Registers – Coded record sensors
Patent
1983-06-30
1984-09-04
Yusko, Donald J.
Registers
Coded record sensors
34082534, 235380, G06K 1908
Patent
active
044699379
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a method of securing data which are recorded on a data support in a manner to be automatically readable and in the form of a plurality of individual characters, and to a device for applying the data of a data support, as well as a device for reading the data.
Securing data against unauthorized imitation is of increasing importance. For many applications of data supports imprinted for automatic reading it is essential to prevent the production of duplication or to recognize the same. Examples are bank notes, papers of value, identity papers, number plates of motor vehicles, identification of items, etc. To this end, determined data are imprinted or otherwise applied on a data support which may be secured on an item. To prevent imitation of the data support and eventually the use of similar items for non-authorized characterization, security precautions should be taken. Thus, it is known to interdigitate the data of the data support in accordance with a predetermined rule so that the individual characters are taken out of their original relation and recorded in orderless form. Further, it is known to provide a method of checking the recorded information as to their authenticity.
Although the known methods assure that the falsifier will be unable to effect the marking of a data support in his own judgement, it is not prevented that the recording of an original data support may be transferred onto another data support by duplication.
The invention aims at providing a method of the type mentioned at the outset, by which the transfer of data from a marked original data support onto another data support is rendered more difficult.
To solve this problem, in accordance with the invention, selected individual characters are detected with respect to their physical and/or chemical properties.
In accordance with conventional recording methods, the individual characters are applied in such a manner that they are not different from each other with respect to colour density or the density of magnetic fields. The individual characters merely distinguish from each other by the code indicating their signification. In case of writing characters, the signification content is defined by the shape of the individual characters, in case of a conventional dash-code, however, by the width of the dashes or by the succession of individual dashes of different width. In accordance with the invention, an additional criterion of distinction is provided which e.g. consists of the detection of different contrast values. Thus, when a data support is imprinted, selected individual characters may be imprinted with less density than other individual characters. Upon verification of the data support as to authenticity, the verification device will only determine authenticity in case the data at the predetermined positions have the required physical and/or chemical properties, for example a predetermined half-tone. Printing contrast variations in the order of 20 to 30% cannot be recognized by the human eye, but well distinguished by automatic detection. A code applied by imprinting with different half-tones or colour densities of individual characters with respect to others, will appear as being uniform to the observers, although a machine reading the record will be able to detect the differences. Upon photographic reproduction or copying a printing pattern of this kind, these differences will also be lost, so that the transfer of a printing pattern onto another data support would involve major difficulties. Further, the printing background of the data support may be coloured and may be different from one item to another. Further, a pictured background may be provided. Due to spectral differences, different analog signals may be read the levels and positions of which are detected and used as an additional information.
In similar manner, magnetic signals may be distinguished by varying magnetic characteristics and detecting them by determining their levels.
Preferably, the selected individual characters distinguish from th
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Stockburger Hermann
Winderlich Hans-Georg
Brown Donald
Yusko Donald J.
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