Authentication device

Abstract

The invention relates to an authentication device (1) for an information vehicle (2) configured to encapsulate at least one piece of data relating to a product or a person. The authentication device (1) comprises an area, referred to as the authentication zone (4). The authentication zone (4) comprises at least one layer (7) equipped with said information vehicle (2) and an optically variable element (6) exhibiting a variation between a first appearance and a second appearance such that, in a first state, the authentication zone (4) and / or the information vehicle (2) exhibits the first appearance and, in a second state, the authentication zone (4) and / or the information vehicle (2) exhibits the second appearance. The switch between the first and second appearances is effected by a variation according to the viewing angle, lighting, or a physicochemical stimulus. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: [Authentication device] Previous technique

[0001] Nowadays, more and more information is exchanged via information vehicles, through a multitude of channels and media, much of which is insecure or only slightly secure. For example, QR codes, which are matrix symbols capable of encapsulating data, can be used. They can simply provide access to a URL that redirects the user to a web page. However, the data embedded in the QR code can also be more sensitive, such as biometric data. It is therefore essential to ensure the security of this information.

[0002] It has also become essential to prove one's identity during electronic exchanges between citizens, government agencies, and businesses, especially given the constant increase in identity theft. However, the processes known to date have security flaws that need to be addressed.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a device and authentication method that improves the reliability of information vehicles, such as QR codes. Summary This disclosure improves the situation.

[0004] An authentication device for an information vehicle is proposed, configured to encapsulate at least one piece of data relating to a product or a person, the authentication device comprising an area, called the authentication zone, equipped with said information vehicle and an optically variable element which presents a variation between a first appearance and a second appearance such that, in a first state, the authentication zone and / or the information vehicle presents the first appearance and that, in a second state, the authentication zone and / or the information vehicle presents the second appearance, a switch between the first appearance and the second appearance being effected by a variation according to the angle of view, lighting or a physico-chemical stimulus.

[0005] A method for authenticating an information vehicle of an authentication device as described above is also proposed, the method comprising the following steps: - application of a variation in the viewing angle, lighting, or a physicochemical stimulus to the authentication device so as to switch the information vehicle from the first state to the second state, - reading of said at least one piece of information encapsulated by the information vehicle, - comparison of said at least one piece of information read with a reference piece of information.

[0006] Thus, the device and method according to the present invention ensure strong authentication, whether remotely (using a mobile phone, a webcam, a tablet, etc.) or face-to-face via a reading device or not.

[0007] More broadly, the device and method according to the present invention allow strong phygital authentication of a secure personalized element integrating data, authorizing a data transfer.

[0008] The invention makes it possible to combine physical, digital, or even physical, digital, and biometric authentication. Once this authentication is guaranteed, data transfer can proceed securely.

[0009] Moreover, it is noted that the process according to the present invention can comply with the GDPR, the data not being stored remotely but encapsulated.

[0010] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an authentication device for an information vehicle configured to encapsulate at least one piece of data relating to a product or a person, the authentication device comprising a support having an area, called the authentication area, the authentication area comprising at least one layer equipped with said information vehicle and an optically variable element exhibiting a color change between a first color and a second color such that, in a first state, the information vehicle presents the first color and, in a second state, the information vehicle presents the second color, a color switch between the first color and the second color being effected by a physico-chemical stimulus.

[0011] According to another aspect, the optically variable element comprises one or more fluorescent compound(s) of the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes family and / or of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdks) family.

[0012] According to another aspect, the compound(s) of the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3α,4α-diaza-s-indacenes family are chosen from those of formula I: in which, R 1 is C6 Cl alkyl, C5 C6 cycloalkyl, C5 C6 heteroalkyl, phenyl, said phenyl group being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C2 Cl alkyl, hydroxy, COO and halogen; R2 and R2 are independently chosen from hydrogen and alkyl in Cl to C2; R3 and R3 are independently chosen from hydrogen and alkyl in Cl to C3; R4 and R4 are independently selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, said aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkyl and alkenyl being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C3 Cl alkyl, aryl, hydroxy and ferrocene, said aryl group being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from aryl, C2 Cl alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, dimethylamino, nitro, said aryl being optionally substituted by a C2 Cl alkyl group; R 5 is alkyl in Cl to C4 or alkenyl in C2 to C4.

[0013] According to another aspect, the compound(s) of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdks) family are chosen from those of formula II: \ / F (II) CT X) R1----L1 L2---R2 R3 in which, L1 is an unsaturated or non-existent aliphatic chain, L2 is an unsaturated or non-existent aliphatic chain, R1 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group, R2 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group, and R3 is chosen from hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group.

[0014] According to another aspect, the information vehicle is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, known as a QR code, or a bank account identifier, or an identifier of a manufactured or food product, or a photograph.

[0015] According to another aspect, the physico-chemical stimulus is light irradiation, a change in temperature or pressure, or a modification of a observation condition such as an angle of incidence of observation of the authentication device.

[0016] According to another aspect, the process includes a step of exchanging information subsequent to the application, reading and comparison steps if the outcomes of these steps conform to an expectation.

[0017] The invention also relates to the use of the process as described above to authorize authentication on social networks and more generally on the internet, and / or to carry out a financial transaction.

[0018] The invention also relates to a use of the process as described above to allow a transfer of digital data.

[0019] According to another aspect, the use according to the present invention, for example, of the user journey type, comprises a step of presenting a device as described above to an automated or human-assisted reading device, a step of recognizing changes in the appearance of the area, a step of reading the information vehicle, and a step of comparing said information with at least one data item encapsulated in the vehicle. This could be, for example, biometric data or data relating to a product. Thus, the entire chain is validated. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0021] [Fig. 1] shows an exploded perspective view and a front view of an authentication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2

[0022] [Fig.2] shows an exploded perspective view and a front view of a device authentication according to a second variant of the present invention. Fig. 3

[0023] [Fig.3] shows an exploded perspective view and a front view of a device authentication according to a third variant of the present invention. Fig. 4

[0024] [Fig.4] shows a flowchart of an authentication method using a device authentication of the [Fig.1]. Description of the implementation methods

[0025] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1]. As shown in this figure, a device, referenced 1, allows for the authentication of an information vehicle 2.

[0026] By information vehicle, we mean a combination of a physical medium and digital data. By way of non-limiting examples, we may cite: a code a one-dimensional bar, for example for identifying a manufactured or food product, a two-dimensional barcode of the QR code type, for "Quick Response" in English, or, rapid response code, for its translation in French, an alphanumeric code for identifying a bank account or a manufactured or food product, a photograph.

[0027] Preferably, this is a visible electronic seal (VES) capable of integrating biometric data, a VES being a device encapsulating key data, along with their electronic signature, in a two-dimensional code. The electronic signature is advantageously issued by a server of the issuer, which distinguishes it from a personal electronic signature. The benefit of the presence of this electronic seal is to strongly authenticate the issuer of the document, as well as the data that has been signed.

[0028] Preferably, but not exclusively, the digital data of the information vehicle are product data and / or civil status data and / or biometric data and / or photographs and / or fingerprints...

[0029] As can be seen in the figures, the authentication device 1 includes an authentication zone 4 in which the authentication vehicle 2 is located and which is equipped with an optically variable element 6.

[0030] By optically variable element, we mean any element, in particular an image, whose appearance (color and / or design) varies according to the viewing angle or lighting. Examples include elements incorporating high-resolution diffractive structures (DOVID — optically variable diffractive image), holograms, color-changing inks (for example, inks with optically variable properties), or other diffractive or reflective materials. It exhibits a variation between a first appearance and a second appearance depending on a physicochemical stimulus, and will be described in detail later.

[0031] The physico-chemical stimulus, also called stimulation, can be light irradiation, a change in temperature or pressure or a modification of an observation condition (such as the angle of incidence of observation of the element).

[0032] The first state is the configuration of the authentication device 1 in which the authentication zone 4 has the first appearance and the second state is the configuration of the authentication device 1 in which the authentication zone 4 has the second appearance.

[0033] The authentication zone 4 can occupy the entire surface of the device 1 or just a part of it.

[0034] The optically variable element 6 can be in the form of a marked ink or raw material (example: laser engraving, embossing) or an element custom micro-structured (example: patches / strips / holographic films) or any form of combination between these elements.

[0035] In the case of an ink, the information vehicle can be printed on layer 7 using any technology known to those skilled in the art, such as offset, screen printing, or inkjet printing. Personalization is also possible, for example, by laser engraving (shades of gray and / or color). More generally, the information vehicle is suitable for any appropriate technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0036] We now detail three non-limiting variants of the authentication device 1 in which, by way of example, the information vehicle 2 is in the form of a QR code.

[0037] According to the variant of [Fig. 1], the device 1 comprises three superimposed, laminated layers. A layer 7 comprises the QR code 2. An intermediate layer, 8, is formed of secure raw material, i.e., it comprises the optically variable element 6. A third layer 9 forms the support for the device 1. Layers 7 and 9 are arranged on either side of the intermediate layer 8. The authentication zone 4 is the part of the device 1 that comprises the portion of the first layer 7 containing the QR code and the portion of the second layer 8 opposite the QR code.

[0038] According to the variant of [Fig. 2], the device 1 comprises three superimposed, laminated layers. A layer 7 comprises the information vehicle 2 (in the form of a QR code). An intermediate layer, 8, comprises a marking 10 including the optically variable element 6 in the form of an ink. A third layer 9 forms the support for the device 1. Layers 7 and 9 are arranged on either side of the intermediate layer 8. The authentication area 4 is the part of the device 1 that includes the portion of the first layer 7 containing the QR code and the portion of the second layer 8 opposite the QR code.

[0039] According to the variant in [Fig. 3], the device 1 comprises two superimposed, laminated layers. A layer 7 comprises the information vehicle 2 (in the form of a QR code) which includes the optically variable element 6. For example, the QR code is printed using optically variable ink. A layer 9 forms the support for the device 1. The authentication area 4 is the part of the first layer 7 comprising the QR code.

[0040] In the embodiments which will be detailed, the optically variable element comprises a given concentration of an active substance comprising one or more fluorescent compound(s), particularly from the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes family or from the [3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdks) family, detailed later.

[0041] However, the invention is not limited to this type of optically variable element.

[0042] By way of example, it could also be a -chrome, a liquid crystal ink or an optically variable ink of the type also known as color-changing inks

[0043] Preferably, the layer comprising the optically variable element 6 also comprises a polymer in which the compound(s) are incorporated in a polymer, and in particular a polymer matrix constituting the support of the device 1.

[0044] For the remainder of the description the terms "compound(s) 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene(s)", "[3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdks)", and "fluorescent dye(s)" will be used interchangeably.

[0045] It is noted that the active substance can be mixed with one or more types of inks.

[0046] The compounds 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes are fluorescent dyes whose first synthesis was published in 1968 (A. Treibs et al, Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1968, 718, 208). Since then, several other syntheses have been published (e.g., Chem. Eur. J., 2009, 15, 5823; J. Phys. Chem. C, 2009, 113, 11844; Chem. Eur. J., 2011, 17, 3069; J. Phys. Chem. C, 2013, 117, 5373) and many 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes compounds are commercially available, for example from ThermoFisher Scientific (Waltham, MA USA).

[0047] They possess remarkable absorption and emission properties and in particular have relatively narrow excitation and fluorescent emission bands with high quantum yields q> between 0.5 and 1, which makes them highly fluorescent.

[0048] Furthermore, these compounds exhibit good photostability as well as significant thermal stability. Indeed, the fluorescent dyes according to the invention are generally stable up to 300°C. Thanks to this significant thermal stability, these fluorescent dyes can easily be incorporated into polymer matrices in the molten state, and contrary to expectations, the absorption and fluorescence emission performance is not altered by incorporation into a polymer matrix. This good stability allows the compound(s) to be incorporated into a suitable ink, which ensures high resistance to photobleaching, unlike prior art technologies.

[0049] The compounds 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes all possess an absorption band in the visible spectrum, and the color perceived by the naked eye corresponds to the complementary color of the absorbed color. For example, a compound absorbing around 480-490 nm, which corresponds to a green / blue color, will appear to the naked eye in shades of orange / red.

[0050] Regarding fluorescence properties, the compounds of the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene family according to the invention all possess bands Excitation in the Ultra-Violet (UV) and emission bands in the visible. They can therefore be excited, notably by means of a UV lamp emitting between 100 nm and 400 nm, and the fluorescence can be detected with the naked eye.

[0051] Finally, the emission wavelength can be determined using a low-resolution spectrofluorometer or fluorimeter with a single grating (detection by photodiode or photomultiplier tube).

[0052] The 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene compound(s) used in the present invention may be chosen from those of formula I below: R 1 is C6 Cl alkyl, C5 C6 cycloalkyl, C5 C6 heteroalkyl, phenyl, said phenyl group being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C2 Cl alkyl, hydroxy, R SCOO and halogen; R 2 and R 2 are independently selected from hydrogen and C2 Cl alkyl; R3 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen and C3 Cl alkyl; R4 and R4 are independently selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, said aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkyl and alkenyl being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C3 Cl alkyl, aryl, hydroxy and ferrocene, said aryl group being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from aryl, C2 Cl alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, dimethylamino, nitro, said aryl being optionally substituted by a C2 Cl alkyl group; R 5 is alkyl in Cl to C4 or alkenyl in C2 to C4.

[0053] Preferred compounds of formula I are those in which one or more of R1, R2, R2', R3, R3', R4, R4' and R5 are defined as follows: R 1 is a phenyl substituted by one or more groups chosen from methyl, fluoro, hydroxy, acetyl and methacrylate, preferably from methyl, fluoro, hydroxy and acetyl and preferably again from methyl or fluoro; R2 and R2 are independently chosen from hydrogen and a methyl group; R3 and R3 are independently chosen from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl and preferably ethyl; R4 and R4 are independently selected from methyl, vinyl, aryl, heteroaryl, adamantyl, said vinyl and aryl being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from phenyl, alkyl in C2, said phenyl being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from alkyl in C2, hydroxy, bromo, nitro, dimethylamine, preferably R 4 and R 4 are independently selected from methyl, vinyl, phenyl, phenanthracenyl, naphthalenyl, pyrenyl, thiphenyl, benzofuranyl, said vinyl, aryl and naphthalenyl being optionally substituted by one or more methyl, hydrocy, bromo, nitro and dimethylamino; R 5 is methyl or ethenyl.

[0054] Particularly preferred compounds of formula I are those in the table below: No. Fluorescent dye 1 A CÂ3 z A 2 f F2 ' 3 OH HCD —6. w ù, / 4 0 lu Ax k / X / —\\ \—Z / A 5 jik y N ,-Ny F2 MJ ü O 6 F fx m I r / F2 ' 7 jA rAu>r >Z * y / y) iy R = Me, Et, n-Pr 8 O 0 Vn. „NZ 9 0 A. L / \ <n. zNy \ E 10 7 11 / / \\ / x CM jAn- p Q Br Br 12 A Il J n * <a o ô g 13 a av anx^ r 14 j?x r a^j'^ar vn-b^p s'a f2 "s a^       \;a 15 in £ ^ -aya^ xz 16 f f\u^^f h 1 —\\ 00 '^\to 17 f-^ i j fjj çn. -n-- ’ b \ 18 ççnq 19 f \f    1 'f y="n." ,n-~#    b •es     fî 20 f\-ak-f it jn. ,n-~ ? ho                 oh 21 fx^ jt jj"f 'vjyyl \^n. -nj 5="2"            \ oh x)    ft o2n'_^j        xx^n°2 no2      o2n 22 0.....''xj » st. n-pr' 23 « 't t ..>-4*. ....T* SN'T... • • •> sX.. K , - Y • * T. x R « KM®, Si, ri-Fr 24 x X r\X £; jx\ 25 V«s« / x ;7 J'""' ^""T' y. 26 25-^ >"4 z;— '"■ 27 > Z » * '■-'••Z oo w 28 O^l û"7 Fi / ''59 OO* 1O--, 29 ; KJo-X / „00..... & *1 O- CH 32. Z' O--. ..... 2S-1 Z—y 33 B f3 OH ers pcsitton o, m or p 34 0 \s^ ..7 ; 8 \ •' L '■ 35 i / "„ h.....\ \ ? 8 \ ; Fi 36 s' z-?, -"2: 37 J / .....

[0055] For the description of the compounds used in the present invention, the terms and expressions used shall, unless otherwise indicated, be interpreted according to the definitions below.

[0056] The term "halogen" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo. Preferred halogen groups are fluoro and bromo, with fluoro being particularly preferred.

[0057] The term “alkyl” refers to a hydrocarbon radical of formula CnH2n+l, linear or branched, in which n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Preferred alkyl groups are alkyl groups in Cl to C6, linear or branched.

[0058] The term "alkenyl" refers to an unsaturated alkyl group, linear or branched, comprising one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Suitable alkenyl groups comprise from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of alkenyl groups are ethenyl (vinyl), 2-propenyl (allyl), 2-butenyl, and 3-butenyl, with ethenyl and 2-propenyl being preferred.

[0059] The term "cycloalkyl(e)," alone or as part of another group, designates a saturated mono-, di-, or tricyclic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular 5 to 10 carbon atoms, more particularly 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable cycloalkyl radicals include, but are not limited to, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl, and adamantyl, particularly cyclohexyl and adamantyl. Preferred cycloalkyl groups include cyclohexyl, adamant-1-yl, and adamant-2-yl.

[0060] The term "aryl" refers to a polyunsaturated, aromatic, monocyclic (e.g., phenyl) or polycyclic (e.g., naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenantracenyl, pyrenyl) hydrocarbon radical. Preferred aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenantracenyl, and pyrenyl.

[0061] The term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic ring having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms in which at least one carbon atom is replaced by an oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atom or by -NH₃, which nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and which nitrogen atom may optionally be quaternized, or a cyclic system containing 2 to 3 fused rings, each typically containing 5 or 6 atoms, and in which at least one ring is aromatic, at least one carbon atom of at least one aromatic ring being replaced by an oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atom or by -NH₃, which nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and which nitrogen atom may optionally be quaternized. Examples of heteroaryl groups include furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, and benzofuranyl.

[0062] The compounds used in the present invention can be synthesized using methods known to those skilled in the art. In particular, reference may be made to the publication by A. Loudet et al. (Chem. Rev. 2007, 107, 4891-4932).

[0063] According to another embodiment, the optically variable element comprises a fluorescent composition including a polymer matrix incorporating a compound from the family of [3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdk) selected from the compounds of formula 11 below:

[0064] in which, L1 is an unsaturated or non-existent aliphatic chain, L2 is an unsaturated or non-existent aliphatic chain, R1 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group, R2 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group, and R3 is chosen from hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group.

[0065] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family of formula I are those in which one or more of L1, L2, RI, R2, and R3 are defined as follows: L1 is an unsaturated aliphatic chain, preferably at C2 to C8 or non-existent, L2 is an unsaturated aliphatic chain, preferably at C2 to C8 or non-existent, Ri is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, preferably an unsubstituted aryl group or one substituted by at least one electron-donating or electron-withdrawing group, R2 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, preferably an unsubstituted aryl group or one substituted by at least one electron-donating or electron-withdrawing group, and R3 is chosen from hydrogen and a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group.

[0066] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family of formula I are those in which one or more of L1, L2, RI, R2, and R3 are defined as follows: L1 is an aliphatic chain that is unsaturated at C2 to C4 or non-existent. L2 is an unsaturated aliphatic chain at C2 to C4 or is absent. Ri is an unsubstituted aryl group or one substituted by at least one group chosen from hydroxy, alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, dialkylamino, thioalkoxy, halogen, R2 is an aryl group that is either unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group chosen from hydroxy, alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, dialkylamino, thioalkoxy, halogen, and R3 is chosen from hydrogen and an unsubstituted aryl group.

[0067] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family of formula I are those in which one or more of L1, L2, RI, R2, and R3 are defined as follows: L1 is an aliphatic chain that is unsaturated at C2 to C4 or non-existent. L2 is an unsaturated aliphatic chain at C2 to C4 or is absent. Ri is an unsubstituted aryl group or a group substituted by at least one group selected from hydroxy, alkoxy in Cl to C4, alkyl in Cl to C8, aryl, dialkylamino in Cl to C4, thioalkoxy in Cl to C4, halogen, preferably fluorine, R2 is an unsubstituted aryl group or a group substituted by at least one group selected from hydroxy, alkoxy in C4-Cl, alkyl in C8-Cl, aryl, dialkylamino in C4-Cl, thioalkoxy in C4-Cl, halogen, preferably fluorine, and R3 is a hydrogen atom.

[0068] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family of formula I are those in which one or more of L1, L2, RI, R2, and R3 are defined as follows: L1 is an aliphatic chain that is unsaturated at C2 or non-existent. L2 is an aliphatic chain that is either unsaturated at C2 or non-existent. Ri is an aryl group, preferably phenyl, biphenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group selected from hydroxy, alkoxy in Cl to C4, preferably methoxy, alkyl in Cl to C8, preferably tertzobutyl, aryl, alkylamino in Cl to C4, preferably dimethylamino, R2 is an aryl group, preferably phenyl, biphenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group selected from hydroxy, alkoxy in Cl to C4, preferably methoxy, alkyl in Cl to C8, preferably tert-butyl, aryl, alkylamino in Cl to C4, preferably dimethylamino, and R3 is a hydrogen atom.

[0069] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family are those of formula 12 below: Where R1, R2 and R3 are such as defined in formula I.

[0070] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family are those of formula 13 below: \ / Where L1, R1, R2 and R3 are such as defined in formula I.

[0071] Preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family are those of formula 14 below: (I4) R3 Where L2, R1, R2 and R3 are such as defined in formula I.

[0072] Particularly preferred compounds of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate] family of formula I are those listed below: Compound 1 Compound 2 Compound 3 Compound 4 Compound 6 Compound 5 Compound 7 Compound 9 Compound 13 Compound 8 Compound 12 Compound 14

[0073] The term "alkyl" refers to a hydrocarbon radical of formula CnH2n+l, linear or branched, in which n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Preferred alkyl groups are alkyl groups in Cl to C6, linear or branched.

[0074] The term "alkenyl" refers to an unsaturated alkyl group, linear or branched, comprising one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Suitable alkenyl groups comprise from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of alkenyl groups are ethenyl (vinyl), 2-propenyl (allyl), 2-butenyl, and 3-butenyl, with ethenyl and 2-propenyl being preferred.

[0075] The term "cycloalkyl(e)," alone or as part of another group, designates a saturated mono-, di-, or tricyclic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular 5 to 10 carbon atoms, more particularly 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable cycloalkyl radicals include, but are not limited to, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl, and adamantyl, particularly cyclohexyl and adamantyl. Preferred cycloalkyl groups include cyclohexyl, adamant-1-yl, and adamant-2-yl.

[0076] The term "aryl" refers to a polyunsaturated, aromatic, monocyclic (e.g., phenyl) or polycyclic (e.g., naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenantracenyl, c) hydrocarbon radical. Preferred aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenantracenyl, pyrenyl.

[0077] The term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic ring having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms in which at least one carbon atom is replaced by an oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atom or by -NH₃, which nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and which nitrogen atom may optionally be quaternized, or a cyclic system containing 2 to 3 fused rings, each typically containing 5 or 6 atoms, and in which at least one ring is aromatic, at least one carbon atom of at least one aromatic ring being replaced by an oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atom or by -NH₃, which nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and which nitrogen atom may optionally be quaternized. Examples of heteroaryl groups include furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, and benzofuranyl.

[0078] The term "halogen" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo. Preferred halogen groups are fluoro and bromo, with fluoro being particularly preferred.

[0079] Thus, when the layer comprising the optically variable element 6 is deposited on a light background, the intrinsic color is observed (i.e. the complementary color of the color absorbed by the fluorescent compound(s)).

[0080] On the other hand, on a dark background, the fluorescence color due to the fluorescent compound(s) is observed.

[0081] The physico-chemical stimulus can consist of placing the device 1 on a light background then a dark background, or conversely on a dark background then a light background.

[0082] When the optically variable element is an ink, incorporation into the layer can be carried out in all types of polymers such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyaramids, vinylethylene acetate (EVA), polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), cyanoacrylate, rosin resins, pine resins, photopolymerizable resins, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, incorporation can be carried out in a polymer selected from polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, and photopolymerizable resins, preferably from polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane, and preferably the polymer is polycarbonate.

[0083] The amount of fluorescent dye to be incorporated is that necessary for detecting the absorbance and fluorescence properties. The fluorescent dyes according to the invention have the advantage of allowing detection of the properties even when incorporated within the polymer in very small quantities.

[0084] Indeed, quantities of fluorescent dyes ranging from 0.0001% to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer are sufficient for detection, preferably quantities ranging from 0.001% to 2% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer and even more preferably, quantities ranging from 0.01% to 1% by weight relative to the total weight of the polymer.

[0085] The quantities of fluorescent dye(s) will be adjusted by a person skilled in the art according to the shaping of the polymer and the desired visual effect.

[0086] Each layer 8 comprising an optically variable element is advantageously prepared by techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as lamination, extrusion, calendering, or extrusion calendering. These techniques will be chosen according to the polymer used. For example, if the polymer is a polycarbonate or a thermoplastic polyurethane, the extrusion calendering principle will be preferred. A set of layers as defined in the present invention can, for example, be obtained by laminating two or more layers of polymer incorporating one or more fluorescent dyes.

[0087] Advantageously, layer 8 has a thickness ranging from 10 µm to 800 µm, preferably from 50 µm to 600 µm for polycarbonate, from 10 µm to 600 µm, and preferably from 30 µm to 150 µm for polypropylene, and from 5 µm to 500 µm, preferably from 10 µm for PET, to which is added an ink layer 0.1 µm to 200 µm, preferably from 1 µm to 100 µm. The invention also relates to a method for authenticating the information vehicle of the authentication device 1. The method comprises the following steps: - application (101 - APPL) of a physico-chemical stimulus to the authentication device 1, in the authentication zone 4, so as to switch the information vehicle 2 from the first state to the second state, - reading (102 - LECT) of said at least one piece of information encapsulated by the information vehicle 2, - comparison (103 - COMP) of said at least one piece of information read with a reference piece of information.

[0088] As already indicated, the physico-chemical stimulus is light irradiation, a change in temperature or pressure or a modification of an observation condition such as an angle of incidence of observation of the authentication device.

[0089] It is noted that step 101 may be subsequent or, on the contrary, prior to steps 102, 103.

[0090] The application step 101 of the physico-chemical stimulus ensures physical authentication of device 1. The reading steps 102 and comparison steps 103 ensure digital authentication of device 1.

[0091] Application step 101 is advantageously carried out by changing the viewing angle of the authentication zone 4, or using a small device (smartphone, visible lamp, UV, infrared) or a dedicated device (specific reading terminal) to activate the color change from the first state to the second state.

[0092] The reading step 102 is advantageously carried out by a communication terminal, such as a mobile phone (“smartphone” in English) or a tablet.

[0093] The comparison step 103 is advantageously carried out by a document authentication application.

[0094] Once two-factor authentication is successful, the process advantageously includes a step 104 (TRANSF) for activating an exchange, such as a data transfer, for example a financial transaction, authentication to access websites, social networks, online betting, online video games...

[0095] It should be noted that process 100 can be adapted to the three security levels required by the European elDAS Regulation of 23 July 2014. This regulation provides for three security levels: low, substantial, and high. The low level corresponds to a presumption of identity for which a username and password are sufficient. The substantial level requires verification of the person's identity. And the high level requires the use of biometric data to unlock the identification portal.

[0096] Depending on the type of data encapsulated in the information vehicle 2, the level of security can be chosen.

[0097] A staggered process can also be implemented in which authentication at step 101 enables one specific action, while authentication at the end of steps 102 and 103 enables another specific action. For example, this could involve accessing a website or data, or transferring more or less sensitive data if physical authentication is performed, and then accessing another website or other data, or transferring other data, if digital authentication is performed. The level of sensitivity allowed can be graduated depending on whether only one authentication or both authentications have been performed. In other words, the security level is advantageously correlated with the authentication level(s) performed.

[0098] The invention will now be described in a non-limiting embodiment of the authentication device 1 according to the third variant and of the authentication method 100.

[0099] The information vehicle is a QR code whose embedded data is biometric data, such as a photograph and / or at least one civil status data, fingerprints..., as already mentioned.

[0100] Thus, in the first state, the device 1 is in the form of a card on which the QR code is printed in black ink with a fluorescent compound, forming the optically variable element 6. In this example, black corresponds to the first color, which corresponds to the first state, and the color under irradiation is green, which corresponds to the second state.

[0101] During step 101, a person and / or a communication terminal triggers the stimulus, such as a movement causing a change in the terminal's viewing angle and / or a flash of light, which causes the optically variable element to change state from the first state to the second state. A user can then authenticate, preferably remotely, that the scanned security zone is in the expected state. In the example given here, the QR code in authentication zone 4 changes from black to green. At the end of step 103, the physical authenticity of device 1 has been verified.

[0102] During step 102, area 4 of device 1 is presented to a human-machine interface, such as a screen, of the communication terminal. The QR code is read by the communication terminal.

[0103] During step 103, the biometric data from the QR code is compared to expected data, for example via a security application.

[0104] Following steps 101 and 102, the digital authenticity of device 1 was verified.

[0105] The double authentication then authorizes the possible exchange of data from the information vehicle.

[0106] The present invention has a multitude of applications. The following is a non-exhaustive list: - authentication of a customer using the internet via an access provider (such as companies like Free ®, Orange ®, SFR ®...) or mobile operator; - authentication of a client using a secure access medium, such as a television and / or streaming channel (such as Netflix ®, Amazon Prime ®...) with secure profile and playback via smartphone and / or webcam; - age verification and / or remote authentication of an individual, particularly for adult sites (pornographic, online sports betting portals, etc.), paid sites (online video games, merchant sites), administrative procedures - biometric phygital collectible card with unique NFT signature (for "Non-Fungible Token" in English) and / or with blockchain (chain of blocks in French); - Financial transaction card with or without chip with possible recognition at the counter or remotely via a camera or smartphone and possible reading of the QR code and the biometric data encapsulated therein.

Claims

1.

2. Demands Authentication device for an information vehicle configured to encapsulate at least one piece of data relating to a product or a person, the authentication device comprising an area, called the authentication area, equipped with said information vehicle and an optically variable element which exhibits a variation between a first appearance and a second appearance such that, in a first state, the authentication area and / or the information vehicle exhibits the first appearance and that, in a second state, the authentication area and / or the information vehicle exhibits the second appearance, a switch between the first appearance and the second appearance being effected by a variation according to the viewing angle, lighting or a physico-chemical stimulus, in which the optically variable element comprises one or more fluorescent compound(s) of the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a family,4α-diaza-s-indacenes and / or of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdks)] family. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the compound(s) of the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s- family in which, R 1 is C6 Cl alkyl, C5 C6 cycloalkyl, C5 C6 heteroalkyl, phenyl, said phenyl group being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C2 Cl alkyl, hydroxy, COO and halogen; R2 and R2 are independently chosen from hydrogen and alkyl in C1C2; R3 and R3 are independently chosen from hydrogen and alkyl enCl to C3;

3. R4 and R4 are independently selected from aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, alkenyl, said aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, alkyl and alkenyl being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from C3 Cl alkyl, aryl, hydroxy and ferrocene, said aryl group being optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from aryl, C2 Cl alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, dimethylamino, nitro, said aryl being optionally substituted by a C2 Cl alkyl group; R 5 is alkyl in Cl to C4 or alkenyl in C2 to C4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compound(s) of the [3-difluoroborane diketonate (BF2bdks) family are selected from those of formula II:

4.

5. in which, L1 is an unsaturated or non-existent aliphatic chain, L2 is an unsaturated or non-existent aliphatic chain, R1 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group, R2 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group, and R3 is chosen from hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group. Authentication device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information vehicle is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, known as a QR code, or a bank account identifier, or an identifier of a manufactured or food product, or a photograph. A method for authenticating an information vehicle of an authentication device according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - application of a physico-chemical stimulus to the authentication device so as to switch the information vehicle from the first state to the second state, - reading of at least one piece of information encapsulated by the information vehicle, - comparison of said at least one piece of information read with a reference piece of information,

6. Authentication method according to the preceding claim, wherein the physico-chemical stimulus is light irradiation, a change in temperature or pressure, or a change in an observation condition such as an angle of incidence of observation of the authentication device.

7. Authentication method according to any one of claims 5 or 6, comprising an information exchange step subsequent to the application, reading and comparison steps if the outcomes of these steps conform to an expectation.

8. Use of the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 to enable a transfer of digital data.

9. Use, for example of user journey type, comprising a step of presenting a device according to one of claims 1 to 4 in front of an automated or human-assisted reading device, a step of recognizing a change in the appearance of the area, a step of reading the information vehicle, and a step of comparing said information with at least one data encapsulated in the vehicle.

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