Method for securing an object of value

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for securing an object of value, comprising steps of: - producing a set of at least one first digital electromagnetic acquisition of said object in visible light, - digitally signing the first electromagnetic acquisition, - storing the signed first electromagnetic acquisition in a contactless electronic chip that comprises an identifier, - rigidly connecting together the object of value and a case that comprises an identifier, the electronic chip being rigidly connected to the object of value or the case.

Description

[0001] Process for securing a valuable object.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of securing valuable objects.

[0003] In the context of the present invention, the term “object of value” is considered in particular to mean any appropriable and authenticatable object, preferably whose market value is subject to a market.

[0004] For example, a valuable object is a coin, especially a historical one or one produced in limited quantities, a substantially flat piece of jewelry, a playing card, a material medium including a video game, a figurine, a document, papyrus, etc.

[0005] Preferably, the valuable object may be encapsulated, i.e. secured to a secure packaging or case, such that the object loses its value if the packaging or case is opened or at least partially destroyed.

[0006] For brevity, only the example in which the valuable object is a collectible coin encapsulated in a numismatic case will be described here.

[0007] Today, there are various solutions for securing valuables.

[0008] For example, there are systems for marking objects, such as labels or engraving. However, it is not always possible or desirable to affix a label to a valuable object. Engraving an identifier on it, for example, can be damaging.

[0009] There are also electronic chip systems, including GPS, that allow the object to be geographically located. However, these solutions often require compromising the object's integrity and do not necessarily allow its authenticity to be verified.

[0010] As described later, the present invention not only allows the valuable object to be authenticated and certified, but also allows successive owners of said valuable object to be authenticated, thus certifying a transfer of ownership thereof.

[0011] According to a first of its objects, the invention relates to a method for securing a valuable object, comprising steps consisting of:

[0012] Carry out a set of at least one first electromagnetic acquisition of said object, in a first spectral band,

[0013] Digitally sign the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0014] Store the first signed electromagnetic acquisition in a contactless electronic chip which includes an identifier, Secure the valuable object and a case which includes an identifier, the electronic chip being secured to said valuable object or said case.

[0015] In addition, steps can be planned consisting of:

[0016] Making at least one predetermined mark on the valuable object with an ink that is visible in a second spectral band different from the first spectral band,

[0017] Carry out a set of at least one second electromagnetic acquisition of said valuable object, in the second spectral band, so that the predetermined mark is observable on the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0018] Digitally sign the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0019] Store the second signed electromagnetic acquisition in the electronic chip.

[0020] In addition, steps can be planned consisting of:

[0021] Create a hologram on the valuable object, or attach a hologram to the valuable object or the case,

[0022] Create a set of at least one digital imprint of said hologram,

[0023] Digitally sign said digital fingerprint,

[0024] Store said signed digital fingerprint in the electronic chip.

[0025] It may be provided that the step of securing the valuable object and a case comprises encapsulating said valuable object in said case.

[0026] In addition, steps can be planned consisting of:

[0027] - attach a certificate of the valuable object to the case.

[0028] We can also provide a step consisting of:

[0029] - enrolling the owner of the valuable object in a remote identity verification system. It is further possible to provide steps consisting of making a digital fingerprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition of the owner of the valuable object and storing said digital fingerprint in or on at least one of:

[0030] - the electronic chip,

[0031] - the case,

[0032] - the valuable object itself,

[0033] - a database, said database also comprising data relating to said owner and a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and said data relating to said owner.

[0034] In particular in this case, the first electromagnetic acquisition may be a digital photograph.

[0035] It is also possible to provide steps consisting of producing a digital imprint of at least one of:

[0036] - the first electromagnetic acquisition, and

[0037] - the second electromagnetic acquisition; and storing said digital fingerprint in or on at least one of:

[0038] - the electronic chip,

[0039] - the case,

[0040] - the valuable object,

[0041] - a database, said database also comprising a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and at least the identifier of the electronic chip.

[0042] It is also possible to provide steps consisting of recording in a database at least one of the data among:

[0043] - the electronic chip identifier; - the case identifier;

[0044] - the first electromagnetic acquisition;

[0045] - the second electromagnetic acquisition;

[0046] - a history of transactions relating to the valuable object;

[0047] - data relating to the identity of the owner;

[0048] - data relating to said certificate;

[0049] - data relating to said valuable object.

[0050] In addition, steps can be planned consisting of:

[0051] - block sign at least one of said recorded data, and

[0052] - record in a blockchain at least one of:

[0053] - said signed block,

[0054] - said block signature of said recorded data,

[0055] - the digital fingerprint of a digital photograph of the owner,

[0056] - the digital fingerprint of an identity document of the owner,

[0057] - the digital fingerprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0058] - the digital fingerprint of the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0059] - the digital signature of the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0060] - the digital signature of the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0061] - a transaction between two successive owners.

[0062] According to another of its objects, the invention relates to a method for verifying the authenticity of a secure valuable object according to the invention, comprising steps consisting of:

[0063] - verify the identity of the owner of the valuable object by the remote identity verification system, - access at least one block of the blockchain based on the digital fingerprint of a digital photograph of the owner, or the digital fingerprint of an identity document of the owner, and

[0064] - check the recorded data of said block.

[0065] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example.

[0066] - Detailed description -

[0067] For brevity, only the case where a valuable object is a coin, in particular a collector's coin, a medal or a medallion will be described here. As stated at the beginning of the description, this example is purely illustrative and the valuable object should be understood to mean any object that can be sealed in a securely closed case, for example encapsulation in a heat-sealed capsule.

[0068] In this case, the valuable object is sealed, encapsulated in a coin case, so that the value of the object is altered if the coin case itself is altered.

[0069] Typically, the coin case, known for example at https: / / www.leuchtturm.fr / capsules-everslab.html or https: / / www.pcgs.com / news / rarely-seen-unadopted-pattern-coins-china, can be provided with a certificate. In particular, a certificate of authenticity of the valuable object can be provided. Preferably, the certificate is attached to the case. For example, the certificate is issued by a first authority, typically a grader.

[0070] Each dimmer has a digital signature key, the dimmer-key pair is recorded in a database.

[0071] The case includes an identifier, preferably unique, for example a serial number. The identifier is integral with the case, for example the identifier is engraved on it.

[0072] * First electromagnetic acquisition *

[0073] According to the invention, it is planned to carry out a set of at least one first electromagnetic acquisition in a first spectral band of the valuable object.

[0074] In this case, the first electromagnetic acquisition is implemented by non-invasive electromagnetic waves.

[0075] The first spectral band is, for example, the visible spectral band, an infrared spectral band, or one of the spectral bands among UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. In the case of an infrared spectral band, the temperature is known and stored in a memory, so that this temperature can be reproduced during a subsequent verification step.

[0076] For example, the set of at least one first electromagnetic acquisition is taken by an authority, typically the dimmer or transmitter / manufacturer of the valuable object.

[0077] For example, the first electromagnetic acquisition is a frontal photograph of the valuable object. Other photographs can be taken from different angles, including the valuable object seen from the back.

[0078] The case is advantageously transparent. It can indeed be foreseen that the first electromagnetic acquisition is a photograph of the valuable object taken in isolation, or inserted in the case.

[0079] It can be expected that at least one first photograph is in high resolution.

[0080] It is also possible to provide for an initial electromagnetic acquisition in the form of laser profilometry, or an initial electromagnetic acquisition in the form of three-dimensional remote sensing, in this case by LIDAR, of at least one face of the valuable object.

[0081] Advantageously, it is provided that the whole of at least one first electromagnetic acquisition is digitally signed, in this case by an authority, typically the dimmer or the transmitter / manufacturer of the valuable object.

[0082] Obviously, a combination of the previous technologies can be provided, so that the set of at least a first electromagnetic acquisition includes at least one of: a digital photograph, a laser profilometry and a LiDAR image.

[0083] The set of at least one first electromagnetic acquisition, digitally signed, is recorded in a memory of an electronic chip.

[0084] The electronic chip is contactless readable / writable and includes a unique identifier.

[0085] Preferably, the case ID and the chip ID are the same. If they are different, a correspondence between these IDs is provided, for example in a database.

[0086] The plan is then to secure the electronic chip and the case. Alternatively, the plan can be to secure the electronic chip and the valuable object.

[0087] So, we have the electronic chip, the case and the valuable object, all interdependent. We can plan to secure the interconnection, for example with a security label that is at least partially destroyed in the event of separation, or fraudulent opening of the case.

[0088] It is also possible to provide for the creation of a digital imprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition and to store said digital imprint in or on at least one of:

[0089] - the electronic chip,

[0090] - the case,

[0091] - the valuable object,

[0092] - a database described later, said database also comprising a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and at least the identifier of the electronic chip.

[0093] For example, the digital imprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition, in the form of a photograph, is implemented according to the method described in application FR3091610.

[0094] * Second electromagnetic acquisition *

[0095] A predetermined mark can be made on the object with an ink that is visible in a second spectral band different from the first spectral band, in this case with a UV ink. The advantage of a UV ink is that it is less sensitive to temperature than an IR ink.

[0096] The predetermined mark may be of any recognizable type. For example, the predetermined mark is a seal of the authority representing the authenticity of the first electromagnetic acquisition or the second electromagnetic acquisition. The predetermined mark may also be an identifier, a logo, etc.

[0097] The position of the predetermined mark can be predetermined or random on the valuable object.

[0098] Once the predetermined mark has been affixed, a set of at least one second digital electromagnetic acquisition of the valuable object is carried out in the spectral band of the invisible ink, so that the predetermined mark is observable on the second electromagnetic acquisition.

[0099] The set of at least one second electromagnetic acquisition is advantageously taken by an authority, typically the dimmer or the transmitter / manufacturer of the valuable object. The authority in charge of the second electromagnetic acquisition may therefore be the same as the authority in charge of the first electromagnetic acquisition, but not necessarily.

[0100] For example, the second electromagnetic acquisition is a frontal photograph of the valuable object. Other photographs may be taken from different angles, including those of the valuable object seen from the back, provided that a predetermined mark is visible on them.

[0101] Obviously, by "a" predetermined mark, we mean a set of at least one predetermined mark. For example, for an object such as a coin, we can provide a first predetermined mark in UV ink on the front side of the coin and a second predetermined mark in UV ink on the back side of the coin. The first predetermined mark and the second predetermined mark can be the same or different.

[0102] It can be expected that at least one second photograph is in high resolution.

[0103] Advantageously, it is provided that the whole of at least one second electromagnetic acquisition is digitally signed, in this case by an authority, typically the dimmer or the transmitter / manufacturer of the valuable object.

[0104] The set of at least one second electromagnetic acquisition, digitally signed, is recorded in a memory of an electronic chip.

[0105] It is also possible to provide for the creation of a digital imprint of the second electromagnetic acquisition and to store said digital imprint in or on at least one of:

[0106] - the electronic chip,

[0107] - the case,

[0108] - the valuable object,

[0109] - a database described later, said database also comprising a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and at least the identifier of the electronic chip.

[0110] For example, the digital imprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition, in the form of a photograph, is implemented according to the method described in application FR3091610.

[0111] Hologram A hologram can be produced on the valuable object, for example by embossing it with a punch or with a laser.

[0112] Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the attachment of a hologram and the valuable object, for example in the form of a label, preferably secure, at least partially destructible.

[0113] It is then planned to produce a set of at least one digital fingerprint of said hologram, then to digitally sign said digital fingerprint, and to store said signed digital fingerprint in the electronic chip.

[0114] For example, the digital fingerprint of said hologram is determined as described in application WO2021 / 255069.

[0115] * E-KYC *

[0116] Preferably, it is planned to enroll the owner of the valuable object in a remote identity verification system.

[0117] For example, the remote identity verification system complies with the conditions of the reference framework described at the following address: https: / / www.ssi.gouv.fr / actualite / publication-du- referentiel-dexiges-applicables-aux-prestataires-de-verification-didentite-a-distance-pvid /

[0118] This enrollment is implemented later, by the owner of the valuable object, to access the blockchain described later.

[0119] The remote identity verification system allows the owner of the valuable item to be authenticated when they stand in front of a camera.

[0120] Whether for enrollment or independently of it, it is planned to take a digital photograph of the owner of the valuable object.

[0121] From this portrait, it is planned to create a digital imprint of the digital photograph of the owner of the valuable object, or, after verification of the owner's portrait with one of his identity documents, of said identity document.

[0122] The digital fingerprint can be produced by any known means, and in particular by the process described in application FR3088457 or that known under the trademark Photometrix, filed by Surys.

[0123] If the owner of the valuable object is a legal entity, a digital fingerprint of the digital photograph of a legal representative of the legal entity, or of one of its identity documents, may be provided. The digital fingerprint is stored in or on at least one of:

[0124] - the electronic chip,

[0125] - the case,

[0126] - the valuable object, and

[0127] - a database, said database also comprising data relating to said owner and a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and said data relating to said owner

[0128] For example, the digital fingerprint of the digital photograph of the owner of the valuable item may be the predetermined UV ink mark seen previously.

[0129] Beyond the physical security described above, digital elements are also provided. The present invention is therefore a phygital solution.

[0130] For this purpose, it is planned to record in a database at least one of the following data:

[0131] - the electronic chip identifier;

[0132] - the case identifier;

[0133] - the first electromagnetic acquisition;

[0134] - the second electromagnetic acquisition;

[0135] - a history of transactions relating to the valuable object;

[0136] - data relating to the identity of the owner;

[0137] - data relating to said certificate;

[0138] - data relating to the said valuable object, for example a batch number.

[0139] Typically this data is recorded in a database called a “sidechain”.

[0140] Advantageously, a distributed database is also provided in the form of a block chain, or "blockchain" in English, in this case private.

[0141] Blockchain allows for the secure, virtually unalterable storage of information about the certificate, the case (via the chip), and the successive owners of the valuable object. The sidechain is an extension of the chain attached to the blockchain, which alleviates the cumbersome tasks of the blockchain.

[0142] We can plan steps consisting of:

[0143] - block sign at least one of said recorded data, and

[0144] - record in a blockchain at least one of:

[0145] - said signed block,

[0146] - said block signature of said recorded data,

[0147] - the digital fingerprint of a digital electromagnetic acquisition of the owner,

[0148] - the digital fingerprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0149] - the digital fingerprint of the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0150] - the digital signature of the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0151] - the digital signature of the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0152] - a transaction between two successive owners.

[0153] However, advantageously, the blockchain includes at least, or even only, the signature(s) of the sidechain data.

[0154] Thus, each block in the blockchain can include at least the signature of one of the following data:

[0155] - the electronic chip identifier;

[0156] - the case identifier;

[0157] - the first electromagnetic acquisition;

[0158] - the second electromagnetic acquisition;

[0159] - a history of transactions relating to the valuable object;

[0160] - data relating to the identity of the owner;

[0161] - data relating to said certificate;

[0162] - data relating to the said valuable object, for example a batch number;

[0163] - said block signature of said recorded data,

[0164] - the digital fingerprint of a digital photograph of the owner, - the digital fingerprint of an identity document of the owner,

[0165] - the digital fingerprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0166] - the digital fingerprint of the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0167] - the digital signature of the first electromagnetic acquisition,

[0168] - the digital signature of the second electromagnetic acquisition,

[0169] - a transaction between two successive owners.

[0170] The signature of this data, stored in the blockchain, makes it possible to certify that the said data, stored in the side chain, has not been falsified.

[0171] Thanks to the present invention, the authenticity of the valuable object can be proven by a triple link object-certificate-case; and ensure:

[0172] - that the said object is authentic and corresponds to the certificate,

[0173] - that the certificate is authentic; and

[0174] - that the owner of said object is legitimate, including with a transfer of ownership.

[0175] In case of transfer of ownership, this transfer is recorded in the blockchain, by signing the transaction between the 1st owner (seller) and the 2nd owner (buyer), optionally including the amount of the transaction.

[0176] Successive owners may or may not be anonymous. If they are anonymous in the blockchain, then there is another database (register), including, for each owner, a correspondence between the digital fingerprint of a digital photograph of the said owner of the valuable object, and personal data of the said owner.

[0177] In the blockchain, each block is identified by a unique respective address.

[0178] In the sidechain, there are two addresses, a first address which corresponds to an address for the sidechain and a second address which corresponds to an address for the blockchain.

[0179] The first address points to the sidechain data. The second address points to a signature in the blockchain's signature chain. The second address is stored as metadata, for example.

[0180] To verify the authenticity of a valuable object, the owner of the valuable object, or a representative of the owner, transmits the address, known as the verification address, of a specific block in the blockchain to a verifier, for example a buyer or a representative of the buyer. Verification consists of checking whether the signature of the blockchain corresponds to the block in the sidechain.

[0181] The content of the side chain block can of course be encoded by any known means / protocol (Json, XML, etc.). In this case, a semantic or syntactic analyzer is provided to decode the content of said block.

[0182] Reading in the side chain of the information pointed to by the address above, then decoding according to a defined protocol (JSON, XML, etc.) which makes it possible to assemble a message, of which we verify that the signature corresponds to the correct message and to the correct signatory (public key). Non-limiting example of implementation:

[0183] A coin or medal manufacturer issues a batch of coins. Data related to the batch, such as the batch number, metal used for manufacturing, date of manufacture, etc., are recorded on a sidechain. Subsequently, each coin in the batch is placed in a respective case and the corresponding data is signed, which are recorded on the blockchain. The corresponding block number on the blockchain can then be referenced to ensure the coin's authenticity.

Claims

Claims 1. Method for securing a valuable object, comprising steps consisting of: Carrying out a set of at least one first electromagnetic acquisition of said object in a first spectral band, Digitally sign the first electromagnetic acquisition, Store the first signed electromagnetic acquisition in a contactless electronic chip which includes an identifier, Secure the valuable object and a case which includes an identifier, the electronic chip being secured to said valuable object or said case.

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising steps of: Making at least one predetermined mark on the valuable object, with an ink which is visible in a second spectral band different from the first spectral band, Carry out a set of at least one second electromagnetic acquisition of said valuable object, in the second spectral band, so that the predetermined mark is observable on the second electromagnetic acquisition, Digitally sign the second electromagnetic acquisition, Store the second signed electromagnetic acquisition in the electronic chip.

3. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising steps of: Create a hologram on the valuable object, or attach a hologram to the valuable object or the case, Create a set of at least one digital imprint of said hologram, Digitally sign said digital imprint, Store said signed digital fingerprint in the electronic chip.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of securing the valuable object and a case comprises encapsulating said valuable object in said case.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising steps of: - attach a certificate of the valuable object to the case. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising a step of: - enrolling the owner of the valuable object in a remote identity verification system. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising steps of making a digital fingerprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition of the owner of the valuable object and storing said digital fingerprint in or on at least one of: - the electronic chip, - the case, - the valuable object itself, - a database, said database also comprising data relating to said owner and a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and said data relating to said owner. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising steps of producing a digital fingerprint of at least one of: - the first electromagnetic acquisition, and - the second electromagnetic acquisition; and storing said digital fingerprint in or on at least one of: - the electronic chip, - the case, - the valuable object, - a database, said database also comprising a correspondence between said digital fingerprint and at least the identifier of the electronic chip. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising steps of recording in a database at least one of the data among: - the electronic chip identifier; - the case identifier; - the first electromagnetic acquisition; - the second electromagnetic acquisition; - a history of transactions relating to the valuable object; - data relating to the identity of the owner; - data relating to said certificate; - data relating to said valuable object. Method according to claim 9, further comprising steps consisting of: - block sign at least one of said recorded data, and - record in a blockchain the signature of at least one of: - said signed block, - said block signature of said recorded data, - the digital fingerprint of a digital photograph of the owner, - the digital fingerprint of an identity document of the owner, - the digital fingerprint of the first electromagnetic acquisition, - the digital fingerprint of the second electromagnetic acquisition, - the digital signature of the first electromagnetic acquisition, - the digital signature of the second electromagnetic acquisition, - a transaction between two successive owners. Method for verifying the authenticity of a secure valuable object according to claim 10, comprising steps consisting of: - verify the identity of the owner of the valuable object by the remote identity verification system, - access at least one block of the blockchain by the digital fingerprint of a digital photograph of the owner, or the digital fingerprint of an identity document of the owner; and - check the recorded data of said block.