DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE OPTICAL INSPECTION OF A SECURITY DOCUMENT, IN PARTICULAR A PASSPORT BOOKLET

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for optically examining a security document, in particular a passport book. The device is particularly suitable for multiple, simultaneous inspections of security documents.

[0002] State-of-the-art security documents, such as passports, are known to have so-called security features or characteristic features to protect against misuse, falsification, and / or total forgery. Such security features make it possible to verify the authenticity of the security document, since some of the security features used by counterfeiters cannot be reproduced or can only be reproduced with inadequate quality.

[0003] Security documents must also be inspected during production or processing, for example, visually checking their security features. This allows for the identification of production errors that could lead to erroneous results, especially during authentication.

[0004] DE102005032704A1 discloses sheet-like value documents with a machine-readable security code, as well as methods and devices for producing or verifying such value documents, in particular alternative systems for encoding sheet-like value documents and alternative systems for producing and verifying such sheet-like value documents. During the production of the value document, check digits are calculated from machine-readable elements of the value document, which are themselves the result of encoding properties of the value document, and applied to the value document. These check digits are then used in the quality inspection of the value document to accelerate the quality inspection process. Several machine-readable codes are provided on a value document, whereby only certain codes from a set of codes are checked during the authenticity verification of the value document.If a code no longer meets the security requirements, it will no longer be used for authenticity testing and may be replaced by another code that was not previously part of the set of codes.

[0005] EP2911379A1 teaches that an image sensor and an image sensor device comprise an illumination section extending in a main scanning direction and emitting light onto the object to be read; a rod lens array for imaging light from the object to be read; and a light receiving section for converting the light imaged by the rod lens array into an electrical signal, to obtain a small and versatile image sensor and an image sensor device capable of detecting reflected light information from both sides of an object to be read and transmitted light information from both sides of the object to be read, and having a short length in the conveying direction while ensuring conveying quality.The illumination section irradiates a normally directed light from the normal direction of the object to be read to irradiate a first irradiation area of ​​the object to be read, and an inclined light inclined by a predetermined angle from the normal direction of the object to be read to irradiate a second irradiation area away from the first irradiation area in a sub-scanning direction.

[0006] Thus, EP2911379A1 also discloses a device for optically checking a security document, comprising a first optical detection device for detecting optically perceptible information, in particular one or more optically perceptible features, which is configured to optically check a security document in a first direction, and a second optical detection device for detecting optically perceptible information, which is configured to optically check the security document in a second direction deviating from the first direction. EP1832910A2 discloses that an inspection device comprises a light source unit which radiates illumination light from a predetermined direction onto a hologram of a medium, from which diffraction light from the hologram is obtained, a first light receiving element which receives the diffraction light from the hologram, a second light receiving element,which receives the transmitted part of the illumination light irradiated onto the hologram that has passed through the medium, and an identification processing unit that identifies the authenticity of the hologram based on the diffraction light received by the first light-receiving element and identifies a defect, such as chipping, peeling, cutting, or folding of the hologram, based on the transmitted light received by the second light-receiving element.

[0007] Current testing procedures for security documents are inflexible and not integrated into the line production of security documents, which means that for each testing process, especially after each processing step, a separate testing device is required according to the state of the art.

[0008] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective and space-saving device as well as a corresponding method and system for the optical inspection of a security document, which enable a flexible inspection of documents.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent device claim 1, independent method claim 7 and independent system claim 14.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the device are specified in subclaims 2 to 6, and advantageous embodiments of the method are specified in subclaims 8 to 13. These and further embodiments are described below.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for optically checking a security document, in particular a passport book, wherein the device for optically checking a first optical detection device, in particular a camera, for detecting optically perceptible information, in particular one or more optically perceptible features, preferably security features, wherein the first optical detection device is configured to optically check a security document in a first direction, i.e. to detect optical information, and at least one second optical detection device, in particular a camera, for detecting optically perceptible information, which is configured to optically check the security document in a second direction deviating from the first direction.

[0012] The first optical detection device is configured to optically check a first region of the security document in the first direction, wherein the second optical detection device is configured to optically check a second region of the security document in the second direction in addition to the optical check of the first region by means of the first optical detection device.

[0013] The first region and the second region are spaced apart from one another, and the first region of the security document is positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the first direction, and the second region of the security document is positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the second direction.

[0014] A security document is defined as a document designed in such a way that its authenticity can be verified. In other words, the security document has at least one security feature that can be used to verify the authenticity of the document. Such security features are designed in such a way that it is difficult, especially for counterfeiters, to faithfully reproduce the security features.

[0015] Security documents can be, for example, passports (such as travel or diplomatic passports), ID cards, driving licenses, credit cards or banknotes.

[0016] In particular, the security features are surface structures or printed information. The printed features can in particular be a guilloche pattern, in particular a multi-colored one, a microprint, an imprint that luminesces under UV lighting, a printed feature with an optically variable color, a hologram, in particular a holographic portrait, a kinegram, a machine-readable zone or a watermark. A surface structure can be, for example, an engraving, in particular a laser engraving, a tactile feature, a surface embossing, a window or a perforation, in particular a laser perforation. Furthermore, the optically detectable feature can be, for example, a mottled fiber, in particular a luminescent one, or a security thread.

[0017] In particular, the security document may contain the following security features (such as those on the front page and / or the data page of the German passport): multi-coloured guilloches (e.g. of the Federal Eagle), positive and negative micro-print elements in various sizes, UV-luminescent prints, optically variable colours, holographic portraits (e.g. holographic photographs of the holder), holographic 3D symbols (e.g.a 3D federal eagle), kinematic movement structures, color integration in a plastic card, laser engraving, tactile features (in particular applied by laser engraving), mottled fibers invisible under visible light that luminesce under UV lighting, raised or recessed surface embossing, machine-readable zones, windows, personalized security threads (in particular metallized, machine-verifiable security threads provided with a serial number and / or a name of a holder of the security document, in particular with additional optically variable elements), watermarks and / or perforated, in particular laser-perforated serial numbers (whereby the serial number is preferably perforated by laser into the paper pages and into the back cover / book cover, and where the diameter of the holes decreases towards the back cover).

[0018] Guilloches are protective patterns made up of fine, intertwined lines, whereby the line structures are dissolved into dotted grid structures in reproductions of the original.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, holograms are images, in particular photographic images, produced using holographic techniques which, when illuminated with coherent light, reproduce a true three-dimensional image of the original object.

[0020] A kinegram, also referred to as a kinematic motion structure, optically variable feature, or optically variable element, is, in the context of this specification, a two-dimensional image that changes depending on the viewing angle. Such elements can, for example, only be perceptible at a specific viewing angle or exhibit a different color depending on the viewing angle.

[0021] In the context of the invention, a tactile feature is defined as a tangible writing.

[0022] The printed features can, for example, be fonts with such small font size that they can only be reproduced faithfully with high-precision printing processes.

[0023] An optical inspection is understood in particular to mean the detection of visible or invisible light (e.g. UV and / or IR radiation) that is scattered, reflected or emitted by the security document or that is penetrated or transmitted by it. For this purpose, the security document is illuminated, for example, by a suitable light source and the intensity and / or wavelength of the scattered, reflected, emitted or transmitted light is detected or measured by the respective optical detection device or devices. In particular, at least one image of the security document is recorded using the optical detection device, e.g. when the respective detection device is designed as a camera.

[0024] During the optical inspection, an image of the security document is captured or recorded. It is understood that the optical inspection may include further steps after the image has been captured, in particular data processing and / or image processing steps, which can be carried out, for example, using a computer connected to the optical capture devices.

[0025] The optical detection devices are configured to optically inspect the security document in a first or second direction. Optical inspection "in one direction" means that the security document is optically inspected from a viewing position, with the respective direction running along a connecting line between the viewing position and the security document or the feature of the security document to be detected.

[0026] For example, a camera lens of the optical detection device can be located at the viewing position. In this case, the direction is a viewing direction of the detection device. Alternatively, it is also possible to position the optical detection device at a distance from the viewing position, wherein the light scattered, reflected, emitted, or transmitted by the security document is deflected, for example, by a mirror or a light guide (optical fiber) in such a way that it strikes the optical detection device. In the latter case, the observation position is defined as the mirror or an end of the light guide facing the security document, so that the corresponding direction runs from the mirror or end of the light guide to the security document.

[0027] In particular, the second direction in which the second detection device performs the optical inspection deviates from the first direction in which the first detection device checks the security document. This means that the first direction is not parallel to the second direction, but rather the first and second directions form an angle to each other that is greater than 0° and less than 180°.

[0028] In particular, the optical inspection device is configured to optically inspect the security document in one inspection step using the first optical detection device and the second optical detection device. In this inspection step, a simultaneous optical inspection can be performed using the first and second optical detection devices, or the optical inspection can be performed using the first and second optical detection devices in quick succession.

[0029] The device according to the invention allows an inspection of the security document at a physical position, wherein the execution of the inspection is configurable.

[0030] The device advantageously reduces the complexity of the system, the installation space, and the automation effort required for processing and / or inspection stations. The invention therefore enables a variable, customer-oriented inspection concept for security documents.

[0031] By providing at least two optical detection devices according to the invention, space can advantageously be saved for additional devices with only one detection device.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first and the second optical detection device are arranged in a common housing or on a common carrier device in a module.

[0033] In particular, the first region does not overlap with the second region. Preferably, the first and second regions are spaced apart from one another. For example, the first region of the security document can be positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the first direction and / or the second region of the security document can be positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the second direction.

[0034] The areas can be, for example, pages or book covers of a passport book or sections of a page or book cover of the passport book.

[0035] The device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to optically inspect multiple areas of a security document in a single module, in particular in a single inspection step. This eliminates the need for additional inspection modules, resulting in savings in space, inspection time, and costs.

[0036] A further embodiment provides that the device further comprises a third optical detection device for detecting optically perceptible information, which is configured, in addition to the optical inspection of the security document by means of the first optical detection device and the optical inspection of the security document by means of the second optical detection device, to optically inspect the security document, in particular a third region of the security document, in a third direction deviating from the first direction and the second direction or in the first or second direction from a side other than the first or second optical detection device.

[0037] This has the advantage that a further section of the security document can be visually inspected in one module, especially simultaneously with the other sections. This results in further savings in space, inspection time, and costs.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the first direction runs at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the second direction, that is to say the first direction runs at an angle of 90° to the second direction.

[0039] In particular, the first direction runs at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the third direction. Furthermore, the second direction can run at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the third direction.

[0040] A vertical arrangement of the directions can be advantageous, for example, if the security document to be checked is a passport book that is opened so that the covers of the passport book are arranged perpendicular to each other. In this case, two different pages of the passport book can be visually checked, especially simultaneously.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the device for optical inspection is configured to optically inspect the security document simultaneously using the first optical detection device and the second optical detection device. In particular, a simultaneous inspection is performed using the first, second, and / or third optical detection devices. Alternatively, the inspection can, of course, also be performed using the first and second optical detection devices in quick succession.

[0042] Simultaneous or near-simultaneous testing advantageously saves time when checking the security document.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the first, second and / or third detection device is configured to detect an optically perceptible feature, in particular a security feature, of the security document by means of light emitted by the security document.

[0044] An optically perceptible feature is any feature of the security document that can be perceived by a suitable sensor or detector by means of light reflected, scattered, emitted or transmitted by the security document, in particular visible light, ultraviolet radiation or ultraviolet light and / or infrared radiation or infrared light.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the device, it is provided that the device for optical testing has at least one light source for illuminating the security document with visible light (also referred to as white light), wherein the first optical detection device, the second optical detection device and / or the third optical detection device are configured to detect the optically perceptible feature by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document, so that the security document can be optically tested by means of the visible light.

[0046] In particular, 'transmitted' means that the light passes through at least one opening or transparent area of ​​the security document.

[0047] In the context of this specification, visible light or white light means electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the first optical detection device, the second optical detection device, and / or the third optical detection device is / are configured to detect the optically perceptible feature using infrared radiation emitted by the security document, so that the security document can be optically checked using the emitted infrared radiation. In this case, the device for optical checking comprises, in particular, an infrared radiation source that is designed or configured to irradiate the security document with infrared radiation, so that the security document heats up.

[0049] In the context of this specification, the term infrared radiation or infrared light (also referred to as IR light or IR radiation) refers to electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 780 nm up to and including 1 mm.

[0050] A radiation source can be provided for irradiating the security document with infrared radiation or infrared light, whereby different areas of the security document heat up to different intensities due to the irradiation with the infrared radiation, in particular due to the different material compositions of these areas. The different areas of the heated security document then emit infrared radiation with different wavelengths and / or different intensities, whereby the infrared radiation is detected by the first, second and / or third optical detection device and used for optical inspection of the security document. The irradiation with the infrared light serves in particular to create a thermal imbalance between the different areas of the security document.

[0051] Alternatively, the thermal imbalance can be created in another way, e.g. by direct heating (via heat conduction) or by transferring the security document from a warmer environment to a colder environment.

[0052] In particular, a processing step of the security document, e.g., a printing process or perforation, can also result in different areas of the security document being heated to different degrees. Particularly when the security document is examined immediately after such a processing step using the optical inspection device according to the invention, the infrared radiation emitted by the various areas of the security document with different wavelengths and / or different intensities can be used for optical inspection of the security document.

[0053] Furthermore, an RFID transponder of the security document can also be supplied with energy through the action of an alternating electromagnetic field, e.g., a suitable reader, in such a way that the RFID transponder heats up. The thermal radiation from the RFID transponder, which is warmer than the rest of the security document, can then be detected by the appropriately configured optical detection device.

[0054] The optical detection device for an optical test using infrared radiation is in particular a thermal imaging camera.

[0055] In particular, the light source for illuminating the security document with infrared light is also configured to illuminate the security document with visible light, i.e., the same light source is used to generate the visible light and the infrared light. Preferably, a switching device is provided for switching between the generation of visible light and infrared light. Alternatively, the optical inspection device can, of course, also comprise a white light source for illuminating the security document with visible light and a separate infrared light source for illuminating the security document with infrared light.

[0056] According to a further embodiment, the device for optical testing comprises at least one light source for irradiating the security document with ultraviolet light or ultraviolet radiation, wherein the first optical detection device, the second optical detection device and / or the third optical detection device is / are configured to detect the optically perceptible feature by means of light emitted by the security document due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light, so that the security document can be optically checked by means of the emitted light.

[0057] In the context of this specification, ultraviolet light or ultraviolet radiation (UV light or UV radiation) means electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 1 nm up to and including 380 nm.

[0058] In this case, the security document preferably emits visible light. Alternatively, UV light can also be emitted from the security document. The emitted UV light can, for example, be UV light scattered, reflected, and / or transmitted by the security document.

[0059] For example, the security document can contain a luminescent substance, particularly at certain positions (e.g., in the form of luminescent letters or mottled fibers), which, when irradiated with UV light, emits visible light, which is detected by the first, second, and / or third detection device. A luminescent substance can, for example, be a fluorescent or phosphorescent substance.

[0060] The light source for illuminating the security document with ultraviolet light is, in particular, also configured to illuminate the security document with visible light, i.e., the same light source is used to generate the visible light and the UV light. Likewise, the light source for illuminating the security document with ultraviolet light can also be configured to illuminate the security document with infrared light. Of course, it is also possible for the light source for illuminating the security document with UV light to be configured to illuminate the security document with both visible light and infrared light. Preferably, a switching device is provided for switching between the generation of visible light, UV light, and / or infrared light.Alternatively, the device for optical testing can of course also have a white light source for illuminating the security document with visible light and a separate UV light source for illuminating the security document with UV light or at least one separate white light source, infrared light source and / or UV light source.

[0061] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for optically checking a security document by means of a device for optically checking a security document according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein a security document, in particular a passport book, is fed to the device for optical checking, and wherein the security document is optically checked in the first direction by means of the first optical detection device, and wherein the security document is optically checked in the second direction by means of the second optical detection device, wherein the first region and the second region are spaced apart from one another, and wherein the first region of the security document is positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the first direction and the second region of the security document is positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the second direction.

[0062] The respective optical inspection can be staggered and / or carried out simultaneously.

[0063] The method is designed such that the multiple optical tests are performed on a security document that remains in or on the device. This means that the security document is not removed from the device between the individual optical tests, but preferably remains positioned in a holder for securing the security document to or in the device, and the optical tests are performed on the security document in this position.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the method, a first region of the security document is optically checked by means of the first optical detection device, wherein in addition to the optical check of the first region, a second region of the security document is optically checked by means of the second optical detection device, and wherein in particular in addition to the optical check of the first region and the second region, a third region of the security document is optically checked by means of the third optical detection device.

[0065] In particular, individual test processes can be carried out simultaneously.

[0066] According to a further embodiment of the method, an optically perceptible feature, in particular a security feature, of the security document is detected by means of light emitted by the security document.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, the security document is illuminated with visible light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document, so that the security document is optically checked by means of the visible light.

[0068] A further embodiment of the method provides that an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document, so that the security document is optically checked using the infrared radiation. In particular, the security document is heated before the infrared radiation is detected, or the security document is transferred from a warmer to a cooler environment. In particular, the security document is irradiated with infrared radiation before the infrared radiation is detected.

[0069] According to a further embodiment, the security document is processed prior to the detection of the infrared radiation in such a way that the security document heats up. Such processing can be, for example, printing or laser perforation of the security document.

[0070] The security document can be irradiated with ultraviolet light, whereby an optically perceptible feature is detected by the light emitted by the security document as a result of the irradiation with the ultraviolet light, so that the security document is optically examined using the emitted light. The light emitted as a result of the irradiation with the ultraviolet light can, for example, be luminescent light from a luminescent substance that is excited by the UV light.

[0071] In an alternative procedure, the security document is illuminated with visible light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document, and an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and the detection of the visible light.

[0072] According to a further embodiment of the method, the security document is illuminated with visible light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document, and the security document is irradiated with ultraviolet light, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and the detection of the visible light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of light emitted by the security document due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light.

[0073] An optically perceptible feature can be detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document, wherein, in particular before or after the detection of the infrared radiation, the security document is irradiated with ultraviolet light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of light emitted by the security document due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light.

[0074] According to a further embodiment of the method, the security document is illuminated with visible light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document, and an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and the detection of the visible light, and wherein, in particular before or after the illumination with the visible light and the detection of the visible light and before or after the detection of the infrared radiation, the security document is irradiated with ultraviolet light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of light emitted by the security document due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light.

[0075] This means that in this case, an optical inspection is carried out serially, i.e. one after the other, using visible light, infrared radiation and UV light, i.e. several types of inspection are carried out serially.

[0076] The procedure is not restricted to the sequence shown, but the individual tests, which differ in the type of light, can also be carried out in a different order or at least partially simultaneously.

[0077] Advantageously, this allows a wide variety of optically perceptible features of the security document to be detected using a single inspection module, even using different types of light.

[0078] According to a further embodiment, the security document is a book document, in particular a passport book, e.g. a passport, wherein the book document has a book cover with a first book cover and a second book cover which is connected to the first book cover in a foldable or hinged manner at a spine, and at least one page which is connected to the spine and which can be arranged between the first book cover and the second book cover.

[0079] The at least one page can be made of any material, in particular paper or plastic. Depending on the material and thickness, the page can have varying strength or flexural rigidity. Of course, according to one embodiment, the book document can have both paper and plastic pages.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the at least one page of the book document comprises the first area to be checked by means of the first optical detection device.

[0081] At least one side can also be a plastic card with an integrated chip.

[0082] In particular, the first or second book cover of the book document can comprise the second area to be checked by means of the second optical detection device, wherein in particular the first or second book cover of the book document also comprises the third area.

[0083] With the method according to the invention, the visually perceptible features of multiple pages and / or book covers of a security document can be optically inspected, particularly simultaneously, using a single device. For example, the security features of the title page and data page of a passport book, as well as the perforation of the serial number on the back cover of the passport book, can be inspected simultaneously.

[0084] According to a further embodiment, the security document is optically inspected by means of the optical inspection device. After the optical inspection, in particular for performing a processing step, the security document is removed from the optical inspection device. The security document is then re-fed to the optical inspection device, in particular after the processing step has been performed. After the re-fed, the security document is optically inspected again by means of the optical inspection device. The optical inspection device or inspection station is thus repeatedly approached.

[0085] This means that in a first checking process, the security document is checked by at least one optical checking process using one or more optical detection devices, is then removed from the device for further processing and is returned to the device at a later time and a further checking process is carried out in or on the device.

[0086] Thus, one and the same device according to the invention can advantageously be used for different testing processes, e.g. after different processing steps.

[0087] Accordingly, in an overall system for producing security documents, in particular passport books, it is not necessary to arrange several modules for checking the security document, but it is sufficient to arrange a device according to the invention and the multiple feeding and removal of the document to this device in order to be able to carry out all relevant checking processes.

[0088] A third aspect of the invention relates to a system for optically checking a security document, comprising at least one device for processing a security document and a device for optically checking a security document according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the system for optical checking comprises a transport device which is designed to move a security document between the device for processing and the device for optical checking,so that the security document, after a processing step has been carried out by the processing device, can be fed to the device for optical inspection by means of the transport device and the security document can be optically inspected by means of the optical inspection device and / or so that the security document, after the optical inspection, can be fed to the processing device and the security document can be processed by means of the processing device.

[0089] In the following, further aspects of the invention are described with reference to a figure from which further embodiments and advantages can be derived. The

[0090] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a device according to the invention for optically checking a security document.

[0091] The Figure 1shows a perspective view of a device 1 for optically checking a security document according to the present invention. The device 1 has a housing 100, which is arranged, in particular movably, on a base plate 70 via rails 80. Furthermore, cable ducts 90 for accommodating lines, e.g., electrical power or pneumatic lines, are provided on the base plate 70.

[0092] Furthermore, Fig. 1 A security document 2, in particular a passport book, is shown with a book cover 3, wherein the book cover 3 has a first book cover 4 and a second book cover 6 connected to the first book cover 4 at a spine 5. Between the book covers 4, 6, pages 7 connected to the spine 5 are arranged. In particular, at least one page 7 is a plastic card, with further pages 7 being made of paper.

[0093] The security document 2 is arranged on a hold-down device 60 of the optical inspection device 1 such that the security document 2 is opened, with the first book cover 4 positioned in a first plane that runs perpendicular to a second plane formed by the second book cover 6. In the example shown here, the first plane runs vertically, i.e., upright, and the second plane runs horizontally.

[0094] The optical inspection device 1 comprises a first optical detection device 10 for detecting optically perceptible information, which is embodied here in particular as a camera. The first optical detection device 10 is mounted on a holding device 12 together with two first light sources 40a, embodied as surface radiators, for illuminating or irradiating the security document 2.

[0095] Furthermore, a second light source 40b designed as a light-emitting diode array is provided for illuminating or irradiating the security document 2 and a third light source 40c is provided for illuminating or irradiating the security document 2.

[0096] In this case, the first light source 40a preferably mainly illuminates or irradiates the first area B1 of the security document 2, while the second light source 40b mainly illuminates or irradiates the second area B2 and the third light source 40c mainly illuminates or irradiates the third area B3.

[0097] A camera lens 11 of the first optical detection device 10 is aligned such that a first area B1, here a page 7, of the security document 2 can be optically examined by the first optical detection device 10 in a first direction r1. Optically perceptible features arranged in the first area B1, in particular security features such as guilloches, holograms, watermarks, or a serial number, are detected by the first optical detection device 10.

[0098] The first direction r1 here runs along a line from the camera lens 11 to the first area B1 of the security document.

[0099] The first area B1 can be, for example, the so-called title page of a German passport or a paper page.

[0100] The first optical detection device 10 can be configured to detect visible light, infrared radiation, and / or UV light. This means that, for example, a thermal imaging camera can be combined with a conventional white light camera in the first optical detection device 10.

[0101] Accordingly, the first light sources 40a, which mainly illuminate the first area B1, can also be designed to illuminate or irradiate the security document 2 with visible light, infrared radiation and / or UV light.

[0102] In the case of illumination with visible light, security features perceptible in the visible range, such as guilloches or micro-lettering, can be detected by the first optical detection device 10.

[0103] In particular, an image of the security document is captured by the first optical capture device.

[0104] If the security document 2 is irradiated with UV light, for example by means of the first light sources 40a, security features that are luminescent, in particular under UV light, can be detected and checked by the first optical detection device 10 by means of the visible light emitted due to the excitation by the UV light.

[0105] When irradiated with infrared light, areas of the security document 2 that are made of different materials heat up, in particular at different speeds or with different intensities. As a result, the different areas emit infrared radiation of different intensities and / or wavelengths. If the first optical detection device 10 is designed, for example, as a thermal imaging camera, this infrared radiation can be detected, for example, as a thermal image of the security document 2.

[0106] The device 1 for optical inspection further comprises a second optical detection device 20 for detecting optically perceptible information, which is designed here in particular as a camera with a second camera lens 21. The second optical detection device 20 is arranged such that the security document 2 can be optically examined by means of the second optical detection device 20 along a second direction r2 running between the second camera lens 21 and the security document 2. The second region B2 is in particular mainly illuminated or irradiated by the second light source 40b. In the example shown here, the second direction r2 runs perpendicular to the first direction r1.

[0107] The second section B2 of Security Document 2 is, in particular, a data page of a German passport.

[0108] The second optical detection device 20 can also be configured to detect visible light, infrared radiation, and / or UV light. Accordingly, the second light source 40b can also be configured to illuminate the security document with visible light, infrared radiation, and / or UV light.

[0109] Furthermore, the device 1 for optical testing has a third optical detection device 30, which is also designed in particular as a camera with a third camera lens 31.

[0110] The third optical detection device 30 is aligned here with its third camera lens 31 along the second direction r2. However, a mirror 50 is provided between the third optical detection device 30 and a third region B3 of the security document 2, which is arranged such that the third region B3 can be optically checked along a third direction r3 by means of the third optical detection device 30. The third region B3 is illuminated or irradiated, in particular, by the third light source 40c.

[0111] The third optical detection device 30 can also be configured to detect visible light, infrared radiation, and / or UV light. Accordingly, the third light source 40c can also be configured to illuminate the security document with visible light, infrared radiation, and / or UV light.

[0112] The third area B3 of the security document 2 can be, for example, a second book cover 6. In the case of a passport, this book cover 6 can, for example, have a perforation of a serial number as a security feature. This can be detected, in particular, by the third optical detection device 30 when illuminated with visible light.

[0113] In an exemplary method according to the invention for optically checking a security document 2 carried out with the device 1 for optical checking, the security document 2 can be fed to the device 1 after a processing step (e.g. the introduction or application of a security feature).

[0114] Then, the security document 2 can be illuminated with visible light, for example by means of the first, second and / or third light source 40a, 40b, 40c, and security features of the first, second and / or third area B1, B2, B3 can be detected, in particular simultaneously, by means of the first, second and / or third optical detection device 10, 20, 30.

[0115] The security document 2 can then be irradiated, for example, with infrared light and corresponding security features can again be detected by means of the first, second and / or third optical detection device 10, 20, 30.

[0116] Finally, the security document 2 can be irradiated with UV light and, for example, luminescent security features can be detected by the emitted visible light by means of the first, second and / or third optical detection device 10, 20, 30.

[0117] The security document 2 can then be fed to a further processing step and the device 1 for optical inspection can be approached again for a further inspection. List of reference symbols

[0118] 1 Device for optical inspection of a security document 2 Security document, especially passport book 3 book cover 4 First book cover 5 book spine 6 Second book cover 7 Page 10 First optical detection device 11 First camera lens 12 Holding device 20 Second optical detection device 21 Second camera lens 30 Third optical detection device 31 Third camera lens 40 light source 40a First light source, floodlight 40b Second light source, LED array 40c Third light source 50 Mirror 60 Hold-down clamp 70 Base plate 80 rail 90 cable duct 100 Housing r1 First direction r2 Second direction r3 Third direction B1 First area B2 Second area B3 Third area

Claims

1. Device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2), in particular a passport, comprising - a first optical detection device (10) for detecting optically perceptible information, in particular one or several optically perceptible features, which is set up to optically inspect a security document (2) in a first direction (r1), and - at least one second optical detection device (20) for detecting optically perceptible information, which is set up to optically inspect the security document (2) in a second direction (r2) which deviates from the first direction (r1), characterized in that the first optical detection device (10) is set up to optically inspect a first area (B1) of the security document (2) in the first direction (r1), whereas the second optical detection device (20) is set up , in addition to the optical inspection of the first area (B1) by means of the first optical detection device (10), to optically inspect a second area (B2) of the security document (2) in the second direction (r2), wherein the first area (B1) and the second area (B2) are spaced apart from one another, and wherein the first area (B1) of the security document (2) is positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the first direction (r1) and the second area (B2) of the security document (2) is positioned in a plane extending perpendicular to the second direction (r2).

2. Device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) for optical inspection furthermore has a third optical detection device (30) for detecting optically perceptible information, which is set up, in addition to the optical inspection of the security document (2) by means of the first optical detection device (10) and the optical inspection of the security document (2) by means of the second optical detection device (20), to optically inspect the security document (2), in particular a third area (B3) of the security document (2), in a third direction (r3) deviating from the first direction (r1) and the second direction (r2) or in the first or second direction (r1, r2) from a different side than the first or second optical detection device (10, 20).

3. Device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) for optical inspection is set up to optically inspect the security document (2) simultaneously by means of the first optical detection device (10) and the second optical detection device (20).

4. Device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) for optical inspection has at least one light source (40) for illuminating the security document (2) with visible light, wherein the first optical detection device (10), the second optical detection device (20) and / or the third optical detection device (30) is set up to detect the optically perceptible feature by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document (2).

5. Device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first optical detection device (10), the second optical detection device (20) and / or the third optical detection device (30) is set up to detect the optically perceptible feature by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document (2).

6. Device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) for optical inspection comprises at least one light source (40) for irradiating the security document (2) with ultraviolet light, wherein the first optical detection device (10), the second optical detection device (20) and / or the third optical detection device (30) is arranged to detect the optically perceptible feature by means of light emitted by the security document (2) due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light.

7. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) by means of a device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a security document (2), in particular a passport, is fed to the device (1) for optical inspection, and wherein the security document (2) is optically inspected in the first direction (r1) by means of the first optical detection device (10), and wherein the security document (2) is optically inspected in the second direction (r2) by means of the second optical detection device (20), wherein the first area (B1) and the second area (B2) are spaced apart from one another, and wherein the first area (B1) of the security document (2) is positioned in a plane extending perpendicularly to the first direction (r1) and the second area (B2) of the security document (2) is positioned in a plane extending perpendicularly to the second direction (r2).

8. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to claim 7, wherein a first area (B1) of the security document (2) is optically inspected by means of the first optical detection device (10), and wherein a second area (B2) of the security document (2) is optically inspected by means of the second optical detection device (20) in addition to the optical inspection of the first area (B1), wherein, in addition to the optical inspection of the first area (B1) and the second area (B2), in particular a third area (B3) of the security document (2) is optically inspected by means of the third optical detection device (30).

9. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of claims 7 and 8, wherein - the security document (2) is illuminated with visible light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of the visible light reflected, scattered and / or transmitted by the security document (2), and / or - an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of infrared radiation emitted by the security document and / or - the security document (2) is irradiated with ultraviolet light, wherein an optically perceptible feature is detected by means of light emitted from the security document (2) due to the irradiation with the ultraviolet light.

10. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the security document (2) is a book document, in particular a passport book, wherein the book document has a book binding (3) with a first book cover (4) and a second book cover (6) foldably connected to the first book cover (4) at a book spine (5), as well as at least one page (7) connected to the book spine (5).

11. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to claim 10, wherein the page (7) of the book document comprises the first area (B1) to be inspected by means of the first optical detection device (10).

12. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the first or second book cover (4, 6) of the book document comprises the second area (B2) to be inspected by means of the second optical detection device (20), wherein in particular the first or second book cover (4, 6) of the book document also comprises the third area (B3).

13. Method for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the security document (2) is optically inspected by means of the device (1) for optical inspection, and wherein the security document (2) is fed away from the device (1) for optical inspection after the optical inspection, in particular for carrying out a processing step, and wherein the security document (2) is again fed to the device (1) for optical inspection, in particular after carrying out the processing step, and wherein the security document (2) is again optically inspected by means of the device (1) for optical inspection.

14. System for optical inspection of a security document (2), comprising at least one device for processing a security document (2) and a device (1) for optical inspection of a security document (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the system for optical inspection comprises a transport device, which set up to move a security document (2) between the device for processing and the device (1) for optical inspection.