DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC VERIFICATION OF A SECURITY DOCUMENT AND METHOD FOR MACHINE READING OF A SECURITY DOCUMENT FOR AUTOMATIC DOCUMENT VERIFICATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for automatically checking a security document and a method for machine reading of a security document for automatic document checking. background

[0002] In the context of checking or verifying security documents, it is common practice to optically read them by scanning. The scan data obtained in this way can be evaluated for document verification, for example, by extracting security features from the scan data and comparing them with associated reference data. Devices for performing such document verification are known, for example, as mobile or stationary verification devices.

[0003] For example, document DE 10 2014 110 946 B4 describes a terminal unit for verifying a security document. This known device provides for the security document to be verified to be automatically or mechanically retracted using retraction means, so that the security document is mechanically transported to a verification area for reading there. For automatic retraction, retraction means are provided that can elastically deform or shift during document retraction. The retraction means comprise, for example, wheels or rollers, and the retraction means can be elastically mounted, for example, using springs or elastic materials such as rubber. Friction wheels or friction belts can also be used for mechanical transport of the security document.

[0004] With other testing devices for verifying a security document, the security document to be checked is inserted or placed manually, for example by manually placing the security document on a document support.

[0005] The document DE 10 2013 110165 A1 discloses a document checking device with a light-transparent document support for receiving a document and a light-opaque cover for covering the light-transparent document support, wherein the light-opaque cover has an illumination device (105) for transilluminating the document.

[0006] Document FR 2 859 806 A1 describes a document analysis device comprising a substantially rectilinear passage through which a document is forced to roll substantially flat, first means for capturing an image of the entirety of one side of the document, second means for capturing an image of the entire other side of the document, third means for capturing a transparency image of the entire document exposed to transmitted light, and motorized drive means for urging the document to move substantially flat in the passage from an inlet to an outlet.

[0007] Document WO 2018 / 116469 A1 relates to a paper sheet handling device comprising an insertion opening into which a paper sheet is inserted, a transport mechanism that transports the paper sheet inserted through the insertion opening, and correcting elements that include elastic deformation parts with which the paper sheet inserted into the insertion opening comes into contact and that correct the conveying direction of the paper sheet inserted from the insertion opening using the elastic force exerted by the elastic deformation parts. The straightening elements are arranged at positions on both sides of the insertion opening in the width direction thereof in line with the paper surface of the paper sheet inserted into the insertion opening and / or at positions facing both sides of the insertion opening in the width direction thereof on the transport path of the paper sheet inserted from the insertion opening.

[0008] Document US 2008 / 0304111 A1 discloses a device for checking a security document, such as a passport or identification card. On the inside of a cover arranged above a document support, there are rows of brushes that run along the insertion direction of the document and are spaced apart from each other transversely to the insertion direction.

[0009] A device for reading a document is also known from document WO 2012 / 039594 A1. For fixing a document to be read on the document support, elastic guides are provided, which are elastically pre-tensioned against the document support. Summary

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for automatically checking a security document and a method for machine reading of a security document for automatic document checking, in which sufficient securing of the security document on the document support is supported even when the security document to be checked is manually inserted or placed on the document support and the document does not have to be held by hand.

[0011] To achieve this, a device for automatically checking a security document and a method for mechanically reading a security document for automatic document verification are provided according to independent claims 1 and 8. Embodiments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0012] The security device with the security elements provided on the inside of the cover, in particular a lid enclosed therein, ensures that the security document to be read is secured on the document support or tray after manual insertion through the insertion opening for subsequent reading (scanning process). The user of the device is not forced to hold the document with their hand and press it against the document support when the security document is being scanned; they can optionally do this additionally. The security document is fixed to the document support in a simple and secure manner.

[0013] The automatic testing device can be designed as a portable or desktop device. It can also be used in a terminal unit designed to be integrated into a test terminal.

[0014] Any security documents can be automatically checked or verified, in particular identification documents, ID cards, passports, driving licenses, certificates or other security-relevant documents.

[0015] The security elements can be configured to elastically deform when moved from the initial position to the secure position. For example, the security elements can elastically bend and / or be elastically compressed when the security document is manually inserted through the insertion opening. For this purpose, the security elements can be made of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber or plastic. When the security document is removed from the document support, the security elements automatically return to their initial position.

[0016] In the secured position, the security elements can be arranged so that they prevent the security document from being pulled out through the insertion opening, so that a securing force must be overcome to manually remove the security document. The security elements are placed in a secured position from which they can only be returned to their original position after the securing force has been overcome. For example, this may require pivoting the security elements out of their original position, which can occur when manually pulling out the security document against the securing force.

[0017] The securing elements have brush elements that protrude from the cover toward the document support. The brush elements can be formed with a base body (brush base) made of plastic, metal, or wood, for example, on which a brush trim with brushes is provided. Natural and / or synthetic fibers can be used for the brush trim, for example.

[0018] The brush elements are arranged in one or more rows of brushes. The one or more rows of brushes can be provided with a continuous or intermittent brush trim. Alternatively or in addition to providing one or more rows of brushes, the brush elements can be provided with a flat (two-dimensional) brush trim.

[0019] At least one row of brushes runs perpendicular to the insertion direction. Additional rows of brushes can be provided that run diagonally to the insertion direction or essentially parallel to the insertion direction. A combination of differently aligned rows of brushes can be provided.

[0020] At least some of the brush elements can be angled in the secure position, counter to the insertion direction. When the security document is inserted through the insertion opening, the security document presses against the brushes, causing the ends of the brushes closest to the document support to shift in the insertion direction, thereby slanting the brushes of the brush elements.

[0021] In the initial position of the document support, opposite end sections of the securing elements can be arranged at a distance from the document support. The distance between the surface of the document support and the opposite end sections of the securing elements, for example, the brushes, can be, for example, between approximately 0.5 and approximately 2 mm, alternatively between approximately 0.5 and 1.5 mm, for example, approximately 1 mm. This prevents, for example, paper documents being inserted from being accidentally bent when they come into contact with the securing elements during manual insertion.

[0022] The securing elements can be detachably mounted on the cover, for example, the brush base with the brushes arranged thereon. The detachable mounting of the securing elements on the cover enables, for example, replacement when worn. The cover can also be configured for different applications by mounting a suitable design of securing elements for a desired application. For example, securing elements can be used in which the distance between the end sections and the document support is different. If brush elements are used, brushes with different degrees of hardness can be used, which can be provided, for example, using fiber elements of different diameters.

[0023] The cover can be detachably mounted to the housing. The detachable mounting of the cover to the housing can be achieved, for example, by means of a magnetic fastening device and / or a mechanical fastening device, for example, using a bayonet lock. A magnetic connection has the advantage in this context that, to remove the cover, the magnetic force provided by the magnetic connection must first be overcome, but the cover can then be easily removed from the housing.

[0024] Regardless of whether the cover is mounted on the housing detachably or non-detachably, it can be provided that the cover on the housing is displaceable between a closed position, in which the cover is arranged opposite the document support and at least partially covers it, and an open position, in which the document support is not covered. For example, the displacement between the different positions can be carried out by pivoting the cover. The cover can be removably fixed in the closed position, for example by means of a magnetic fastening device and / or a mechanical fastening device, for example using a bayonet lock. A magnetic connection has inIn this context, the advantage is that in order to move the cover into the open position, the magnetic force provided by the magnetic connection must first be overcome, but the cover can then be moved easily.

[0025] Fixing and / or mounting the cover to the housing can be provided independently of the security device for a device for automatically checking a security document. In this case, a device for automatically checking a security document can be created with a housing; a reading and checking device arranged in the housing and configured to read and check a security document by scanning; a document support arranged on the housing such that the security document placed on the document support can be read by the reading and checking device through a viewing window of the document support; a cover arranged on the housing and configured to at least partially cover the document support; an insertion opening formed on the cover and through which the security document can be placed on the document support;a first magnet arranged in the cover and a second magnet arranged in the housing, wherein the first and second magnets are arranged such that a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnets enables the cover to be fixed and / or mounted on the housing;

[0026] In connection with the insertion opening on the cover, it can be provided that this is designed as a slotted opening. An opening arranged on the cover for forming the insertion opening can be open towards the document support, so that in this design, when the cover is arranged opposite the document support, the insertion opening is delimited on one side by the surface of the document support. This makes it possible to place the security document in front of and in the area of ​​the insertion opening on the document support or the cover surface of the housing and then to insert the security document through the insertion opening towards the area of ​​the document support, with the security document sliding or gliding on the document support. In an alternative embodiment, the opening for the insertion opening can be formed all the way around by the wall of the cover.

[0027] In connection with the method for machine reading of a security document for automatic document verification, the embodiments described above in connection with the device can be provided accordingly, Description of implementation examples

[0028] Further embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of a drawing. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a section of a device for automatically checking a security document, Fig. 2 a schematic view of functional components for the device from Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a section of another device for automatically checking a security document,

[0029] Fig. 1shows a schematic perspective view of a device for automatically checking a security document, which is designed, for example, as a handheld or desktop device. A document support 3, for example, with a viewing window, is formed on a housing 1 in the region of a cover surface 2, so that a reading and checking device arranged in the housing 1 can optically read or scan a security document (not shown) placed on the document support 3 through the viewing window. Methods for reading the security document and evaluating the electronic data obtained thereby for checking or verifying the security document are known as such in various embodiments.

[0030] According to Fig. 1The document support 3 is covered, at least in sections, with a cover 4 having a lid 5 with a central wall section 5a and side wall sections 5b, 5c angled laterally relative thereto. An insertion opening 6 is formed on the lid 5, through which the security document to be checked or verified can be inserted. The insertion takes place against brush elements 7 of a security device 8, in which the brush elements 7 are formed with brushes 7a arranged on a respective brush base or receptacle 7b. The brushes 7a can be made, for example, of natural fibers or plastic fibers.

[0031] The brushes 7a protrude from the brush base 7b toward the document support 3 and, in the embodiment shown, are oriented upright. A gap 10 is formed between one end 9 of the brushes 7a and the surface of the document support 3, which gap is, for example, approximately 0.5 to 2 mm, for example, approximately 1 mm. This makes it possible to insert paper security documents through the insertion opening 6 without the paper becoming bent.

[0032] Due to the insertion of the security document, the brushes 7a are positioned at an angle to the insertion direction and secure the security document on the document support 3 when it is read.

[0033] The brush elements 7 can be detachably mounted on the underside of the cover 4 on the lid 5, so that brush elements 7 of different designs, for example with different lengths of the brushes 7a, can be arranged on the cover 4. This also enables replacement in the event of wear.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the cover 5 of the cover 4 is pivotally mounted on the housing 1 and can thus be removed from the Fig. 1 shown position into an open position (not shown), in which the document support 3 is released. It can be provided that the lid 5 of the cover 4 is detachably mounted on the housing 1, for example by means of mutually associated magnetic elements on the lid 5 on the one hand and the housing 1 on the other.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of functional components of the device from Fig. 1. A reading and checking device 20 is arranged in the housing 1. This device is configured to read the security document 21 placed on the document support 3 by scanning and to evaluate the electronic data obtained in this way in order to check or verify the security document. It can be provided that the data evaluation taking place here is carried out exclusively locally, i.e., by means of functional components in the housing 1. Alternatively, data can be exchanged with a remote database 23 via a wireless interface 22. In this way, for example, comparison data can be provided in order to compare it with security features on the security document.

[0036] The Fig. 3shows a schematic representation of another device for automatically checking a security document. In the embodiment shown, the cover 5 of the cover 4 is pivotally mounted on the housing 1 and can thus be removed from the Fig. 1 shown position into an open position (not shown) in which the document support 3 is released. InIn an area 30 of the device, mutually associated magnets (not shown) are arranged in a stop bar 31 and the cover 5. The attractive force of the magnets holds the cover 5 in a closed position. The cover 5 can be pivoted or displaced into the open position against the attractive force of the magnets. In this way, it can be possible for the security device 8 to press against an inserted security document to be checked when the cover 5 is arranged in the closed position and for the security device 8 not to press against a security document to be checked when the cover 5 is in the open position.

[0037] The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings may be important for the realization of the various embodiments both individually and in any combination. List of reference symbols

[0038] 1 Housing 2 Top surface 3 Document support 4 Cover 5 Lid 5a Middle wall section 5b, 5c Side wall sections 6 Insertion opening 7 Brush elements 7a Brushes 7b Brush base or receptacle 8 Securing device 9 End 10 Clearance 20 Read and test device 21 Security document 22 Interface 23 Database 30 Area 31 Stop bar

Claims

1. A device for the automatic inspection of a security document, comprising: - a housing (1); - a reading and inspection unit which is arranged within the housing (1) and is configured to read and inspect a security document by means of scanning; - a document support (3) which is arranged on the housing (1) in such a manner that the security document placed on the document support (3) is readable by the reading and inspection unit through a viewing window of the document support (3); - a cover (4) which is arranged on the housing (1) and is configured to cover the document support (3) at least partially; - an insertion opening (6) which is formed on the cover (4) and through which the security document can be arranged on the document support (3); and - a securing device (8) which is arranged on the cover (4) behind the insertion opening (6) in the insertion direction and opposite the document support (3) and which comprises securing elements which, - when the security document is manually inserted through the insertion opening (6), are displaced by the security document, against a prestress applied by the securing elements, from an initial position into a securing position in which the securing elements press the security document arranged on the document support (3) against the document support, in such a manner that the securing device (8) ensures that the security document to be read is secured on the document support (3) following manual insertion through the insertion opening (6) for subsequent reading; and - comprise brush elements (7) projecting from the cover (4) towards the document support (3), which are arranged in one or more rows of brushes; characterized in that at least one row of brushes runs transversely to the insertion direction (6).

2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the securing elements are configured to elastically deform when being displaced from the initial position into the securing position.

3. The device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the securing position, the securing elements are arranged to oppose removal of the security document through the insertion opening (6), in such a manner that a securing force must be overcome in order to manually withdraw the security document.

4. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the brush elements (7) are inclined in the securing position against the insertion direction.

5. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the initial position, end sections of the securing elements lying opposite the document support (3) are arranged spaced apart from the document support.

6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing elements are removably arranged on the cover (4).

7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (4) is removably mounted on the housing (1).

8. A method for machine reading of a security document for automatic document inspection, comprising: - providing a device for the automatic inspection of a security document in which the following is provided: - a housing (1); - a reading and inspection unit which is arranged within the housing (1) and is configured to read and inspect a security document by means of scanning; - a document support (3) which is arranged on the housing (1); - a cover (4) which is arranged on the housing (1) and is configured to cover the document support (3) at least partially; - an insertion opening (6) which is formed on the cover (4) and - a securing device (8) which is arranged on the cover (4) behind the insertion opening (6) in the insertion direction and opposite the document support (3) and comprises securing elements which have brush elements (7) projecting from the cover (4) towards the document support (3), which brush elements are arranged in one or more rows of brushes, wherein at least one row of brushes runs transversely to the insertion direction (6); - manually inserting the security document through the insertion opening (6) for placement on the document support (3), wherein the securing elements are thereby displaced by the security document, against a prestress applied by the securing elements, from an initial position into a securing position in which the securing elements press the security document arranged on the document support (3) against the document support; and - reading the security document placed on the document support (3) by means of the reading and inspection unit through a viewing window of the document support (3), wherein the securing device (8) ensures that the security document placed on the document support (3) is secured on the document support (3) after manual insertion through the insertion opening (6).