WO2008104025A1

WO2008104025A1 - Authentication detector and methods of detecting authentic documents

Info

Publication number: WO2008104025A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000256
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry David Walters
Original assignee: Barry David Walters
Priority date: 2007-02-27
Filing date: 2008-02-27
Publication date: 2008-09-04

Abstract

An authentication device is provided having a window provided with markings, typically in the form of fine lines in closely spaced apart relationship to one another forming a reveal window for producing a visual indication of the authenticity of a document being checked by the authentication device. The authentication device works by having a first set of markings which cooperatively interact with the markings of a genuine security document to produce a visual indication, such as for example, a moiré pattern, to provide information as to whether a suspect security document is genuine or counterfeit. The present invention finds particular application as a credit card size authentication device that can be used to quickly establish whether a bank note being given to a recipient is likely to be genuine by producing a moiré pattern or whether it is likely to be non-genuine by not producing a visual indication, in particular, a moiré pattern when checked by the authentication device.

Description

AUTHENTICATION DETECTOR AND METHODS OF DETECTING AUTHENTIC

DOCUMENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for use in ascertaining the authenticity of a document and to methods of detecting the authenticity of documents .

In particular, the present invention relates to a detector for detecting whether or not a security document having a multitude of closely spaced apart lines, such as for example, a bank note is likely to be genuine and to methods of using the detector to determine whether the security document is likely to be genuine by moving the authentication detector over at least a part of the surface of the security document to produce an observable or visual indication of the authenticity of the security document .

The present invention has particular application as an authentication detector having markings in the form of a pattern of closely spaced apart lines which interact with the markings in the form of closely spaced apart lines of a bank note to produce a visual indication to determine whether there is a high probability of the bank note being authentic .

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one form of the authentication detector and to methods of using the authentication detector to ascertain the probability of the bank note being genuine, it is to be noted that the scope of the present invention is not restricted to the described embodiments but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to extend to other forms and arrangements of the authentication detector, to other methods of using the various forms of the authentication detector and to other applications of the authentication detector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Counterfeiting of documents, particularly security documents, such as for example, bank notes is wide spread and is becoming an even more serious problem, particularly in countries having a less sophisticated banking system and/or security document checking systems, such as for example, countries having an emerging economy or an emerging tourist industry. One of the causes of the rise in counterfeiting or in the illegal production of unauthorised documents, particularly bogus bank notes, is the availability of high quality and low priced colour photocopiers, printers and desktop publishing systems including software and the availability of replication devices such as CD and DVD burners and the like which can be used either singly or in combination to produce unauthorised copies of an original security product, including bank notes, or original valuable product. It has been estimated that the single most counterfeited product is the US currency, particularly low to medium denomination bank notes • Not only are bank notes being counterfeited, but also packaging for containing valuable goods is also being counterfeited and/or counterfeit goods are being packed in genuine packaging since, in many instances obtaining samples of genuine packaging is far more valuable than obtaining the contents of the package as illegal or unauthorised copies of the products can be packaged in the genuine packaging which are sold or passed off as genuine goods. Thus, there is a need to be able to determine whether a product is genuine.

In today's society, computer technology has advanced to a high level. As an example, scanner printer devices are commonly available at low cost and using such devices with current digital technology can reproduce coloured images very accurately and quickly, such as for example, security documents such as bank notes, passports, bank cheques and the like leading to the fraudulent manufacture of such documents. In the instance of bank notes, countries such as the USA use bank notes which are simply produced by using inks on paper, rather than sophisticated bank notes, such as for example, of the type currently used in Australia which incorporate security devices such as holograms, clear plastic windows and other inbuilt security devices and/or anti-counterfeiting devices, making such bank notes more difficult to counterfeit. As a result of the use of ink printed on paper, the U.S. bank note is one of the most abused bank notes in the world, prone to illicit reproduction and replication. Thus, there is a need for a device that can be used by travellers and others to detect counterfeit bank notes, particularly bank notes using old technology of print upon paper without modern anti-counterfeiting items being incorporated into the bank note .

Many existing authentication procedures are costly, cumbersome and require time and effort including the use of sophisticated instruments and the like to establish whether or not a document is authentic. Such devices are usually provided to ensure almost absolute accuracy in detecting a counterfeit document. However, there are many- instances in which a general indication only of whether a document is counterfeited is all that is required, such as for example, by an ordinary person receiving change from a transaction. Sophisticated authentication devices can not be used or are not suitable for use in many circumstances to detect illegal copies of security documents, such as for example, by a traveller when exchanging currency with a money changer into the local currency of a foreign country being visited, particularly for the first time. Often money changers provide counterfeit money rather than genuine money, or provide a few counterfeit bank notes mixed in with genuine currency, in many foreign currency transactions such as foreign currency exchanges, particularly non-official money changers, with travellers who have not encountered the local currency previously. Therefore, there is a need for a device and method of using such a device to quickly and easily being able to detect within a reasonably high probability whether bank notes being exchanged or being received are genuine .

Many existing security systems and authentication devices involve the use of specialised detectors, in combination with dedicated security items so that the detector is matched uniquely to the dedicated security items on the security document. In this instance, the security document must be printed with a unique "code" that matches with the detector designed to detect or sense the unique code only so that when the detector detects or senses the matching code authentication of the security document as being genuine can be made. However, such security systems cannot be used for detecting non-genuine bank notes as it is not possible to provide bank notes with a unique code.

Another detector device is a pen, which contains an iodine solution that reacts with the starch in wood-based paper to create a black stain. When the solution is applied to the fibre-based paper used in real bills, a yellow/gold mark occurs. Such pens do nothing except detect bills printed on normal copier paper instead of the fine papers used by the U.S. Treasury. This device is reasonably effective with amateurish attempts at fraud, but if the counterfeiter buys a higher quality "linen" paper, from an arthouse for example, then the pen will fail to detect any fraudulent note. Also the "ink" can dry up, spill and stain clothes, papers and similar, all of which make the pen inconvenient to use.

A further device often used to check for counterfeit bank notes and other specialist documents, is the Ultraviolet Light (UV) . Whilst such devices can be effective in detecting counterfeits, the smart counterfeiter can replicate the presence of the UV effect using an inkjet filled with UV ink. Secondly these units are generally mains powered and therefore not conveniently portable. Thirdly, the small key-ring pocket LED UV lights sometimes used to reveal the UV ink are difficult to use in daylight. They also require batteries for operation which need replacement when the existing batteries lose their charge, and such devices can be destroyed if wet.

Therefore, what is needed to provide an indication of the authenticity of a suspect document is a simple detector having wide application for use with a diverse range of bank notes from different countries, a detector which does not require power, batteries or other consumables such as ⁿink", a detector that is robust and not susceptible to damage from water, light or heat, that is readily portable by being conveniently sized and easily transported.

Therefore, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a portable authentication detector that can be used to quickly and easily provide an indication that a bank note is genuine.

It is another aim of the present invention to provide a low cost detector device that does not require power to operate or does not require replacement consumables to continue to operate.

It is another aim of the present invention to provide a detector device that has more universal appeal by not requiring the document being authenticated to have a unique code which is matched with a corresponding unique code of a detector to establish that the document is genuine .

It is to be noted that embodiments of the invention do not necessarily have to satisfy all of the aims of the invention. Some embodiments will satisfy one aim whilst other embodiments will satisfy another aim. Some embodiments can satisfy two or more aims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an authentication device or detector for determining the authenticity of a document, or a detector for providing an indication of the authenticity of a document, said device having a first set of markings arranged to extend in a first orientation or first pattern or first arrangement or layout, said first set of markings capable of interacting with at least a part of the document being checked for authenticity, said document when genuine, having one or more parts provided with a second set of markings arranged in a second direction or second pattern or a second arrangement or layout, wherein when the first set of markings of the detector is aligned with the genuine document the first set of markings interact with the second set of markings to produce a visual indication of the authenticity of the document thereby providing a general visual indication of the authenticity of the document.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of establishing the authenticity of a document using an authentication device having a first set of markings arranged in a first pattern or orientation comprising the steps of aligning the detector device with a part of the document being checked for authenticity, said document, if genuine, having a second set of markings arranged in a second direction or second orientation, said first set of markings for interaction with second set of markings to produce a visual indication from the combination of first and second markings, moving the detector device to orientate the first set of markings with respect to the second set of markings to produce the visual indication from interaction of the first and second set of markings thereby establishing a general visual indication of the authenticity of the document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

Typically, the document is a security document having or representing a value, such as for example, a security document that is, or is equivalent to, or can be exchanged for, or represents or be used as a substitute for a currency, cash or the like. In one form the document is a bank note, particularly a bank note having printing of a closely spaced apart pattern, particularly closely spaced apart lines such as a printed bank note, provided the bank note is genuine. However, the document may be any document having a part of one of its surfaces that can be authenticated by the production of a visual indicator, such as for example, a moire pattern when used with a suitable detector. Examples of security documents include bank notes, cheques, credit cards, travellers cheques, identity cards, passports, travel documents, packaging, or other high value products such as CD's, DVD's, computer software, pharmaceuticals, or the like.

Typically, the detector device of the present invention includes a backing material or carrier material and a marking layer or marking portion having the first set of markings in the first orientation or pattern. More typically, the backing material is a layer of plastics material, including a transparent or clear plastic layer, substrate, sheet, panel or similar. More typically, the backing material is rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, semi- flexible or a combination of materials. In one form the markings are provided on or in the backing material whereas in other forms there is a separate portion, typically in the form of a layer combined with a backing material. In one form the layer having the markings is a clear, transparent sheet or panel adhered to the backing material. Preferably, the detector is provided with one or more windows having markings, preferably, two windows, one dedicated for use with bank notes of United States currency, i.e. U.S. dollars, and the other for use with other international currencies. The markings in the two windows may be the same or may be different.

In one form, the markings of the first window, the U.S. window, are essentially constant or the same over the area of the window whereas the markings in the other window i.e. the international window, are variable ranging from a coarse marking pattern to a fine or very fine marking pattern within the one set of markings .

In one form the markings are provided on the backing material or layer by "printing" or similar. The term "printing" is not limited to traditional printing processes, such as for example, the deposition of ink on a substrate, but rather is broader in scope to encompass any process allowing the creation of a pattern of markings or the transfer of a pattern on a substrate, including engraving, photolithography, light exposition of photo- sensitive media, etching, perforating, embossing, thermoplastic recording, foil transfer, inkjet, dye- sublimation, applying transfer or the like.

In one form, the authentication detector of the present invention is in the form of a portable detector, such as for example, a credit-card sized device that can be kept by a person in a purse, wallet, money pouch, or the like. In another form, the detector device is a mounted device located within a frame, holder or similar, such as for example, being capable of being mounted on the counter, bench, desk, table top or similar of a shop, office, bank, bureau, kiosk or the like. Both forms of the detector device are provided with one or more windows through which the security document can be observed. The window or windows, are provided with examples of different patterns forming the first set of markings .

In one form, the markings are located on one side of the detector device whereas in other forms the markings are located on both sides of the detector, including being located on the obverse face and/or the reverse face.

In one form, the detector has one set of markings or one pattern of markings whereas in other forms there are two or more sets of markings, patterns or the like, including multiple arrangements of markings . In one embodiment there are multiple panels of the same markings whereas in other embodiments there are multiple panels of different markings located at different parts of the detector or over different parts of the surface of the detector. In one form the markings are provided on a sheet which is applied to one side of the detector, such as for example, a transfer, layer or the like.

In another form, the detector is of a laminate structure comprising three or more layers in which there is a inner layer sandwiched between two outer layers, one on either side of the inner layer. The inner layer is provided with the markings. The outer layers provide protection for the inner layer to protect and/or preserve the markings . In one form the detector is provided with a set of first markings which are provided on the detector and are referred to as reveal markings for revealing the production of the moire patterns in combination with the second set of markings in the form of lines printed or otherwise produced on the security document, such as the fine lines on a bank note which are referred to as the base layer and are an example of the second set of markings .

The markings on the detection device, provided in the transparent window of the device, to form the moire inducing pattern in combination with the security document may be formed by any convenient printing, embossing, or engraving process and may be carried in or on the window.

Printing responsible for the production of moire patterns include sets of fine closely spaced apart lines which are printed on security documents, including bank notes, that produce optically variable effects when viewed with other sets of fine closely spaced apart lines, such as when one pattern is superposed on another pattern of lines. At least two sets of markings of closely spaced apart lines are required to produce a moire pattern.

In one form, the present invention relies on the generation of moire patterns including moire fringes by using the markings or revealing layer of the detector in which the revealing layer comprises a revealing line grating or similar being superposed over the markings of the base layer made from base band patterns or similar printed onto the security document. The presence of the moire pattern indicates that it is more likely than not that the document is genuine owing to the interaction of the two sets of markings. If the base layer of markings is not present, such as for example, if a genuine bank note has been merely photocopied, there would be no markings present on the bank note to interact with the revealing layer so that the moire pattern would not be produced. It is to be noted that the intention of using the detector device of the present invention is not necessarily to provide a 100% absolute fool proof guarantee of accuracy of authenticity and to detect a counterfeit bank note with 100% accuracy, but rather the purpose of using the detector device of the present invention is to provide a general visual indication that the document is probably more authentic than it is counterfeit if the moire pattern is produced more in the way of a screening application, or monitoring process to provide a visual indication that the document is most probably authentic which detector can be used in the "field" or where the transaction occurs, such as for example, at the money changers establishment, shop, kiosk, or at a market, stall, shop or the like when receiving change from a purchase in a foreign country or the like.

In one form the detector device contains a revealing layer. The revealing layer is made from or incorporates a grating. The grating may take any suitable form, direction or orientation.

Although the spacing of the lines can be uniform it is preferred that the spacing of the lines forming the grating are non-uniform. More preferably, the lines forming the grating are either divergent or convergent including combinations of some lines being divergent whilst others are convergent forming a non-uniform pattern. The lines can be parallel or non-parallel. Typically, the pattern formed by the lines is curved, such as by being parabolic, quadric, asymptotic, hyperbolic, quadratic, circular, elliptical, star-shaped or any other suitable shape. The lines can be continuous or discontinuous .

In one form the lines with the grating of the authentication device of the present invention extend in one direction whilst other lines extend in a different direction.

Bank notes generally are provided with a security item in the form of a second set of markings having the second orientation or pattern which includes a number of lines forming the base layer or base band of lines. When the detector device of the present invention having nonuniform grating is placed in contact with the face of the bank note having the base layer there is interaction between the two sets of lines. If the bank note is genuine the interaction produces a moire pattern which is readily observable. If the bank note is non-genuine, such as for example, being a counterfeit made by photocopying or other non authorised printing processes, it in all probability will not have a base layer of lines or grating and accordingly there can be no interaction between the grating of the authentication device and hence no moire pattern is produced. The absence of the moire pattern is a good indication generally that the bank note is not genuine .

It is to be noted that the term "document" used throughout the present specification refers to a range of products including printed articles, such as but not limited to, bank notes, passports, identity cards, credit cards, travellers cheques, labels, optical discs, CD's, DVD's, software, packages of medical drugs, pharmaceuticals or other small but high value produce and the like.

One form of the visual indication of the present invention in a pattern of alternating shading of zones, areas, regions or the like of different density, intensity, or the like. In one form the visual indication is a pattern of bands of differing intensities of shade or tone are in alternating relationship. In one form, the visual indication is a series of alternating bands or a pattern of alternating bands. Preferably, the visual indication is a moire patterns or a moire-like pattern of bands of similar width or thickness but having different colour, hue, tone, shading or the like forming a striped or zebra- like appearance of alternating light and dark bands.

The key basis of the invention is the interaction of two or more overlying two dimensional line arrays forming a moire pattern. This can be achieved with simply printed lines whose length or width can be defined but whose profile (depth) is quite thin. Alternatively lines whose profile depth is shaped and substantial, circular, box, triangular or wedge shaped, will also work from various operator perspectives, as they will still act as a 2 -D interaction. This can add a variable, which can be advantageous, where apparent interline distance and ruled line width can be varied by simply changing the viewing angle. In one embodiment each of the lines forming the grating of the authentication device has a thickness of from about 0.01 to about 0.2 mm, preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.1 mm. In other embodiments the thickness of the lines is variable as well as the spacing of the lines being variable.

Typically, there are from about 1 to 20 lines per millimetre, more typically from about 2 to 10 lines per millimetre, most typically from about 4 to 8 lines per millimetre. Preferably there are about 40 to 60 lines per centimetre with variable numbers of lines at different parts of the surface of the detector, such as for example, 60 lines per cm at the edges and 40 lines per cm at the centre, depending upon the actual shapes defined by the lines.

Typically, the lines in the authentication device are spaced from about 50 to 200 lines per inch, more typically 80 to 150 lines per inch.

Typically, the lines are arranged at angles to one another, such as for example, some lines could be arranged at right angles to each other whilst others are arranged at 45 degrees to one another and still others arranged at other angles with respect to each other, such as for example, at 30°, 60° or the like.

Typically the lines forming the grating on the authentication device are straight, curved, or combinations of straight and curved. More typically, the lines can form patterns or shapes, such as for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an I-shape, a polygonal shape such as an octagon shape, a rounded concentric octagonal shape, a hexagon shape, a star shape, or the like.

One particularly preferred form of the detector of the present invention is provided with a design of the markings which is a combination of four different patterns set at 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° respectively, forming a cross or star arrangement thus minimising the amount that the detector needs to be rotated to achieve the correct moire pattern.

In order to have wider application the spacing patterns and arrangement of lines forming the grid of the authentication device are as diverse as possible to be able to accommodate the wide variation in spacing, type, pattern and configuration of the lines of a bank note, such as for example, currency from many different countries having different sizes with different decorations and the like. Further, the device is provided with panels, in which the spacing, thickness and shape of the pattern are different from each other in different panels to provide greater versatility of application of the detector.

Owing to the bank notes being printed with different fine gravure lines at different angles, the detector device of the present invention may need to be translated and/or rotated, sometimes up to about 360° in order for the moire pattern, if produced by the authentic bank note, to be observed thereby indicating that the bank note is probably genuine . In one form, the detector device of the present invention, comprises a film or transparent sheet with fine lines printed on it which are curved, parallel or non-parallel, which when placed over a graphic or bank note shows a moire pattern if the document or bank note has been printed with fine lines on it through an engraved plate process thereby providing a general visual indication of the authenticity of the bank note. It does not produce a moire pattern if the document is printed as a dot array as generated by most inkjet and laser printers. Thus, it is a simple device which can differentiate between most real bank notes or other specialist documents, and those simply scanned and printed on commonplace computer printers which are a major source of fraudulent counterfeit bank notes or specialist documents.

In a preferred form of the invention, the device has a series of fine lines which generally, but not exclusively, have a line spacing with varies from about 80 lines per inch to about 150 lines per inch arranged in such a way that this variance in line rulings is achieved within 8 cm i.e. within the size of a usual credit-card. However, other variants in size over a larger distance are possible for use in stand alone merchant environments with or without additional lighting devices for ease of visibility. As an example, since a bank note may have fine lines set at 110 lines per inch when the device is placed over that area of the note, a moire pattern is visible. As an example, if the section of the device being used has a section in which the line spacing is 120 lines per inch, a moire pattern of 10 lines per inch will be generated. By moving the device over the note/document a variety of patterns are produced, which asymptote at the actual line ruling of the note/document. This does not occur with counterfeit replicates which can be deceptively generated with commonplace scanner printers. Thus, the use of the device of the present invention allows a person to determine whether the note/document being examined is real or counterfeit in most instances .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of one form of the detector of the present invention being in the form of a desk top model mounted in a frame.

Figure 2 (a) is a schematic front view of one form of the detector of the present invention in the form of a portable credit card sized device showing a non-genuine bank note being detected by the absence of a moire pattern.

Figure 2 (b) is a is a schematic front view of one form of the detector of the present invention in the form of a portable credit card sized device showing a probably genuine bank note being detected by the presence of a moire pattern.

Figure 3 is a view of one form of the pattern of markings applied to one form of the authentication device of the present invention showing different line spacings of 0.05mm, 0.08mm and 0.10mm, respectively.

Figure 4a is a schematic front view of another form of the detector of the present invention showing a generally circular pattern of line spacing.

Figure 4b is a schematic front view of another form of the detector of the present invention showing a pattern of divergent and convergent lines.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of one form of the use of a barcode scanner to detect counterfeit documents.

Figure 6a is a schematic view of the use of the detector with a scanner for detecting a genuine document.

Figure 6b is a schematic view of the result of the use of a scanner for detecting a counterfeit document.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

EXAMPLE 1

One form of the detector device of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1.

This form of the detector device, generally denoted as 2, is in the form of a mounted detector device having a frame 10 around the perimeter of device 2. Generally frame 10 is rectangular having two longitudinal edges 12a, 12b and two transverse edges 14a, 14b. However frame 10 can have any suitable or convenient shape. A window 16 is formed internally within frame 10. The front of window 16 located between the edges 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b of frame 10 is transparent. Window 16 forms the detecting part of detector device 2 of the present invention. The front face of window 16 is provided with a clear plastic sheet having a first set of markings arranged in a desired pattern comprising a multitude of lines 18, extending in a uniform or a non-uniform pattern. The patterns will be described in detail later in this specification. The exact form of the markings can be variable. A security document in the form of a bank note 20 is locatable under or behind window 16 between edges 12a, 12b, 14b to determine the authenticity of bank note 20.

A particularly preferred form of the markings is shown in Figure 3 which will now be described in detail as follows:

In order to achieve a broad range of interactions with the many different fine line security markings present on different bank notes, a variable pattern of markings on the window is used to create a revealing window. One example of the revealing window is window 16 of Figure 1. Revealing window 16 of one form of the mounted device of the present invention is 85mm in length x 55mm in width (Credit Card sized) laminated to a clear plastic plate 100mm x 100mm. Printed directly onto the transparent revealing window 16, is an array of numerous fine black lines, typically 0.08mm in width with depth of a few microns, running continuously across the width (85mm) of the window. The lines 18 in this example are not parallel but instead are spaced such that in the centre of revealing window 16, the spacing is 4 lines per mm while at the edges the spacing is 8 lines per mm. In this particular example a bilinear array is used as shown more particularly in Figure 4b. It is to be noted that there are many other arrangements or patterns of lines 18 that can produce the same result.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided other patterns of lines 18. In another rendition, the lines 18 are arranged in a series of concentric circles or ellipses in the form where the distance between lines decreases linearly towards the perimeter as shown particularly in figure 4a. Equally, the inverse patterns of the above described or other patterns of markings could also be used, i.e. 8 lines per mm in the centre and 4 lines per mm toward the perimeter.

The mounted detector 2 is a frame 10 to which is affixed the revealing window 16, mounted such that hands free operation of detecting the authenticity of bank note 20 is achieved. In one form of device 2, a vertical base is provided at the rear of device 2. The base can be used to screw device 2 to a wall, cash register or other fitting or solid substrate. Alternatively, the base acts to incline device 2 for easier access and viewing when device 2 is simply used on a flat surface such as a bench, table top, counter or the like.

In one embodiment of mounted device 2, in the opaque area around edges 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b of frame 10 are marked axes to reference specific areas of the active window 16 of device 2, in which certain patterns will occur when the markings 18 of reveal window 16 interact with specific areas on various bank notes. One form of the reference applied to the axes of device 2 in the edges of the frame is shown more particularly in Figures 4a and 4b. Alignment marks are also provided around the edge of frame 10 in some embodiments to allow optimum co-alignment between the fine line array of the markings of the reveal window of the device of the present invention and the fine line security markings present in a genuine bank note. It is to be noted that the fine line markings of the bank note vary depending on which type of bank note is being examined, such as the denomination of the bank note and the country issuing the bank note.

In one form of the present invention, the mounted detector 2 is provided with a slot 22 located at or towards the sides of frame 10 for receiving bank note 20 therethrough allowing the bank note to be viewed through the front window 16 of device 2. In another form of the present invention, the mounted device is not provided with a slot, but rather the operator simply holds bank note 20 to be examined beneath revealing window 16 translating and rotating the bank note 20 until the moire pattern is detected or not. If the bank note is genuine a moire pattern is produced thus providing a subjective qualitative visual indication of the authenticity of the bank note with a reasonable probability. If no moire pattern is observed the bank note is moved randomly, such as for example, being rotated and/or translated in any combination of movements. If this movement of the bank note produces a moire pattern, the bank note is probably genuine. If, on the other hand, even after rotational or translational movement, no moire pattern can be observed through the front face of the detector or window of the frame, it is probable that the bank note is not genuine, and hence the recipient of the bank note has the option to accept the bank note or to reject the bank note. Irrespective of the outcome of the test for authenticity, the recipient is in possession of valuable information on which to base a decision. The bank note 20 shown in Figure 1 is probably non genuine as no moire pattern is produced around the head region of the person depicted on the bank note.

Instructions to use the detector and how to interpret the results are provided optionally on the frame, preferably on the front face window of the frame or around the edges of the frame. One example of instructions is shown in Figure 1.

EXAMPLE 2

Another form of the detector device of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b) .

The form of the detector device 4 shown in Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b) is the portable, transportable form, easily carried in the purse, wallet, money belt or similar for use away from an office, shop, kiosk or the like. This form is about the same shape and size as a credit card and is provided with an opaque outer portion in the form of a frame 10 having two longitudinal edges 12a, 12b and two transverse edges 14a, 14b and a transparent inner portion in the form of a window 16 having markings 18. Detector device 4 is placed upon bank note 20 suspected of being counterfeited with window 16 having the first set of markings 18 superposed over a portion of the bank note having a second set of markings consisting of a multitude of very fine closely spaced apart lines. Detector 4 is moved over the surface of bank note 20 in an attempt to produce a moire pattern between the two sets of markings. If the bank note is non genuine, such as for example, is merely a good quality colour photocopy, no moire pattern will be produced in the window of the detector as shown in Figure 2 (a) where no moire pattern is produced in the region of the head depicted on the bank note and hence this bank note can be rejected in favour of another bank note. If a moire pattern 24 is produced as shown in Figure 2 (b) shown by the series of shading or bands of light and dark in the region around the head of the person depicted on the bank note, it is most probable, but not absolutely certain, that the bank note is genuine, and hence this bank note can be accepted with greater confidence that it is in fact genuine. If necessary, the detector can be moved over different parts of the bank note in an attempt to produce a moire pattern. If moire patters are produced in a number of different regions of the bank note, the person has increased confidence that the bank note is genuine.

Thus, the small portable detector of the present invention can be used in the field as a screening device in an attempt to detect non genuine bank notes thereby ensuring a much greater chance of the person receiving authentic bank notes and the like, or at least having a reason for rejecting suspect bank notes.

In order to achieve a broad range of interactions with the many different fine line security markings on different bank notes, a variable pattern is used to create the revealing window. The revealing window of the current mounted device is 85mm in length x 55mm in width (Credit Card sized) laminated on a clear plastic stock of the same size. Printed directly onto the transparent revealing window, is an array of numerous fine black lines, 0.08mm in width with depth of a few microns, running continuously across the width (85mm) of the window. The lines in this example are not parallel but instead are spaced such that in the centre of the revealing window the spacing is 4 lines per mm while at the edges the spacing is 8 lines per mm. There are several arrangements that can give this result. In this particular example a bilinear array is used as shown more particularly in e figure 4b.

In another rendition a series of concentric circles or ellipses are used where the distance between lines decreases linearly towards the perimeter, as shown more particularly in figure 4a. Equally, the inverse patterns could also be used, i.e. 4 lines per mm in the centre and 8 lines per mm toward the perimeter.

The credit card format is easy to use and a convenient shape for portability.

In the opaque area around the outer edges are marked axes to reference specific areas of the active window part of the device, in which certain patterns will occur when interacting with specific areas on various bank notes. An example of the labelling of the axes or the inclusion of reference marks or indicators on the opaque frame 10 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b by the use of numerals 1 to 8 and letters A to L. Also around the edge are alignment marks to allow optimum co-alignment between the devices line array and the bank notes fine line security markings, this varies depending on which type of bank note is being examined. EXAMPLE 3

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This embodiment involves the use of a thin film forming the window of the detector device acting as an optical filter for use with barcode scanning equipment .

In one form of this embodiment of the present invention, there is a scanning laser device 40 located at a suitable location, such as for example, under the counter of a shop or other retail establishment, for emitting a laser beam 42. In normal circumstances, the laser beam is for reading the barcode of a product to identify the product. However, in this embodiment, the barcode reader system is modified to be a counterfeit detector. The barcode reader system is modified by providing a thin film 44, located at a suitable location, such as for example on the bench top, counter or similar above the laser scanner 40 where there is a transparent panel 46 or similar upon which the goods having the barcode are placed for reading by the barcode reader system. The thin film 44 in one form is a transparent window having fine line markings, similar to the windows of the previously described detectors 2, 4. The thin film, when placed on the transparent panel, acts as a filter for the laser beam emitted from the scanning laser 40 as part of the barcode reader system. In addition, thin film 44 is provided with a white section or quiet zone 52 on each side of and/or around its border to enable the barcode reader to identify the orientation of any product, including the suspect bank note placed on the thin film. A suitable detector 48 for identifying the barcode associated with the product or produced by the bank note is provided at a suitable location for receiving the laser beam after passing through thin film 44 and thus identifying whether the suspect note is genuine or not.

The thin film 44 for use in detecting counterfeit bank notes 20 can be incorporated as a clear film acting as an optical filter with existing barcode scanning equipment typical of the type used at retail point of sale (POS) checkouts or the detector in the form of the optical filter can be built into new models of barcode reader devices and systems.

Operation of this form of the invention will now be described.

A bank note 20 is placed flush with and in close contact with thin film 44 located on the transparent panel of the scanning equipment.

By placing thin film 44 flush with and in close contact on transparent panel 46 between the scanning machine 42 and the bank note 20, in a specific configuration, such as for example with the digit "1" of the bank note between the white section or quite zone 52 of the thin film 44, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b, a pattern with characteristics similar to a barcode is produced and detected by the scanning equipment including laser scanner 42 and detector 48. By rewriting the software driving the scanning equipment to read the new pattern of the bank note, a response from the scanning equipment will be generated which will be different for real bank notes and for counterfeit bank notes. One example of the difference in response between genuine and counterfeit bank notes is that the barcode scanner will read a genuine bank note as having the code "838383838" whereas the barcode scanner will read a non-genuine bank note as having the code ^«989898989", thus quickly and easily differentiating between genuine and counterfeit bank notes. The difference in barcodes being generated can be used to trigger an alarm or other warning or alerting system to warn that the bank note is not genuine. Hence, the simple incorporation of a film having markings acting as an optical filter in accordance with the present invention into existing scanning equipment will enable the scanning equipment to quickly and conveniently identify counterfeit bank notes from real bank notes, using existing scanning equipment .

To assist in recognising a barcode, scanning equipment requires a white section each side and around the border of the barcode, these are called "Quiet" zones which help orientate and correctly align the scanning equipment to read the barcode accurately. The film is provided with a small white panel 52 each side of the active area so the scanning equipment will "see" these "quiet" zones, recognise the generated pattern as a barcode and orientate to the correct position to be able to read the barcode.

One example of the "quiet" zone is shown in Figures 6a and 6b which forms part of the thin film 44 acting as the optical filter. If the bank note is genuine, a moire pattern is formed, as shown in Figure 6a where the numeral "1" located within the region 50 boarded by the quiet zone 52 produces the alternating light and dark bands of the moire pattern, which is ascribed barcode "8383838", which the scanning equipment has been programmed to accept as being genuine. If the bank note is not genuine, no moire pattern is produced as shown in Figure 6b, by the absence of alternate bands of light and dark shading appearing in the numeral "1" in the region 50 bordered by quiet zone 52 which results in ascribed barcode "9898989" which the scanning equipment has been programmed to reject as being non-genuine. Thus production of the two different barcodes is used to distinguish between genuine and non- genuine bank notes using the addition of thin film 44 to existing scanning equipment. The modified barcode reading equipment can be fixed equipment of the type installed in retail establishments such as at point of sale, or the modified equipment having the thin film optical filter can be a hand held device, or incorporated into a hand held device or the like, including hand held barcode scanners and other electro-optical devices.

APPLICATIONS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The detector device of the present invention attempts to address the problem of receiving counterfeit or non genuine bank notes or other security documents directly at the point of sale (POS) by providing a device which is simple to use, passive i.e. requires no electronics or energy source, and relies only on available light, by detecting the difference in the moire patterns produced by notes created with the legitimate engraved plate process as compared to bank notes fraudulently reproduced with an ink dot array as in the case of inkjet and laser printers. The detector device is not designed to detect sophisticated bank notes produced with a high level of technology, such as for example, bank notes that have been produced for example by countries having a different ideology to undermine the USA economy, but instead to identify those produced by low cost methods of an ambitious tourist or other individuals scamming the system. It is to be noted that this later case represents the majority of fraud perpetrated currently in respect of security documents that are equivalent to, can be exchanged for or represent cash or a negotiable bill or instrument.

The device is also available in credit card sized rendition allowing tourists and others to check the validity of notes received as change from cash transactions. The device is used in such a way that the special film having the markings (the basis of the device) interacts by generating a pattern if the note is legitimate, but fails to generate any pattern where the note consists of a dot array such as in a fraudulent copy.

It is applicable to a Global market.

It is effective with almost all countries' bank notes, traveller's cheques, passports and other specialist documents. The production cost of the device is extremely low. It is compact, so advantage can be taken of mail order delivery, with low post and packaging costs. The device has room around its edge for appropriate corporate branding or other indicia if required.

The benefit to the consumer is that if a single counterfeit bill, usually $50 or $100, is detected by the device at the Point of Sale then the device has immediately adequately paid for itself, and is able to be used to avoid legal implications and the delayed loss through later identification or detection. It is simple to use and requires no specialist training.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An authentication device or detector for determining the authenticity of a document, or a detector for providing an indication of the authenticity of a document characterised in that the device has a first set of markings arranged to extend in a first orientation or first pattern or first arrangement or layout, the first set of markings capable of interacting with at least a part of the document being checked for authenticity having provided the document is a genuine document having a second set of markings arranged in a second direction or second pattern or a second arrangement or layout wherein when the first set of markings of the detector is aligned with the document, the first set of markings interact with the second set of markings to provide a visual indication of the authenticity of the document.

2. A method of establishing the authenticity of a document using an authentication device having a first set of markings arranged in a first pattern or orientation or a first pattern or first arrangement or layout comprising the steps of aligning the detector device with a part of the document being checked for authenticity, said document, if genuine, having a second set of markings arranged in a second direction or second orientation or second pattern or layout, said first set of markings for interacting with the second set of markings to produce a visual indication, moving the detector device to orient the first set of markings with respect to a second set of markings to produce the visual indication from the interaction of the first and second sets of markings thereby establishing a general visual indication of the authenticity of the document.

3. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the visual indication is a plurality or a multitude or series of areas or regions having a different density of markings arranged alternately.

4. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the visual indication is a multitude of bands or areas of differing density, intensity, hue, shade, tone, colour or similar, alternately arranged.

5. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the visual indication is a multitude of bands of lighter and darker representation alternately arranged.

6. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the visual indication is a moire pattern.

7. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the document being checked for authenticity is a security document having or representing value, including a security document, bank note, or the like.

8. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the security document is a genuine or authorised document having one or more regions of printing of closely spaced apart lines.

9. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the security document includes a bank note, cheque, credit card, travellers cheque, identity card, passport, travel documents, packaging, security or other high value product.

10. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the detector device includes a backing material or carrier material and a marking layer or marking portion in which the first set of markings in the first orientation or pattern is provided on the marking layer.

11. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the backing material is a layer of plastics material, including a transparent clear plastic layer, substrate, sheet, panel or similar.

12. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the backing material is rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, semi-flexible or a combination of materials.

13. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the detector is provided with one or more windows having markings, preferably there are two windows in which one window is dedicated for use with bank notes of the United States currency and other is for use with the currency of other countries.

14. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the markings are provided on the backing material or backing layer by printing such as the deposition of ink on a substrate or physically embossed on the substrate including engraving, photography, light exposition of photosynthesis materials, etching, perforating, embossing, thermoplastic recording, foil transfer, inkjet, disublimation, applying transfers or the like.

15. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the authentication detector is in the form of a portable detector including a credit card sized device or is a mounted device.

16. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the markings are located on one side of the detector device whereas in other forms, the markings are located on both sides of the detector.

17. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the detector has one set of markings or one pattern of markings or is provided with two or more sets of markings, patterns or arrangements of markings.

18. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the detector is of a laminate structure comprising three or more layers in which there is an inner layer sandwiched between two outer layers, one on either side of the inner layer wherein the inner layer is provided with the markings and the outer layers are provided to protect and/or preserve the markings .

19. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the markings provided on the detector are reveal markings for revealing the production of the moire patterns in combination with the second set of markings printed or otherwise produced or reproduced on the security document.

20. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the use of the reveal markings to produce a moire pattern in combination with the finely closed apart lines of the security document indicates that it is more likely than not that the document is genuine owing to the interaction of the two sets of markings to produce the moire pattern.

21. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the spacing of the lines forming the marking or grating are non-uniform extending from more closely spaced apart lines to less closely spaced apart lines to form a pattern of lines which are either divergent or convergent or combinations thereof depending upon the portion of the pattern of lines being considered.

22. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lines forming the marking are parallel, non-parallel, curved, parabolic, guadric, asymptotic, hyperbolic, quadratic, circular, elliptical, star shaped or any other suitable shape.

23. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lines forming the marking are continuous or discontinuous.

24. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that each of the lines forming the marking has a thickness of from about 0.01 to about 0.2 mm, preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.1 mm.

25. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that there are from about 1 to 20 lines per millimetre, more typically from about 2 to 10 lines per millimetre, most typically from about 4 to 8 lines per millimetre.

26. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that there are about 40 to 60 lines per centimetre with variable numbers of lines at different parts of the surface of the detector, such as for example, 60 lines per centimetre at the edges and 40 lines per centimetre at the centre, depending upon the actual shape defined by the lines.

27. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lines in the authentication device are spaced from about 50 to 200 lines per inch, more typically 80 to 150 lines per inch.

28. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lines are arranged to extend at angles to one another including angles up to about 90° including 30°, 45° and 60°.

29. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lines forming the pattern on the authentication device are straight, curved or combinations of straight and curved and form patterns or shapes including linear shapes, linear patterns, circular patterns, elliptical patterns, I-shapes, or other polygonal shapes, such as octagon shape, rounded concentric octagon shape, hexagon shape, star shape, or the like.

30. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the authentication detector is provided with the design of the markings being a combination of four different patterns set at 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° forming a cross or star arrangement.

31. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the device is provided with panels in which the spacing, thickness and shape of the pattern of lines are different from each other in different panels to provide greater versatility of application of the detector.

32. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that detector device is in the form of a thin film forming the window of the detector device acting as an optical filter for use with barcode scanning equipment to differentiate between genuine security documents and non-genuine security documents.

33. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the thin film is located over the transparent panel of barcode scanning equipment for use in generating a barcode corresponding to a genuine security document or a non-genuine security document.

34. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the thin film acting as an optical filter is provided with a white section or quiet zone on or around the window to assist in orienting the barcode reader for reading the security document .

35. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the detector is provided with a white section or quiet zone for assisting in orienting the security document for reading by the scanning equipment to produce a barcode for discriminating between genuine and non-genuine security documents.

36. A method or device according to any preceding claim characterised in that the detector in the form of the thin film is incorporated in fixed or installed standing equipment or in portable hand held scanning equipment .

37. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

38. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

39. Every novel feature as hereinbefore disclosed or defined in the specification and/or drawings when taken alone or in combination with any other feature including features that are novel or otherwise, including groups of two or more features .