DE2452202A1 - Traveller's cheque verification system - uses reference signature visible in ultra-violet light - Google Patents

Abstract

The traveller's cheque has a first zone delimiting a first predetermined space, and code mark is inscribed in this first zone in ink which is invisible to the naked eye but is visible under ultraviolet light. A second zone on the cheque delimits a second predetermined space in which is manually applied a mark corresponding to the code mark inscribed in invisible ink. The marks are reference and written signatures and the reference signature zone may have a magnetic code which is read automatically. The ink is sensitive to heat, water and chemicals.

Description

Certificates with the possibility to check authenticity as well as a device for checking authenticity The subject of the invention are documents or receipts, in particular riseschecks the possibility of checking the authenticity or preventing forgery of the signature or countersignature of documents and receipts as well as a device for making them the authenticity check and corresponding documents or certificates.

As is well known, different documents such as travelers checks, share certificates, Bank draft and the like upon receipt from the purchaser with a signature at the beginning Mistake will. When transferring or redeeming such at a later date Receipts or documents are signed again and the signature attached later then usually checked visually for authenticity. For example Travelers checks, for example if they are bought from a bank, usually from Buyer signed an appropriate place on the check. Later then this one sets Acquirer using the check to pay bills for goods or services or otherwise substitute his signature a second time to another vacancy intended for this purpose. The seller of goods or services is then able to get the signature through comparison this last applied with the signature applied at the beginning on theirs To verify authenticity.

A disadvantage of these verification systems based on the countersignature of Documents are based on the fact that the signature made at the beginning of can easily be copied by a forger after obtaining the document. So is a Forgers, for example, are quite able to put the relevant signature on it to put a document in the presence of an unsuspecting buyer in which he visually the The signature given at the beginning is considered and imitated on the document (if necessary after appropriate preliminary exercise).

In some cases, therefore, when reviewing the signature on such documents, the signatory often provides further evidence of his Person, for example by presenting the identity card, the vehicle registration or the like. Required. However, this usually creates an inconvenience for the signatory and is usually time consuming.

The aim of the invention is therefore means that falsify signatures on documents that have a previously applied signature. additional The goal is a document that requires a countersignature that is difficult to forge is. Furthermore, an authenticity check system is to be provided for checking countersignatures can be easily applied to documents. The required to verify the signature on a countersigned document Time should be kept as short as possible.

The aim of the invention is specifically an unavoidable means against the forgery of signatures, photographs, symbols or other encoded Information on travelers checks, credit cards, bills of exchange, identity cards or Passports or other documents of value, usually signatures and photographs wear and currently are in use worldwide.

Basically, the invention is based on the creation one Document with a first zone that is a first specific point for inclusion a coded designation and a second, a second specific position for the inclusion of a manual designation, that of the coded designation corresponds to the defining zone. The coded designation is in one for the unarmed Eye received invisible form, and is of such a kind as to be appropriate through Means is made visible.

An authentication device according to the invention comprises Means for reading and comparing the coded designation on a document, as above, with a designation or name applied to the document afterwards.

Signature.

According to one embodiment, the document can be a traveler's check, while the coded designation is a signature written in invisible ink is.

The first signature on the travelers check can be made by of the issuing position at the time of acquisition. Of the Name of the legal owner of the travelers check may be obtained from the issuing agency typed using invisible ink or color or the purchaser can add his signature to a type form that is converted into a small printing device can be used so that the signature free Many travelers checks can be transferred, giving the acquirer of the obligation relieves the need to sign each check individually. The travelers checks must not necessarily have a signature printed in invisible ink, but rather could also be a symbol or label for the rightful owner of the Have checks or other acceptable means of identification included in are attached invisibly.

For example, if a person wishes to cash a traveler's check, the. bears a hidden signature or designation by the issuing body or the rightful owner of the check has been applied to the receipt the check presented for cashing and signed by the owner of the check him by his name.

The recipient of the check then places the document under a light source, whose radiation makes the signature appear permanently, for verification compared to the recently applied signature. In this case, includes Tester a source of ultraviolet light and means by which the light directed to the check becomes the "development" of the invisible signature in the With a view to a comparison with the visible signature.

Any travelers check that is traded or cashed is however, is to be rejected and automatically void if the attached to the check first signature already is visible. That is, the first signature or signature must be hidden or still invisible when the travelers check is presented will. Should anyone other than the rightful owner give the person's name; attempt to forge the check to whom the check was originally issued, so will This would be impossible for him, since he did not receive the signature made first Copy is available, i.e. stolen or lost checks cannot be done without further to be redeemed. The hidden signature can also be through chemical Means can be activated. In addition, the document in question can also be a share certificate, a bank draft or any other commonly countersigned document be.

Different types of designations can be used on the document in the form of symbols. or signatures can be used. Furthermore, the coded Designation with invisible ink or printing ink or a magnetic substance Containing invisible ink that allows magnetic recognition of the designation enabled by suitable reading means or by any other suitable means Be applied material that for. the naked eye is invisible, however can be made visible and read by suitable means. If the coded Designation is at least partially formed from magnetic material the verification system has a magnetic material responsive means that an image for comparison with one of the later applied description generated image is created or formed '.

According to one embodiment, the test means comprise a reading device for reading both the coded designation and the later applied designation, which provides individual signals for both. The test equipment also includes facilities for the transmission of signals to a remote station and facilities at the remote Station for receiving and comparing the signals with each other. These latter bodies may also include means for transmitting a valid or invalid declaring signal include back to the reading device as a signal for the confirmation (or also not) of the signatures works.

To prevent forgery of the documents mentioned unsuspecting persons and the unauthorized use of the signature for possible other counterfeits can include travelers checks, credit cards, identity cards or Passports, bank bills of exchange and the like are completely or partially "empty" for the inclusion of the Name of the receipt, the name of its owner, the name of the bank, the name of the mother the person to whom it is issued and different signatures. Also, the image of the authorized holder can be etched and put on the credit cards etc. be brought. All or part of the information normally on Credit cards, checks, etc. appear, can only be read if signatures, Atz photographs or names of banks etc. in coded ink in invisible coded ink appear.

When used, the document is transferred to the purchaser like a travelers check Purchase signed in invisible ink (e.g. from a bank). Thereafter if the check is exchanged for goods or services by the purchaser, signed in visible ink in the usual form. The "buyer" of goods Or Services then puts the check under a UV light source to get the signature in invisible ink for comparison with the signature applied later or recently to make legible. The check is then carried out in the usual way. After a special Embodiment can only apply the signature with invisible ink Irradiation with a light source that emits rays of a specific wavelength, be made visible again.

The invisible ink used can be "coded" (of the more specifically defined. Eigenart) and only be available at the point of sale.

In some implementations, colored coded inks are available for attachment the invisible signature and for later affixing the second signature can be used for further checking of the signatures.

According to a further embodiment, the handwritten or mechanical signature applied in one place, the before has been provided with a coating such as chemical ink so that the signature then disappears again. You will be in control by applying a chemical means made visible again.

According to still. Another embodiment can have the two signatures read by means of an electronic reader and each signature corresponding Signal to a comparison device at a remote location or a ~ remote Station. The comparator or the comparison device can then automatically check and confirm both signatures and a signal for Read device return the positive or negative result of the authentication indicates. In addition, the comparator can be connected to a suitable memory of a computer which contains an authentic signature of the person acting as the signatory of the document comes into question, which makes a further examination possible.

According to yet another. The document can be executed with a Layer of pressure-sensitive microencapsulated material, such as an invisible one Ink, and for receiving e.g. a print image - a coded designation to serve. In this case, any suitable stylus for fine writing can be used or imprinting the coded designation, for example a signature, in the material layer can be used. Such a stylus makes the invisible Color material is then released from the microcapsules and an invisible signature educated. This is then used, as in the case of the above embodiments, for testing purposes.

In other cases, a bank may do the usual checks to their customers issues the required signature of the rightful owner of the valuable Print the receipt in invisible ink or printing color. The? -Erson, the one Presents the check for cashing, then sign * with your name and at the same time is the hidden signature by heat-sensitive, - water-sensitive or chemically sensitive agents made visible or legible for comparison with the original signature and authentication.

In any of the embodiments, the one invisible The signature-bearing receipt also contains an individual, encompassing code; for example, the signature can appear in different colors or have a subsequent number. In this way, the use of travelers checks, if a checkbook is lost or stolen, prevented: Although namely the first or top check when the hidden ones are made visible or readable Signature could serve as a template for an unauthorized user who could still use the rest of the checkbook while posting the first check, if one is lost or stolen, that possibility persists locked the additional code because the hidden code is the'use of the remaining Checks prevented.

The signature and / or the code can also be applied by machine for example by check signing devices on the market. Machines with signature matrices can also be used.

The above-described objects, features and advantages of the invention are taken from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended Drawings as well as the claims proceed even more clearly.

The drawing shows: FIG. 1 the view of a document with points for the signature or countersigning according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a modification of the document of Fig. 1 by using a pressure sensitive microencapsulated Material for imprinting or embossing a coded designation; Fig. 3 a Reading device according to the invention for checking the document of FIGS. 1 and 4 shows a modified test system according to the invention.

According to Fig. 1, the document 10, which may be a travelers check, contains a first zone defining a first specific location 11 and a second one Zone which defines a second specific point 12. The two digits 11 and 12 are large enough to accommodate a designation such as a signature 13 or 14. The signature 13 at position 11 is invisible to the naked eye Way applied. It is used, for example, with a pen holder invisible ink. The signature 14 is displayed in a visible manner such as by means of a visible ink.

According to FIG. 3, invisible ink is used to identify the Signature 13 a test device 15 is provided. This comprises a source 16 for light and means 17, like a hood, with which the light is directed onto the check 10 can be. The check 10 is in this arrangement on a tray or plate-like Holder 18 attached or attached under the hood 17 and is so from the UV light the source 16 hit. When in use, the UV light makes the ink invisible made signature 13 visible, so that the two signatures 13 and 14 can be compared visually.

According to FIG. 2, the check 10 can alternatively be made with a layer 19 pressure-sensitive micro-encapsulated material for printing the signature 13 be provided. In this case, any pen for applying or The signature 13 is printed on the layer 19, releasing the invisible Ink or printing ink from the microcapsules can be used.

According to FIG. 4, a test system 20 can alternatively be a reading device 21 who is able to have the two signatures 13 and 14 on the check 10 to read resp.

to recognize and to form a signal in response to it. The reading device 21 is connected to a transmission device which is shown in is able to both Signafe one in a distant place or a comparator housed at a remote station or such a comparator Device 23 to be transmitted. The comparator 23 can be of any suitable type known trip designed to electronically compare the two signals for test purposes be. The comparator 23 can also be used for a further electronic check of the Signatures with a suitable memory bank (not shown) for receiving a authentic signature or corresponding signals.

It should be noted that the 'for comparison of the invisible signature with the visible signature used test equipment with the type of material related to that used to generate the invisible signature will. That is, when the invisible signature comes from a magnetic substance containing material such as a magnetic Tiute or printing ink is formed, the testing equipment includes a suitable scanner (not shown) for a automatic reading of the invisible signature and for a comparison of the read ones Signature with a visible signature read in a similar manner.

It should also be noted that any suitable encoded designation other than a signature on the Documents according to the invention can be provided.

The invention therefore provides a document such as a traveler's check are originally acquired and signed by the purchaser at the place of sale can without the signature appearing visually. So should the travelers check lost or stolen, the malicious user would be at risk der: Signature by visual inspection at the time and place of the check delivery prevented from contacting a bona fide shopkeeper or other party. This means, the malicious user would not be able to get the invisible signature to the Purposes of copying when transferring the check to someone else or to recognize. Counterfeits are a thing of the past because they are illegal People no longer have a signature available for copying.

In order to further exclude malicious copies, special inks or colors are used for the coded designation, which is only different from the Office or agency under whose supervision the documents are issued or can be exhibited, manufactured and distributed. These inks can also substances that contain the authenticity of the ink or printing ink when reading confirm. The coded term or whatever others Information on a document; that seems to be "empty" can also be used for visualization or recognition of the secret information can be chemically activated. For example a technique as it is described in GB-PS 457 081 for on or embossing an invisible designation can be used on a document.

Claims (14)

Claims 1. Certificate or receipt, in particular traveler's check, marked with a first zone defining a first location (11) associated with one for the unarmed Invisible designation or signature in particular encoded invisible Ink or printing ink is provided or microencapsulated invisible ink or color to apply the invisible designation or signature and through a second zone which defined a second specific location (12) for the recording one corresponding to the invisibly affixed designation or signature in particular manual designation or signature. .2. Travelers check according to claim 1, characterized in that the invisible Name or signature is visible under UV light. 3. Traveller's check according to claim 1, characterized in that the for the unarmed eye invisible designation or signature in coded ink additionally includes an individual circumferential code. 4. Certificate or receipt. according to claim 1, characterized by a coded designation0 which is preferably using a magnetic substance applied for magnetic reading and especially with magnetic Ink or printing ink is generated. 5. Certificate or document according to claim 1, characterized in that the coded designation is formed from an invisible ink or printing ink, that can be made visible. 6. certificate or selenium according to claim 5, characterized in that the invisible ink or printing ink from the group of heat-sensitive, water-sensitive or chemically sensitive types. 7. Certificate or receipt, in particular traveler's check., According to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the designation is a signature. 8. Certificate or document according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer of microencapsulated material is pressure sensitive and for printing the coded designation by means of the released from the microcapsules when pressure is applied invisible ink or paint is set up. 9 Device for checking documents, receipts or travel voucher according to one of claims 1 to 8 according to their countersignature, characterized by a UV light source (16) over a plate or tray (18) for receiving the check (10) and means (17) for directing the UV radiation the check for a visual comparison of the original signature or designation with the countersignature. 10. Device for checking documents or receipts after a of claims 1 to 8 after countersigning, characterized by means for reading and comparing the coded designation with the manually performed designation or signature. 11. The device according to claim 10 for checking documents or Documents, in particular according to claim 4, characterized by a reading system (21) for magnetic material and an associated comparator (23) for comparison the originally applied designation or Signature with the countersignature. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized by an additional Connection to a memory bank for authentic signatures or designations for a further comparison of the signatures made. 13. Certificate or receipt as a modification of claim 1, characterized in that that the position (12) is provided with the visible designation or signature. 14. Device for designating or signing documents or Document according to Claim 1, characterized by a device with one that can be used Designation or signature matrix that includes the designation or signature Transferring operation to the certificate or receipt. Blank page