AUTHENTICATION DEVICE, AUTHENTICATION DEVICE ARRANGEMENT AND AUTHENTICATION GEAR

Abstract

An authentication device is provided. The authentication device comprises a dielectric support and a plurality of millimeter-wave resonance structures on or in the dielectric support, wherein at least one first millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a first resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the first resonance frequency, exhibits a first resonance strength, and wherein at least one second millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a second resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the second resonance frequency, exhibits a second resonance strength which is equal to or different from the first resonance strength.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an authentication device, an authentication device arrangement, an authentication apparatus, and an authentication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] There are many use cases where authentication of original branded products is desired, for example, authentication of original tobacco sticks against a base unit of an e-cigarette or of medical cartridges, possibly together with detection of the correct cartridge placement.

[0003] A flexible solution may be desired for the system: such a flexible solution could, for example, provide for the use of a passive rather than an active authentication device, which would enable a cost-effective solution.

[0004] Furthermore, it may be desirable to use a wireless authentication device, which could, for example, prevent contacts from coming into contact with liquids. Additionally, it may be desirable to be able to perform authentication through materials, thus ruling out optical materials. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0005] An authentication device is provided. The authentication device comprises a dielectric support and a plurality of millimeter-wave resonance structures on or in the dielectric support, wherein at least one first millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a first resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the first resonance frequency, exhibits a first resonance strength, and wherein at least one second millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a second resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the second resonance frequency, exhibits a second resonance strength which is equal to or different from the first resonance strength.

[0006] An authentication device arrangement is provided. The authentication device arrangement comprises an authentication object and an authentication device according to one of the embodiments, wherein the authentication device is fixed to the authentication object.

[0007] An authentication device is provided. The authentication device comprises at least one transceiver configured for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves, wherein the at least one transceiver has a plurality of antennas, wherein at least one first antenna of the plurality of antennas is configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a first frequency, and wherein at least one second antenna of the plurality of antennas is configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a second frequency, and a processor configured to: cause millimeter waves of the first frequency to be transmitted to an authentication device, detect a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter-wave resonant structures in the authentication device, and assign a first code value to the detected first resonance strength.Initiating the transmission of millimeter waves of the second frequency to the authentication device, detecting a second resonance strength with respect to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device, assigning a second code value to the detected second resonance strength, and generating a codeword that includes the first code value and the second code value.

[0008] An authentication system is provided. The authentication system comprises an authentication device according to an embodiment or an authentication device arrangement according to an embodiment, and an authentication device according to an embodiment, wherein the first frequency for which the first antenna is configured is equal to the first resonant frequency, and wherein the second frequency for which the second antenna is configured is equal to the second resonant frequency.

[0009] An authentication procedure is provided. The authentication procedure comprises initiating the transmission of millimeter waves of the first frequency to an authentication device, detecting a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device, assigning a first code value to the detected first resonance strength, initiating the transmission of millimeter waves of the second frequency to the authentication device, detecting a second resonance strength with respect to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device, assigning a second code value to the detected second resonance strength, and generating a codeword that includes the first code value and the second code value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the depictions in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. The features of the various examples shown can be combined, provided they are not mutually exclusive. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an authentication device according to various embodiments. Fig. Figures 2A to 2D each show a schematic representation of an authentication device according to different embodiments. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation illustrating aspects of the authentication device and authentication apparatus according to various embodiments. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an authentication system according to various embodiments and schematically illustrates its use. Fig. Figures 5A to 5D each show an illustration of an authentication system according to different embodiments and illustrate its use. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the properties of millimeter wave antennas and millimeter wave resonant structures in relation to their use in various embodiments. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of different antenna shapes and matching resonance structures (or vice versa). Fig. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an authentication procedure according to various implementation examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] An authentication and coding concept is provided which, by using millimeter wave signals, is suitable for generating an identifier or authentication (ID) that is passively, contactlessly, and readable through material.

[0012] In various embodiments, an authentication device can generate a code using different metastructures, each with a specific resonant frequency. For each frequency at which millimeter waves can be transmitted to the authentication device, the different metastructures can generate a signal that, depending on the number and structure of the respective metastructures, exhibits one of several different intensity levels for the specific metastructure. These different intensity levels for the specific metastructure can be used to encode different numbers. Furthermore, the different frequencies can be used to define the sequence of the numbers.

[0013] Different antenna designs, for example in terms of size and / or shape, can be adapted to the designs of the metastructures in various embodiments.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an authentication device 100 according to various embodiments.

[0015] The authentication device 100 comprises, in various embodiments, a dielectric support 102 and a plurality of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 (hereinafter also referred to as metastructures) on or within the dielectric support 102. The dielectric support 102 can, for example, be a dielectric material such as a plastic material, e.g., a polymer, such as polypropylene or a resin, a glass or ceramic material, a wood material, a fabric of dielectric fibers, or another suitable material, wherein any dielectric material can be suitable that allows the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 to be arranged on or within the dielectric support 102 in such a way that the individual millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 are connected to the dielectric support 102 and are electrically isolated from one another by the dielectric support 102.

[0016] In various embodiments, the dielectric support 102 can be part of a (e.g. multilayer) support structure, wherein the support structure can have electrically conductive components, for example layers, provided that it is ensured that the millimeter wave resonance structures 104 are electrically insulated from the electrically conductive components, for example by means of the dielectric support 102.

[0017] In various embodiments, the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 can be embedded in the dielectric support 102 or, for example, covered by an additional dielectric material, such as a cover and / or protective layer, for example, to conceal the presence and / or position of the authentication device 100 and / or the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104. In various embodiments, the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 can be exposed on the dielectric support 102, and optionally, the dielectric support 102 itself may be exposed.

[0018] The millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can have or consist of an electrically conductive material, for example aluminum, copper, silver, or any other suitable metal, or for example a conductive carbon such as graphite.

[0019] In various embodiments, at least one first millimeter wave resonance structure 104_1 of the millimeter wave resonance structures 104 has a first resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the first resonance frequency, has a first resonance strength, and at least one second millimeter wave resonance structure 104_2 of the millimeter wave resonance structures which has a second resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the second resonance frequency, has a second resonance strength which is equal to or different from the first resonance strength.

[0020] The majority of millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can furthermore have one or more additional millimeter wave resonance structures 104_3, 104_4, ..., each of which has / have an additional resonance frequency, which, when irradiated with the additional resonance frequency, has / have an additional resonance strength.

[0021] The in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an authentication device 100 which, by way of example, has seven different millimeter wave resonance structures 104 or groups of millimeter wave resonance structures 104, namely the first (group of) millimeter wave resonance structures 104_1, the second (group of) millimeter wave resonance structures 104_2, and the further (groups of) millimeter wave resonance structures 104_3 to 104_7.

[0022] Since the majority of millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can include both several millimeter wave resonance structures 104 that are structurally identical to each other (for example, millimeter wave resonance structures 104_1 to each other, millimeter wave resonance structures 104_2 to each other, etc.) and millimeter wave resonance structures 104 that are structurally different from each other (104_1 compared to 104_2 to 104_7, etc.), a plurality of structurally identical millimeter wave resonance structures 104 are referred to herein, where this facilitates understanding, as a “group of millimeter wave resonance structures 104” or a “group of millimeter wave resonance structures 104_n”.

[0023] In other words, all individual millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 of a group of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_n have the same structure, whereas millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 of different groups of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_n differ structurally from one another. In particular, the at least one first of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1 differs structurally from the at least one second of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2 and the other millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_3 to 104_7, the second of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2 differs structurally from each of the other millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2 and 104_3 to 104_7, and so on.

[0024] In various embodiments, a structural difference between the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 can mean, for example, that each of the at least one first of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1 has a different size and / or a different shape than the at least one second of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2. This applies analogously to the structural differences between all groups of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1, 104_2, ..., 104_7, which are merely to be understood as examples of the respective number and shape of the majority of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104.

[0025] Although the in Fig. The forms shown in Figure 1 are essentially symbolic and do not indicate how many millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 each group of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_n has, and what their relative size and shape are. Some aspects of the design and / or arrangement of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 in Figure 1 are not shown. Fig. Figure 1 is shown as an example. For instance, the number of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 in a group of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_n can vary between 1 and an essentially arbitrary higher number (for example, over 40 millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1, but only four millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_7). An arrangement of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 on the dielectric support 102 can be ordered (such as the rectangular arrangement of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1 or the double-linear arrangement of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_5) or seemingly disordered and random (such as the arrangement of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2 and / or 104_3).Each of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 can, for example, be a continuous planar structure (as in millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1), a planar structure with interruptions (as in millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_7), be formed from a single continuous line structure (as in millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_3), be formed from several continuous (millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_6, 104_2) or separate (104_5) line structures, or be any other structure suitable as a resonance structure for millimeter waves of the desired frequency. The size of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 can vary. In the example from... Fig. For example, the area covered by each of the millimeter wave resonance structures 104_7 is almost four times larger than that of the millimeter wave resonance structures 104_1; the dimensions in the horizontal and vertical directions differ by approximately a factor of two, with the size differences being to be understood as exemplary. Fig. Section 2A contains tables listing exemplary millimeter wave frequencies suitable as resonant frequencies for the millimeter wave resonant structures 104 and corresponding values ​​for λ / 4 of each frequency. The dimensions of the millimeter wave resonant structures 104 can be configured to be tuned to λ / 4 of the desired resonant frequency or a multiple thereof. As described below, this also applies to antennas for measuring the resonant strength.

[0026] In general, the majority of millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can, for example, have shapes that are formed from linear shapes, polygon shapes, circular or elliptical shapes, interrupted linear, polygonal, circular or elliptical shapes and superpositions of two or more of the above-mentioned shapes.

[0027] The respective size and shape of the millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can be combined essentially independently of one another, for example in coordination with an antenna shape and size of the antenna which has emitted the millimeter waves at the resonance frequency and / or which is intended for receiving the millimeter waves emitted by the millimeter wave resonance structures 104.

[0028] In various embodiments, the structural differences between the groups of millimeter wave resonance structures 104_n can be designed such that the millimeter wave resonance structures 104 of a respective group of millimeter wave resonance structures 104_n exhibit a resonance only for the respective resonance frequency provided for the group, and no resonance with the resonance frequencies of the respective other groups of millimeter wave resonance structures 104_n.

[0029] To illustrate this for the first of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1 and the second of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2, this means that the first of the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1 exhibits no or essentially no resonance with millimeter waves of the second resonance frequency, and that at least one of the second millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2 exhibits no or essentially no resonance with millimeter waves of the first resonance frequency, and that this also applies analogously to the other groups of millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_n among themselves. In general, the first resonance frequency and / or the second resonance frequency (and / or further resonance frequencies of the other millimeter-wave resonance structures 104) can, for example, lie in a range between 24 and 320 GHz.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 6 illustrates how the respective frequency affects structure dimensions and their use in this frequency range. This applies to both the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 in the authentication device 100 and antenna structures in authentication devices 200, which are described below.

[0031] For example, higher frequencies (within the aforementioned range, e.g., above 100 GHz) can enable significantly smaller antennas, more antennas, smaller devices, smaller metastructures, and / or a higher level of coding. The smaller antennas can, for instance, allow the antennas to be implemented on / in a chip (as antenna-on-chip, AoC), instead of simply integrating them within a chip package (as antenna-on-package or antenna-in-package, AoP or AiP, respectively).

[0032] Fig. Figures 2A to 2D each show a schematic representation of an authentication device 200 according to different embodiments.

[0033] The authentication device 200 is intended to be used for authentication of the authentication device 100, in particular for irradiating the authentication device 100 with millimeter waves of a first frequency, which corresponds, for example, to the first resonance frequency, with millimeter waves of a second frequency, which corresponds, for example, to the second resonance frequency, and / or with millimeter waves of additional frequencies, which may, for example, correspond to the further resonance frequencies or may not correspond to any resonance frequencies of millimeter wave resonance structures 104 present in the authentication device 100.

[0034] The authentication device 200 has at least one transceiver 220 configured for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves, wherein the at least one transceiver 220 has a plurality of antennas 222.

[0035] With regard to basic transmit and receive functionality, the at least one transceiver 220 can be designed essentially as known from the prior art. Aspects of the exemplary embodiments can essentially relate to a selection of the transmitted / received frequencies of the millimeter waves (possibly with a specifically chosen shape of the respective antenna(s)) and further processing of the (resonance) signals received by the authentication device 100, as will be explained in detail below.

[0036] In various embodiments, at least one first antenna 222_1 of the plurality of antennas 222 is configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a first frequency, and at least one second antenna 222_2 of the plurality of antennas 222 is configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a second frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.

[0037] The majority of antennas 222 may also have one or more additional antennas 222_3, 222_4, ... which are set up for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves of another (e.g. third, fourth, etc.) frequency that is different from the first and second frequencies.

[0038] The at least one first antenna 222_1 can differ structurally from the at least one second antenna 222_2, and the first antenna 222_1 and the second antenna 222_2 can each differ structurally from each of the further antennas 222_3, 222_4, ....

[0039] A structural difference may refer to the fact that the at least one first antenna 222_1 has a different size and / or shape than the at least one second antenna 222_2 (and possibly than each of the at least one further antenna 222_3, 222_4, ...).

[0040] In the Fig. The embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 2D illustrate that antennas 222, designed for receiving (and optionally transmitting) millimeter waves at different frequencies, have different sizes (e.g., with respect to their dimensions in a first direction and an orthogonal direction, for example, horizontal and vertical or X-direction and Y-direction, and / or with respect to an area covered). In particular, higher frequencies allow for smaller dimensions of the antenna structures, as already discussed above in connection with the microwave resonance structures 104. Fig. 2A and Fig. 6 was explained.

[0041] The authentication device 200, as part of at least one transceiver 220, can have millimeter-wave / RF components or sections on a chip, for example, each transceiver 220_1, 220_2, 220_3, etc., can have its own millimeter-wave / RF component or section. Each of the millimeter-wave / RF components can have its own operating frequency, which can differ from each other and from the operating frequency of a processor 224, which can also be part of the chip and is explained in more detail below.

[0042] The operating frequencies of the millimeter-wave / RF components can each be configured to match the associated transceivers 220_1, 220_2, 220_3, ..., the associated antennas 222_1, 222_2, 222_3, ..., and the associated millimeter-wave resonant structures. In particular, the majority of millimeter-wave resonant structures can have structure sizes in a range of multiples of λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of the associated operating frequency of the millimeter-wave / RF component or range of the RF chip of the authentication device 200, which emits the millimeter waves.

[0043] Different forms of antennas 222 are exemplified in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates, for example, in addition to a double linear structure, which is also found in Fig. 2C and Fig. The 2D representation already shown was a circular, rectangular, double-rhomboid or double-partial circular structure.

[0044] In various embodiments, the size and shape of the antennas 222 can be combined as desired, for example in coordination with the shape and / or size of the millimeter wave resonance structures 104, which are intended to resonate with the radiated frequency.

[0045] All antennas 222 can be part of a single transceiver 220, as exemplified in Fig. 2A and Fig. Represented in 2D, distributed across several individual 220 transceivers, as for example in Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C represented, or as a combination thereof, i.e. with several antennas 222_1, 222_2, 222_3, ..., distributed across several transceivers 220_1, 220_2, etc.

[0046] The authentication device 200 further comprises the processor 224. The processor 224 can be a single device, e.g., a microprocessor, a CPU, etc.; a processor (or multiple integrated processors) integrated into a chip (e.g., together with the antennas 222, which are designed as AoC structures); processor(s) integrated into a package; a single processor 224 that controls or executes all subsequent functions; or a plurality of (sub-)processors 224 that, for example, execute various functions, such as a (sub-)processor for an antenna driver circuit for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves and an additional (sub-)processor for processing the determined resonance strengths to generate a codeword (as described below); a security controller for storing reference codewords for comparison with the generated codeword; etc.

[0047] The (processing) processor 224 can be configured in various embodiments, either to perform complete processing of the detected resonance strengths, or, for example, to perform only partial processing of the detected resonance strengths and to further process the partially processed data in another, for example external and / or more powerful, microcontroller.

[0048] The (at least one) processor 224 is configured to initiate the transmission of millimeter waves of the first frequency to an authentication device 100, wherein the transceivers 220 with the chip areas described above and the associated (e.g. electrically conductive) antennas 222 can be used for the actual generation of the millimeter waves.

[0049] The basic functions for generating and receiving millimeter waves can be set up essentially as known in the prior art.

[0050] The processor 224 can further be configured to detect a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures 104, 104_1 in the authentication device 100, to assign a first code value to the detected first resonance strength, to cause millimeter waves of the second frequency to be transmitted to the authentication device 100, to detect a second resonance strength with respect to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures 104, 104_2 in the authentication device 100, to assign a second code value to the detected second resonance strength, and to form a codeword which has the first code value and the second code value.

[0051] In Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 illustrates in detail, using examples, how the described function of the authentication device 200, in particular in conjunction with the authentication device 100, is to be understood.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates coding possibilities in the authentication device 100: Each of the in Fig. The three named frequency ranges (77 to 80 GHz, 120 to 123 GHz, and 140 to 143 GHz) each contain four (integer) frequencies, which are shown individually. The marking for 120 GHz illustrates which frequencies in the different ranges of the diagram are considered to belong together.

[0053] The bottom row of symbols illustrates that the millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can be designed in two exemplary forms for each of the resonance frequencies: a small symbol illustrates a weak resonance and a large symbol illustrates a strong resonance (the possibility that the millimeter wave resonance structure 104 is missing for one of the resonance frequencies is omitted here; furthermore, depending on technical feasibility, more than two resonance strength levels can be realized, for which higher frequencies in particular - e.g. within the frequency window mentioned above - may be suitable).

[0054] If a millimeter-wave resonance structure 104 is configured for strong resonance, for example by incorporating a large number of the corresponding millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 into the authentication device 100 (this is the case, for example, with the millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_1, here for 78 GHz), this can lead to a high resonance strength, which is represented by the signal curves, the maximum value of which is 2. A code value of 2 can, for example, be assigned to this high resonance strength.

[0055] If a millimeter-wave resonance structure 104 is configured for a weak resonance, for example by using a small number of the corresponding millimeter-wave resonance structures 104 in the authentication device 100 (this is the case, for example, with millimeter-wave resonance structures 104_2 and 104_3, here for 122 GHz and 143 GHz respectively), this can lead to a low resonance strength, which is represented by the signal curves, the maximum value of which is 1. A code value of 1 can, for example, be assigned to this low resonance strength.

[0056] Missing millimeter wave resonance structures 104 can lead to a signal strength of zero, which can be assigned, for example, a code value of 0.

[0057] The in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, where twelve different frequencies are emitted from the authentication device 200 towards the authentication device 100 and the respective resonance strengths are recorded, encoding of 3 can be achieved by assigning the code values ​​0, 1 or 2. 12 = 531,441 different combinations / codewords are possible.

[0058] If, for example, only four frequencies with three code values ​​each are used instead, this allows for 3 4 = 81 different combinations, and eight frequencies, each with three code values ​​3 8 = 6561 different combinations.

[0059] Depending on the need for different possible combinations, the number of (resonance) frequencies used and / or the number of resonance strength levels can be varied.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates that millimeter waves are transmitted at twelve different frequencies by means of the authentication device 200 towards the authentication device 100. The authentication device 100 and the authentication device can be synchronized and together form an authentication system 400.

[0061] In the authentication device 200, only three of the twelve antennas 222 for the different frequencies are shown (each of the antennas 222_1, 222_2 and 222_3 is present twice), and in the authentication device 100, only seven of the eight existing millimeter wave resonance structures 104 are shown as examples.

[0062] In the middle of Fig. Figure 8 shows the resonance strengths received and recorded as a result of transmitting millimeter waves at twelve different frequencies (simultaneously, sequentially, or partially). High resonance strengths were determined for the frequencies 78, 80, 123, 140, 142, and 143 GHz as examples.

[0063] Each of these is assigned a code value of 2 (see second bottom box).

[0064] A low resonance strength was determined for the frequencies 77 and 120 GHz.

[0065] Each of these (see second-to-last box) is assigned a code value of 1.

[0066] At the frequencies 79, 121, 122 and 141 GHz there is no resonance (e.g. because the corresponding millimeter wave resonance structures 104 are deliberately omitted in the authentication device 100).

[0067] Each of these frequencies is assigned a code value of 0 (see second-to-last box).

[0068] Forming a codeword from the assigned code values ​​in ascending frequency order results in the codeword 120210022022 (see bottom box in Fig. 4) Forming the codeword using a different, for example, pre-defined frequency sequence, may result in a different codeword.

[0069] In Fig. Figure 5A illustrates an exemplary use case for an authentication system 400 consisting of an authentication device 200 and an authentication device assembly 500, which includes the authentication device 100 and an authentication object 550 (illustrated here as a bag). Although the authentication device assembly 500 is depicted as if the authentication device 100 were simply inserted into an opening of the authentication object 550, it should be understood that the authentication device 100 is typically attached to the authentication object 550 or at least concealed within it, so that it cannot be arbitrarily removed or replaced. Any object (or, if applicable, a living being) large enough to accommodate the authentication device 100 can serve as the authentication object, for example, a vehicle, a document, an electronic device, etc.

[0070] Fig. Figure 5B shows an exemplary use case for an authentication system 400 for keyless access, for example with a vehicle as the authentication object 550.

[0071] Typically, in keyless access / entry systems, a person authenticates themselves to the locked area (in this case the vehicle 550) using an authentication device 200.

[0072] In this case, the authentication device 100 is attached to the vehicle 550, for example in an inaccessible location and / or hidden under the paint. The authentication device 100 may be suitable for authenticating the vehicle 550 to the authentication device 200.

[0073] This in turn can be used to transmit an access code to the vehicle 550 via the authentication device 200, for example, only if it is ensured, based on the authentication device 100 scanned by the authentication device, that the authentication device 200 is actually in the immediate vicinity of the authentication device 100.

[0074] Fig. Figure 5C shows an exemplary use case for an authentication system 400 for spatial orientation, for example in a museum with various works of art / pictures as authentication objects 550. If orientation in a building is not to be linked to specific furnishings, wall sections, doors, etc. can also serve as authentication objects 550.

[0075] A person wishing to orient themselves within the space using the authentication system 400 can, for example, use the authentication device 200 to scan the authentication device 100 at the various images, thereby generating different codewords depending on the image / position. In various embodiments, a software application, such as a smartphone app, can be configured to evaluate this codeword and, for example, provide the person with associated information, such as displaying a position on a site plan and / or providing information about a related artwork.

[0076] Fig. Figure 5D shows an exemplary application for an authentication system 400 for monitoring the open / closed states of access structures (e.g., doors / windows), i.e., as a "contactless contact sensor". Doors / windows, etc., can serve as authentication objects 550. However, in this embodiment, it can be exploited that the resonance strength can be strongly influenced by adding or removing a reflector 552.

[0077] For example, as in Fig. Figure 5D illustrates that the authentication device 100 is positioned in front of the reflector 552 only when the access structure (here: window sashes) is closed, thereby generating a strong resonance when irradiated. When the access structure is open, the authentication device 100 and the reflector 552 can be separated from each other, so that no or only a slight resonance occurs when irradiated.

[0078] Fig. Figure 8 shows a flowchart 800 of an authentication procedure according to various embodiments.

[0079] The authentication procedure comprises instigating the transmission of millimeter waves of the first frequency to an authentication device (810), detecting a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device (820), assigning a first code value to the detected first resonance strength (830), instigating the transmission of millimeter waves of the second frequency to the authentication device (840), detecting a second resonance strength with respect to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device (850), assigning a second code value to the detected second resonance strength (860), and forming a codeword comprising the first code value and the second code value (870).

[0080] Further advantageous embodiments of the method result from the description of the device, the apparatus, the device arrangement and the system, and vice versa.

[0081] The following is a summary of some examples.

[0082] Exemplary embodiment 1 is an authentication device. The authentication device comprises a dielectric support and a plurality of millimeter-wave resonance structures on or in the dielectric support, wherein at least one first millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a first resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the first resonance frequency, exhibits a first resonance strength, and wherein at least one second millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a second resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the second resonance frequency, exhibits a second resonance strength which is equal to or different from the first resonance strength.

[0083] Exemplary embodiment 2 is an authentication device according to exemplary embodiment 1, wherein the at least one first of the millimeter wave resonance structures is structurally different from the at least one second of the millimeter wave resonance structures.

[0084] Exemplary embodiment 3 is an authentication device according to exemplary embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first of the millimeter wave resonance structures has a different size and / or shape than the at least one second of the millimeter wave resonance structures.

[0085] Exemplary embodiment 4 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first of the millimeter wave resonance structures has no or substantially no resonance with millimeter waves of the second resonance frequency, and the at least one second of the millimeter wave resonance structures has no or substantially no resonance with millimeter waves of the first resonance frequency.

[0086] Exemplary embodiment 5 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the at least one first millimeter wave resonance structures comprises a plurality of first millimeter wave resonance structures, and / or the at least one second millimeter wave resonance structures comprises a plurality of second millimeter wave resonance structures.

[0087] Exemplary embodiment 6 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures further comprises one or more additional millimeter wave resonance structures which have / have a further resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the further resonance frequency, have / have a further resonance strength.

[0088] Exemplary embodiment 7 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures have shapes from a group consisting of: a linear shape, a polygon shape, a circular or elliptical shape, a broken linear, polygonal, circular or elliptical shape, and a superposition of two or more of the above-mentioned shapes.

[0089] Exemplary embodiment 8 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures have structure sizes in a range of multiples of λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of an associated operating frequency of a part of an RF chip of an authentication device which emits the millimeter waves.

[0090] Exemplary embodiment 9 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first resonant frequency and / or the second resonant frequency is in a range between 24 and 320 GHz.

[0091] Exemplary embodiment 10 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising: a metal layer which is applied to a main surface of the carrier which points away from a provided direction of incidence of the millimeter waves.

[0092] Exemplary embodiment 11 is an authentication device arrangement. The authentication device arrangement comprises an authentication object and an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the authentication device is fixed to the authentication object.

[0093] Exemplary embodiment 12 is an authentication device arrangement according to exemplary embodiment 11, further comprising: a cover layer which covers the authentication device.

[0094] Exemplary embodiment 13 is an authentication device. The authentication device comprises at least one transceiver configured for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves, wherein the at least one transceiver has a plurality of antennas, wherein at least one first antenna of the plurality of antennas is configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a first frequency, and wherein at least one second antenna of the plurality of antennas is configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a second frequency, and a processor configured to cause the transmission of millimeter waves of the first frequency to an authentication device, detect a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter-wave resonance structures in the authentication device, and assign a first code value to the detected first resonance strength.Initiating the transmission of millimeter waves of the second frequency to the authentication device, detecting a second resonance strength with respect to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device, assigning a second code value to the detected second resonance strength, and generating a codeword that includes the first code value and the second code value.

[0095] Exemplary embodiment 14 is an authentication device according to exemplary embodiment 13, wherein the at least one first antenna differs structurally from the at least one second antenna.

[0096] Exemplary embodiment 15 is an authentication device according to exemplary embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the at least one first antenna has a different size and / or shape than the at least one second antenna.

[0097] Embodiment 16 is an authentication device according to one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the at least one first antenna has a plurality of first antennas, and / or the at least one second antenna has a plurality of second antennas.

[0098] Exemplary embodiment 17 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 13 to 16, wherein the plurality of antennas further comprises one or more additional antennas which are configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a further frequency which is different from the first and the second frequency.

[0099] Exemplary embodiment 18 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonant structures have shapes from a group consisting of: a linear shape, a polygon shape, a circular or elliptical shape, a broken linear, polygonal, circular or elliptical shape, and a superposition of two or more of the above-mentioned shapes.

[0100] Exemplary embodiment 19 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 13 to 18, wherein the majority of millimeter wave resonant structures have structure sizes in a range of multiples of λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of an associated operating frequency of a part of an RF chip of an authentication device which emits the millimeter waves.

[0101] Exemplary embodiment 20 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 13 to 19, wherein the first frequency and / or the second frequency is in a range between 24 and 320 GHz.

[0102] Exemplary embodiment 21 is an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 13 to 20, wherein the processor is further configured to compare the codeword with a reference codeword.

[0103] Exemplary embodiment 22 is an authentication system. The authentication system comprises an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 10 or an authentication device arrangement according to one of the exemplary embodiments 11 or 12, and an authentication device according to one of the exemplary embodiments 13 to 21, wherein the first frequency for which the first antenna is configured is equal to the first resonant frequency, and wherein the second frequency for which the second antenna is configured is equal to the second resonant frequency.

[0104] Exemplary embodiment 23 is an authentication system according to exemplary embodiment 22, wherein the authentication device has millimeter wave resonance structures with shapes according to exemplary embodiment 7, and wherein the authentication device has antennas with shapes matched thereto according to exemplary embodiment 18.

[0105] Embodiment 24 is an authentication system according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the authentication device has millimeter wave resonance structures with structure sizes according to embodiment 8, and wherein the authentication device has antennas with structure sizes matched thereto according to embodiment 19.

[0106] Exemplary embodiment 25 is an authentication system according to one of the exemplary embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the authentication device has millimeter wave resonance structures with structure sizes according to exemplary embodiment 8, and wherein the authentication device has antennas with structure sizes matched thereto according to exemplary embodiment 19.

[0107] Exemplary embodiment 26 is an authentication method. The authentication method comprises initiating the transmission of millimeter waves of the first frequency to an authentication device, detecting a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device, assigning a first code value to the detected first resonance strength, initiating the transmission of millimeter waves of the second frequency to the authentication device, detecting a second resonance strength with respect to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device, assigning a second code value to the detected second resonance strength, and generating a codeword that includes the first code value and the second code value.

[0108] Embodiment 27 is an authentication method according to embodiment 26, wherein the initiation of the transmission of millimeter waves takes place in an authentication device according to one of embodiments 13 to 21.

[0109] Embodiment 28 is an authentication method according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the authentication device is formed according to one of embodiments 1 to 10.

[0110] Exemplary embodiment 29 is an authentication method according to one of the exemplary embodiments 26 to 28, which is implemented by means of an authentication system according to one of the exemplary embodiments 22 to 25.

[0111] It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and devices. A person skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown here, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiments outlined in this document are, in principle and expressly, intended only for explanatory purposes to help the reader understand the principles of the proposed methods and devices. Moreover, all statements in this document that describe principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to include their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Authentication device comprising: • a dielectric carrier; and • a plurality of millimeter-wave resonance structures on or in the dielectric support; • wherein at least one first millimeter-wave resonance structure of the millimeter-wave resonance structures has a first resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the first resonance frequency, has a first resonance strength; and • wherein at least one second millimeter wave resonance structure of the millimeter wave resonance structures has a second resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the second resonance frequency, has a second resonance strength which is equal to or different from the first resonance strength. [2] Authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first millimeter wave resonance structures are structurally different from the at least one second millimeter wave resonance structures. [3] Authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first millimeter wave resonance structures have a different size and / or shape than the at least one second millimeter wave resonance structures. [4] Authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first of the millimeter wave resonance structures has no or substantially no resonance with millimeter waves of the second resonance frequency, and the at least one second of the millimeter wave resonance structures has no or substantially no resonance with millimeter waves of the first resonance frequency. [5] Authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one first millimeter wave resonance structures comprises a plurality of first millimeter wave resonance structures, and / or the at least one second millimeter wave resonance structures comprises a plurality of second millimeter wave resonance structures. [6] Authentication device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures further comprises one or more additional millimeter wave resonance structures having / having a further resonance frequency which, when irradiated with the further resonance frequency, has / have a further resonance strength. [7] Authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures have shapes from a group consisting of: a linear form; a polygon shape; a circular or elliptical shape; a broken linear, polygonal, circular or elliptical shape; and a superposition of two or more of the above-mentioned forms. [8] Authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures have structure sizes in a range of multiples of λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of an associated operating frequency of a part of an RF chip of an authentication device which emits the millimeter waves. [9] Authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first resonant frequency and / or the second resonant frequency is in a range between 24 and 320 GHz. [10] Authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a metal layer which is applied to a main surface of the carrier, pointing away from a intended direction of incidence of the millimeter waves. [11] Authentication device arrangement comprising: an authentication object; and an authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, where the authentication device is fixed to the authentication object. [12] Authentication device arrangement according to claim 11, further comprising: a top layer that covers the authentication device. [13] Authentication device comprising: • at least one transceiver equipped for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves; • wherein at least one transceiver has a plurality of antennas; • wherein at least one first antenna of the plurality of antennas is set up to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a first frequency; and • wherein at least one second antenna of the plurality of antennas is set up to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a second frequency; and • a processor that is configured to: ◯ Causing the transmission of millimeter waves of the first frequency to an authentication device; ◯ Detecting a first resonance strength with respect to the first frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device; ◯ Assigning an initial code value to the detected initial resonance strength; ◯ To cause millimeter waves of the second frequency to be sent to the authentication device; ◯ Detecting a second resonance strength in relation to the second frequency of millimeter wave resonance structures in the authentication device; ◯ Assigning a second code value to the detected second resonance strength; ◯ Forming a codeword that contains the first code value and the second code value. [14] Authentication device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one first antenna is structurally different from the at least one second antenna. [15] Authentication device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one first antenna has a different size and / or shape than the at least one second antenna. [16] Authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one first antenna has a plurality of first antennas, and / or the at least one second antenna has a plurality of second antennas. [17] Authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the plurality of antennas further comprises one or more additional antennas which is / are configured to transmit and receive millimeter waves of a further frequency which is different from the first and the second frequency. [18] Authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures have shapes from a group consisting of: a linear form; a polygon shape; a circular or elliptical shape; a broken linear, polygonal, circular or elliptical shape; and a superposition of two or more of the above-mentioned forms. [19] Authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the plurality of millimeter wave resonance structures have structure sizes in a range of multiples of λ / 4, where λ is the wavelength of an associated operating frequency of a part of an RF chip of an authentication device which emits the millimeter waves. [20] Authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the first frequency and / or the second frequency is in a range between 24 and 320 GHz. [21] Authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the processor is further configured to compare the codeword with a reference codeword. [22] Authentication system, comprising: an authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or an authentication device arrangement according to any one of claims 11 or 12; and an authentication device according to any one of claims 13 to 21; wherein the first frequency for which the first antenna is set up, is equal to the first resonant frequency; and the second frequency, for which the second antenna is set up, The second resonant frequency is the same. [23] Authentication system according to claim 22, wherein the authentication device comprises millimeter wave resonance structures with shapes according to claim 7; and wherein the authentication device comprises antennas with shapes matched thereto according to claim 18. [24] Authentication system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the authentication device comprises millimeter-wave resonant structures with structure sizes according to claim 8; and wherein the authentication device comprises antennas with structure sizes matched thereto according to claim 19. [25] Authentication system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the authentication device has millimeter wave resonance structures with structure sizes according to claim 8; and wherein the authentication device has antennas with structure sizes matched thereto according to claim 19.

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