Identification document with a machine-readable zone and document reader

Abstract

An identification document (100) with data arranged in a machine-readable zone (101), and a barcode (103) which provides a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone (101), wherein the barcode (103) includes a further duplicate of data arranged outside the machine-readable zone (101), wherein the further duplicate of data arranged outside the machine-readable zone (101) includes data from a visual inspection zone, wherein the visual inspection zone includes an indication of an authority issuing the identification document.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of identification documents.

[0002] Modern identification documents, such as identity cards or passports, usually have a machine-readable zone (MRZ: Machine Readable Zone) according to ICAO document 9303, in which data such as check digits are stored.

[0003] The MRZ (Minimum Reference Number) is located at a position on an identification document as specified in ICAO Document 9303. For automatic recognition of the MRZ, this document location is placed on the viewing window of a document reader. At border control facilities, such as those installed at airports, a traveler can then place their passport on a document reader. The document reader reads the data from the MRZ and uses this data, for example, to cryptographically unlock the chip of an identification document in order to read the data stored on the chip.

[0004] Typically, the viewing window of a document reader is not much larger than the format of an identification document because, among other things, the document reader's antenna must be positioned around the viewing window to read the identification document's chip. Therefore, if the identification document with the MRZ (Multiple Reference Number) is not precisely aligned with the viewing window, the data contained in the MRZ cannot be fully read. This is particularly the case if a traveler places their passport incorrectly on the document reader, for example, rotated 90 degrees, so that the MRZ is only partially readable. If the data contained in the MRZ is not readable or not fully readable, it cannot be used to unlock the chip or for identification or document verification.

[0005] Furthermore, the properties of the identification document itself can contribute to the MRZ not being fully read optically under unfavorable conditions. For example, if the MRZ is covered with a layer that generates unfavorable reflections, reliable reading of the data contained within it can be hindered. Such a layer can be created, for instance, by applying security features like laminates or holograms to the identification documents. Laminated data pages, for example, can create overexposed areas in images captured by document readers. If such an overexposed area lies on parts of the MRZ, its readability for Basic Access Control (BAC) can be impaired, potentially leading to failed access to data stored on a chip within the identification document.Even if no reflections are visible in the image, a layer present can hinder the detection of the fonts used, for example, using the OCR-B method. This can make it difficult to distinguish certain typefaces, such as 1-L, 8-B, even when only uppercase letters are used in the MRZ (Multi-Reference Number). If the MRZ contains check digits, these may not be read correctly due to such a layer, which can slow down all reading processes.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a concept with which the data stored in the MRZ can be read out more securely.

[0007] This task is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further development methods are the subject of the description, the drawings, and the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention is based on the finding that the above-mentioned problem is solved by a barcode, in particular a two-dimensional barcode, containing a duplicate of the data arranged in the MRZ (Multi-Reference Data Center). In this way, a defined barcode area containing all or some of the MRZ data is provided, which has smaller dimensions than, for example, a page of an identification document. By scanning the barcode, the MRZ data can therefore be reliably captured even if the identification document is not placed completely or is rotated on the viewing window of a document reader. This enables even an untrained user of a document reader to operate it reliably, even in a self-service setting. Furthermore, border controls, for example, can be fully automated and accelerated because the barcode reading technology is already mature.Furthermore, using the barcode with the MRZ data reduces the impact of light reflections on the MRZ readability, thereby significantly reducing the reading error rate.

[0009] According to one aspect, the invention relates to an identification document with data arranged in a machine-readable zone (MRZ) and a barcode that provides a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone. The data in the barcode can, for example, be the data of an electronic document according to ICAO Document 9303, digitally signed by adding a hash value to the data.

[0010] The identification document can be one of the following, with or without electronic components: identity document such as a national identity card, passport, access control card, authorization card, company ID card, tax stamp or ticket, birth certificate, driver's license, or vehicle registration document. The identification document can be single- or multi-layered and / or paper- and / or plastic-based. The identification document can be constructed from plastic-based films that are joined together to form a card body by gluing and / or laminating, with the films preferably having similar material properties.

[0011] The identification document may also include a chip for storing data. According to one embodiment, the barcode is a two-dimensional barcode, in particular a Data Matrix code, a stacked barcode such as Codablock, a QR code (QR: Quick Response), a Portable Data File 417 code, or an Aztec code according to ISO / IEC 24778. The barcode may be based on any known barcode technology.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the barcode can be read optically, in particular using white light, infrared light and / or ultraviolet light.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the barcode is fluorescent or wavelength-converting.

[0014] The wavelength conversion properties can be achieved, for example, by silicate pigments, particularly silicate phosphor pigments, silicate, sulfide, nitride, YAG, TAG, and thiogallate phosphor pigments, which are added to a printing ink used to create the barcode. Such a barcode, for instance, emits a color-shifted light spectrum when excited with blue light of approximately 400 nm, which may include green, yellow, orange, and / or red light.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the barcode provides all the data of the machine-readable zone or a subset of the data of the machine-readable zone. The subset of data can, for example, include the check digits of the machine-readable zone.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the barcode includes a further duplicate of data located outside the MRZ, in particular data from a visual inspection zone such as an indication of an authority issuing the identification document or an indication relating to an owner of the identification document.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the barcode provides biometric data, in particular fingerprint data or physiognomy data. The geometric data can, for example, be in the form of templates in which a reduced data set is provided. For instance, the physiognomy data can be provided by means of the templates, which may include, for example, the distance between the eyes or the distance between the cheekbones.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a further barcode is provided with another duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone. This further increases redundancy, advantageously reducing reading errors even more. The barcode and the further barcode can, for example, be arranged on different data pages, such as the front and back covers, or on different binding sides, such as the front cover and back cover. This allows the identification document bearing multiple barcodes to be placed almost arbitrarily on the viewing window of a document reader.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the barcode can be affixed to the document. For this purpose, the barcode can, for example, be displayed on an adhesive backing. This allows existing identification documents to be provided with barcodes containing a duplicate of the data stored in the machine-readable zone.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the barcode is arranged on a cover, in particular on a front cover or on a back cover, of the identification document or on a data page of the identification document. For example, the barcode can be arranged on the front cover and the aforementioned additional barcode on the back cover.

[0021] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a document reader for capturing an identification document, comprising a machine-readable zone with data arranged therein and a barcode with a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone, with an optical receiving device for capturing the barcode, a processor for extracting the data of the machine-readable zone from the captured barcode, and for processing the extracted data. The extraction of the data from the barcode can be carried out in a manner known per se.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to process the extracted data to verify the authenticity of the identification document and / or to identify a user of the identification document based on the data extracted from the barcode. The processing can be MRZ-specific according to ICEO document 9303.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the identification document includes a chip, the processor of which is configured to generate an authorization signal based on the data extracted from the barcode, in order to indicate to the chip that the document reader is authorized to read the chip's contents. In this way, the chip can be unlocked, in particular cryptographically.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the document reading device is a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone.

[0025] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for capturing an identification document comprising a machine-readable zone with data stored therein and a barcode containing a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone. The method includes optically capturing an image of the barcode, extracting the data of the machine-readable zone from the barcode image, and processing the extracted data, for example, in accordance with ICAO Document 9303.

[0026] Further process steps result from the functionality of the document reading device according to the invention.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a computer program with program code for executing one of the methods according to the invention when the program runs on a computer.

[0028] Further examples of implementation are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0029] Fig. 1 a schematic identification document according to one embodiment;

[0030] Fig. 2 a block diagram of a document reader according to one embodiment; and

[0031] Fig. 3 a diagram of a method for capturing an identification document according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an identification document 100 according to an embodiment with a machine-readable zone 101 (MRZ: Machine Readable Zone). The MRZ 101 It can be designed in accordance with ICAO Document 9303. The document 100 can a barcode 103 include, which is a duplicate of the one in the MRZ 101 provides, i.e., includes or stores, the arranged data. The barcode 103 can be based on the data from the MRZ 101are generated using barcode generation methods that are known per se.

[0033] The identification document 100 It could be a travel document, an identity card, or another identification document.

[0034] The barcode 103 It can be a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code. This provides a wealth of information in a relatively small space. The barcode 103 can also be provided in a size and / or shape and / or with a specific symbol size such that the barcode 103 with a conventional recording optic from a short distance, which may be a few millimeters or centimeters, as is common with a document reader.

[0035] The barcode 103According to one embodiment, the color can be applied using a wavelength-shifting ink or printing ink, for example, with fluorescent substances. Another embodiment allows the use of infrared-opaque materials, such as black infrared-opaque materials on a black background. Furthermore, metameric color pairs can be provided. This ensures that sufficient contrast is available for the document reader.

[0036] According to one embodiment, several barcodes can be provided, for example on both sides of a free area of ​​the identification document. 100 This may be appropriate. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that even identification documents which are carelessly placed on a document reader can be read.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the pixel width and / or the symbol bandwidth of the barcode 103 The barcode is chosen to be so small that, according to the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, a document reader with a conventional resolution can read it. This advantageously prevents the barcode from being distorted. 103 can be spied on from a distance.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the barcode 103 In addition to the MRZ data, it should also include a certificate from a document manufacturer, such as CV or CVCA, which is embedded in the barcode. 103The data is encoded within the document. This eliminates the need to decrypt any chip on an identification document, enabling faster processing during self-service document checks, for example. Furthermore, the verification process is accelerated, as cryptographically decrypting a chip is typically time-consuming and can take several seconds. However, the storage requirements for such data are usually small, so a barcode area is sufficient to accommodate it.

[0039] According to one embodiment, biometric data or parts of biometric data, for example templates, can also be transmitted via the barcode. 103They can be provided or stored for later retrieval. A template, for example, is a schema with a feature classification that does not contain all graphical biometric information, but only features and their levels of expression. Polygons or similar structures can be used for this purpose.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the barcode 103 It can be applied externally to an identification document, such as a passport book, so that the identification document or its chip can be cryptographically opened even when not opened.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the barcode 103 will be used exclusively for the purpose of identifying a user.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the barcode can appear multiple times, for example twice, at different locations on the identification document. 100, for example, on a data page. This additional redundancy compensates for reflections at a point that would otherwise hinder optical reading. Furthermore, this method allows for the capture of data pages of an identification document that are not fully laid out.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the barcode 103 for example, a known error correction mechanism that can be used when the barcode is read incorrectly. 103 It can be used to correct erroneous data, further reducing the error rate. In addition, the barcode can be read. 103 to make it more reliable, thereby improving the stability of reading the MRZ. 101 Overall, it can be significantly improved.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the barcode 103 a significantly smaller area than the MRZ 101This ensures that the identification document 100 is still electronically readable, for example via Basic Access Control (BAC), even if not the entire data page of the identification document 100 can be detected. This can occur, for example, if the identification document is rotated. According to one embodiment, if more barcodes contain duplicate data from the MRZ (Multiple Reference Number), 101 If provided for, these can be positioned locally so that, for example, in each cutout in the shape of a square with an edge length of a shorter side of the identification document, for example in an ID-3 format, at least one of the barcodes is arranged in this cutout and therefore detectable.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the data of the MRZ can be used 101 in the barcode 103They must be signed using the same mechanisms as in data group 1 of an electronic document according to ICAO Document 9303, by adding a hash value. The signature methods used can, for example, be designed in accordance with the signature methods used in the electronic component. According to one embodiment, this allows for electronic reading of the identification document. 100 This can be avoided, especially if only access to the MRZ data in data group 1 (DG1) is required. This may be the case, in particular, when verifying the authenticity of the data based on its signature.

[0046] According to ICAO document 9303, the MRZ should 101The barcode must be readable in the so-called B900 band with wavelengths between 850 nm and 950 nm. In particular, it is required that background prints in this wavelength range either sum up or disappear. According to one embodiment, therefore, a background of the barcode can be... 103 in this respect, they have the same property, so that the barcode 103 It can be read using near-infrared light (NIR). Alternatively or additionally, the barcode can be read using... 103 It should be designed so that it can be read using white light. For example, a color filter, especially a software color filter, can be used, which is implemented on the processor. 203 It can be implemented and used.

[0047] This allows for the advantageous reading of an electronic identification document with a chip, in particular a travel document, using standard hardware such as a smartphone. For example, this allows the... Fig. 2 The document reading device shown in one embodiment is designed as a smartphone, wherein the optical recording device 201 It could be a camera capable of capturing images in the white light range. Furthermore, it could be a standard program for extracting data from the barcode using application software on the processor. 203 to extract the MRZ data. According to another embodiment, the recording device 201 It should be an NFC reader.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the identification document includes 100 in addition to the data in the MRZ 101 further data, which, for example, in a visual inspection zone (so-called Visual Inspection Zone), which is outside the MRZ 101 is arranged. In addition, the barcode can 103 Data from the back of the identification document 100This data may include, for example, an address, the issuing authority, or the height of the user of the identification document. 100 indicate.

[0049] According to one embodiment, in addition to the data of the MRZ 101 biometric data, in particular biometric data of a face of a user of the identification document 100 , in the barcode 103 are stored. Data reduction can be advantageous in this regard. This can be achieved, for example, by using so-called templates from extracted data, thereby creating a compact barcode.

[0050] According to one embodiment, in addition to the data of the MRZ 101 in the barcode 103Access-restricted biometric data, such as fingerprints, may be stored. Templates can also be used to reduce data size. Access restriction can be implemented, for example, through encryption using one of the known methods.

[0051] According to one embodiment, multiple barcodes can be placed on the front or back cover of the identification document. 100 If this is, for example, a passport, these barcodes must be affixed to it. These barcodes can be, for example, in the form of stickers, i.e., on an adhesive backing. This advantageously allows the identification document to be easily identifiable. 100 for the purpose of reading the data from the MRZ 101 It no longer needs to be unfolded.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a document reader. 200for scanning an identification document that includes a barcode with MRZ data. The document reader 200 includes an optical recording device 201 For example, a camera which may have a CCD sensor for capturing a barcode. The document reader 200 It also includes a processor 203 , who is trained to extract data from the MRZ barcode 101 to extract and process this data in a manner specific to MRZ. The processing can be carried out, for example, according to ICAO document 9303.

[0053] The document reader 200 It also includes an optional interface. 205 to communicate with a chip in an identification document, for example, based on RFID signals. This allows the processor to 203 based on the data extracted from the barcode of the MRZ 101generate an authorization signal to unlock the chip on the identification document, whereby this signal is transmitted via the interface 205 can be supplied to the chip. The interface 205 For example, it could be an RFID interface that is designed to send out an RFID signal.

[0054] The processor 203 can be trained to use the optical recording device 201 and / or the interface 205 to control.

[0055] The document reader 200 It can be a stationary device or a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone.

[0056] Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram of a method for capturing an identification document, comprising a machine-readable zone with data arranged therein and a barcode with a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone (MRZ). The method includes an optical scan.201 of the barcode, an extraction 205 the data from the MRZ from the recording of the barcode and a processing 205 the extracted data, for example according to ICAO document 9303.

[0057] The in Fig. The 3 methods shown can be used, for example, by means of the in Fig. The document reading device shown in section 2 will be used. Reference symbol list 100 identification documents 101 machine-readable zone 103 Barcode 200 document readers 201 optical recording device 203 processor 205 Interface 301 recording 303 Extraction 305 Processing 8 QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0058] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0059] ICAO Document 9303

[0003] ICAO Document 9303

[0009] ISO / IEC 24778

[0011] ICEO Document 9303

[0022] ICAO Document 9303

[0025] ICAO Document 9303

[0032] ICAO Document 9303

[0045] ICAO Document 9303

[0046] ICAO Document 9303

[0052] ICAO Document 9303

[0056]

Claims

[1] Identification document ( 100 ) with in a machine-readable zone ( 101 ) arranged data, and a barcode ( 103 ), which is a duplicate of the one in the machine-readable zone ( 101 ) provides the ordered data. [2] Identification document according to claim 1, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) a two-dimensional barcode, in particular a Data Matrix code, a stacked barcode such as Codablock, a QR code (QR: Quick Response), a Portable Data File 417 Code or an Aztec code according to ISO / IEC 24778. [3] Identification document according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) optically readable, in particular by means of white light, infrared light and / or ultraviolet light. [4] Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) fluorescent or wavelength-converting. [5] Identification document according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) all data of the machine-readable zone ( 101 ) or a subset of the data in the machine-readable zone ( 101 ) provides. [6] Identification document according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) another duplicate from outside the machine-readable zone ( 101 ) ordered data, in particular data from a visual inspection zone such as information about the issuing authority of the identification document or information relating to the owner of the identification document. [7] Identification document according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) provides biometric data, in particular fingerprint data or physiognomy data. [8] Identification document according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further barcode with a further duplicate of the machine-readable zone ( 101 ) provides the ordered data. [9] Identification document according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barcode ( 103 ) on a cover, in particular on a front cover or on a back cover, of the identification document ( 100 ) or on a data page of the identification document ( 100 ) is arranged. [10] Document reader for capturing an identification document comprising a machine-readable zone with data arranged therein and a barcode with a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone, comprising: an optical recording device ( 201 ) for recording the barcode; a processor ( 203) to extract the data of the machine-readable zone from the barcode recording, and to process the extracted data. [11] Document reader according to claim 10, wherein the processor ( 203 ) is trained to process the extracted data to verify the authenticity of the identification document and / or to identify a user of the identification document based on the data extracted from the barcode. [12] Document reader according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the identification document has a chip, wherein the processor ( 203 ) is trained to generate an authorization signal based on the data extracted from the barcode, in order to indicate to the chip that the document reader is authorized to read the chip's contents. [13] Document reading device according to claim 10, 11 or 12, which is a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone. [14] Method for capturing an identification document comprising a machine-readable zone with data arranged therein and a barcode with a duplicate of the data arranged in the machine-readable zone, comprising: optical recording ( 301 ) of the barcode; Extract ( 303 ) the data of the machine-readable zone from the barcode scan; and Process ( 305 ) of the extracted data. [15] Computer program comprising program code for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or 14 when the program runs on a computer.

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