in a separate security element 60, which is applied to an object to be protected, such as a cash box 62. In the exemplary embodiment, the cash box 62 shown in FIG. 6 is filled, closed and the cover gap 64 is sealed with the security element 60. Then, the test field of the security element 60 is photographed with the camera of a smartphone 30 (reference numeral 32), for example, and a test value for the security element 60 is determined by an app in the manner described above. Furthermore, an identification number 66 of the cashbox 62 is either entered or also recorded with the camera. The app then establishes a connection 36 to a database 34 and transmits the identification number 66 and the formed test value for the security element 60 used for the security. The transmitted verification value is then stored in the database 34 as the reference verification value for the identification number 66 and thus the security element 60 linked to the cash box 62 to be secured. After the transport of the cash box 62, the recipient can first check whether the security element 60 is intact and then verify that the security element 60 actually belongs to the identification number 66 of the cash box 62. For this purpose, he only has to photograph the test field of the security element 60 with the camera of his smartphone and enter the identification number 66 of the cash box 62 or also photograph it. The app then forms the check value for the security element 60, optionally determines the identification number 66 via an OCR module, then establishes a connection to the database 34 and transmits the identification number 66 and the test value formed. In the database 34, the transmitted test value is compared with the reference test value stored there for the identification number 66 and the comparison result is transmitted back to the smartphone app, which notifies the recipient of the success or failure of the verification.

, LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 banknote

12 test field

14-A value

14-B first contact angle

14-M marker holes

16-A portrait

16-B second pressure angle

16-M marker holes

18 serial number

20, 22, 24, 26 vectorial distances

28 barcode

30 smartphone

32 photographic capture

34 database

36 connection

40, 42, 44 vectorial distances

50 test field

52 graphic

54 outline of the house

56 ground floor windows

58 skylight

54-M, 56-M, 58-M marker holes

60 security element

62 cashbox

64 cover gap

66 identification number

Claims

Patent claims

1. A method for verifying an article provided with a security element, wherein the security element is manufactured in a multi-step process with register fluctuations and contains in a test field an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements used in the manufacture of the security element are produced in different production steps with register fluctuations, and which define two or more marking points with characteristic distances, wherein in the method

the test field of the security element is visually detected with a camera,

characteristic differences of the two or more marking points of the test field are determined and from this a test value for the individual characteristic feature of the safety element is formed,

the test value formed is compared with a reference test value, and

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference check value is formed during or after the production of the security element or during or after the article has been provided with the security element by determining characteristic distances of the two or more marking points of the test field the reference check value is formed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the Referenzprüfwert stored together with an individual identification of the security element and / or the subject in a database and is queried for comparison with the test value formed from the database.

4. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the Referenzprüfwert is present in particular in encrypted or coded form on the security element or on the object provided with the security element and is read in for comparison with the test value formed.

5. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, character- ized in that the test field of the security element with a smartphone camera is optically detected and the determination of the characteristic distances and the formation of the test value by a on the Smartphone ne running software program done.

6. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the verification method is performed on a test field containing three, four or more point or line elements that are generated in the production of the security element in different manufacturing steps with register fluctuations, and define the three, four, or more mark points with characteristic distances.

7. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the verification process is carried out on a test field whose point or line elements at least partially through Printing process, especially offset printing, engraving gravure, screen printing, letterpress, stamp printing or flexographic printing are generated.

8. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, character- ized in that the verification process is performed on a test field, the point or line elements at least partially present on applications, in particular on applied film elements, o- by elements or window parts the applications are formed.

9. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the verification process is carried out on a test field, the point or line elements at least partially by laser cuts, perforations, watermarks, laser markings, ink-jet labels or toner-based method are formed.

10. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that vectorial characteristic distances of the two or more marking points are determined.

11. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least two marker points are defined in each point or line element and characteristic distances for the formation of the test value, in particular vectorial characteristic distances are taken into account that of different Markierpunk- a Point or line element go out or end at different marking points of a point or Li ienelements.

12. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the verification method is carried out on a security element which is integrated into the article.

13. Verification system for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, with

an article provided with a security element, in which the security element is produced in a multi-step process with register fluctuations and contains in a test field an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements which are used in the

Position of the security element are produced in different manufacturing steps with register fluctuations, and define the two or more mark points with characteristic intervals, and

a verification device for the verification of the article, with

a camera for the optical detection of the test field of the security element,

14. Verification system according to claim 13, characterized in that the test device comprises means for detecting a coded reference test value, for decoding the detected reference test value and for comparing contains the formed test value with the decoded reference test value.

15. Verification system according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that

the verification system comprises a database in which a reference check value is stored together with an individual identification of the security element and / or the item for the security elements, and in that

- the test apparatus includes means for interrogating the reference test value or the comparison result of test value and reference test value from the database based on the individual marking of the security element and / or the article.

16. Verification system according to at least one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the test device is a banknote processing machine or a smartphone.

17. A security element for a verification system according to any one of the claims 13-16, which is prepared in a multi-step process with register fluctuations and contains in a test field an individual characteristic feature of the security element in the form of at least two point or line elements, which in the production of the security element in different manufacturing steps are generated with register fluctuations, and define the two or more mark points with characteristic intervals.

18. An article, in particular value document, security paper, identity card or branded article with a security element according to claim 17.

19. Testing device for a verification system according to one of claims 13 to 16, with

a camera for the optical detection of the test field of the security element,

an evaluation unit for determining characteristic distances of the two or more marker points of the test field and for forming a test value for the individual characteristic feature of the security element thereof, and

A computer program product having machine-readable program instructions for a control unit of a data-processing device, in particular a smartphone, which cause it to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 12.