DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE SECURITY FEATURES, AND MONITORING DEVICE FOR ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE SECURITY FEATURES

Abstract

A method for verifying an object preferably a document, a (bank) card and/or a product package is provided with an electrically conductive security feature on a device with a capacitive surface sensor. After the object with the security feature is placed on the surface sensor, in particular a dynamic input is performed on the object and the electrically conductive security feature using an input means for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal on the surface sensor. The detected time-dependent signal is subsequently evaluated. Furthermore, an object with a security feature or method for its production, system or kit for carrying out the method and for verifying a document is provided with a conductive electrical security feature on a capacitive surface sensor.

Claims

1. A method of verifying an object (10) having an electrically conductive security feature (14) on a device (22) having a capacitive surface sensor (20) comprising a) providing a device (22) comprising a capacitive surface sensor (20) b) providing an object (10) having an electrically conductive security feature (14) c) placing the object (10) on the capacitive surface sensor (20) d) performing a dynamic input (32) on the object (20) and on the electrically conductive security feature (14) using an input means (30) to generate a characteristic time-dependent and path-dependent signal on the surface sensor (20) e) evaluating the characteristic time-dependent and path-dependent signal detected during input on the surface sensor (20), said evaluating comprising detecting edges within the electrically conductive security feature (14) wherein an edge is a transition between a conductive region and a non-conductive region and the edges are detected on the basis of a velocity profile (52) of the time-dependent and path-dependent signal taking into account a time-dependent and path-dependent asymmetrical curve of the velocity profile (52) at the edges.

2. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that along at least one preferred direction of the security feature (14) a plurality of conductive and non-conductive regions alternate such that, when a dynamic input (32) is performed along said preferred direction, the transitions between conductive and non-conductive regions are detected as edges, wherein a leading edge is detected at a start point of a conductive region and a trailing edge is detected at an end point of a conductive region.

3. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the transition is established based on the asymmetrical curve of the velocity profile (52) in the region of the edges, whether a leading edge or a trailing edge, was swiped over with the input means (52).

4. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that when detecting the edges using a velocity profile (52) taking into account an asymmetrical curve of the velocity profile: at a leading edge, representing the start of a conductive region in relation to the dynamic input (32), a jump with a steep ascent in velocity is followed by a slow reduction in velocity with a shallow descent, wherein the absolute value of the slope of the ascent in the velocity profile is greater than the slope of the descent and/or at a trailing edge, representing the end of a conductive region in relation to the dynamic input (32), a slow ascent in velocity is followed by a jump with a steep descent, wherein the absolute value of the slope of the ascent in the velocity profile is greater than the slope of the descent.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the geometry of the electrically conductive security feature (14) determines the curve of the time-dependent signal in the capacitive surface sensor (22).

9. (canceled)

10. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) which are galvanically separated from one another.

11. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the dynamic input (32) comprises a substantially rectilinear swiping movement of the input means (30) across the entire security feature (14), the swiping movement being parallel or orthogonal to the largest dimension of the security feature (14).

12. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the dynamic input (32) can be performed as a swiping motion along one swipe direction and/or along oppositely alternating swiping directions in a multiple repetitive manner.

13. (canceled)

14. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) or active regions whose spacing is at least 10 μm, or the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) or active regions whose width is between 1 mm and 15 mm and/or whose length is between 6 mm and 30 mm, or the electrically conductive security feature (14) comprises at least two individual elements (16) or active regions, the area of the individual elements (16) each being between 10 mm.sup.2 and 450 mm.sup.2.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature (14) is complemented by a further printed electrically conductive element (17).

18. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature (14) is co-existent with an electrically non-conductive element (19), the electrically non-conductive element (19) preferably being visually similar to the electrically conductive security feature.

19. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that after placing the object (10) on the surface sensor (20), the input means (30) is placed on the electrically conductive security feature (14) and preferably the object (10) is held pressed therewith on the surface sensor (20), wherein a dynamic input (32) is effected by pulling the object (10) between the input means (30) and the capacitive surface sensor (20).

20. (canceled)

21. An object (10) for carrying out a method according to claim 1 on a device (22) having a capacitive surface sensor (20), the object (10) comprising an electrically conductive security feature (14) characterized in that the electrically conductive security feature (14) has a structure with conductive and non-conductive regions along at least one preferred direction, so that, after the object (10) has been placed on the capacitive surface sensor (20) and a dynamic input (32) has been performed on the object (10) using an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction, one or more transitions from conductive and non-conductive regions can be detected as edges.

22. The object (10) according to claim 21 characterized in that the geometry of the electrically conductive security feature (14), preferably its shape, outline, contour and internal structuring, in particular with regard to the presence of edges, determines the curve of the time-dependent signal in the capacitive surface sensor (20).

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The object (10) according to claim 21 characterized in that the structuring of the security feature (14) is realized by demetallization (18).

26. The object (10) according to claim 25 characterized in that the demetallization (18) comprises a removal of electrically conductive regions by a chemical etching process or a laser.

27. A method of manufacturing and/or modifying an object (10) having an electrically conductive security feature (14) comprising a) providing a security feature (14) comprising an electrically conductive surface, the security feature (14) optionally being applied to a non-conductive substrate (14) b) at least partially demetallizing (18) the surface of the security feature (14) to form a structure having conductive and non-conductive regions, c) optionally applying the electrically conductive security feature (14) to a non-conductive substrate (14) so that an object (10) with a security feature (12) is obtained which has been modified by at least partial demetallization in such a way that, after the object (10) has been placed on the capacitive surface sensor (20) and a dynamic input (32) has been performed on the object (10) by an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along a preferred direction, a transition from conductive and non-conductive regions can be detected as edges, wherein an edge is a transition between a conductive region and a non-conductive region and the edges are detected based on a velocity profile (52) of the time-dependent and path-dependent signal taking into account a time-dependent or path-dependent asymmetrical curve of the velocity profile (52) at the edges.

28. (canceled)

29. A system for carrying out a method according to claim 1 comprising a) an object (10) b) a device (22) with a capacitive surface sensor (20) characterized in that the object (10) comprises an electrically conductive security feature (14) which is designed in such a way that, after the object (10) has been placed on the capacitive surface sensor (20) and a dynamic input (32) has been performed on the object (10) by means of an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal, an evaluation of the time-dependent signal detected during the input on the surface sensor (20) can take place, the evaluation preferably comprising a detection of edges within the electrically conductive security feature (14) wherein an edge is a transition between a conductive region and a non-conductive region and the edges are detected based on a velocity profile (52) of the time-dependent and path-dependent signal taking into account a time-dependent or path-dependent asymmetrical curve of the velocity profile (52) at the edges.

30. A system according to claim 29 characterized in that the system has a data processing unit which is configured to evaluate the generated signal, the data processing unit preferably having software (‘app’) installed thereon comprising commands for processing and evaluating the detected signal, wherein a verification of the object (10) is carried out on the basis of the evaluation of the signal and/or comprising commands for transmitting information or characteristic data about the generated signal to a server device which is in data connection with the device and which is configured for processing and evaluation by means of the aforementioned commands.

31. (canceled)

32. A kit for carrying out a method according to claim 1 comprising a) an object (10) for carrying out the method comprising an electrically conductive security feature (14), the electrically conductive security feature (14) having a structure with conductive and non-conductive regions along at least one preferred direction so that, after the object (10) has been placed on the capacitive surface sensor (20) and a dynamic input (32) has been performed on the object (10) using an input means (30) for generating a characteristic time-dependent signal along the preferred direction, at least one transition of conductive and non-conductive regions can be detected as edges, wherein an edge is a transition between a conductive region and a non-conductive region and the edges are detected based on a velocity profile (52) of the time-dependent and path-dependent signal taking into account a time-dependent or path-dependent asymmetrical curve of the velocity profile (52) at the edges and b) a software (‘app’) for installation on a device (22) containing a surface sensor (20), which software comprises commands, for processing and evaluating the detected signal, in particular for detecting edges.

Description

FIGURES

Brief Description of the Illustrations

[0264] FIG. 1a-c Illustration of a preferred embodiment of the method using a value document (10 bank note) and a smartphone

[0265] FIG. 2a-c Illustration of a further embodiment of the method using a simple electrically conductive security feature with three individual elements and a smartphone

[0266] FIG. 3a-c Illustration of various preferred electrically conductive security features

[0267] FIG. 4 Illustration of a preferred security feature in combination with a non-conductive ink layer

[0268] FIG. 5 Depiction of a preferred security feature with additional printed electrically conductive elements

[0269] FIG. 6 Schematic illustration of a possible modification of a hologram or security feature by means of demetallization

[0270] FIG. 7 Illustration of an alternative embodiment of the method in which a document of value with a security feature is pulled through between the input means and the capacitive surface sensor.

[0271] FIG. 8 Illustration of a bank note with a preferred security feature comprising a security thread or so-called window thread

[0272] FIG. 9 Overview diagram illustrating further aspects of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS

[0273] FIG. 1a shows a document of value 10, in particular a bank note, with an electrically conductive security feature 14 in the form of a security strip on a capacitive touch screen 20 of a terminal 22, as well as an input means 30 with which a gesture 32 is performed along the security strip 14. The signal curve of the time-dependent signal 50, the deflection as well as the velocity profile 52 of the signal are determined or fixed by the geometric shape of the electrically conductive feature 14 as well as the gesture 32 performed by means of input means 30 along the security strip 14, on the security strip 14 or parts thereof or transversely to the security strip 14.

[0274] The security features 14 of bank notes 10 of a series of bank notes typically differ in geometric shape, configuration or design, width, length, number of individual elements 16, design of connections between elements 16, presence of windows, position and design of demetallizations 18, and other features. The totality/sum of these features generates a characteristic signal 50 on a capacitive surface sensor 20 when the value document 10 is brought into contact with the capacitive surface sensor 20 and a gesture 32 is performed along the security feature 14 using an input means 30. This characteristic signal 50 may be a dynamic signal in the form of a time-dependent signal 52. From this, a so-called “capacitive footprint” of the security feature can be determined with the aid of software.

[0275] FIG. 1b shows a representation of the time-dependent signal 50. To illustrate the signal curve, it is useful to record the touch events and represent them, for example, as points at the corresponding xy coordinates. The touch events or dots are created on the touch screen 20 gradually, i.e. temporally offset and temporally correlated with the execution of the gesture 32. For clarity, the touch dots are displayed collected in the xy coordinate system of the capacitive touch screen 20 as if they had been recorded.

[0276] FIG. 1c shows the velocity profile 52 of the time-dependent signal 50. A timestamp is available for each touch point in common terminals 22 with capacitive touch screens 20 and can be used for evaluating the signal curve in the software. A velocity can be calculated for each touch event from the xy coordinates and the timestamps of the currently viewed touch event and the previous touch event. In the illustration of FIG. 1c, the velocity of the signal is shown as a function of the y-coordinate of the signal 50. Each security feature 14 has an individual velocity profile 52.

[0277] FIG. 2 a-c illustrates a method of detecting an electrically conductive security feature 14 with individual strips on a capacitive touch screen 20 based on velocity profile analysis.

[0278] FIG. 2a shows a document 10 having an electrically conductive structure 14 arranged on a substrate material 12. The document is placed on a capacitive touch screen 20 of a terminal 22, in this case on the capacitive touch screen of a smartphone. An input means 30 or finger is used to perform a gesture 32 along the electrically conductive structure 14. The electrically conductive structure 14 is in one or more parts and may comprise a plurality of electrically conductive individual elements 16 and have interruptions.

[0279] FIG. 2b shows the representation of the time-dependent signal 50. The representation corresponds to the signal representation of FIG. 1b. Referring to FIG. 2a, corresponding to the interruptions of the electrically conductive structure 14 on the document 10, interruptions or gaps can be seen in the otherwise substantially uniform curve of the touch points.

[0280] FIG. 2c shows the velocity profile 52 of the time-dependent signal 50. For each touch point or touch event, a time stamp is available in common terminals 22 with capacitive touch screens 20 and can be used for the evaluation of the signal curve in the software. A velocity can be calculated for each touch event from the xy coordinates and the time stamps of the currently viewed touch event and the previous touch event. This is shown in FIG. 2c. It can be seen that the electrically conductive structure 14 causes jumps in the signal and thus also changes in the velocity profile 52. From this velocity profile 52, conclusions can be drawn about the electrically conductive structure 14 and thus electrically conductive security features 14 can be detected, verified or distinguished.

[0281] FIG. 3a is an illustration of another electrically conductive security strip 14 applied to an object 10. As described in the previous figures, an input means 30 is used to perform a gesture 32 along the security strip 14, which rests on capacitive touch screen 20. The security strip 14 has different demetallizations 18 in the direction of a gesture 32. These may be in different shapes, for example star-shaped. In the area of the demetallizations 18, the electrically conductive security feature 14 is electrically interrupted, in some places over the entire width of the security feature 14 and in other places only partially.

[0282] FIG. 3b shows a value document 10, in particular a bank note with an electrically conductive security feature 14 in the form of a hologram patch, wherein the geometric shape of the conductive feature 14 and in particular also the demetallized regions 18 determine the deflection as well as the velocity profile 52 of the detected signal.

[0283] FIG. 3c shows an identification card 10, such as means of identification or bank card, with a hologram. Using an input means 30, a characteristic signal 50 can be generated on the surface sensor 20 by a gesture 32, as shown in FIGS. 1b and 2b.

[0284] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the security feature 14 shown in FIG. 3a. Here, the electrically conductive security feature 14 is supplemented by an electrically non-conductive paint layer 19 with an identical optical appearance. It is thus not visually apparent to a user at which points the security feature 14 is electrically conductive or not electrically conductive or has demetallization 18. The purpose is, for example, to hide demetallizations 18 and to allow greater degrees of freedom in the design of the security features, etc.

[0285] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment wherein the electrically conductive security feature 14 is supplemented with an additional layer or additional printed electrically conductive elements 17. This additional layer 17 may be visible or may be invisible or transparent. In any case, it alters the signal. Combinations of the embodiments of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are also possible here.

[0286] FIG. 6 shows three different variants of a hologram 14, which differ with respect to the internal structure or the occurrence of edges. The holograms 14 or electrically conductive security features 14 all have the same external geometry and shape. They differ in terms of partial demetallization 18. The left hologram 14 has not been demetallized. The middle hologram 14 has been partially demetallized by vertical interruptions. The right hologram 14 has been altered by line-shaped demetallizations 18 at a 45° angle. These demetallizations 18 can be made so fine that they are not visible to the human eye, i.e. visually the three holograms 14 shown look the same. A reliable distinction or verification can nevertheless be made with the method according to the invention, advantageously by capacitive recognition by means of a commercially available smartphone.

[0287] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternative usage variant—As an alternative to the case described up to this point: the document 10 with security element 14 is placed on the surface sensor 20 and an input means 30 is swiped over the electrically conductive security element 14—the following interaction is possible: [0288] Document/apparatus 10 is placed on the surface sensor 20 [0289] The input means 30 is placed on the electrically conductive security feature 14 (thereby pressing the document 10 onto the surface sensor 20) [0290] The document 10 is pulled between the input means 30 and the capacitive touch screen 20.

[0291] As an alternative to the variants of use described so far, a further variant is shown in FIG. 7: The document 10 comprising an electrically conductive security feature 14 rests on the surface sensor 20 and is fixed or pressed onto the surface sensor 20 by an input means 30. The document 10 is now pulled between input means 30 and capacitive touch screen 20 such that the input means 30 comes into contact with the electrically conductive security feature 14. During this process, the input means 30 and the surface sensor 20 substantially do not move relative to each other. The security feature 14 comes into contact with the input means 30 as a result of this movement of the document 10, while the input means is already in operative contact with the surface sensor 20. At the same time, signal 50 on the capacitive touch screen 20 is deflected or altered.

[0292] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment. Bank notes 10 often contain a security thread or so-called window thread as a security feature 14. Such security threads 14 are embedded in the bank note paper 12 and come to the paper surface (window) at defined points in the bank note 10. In the top view, the security thread 14 is partially visible. In the transparent view, such window thread is visible in its entire length. To the viewer, it appears as if such a thread 14 is woven into the paper 12. This type of thread 14 is inserted into the bank note 10 during the papermaking process. The insertion of the metallized security thread 14 as a window thread into the paper 12 results in a characteristic capacitive signal, which can be evaluated by means of a touch screen 20 of a smartphone 22. The finger or input means 30 progressively comes into contact with window regions and non-window regions of the window thread 14 when performing the input gesture 32. In other words, the input means 32 is alternately in galvanic effective contact and in capacitive effective contact with the window thread, or the distance between the metallic thread 14 and the input means 30 varies depending on whether the input means is currently over a window area or in between during the input gesture. By making adjustments to the structure or design of such metallized security threads 14, reproducible signals can be generated and verified on a smartphone 22. Whenever the input means touches a boundary between window area and non-window area, the signal shows a significant change in, for example, velocity compared to the more or less constant velocity of movement of the input means 30.

[0293] FIG. 9 shows an overview diagram which, based on a market-specific security proof, illustrates two relevant aspects of the invention. A first application-side aspect relates to the authentication of bank notes 10 in combination with a smartphone 20, where the capacitive verification according to the invention can be complemented by optical authentication. A second aspect of the invention relates to a range of potential software services, for example: [0294] Provision of information about bank notes 10 and their security features 14 [0295] Synergies with payment applications [0296] Provision of information from the federal state banks and central banks [0297] assisting citizens in recognizing the denomination, for example assisting visually impaired people

[0298] These applications can be provided by means of the capacitive detection of electrically conductive security features 14 according to the invention in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, data protection-compliant and user-friendly manner.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0299] 10 Object, e.g. document or bank card [0300] 12 Substrate material [0301] 14 Electrically conductive security feature (hologram, strip, thread, patch) [0302] 16 Electrically conductive element [0303] 17 Printed electrically conductive element [0304] 18 Demetallization [0305] 19 Electrically non-conductive element [0306] 20 Capacitive touch screen or surface sensor [0307] 22 Device [0308] 30 Input device (finger, pen) [0309] 32 Dynamic input or operating track (gesture) [0310] 50 Display of the time-dependent signal [0311] 52 Velocity profile of the time-dependent signal