How to authenticate high-value items

Abstract

A method for authenticating high-value items, wherein an optically identifiable code is generated and applied to the item by incorporating a graphic or surface structure into a surface area of ​​a given item, the code being in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of code elements, a contour of the two-dimensional arrangement being adapted to a contour of the surface area or part of a surface area, the code being linked to an information source providing information relating to the item that can be displayed on a display, a reader, for example a smartphone, being programmed to detect and read the code, and when the code is read the link to the information source is activated and the information is displayed on the display of the reader.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of authenticating, e.g. verifying the authenticity of, high value items such as coins or medals, bars of precious metal, jewellery or works of art, expensive watches, etc., whereby an optically identifiable code is generated and applied to the item from which the code can be read and interpreted. [Background technology]

[0002] Valuables such as coins, medals, bars of precious metals, and other valuables such as works of art, are highly dependent on the question of authenticity with respect to their value. It is common practice to issue certificates of authenticity to confirm the authenticity of such items. Such certificates of authenticity have the disadvantage that they are not linked to the item itself, so that, since there is no link between the certificate and the item, the question of authenticity shifts to the question of whether the item is in fact the certified item, which further includes the question of whether the certificate itself may have been forged.

[0003] Providing the article itself with a suitable marking is of little use, because on the one hand it is undesirable to provide a visible marking on the article itself, as this may spoil the appearance of the article, but on the other hand even if the marking is invisible to the eye, for example only visible under ultraviolet light, a typical marking, if recognizable to a counterfeiter, would also be easily copied by the counterfeiter, and would therefore not provide a secure protection against counterfeiting. Therefore, marking such articles with coded information in the form of a traditional barcode, QR code, etc., is not a suitable way to provide an anti-counterfeiting marking. Such a marking will always be recognized as a code, which means that even if the information content is not recognizable, it can also be read and copied as a code. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, apart from the need for authenticity marking of valuables, there may also be a need to provide an object of material or immaterial value with information about the object, such as its origin, age, or designer or artist. This may be particularly the case for objects in collection systems, such as albums or cassettes, where it is difficult and usually confusing to provide a detailed description of the object in the collection system itself. Again, it is useful and desirable to provide such information on the object itself with a marking that can be made visible without disturbing the object itself, and is effectively invisible.

[0005] Traditional security features such as holograms, which are primarily used on banknotes, are also not useful for the above purposes, as they are similarly easily visible and therefore can be copied.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for authenticating valuables or high-value items that overcomes the problems of conventional means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method as specified in claim 1, which is advantageously further developed by the features of the dependent claims.

[0008] In the method of the invention, the article is provided with a permanent semi-visible marking in the form of a special code that can protect the article against counterfeiting and in particular serve as a hidden invisible or visually imperceptible security feature. The code can be read by a suitable reader, such as a smartphone that includes a special app, and the content of the code itself is not perceptible to the user, but the code serves as a link redirecting the user to a website. The app is freely available to the user and can be downloaded to the smartphone, for example from an app store.

[0009] The code is composed of a two-dimensional pattern of tiny elements, which can be short line elements that can have different shapes and orientations, i.e. straight, curved or bent at different angles. The two-dimensional pattern can also include small area elements such as dots.

[0010] The elements of the code are covered with a graphic pattern, such as an image pattern, decoration or lettering, or are scattered on the surface area of ​​the article to be marked, which is not smooth in any other way, and the surface pattern is flat (e.g. printed) or in relief (e.g. engraved). Unlike a QR Code®, the two-dimensional pattern preferably does not have a regular contour, but rather the contour may be arbitrary and in particular adapted to the shape of the respective surface area or part thereof. Thus, for example, the shape of the two-dimensional pattern of the code may be elongated, curved or angular, potato-shaped or have other irregular contours.

[0011] The individual elements of the code may be of the same or different colours, in particular their colours may match the respective colours of the areas in which they are embedded, the colours being similar rather than contrasting, so that the elements can only be identified separately from the background by the reader via the app and are recognisable in their entirety as a code, but not perceptible to the eye of the viewer.

[0012] The invention makes use of the fact that high-value items of the above type are virtually always provided with a graphic, pictorial or decorative element in at least one surface area, or have at least one non-smooth bottom surface, as is usually the case with works of art, or a non-smooth back surface in the case of paintings for example, and thus the marking according to the invention can be arranged so as to be hidden within the pictorial representation and not perceptible to the viewer, who therefore cannot perceive at all that the item is, or is not, provided with such a marking.

[0013] The marking according to the method of the invention differs from conventional markings not only in that the viewer of the article cannot read it upon inspection, or indeed does not know if it is present at all, but also in that it can be applied to different articles in a relatively associated or unassociated manner, adapted to fit various geometric shapes, for example in different areas of a graphic or pictorial representation on the article, and possibly even divided to fit the contours of the respective graphic or pictorial areas. In contrast to conventional barcodes or QR codes, in which the individual code elements are geometrically related to one another in a predetermined and unalterable way so as to be readable, the marking according to the invention is composed of individual unconnected line elements that can be geometrically arranged as required, and thus can be easily incorporated into the graphic or pictorial representation on the article, or can be hidden, for example, in the rough bottom or back surface of the article. The marking according to the invention can therefore be adapted to the respective graphic. For example in the case of a watch, the dial usually contains numbers, lines, graphics or text. The arrangement of line elements can be embedded almost invisibly in these separate areas.

[0014] The marking according to the method of the invention may be called a "worm pattern" because the individual line elements, reminiscent of a worm, can be applied in the manner described above, distributed over a surface area and incorporated into the graphics provided thereon, and their number, geometric arrangement, thickness and even their color can collectively serve as a personalized code, the meaning of which can be assigned or defined by the user on request. Instead of a pattern made up purely of line elements, also patterns with small area elements such as dots can be used as codes, preferably in combination with line elements.

[0015] As indicated above, the marking according to the method of the present invention can be divided into several regions. For example, one part can be located in the upper right corner of the graphic and another part in the lower left corner. The marking can also be divided into two or three more intricate or darker regions of the graphic, where it does not particularly stand out from the background. Alternatively, the marking can extend over part or all of a circular ring region, or into another strip-like region, or be incorporated into the lettering.

[0016] Moreover, articles that are completely smooth on all sides, such as precious metal bars, whose value depends on their material and not on their surface properties, can be provided with such markings as a security feature by providing the surface parts with decorative graphics that can be selected at will to hide the markings therein. For example, in the case of precious metal bars, the value or purity indications that are usually provided together with the country of origin indication are sufficient to embed a marking designed as a worm pattern. For example, the smooth surface of a precious metal bar can also be provided with a decorative line pattern, such as a wave pattern, to hide the markings therein. None of this is possible with the visual design of a barcode or QR code.

[0017] The marking can be applied to the article in any suitable manner, for example by printing, engraving or laser processing. However, it can also be applied by embossing, pressing, punching or casting, by including the code element as an integral part of the surface pattern to be produced in the respective tool, i.e. in the respective embossing tool, punching tool or casting die. This can be easily done today, since almost all tools are manufactured on CNC machines.

[0018] The method according to the invention further comprises the provision of a reader for reading the code, suitably programmed to recognise and capture the code, and the process of reading with the reader. The reader is preferably a smartphone with a special app installed, which contains a program for recognising and reading the code. As mentioned above, this app may be freely available and can be downloaded by users to their smartphones.

[0019] The code itself contains a destination address and thus embodies a link that is activated by reading the code and that uses the code to call up a related information source in the form of a website, which then presents visible information to the user on a display, for example information about the item, which indicates the essential characteristics of the item and confirms its genuineness or authenticity, and may also indicate further information about the item, such as its place of origin, number, date of manufacture, purity or other characteristics.

[0020] Another advantageous application of the marking according to the method of the invention is to make each item traceable with respect to its origin, for example to verify supply chain compliance: marking with the worm pattern according to the invention is not only meaningful as a security marking, but can also serve as a digital certificate of authenticity.

[0021] The method according to the invention has been described above in terms of its general characteristics, but will now be presented in more detail to explain its function and implementation in more detail. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] As an exemplary article, a coin or medal is shown having an inscription and a coin image that includes a pictorial representation of the upper body of a man in armor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The function and implementation of the process is relatively simple. Firstly, the destination address or data and information to be assigned to the product is determined. In particular, as mentioned above, it is possible to apply an invisible link code to the product. This code may only contain a numerical code or text. However, it is also possible to incorporate information or graphics etc. relating to the product into the product, which can then be displayed directly on the reader.

[0024] Through the link code, the user can be directed to a website, which may be a store, a landing page, a web address, a special link, an online address, or any network connection and / or address. And everything that is possible on the Internet, online, digitally can be realized and implemented here. The links can also be dynamic, i.e. they can lead to the respective target address through redirects that can be replaced or changed at will.

[0025] The present invention provides an ideal hybrid solution: physical goods invisibly linked to the digital and virtual world of the Internet without changing the product's shape, properties or appearance. Blockchain technology can also be incorporated.

[0026] Using the linked destination addresses to which the code leads, everything the Internet has to offer can be implemented on the reader's display: film playback, text or audio information, telecommunications, data and information exchange, matching of related data, etc. Everything is possible. Changing websites and dynamic links can also be implemented.

[0027] It is also possible to implement security queries by linking the product to a website, domain address, etc., thus allowing one-time access without third parties being able to access it after the initial entry. In this way, security of ownership can be achieved, especially for expensive, rare or limited goods of high value.

[0028] Here, link addresses etc. are broken down and converted into small dots, dash elements, line elements, worms and / or small area elements. The choice of which dashes, dots, lines, worms etc. to use, in what amount and proportion, as well as their placement, color and size, depends on the respective design, i.e. graphic or image etc. This is the only way to achieve nearly invisible incorporation of lines and dashes etc.

[0029] Graphics or images etc. can now be enlarged to predefined dimensions in precise proportions. Graphic or image patterns converted to dots, dashes, lines, worms etc. can now be embedded as code into the image or surface structure of an article using a precisely predefined enlargement ratio.

[0030] It can then be checked whether the dashes, lines, dots, etc., incorporated as a code into the surface pattern of the article undesirably alter the image or graphic or surface structure of the article. Further adjustments and modifications may need to be made to achieve optimal results. A perfect result has been achieved if the inserted small dots, dashes, lines, worms, etc. are nearly imperceptible in the enlarged image and transition smoothly into the background image or surface structure.

[0031] Dots, dashes, lines and worms are not necessarily only embedded in the free spaces of the graphic / image / design / surface being processed, but may also be applied directly into the visible surface or image pattern, making it even more difficult to distinguish what belongs to the image, graphic or other surface pattern and what belongs to the code.

[0032] What is only slightly visible when highly magnified becomes much less visible when subsequently reduced to the desired original size, and is therefore ideal for semi-invisible code.

[0033] It is possible to embed the code in any type of tool, such as punching tools, injection moulding tools, deep drawing tools, pressing tools and embossing tools, as well as in all types of moulds, such as printing plates, etc. This allows for automatic incorporation of the code as early as during the production of series products, such as coins and medals, metal bars, watches, writing implements, household items, cosmetics, jewellery, etc. For example, an invisible code may already be incorporated in the embossing tool, punching tool or casting tool for producing coins, medals or metal bars. As a result, for example, each produced metal bar or coin, or any product or commodity, will automatically receive an invisible identification code.

[0034] The code can be applied anywhere on the product, depending on security requirements, visual presentation, recognizability, etc. It is also possible to incorporate several partial codes on different locations of the product, whereby a single valid code is created only by combining all partial codes in one or several scanning processes.

[0035] Since the code consists of dots, dashes, lines, worms or small areas, a very good concealed placement is possible. This is particularly useful if the hidden code is located under a graphic or image, for example in the case of coins or metal bars with relief. Due to the freedom of design of the code, it is also possible to combine a code in relief on the underside with a code directly integrated into the graphic. This allows for an even better visual fit to the graphic and above all even greater security.

[0036] A three-dimensional incorporation of the code (surface, relief and side transitions) provides additional flexibility and security. This can be a two-dimensional code on the surface combined with additional codes on the sides. A further development of the method according to the invention is the copy protection of the code applied according to this method.

[0037] For this purpose, the product provided with the code or its surface areas containing the code can be provided with a coating in which highly light-reflecting particles imperceptible to the human eye are dispersed, the coating can also be a special paint in which extremely reflective beads of minute extent are dispersed. These microbeads can be perfectly adapted to the respective surface graphic or surface structure by optimally adjusting their size, shape, number and color. This also allows optimal adjustment of the intensity of the glare effect caused by the beads.

[0038] If one were to attempt to copy the image on a copy machine, the glare effect would cause the image to become white and blurry when illuminated by the copy machine during scanning, making it impossible to make out anything. EXAMPLES

[0039] The accompanying drawing shows as an exemplary article a coin or medal bearing an inscription and a coin image including a pictorial representation of the upper torso of a man in armour. A portion of the beard area of ​​the man's head depicted in the coin image is enlarged at the top right and is also an example of an area of ​​the coin image that is complicated by a tangle of lines or a large number of lines. This area is particularly suitable for placing a code according to the method described above, in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of individual line elements, the contours of which can be adapted to the contours of the beard area.

[0040] Such a two-dimensional arrangement in the form of a pattern of individual line elements of the two-dimensional arrangement is shown by way of example here also enlarged to the right and as a small portion of the pattern in a dashed and dotted circle.

[0041] The specific shape of the individual line or dash elements, as well as their relative arrangement, thickness, length, geometric shape (straight, bent or curved), and even their color may be freely selected, and the arrangement of the line or dash elements as a whole forms a code to which selectable meanings can be assigned. The line elements may be characterized by shorter or longer, straight or curved dashed sections, which may be the same or different from each other and may be arranged in the same or different orientations.

[0042] Thus, the individual line elements, even if physically produced by embossing, are applied to the coin or medal in such a way that they are at least nearly invisible to the human eye, since the elements forming the code appear to the viewer as part of the coin image and therefore the viewer is unable to recognise the presence of a marking or distinguish between the image and the code, but can be read by a reader, such as a smartphone camera equipped with a special app that is able to recognise the arrangement of line elements as a code.

[0043] On the one hand, a line element may be (barely) perceptible to the eye in isolation, but it may disappear in the tangle of lines of the whisker representation of the coin image and appear to the viewer as part of the coin image, or another image or surface pattern on the article, for example in the form of ornamentation or decoration.

[0044] Similarly, for example, a hair region of a coin image, or any other region of a coin image, is suitable for accommodating such a line element pattern representing a code.

Claims

1. 1. A method of authenticating a high-value item, the method comprising the steps of generating and applying an optically identifiable code to the item and reading and interpreting the code with a reader, A surface area of ​​the article, or a portion of the surface area, is selected that is provided with a graphic or surface structure; a code is generated in the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of code elements in the form of line and / or area elements, said code having an information content, the contour of said two-dimensional arrangement being adapted to the contour of said surface area or said part of a surface area, the code elements are incorporated into the graphic or surface structure of the surface area or part of the surface area; the code is further linked to an information source providing information associated with the item that can be displayed on a display; The reader, such as a smartphone, is equipped with a program that recognizes and reads the code, When the code is read, a link to the information source is activated and the information is displayed on the display of the reader.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the code elements include line elements that are straight, curved, or bent at different angles, and / or area elements that are rounded, angular, or of any desired shape, and have the same or different colors.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the two-dimensional arrangement of the code elements is flat or curved to fit the surface area or the portion of the surface area, or is adapted to the relief of the surface area.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the code is incorporated in two or more spaced portions or different spaced surface areas of the article in the form of two or more partial codes, each having the form of a two-dimensional arrangement of code elements, and the partial codes are incorporated together when read.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the code is incorporated into the graphic by first hyper-enlarging the graphic, incorporating the code into the graphic in a similarly hyper-enlarged form, and then shrinking the graphic including the incorporated code back to its intended size for application to the article.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the code is applied to the article by printing, engraving or laser engraving.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the code is incorporated into a working surface area of ​​a press tool, punch tool, embossing tool, casting die or other tool used to produce a surface structure of the article so as to produce the surface structure provided with the code during manufacture of the article.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the code is indirectly linked to the information source through at least one intermediate location capable of manipulating a connection to the information source.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least said surface area of ​​said article provided with said code is coated with a highly light reflective particulate dispersed coating after incorporating said code.

Images