WO2016169656A1

WO2016169656A1 - Inspection system and inspection method

Info

Publication number: WO2016169656A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/000651
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Bossert
Original assignee: Daniel Bossert
Priority date: 2015-04-22
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2016-10-27
Also published as: DE202015002913U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an inspection system comprising a planar sheet material (1), a magnetic sensor (2), a memory unit (3), and a comparing unit (4) The planar sheet material (1) has, at least in some segments, a magnetizable layer (6) and an inspection field (7), in which the magnetizable layer (6) is magnetized. A microscopic fluctuation progression of the magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the inspection field (7) is stored in the memory unit (3), wherein the magnetic sensor (2) is designed to read out the microscopic fluctuation progression of the magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the inspection field (7), and wherein the comparing unit (4) is designed to check if the fluctuation progression measured by means of the magnetic sensor (2) matches the fluctuation progression stored in the memory unit (3). For an inspection method, according to the invention, in the case of an inspection, the microscopic fluctuation progression of the magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the inspection field (7) is read out by means of a magnetic sensor and, by means of a comparing unit (4), it is checked whether the fluctuation progression measured by means of the magnetic sensor (2) matches the fluctuation progression stored in the memory unit (3).

Description

Test system and test method

The invention relates to a test system and a test method for the identification of forgeries or the like as well as for the positive identification of an original.

Numerous branches of industry are struggling with the increased occurrence of plagiarism. In order to counteract the resulting economic damage, efforts are made to increase the security against counterfeiting. This also includes the creation of improved ways to distinguish originals from plagiarism. Beyond purely economic interest, there may even be a public interest motivated by security to prevent the marketing of plagiarism. In the pharmaceutical sector, for example, increasingly stringent regulations on anti-counterfeiting and exclusion of plagiarism must be met.

For this purpose, various measures are known, for example, include the application of holograms on a package. In addition, WO 2006/002670 AI, for example, a sheet-shaped sheet with pronounced security against counterfeiting known. From such a sheet-shaped sheet goods accompanying documents can be produced. But according to the same principle, the design of a package is possible. In any case, a layer of the sheet material with magnetizable particles is used here, which follows certain patterns

different strings are magnetized. In addition, an encryption is used. It is true that the sheet material mentioned and the method used are characterized by a very high degree

Counterfeit security. However, this also entails a corresponding test effort, which leads to considerable costs, in particular for mass products and the requirement for 100% control.

CONFIRMATION COPY The invention has for its object to provide a test system by means of which a fastness test on the one hand high reliability and on the other hand reduced effort is possible.

This object is achieved by a test system having the features of claim 1.

The invention is further based on the object of specifying a reliable test method for a fastness test with good availability.

This object is achieved by a test method having the features of claim 7.

According to the invention, it is provided that the test system comprises a planar sheet material, a magnetic sensor, a memory unit and a comparison unit. The planar sheet material has, at least in sections, a magnetizable layer and a test field in which the magnetizable layer is magnetized. Within the test field then the magnetization state is read out. A microscopic fluctuation course of this magnetization state is stored in the memory unit. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor is designed to read this already existing microscopic fluctuation course of the magnetization state. The comparison unit is designed to check the fluctuation profile measured by means of the magnetic sensor with the fluctuation profile stored in the memory unit for conformity.

The invention is based on the recognition that an actually occurred

Magnetization of the magnetizable layer corresponds to the desired nominal state only in a macroscopic dimension. A microscopic view of the

However, magnetization distribution shows small, but existing fluctuations this actual magnetization state as a deviation from the target magnetization state. These variations are not due to the magnetization process, but to the random, stochastic distribution of the magnetizable particles on the surface of the sheet material. They thus form a random and non-repeatable "magnetic fingerprint" of each individual arc, which can not be copied in this capacity.

Accordingly, such a sheet material can be made into a package, a merchandise accompanying document or the like, but also a product or a semi-finished product thereof. The associated magnetic fingerprint is then stored on the corresponding storage unit, for example in the form of a central server. Now, if an authenticity check is required at a later date, the currently existing fluctuation course of the magnetization state is now measured by means of the magnetic sensor provided at the test and tested by the comparison unit with the stored in the memory unit fluctuation history to match. In the case of agreement, it can be assumed with high certainty that the respective document or the respective packaging is identical to the initially measured original. Due to the random distribution of the magnetic particles, every plagiarism must inevitably have a deviating fluctuation characteristic which can be identified immediately with the test system according to the invention. Counterfeits, like originals, can be clearly identified as such directly and with little effort.

In a preferred embodiment, an additional, in particular visually recognizable identification feature is applied to the sheet-like sheet material, which is also stored in the memory unit and the fluctuation course of the magnetization state associated with the associated test field. In addition, the comparison unit is designed, taking into account the said identification feature, an association between the individually read test field and the associated, in the storage unit stored fluctuation history of the magnetization state produce. In this way, it is ensured by simple means that the data sets associated with the same object are compared with one another, without the need for special adjustment measures.

Basically, it is possible within the scope of the invention, from any

Magnetization state of the test field or from any course of the

Magnetization state along a test track to filter out the above fluctuations and to choose as a reference variable. Preferably, however, the magnetized layer is macroscopically uniformly magnetized within the test field. On the one hand, this makes it easier to distinguish between the magnetization fluctuations that are to be taken for the test and the intended target magnetization state. On the other hand, it is more easily possible to restore the original state of magnetization in the case of an intentional or unintentional change or deletion of the magnetization state. Even after such a restoration, the same fluctuation curve of the magnetization state sets in again, so that an authenticity test remains possible.

It may be expedient to select a personal computer or the like as the comparison unit. This can be followed by a magnetic sensor with a suitable resolution to determine the characteristic variation course. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the comparison unit is part of a smartphone, wherein the processor of the smartphone is used with appropriate programming for the implementation of the comparison. Also, the magnetic sensor is expedient part of such a smartphone, which already existing magnetic sensors can be used anyway. In addition, the existing in the smartphone camera for detecting the visually identifiable identification feature can be used. It is also possible to record corresponding data from the sheet material by means of the touchscreen present on the smartphone. Overall, the existing Sensor technology of a conventional smartphone for data acquisition of the sheet material to be tested are used without structural changes are required. All you need is a suitable program application. At the same time, it is possible to establish a connection to the central storage unit via the mobile Internet, via WLAN or the like in order to carry out the desired comparison of the two variations of the magnetization state. Overall, a fast and reliable authenticity check can be performed in this way with little investment and locally almost unbound. In addition to the pure authenticity control, the smartphone also allows the display of supplementary, product-related data.

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawing. FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the basic structure of the sheet-like sheet material according to the invention with a substrate and a magnetizable layer applied thereto; FIG.

FIG. 2 shows in a perspective schematic representation a sheet-shaped sheet produced from the sheet material according to FIG. 1, on which a test field and an optically identifiable identification feature are applied; FIG.

Fig. 3 in a schematic representation of a made of the sheet of FIG

Packaging in interaction with a storage unit and a smartphone, which includes a magnetic sensor and a comparison unit; and

4 shows a diagram of the fluctuating course of the

Magnetization state along the test field according to FIGS. 2 and 3. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of the sheet material 1 according to the invention. The sheet material 1 comprises a supporting substrate 5 on which a magnetizable layer 6 is applied. The supporting substrate 5 may be paper, cardboard or the like. Of course, plastic, a metallic sheet or other suitable material for forming the substrate 5 is possible within the scope of the invention.

The magnetizable layer 6 contains fine and evenly distributed magnetizable particles 11. For this purpose, any materials come into consideration, which can be permanently magnetized. In particular, the materials known from data storage such as chromium dioxide, but also neodymium, samarium or other rare earth metals and suitable alloys thereof are used. In the illustrated embodiment, iron oxide is selected. The particle size of the magnetizable particles is typically 1 μιη to 5 μηι and in particular 2 μιη to 3 μηι. The mentioned magnetizable particles 11 are embedded in a binder 10 and thus fixed on the substrate 5. In the embodiment shown, a kaolin / SBR layer is selected, in which the magnetizable particles 11 are embedded. The

Surface density of the magnetizable particles 11 is advantageously in a range of 0.1 g / m ² to 1.2 g / m ² .

FIG. 2 shows in a perspective schematic representation a sheet-shaped sheet produced from the sheet material 1 according to FIG. 1, which is provided here only in sections with the above-described magnetizable layer 6 on the substrate 5. But it can also be a full-surface coating with the magnetizable layer 6 appropriate. Within the coated area, a test field 7 is shown, which is smaller here than the magnetizable coated area. But it may also be appropriate that the test field 7 is predetermined by the entire size of a magnetizable coated section. In addition, an additional identification feature 8 is applied to the arc shown, which is only schematically indicated here as a sequence of letters. Of course, you can choose any Character strings, but also barcodes or other optically identifiable identification features 8 may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, non-visually identifiable identification features such as magnetic encodings, RFID devices or the like can be useful.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic overview of the test system according to the invention, which comprises the aforementioned sheet-like sheet material 1, a magnetic sensor 2, a memory unit 3 and a comparison unit 4. For example, a goods accompanying document or the like can be produced from the flat sheet material 1. But even the product itself can be made of the sheet material 1, which is especially true in the case when it is the substrate 5 (Fig. 1) is plastic or a metallic sheet. In the embodiment shown, a schematically indicated packaging 12 is formed from the sheet material 1, on which the test field 7 described above and also the identification feature 8 are accessible from the outside.

According to the test method according to the invention, at first magnetization of the magnetizable layer 6 is performed at least in the region of the test field 7. Preferably, but not necessarily, a macroscopically uniform magnetization state is brought about in the test field 7. Subsequently, the course of the actually achieved magnetization within the test field 7 is measured. In this case, a detection of the complete magnetization distribution within the entire surface of the test field 7 can be made. But it may also be sufficient to determine only the course in a test direction, for example in the longitudinal direction of the test field 7.

The latter case is shown schematically in FIG. 4: There, in a diagram representation, the actually measurable magnetic field strength along an axis running through the test field 7 is shown. It can be seen that, macroscopically, a uniform magnetization was achieved, but microscopically of

Fluctuations in the magnetic field strength is superimposed. The macroscopically uniform Magnetization can be seen in FIG. 4 in accordance with a dashed straight line as at least approximately constant magnetic field strength along the test track, on which fluctuations of the magnetic field strength are modulated as "ripple". These

Fluctuations or "ripples" correspond to the random, stochastic distribution of the magnetisable particles 11 on the surface of the sheet material 1 (FIG. 1). The fluctuation profile is individually different for each section of the sheet material 1 and thus forms a random and non-repeatable "magnetic fingerprint" of the respective individual test field 7. This "magnetic fingerprint" can not be copied but read out at any time and even restored if necessary.

The distinction made here between macroscopic and microscopic magnetization curves is not necessarily bound to absolute numerical values. Rather, it is important that the microscopic fluctuations in their extent along the measuring axis by at least one order of magnitude, preferably by two orders of magnitude, ie by one or two orders of magnitude, are smaller than the extension of the entire measuring section along the test field 7. In the practical Application will probably measuring distances of at least 1 mm, preferably of at least 1 cm or more are used, while resolutions in a range of <than 1 mm are used to determine the microscopic fluctuation. Pragmatic resolutions are resolutions of <500 μηι and <100 μηι up to about 25 μιη. In any case, instead of the one-dimensional course of the magnetization state shown here along only one axis, it is also possible to determine a two-dimensional course, that is to say a two-dimensional course. In any case, although not the macroscopically uniform course, but probably the microscopically fluctuating course of the magnetization state represents an individual and unmistakable identification feature for a specific arc, more precisely, for a specific individual test field 7 and thus for an individual package 12 of FIG. 3. Deviating from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, however, no macroscopically constant, uniform magnetization profile has to be selected. Rather, each magnetization is suitable course from which the always existing

characteristic and individual fluctuation can be filtered out.

With renewed reference to FIG. 3, this characteristic profile of the magnetization state according to FIG. 4, but at least its fluctuation profile, is stored in the central memory unit 3. In addition, the corresponding data record is assigned to the optically identifiable identification feature 8.

If there is a need for an authenticity check at a later time, the packaging 12, or more precisely its test field 7, is subjected to a new measurement.

For this purpose, the magnetization curve is determined again by means of a magnetic sensor 2 provided at the test location. In particular, the microscopic fluctuation profile of the magnetization state shown in FIG. 4 is measured and supplied to the comparison unit 4. Between the comparison unit 4 and the memory unit 3, a data connection is established, so that the comparison unit 4 also access to the originally determined and stored there

Fluctuation of the magnetization state has. Based on the identification feature 8, the current measurement is now compared with the assigned original measurement stored in the memory unit 3. If it is still the same test field 7, therefore, so it is the same packaging 12, and the variation shown in Fig. 4 course of the magnetization state must be the same. In the case of deviations can first still on the basis of

Identification feature 8 a correct assignment of old and new measurement data to be checked. In addition, a damage or deletion of the current

Magnetization state possible. In this case, a renewed magnetization can be carried out, and then identity of the test field 7 also an identity of not a macroscopic magnetization state, but probably of the microscopic fluctuation as a result of the stochastic distribution of must set magnetizable particles 11 (Fig. 1). If such measures can not produce a match in the above-mentioned fluctuations, it can be assumed that the item currently being tested is not the item originally tested, measured and stored.

The illustration according to FIG. 3 also shows that the comparison unit 4 or the magnetic sensor 2 are each part of a smartphone 9. As a result, the test field 7 can be measured in a simple manner and also read in the identification feature 8. Likewise, a data connection to the memory unit 3 can be produced in a simple manner in order to be able to carry out the comparison described above by means of the appropriately programmed smartphone 9.

Claims

claims

Test system, comprising a sheet-like sheet material (1), a magnetic sensor (2), a memory unit (3) and a comparison unit (4), wherein the sheet-like sheet material (1) at least partially a magnetizable layer (6) and a test field (7) , in which the magnetizable layer (6) is magnetized, wherein a microscopic fluctuation course of

Magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the test field (7) in the memory unit (3) is stored, wherein the magnetic sensor (2) is adapted to the microscopic fluctuation course of

Magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the test field (7) read, and wherein the comparison unit (4) is adapted to check the measured by the magnetic sensor (2) fluctuation profile with the stored in the memory unit (3) fluctuation history to match , Test system according to claim 1,

characterized in that on the planar sheet material (1) an additional, in particular optically recognizable identification feature (8) is applied, which is stored in the memory unit (3) and associated with the fluctuation profile of the magnetization state in the associated test field (7), wherein the comparison unit ( 4) is designed, taking into account the identification feature (8), to establish an association between the individually read test field (7) and the associated fluctuation curve of the magnetization state stored in the memory unit (3). Test system according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that the magnetized layer (6) within the test field (7) is macroscopically uniformly magnetized.

Test system according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that the comparison unit (4) is part of a smartphone (9).

Test system according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized in that the magnetic sensor (2) is part of a smartphone (9).

Test system according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized in that the sheet material (1) comprises a supporting substrate (5) on which a magnetizable layer (6) is applied, the supporting substrate (5) being paper, cardboard, plastic, a metal sheet or the like.

Test method by means of a test system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein initially a magnetization of a magnetic layer (6) of a flat sheet material (1) in the region of a test field (7) is carried out, wherein the course of the actual magnetization achieved within the test field (7 ) and a microscopic fluctuation profile of the magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the test field (7) in a memory unit (3) is stored, wherein in the case of an examination of the microscopic fluctuation of the magnetization state of the magnetized layer (6) within the test field (7 ) read by a magnetic sensor is, and wherein by means of a comparison unit (4) the measured by means of the magnetic sensor (2) fluctuation profile with the stored in the memory unit (3) fluctuation course is checked for conformity.