Spectral Sensor Device for Document Authenticity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensor devices for detecting optical radiation from documents of value face challenges in maintaining detection properties over time, leading to shifts in spectral lines that can affect authenticity checks, and existing methods do not adequately recognize or compensate for these changes.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a spectrally resolved detection system that uses a reference radiation device with a narrow-band spectrum to detect and adjust for changes in detection properties, allowing for precise evaluation of optical properties and compensation for shifts in spectral lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a sensor device is used for long-term operation to detect documents of value, then productivity is improved through continuous detection capability, but detection precision deteriorates due to spectral shifts in the sensor properties over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous detection capabilityVSAvoidspectral detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A reference radiation source is integrated into the sensor device that emits reference radiation with a known, stable spectrum. This reference radiation is detected simultaneously with the detection radiation from documents of value, allowing the system to pre-establish a baseline for spectral accuracy and continuously monitor for drift throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device compares the detected reference radiation spectrum with the expected reference spectrum and uses this feedback information to detect shifts in sensor properties. This continuous feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of detection precision and triggers alerts or corrections when spectral shifts exceed predetermined thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If spectral shifts occur in the sensor device over time, then device complexity increases due to the need for compensation mechanisms, but detection reliability deteriorates if no compensation is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity verification reliabilityVSAvoidcompensation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A reference radiation source serves as an intermediary element with a stable, known spectrum that mediates between the sensor device and the detection task. This reference source provides a constant benchmark against which sensor drift can be measured, enabling reliability maintenance without requiring complex external calibration systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own spectral response through the reference radiation. The control device automatically detects shifts in detection properties by comparing reference radiation measurements with expected values, enabling the system to self-correct or self-alert without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and reliable detection of document authenticity by compensating for changes in sensor properties, ensuring consistent spectral analysis and improving the distinction between genuine and counterfeit documents.

Implementation Method 1

detection device for the spectrally resolved detection of optical radiation emanating from a document... and conversion into electrical detection signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

reference radiation source which... emits optical radiation with a known spectrum, in particular with a narrow band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

optical radiation emanating from the document... which is reflected more or less diffusely as detection radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

spectrally resolved detection... detection that takes place over a continuous wavelength range or a detection that takes place over a plurality of... wavelength intervals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2304697B1Sensor device for the spectrally resolved capture of valuable documents and a corresponding method
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 GIESECKEDEVRIENT IP
  • EP2304697B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2304697B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2304697B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor device for the spectrally resolved capture of optical detection radiation that originates from a valuable document transported through a capture zone of the sensor device in a predetermined direction of transport. The sensor device comprises a detection device for the spectrally resolved detection of the detection radiation in at least one predetermined spectral detection zone and the emission of detection signals that reflect at least one, especially spectral, property of the detected detection radiation, at least one reference radiation device emitting an optical reference radiation that is at least partially injected into a detection beam path of the detection device depending on the position of the valuable document in relation to the capture zone and that has a spectrum having a narrow band that lies within the predetermined spectral detection zone, and/or at least one spectrum having an edge that lies within the predetermined detection zone, and a control and evaluation device that is designed to use the detection signals that reflect the property of the reference radiation to examine and/or adjust the detection device and/or to use them in the evaluation of detection signals that reflect at least one property of the detection radiation originating from the valuable document.