Signatures and labels in blockchains derived from digital images

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label (110) using at least one printing device (112) is proposed, the method comprising the following steps: i) (114) printing the printer job at the printer control settings and scanning the printout using the printing device (112) to generate a first digital image (116) including a plurality of color pixels, thereby generating a digital fingerprint; ii) (118) providing a binary code (120) of the identifier information; iii) (122) determining a binary code of the digital fingerprint and mapping the identifier information to the digital fingerprint by adding the binary code (120) of the identifier information to a color code of the first digital image (116); iv) (124) converting the added binary code into a color code of a second digital image (126) to generate a second digital image (126) having a number of color pixels different from the first digital image (116); v) (128) printing said second digital image (126) onto a substrate (129), thereby producing a security label (110); Includes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label using at least one printing device, a method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting, a method for product security, a security label and uses of the security label. The method and uses according to the invention can be used in particular for product security of products in the supply chain, secure signing of wallets, government services, financial services and medical services. Other applications are also possible. [Background technology]

[0002] Anti-counterfeit labeling is important for high-value products, which are at high risk of covert exchange when they pass through unsecured environments during their shipment along the supply chain. This is especially true when the product cannot be easily identified by shape, taste, smell, or color. Secure digital signatures are needed in several technology fields, for example, authentication in blockchain or applications for government services.

[0003] EP2869241A2 describes a method and system for tracking physical objects for identification or authentication using digital fingerprints based on natural features extracted from digital images of the objects.

[0004] EP1854642A2 describes a method for forming a label on an object, which comprises the steps of coating the surface of the object with an optically variable ink and adhering a patterned structure to the object on top of the optically variable ink with an optically transparent adhesive. The patterned structure allows light to pass therethrough and may be a diffractive structure comprising a semi-transparent reflective layer, a high refractive index layer, or a patterned reflective coating.

[0005] The use of blockchain technology in transactions is described, for example, in "The Supply Chain Has No Clothes: Technology Adoption of Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency" by Kristoffer Francisco and David Swanson, published January 5, 2018, www.mdpi.com / journal / logistics.

[0006] Despite these advances, there remains a need to provide improved anti-counterfeit labels, particularly those that have improved security and cost. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] EP2869241A2 [Patent Document 2] EP1854642A2 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kristoffer Francisco and David Swanson, "The Supply Chain Has No Clothes: Technology Adoption of Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency," January 5, 2018, www.mdpi.com / journal / logistics Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide methods and apparatus that address the above-mentioned technical challenges, and in particular to provide a computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label using at least one printing device, a method for protecting at least one object from counterfeiting, a method for product security, a security label, and uses of a security label, that enables anti-counterfeit labeling with increased security and reduced costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This problem is addressed by a computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label using at least one printing device, a method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting, a method for product security, a security label and use of a security label having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments that may be realized in independent ways or in any combination are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] In a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label using at least one printing device is proposed. The method specifically includes the following method steps, which may be performed in a predefined order. However, different orders are possible. Furthermore, two or more method steps may be performed fully or partially simultaneously. Furthermore, one or more, or all, of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, such as once or several times. Furthermore, the method may include additional method steps not listed.

[0012] The method comprises the following steps: i) printing a printer job at a printer control setting by using a printing device and scanning the printout using a scanning device or, in the case of a multifunction printer that provides scanning functionality, the printing device, thereby generating a first digital image including a plurality of color pixels, thereby generating a digital fingerprint; ii) providing a binary code of the identifier information; iii) determining a binary code of the digital fingerprint and mapping the identifier information to the digital fingerprint by adding the binary code of the identifier information to a color code of the first digital image; iv) converting the added binary code into a color code of a second digital image to generate a second digital image having a plurality of color pixels different from the first digital image; v) printing said second digital image onto a substrate, thereby producing a security label; Includes.

[0013] The term "security label" may refer, without limitation, to a label having properties that can be used to identify and authenticate an object. The security label may be configured to protect the object from counterfeiting. The object may be at least one object selected from the group consisting of a bottle, a paper document, a piece of spare part, a wallet, a banknote, a package, or other commodity.

[0014] Identification of an object may include information regarding a unique identifier assigned to the object. The term "identification" may refer, without limitation, to the process of determining a unique identifier. Identification may enable tracking of an object, such as in a supply chain from a manufacturer to a consumer. The term "authentication" may refer, without limitation, to the process of proving claims regarding the identity and origin of an object. The origin of an object may include information regarding one or more of the following: information about the manufacturer, information about the time and / or space at which the object entered the supply chain. For example, if the security label is verified to be true, the identity and origin of the object may be confirmed. In this case, the object may be considered authentic. Otherwise, if the security label is not verified, the origin of the object is not confirmed, and the object may be considered counterfeit.

[0015] The security label may be a feature of the object and / or may be attachable to the object. The security label may include a substrate and / or may be printable on the substrate. The substrate may be provided by the object itself. The substrate may be one or more of a piece of paper, a plastic film, a fabric, metal, glass, or the surface of a spare part. For example, the security label may be part of a branding. For example, the security label may have a rectangular geometric shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a regular shape, a random shape, or an irregular shape.

[0016] The method may include physically connecting a security label to the object. The security label may be configured to be attachable to the object, such as by gluing or hot stamping onto a surface of the object. For example, the security label may be self-adhesive.

[0017] The security label may be configured to provide mechanical protection. The security label may be configured as a seal, and the seal may be configured to provide an indication if peeling is attempted. The second digital image printed on the substrate may be physically connected to the object. The connection with the object may be made in such a way that peeling the printed security label destroys the security label. For example, the security label may be adhered to the surface of the object and destroyed if peeled. The seal may provide a visual indication if there is an attempt to break the seal, which may further enhance security.

[0018] The term "producing a security label" may refer, without limitation, to any process of manufacturing a security label. In addition to steps i) through v), producing may include providing a substrate onto which a second digital image is printed.

[0019] The term "printing device" (also called printer) may refer, without limitation, to a device configured to apply, e.g., print, at least one material onto at least one printing surface or substrate, particularly in a patterned manner, according to printer control settings. Printing and scanning may be performed in a combined multifunction printer, or may be performed in separate printing and scanning devices.

[0020] The term "digital image" (also called digital picture) may refer, without limitation, to a two-dimensional representation of a physical object. The terms image and picture are used synonymously below. A digital image can include multiple color pixels. For example, a digital image may be a digital RGB image. A digital RGB image may be a color digital image having three color channels: a color channel for red (R), a color channel for green (G), and a color channel for blue (B). The primary colors of a digital RGB image may be red, green, and blue. An RGB digital image may have a color channel for each primary color. A digital color image may be composed of multiple image pixels, each made up of a combination of primary colors. For example, a digital RGB image may be 24-bit or 48-bit. Each pixel in a digital RGB image can be specified by two spatial coordinates and three color values. For example, a digital image may be a digital CMYK color image, where the primary colors of the CMYK color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white. However, other color spaces are possible.

[0021] The term "printer job" may refer, without limitation, to at least one digital image of at least one physical object. Each printer job may include at least one digital image of at least one physical object.

[0022] The term "printer control settings" may refer, without limitation, to printer control information including multiple parameters for controlling at least one function of a printing device. For example, the printer control settings may include a string of characters of a predefined length. The printer control settings may include at least one item of composite information, as outlined in more detail below. Thus, typically, a printing device may be configured to generate text and / or images, such as one or more of a string of characters, a bitmap image, a vector image, or a computer program, on at least one printing surface in accordance with the printer control settings. In particular, the printing device, and more particularly at least one function of the printing device, may be controllable through at least one printer control language, such as one or more page description languages ​​(PDLs), printer command languages ​​(PCLs), PostScript, XML Paper Specification, or the like.

[0023] The term "first digital image" may refer, without limitation, to a source digital image used to generate a digital fingerprint.

[0024] The term "generating a first digital image" may refer, without limitation, to a process of determining the color of pixels of the first digital image. Generating the first digital image may include blending and / or mixing pigments and scanning the mixed pigments. Specifically, generating the first digital image may include blending pigments, particularly colored pigments, based on printer control settings using a printing device, and scanning the mixed pigments using at least one scanning device, particularly a printing device. For embodiments of printing devices and blending, see WO2021 / 001147, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] In particular, the printing device may be configured to blend at least two materials according to the blending information, thereby, for example, generating a blend on a substrate for receiving the blend. The term "material" may refer, without limitation, to a chemical element or chemical compound, specifically a chemical element or chemical compound that can be mixed with other chemical elements or chemical compounds. Specifically, the material may be suitable for pouring. The material can generally be in one or more of a solid state, specifically a granular solid state, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the material may be or include at least one of a powder or a liquid. The material may be a homogeneous, single material. Alternatively, the material may also include multiple components that are homogeneously or heterogeneously mixed. Thus, the material may be a mixture or a composite itself. For example, the material may be or include a liquid, and the liquid may include, for example, at least one solvent and at least one chemical compound dissolved, emulsified, or dispersed in the at least one solvent. The solvent may form part of the material, or alternatively, at least one chemical compound may be considered the material, while the solvent is simply an adjuvant or additive to the material.

[0026] The term "mixing" is not limited to and may refer to a process of mixing at least two materials in a defined manner, thereby creating a blend. The terms "mixing" and "mixing" are used interchangeably herein. The process of creating a blend may include additional processes, such as temperature changes or temperature treatments of the at least two materials. Mixing may be performed in various ways depending on the properties of the at least two materials. As an example, if the at least two materials include powders, mixing may include co-dispensing or subsequent dispensing of the powders into a common container, with the option of stirring the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, if the at least two materials include liquids, mixing may include co-dispensing or subsequent dispensing of the liquid into a common container, with the option of stirring the mixture. Additionally or alternatively, as described in more detail below, mixing may include a printing process, such as inkjet printing of at least two materials onto a common substrate. Additionally or alternatively, mixing may include other types of mixing processes of at least two materials, such as mixing at least two materials on at least one common substrate. As an example, blending may include one or more electrostatic deposition processes, such as electrostatic deposition of at least two materials onto a common substrate, e.g., onto an electrostatically charged surface. Thus, blending and / or mixing may specifically include electrostatic deposition in a printing process. For example, blending and / or mixing may include electrostatic deposition of at least two electrostatically charged materials onto an electrostatically neutralized surface in a printing process. Thus, the materials may be blended, thereby at least temporarily changing their charge. Specifically, blending and / or mixing may include electrostatic deposition in a laser printing process, such as a process typically performed in a laser printer. In particular, at least two materials, e.g., pigments, may be initially electrostatically charged and then deposited onto an equally charged image roll, where specific areas have been electrostatically neutralized, e.g., using a laser and / or LED.These deposited materials can then be drawn and / or removed from the image roll by an oppositely charged substrate, such as by oppositely charged paper, as one example.

[0027] The hybridization may leave the materials unchanged or may completely or partially change the properties of the materials. Thus, by way of example, the materials may simply be mixed without any chemical change. Additionally or alternatively, the materials may be mixed, thereby changing their chemical properties. The latter may occur particularly when the materials contain a solvent that completely or partially evaporates during or after hybridization. Again, additionally or alternatively, the materials may completely or partially react with each other, thereby producing at least one reaction product.

[0028] The term "blend" may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least two materials. The mixture may specifically be present in at least one receptacle and / or on at least one substrate. The mixture may generally be in one or more of a solid state, specifically a granular solid state, a liquid state, or a gaseous state. Specifically, the mixture may be or include at least one of a powder or a liquid. The mixture may be in the same state as the materials or in a different state. As an example, at least one of the materials may be in a liquid state, and the mixture may also be in a solid state (which may be the case, for example, after a drying process). Thus, as an example, at least two materials may be mixed in a liquid state in a blending process, followed by drying, which may evaporate at least one solvent and / or change the chemical properties of the blended materials. As an example, the blending process may include printing at least two materials in a liquid state onto at least one substrate, followed by a drying or solidification process, and therefore the blend may be in a dry or solid state. Other examples may include phase change processes such as curing or solidifying the material after mixing.

[0029] The term "item of blending information" may refer to materials for blending, such as the amounts to be mixed in the blending process, such as the mass or volume of materials.

[0030] The term "compounding device" can comprise at least one feed or reservoir for each of the materials. The compounding device can also comprise at least one compounding element, such as at least one of a nozzle, a mixer, a printer, a mixer, etc.

[0031] As a result, the term "composite" can refer to, without limitation, a mixture of at least two materials. A composite can specifically be present on a substrate or in a container. A composite can specifically include a finite amount of material.

[0032] The generation of the first digital image may include scanning a printout. The printout may refer to the composite on the substrate or in the receptacle. The printout may refer to a print printer job printed with printer control settings. The scanning may include detecting at least one material property of the composite using at least one detector. The term "material property" may refer to any property of a material, such as a composite, without being limited thereto. The property may specifically refer to one or more of a physical property, a chemical property, or a biological property. Specifically, the material property may include at least one of a mechanical property or an optical property of the material. The material property may specifically refer to a measurable characteristic of the respective material. More specifically, the at least one material property may be or may include at least one color of the composite. Additionally or alternatively, at least one property selected from the group consisting of: specific density of the composite; volume of the composite; mass of the composite; optical property of the composite; spectral composition of the composite, specifically the color spectrum of the composite; color intensity of the composite; and viscosity of the composite. Other material properties may alternatively or additionally be used.

[0033] The step of detecting at least one material property of the blend may specifically include generating at least one item of measurement information related to the material property. Accordingly, the at least one item of measurement information may generally refer to a measurement result of the at least one material property, e.g., at least one numerical measurement indicative of or characteristic of the at least one material property of the blend. Thus, by way of example, the at least one item of measurement information may include at least one of the following information items: a specific density measurement of the blend; a volume measurement of the blend; a mass measurement of the blend; an optical property measurement of the blend; a color measurement of the blend; a spectral composition measurement of the blend, specifically a color spectrum measurement of the blend; a color intensity measurement of the blend; or a viscosity measurement of the blend. These measurements (each by way of example) may be or include a single numeric value or multiple numeric values ​​of a distribution, spectrum, etc. Specifically, the at least one item of measurement information may be or include at least one numeric value, such as a digital value.

[0034] The term "detection" may refer, without limitation, to a process of generating information about a characteristic or measurable variable, and may obtain qualitative and / or quantitative information. The term may specifically refer to a process of measuring at least one measurable variable of a physical object. Thus, the term "detector" may refer, without limitation, to any device configured to perform a detection process, such as a device having at least one sensor for measuring at least one measurable variable of an object. By way of example, the sensor may include one or more of a mass sensor, specifically a mass meter; a volume sensor; a density sensor; a color sensor; or a particle size distribution sensor. Other sensors may alternatively or additionally be used.

[0035] At least one item of blending information may specifically include n blending variables, where n is a positive integer. The term "blending variable" may refer, without limitation, to a variable that quantitatively or qualitatively describes at least one aspect or parameter of a blend. As an example, a blending variable may refer to at least two materials for detecting a quantity, such as for a mixture, or a blending process, such as a material stream. Furthermore, m material properties of the blend may be detected, where m is a positive integer. Specifically, the number m of detected material properties may be equal to or greater than the number n of blending variables. In other words, preferably m≧n. In further words, specifically, the information generated by the detection may be at least as large as the information used to generate the blend, where the term "information" may refer to the numbers n and m, respectively, and / or generally to the number of degrees of freedom and / or the logarithm of the degrees of freedom, such as log n or log m, respectively.

[0036] The at least two materials to be specifically blended may be different materials, specifically materials that differ with respect to at least one property selected from the group consisting of chemical properties, specifically chemical composition; optical properties, specifically optical appearance such as one or more of color, transparency, and brilliance; mechanical properties, specifically one or more of particle size, particle size, density, viscosity, or flowability; electrostatic chargeability; compressibility; crystallinity; and particle shape. Furthermore, other properties may also be used in addition or alternatively.

[0037] The at least two materials may specifically include bulk materials and / or loose materials. The at least two materials may each independently be selected from the group consisting of solid materials, gaseous materials, and liquid materials. More specifically, the at least two materials may each independently be selected from the group consisting of: - Powder, specifically o Inorganic powders, specifically inorganic powders made from minerals; o Organic powders, in particular organic powders made from polymers; ○ Pigments and; Toner powder, a powder selected from the group consisting of: a liquid, in particular a liquid selected from the group consisting of a pure liquid, a suspension, an emulsion or a solution, more particularly one or more liquids of liquid dyes and inks; and / or may comprise at least two materials selected from the group consisting of:

[0038] The terms material and pigment are sometimes used synonymously herein. Thus, the term pigment may include color particles, powders, and liquids containing these particles. The term pigment may include pure pigments and / or pigments with at least one polymer coating, such as styrene acrylate copolymers, polyester resins, styrene butadiene copolymers, or similar polymers. Specifically, the term pigment may refer to toner powders. Any suitable pigment may be used in the context of the present invention. It is also possible to use a mixture of one or more pigments or one or more pigment toner powders in the context of the present invention.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, the amount of pigment used can vary. Preferably, the amount of pigment used is 10 -15 g / cm 2 ~1g / cm 2 more preferably in the range of 10 -9 g / cm 2 ~10 -3 g / cm 2 The range is.

[0040] Preferably, the particle size of the pigments used is in the range of 10 nanometers to 1 millimeter, preferably in the range of 100 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

[0041] Preferably, suitable pigments are selected from inorganic materials, preferably metal oxides, metal oxides, preferably naturally occurring metal oxides. Suitable pigments may be, for example, pigments selected from iron oxides. Iron oxide pigments are relatively low-cost materials that resist color changes due to exposure to sunlight, have good chemical resistance, and are stable under normal ambient conditions. Iron oxide has proven particularly suitable because it is a material that can be easily recycled and reused. For example, iron oxide pigments can be recovered and used as raw materials in steel production, which helps avoid disposing of used pigments as waste.

[0042] Suitable iron oxides are also available as natural pigments. Suitable red pigments can be obtained from hematite, yellow and brown pigments (such as ochre, sierra, and umber) from limonite, and black iron oxide pigments can be provided from magnetite. Additionally, synthetic pigments, particularly metal oxides such as iron oxides, can be produced under controlled conditions of particle size, distribution, and shape, resulting in excellent uniformity, and can be used in accordance with the present invention to improve color quality and chemical purity.

[0043] For example, pigments of natural origin, such as those selected from natural organic materials, including organic materials from plants, animals, and minerals, are suitable for the method of the present invention. Pigments selected from synthetic organic materials, such as azo pigments, are also suitable. Suitable mineral pigments include ochre, sienna, azurite, cobalt, and ultramarine. Spinel can also be used. Ochre is usually red or yellow, obtained from iron ore or iron-bearing clay. Sienna is a type of limonite clay, derived from ferric oxide, resulting in a deep red color. Azurite is found in the oxidized upper part of copper deposits. Ultramarine can be obtained from lapis lazuli or artificially produced. Spinel is available in yellow, orange, turquoise, and blue. Additionally, other pigments include Carmine Lake Natural Red 4 (cochineal), Natural Yellow 3 Lake (plant-derived), Madder Lake Natural Red 9 (madder root), Indigo Lake Natural Blue 2 (ward), Chlorophyllin Green Lake (plant-derived), plant or bone black, titanium white, iron oxide, talc, chalk, kaolin, and other earth pigments.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the invention, preferably at least 20%, more preferably 30%, and most preferably 40% of the pigments used should be of natural origin, i.e., obtained from natural products other than products of the petrochemical industry, by simple separation or purification steps. Other embodiments are possible. For example, 100% of the pigments used may be of natural origin.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, the term pigment also includes pigments that are visible under UV light. Sustainable, environmentally friendly materials can be used, such as pigments from Clariant available under the Ecotrain label, for example, pigments selected from the group consisting of Novoperm Yellow HR 72, Hostaperm Blue B2G 03, Hostaperm Green GNX 01, Hansa Brilliant Yellow 2GX 72-S, Hostaperm Yellow H3G EDW VP 5131, Novoperm Orange HL 71, and Hostaperm Blue B2G-EDS VP 3491.

[0046] In the context of the present invention, effect pigments such as absorption pigments, metal effect pigments, and pearlescent pigments can also be used. Metal effect pigments or metallic effect pigments usually consist of flakes or platelets of aluminum, copper, copper-zinc alloys, zinc, and other metals. Suitable pearlescent pigments are, for example, mica-based pigments, but also pigments based on silica or alumina flakes. For example, natural mica pigments coated with a thin film of metal oxide, such as TiO or iron oxide, are suitable. Furthermore, pigments based on silica flakes (SiO) or alumina (AlO) can be used in the context of the present invention. Suitable substrate-free pearlescent pigments are, for example, natural pearl essence, basic lead carbonate, bismuth oxychloride, micaceous iron oxide, and TiO flakes.

[0047] The blending of the at least two materials may be performed according to at least one item of blending information. The at least one item of blending information may include at least one of the following: the amount of the at least two materials to be blended; the mass of the at least two materials to be blended; the volume of the at least two materials to be blended; the blending ratio of the volumes of the at least two materials to be blended; the blending ratio of the masses of the at least two materials to be blended; blending instructions for blending two or more continuous or discontinuous streams of the at least two materials to be blended; printing instructions for blending the at least two materials to be blended, for example, tilt information for blending the at least two materials to be blended using raster images with different tilts (e.g., raster images generated by a printer's raster image processor (RIP)). Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, other types of blending information may be used.

[0048] The at least two materials can be supplied to the blending device continuously or discontinuously. Thus, by way of example, the blending device may include at least two reservoirs for the at least two materials to be blended. However, additionally or alternatively, other means of supplying materials to the at least one blending device are also possible. Thus, by way of example, in addition to or alternatively to using at least one reservoir for at least one material, continuous supply is also possible.

[0049] The hybridization device may further include at least one receiving element for receiving the hybrid. The term "receiving element" may generally refer to any element configured to receive the hybrid. The receiving element may specifically have at least one receiving surface and / or at least one receiving material for receiving the hybrid. Thus, as an example, the at least one receiving element may specifically include at least one element selected from the group consisting of a receiving container for receiving the hybrid; and a substrate for receiving the hybrid. The at least one receiving element may be a fixed receiving element and / or a moving receiving element, such as a rotatable receiving element. As an example, the receiving element may include at least one substrate, for example, a substrate having at least one substrate surface that may be or include a planar substrate surface and / or at least one substrate surface that may be or include a curved substrate surface. As an example, the receiving element may include at least one drum, such as a rotating drum, having a receiving surface for receiving the hybrid. The hybrid may be deposited directly or indirectly onto the rotating drum by using the hybridization device. As an example, a drum may be used to which the composite is temporarily fixed, for example electrostatically, such electrostatic drums being commonly known in the art of printing, for example laser printing.

[0050] If the receiving element includes at least one drum, the drum may be, for example, a rotating drum. Therefore, the method may further include at least one cleaning step, in which the composite may be removed from the receiving surface of the drum after detecting the at least one material characteristic. For example, powder and / or pigment may be dispensed onto the rotating drum and, for example, temporarily fixed to the surface of the rotating drum by electrostatic force. While the composite is fixed to the surface of the rotating drum, at least one material characteristic of the composite on the surface may be detected, for example, by optical reading. For example, and as outlined in more detail below, the color may be detected and then converted into binary information, for example, a line of binary numbers. The drum may then be cleaned by rotating it 90° to a cleaning position.

[0051] A similar procedure can also be performed, optionally without electrostatic fixation, by using inkjet printing directly on the drum surface and / or on a moving substrate such as a paper substrate. The drum can be cleaned for reuse after detecting at least one characteristic. Thus, by way of example, the hybridization device can include at least one inkjet printer. The material can be or include inkjet printing of the material (which can be or include a liquid material) onto at least one receiving element, for example, onto at least one rotating drum and / or onto at least one substrate. Detection of at least one material characteristic can then be performed, such as detection of at least one optical characteristic, for example, by optical reading. Also, by way of example, color can be detected and then converted into binary information, for example, a line of binary numbers. The drum can then be cleaned, for example, by rotating the drum 90° to a cleaning position. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to cleaning the at least one receiving element, a new receiving element or a new portion of a receiving element can be used for further steps, such as for further printing and for repeating the hybridization and detection.

[0052] The blending device may specifically include at least one blending element for producing a blend. The term "blend element" as used herein may refer, without limitation, to any element, device, or combination of elements configured to blend at least two materials, specifically by mixing the at least two materials, for example, before, during, or after deposition onto at least one optional receiving element. By way of example, the at least one blending element may be or include at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a dispenser for continuously or discontinuously dispensing at least one of the two materials; a printer for printing at least two materials onto at least one receiving element, specifically onto at least one substrate, specifically at least one printer selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printer and a laser printer. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, other types of blending elements may also be used. Thus, by way of example, the blending element may be or include at least one of a mixing element, a dispenser, a nozzle, and an extruder.

[0053] The printing device may be specifically configured to blend at least two materials onto at least one substrate according to at least one item of blending information. In particular, the printer may be configured to blend at least two materials according to the item of blending information, thereby, for example, generating a blend on a substrate for receiving the blend. The substrate may be specifically or include at least one carrier medium, for example, a carrier medium selected from the group consisting of a glass carrier, for example, a glass plate or sheet; a plastic carrier, for example, a plastic plate or sheet; a paper carrier, for example, a paper sheet; or a canvas. Other substrates are also possible. For example, the substrate may be part of the printer itself or may be embedded within the printer. In particular, the substrate included in the printer may be a reusable carrier medium, for example, a medium having a cleanable surface, for example, a printer drum, for example, a rotating drum.

[0054] The printing device may further be configured to blend at least two materials to generate at least one pattern, particularly at least one interference pattern. The at least two materials blended by the printer may be different materials, particularly materials that differ in at least one property. As an example, the at least two materials blended by the printer may differ in at least one property selected from the group consisting of chemical properties, particularly chemical composition; optical properties, particularly optical appearance such as one or more of color, transparency, and brilliance; mechanical properties, particularly one or more of particle size, particle size, density, viscosity, and flowability; electrostatic chargeability; compressibility; crystallinity; and particle shape.

[0055] The method may include converting the detected material properties into pixel color values ​​to generate a first digital image. The conversion may be performed by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material properties. The conversion of the at least one material property to color values ​​may be performed in a computer-implemented manner. Thus, the conversion of the at least one material property to color values ​​is performed by using at least one data processing device configured to apply at least one conversion algorithm to the material properties. The term "data processing device" may refer, without limitation, to a computer or computer system having at least one processor and, optionally, at least one data storage device. Here, the processor may, by way of example, comprise at least one integrated circuit configured to execute computer-readable instructions. The processor may additionally or alternatively be or comprise at least one application-specific integrated circuit and / or at least one field-programmable gate array. Configuring the data processing device to apply the at least one conversion algorithm may, by way of example, be performed by providing computer-readable instructions to the data processing device, for example, via at least one data storage device and / or via at least one interface.

[0056] The conversion of the material characteristic to a color value may involve at least one test, specifically at least one predefined test. The at least one test may be or may include a direct or indirect comparison of the at least one material characteristic with at least one comparison value, at least one comparison value range, etc., for example, by using at least one item of measurement information. Other mathematical tests are generally possible and may also be applied. RGB values ​​may be generated according to the results of the at least one test. The conversion of the material characteristic to a color value may specifically involve a comparison of the at least one material characteristic with at least one threshold value, including the option of using at least one item of measurement information representing the material characteristic. According to the results of this comparison, at least one numerical value may be assigned to the material characteristic for each primary color.

[0057] Preferably, the first digital image can be generated by scanning, in particular digitally scanning, the composite or at least a region of interest of the composite. Scanning can be performed using at least one scanning device. The term "scanning device" can refer, without limitation, to a device configured to detect at least one property of at least one object and / or element, e.g., the composite. In particular, the scanning device can be configured to inspect and / or detect at least one material property of the composite. As an example, the scanning device can have at least one scanning element configured to optically record and / or capture spatially resolved one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or even three-dimensional optical information about the composite. Thus, for example, for optical detection, the scanning device can comprise at least one sensor, such as an optical sensor, in particular an image sensor, e.g., at least one photosensitive capacitor, at least one charge-coupled device (CCD). The scanning device can comprise, for example, at least one CCD chip and / or at least one CMOS chip. Specifically, the scanning device can be configured to detect an optical signal of the blend, e.g., blended and / or blended powder components, by using an optical system or the like. In particular, the scanning system can be configured to convert, e.g., separate, the optical signal of the blend into primary colors, e.g., red, green, and blue, by using a prism, for example. The scanning device can be configured to convert the optical signal, e.g., the optical signal converted into primary colors, into at least one digital image by using at least one sensor, e.g., a sensor including multiple photosensitive capacitors. Furthermore, the scanning device can include at least one illumination element, e.g., an element configured to illuminate the blend, and the scanning device can be configured to detect at least one characteristic of the blend by using reflection from the blend. In this specification, the scanning device may also be referred to as a scanner. The scanning device may be or include a device selected from the group consisting of a CCD scanner; a CIS scanner; a camera; and a film.In particular, the scanning device may include at least one light detection system, which may specifically include one or more of a photodetector, an image sensor, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), e.g., a vacuum tube that converts incident photons into an electrical signal, or a silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPM), e.g., a solid-state device that converts incident photons into an electrical signal. The scanning device may specifically include at least one processor, which may be configured to control at least one scanning operation of the scanning device.

[0058] Scanning can be performed, for example, using light with wavelengths in the range of 10 nm to 1 mm during scanning, preferably in the range of 300 nm to 800 nm. 2 The luminous intensity per unit is preferably 0.001 lm / m 2 to 10,000,000 lm / m 2 and more preferably in the range of 10 lm / m 2 to 1,000,000 lm / m 2 The range is.

[0059] In cryptography, a digital fingerprint typically refers to a near-unique identification of data as a result of a hash function. The term "digital fingerprint" can refer, without limitation, to a unique image that references any type of data, such as product information data or personal data such as a passport number or health insurance number. The first digital image can be based on a physical image, which can be generated by printing a printer job, i.e., an image, while changing printer control settings. Depending on the printer control settings and the individual settings of the printer job, the printout can be unique. The unique printout can be scanned and converted into a first digital image. The first digital image can be a color image based on the RGB color space.

[0060] Step i) may include generating a digital image element by sizing the first digital image to a predefined size. The size of the digital image element may be larger than the size of the identifier information. The term "digital image element" may refer, without limitation, to a section or crop of the first digital image. The term "sizing" may refer, without limitation, to fitting and / or selecting and / or reducing and / or cutting the entire first digital image into a digital image element that includes the region of interest.

[0061] The term "identifier information" may refer, without limitation, to data relating to the identity and origin of an object. The identifier information may be provided in binary format and is referred to herein as binary code. The identifier information may be one or more of product name, expiration date, customer, hazard information, weight, storage temperature, etc.

[0062] The term "mapping" identifier information to a digital fingerprint may refer, without limitation, to adding identifier information to pixel information, particularly color codes, of the first digital image. Specifically, mapping identifier information to the first digital image may include adding binary codes of identifier information to color codes of the first digital image. The color codes of the first digital image may be used as a basis for mapping information data, particularly identifier information.

[0063] The mapping may be performed as follows: The color code of the first digital image, i.e. the color value of each pixel, may be converted into a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of color values ​​into hexadecimal numbers may be performed using at least one predefined relationship, such as at least one mathematical algorithm and / or a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "The Image-Interface: Graphical Supports for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Wiley & Sons, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number may be further converted into a binary code of the first digital image by using at least one predefined relationship, such as at least one mathematical algorithm and / or lookup table, as described, for example, in “Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables,” Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992 or https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The binary code of the first digital image and identifier information may be added.

[0064] The new binary information of the mapped data may be transferred to a color code of the second digital image. The added binary code may be converted to a hexadecimal number, which may be converted to a color value. For example, the conversion from hexadecimal to color value may be performed using at least one predefined relationship, such as at least one mathematical algorithm and / or a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "The Image-Interface: Graphical Supports for Visual Information," by Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Wiley & Sons, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. A second digital image may be generated using the determined color values ​​of the corresponding image pixels. The second digital image may be different from the first digital image. In particular, the pixels of the first and second digital images have different color values. The second digital image may be an RGB image, where the primary colors of an RGB image are red, green, and blue. The second digital image is counterfeit-proof if the applied printer control settings and the applied printer job are kept confidential. The method includes printing the second digital image onto a substrate, thereby generating a security label. The printing may be performed using a printing device.

[0065] The method may further include generating at least one verification number. The term "verification number" may refer, without limitation, to a fixed-length numeric value that uniquely represents data.

[0066] To generate a verification number, vi) converting color values ​​of pixels of the second digital image into a secondary color space having at least four primary colors and determining the number of respective color pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space; vii) generating said verification number by converting said determined number of respective color pixels for each primary color of said secondary color space into a numerical value; Includes.

[0067] The term "secondary color space" may refer to any color space having an appropriate number of primary colors, i.e., at least four primary colors, without limitation. Preferably, the secondary color space is the CMYK color space, where the primary colors of the secondary color space are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white, whereby white means the absence of color on a white substrate. The conversion from the RGB color space to the secondary color space can be performed for each pixel of the second RGB image. The conversion from the RGB color space to the secondary color space can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Schule der Farben - Grundzuege der Farbentheorie für Computeranwender undere," by Kueppers, Harald, DuMont Buchverlag, Koeln 2. Edition, ISBN 978-3-7701-2841-9 or www.farbtabelle.at / farben-umrechnen. Conversion from RGB color space can be performed using at least one software, particularly the printer's software for converting RGB colors.

[0068] The transformed image is further transformed into a pattern, thereby forming a raster image. The pattern may be a grid. The pattern may include at least one matrix including rows and columns indicating the presence or absence of a primary color for each pixel. Further transformation, particularly rasterization, may be performed by printer software. The colored dots may then be counted. Determining the number of each color pixel for each primary color in the secondary color space may include counting the colored dots in the transformed rasterized image, particularly the matrix.

[0069] The determined number of pixels of each primary color may be converted into a hexadecimal number. Specifically, the number of dots of a color is converted into a hexadecimal number. The conversion of the determined numerical value from a hexadecimal number to a color value may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in "Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0070] The generation of the verification number may include converting the determined number of color pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predefined formula. Specifically, the determined number of pixels for each primary color may be converted into a fixed size value without a decimal number. The predefined formula may be a logarithmic formula. The counted dot information may be converted into a hexadecimal number via a logarithmic formula and then converted into a fixed size value. The predefined formula for converting the determined number of color pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size may be "a + b * x+c * (x / 16)+d * 1000 *ln(x+1), where "x" is the number of pixels of each primary color, and a, b, c, and d are parameters. For example, when generating a four-digit hexadecimal number, the value of "a" can be 4,096 in all of the following cases: if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is less than 60,000, then "b" is 1, and "c" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is between 60,000 and 950,000, then "c" is 1, and "b" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is greater than 950,000, then "d" is 1, and "b" and "c" are 0. Therefore, the result obtained by calculation using the predefined formula can be truncated to a full hexadecimal number. For example, to generate a verification number of a fixed size other than four hexadecimal digits, such as three or ten digits, "a," "b," "c," and "d" can be adjusted accordingly.

[0071] As described above, the RGB color code of the second digital image derived from the mapping of the identifier information and the individual digital fingerprint can be converted to a color code in a second color space, which can be a CMYK color space. In the case of printing, the color dots placed on the substrate can be counted and converted to a hexadecimal number. Thus, a "hash value" of the security label can be generated by converting the number of determined color pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space into a hexadecimal number. This hexadecimal number can be used as a verification number, which can be unique to the second digital image of the security label.

[0072] The security label may include optically readable information printed on the substrate in addition to the second digital image. The method may include printing the verification number on the substrate as one or more of a number, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode or a QR code, and / or storing the verification number in at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate.

[0073] The term "numeric" may refer, without limitation, to at least one character or sequence of characters. A numeric character may include one or more of at least one digit, at least one letter, at least one punctuation mark, and a space.

[0074] The term "2D code" may refer, without limitation, to an optoelectronically readable font that includes bars or dots with different widths and gaps between them, with as high a contrast as possible. Embodiments of 2D codes are described, for example, at de.wikipedia.org / wiki / 2D-Code.

[0075] The term "barcode" may refer, without limitation, to binary optical information, for example, a binary sequence of optical information, such as a sequence of parallel lines having different widths, which encodes information such as numbers and / or sequences of numbers and / or letters. Thus, a barcode may be a sequence of monochromatic lines that have high contrast compared to the background. Specifically, a barcode may include black lines on a white background.

[0076] The term "QR code" may refer, without limitation, to a quadratic matrix of binary pixels, which encodes information such as numbers and / or sequences of numbers and / or letters. The pixels of the quadratic matrix may have high contrast compared to the background. Specifically, the pixels of the matrix may include black squares arranged on a white background. Additionally, the QR code may include directional indications that allow a QR code reader to align the matrix.

[0077] The electronic chip may be included in an RFID tag. The term "RFID tag" may refer, without limitation, to a label configured to exchange data information with a reader by using high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, such as using the NFC standard. The RFID tag may further include an antenna configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals and an electronic chip, such as a microchip, configured to store the data information. Specifically, the RFID tag may be a flexible substrate having an electronically conductive coil and, optionally, at least one microchip.

[0078] The method may include generating a security-labeled blockchain. The term "blockchain" may refer, without limitation, to a growing list of cryptographically linked records called blocks. The term "block" may refer, without limitation, to a component or element of a blockchain. By design, a blockchain is resistant to data modification. It is "an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties in an efficient, verifiable, and persistent manner" (see en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Blockchain). When used as a distributed ledger, a blockchain typically adheres to a protocol for inter-node communication and is managed by a peer-to-peer network for authentication of new blocks. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block in the blockchain, linking the two. The linked blocks form a chain. This iterative process verifies the integrity of the previous block, all the way back to the original genesis block. Blockchain technology typically requires cryptographic hash functions, which require processing of multiple pieces of information and map data of any size to a fixed-size value so that the data in any block cannot be retroactively changed.

[0079] The blockchain may be a supply chain blockchain. A block may reflect the result of each checkpoint originating from the manufacturer. The second digital image may be used as the block and the verification number may be used as the hash. Method steps i) to vii) may be repeated for each subsequent block using the second digital image of the preceding block as the respective first digital image. The verification number may be uploaded to the supply chain blockchain. The verification number may be used to monitor the movement of the product from checkpoint to checkpoint. The movement of the product from checkpoint to checkpoint may be defined as a transaction. The checkpoint may be an intermediate storage facility or a customs clearance.

[0080] In a further aspect, a method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting is proposed, the method comprising the following steps: a) generating at least one security label using a method for generating at least one security label according to the present invention; b) verifying whether the security label is authentic, said verifying comprising reading the security label, obtaining at least one verification digital image from at least one database in response to the read security label, and comparing the obtained verification digital image with a second digital image of the security label, wherein the security label is verified whether the obtained verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label are identical, at least within a tolerance; Includes.

[0081] Additionally, the method may include additional method steps not listed.

[0082] The method includes generating at least one security label using a method for generating at least one security label according to the present invention, as described above or in more detail below. For possible definitions, options, or embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the method for generating at least one security label, as described above or in more detail below.

[0083] The term "reading" may refer, without limitation, to a process of obtaining at least one item of information, such as at least one item of information stored on a security label. The item of information may be a verification number and / or optically readable information, including the verification number in electronic form, stored on at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate of the security label. The reading may be performed at a checkpoint. The reading may be performed by a consumer.

[0084] The reading may be performed by a reading device. The term "reading device" may refer, without limitation, to a device configured to perform reading as defined above. In particular, the reading device may be or comprise at least one of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional scanner, a camera, and / or a radio frequency reading device such as an NFC reader.

[0085] The reading may specifically be done electronically. The reading process may depend on how the authentication is present on the security label. The reading may include optical reading, for example by optical scanning, if optical identifiers are used, such as barcodes and / or QR codes. If the verification number is stored as an RFID code, the reading may include electronic reading, such as reading by near field communication (NFC). Other options are possible.

[0086] The reading device may be integrated into a mobile device. The mobile device may be a mobile electronic device, more specifically a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. The mobile device may refer to a tablet computer or other type of portable computer. Additionally or alternatively, the reading may be performed by a human. The method may further include inputting the read verification number into a user interface of the mobile device.

[0087] The term "database" may generally refer, without limitation, to an organized collection of data electronically stored and accessed by a computer or computer system. A database may include or be included in a data storage device. A database may include at least one database management system including software executing on a computer or computer system, the software enabling interaction with one or more users, applications, or the database itself, such as for capturing and analyzing data contained within the database. A database management system may further encompass functionality for managing the database. Thus, a database containing data may be included in a database system that includes, in addition to the data, one or more associated applications. A database may be or comprise at least one database selected from the group consisting of at least one server, at least one server system including multiple servers, at least one cloud server, or cloud computing infrastructure. A database may include a blockchain and / or a representation of a blockchain.

[0088] The term "obtaining" may refer, without limitation, to a process in which a system, particularly a computer system, generates and / or obtains data from any data source, such as from data storage, from a network, or from an additional computer or computer system. Specifically, obtaining may occur through at least one computer interface, such as through a port, such as a serial port or a parallel port. Obtaining may include multiple substeps, such as obtaining one or more items of primary information and generating secondary information by utilizing the primary information, such as by applying one or more algorithms to the primary information, such as by using a processor.

[0089] Obtaining may include sending a query to a database containing the verification number, e.g., by using a communication interface of the mobile device, and receiving a response from the database, e.g., by using the communication interface of the mobile device. The term "communication interface" may refer, without limitation, to an item or element forming an interface configured to transfer information. In particular, a communication interface may be configured to transfer information, e.g., send or output information, from a computing device, e.g., a computer, to another device. Additionally or alternatively, a communication interface may be configured to transfer information, e.g., receive information, to a computing device, e.g., a computer. A communication interface may specifically provide a means for transferring or exchanging information. In particular, a communication interface may provide a data transfer connection, e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, inductive coupling, etc. By way of example, the communication interface may be or comprise at least one port, including one or more of a network or internet port, a USB port, and a disk drive. The communication interface may be at least one web interface.

[0090] The term "verification digital image" may refer, without limitation, to a digital image retrieved from a database in response to a query that includes the verification number of a security label affixed to an object.

[0091] Authentication of the security label may be performed by comparing the acquired verification digital image with a second digital image of the security label. The verification may be performed by comparing the verification digital image with a digital image in the supply chain blockchain. The verification may include scanning the second digital image printed on the substrate. The verification may include comparing the scanned second digital image with the verification digital image. The comparison of the scanned second digital image with the verification digital image may be performed using at least one processing device. The comparison of the scanned second digital image with the verification digital image may be performed using at least one image comparison algorithm.

[0092] The comparison of color pixels of the verification digital image and the second scanned digital image may be performed pixel by pixel. The method may include pixelating the second scanned digital image and / or the verification digital image. Pixelating may include dividing the second scanned digital image and / or the verification digital image into pixels, in particular into a predefined number of pixels. For example, the predefined number of pixels may correspond to the number of pixels in the verification digital image. For example, the predefined number of pixels may depend on security requirements.

[0093] The method may include determining a color code of the pixelated second digital image by converting the color pixels, for example, to hexadecimal or binary numbers. For example, the conversion of color values ​​to hexadecimal numbers may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "The Image-Interface: Graphical Supports for Visual Information," Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Wiley & Sons, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number may be further converted into a binary code of the second digital image by using at least one predefined relationship, such as at least one mathematical algorithm and / or lookup table, as described, for example, in "Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992 or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0094] Comparing the color pixels of the second digital image and the verification digital image may include comparing color codes of the pixelated second digital image and the verification digital image. The comparing may include determining whether the second digital image and the verification digital image are identical within at least a predefined pixel color tolerance. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label can be considered identical if they are identical within at least a tolerance with respect to at least one primary color. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label can be considered identical within a pixel color error tolerance of ±30% for each primary color of the pixel, preferably ±10% for each primary color of the pixel, and more preferably ±3% for each primary color of the pixel. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label can be considered identical within an overall error tolerance of 10% deviation pixels, preferably 5% deviation pixels, and more preferably 1% deviation pixels. Because the optical appearance of a security label may differ compared to a digital image, for example, due to possible aging of the security label or differences in the light spectrum during scanning, label verification can be performed by focusing on one color in the RGB color space, for example, by comparing only the red share of the scanned pixels. First, if the result of matching the color code of the scanned second digital image of the security label with the color code of the verification digital image uploaded to the blockchain falls within a certain boundary, e.g., + / - 10%, a margin of error can be established as a positive verification. In addition to comparing the entire color code of the digital image, a portion of the complete RGB color information, e.g., red, can be used. In addition to red, security label verification can also be performed by the percentage of blue or green.The error tolerance may be defined by the share of pixels of the second digital image that match the verification digital image uploaded to the blockchain, meaning, for example, that 90 out of 100 pixels follow the pixels of the verification digital image uploaded to the blockchain. Both types of error tolerance may be applied in combination.

[0095] In a further aspect, a method for product security is proposed, the method comprising the steps of: I) generating at least one security label using a method for generating at least one security label according to the present invention and physically connecting the security label to a product, wherein the identifier information is information about the product; II) generating at least one verification number, wherein generating the verification number includes converting color values ​​of pixels of the second digital image into a secondary color space having at least four primary colors, determining a number of respective color pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space, and converting the determined number of respective color pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space into a numerical value to generate the verification number; III) applying said verification number to a substrate; IV) adding the second digital image as a block and the verification number as a hash to a supply chain security label blockchain; Includes.

[0096] Additionally, the method may include additional method steps not listed.

[0097] The method includes generating at least one security label using a method for generating at least one security label according to the present invention, as described above or in more detail below. For possible definitions, options, or embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the method for generating at least one security label, as described above or in more detail below. Furthermore, with regard to the generation of the at least one verification number, reference may be made to the description of the generation of verification numbers, as described above or in more detail below.

[0098] Applying the verification number may include printing the verification number onto the substrate as one or more of a number, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode or a QR code, and / or storing the verification number in at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate.

[0099] The method may further include monitoring the movement of the product from checkpoint to checkpoint using the verification number.

[0100] The method can include verifying whether the security label is authentic, which can include reading, particularly scanning, the security label, obtaining at least one verification digital image from the security label's blockchain in response to the scanned security label, and comparing the obtained verification digital image with a second digital image of the security label. The security label is verified whether the obtained verification digital image and the security label are identical, at least within a tolerance. The obtained verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label can be considered identical if they are identical, at least within a tolerance, with respect to at least one primary color. The obtained verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label can be considered identical within a pixel color error tolerance of ±30% for each pixel primary color, preferably ±10% for each pixel primary color, and more preferably ±3% for each pixel primary color. The obtained verification digital image and the second digital image of the security label can be considered identical within an overall error tolerance of 10% pixel deviation, preferably 5% pixel deviation, and more preferably 1% pixel deviation. For the verification process, please refer to the description of the method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting, as described above or in more detail below.

[0101] In a further aspect, a security label is proposed, which is generated using the method for generating at least one security label according to the invention as described above or in more detail below. For possible definitions, options or embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the method for generating at least one security label as described above or in more detail below.

[0102] In further aspects, the use of security labels according to the present invention is proposed for purposes such as product security for products in the supply chain, secure signatures for wallets, government services, financial services, medical services, etc. Other applications are possible.

[0103] For example, a digital fingerprint generated according to the above method can be used as a secure signature for wallets and similar applications. The signature owner's digital information can be converted into a digital fingerprint. The signature owner's identifier information can be one or more of the following: name, address, personal fingerprint or a part of the face, such as the face or iris, parents' names, date of birth, and social security number, or the binary code of another digital image from the signature owner's personal image library. The owner's digital fingerprint can be converted into a secure digital signature consisting of decimal numbers and letters. The code of the signature owner's information can be mapped with the color code of a first digital image, thereby generating a second digital image. The first digital image can be a digital image from the signature owner's personal image library, such as a photograph of a physical object.

[0104] Anti-counterfeit labeling is important for high-value goods that are at high risk of hidden exchanges as they pass through unsecured environments during shipment along the supply chain. This is especially true when the product cannot be easily identified by its shape, taste, smell, or color. Secure digital signatures may be required, for example, in areas of authentication in blockchain or for applications for government services. The cost of implementing the present invention may be lower than competing solutions, such as RFID chips or holograms. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0105] Further optional features and embodiments are disclosed in more detail in the description of the following embodiments, preferably in connection with the dependent claims, where each optional feature may be realized separately and in any possible combination, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures, in which identical reference numbers in these figures indicate identical or functionally interchangeable elements.

[0106] In the diagram: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for generating at least one security label using at least one printing device. [Figure 2] 2A-2E illustrate an embodiment for generating a verification number. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for protecting at least one object from counterfeiting. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for product security. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a security label. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0107] Detailed Description of the Embodiments 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label 110 using at least one printing device 112. The printing device 112 may be a multi-function printer with scanning capabilities and may therefore also be embodied as a scanning device 112. The method includes the following steps: i) (reference numeral 114) printing a printer job using a printing device 112 at a printer control setting and scanning the printout using a scanning device 112 to generate a first digital image 116 comprising a plurality of color pixels, thereby generating a digital fingerprint; ii) (reference numeral 118) providing a binary code 120 of the identifier information; iii) (reference numeral 122) determining a binary code of the digital fingerprint and mapping the identifier information to the digital fingerprint by adding the binary code 120 of the identifier information to the color code of the first digital image 116; iv) (reference numeral 124) converting the added binary code into a color code of a second digital image 126, thereby generating a second digital image 126 having a plurality of color pixels different from the first digital image 116; v) (reference numeral 128) printing said second digital image onto a substrate 129, in particular by using a printing device 112, thereby producing a security label 110; Includes.

[0108] 2A, the printing device 112 may be configured to apply, e.g., print, at least one material onto at least one printing surface or substrate, particularly in a pattern, in accordance with printer control settings. In particular, the printing device 112 may include one or more of: a drum, such as an image drum; a laser; a lens system, e.g., a lens system including at least one mirror, e.g., a rotatable mirror; a cleaning element, such as a roll, scraper, or similar cleaning means, e.g., for cleaning the drum; a cassette, e.g., a paper cassette, for storing one or more substrates; at least one transport element, e.g., a roller and / or conveyor, for feeding, transporting, and / or ejecting, in particular, paper into, through, and / or from the printing device; and a printer control unit configured to control the printing device.

[0109] Generating the first digital image 116 may include blending and / or mixing pigments and scanning the mixed pigments (see FIG. 2A). Specifically, generating the first digital image 116 may include blending pigments, particularly colored pigments, based on printer control settings using the printing device 112 and scanning the mixed pigments using at least one scanning device, particularly the printing device 112. Regarding embodiments of the printing device 112 and blending, see WO2021 / 001147, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] The digital fingerprint may be a unique image referencing data. The first digital image 116 may be based on a physical image, which may be generated by printing a printer job, i.e., an image, while changing printer control settings. Depending on the printer control settings and the individual settings of the printer job, the printout may be unique. The unique printout may be scanned and converted into the first digital image. The first digital image 116 may be a color image based on the RGB color space.

[0111] Step i) 124 may include generating a digital image element 130, see FIG. 2A , by sizing the first digital image 116 to a predefined size. The size of the digital image element 130 may be larger than the size of the identifier information. The digital image element 130 may be a section or crop of the first digital image 116. The sizing may include fitting and / or selecting and / or reducing and / or cutting the entire first digital image 116 into the digital image element 130 that includes the region of interest.

[0112] Identifier information may refer to data related to the identity and origin of the object to which the security label is affixed. Identifier information may be provided in binary format and is referred to herein as binary code. Identifier information may be one or more of product name, expiration date, customer, hazard information, weight, storage temperature, etc.

[0113] 2B shows an embodiment of a mapping 122 between identifier information and a digital fingerprint. The mapping 122 may refer to adding the identifier information to pixel information, particularly a color code, of the first digital image 116. Specifically, the mapping between the identifier information and the first digital image 116 may include adding a binary code 120 of the identifier information to the color code of the first digital image 116. The color code of the first digital image may be used as a basis for mapping information data, particularly the identifier information.

[0114] The mapping 122 may be performed as follows: The color code of the first digital image 116, i.e. the color value of each pixel, may be converted into a hexadecimal number. For example, the conversion of color values ​​into hexadecimal numbers may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "The Image-Interface: Graphical Supports for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Wiley & Sons, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number may be further converted into a binary code of the first digital image by using at least one predefined relationship, such as at least one mathematical algorithm and / or lookup table, as described, for example, in “Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables,” Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992 or https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / . The binary code and identifier information of the first digital image 116 may be added.

[0115] The new binary information of the mapped data may be transferred to a color code of the second digital image 126. The added binary code may be converted to a hexadecimal number, which may be converted to a color value. For example, the conversion from hexadecimal to a color value may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "The Image-Interface: Graphical Supports for Visual Information," by Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Wiley & Sons, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The second digital image 126 may be generated using the determined color values ​​of the corresponding image pixels. The second digital image 126 may be different from the first digital image 116. In particular, the pixels of the first digital image 116 and the second digital image 126 have different color values. The second digital image 126 may be an RGB image, where the primary colors of an RGB image are red, green, and blue. The second digital image 126 is counterfeit-proof if the applied printer control settings and the applied printer job are kept confidential. The method includes printing the second digital image onto a substrate 129, thereby producing the security label 110.

[0116] The method may further include generating at least one verification number. The term "verification number" may refer, without limitation, to a fixed-length numeric value that uniquely represents data.

[0117] Verification number 131 is generated by vi) (reference numeral 132) converting color values ​​of pixels of the second digital image 126 into a secondary color space 134 having at least four primary colors and determining the number of respective color pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space; vii) (reference numeral 136) generating said verification number 131 by converting said determined number of respective color pixels for each primary color of said secondary color space into a numerical value; Includes.

[0118] 2C illustrates a conversion 132 of the color values ​​of pixels of the second digital image 126 to a secondary color space 134 and the resulting image in the secondary color space. The secondary color space 134 may refer to any color space having a suitable number of primary colors, i.e., at least four primary colors. Preferably, the secondary color space 134 is the CMYK color space, where the primary colors of the secondary color space 134 are black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and white, whereby white represents the absence of color on a white substrate. The conversion from the RGB color space to the secondary color space 134 can be performed for each pixel of the second RGB image. The conversion from the RGB color space to the secondary color space 134 can be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, in "Schule der Farben - Grundzuege der Farbentheorie für Computeranwender undere", Kueppers, Harald, DuMont Buchverlag, Koeln 2. Edition, ISBN 978-3-7701-2841-9 or www.farbtabelle.at / farben-umrechnen. The conversion from the RGB color space can be performed using at least one software, in particular the printer's software for converting RGB colors.

[0119] The transformed image is further transformed into a pattern, thereby forming a raster image (see FIG. 2C). The pattern may be a grid. The pattern may include at least one matrix including rows and columns indicating the presence or absence of a primary color for each pixel. Further transformation, particularly rastering, may be performed by printer software. The colored dots may then be counted. Determining the number of each color pixel for each primary color in the secondary color space may include counting the colored dots in the transformed rasterized image, particularly the matrix.

[0120] 2D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of converting the determined pixel numbers of each primary color into hexadecimal numbers. Specifically, the number of dots of a color is converted into hexadecimal numbers. The conversion of the determined numerical values ​​from hexadecimal numbers to color values ​​may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a lookup table, as described, for example, in "Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992, or https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0121] The generation of the verification number 131 may include converting the determined number of each color pixel for each primary color of the secondary color space into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size via a predefined formula (see FIG. 2E). Specifically, the determined number of pixels for each primary color may be converted into a fixed size value without a decimal number. The predefined formula may be a logarithmic formula. The counted dot information may be converted into a hexadecimal number via a logarithmic formula and then converted into a fixed size value. The predefined formula for converting the determined number of each color pixel for each primary color of the secondary color space into a hexadecimal value of a fixed size may be "a + b * x+c * (x / 16)+d * 1000 *ln(x+1), where "x" is the number of pixels of each primary color, and a, b, c, and d are parameters. For example, when generating a four-digit hexadecimal number, the value of "a" can be 4,096 in all of the following cases: if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is less than 60,000, then "b" is 1, and "c" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is between 60,000 and 950,000, then "c" is 1, and "b" and "d" are 0; if the sum of all pixels of each primary color is greater than 950,000, then "d" is 1, and "b" and "c" are 0. Therefore, the result obtained by calculation using the predefined formula can be truncated to a full hexadecimal number. For example, to generate a verification number of a fixed size other than four hexadecimal digits, such as three or ten digits, "a," "b," "c," and "d" can be adjusted accordingly.

[0122] As described above, the RGB color code of the second digital image 126 derived from the mapping of the identifier information and the individual digital fingerprints may be converted to a color code in a second color space 134, which may be a CMYK color space. In the case of printing, the color dots placed on the substrate may be counted and converted to a hexadecimal number. Thus, a "hash value" of the security label 110 may be generated by converting the determined number of color pixels for each primary color in the secondary color space into a hexadecimal number. This hexadecimal number may be applied as a verification number 131, which may be unique as the second digital image 126 of the security label 110.

[0123] In addition to the second digital image 126, the security label 110 may include optically readable information printed on the substrate 129. The method may include printing the verification number 131 on the substrate 129 as one or more of a number, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode or a QR code, and / or storing the verification number 131 in at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate 129.

[0124] The method may include generating a blockchain of security labels. The blockchain may be a supply chain blockchain. The blocks may reflect the results of each checkpoint originating from the manufacturer. The second digital image 126 may be used as the block, and the verification number may be used as the hash. Method steps i) to vii) may be repeated for each subsequent block, using the second digital image 126 of the preceding block as the respective first digital image 116. The verification number 131 may be uploaded to the supply chain blockchain. The verification number 131 may be used to monitor the movement of the product from checkpoint to checkpoint. The movement of the product from checkpoint to checkpoint may be defined as a transaction. The checkpoint may be an intermediate storage facility or a customs clearance.

[0125] 3 shows a flow chart of a method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting, the method comprising the following steps: a) (reference numeral 138) generating at least one security label 110 using a method for generating at least one security label 110 according to the present invention; b) (reference numeral 140) verifying whether the security label 110 is authentic, said verification comprising reading the security label 110, obtaining at least one verification digital image from at least one database in response to the read security label 110, and comparing the obtained verification digital image with a second digital image 126 of the security label, wherein the security label 110 is verified whether the obtained verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label are identical, at least within a tolerance; Includes.

[0126] Reading may refer to the process of obtaining at least one item of information, such as at least one item of information stored on the security label 110. The item of information may be the verification number 131 and / or optically readable information, including the verification number 131 in electronic form, for example, stored on at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate of the security label. The reading may be performed at a checkpoint. The reading may be performed by a consumer.

[0127] The reading may be performed by a reading device. A reading device may refer to a device configured to perform reading as defined above. Specifically, the reading device may be or comprise at least one of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional scanner, a camera, and / or a radio frequency reading device, such as an NFC reader. The reading may specifically be performed electronically. The reading process may depend on how authentication is present on the security label 110. The reading may include optical reading, for example, by optical scanning, if an optical identifier, such as a barcode and / or a QR code, is used. If the verification number 131 is stored as an RFID code, the reading may include electronic reading, such as reading by near field communication (NFC). Other options are possible.

[0128] The reading device may be integrated into a mobile device. The mobile device may be a mobile electronic device, more specifically a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. The mobile device may refer to a tablet computer or other type of portable computer. Additionally or alternatively, the reading may be performed by a human. The method may further include inputting the read verification number into a user interface of the mobile device.

[0129] A database may include or be included in a data storage device. A database may include at least one database management system including software executing on a computer or computer system, the software enabling interaction with one or more users, applications, or the database itself, such as for capturing and analyzing data contained in the database. A database management system may further include functionality for managing the database. Thus, a database containing data may be included in a database system that includes, in addition to the data, one or more associated applications. The database may be or comprise at least one database selected from the group consisting of at least one server, at least one server system including multiple servers, at least one cloud server, or a cloud computing infrastructure. The database may include a blockchain and / or a representation of a blockchain.

[0130] Obtaining may include sending a query to a database that includes the verification number 131, for example, by using a communication interface of the mobile device, and receiving a response from the database, for example, by using the communication interface of the mobile device. By way of example, the communication interface may be or may comprise at least one port including one or more of a network or internet port, a USB port, and a disk drive. The communication interface may be at least one web interface.

[0131] Authentication of the authenticity of the security label 110 may be performed by comparing the acquired verification digital image with the second digital image 126 of the security label 110. The verification may be performed by comparing the verification digital image with a digital image in the supply chain blockchain. The verification may include scanning the second digital image 126 printed on the substrate. The verification may include comparing the scanned second digital image 126 with the verification digital image. The comparison of the scanned second digital image 126 with the verification digital image may be performed using at least one processing device. The comparison of the scanned second digital image 126 with the verification digital image may be performed using at least one image comparison algorithm.

[0132] The comparison of color pixels of the verification digital image and the second scanned digital image 126 may be performed pixel by pixel. The method may include pixelating the second scanned digital image 126 and / or the verification digital image. Pixelating may include dividing the second scanned digital image 126 and / or the verification digital image into pixels, in particular into a predefined number of pixels. For example, the predefined number of pixels may correspond to the number of pixels in the verification digital image. For example, the predefined number of pixels may depend on security requirements.

[0133] The method may include determining a color code of the pixelated second digital image 126 by converting the color pixels, for example, to hexadecimal or binary numbers. For example, the conversion of color values ​​to hexadecimal numbers may be performed using at least one mathematical algorithm and / or at least one predefined relationship, such as a look-up table, as described, for example, at www.farben-umrechnen.de or in "The Image-Interface: Graphical Supports for Visual Information", Everardo Reyes-Garcia, John Wiley & Sons, 2017, ISBN 978-1-1194-7497-5. The hexadecimal number may be further converted into a binary code of the second digital image by using at least one predefined relationship, such as at least one mathematical algorithm and / or lookup table, as described, for example, in "Improving Image Performance by Using Color Lookup Tables," Adobe Developer Support, Technical Note #5121, March 31, 1992 or at https: / / www.rgbtohex.net / hextorgb / .

[0134] Comparing the color pixels of the second digital image 126 and the verification digital image may include comparing color codes of the pixelated second digital image 126 and the verification digital image. The comparing may include determining whether the second digital image and the verification digital image are identical within at least a predefined pixel color tolerance. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label may be considered identical if they are identical within at least a tolerance with respect to at least one primary color. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label 110 may be considered identical within a pixel color error tolerance of ±30% for each primary color of the pixel, preferably ±10% for each primary color of the pixel, and more preferably ±3% for each primary color of the pixel. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label 110 may be considered identical within a 10% deviation pixel, preferably a 5% deviation pixel, and more preferably a 1% deviation pixel, overall error tolerance. Because the optical appearance of the security label 110 may differ compared to the digital image, for example, due to possible aging of the security label 110 or differences in different light spectra during scanning, label verification can be performed by focusing on one color in the RGB color space, for example, by comparing only the red share of the scanned pixels. First, if the result of matching the color code of the scanned second digital image of the security label with the color code of its verification digital image uploaded to the blockchain falls within a certain boundary, e.g., + / - 10%, a margin of error can be positively verified. In addition to comparing the entire color code of the digital image, a portion of the complete RGB color information, e.g., red, can be used. In addition to red, security label verification can also be performed by the percentage of blue or green.The error tolerance may be defined by the share of pixels in the second digital image 126 that match the verification digital image uploaded to the blockchain, meaning, for example, that 90 out of 100 pixels follow the pixels of the verification digital image uploaded to the blockchain. Both types of error tolerance may be applied in combination.

[0135] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for product security.

[0136] The method comprises the steps of: I) (reference numeral 142) generating at least one security label 110 using a method for generating at least one security label 110 according to the present invention and physically connecting said security label 110 to a product, wherein the identifier information is information about the product; II) (reference numeral 144) generating at least one verification number 131, wherein generating the verification number includes converting color values ​​of pixels of the second digital image 126 into a secondary color space 134 having at least four primary colors, determining the number of respective color pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space 134, and converting the determined number of respective color pixels for each primary color of the secondary color space 134 into a numerical value to generate the verification number 131; III) (reference numeral 146) applying said verification number 131 to a substrate 129; IV) (reference numeral 148) adding the second digital image 126 as a block and the verification number as a hash to the blockchain of the supply chain security label 110; Includes.

[0137] Applying 146 the verification number 131 may include printing the verification number 131 onto the substrate 129 as one or more of a number, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode or a QR code, and / or storing the verification number in at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate.

[0138] The method may further include monitoring the movement of the product from checkpoint to checkpoint using the verification number 131 .

[0139] The method may include verifying whether the security label 110 is authentic, which may include reading, particularly scanning, the security label 110, obtaining at least one verification digital image from the security label blockchain in response to the scanned security label 110, and comparing the obtained verification digital image with a second digital image 126 of the security label 110. The security label 110 is verified whether the obtained verification digital image and the security label 110 are identical, at least within a tolerance. The obtained verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label 110 may be considered identical if they are identical, at least within a tolerance, with respect to at least one primary color. The obtained verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label 110 may be considered identical within a pixel color error tolerance of ±30% for each of the pixel's primary colors, preferably ±10% for each of the pixel's primary colors, and more preferably ±3% for each of the pixel's primary colors. The acquired verification digital image and the second digital image 126 of the security label 110 can be considered identical within an overall error tolerance of 10% of deviating pixels, preferably 5% of deviating pixels, and more preferably 1% of deviating pixels. For the verification process, please refer to the description of the method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting, as described above.

[0140] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a security label 110. The security label 110 may be a label having characteristics that can be used to identify and authenticate an object to which the security label 110 is affixed. The security label 110 may be configured to protect the object from counterfeiting. The object may be at least one object selected from the group consisting of a commercially available item, such as a bottle, a paper document, a wallet, a banknote, or packaging. Identification of the object may include information regarding a unique identifier assigned to the object. Identification may include the process of determining the unique identifier. Identification may enable tracking of the object, such as through a supply chain from a manufacturer to a consumer. Authentication may include the process of proving claims regarding the identity and origin of the object. The origin of the object may include information regarding one or more of the following: information regarding the manufacturer, the time and / or space at which the object entered the supply chain. For example, if the security label 110 is verified to be authentic, the identity and origin of the object may be confirmed. In this case, the object may be considered authentic. Otherwise, if the security label 110 is not verified, the origin of the object is not confirmed, and the object may be considered counterfeit.

[0141] The security label 110 may be a feature of an object and / or may be attachable to an object. The security label 110 may include a substrate 129 and / or may be printable on a substrate. The substrate may be provided by the object itself. The substrate may be one or more of a piece of paper, a plastic film, a fabric, metal, glass, or the surface of a spare part. For example, the security label 110 may be part of a branding. For example, the security label 110 may have a rectangular geometric shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a triangular shape, a polygonal shape, a regular shape, a random shape, or an irregular shape.

[0142] The security label 110 may be configured to be attachable to an object, such as by gluing or hot stamping onto the surface of the object. For example, the security label 110 may be self-adhesive. The security label 110 may be configured to provide mechanical protection. The security label 110 may be configured as a seal, which may be configured to provide an indication if removal is attempted. The second digital image 126 printed on the substrate 129 may be physically connected to the object. The connection with the object may be made in such a way that removing the printed security label 110 destroys the security label 110. For example, the security label 110 may be adhered to the surface of the object and destroyed upon removal. The seal may provide a visual indication if an attempt is made to break the seal, which may further enhance security. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 110 Security Label 112 Printing and / or scanning devices 114 generation 116 First Digital Image 118 offers 120 binary code 122 Mapping 124 generation 126 Second Digital Image 128 Printing 129 Base material 130 Digital Image Elements 131 Verification Number 132 Conversion 134 Secondary color space 136 generation 138 generation 140 Verification 142 generation 144 generation 146 Application 148 added

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label (110) using at least one printing device (112), the computer-implemented method comprising the steps of: i) (114) printing a printer job at a printer control setting by using a printing device (112) and scanning the printout using a scanning device (112) to generate a first digital image (116) including a plurality of color pixels, thereby generating a digital fingerprint; ii) (118) providing a binary code (120) of the identifier information; iii) (122) determining a binary code of the digital fingerprint and mapping the identifier information to the digital fingerprint by adding the binary code (120) of the identifier information to a color code of the first digital image (116); iv) (124) converting the added binary code into a color code for a second digital image (126) to generate a second digital image (126) having a plurality of color pixels different from those of the first digital image (116); v) (128) printing said second digital image (126) onto a substrate (129), thereby producing a security label (110); A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the first digital image (116) comprises blending and / or mixing pigments and scanning the first digital image having the blended and / or mixed pigments.

3. The method includes the step of generating at least one verification number (131), the generation of the verification number comprising: vi) (132) converting color values ​​of pixels of said second digital image (126) into a secondary color space (134) having at least four primary colors and determining the number of respective color pixels for each primary color in said secondary color space (134); vii) (136) generating said verification number (131) by converting said determined number of respective color pixels for each primary color of said secondary color space into a numerical value; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method comprises printing the verification number (131) on the substrate (129) as one or more of a number, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a two-dimensional barcode or a QR code, and / or storing the verification number (131) in at least one electronic chip attached to the substrate.

5. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method generates a blockchain of security labels (110), the second digital image (126) is used as a block, the verification number (131) is used as a hash, and method steps i) to vii) are repeated for each subsequent block using the second digital image (126) of the preceding block as the respective first digital image (116).

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method includes physically connecting the security label to an object.

7. 1. A method for protecting at least one object against counterfeiting, said method comprising the steps of: a) (138) generating at least one security label (110) using a method for generating at least one security label according to any one of claims 1 to 6; b) (140) verifying whether said security label (110) is authentic, said verification comprising reading said security label (110), obtaining at least one verification digital image from at least one database in response to said read security label (110), and comparing said obtained verification digital image with said second digital image (126) of said security label (110), said security label (110) being verified whether said obtained verification digital image and said second digital image (126) of said security label (110) are identical, at least within a tolerance; A method comprising:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the acquired verification digital image and the second digital image (126) of the security label (110) are considered identical if they are identical, at least within a tolerance, with respect to at least one primary color.

9. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the acquired verification digital image and the second digital image (126) of the security label (110) are considered to be identical within a pixel color error tolerance of ±30% for each pixel primary color, preferably ±10% for each pixel primary color, and more preferably ±3% for each pixel primary color.

10. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the acquired verification digital image and the second digital image (126) of the security label (110) are considered identical within an overall error tolerance of 10% deviating pixels, preferably 5% deviating pixels, more preferably 1% deviating pixels.

11. 1. A method for product security, said method comprising the steps of: I) (142) generating at least one security label (110) using the method of generating at least one security label (110) of claim 1 and physically connecting said security label to a product, wherein the identifier information is information about said product; II) (144) generating at least one verification number (131), the generation of said verification number (131) comprising: converting color values ​​of pixels of the second digital image (126) into a secondary color space (134) having at least four primary colors; determining the number of respective color pixels for each primary color in said secondary color space (134); and generating said verification number (131) by converting the determined number of respective color pixels for each primary color in said secondary color space (134) into a numerical value; III) (146) applying said verification number (131) to a substrate (129); IV) (148) adding the second digital image (126) as a block and the verification number (131) as a hash to a blockchain of supply chain security labels (110); A method comprising:

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the identifier information is one or more of the following: product name, expiration date, customer, hazard information, weight, and storage temperature.

13. 10. The security label (110) is generated using the method for generating at least one security label according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which refers to a computer-implemented method for generating at least one security label using at least one printing device (112).

14. 14. Use of the security label (110) of claim 13 for product security of products in a supply chain, secure signatures in wallets, government services, financial services, and medical services.

Images