EP3512713B1 - Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking - Google Patents

Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3512713B1
EP3512713B1 EP17767996.6A EP17767996A EP3512713B1 EP 3512713 B1 EP3512713 B1 EP 3512713B1 EP 17767996 A EP17767996 A EP 17767996A EP 3512713 B1 EP3512713 B1 EP 3512713B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
value
ratio
substances
linear
security marking
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17767996.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3512713A1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Rauscher
Wolfgang Deckenbach
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH
Original Assignee
Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=59887187&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP3512713(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH filed Critical Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH
Priority to PL17767996T priority Critical patent/PL3512713T3/en
Publication of EP3512713A1 publication Critical patent/EP3512713A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3512713B1 publication Critical patent/EP3512713B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • B42D25/373—Metallic materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • B42D25/378—Special inks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/06—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using wave or particle radiation
    • G07D7/12—Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
    • G07D7/1205—Testing spectral properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/21—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/23—Identity cards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/24—Passports
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/355—Security threads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D2207/00—Paper-money testing devices

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the technical field of the production and checking of documents of value and relates to a document of value with a security marking and a method for identifying the same.
  • the pamphlet US 7762468 B2 shows an authentication method in which a combination of two luminescent substances with different decay times is used. In this process, the second, slower decaying luminescent substance detected only when the luminescence of the first luminescent substance has already decayed.
  • the pamphlet US 9046486 B2 discloses a security marking and a method for identifying the same based on combinations of quasi-resonant luminescent substances with a different exponential decay behavior. With the help of a non-linear adaptation, both the amplitudes and the decay times are determined. The method described is not suitable for marking substances with a strongly non-exponential decay behavior, which limits the number of marking substances available. The analysis by means of non-linear adaptation also proves to be time-consuming and error-prone with regard to noise, so that the speed and quality of the evaluation are low.
  • the US 2014/0001351 A1 discloses two luminescent materials intermingled in a security feature.
  • the object of the present invention is to enable reliable, secure and rapid identification of the identification of a document of value with luminescent substances with complex time behavior.
  • a document of value with a security marking is shown.
  • value document means any objects to be protected against undesired or illegal copying, for example banknotes, checks, shares, tokens, ID cards, credit cards and passports as well as labels, seals, packaging or other objects for value protection.
  • the security marking of the value document according to the invention can be assigned to at least one freely definable (binary) property of the value document, the property being given in the event of identification (presence of the security marking) and in the case of non-identification (absence the safety marking) is not given.
  • the security marking can be assigned to the property “authenticity” as an authenticity marking or authenticity feature in order to recognize value documents as either authentic or forged. It is also conceivable that the security marking assigns value documents, for example, to a specific class or group, such as the note value or country of manufacture of bank notes.
  • the security marking is designed in the form of at least two luminescent substances (hereinafter also referred to as luminescent substances).
  • the luminescent substances can be incorporated into the value document or attached to the value document in the most varied of ways.
  • the luminescent substances can be mixed into a paper or plastic mass for producing the document of value or a printing ink for printing the document of value. It is also conceivable to provide the luminescent substances as, for example, an invisible coating on the document of value.
  • the luminescent substances can also be provided on or in a carrier material consisting, for example, of plastic, which is embedded in a paper or plastic compound for producing the document of value.
  • the carrier material can be designed, for example, in the form of a security or identification thread, a mottled fiber or planchette.
  • the carrier material can also be attached to the value document, for example in the form of a badge, for example in order to undertake a product security measure. In principle, any desired shape of the carrier material is possible.
  • the at least two luminescent substances of the security marking can be excited jointly by a (same) excitation pulse (eg light flash). It is essential here that the time courses of the intensities of the emitted radiations of the luminescent substances excited by the excitation pulse differ from one another are, wherein at least one luminescent substance has a non-mono-exponential time course of the intensity of the emitted radiation.
  • a excitation pulse eg light flash
  • the security marking contains the at least two luminescent substances in a definable or defined quantity ratio in combination (preferably in the form of a mixture). This means that each luminescent substance is present in the security marking in a definable or defined, relative proportion, based on the total amount of luminescent substances.
  • the security marking can thus be clearly identified on the basis of the quantitative ratio (mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances.
  • each luminescent substance contributes with the intensity of its emitted luminescent radiation to the total intensity of the simultaneously emitted radiations of the excited luminescent substances of the security marking.
  • total intensity refers here and in the following to a summary intensity of the luminescence radiation of the luminescent substances contained in combination in the security marking, excited by a (same) excitation pulse and detected at the same point in time.
  • the security marking is designed so that, for identification of the security marking, the quantity ratio (mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances is determined by analyzing the time course of the total intensity of the emitted luminescence radiation (excited by an excitation pulse) on the basis of the time progression of the intensities of the luminescence radiation (excited by the same excitation pulse) the luminescent substances can be determined.
  • the use of at least one luminescent substance with a non-mono-exponential has the particular advantage that a large number of substances that are suitable in principle are available and that, through the specific selection, improved security against forgery can be achieved. In addition, a relatively large difference in the clinking and / or decay behavior of the luminescent substances can be achieved, which allows reliable and secure identification of the security marking. If the excitation light is re-emitted with an (anti-) Stokes shifted wavelength due to intrinsic conversion processes, a clear separation of the excitation and emission radiation is easily possible by means of suitable filter techniques.
  • the at least two luminescent substances are particularly advantageously selected so that the intensity of the emitted radiation of each luminescent substance is in a range from 5% to 95%, preferably 10% to 90%, and particularly preferably 15% to 85%, of the total intensity of the luminescent substances. This enables a particularly precise analysis of the time course of the total intensity of the security marking on the basis of the time course of the intensities of the luminescent radiation emitted by the respective luminescent substances, which contributes to improving the reliability of the identification of the security feature.
  • the at least two luminescent substances are preferably selected so that the decay time, ie in particular the time between the end of the excitation pulse and the reaching of an intensity of 1 / e of the intensity at the end of the excitation pulse, is in a range from 100 ns to 100 ms, preferably 10 ⁇ s to 5 ms.
  • This is advantageous for a precise analysis of the time course of the total intensity of the emitted luminescent radiation of the luminescent substances on the basis of the time course of the intensities of the luminescent radiation emitted by the respective luminescent substances, which further improves the reliability of the identification of the security feature.
  • the at least two luminescent substances have overlapping, in particular identical, excitation spectra, which enables targeted and relatively strong excitation of the luminescent substances by a comparatively narrow-band excitation pulse (flash of light).
  • the at least two luminescent substances particularly preferably have overlapping emission spectra, as a result of which the security against forgery of the security feature is advantageously further improved due to a significantly more difficult analysis of the emitted radiation.
  • the at least two luminescent substances are designed such that the time courses of the intensities of the emitted radiation over a Bray-Curtis distance of greater than 0.10, preferably greater than 0.20, and particularly preferably greater than 0.25.
  • This measure can also increase the accuracy of the analysis of the time course of the total intensity of the emitted luminescent radiation of the luminescent substances of the security marking on the basis of the time course of the intensities of the luminescent radiation emitted by the luminescent substances, which contributes to an even further improvement in the reliability of the identification of the security feature.
  • the luminescent substances of the security marking of the document of value according to the invention can in principle be freely selected as long as it is ensured that they can be excited together by an excitation pulse and the time courses of the emitted radiations of the luminescent Substances are different from one another, at least one luminescent substance having a non-mono-exponential time course of the intensity of the emitted radiation.
  • the excitation and emission of the luminescent substances can take place in the UV, VIS and / or IR range.
  • luminescent substances can be used which are excited in the UV range and emit in the UV range or visible spectral range.
  • luminescent substances can be used which are excited in the IR range and emit in the IR range or emit in the visible range (up converters).
  • luminescent substances are advantageous which show a particularly strong non-monoexponential decay behavior after excitation.
  • luminescent substances which each comprise a host lattice which is doped with at least one dopant selected from the rare earth metals and transition metals (or their ions).
  • Suitable inorganic host lattices are, for example, oxides, borates, gallates, phosphates, garnets, perovskites, sulfides, oxysulfides, apatites, vanadates, tungstates, glasses, tantalates, niobates, halides, oxyhalides, in particular fluorides, silicates or aluminates.
  • Host lattices such as YAG, ZnS, YGG, YAM, YAP, AlPO 5 , Zeolite, Zn 2 SiO 4 , YVO 4 , CaSiO 3 , KMgF 3 , Y 2 O 2 S, La 2 O 2 S, Ba 2 can be used as the host lattice P 2 O 7 , Gd 2 O 2 S, NaYW 2 O 6 , SrMoO 4 , MgF 2 , MgO, CaF 2 , Y 3 Ga 5 O 12 , KY (WO 4 ) 2 , SrAl 12 O 19 , ZBLAN, LiYF 4 , YPO 4 , GdBO 3 , BaSi 2 O 5 or SrBeO 7 can be used.
  • Suitable dopants are, for example, the rare earths La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, or Bi, Pb, Ni, Sn, Sb, W, Tl , Ag, Cu, Zn, Ti, Mn, Cr and V (or their ions).
  • Luminescent substances with a strongly non-mono-exponential time behavior of the intensity of the emitted radiation can be implemented by different mechanisms.
  • energy transfer processes between different doping ions, in particular rare earth doping ions intrinsically multiple time constants can occur in the attack and decay behavior.
  • Such energy transfer processes are, for example, for the doping ion combinations Yb / Er, Nd / Yb, Yb / Tm, Cr / Tm, Tm / Ho, Er / Tm, Er / Ho, Yb / Ho, Cr / Ho, Fe / Tm, Mn / Tm , Cr / Er, Fe / Er, Cr / Nd, Cr / Nd, Cr / Yb, in particular in combination with other doping ions, are known. According to the invention, the use of such doping ion combinations is preferred.
  • luminescent substances with complex intrinsic energy transfer processes can show intensity profiles with strongly non-mono-exponential time behavior, wherein the luminescence intensity can increase even further after the end of the excitation phase.
  • the combination of such substances together with classical substances, which show a monotonously decreasing behavior after excitation allows a targeted adjustment of the time behavior of the total intensity of the luminescent substances. In addition to falling emission sections, this can also have rises, plateaus, local maxima and / or minima.
  • the security marking has a combination of at least one luminescent substance with non-monoexponential time behavior and at least one luminescent substance with monoexponential time behavior of the intensity of the emitted luminescence radiation.
  • the security marking can have a combination of at least two luminescent substances, each with a different, non-mono-exponential time behavior of the intensity of the emitted luminescent radiation.
  • luminescent substances in which several different transitions of a doping ion, which are very similar in terms of energy but have different lifetimes, contribute to the emission in a narrow wavelength range. These luminescent substances also often show non-mono-exponential time behavior. Examples are Pr and Er.
  • luminescent substances can exhibit non-mono-exponential behavior due to inhomogeneities which occur randomly or which are specifically generated during production, for example an inhomogeneous grain size distribution or an inhomogeneous distribution of the dopants. This can occur, for example, when grains with a faster time behavior, ie a faster decay time and / or a faster rise time, as well as grains with a slower time response, ie a slower decay time and / or a slower rise time, arise.
  • Their different properties are averaged in the relevant, macroscopic measurement, in which a relatively large number of individual grains are generally excited and measured at the same time. This overlap the individual time structures of the emissions of the individual grains in such a way that overall a non-mono-exponential time behavior can result.
  • the person skilled in the art can determine whether or not it has a mono-exponential time behavior.
  • the time course of the intensity in the decay phase is measured and an exponential curve is adapted to the decay curve.
  • the coefficient of determination R 2 can be used as a measure of the quality of the adaptation, the decay curve being evaluated, for example, as "non-exponential" if R 2 0.98 applies.
  • the signal-to-noise ratio at the beginning of the decay curve should be at least 50 so that a fit with a fit quality of R 2 ⁇ 0.98 is not obtained by chance with a mono-exponential decay curve.
  • the invention further extends to a method for identifying (i.e. recognizing the presence or absence) of the security marking of a value document formed as described above.
  • the procedure consists of the following steps:
  • the running index i relates to the luminescent substances, n indicates the number of luminescent substances and t the time.
  • the time courses I i (t) of the intensities of the luminescent substances can be determined (in advance) for each luminescent substance by excitation with the same excitation pulse and detection of the luminescence radiation.
  • the linear coefficients c i each indicate the relative proportion of a time course I i (t) of an individual luminescent substance in the linear combination I (t).
  • the relative proportion of each luminescent substance, based on the total amount of luminescent substances, in the security marking and thus the proportion (eg mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances in the security marking can be determined from the linear coefficients c i .
  • the adaptation of the linear combination I (t), consisting of a sum of the known time curves I i (t) weighted with the linear coefficients c i , to the total intensity I (t) of the luminescence radiation emitted at the same time advantageously enables a particularly simple, reliable and very rapid determination of the quantity ratio (eg mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances in the security marking, which enables reliable identification of the security marking.
  • the linear coefficients c i are determined in step iii) in such a way that absolute deviations of the linear combination I (t) from data points of the detected time course of the total intensity are minimized.
  • the linear coefficients c i are preferably determined by the least squares method in such a way that the sum of the squared deviations of the linear combination I (t) of data points of the total detected intensity is minimized.
  • the method of least squares is familiar to those skilled in the field of statistical evaluation of data sets, so that no further explanation is required here.
  • this is a statistical standard method for determining a regression curve for a data set with the least possible deviation of the data points from the regression curve.
  • step iv) comprises the following sub-steps:
  • the ratio Mi is advantageously determined by the ratio of the linear coefficient c i to the sum of at least one, preferably all, linear coefficients c i (for example c 1 / (c 1 + c 2 )).
  • the ratios Mi indicate the quantity ratio (eg mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances in the security marking.
  • ratio Mi check whether the ratio M i lies within an associated, definable or defined value range W i , which advantageously corresponds to a scatter range around the previously known relative amount of the luminescent substance in the security marking.
  • Identifying ie recognizing the presence of the security marking if the attribute “ratio accepted” has been assigned to all ratios M i , or non-identification (ie recognizing the non-existence) of the security marking if at least one ratio M i has the attribute “ratio not accepted "was assigned.
  • the sub-steps iv-1) to iv-4) advantageously enable simple and reliable identification of the security marking on the basis of the linear coefficients c i .
  • step v) which comprises the following sub-steps:
  • the coefficient of determination R 2 is preferably used as the measure G.
  • the coefficient of determination R 2 is familiar to those skilled in the field of statistical evaluation of data sets, so that no further explanation is required here.
  • the coefficient of determination R 2 is a statistical standard method with which the quality of a linear approximation can be determined.
  • Identifying ie recognizing that the safety marking is not present if the dimension G has been assessed with the attribute "Dimension accepted”, or non-identification (ie recognition of the non-presence) of the security marking if the dimension G was evaluated with the attribute “dimension not accepted”.
  • sub-step v-4) Identifying the security marking, if all the ratios M i have been evaluated with the attribute “ratio accepted” and the dimension G has also been evaluated with the attribute “dimension accepted”, or non-identification (ie recognition of the non-presence) of the security marking, if at least a ratio M i was evaluated with the attribute “ratio not accepted” and / or the dimension G was evaluated with the attribute “dimension not accepted”.
  • step v in particular in connection with sub-steps iv-1) to iv-4), the reliability of the identification of the security marking can be improved even further in a particularly advantageous manner.
  • a total intensity can be used as a function of time (that is to say the Linear combination I (t)) can be defined and assigned to an item of information (e.g. authenticity).
  • the linear combination I (t) is a combination of the time courses of the intensities I i (t) of the luminescent substances with the linear coefficients c i of the luminescent substances.
  • the proportions of the luminescent substances are determined based on the defined linear combination I (t).
  • the predetermined, desired linear combination I (t) thus results in a defined quantitative ratio and defined quantitative proportions of the luminescent substances.
  • the respective time courses of the intensities I i (t) of the luminescent substances and, if applicable, the respective linear coefficients c i are considered and / or evaluated.
  • a combination of the luminescent substances can thus be defined with the aid of a database in which the time courses of the intensities I i (t) are stored.
  • the relative proportion of the respective luminescent substance can then be defined with the aid of the linear coefficients c i . It can be taken into account that in order to adjust the intensity I i (t) of the luminescent substance, it is provided with so-called camouflage substances.
  • camouflage substances cause a reduction in the luminescence intensity of the luminescent substance, in particular by a factor that is constant over time, so that, depending on the amount of camouflage substance, the linear coefficient c i results in a different relative proportion for the respective luminescent substance.
  • Fig. 1 considered, in which the measured time courses of the intensities of the emitted luminescence radiation from two different luminescent substances A, B are exemplified.
  • the intensity I is plotted against the time t (in any time and intensity units).
  • the measured data points are each connected to one another by a solid data line.
  • the luminescent radiation of the two luminescent substances A, B are excited together by a single or the same excitation pulse (light flash).
  • the duration and intensity of the excitation pulse are illustrated by the dashed lines.
  • the duration of the flash of light is preferably in the range from 10 ⁇ s to 10 ms and is, for example, 40 ⁇ s.
  • the time courses of the intensities of the two luminescent substances differ greatly from one another, with both luminescent substances showing a non-monoexponential emission behavior.
  • the time courses of the intensities of the two luminescent substances have a Bray-Curtis distance of 0.25, which reflects a low and therefore preferred correlation behavior of the two emission courses.
  • Fig. 2 shows the measured time course of the total intensity of the simultaneously emitted radiation of a mixture of the two luminescent substances A, B in the It diagram.
  • the combination of the two luminescent substances A, B can be used as a security marking for a document of value.
  • the excitation pulse for the joint excitation of the two luminescent substances A, B (which is the same as the excitation pulse in FIG Fig. 1 ) and an adaptation curve drawn in with a solid line.
  • the luminescent substance A is present with a mixed proportion of 30% and the luminescent substance B with a mixed proportion of 70%, in each case based on the total amount of the luminescent substances A, B.
  • the (previously known) quantity (mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances A, B is therefore 30% / 70%.
  • the measurements of the total intensity take place at defined times.
  • the measurements can take place at equidistant points in time, but also at non-equidistant points in time, the latter offering the advantage that, for example, with limited memory resources in the detection sensor, a reduced amount of data can be selected without significantly impairing the quality of adaptation.
  • more measurement points are preferably taken in time segments in which the intensity profiles of the base substances differ greatly, whereas fewer measurement points are taken during the decay phase long after the excitation, when the luminescence has already decayed far.
  • the formula (A) used for the linear adaptation is a linear combination of (sampled) basis vectors Ii (t).
  • the index i characterizes the luminescent substances.
  • the basic vectors I i (t) are definable or defined (previously known) time courses of the luminescent substances used and preferably result from beforehand determined temporal intensity measurements of the luminescent substances used.
  • the basis vectors I i (t) are each to be weighted with the associated linear coefficients c i .
  • the basic vectors I i (t) correspond to the previously known time courses I A (t), I B (t) of the two luminescent substances A, B, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 are shown.
  • An adaptation of the linear combination I (t) to the data points of the measured total intensity requires a determination of the linear coefficients c i , which in the present case is carried out using the least squares method (least square fit method).
  • the linear coefficients c i can hereby be determined in an efficient manner with a good adaptation of the compensation curve.
  • the relative mixing proportions of the luminescent substances used in the security marking result from the linear coefficients c i , in each case based on the total amount of luminescent substances.
  • the linear coefficients c i determined are combined as 2-tuples (c 1 , c 2 ) and converted into a scaling-independent value, a ratio M i .
  • M 2 1 - M. 1
  • a check is then made for the ratio M 1 or M 2 as to whether the ratio lies within an associated, definable or defined (predetermined) value range W 1 or W 2 .
  • the value ranges W 1 , W 2 each indicate a scatter range around the previously known mixing proportions of the luminescent substances A, B in the security marking. Then, for the checked ratio M 1 or M 2, the attribute “ratio accepted” is assigned if the ratio lies within the associated value range, or the attribute “ratio not accepted” if the ratio lies outside the associated value range. In the present case, the ratios M 1 , M 2 are within the associated value ranges W 1 , W 2 , ie the correct, ie previously known, proportions of the two luminescent substances A, B, each based on the total amount of the luminescent substances A, B, were found within the scope of the scatter , or the previously known quantity ratio (mixing ratio) A / B is determined.
  • the quality of the adaptation of the linear combination I (t) to the time curve of the total intensity of the two luminescent substances A, B is determined.
  • the security marking is thus clearly identified (ie is present), since the ratio M 1 , M 2 has been assigned the attribute “ratio accepted” and the quality of the adaptation is above the desired threshold value. Due to the need for both conditions to be present (attribute ratio, quality of adaptation), a particularly high level of reliability can be achieved in the identification of the security marking.
  • the mixing proportions of the luminescent substances A, B, C, in this order are 20%, 50%, 30%, in each case based on the total amount of luminescent substances.
  • the mixing ratio A / B / C is therefore 20% / 50% / 30%.
  • the combined intensity behavior was measured with a signal-to-noise ratio of approx. 20.
  • the measurement data are in Fig. 4 shown. Following this, the above-mentioned linear combination of the general formula A with three basis vectors I A (t), I B (t), I C (t), as shown in Fig. 3 are adjusted, the linear coefficients c 1 , c 2 c 3 being determined by the least squares method.
  • an elliptically shaped tolerance range for example, is defined in an ab plane (see FIG Fig. 5 ). Due to the shape of the temporal intensity behavior, this can be differently extended in different directions.
  • the measured mixture tuple is represented by the filled circle, the target value (previously known mixture tuple) by the empty circle.
  • the attribute “ratio accepted” is assigned if the ratio lies within the associated value range, or the attribute “ratio not accepted” if the ratio lies outside the associated value range.
  • the two ratios M 1 , M 2 are within the associated value ranges W 1 , W 2 , the correct, ie previously known, relative mixing proportions of the two luminescent substances A, B, each based on the total amount of luminescent substances A, B, C were determined.
  • the security marking has the previously known composition, with which the security marking was identified.
  • Fig. 6 upper figure, taken.
  • noise components with different normal distribution were added to the measurement points in a decay curve of a mixture of two luminescent substances with mono-exponential decay behavior.
  • An evaluation was carried out using a linear adaptation method according to the present invention and a non-linear adaptation method known in the prior art.
  • Fig. 6 lower figure, the evaluation is illustrated in a diagram in which the relative mixing proportion of a luminescent substance is plotted against the noise level. It can be seen that the determination of the relative mixing proportion according to the invention shows a lower susceptibility to noise compared to the method known in the prior art.
  • Fig. 7 shows the time behavior of a mono-exponentially decaying luminescent substance that could be used, for example, for a counterfeit attack.
  • Fig. 8 shows a value document 1 in the form of a bank note, for example, which has an identification thread 2 with a security marking 3.
  • the security marking 3 can be designed as described above.
  • the invention offers great advantages over the evaluation methods known in the prior art with non-linear adaptation in which, in addition to the amplitudes of the temporal intensity spectra, the decay times are also used as model parameters.
  • a much faster and more stable evaluation ie faster convergence behavior of the adaptation routine
  • predetermined time behavior in particular decay curves
  • a quantitative evaluation results in a computing time reduced by approx. 3 orders of magnitude compared to the non-linear adaptation known in the prior art, which increases the efficiency with regard to the evaluation speed clarified.
  • a fast evaluation method is essential, for example for the analysis on fast-running banknote processing machines with bank notes moving up to 12 m / s, since these essentially determine the processing speed.

Landscapes

  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Inspection Of Paper Currency And Valuable Securities (AREA)
  • Investigating, Analyzing Materials By Fluorescence Or Luminescence (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung liegt auf dem technischen Gebiet der Herstellung und Überprüfung von Wertdokumenten und betrifft ein Wertdokument mit einer Sicherheitsmarkierung sowie ein Verfahren zur Identifikation derselben.The present invention is in the technical field of the production and checking of documents of value and relates to a document of value with a security marking and a method for identifying the same.

Wertdokumente werden in aller Regel durch eine spezielle Kennzeichnung gegen eine unerwünschte und häufig gesetzwidrige Vervielfältigung geschützt. Es ist seit langem bekannt, Wertdokumente zu diesem Zweck mit lumineszierenden Substanzen zu versehen, die ein spezifisches Emissionsverhalten aufweisen.As a rule, documents of value are protected against undesired and often illegal copying by means of special identification. It has long been known to provide documents of value for this purpose with luminescent substances which have a specific emission behavior.

So beschreibt die Druckschrift WO 916009 A1 die Echtheitsverifikation eines Wertdokuments über eine Bestimmung der Lumineszenz-Abklingzeit einer Sicherheitsmarkierung. Dabei wird die Sicherheitsmarkierung gepulst angeregt und die Zeit nach Ende des Anregungspulses bestimmt, welche verstreicht bis eine vordefinierte Lumineszenzintensität erreicht wird.So describes the publication WO 916009 A1 the authenticity verification of a value document by determining the luminescence decay time of a security marking. The security marking is excited in a pulsed manner and the time after the end of the excitation pulse is determined, which elapses until a predefined luminescence intensity is reached.

Ein weiteres Verfahren zur Echtheitsverifikation eines Wertdokuments über eine Bestimmung der Lumineszenz-Abklingzeit einer Sicherheitsmarkierung wird in der Druckschrift WO 0188846A1 offenbart. Bei diesem Verfahren wird zu mehreren Zeitpunkten nach Ausschalten eines Anregungspulses die Lumineszenzintensität gemessen, um die Abklingkurve zu bestimmen und diese mit einer Sollkurve zu vergleichen.Another method for verifying the authenticity of a document of value by determining the luminescence decay time of a security marking is described in the publication WO 0188846A1 disclosed. In this method, the luminescence intensity is measured at several times after an excitation pulse has been switched off in order to determine the decay curve and to compare it with a target curve.

Die Druckschrift US 7762468 B2 zeigt ein Authentisierungsverfahren, bei dem eine Kombination von zwei Lumineszenzstoffen mit unterschiedlichen Abklingzeiten verwendet wird. Bei diesem Verfahren wird der zweite, langsamer abklingende Lumineszenzstoff erst dann erfasst, wenn die Lumineszenz des ersten Lumineszenzstoffs bereits abgeklungen ist.The pamphlet US 7762468 B2 shows an authentication method in which a combination of two luminescent substances with different decay times is used. In this process, the second, slower decaying luminescent substance detected only when the luminescence of the first luminescent substance has already decayed.

Auch der Druckschrift DE 102006047851 A1 kann die Auswertung einer Sicherheitsmarkierung mit Lumineszenzstoffen mit unterschiedlichem Abklingverhalten und überlappenden Emissionsspektren entnommen werden. Bei diesem Verfahren wird der zeitliche Verlauf der Lumineszenzintensitäten gemessen und die Form der Kurve zur Authentifikation geprüft bzw. mit Sollwerten verglichen.Even the print DE 102006047851 A1 the evaluation of a security marking with luminescent substances with different decay behavior and overlapping emission spectra can be taken. In this method, the time course of the luminescence intensities is measured and the shape of the curve is checked for authentication or compared with target values.

Die Druckschrift US 9046486 B2 offenbart eine Sicherheitsmarkierung und ein Verfahren zur Identifikation derselben basierend auf Kombinationen von quasi-resonanten Lumineszenzstoffen mit einem unterschiedlichen exponentiellen Abklingverhalten. Mit Hilfe einer nicht-linearen Anpassung werden sowohl die Amplituden als auch die Abklingzeiten bestimmt. Das beschriebene Verfahren eignet sich nicht für Markierstoffe mit stark nicht-exponentiellem Abklingverhalten, wodurch sich die Anzahl der verfügbaren Markierstoffe limitiert. Auch erweist sich die Analyse mittels nicht-linearer Anpassung als zeitintensiv und fehleranfällig gegenüber Rauschen, so dass die Geschwindigkeit und Qualität der Auswertung gering ist.The pamphlet US 9046486 B2 discloses a security marking and a method for identifying the same based on combinations of quasi-resonant luminescent substances with a different exponential decay behavior. With the help of a non-linear adaptation, both the amplitudes and the decay times are determined. The method described is not suitable for marking substances with a strongly non-exponential decay behavior, which limits the number of marking substances available. The analysis by means of non-linear adaptation also proves to be time-consuming and error-prone with regard to noise, so that the speed and quality of the evaluation are low.

Die US 2014/0001351 A1 offenbart zwei lumineszente Materialien, welche in einem Sicherheitsmerkmal vermischt sind.The US 2014/0001351 A1 discloses two luminescent materials intermingled in a security feature.

Mit den im Stand der Technik bekannten Lumineszenzstoffen und Auswerteverfahren kann zwar eine befriedigende Lösung zur fälschungssicheren Kennzeichnung von Wertdokumenten erreicht werden, jedoch ist es insbesondere bei Lumineszenzstoffen mit nicht-exponentiellem Abklingverhalten nachteilig, dass die kombinatorische Vielfalt der zur Verfügung stehenden Lumineszenzstoffe begrenzt ist. Dies bedingt eine eingeschränkte Variabilität der Kennzeichnung, wodurch sich unter anderem eine Verminderung der Fälschungssicherheit ergeben kann. Werden Lumineszenzstoffe mit komplexem Zeitverhalten als Basisstoffe zur Codierung von Mischungen mit unterschiedlichem Abklingverhalten verwendet, so sind die bisher bekannten Auswerteverfahren, wie sie beispielsweise aus der Druckschrift US 9046486B2 bekannt sind, ungeeignet um derartige Sicherheitsmerkmale in zeitkritischen Situationen, wie beispielsweise auf schnell laufenden Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschinen, sicher zu bewerten.With the luminescent substances and evaluation methods known in the prior art, a satisfactory solution for the forgery-proof identification of documents of value can be achieved, however, particularly in the case of luminescent substances with non-exponential decay behavior, it is disadvantageous that the combinatorial variety of the available luminescent substances is limited. This requires a limited variability of the marking, which among other things can result in a reduction in the security against forgery. Will Luminescent substances with complex time behavior are used as base substances for coding mixtures with different decay behavior, so are the previously known evaluation methods, such as those from the publication US 9046486B2 are known, unsuitable for reliably evaluating such security features in time-critical situations, such as, for example, on fast-running banknote processing machines.

Demgegenüber besteht die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung darin, eine zuverlässige, sichere und schnelle Identifikation der Kennzeichnung eines Wertdokuments mit Lumineszenzstoffen mit komplexem Zeitverhalten zu ermöglichen. Zudem soll die Verwendung einer Vielzahl verschiedener lumineszierender Substanzen mit nicht-exponentiellem Zeitverhalten möglich sein.In contrast, the object of the present invention is to enable reliable, secure and rapid identification of the identification of a document of value with luminescent substances with complex time behavior. In addition, it should be possible to use a large number of different luminescent substances with non-exponential time behavior.

Diese und weitere Aufgaben werden nach dem Vorschlag der Erfindung durch ein Wertdokument mit einer Sicherheitsmarkierung sowie ein Verfahren zur Identifikation derselben mit den Merkmalen der nebengeordneten Patentansprüche gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind durch die Merkmale der Unteransprüche angegeben.According to the proposal of the invention, these and further objects are achieved by a value document with a security marking and a method for identifying the same with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous configurations of the invention are indicated by the features of the subclaims.

Erfindungsgemäß ist ein Wertdokument mit einer Sicherheitsmarkierung (Kennzeichnung) gezeigt. Unter den Begriff "Wertdokument" sind im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung jegliche, gegen eine unerwünschte bzw. rechtswidrige Vervielfältigung zu schützende Gegenstände zu verstehen, beispielsweise Banknoten, Schecks, Aktien, Wertmarken, Ausweise, Kreditkarten und Pässe sowie Etiketten, Siegel, Verpackungen oder andere Gegenstände für die Wertsicherung. Die Sicherheitsmarkierung des erfindungsgemäßen Wertdokuments kann mindestens einer wahlfrei definierbaren (binären) Eigenschaft des Wertdokuments zugeordnet werden, wobei die Eigenschaft bei Identifikation (Vorliegen der Sicherheitsmarkierung) gegeben und bei Nicht-Identifikation (Fehlen der Sicherheitsmarkierung) nicht gegeben ist. Beispielsweise kann die Sicherheitsmarkierung als Echtheitsmarkierung bzw. Echtheitsmerkmal der Eigenschaft "Echtheit" zugeordnet sein, um Wertdokumente entweder als echt oder gefälscht zu erkennen. Denkbar ist auch, dass Wertdokumente durch die Sicherheitsmarkierung beispielsweise einer bestimmten Klasse oder Gruppe zugeordnet werden, wie etwa dem Notenwert oder Herstellungsland von Banknoten.According to the invention, a document of value with a security marking (identification) is shown. In the context of the present invention, the term "value document" means any objects to be protected against undesired or illegal copying, for example banknotes, checks, shares, tokens, ID cards, credit cards and passports as well as labels, seals, packaging or other objects for value protection. The security marking of the value document according to the invention can be assigned to at least one freely definable (binary) property of the value document, the property being given in the event of identification (presence of the security marking) and in the case of non-identification (absence the safety marking) is not given. For example, the security marking can be assigned to the property “authenticity” as an authenticity marking or authenticity feature in order to recognize value documents as either authentic or forged. It is also conceivable that the security marking assigns value documents, for example, to a specific class or group, such as the note value or country of manufacture of bank notes.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Sicherheitsmarkierung in Form von mindestens zwei lumineszierenden Substanzen (im Weiteren auch als Lumineszenzstoffe bezeichnet) ausgebildet. Die Lumineszenzstoffe können auf verschiedenste Art und Weise in das Wertdokument ein- oder am Wertdokument angebracht werden. So können die Lumineszenzstoffe beispielsweise einer Papier- oder Kunststoffmasse zum Herstellen des Wertdokuments oder einer Druckfarbe zum Bedrucken des Wertdokuments zugemischt werden. Denkbar ist auch, die Lumineszenzstoffe als beispielsweise unsichtbare Beschichtung auf dem Wertdokument vorzusehen. Die Lumineszenzstoffe können auch auf oder in einem beispielsweise aus Kunststoff bestehenden Trägermaterial vorgesehen sein, das in eine Papier- oder Kunststoffmasse zum Herstellen des Wertdokuments eingebettet ist. Das Trägermaterial kann beispielsweise in Form eines Sicherheits- oder Kennfadens, einer Melierfaser oder Planchette ausgebildet sein. Das Trägermaterial kann auch, beispielsweise in Form einer Plakette, an dem Wertdokument angebracht sein, beispielsweise um eine Produktsicherungsmaßnahme vorzunehmen. Grundsätzlich ist jede beliebige Formgebung des Trägermaterials möglich.According to the invention, the security marking is designed in the form of at least two luminescent substances (hereinafter also referred to as luminescent substances). The luminescent substances can be incorporated into the value document or attached to the value document in the most varied of ways. For example, the luminescent substances can be mixed into a paper or plastic mass for producing the document of value or a printing ink for printing the document of value. It is also conceivable to provide the luminescent substances as, for example, an invisible coating on the document of value. The luminescent substances can also be provided on or in a carrier material consisting, for example, of plastic, which is embedded in a paper or plastic compound for producing the document of value. The carrier material can be designed, for example, in the form of a security or identification thread, a mottled fiber or planchette. The carrier material can also be attached to the value document, for example in the form of a badge, for example in order to undertake a product security measure. In principle, any desired shape of the carrier material is possible.

Die mindestens zwei Lumineszenzstoffe der Sicherheitsmarkierung sind durch einen (selben) Anregungspuls (z.B. Lichtblitz) gemeinsam anregbar. Wesentlich hierbei ist, dass die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der durch den Anregungspuls angeregten, emittierten Strahlungen der Lumineszenzstoffe voneinander verschieden sind, wobei mindestens ein Lumineszenzstoff einen nicht-monoexponentiellen Zeitverlauf der Intensität der emittierten Strahlung aufweist.The at least two luminescent substances of the security marking can be excited jointly by a (same) excitation pulse (eg light flash). It is essential here that the time courses of the intensities of the emitted radiations of the luminescent substances excited by the excitation pulse differ from one another are, wherein at least one luminescent substance has a non-mono-exponential time course of the intensity of the emitted radiation.

In der Sicherheitsmarkierung sind die mindestens zwei Lumineszenzstoffe in einem definierbaren bzw. definierten Mengenverhältnis in Kombination (vorzugsweise in Form einer Mischung) enthalten. Dies bedeutet, dass jeder Lumineszenzstoff in einem definierbaren bzw. definierten, relativen Mengenanteil, bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge der Lumineszenzstoffe, in der Sicherheitsmarkierung vorhanden ist. Die Sicherheitsmarkierung kann somit anhand des Mengenverhältnisses (Mischungsverhältnis) der lumineszierenden Substanzen in eindeutiger Weise identifiziert werden.The security marking contains the at least two luminescent substances in a definable or defined quantity ratio in combination (preferably in the form of a mixture). This means that each luminescent substance is present in the security marking in a definable or defined, relative proportion, based on the total amount of luminescent substances. The security marking can thus be clearly identified on the basis of the quantitative ratio (mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances.

Abhängig von seinem relativen Mengenanteil trägt jeder Lumineszenzstoff mit der Intensität seiner emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlung zur Gesamtintensität der zeitgleich emittierten Strahlungen der angeregten Lumineszenzstoffe der Sicherheitsmarkierung bei. Der Begriff "Gesamtintensität" bezieht sich hier und im Weiteren auf eine summarische Intensität, der durch einen (selben) Anregungspuls angeregten und zu einem selben Zeitpunkt erfassten Lumineszenzstrahlungen der in Kombination in der Sicherheitsmarkierung enthaltenen Lumineszenzstoffe.Depending on its relative quantitative proportion, each luminescent substance contributes with the intensity of its emitted luminescent radiation to the total intensity of the simultaneously emitted radiations of the excited luminescent substances of the security marking. The term “total intensity” refers here and in the following to a summary intensity of the luminescence radiation of the luminescent substances contained in combination in the security marking, excited by a (same) excitation pulse and detected at the same point in time.

Die Sicherheitsmarkierung ist so ausgebildet, dass für eine Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung das Mengenverhältnis (Mischungsverhältnis) der lumineszierenden Substanzen durch eine Analyse des Zeitverlaufs der Gesamtintensität der (durch einen Anregungspuls angeregten) emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen auf Basis der Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der (bei demselben Anregungspuls angeregten) Lumineszenzstrahlungen der Lumineszenzstoffe ermittelbar ist.The security marking is designed so that, for identification of the security marking, the quantity ratio (mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances is determined by analyzing the time course of the total intensity of the emitted luminescence radiation (excited by an excitation pulse) on the basis of the time progression of the intensities of the luminescence radiation (excited by the same excitation pulse) the luminescent substances can be determined.

Die Verwendung mindestens eines Lumineszenzstoffs mit einem nicht-monoexponentiellen Zeitverlauf der Intensität der emittierten Strahlung hat den besonderen Vorteil, dass eine große Vielzahl an prinzipiell geeigneten Stoffen zur Verfügung steht und durch die spezifische Auswahl eine verbesserte Fälschungssicherheit erreicht werden kann. Zudem kann ein relativ großer Unterschied im Ankling- und/oder Abklingverhalten der Lumineszenzstoffe erreicht werden, was eine zuverlässige und sichere Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung erlaubt. Wird das Anregungslicht mit einer (Anti-)Stokes verschobenen Wellenlänge auf Grund intrinsischer Umwandlungsprozesse reemittiert, so ist eine klare Trennung der Anregungs- und Emissionsstrahlung durch geeignete Filtertechniken leicht möglich.The use of at least one luminescent substance with a non-mono-exponential The time course of the intensity of the emitted radiation has the particular advantage that a large number of substances that are suitable in principle are available and that, through the specific selection, improved security against forgery can be achieved. In addition, a relatively large difference in the clinking and / or decay behavior of the luminescent substances can be achieved, which allows reliable and secure identification of the security marking. If the excitation light is re-emitted with an (anti-) Stokes shifted wavelength due to intrinsic conversion processes, a clear separation of the excitation and emission radiation is easily possible by means of suitable filter techniques.

Besonders vorteilhaft sind die mindestens zwei lumineszierenden Substanzen so gewählt, dass die Intensität der emittierten Strahlung einer jeden lumineszierenden Substanz in einem Bereich von 5% bis 95%, vorzugsweise 10% bis 90%, und besonders bevorzugt 15% bis 85%, der Gesamtintensität der lumineszierenden Substanzen liegt. Hierdurch ist eine besonders genaue Analyse des Zeitverlaufs der Gesamtintensität der Sicherheitsmarkierung auf Basis der Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der von den jeweiligen lumineszierenden Substanzen emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen möglich, was zu einer Verbesserung der Zuverlässigkeit der Identifikation des Sicherheitsmerkmals beiträgt.The at least two luminescent substances are particularly advantageously selected so that the intensity of the emitted radiation of each luminescent substance is in a range from 5% to 95%, preferably 10% to 90%, and particularly preferably 15% to 85%, of the total intensity of the luminescent substances. This enables a particularly precise analysis of the time course of the total intensity of the security marking on the basis of the time course of the intensities of the luminescent radiation emitted by the respective luminescent substances, which contributes to improving the reliability of the identification of the security feature.

Vorzugsweise sind die mindestens zwei lumineszierenden Substanzen jeweils so gewählt, dass die Abklingzeit, d.h. insbesondere die Zeit zwischen dem Ende des Anregungspulses und dem Erreichen einer Intensität von 1/e der Intensität am Ende des Anregungspulses, in einem Bereich von 100 ns bis 100 ms, vorzugsweise 10 µs bis 5 ms, liegt. Dies ist vorteilhaft für eine genaue Analyse des Zeitverlaufs der Gesamtintensität der emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen der lumineszierenden Substanzen auf Basis der Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der von den jeweiligen lumineszierenden Substanzen emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen, was zu einer weiteren Verbesserung der Zuverlässigkeit der Identifikation des Sicherheitsmerkmals beiträgt.The at least two luminescent substances are preferably selected so that the decay time, ie in particular the time between the end of the excitation pulse and the reaching of an intensity of 1 / e of the intensity at the end of the excitation pulse, is in a range from 100 ns to 100 ms, preferably 10 µs to 5 ms. This is advantageous for a precise analysis of the time course of the total intensity of the emitted luminescent radiation of the luminescent substances on the basis of the time course of the intensities of the luminescent radiation emitted by the respective luminescent substances, which further improves the reliability of the identification of the security feature.

Vorzugsweise, jedoch nicht zwingend, weisen die mindestens zwei lumineszierenden Substanzen überlappende, insbesondere identische, Anregungsspektren auf, was eine gezielte und relativ starke Anregung der lumineszierenden Substanzen durch einen vergleichsweise schmalbandigen Anregungspuls (Lichtblitz) ermöglicht. Besonders bevorzugt weisen die mindestens zwei lumineszierenden Substanzen überlappende Emissionsspektren auf, wodurch die Fälschungssicherheit des Sicherheitsmerkmals aufgrund einer deutlich erschwerten Analyse der emittierten Strahlung in vorteilhafter Weise weiter verbessert ist.Preferably, but not necessarily, the at least two luminescent substances have overlapping, in particular identical, excitation spectra, which enables targeted and relatively strong excitation of the luminescent substances by a comparatively narrow-band excitation pulse (flash of light). The at least two luminescent substances particularly preferably have overlapping emission spectra, as a result of which the security against forgery of the security feature is advantageously further improved due to a significantly more difficult analysis of the emitted radiation.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Wertdokuments sind die mindestens zwei lumineszierenden Substanzen so ausgebildet, dass die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der emittierten Strahlungen über einen Bray-Curtis-Abstand von größer als 0,10, vorzugsweise größer als 0,20, und besonders bevorzugt größer als 0,25 verfügen. Der Bray-Curtis-Abstand von zwei Vektoren (v1,..,vn) und (w1,..,wn) ist hierbei definiert als ∑ i = 1 n v i − w i v i + w i .

Figure imgb0001
In a further advantageous embodiment of the document of value according to the invention, the at least two luminescent substances are designed such that the time courses of the intensities of the emitted radiation over a Bray-Curtis distance of greater than 0.10, preferably greater than 0.20, and particularly preferably greater than 0.25. The Bray-Curtis distance of two vectors (v 1 , .., v n ) and (w 1 , .., w n ) is defined here as ∑ i = 1 n v i - w i v i + w i .
Figure imgb0001

Auch durch diese Maßnahme kann die Genauigkeit der Analyse des Zeitverlaufs der Gesamtintensität der emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen der Lumineszenzstoffe der Sicherheitsmarkierung auf Basis der Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der von den Lumineszenzstoffen emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen erhöht werden, was zu einer noch weiteren Verbesserung der Zuverlässigkeit der Identifikation des Sicherheitsmerkmals beiträgt.This measure can also increase the accuracy of the analysis of the time course of the total intensity of the emitted luminescent radiation of the luminescent substances of the security marking on the basis of the time course of the intensities of the luminescent radiation emitted by the luminescent substances, which contributes to an even further improvement in the reliability of the identification of the security feature.

Die lumineszierenden Substanzen der Sicherheitsmarkierung des erfindungsgemäßen Wertdokuments können grundsätzlich frei gewählt werden, solange gewährleistet ist, dass sie durch einen Anregungspuls gemeinsam anregbar sind und die Zeitverläufe der emittierten Strahlungen der lumineszierenden Substanzen voneinander verschieden sind, wobei mindestens eine lumineszierende Substanz einen nicht-monoexponentiellen Zeitverlauf der Intensität der emittierten Strahlung aufweist. Die Anregung und Emission der lumineszierenden Substanzen kann im UV, VIS- und/oder IR-Bereich erfolgen. Beispielsweise können lumineszierende Substanzen eingesetzt werden, die im UV-Bereich angeregt werden und im UV-Bereich oder sichtbaren Spektralbereich emittieren. Weiterhin ist es möglich, lumineszierende Substanzen zu verwenden, die im sichtbaren Spektralbereich angeregt werden und im sichtbaren Spektralbereich oder IR-Bereich emittieren. Des Weiteren können lumineszierende Substanzen eingesetzt werden, die im IR-Bereich angeregt werden und im IR-Bereich emittieren oder im sichtbaren Bereich emittieren (Up-Converter).The luminescent substances of the security marking of the document of value according to the invention can in principle be freely selected as long as it is ensured that they can be excited together by an excitation pulse and the time courses of the emitted radiations of the luminescent Substances are different from one another, at least one luminescent substance having a non-mono-exponential time course of the intensity of the emitted radiation. The excitation and emission of the luminescent substances can take place in the UV, VIS and / or IR range. For example, luminescent substances can be used which are excited in the UV range and emit in the UV range or visible spectral range. Furthermore, it is possible to use luminescent substances that are excited in the visible spectral range and emit in the visible spectral range or IR range. Furthermore, luminescent substances can be used which are excited in the IR range and emit in the IR range or emit in the visible range (up converters).

Erfindungsgemäß vorteilhaft sind lumineszierende Substanzen, die ein besonders stark nicht-monoexponentielles Abklingverhalten nach der Anregung zeigen. Besonders bevorzugt sind lumineszierende Substanzen, die jeweils ein Wirtsgitter umfassen, das mit mindestens einem Dotierstoff, gewählt aus den Seltenerdmetallen und Übergangsmetallen (bzw. deren Ionen), dotiert sind.According to the invention, luminescent substances are advantageous which show a particularly strong non-monoexponential decay behavior after excitation. Particularly preferred are luminescent substances which each comprise a host lattice which is doped with at least one dopant selected from the rare earth metals and transition metals (or their ions).

Geeignete anorganische Wirtsgitter sind beispielsweise Oxide, Borate, Gallate, Phosphate, Granate, Perovskite, Sulfide, Oxysulfide, Apatite, Vanadate, Wolframate, Gläser, Tantalate, Niobate, Halogenide, Oxyhalogenide, insbesondere Fluoride, Silikate oder Aluminate.Suitable inorganic host lattices are, for example, oxides, borates, gallates, phosphates, garnets, perovskites, sulfides, oxysulfides, apatites, vanadates, tungstates, glasses, tantalates, niobates, halides, oxyhalides, in particular fluorides, silicates or aluminates.

Als Wirtsgitter können insbesondere Wirtsgitter, wie YAG, ZnS, YGG, YAM, YAP, AlPO5, Zeolite, Zn2SiO4, YVO4, CaSiO3, KMgF3, Y2O2S, La2O2S, Ba2P2O7, Gd2O2S, NaYW2O6, SrMoO4, MgF2, MgO, CaF2, Y3Ga5O12, KY(WO4)2, SrAl12O19, ZBLAN, LiYF4, YPO4, GdBO3, BaSi2O5 oder SrBeO7 verwendet werden. Geeignete Dotierstoffe sind beispielsweise die Seltenen Erden La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, bzw. Bi, Pb, Ni, Sn, Sb, W, Tl, Ag, Cu, Zn, Ti, Mn, Cr und V (bzw. deren Ionen).Host lattices such as YAG, ZnS, YGG, YAM, YAP, AlPO 5 , Zeolite, Zn 2 SiO 4 , YVO 4 , CaSiO 3 , KMgF 3 , Y 2 O 2 S, La 2 O 2 S, Ba 2 can be used as the host lattice P 2 O 7 , Gd 2 O 2 S, NaYW 2 O 6 , SrMoO 4 , MgF 2 , MgO, CaF 2 , Y 3 Ga 5 O 12 , KY (WO 4 ) 2 , SrAl 12 O 19 , ZBLAN, LiYF 4 , YPO 4 , GdBO 3 , BaSi 2 O 5 or SrBeO 7 can be used. Suitable dopants are, for example, the rare earths La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, or Bi, Pb, Ni, Sn, Sb, W, Tl , Ag, Cu, Zn, Ti, Mn, Cr and V (or their ions).

Eine konkrete Auswahl geeigneter Wirtsgitter/Dotierion-Kombinationen ist beispielsweise in der Druckschrift EP 1632908 A1 beschrieben, auf deren Inhalt diesbezüglich vollumfänglich Bezug genommen wird.A specific selection of suitable host lattice / doping ion combinations is given in the publication, for example EP 1632908 A1 , the content of which is fully referred to in this regard.

Lumineszierende Substanzen mit einem stark nicht-monoexponentiellen Zeitverhalten der Intensität der emittierten Strahlung lassen sich durch unterschiedliche Mechanismen realisieren. So können insbesondere bei Lumineszenzstoffen mit komplizierten, ggf. mehrstufigen, Energietransferprozessen zwischen unterschiedlichen Dotierionen, insbesondere Seltenerd-Dotierionen, intrinsisch mehrfache Zeitkonstanten im Ankling- als auch im Abklingverhalten auftreten. Derartige Energietransferprozesse sind beispielsweise für die Dotierionenkombinationen Yb/Er, Nd/Yb, Yb/Tm, Cr/Tm, Tm/Ho, Er/Tm, Er/Ho, Yb/Ho, Cr/Ho, Fe/Tm, Mn/Tm, Cr/Er, Fe/Er, Cr/Nd, Cr/Nd, Cr/Yb, insbesondere in Kombination mit weiteren Dotierionen, bekannt. Erfindungsgemäß ist die Verwendung solcher Dotierionenkombinationen bevorzugt. Das genaue Zeitverhalten dieser Stoffe hängt dabei empfindlich sowohl vom verwendeten Wirtsgitter (durch Feinaufspaltung der Lage der beteiligten Energiezustände) als auch von den jeweiligen Dotierionenkonzentrationen ab. Ursache hierfür ist eine relative Änderung der Kopplungsraten im Vergleich zu konkurrierenden Verlustprozessen, wie z.B. eine nichtstrahlende Rekombination der beteiligten Ionen.Luminescent substances with a strongly non-mono-exponential time behavior of the intensity of the emitted radiation can be implemented by different mechanisms. In particular, in the case of luminescent substances with complicated, possibly multi-stage, energy transfer processes between different doping ions, in particular rare earth doping ions, intrinsically multiple time constants can occur in the attack and decay behavior. Such energy transfer processes are, for example, for the doping ion combinations Yb / Er, Nd / Yb, Yb / Tm, Cr / Tm, Tm / Ho, Er / Tm, Er / Ho, Yb / Ho, Cr / Ho, Fe / Tm, Mn / Tm , Cr / Er, Fe / Er, Cr / Nd, Cr / Nd, Cr / Yb, in particular in combination with other doping ions, are known. According to the invention, the use of such doping ion combinations is preferred. The exact time behavior of these substances depends sensitively both on the host lattice used (through fine splitting of the position of the energy states involved) and on the respective doping ion concentrations. The reason for this is a relative change in the coupling rates compared to competing loss processes, e.g. a non-radiative recombination of the ions involved.

Insbesondere Lumineszenzstoffe mit komplexen intrinsischen Energietransferprozessen können Intensitätsverläufe mit stark nicht-monoexponentiellem Zeitverhalten zeigen, wobei die Lumineszenzintensität nach Beendigung der Anregungsphase noch weiter ansteigen kann. Die Kombination derartiger Stoffe zusammen mit klassischen Stoffen, die nach Anregung ein zeitlich monoton abfallendes Verhalten zeigen, erlaubt ein gezieltes Einstellen des Zeitverhaltens der Gesamtintensität der Lumineszenzstoffe. Dieses kann neben abfallenden Emissionsabschnitten auch Anstiege, Plateaus, lokale Maxima und/oder Minima aufweisen. Erfindungsgemäß kann es vorteilhaft sein, wenn die Sicherheitsmarkierung eine Kombination aus mindestens einem Lumineszenzstoff mit nicht-monoexponentiellem Zeitverhalten und mindestens einem Lumineszenzstoff mit monoexponentiellem Zeitverhalten der Intensität der emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlung aufweist.In particular, luminescent substances with complex intrinsic energy transfer processes can show intensity profiles with strongly non-mono-exponential time behavior, wherein the luminescence intensity can increase even further after the end of the excitation phase. The combination of such substances together with classical substances, which show a monotonously decreasing behavior after excitation, allows a targeted adjustment of the time behavior of the total intensity of the luminescent substances. In addition to falling emission sections, this can also have rises, plateaus, local maxima and / or minima. According to the invention it can be advantageous if the security marking has a combination of at least one luminescent substance with non-monoexponential time behavior and at least one luminescent substance with monoexponential time behavior of the intensity of the emitted luminescence radiation.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann die Sicherheitsmarkierung eine Kombination aus mindestens zwei Lumineszenzstoffen mit jeweils unterschiedlichem, nicht-monoexponentiellen Zeitverhalten der Intensität der emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlung aufweisen.In a further preferred embodiment, the security marking can have a combination of at least two luminescent substances, each with a different, non-mono-exponential time behavior of the intensity of the emitted luminescent radiation.

Weiterhin gibt es Lumineszenzstoffe, bei denen mehrere verschiedene Übergänge eines Dotierions, die zwar energetisch sehr ähnlich sind, aber unterschiedliche Lebensdauern aufweisen, zur Emission in einem schmalen Wellenlängenbereich beitragen. Auch diese Lumineszenzstoffe zeigen oft nicht-monoexponentielles Zeitverhalten. Beispiele dafür sind Pr und Er.Furthermore, there are luminescent substances in which several different transitions of a doping ion, which are very similar in terms of energy but have different lifetimes, contribute to the emission in a narrow wavelength range. These luminescent substances also often show non-mono-exponential time behavior. Examples are Pr and Er.

Weiterhin können Lumineszenzstoffe durch zufällig auftretende oder gezielt bei der Herstellung erzeugte Inhomogenitäten, z.B. eine inhomogene Korngrößenverteilung oder eine inhomogene Verteilung der Dotierstoffe, nicht-monoexponentielles Verhalten aufweisen. Dieses kann beispielsweise dann auftreten, wenn Körner mit schnellerem Zeitverhalten, d.h. schnellerer Abklingzeit und/oder schnellerer Anklingzeit, sowie Körner mit langsamerem Zeitverhalten, d.h. langsamerer Abklingzeit und/oder langsamerer Anklingzeit, entstehen. Deren unterschiedliche Eigenschaften werden bei der relevanten, makroskopischen Messung gemittelt, bei der im Allgemeinen relativ viele einzelne Körner gleichzeitig angeregt und gemessen werden. Dadurch überlagern sich die einzelnen Zeitstrukturen der Emissionen der einzelnen Körner derart, dass sich insgesamt ein nicht-monoexponentielles Zeitverhalten ergeben kann.Furthermore, luminescent substances can exhibit non-mono-exponential behavior due to inhomogeneities which occur randomly or which are specifically generated during production, for example an inhomogeneous grain size distribution or an inhomogeneous distribution of the dopants. This can occur, for example, when grains with a faster time behavior, ie a faster decay time and / or a faster rise time, as well as grains with a slower time response, ie a slower decay time and / or a slower rise time, arise. Their different properties are averaged in the relevant, macroscopic measurement, in which a relatively large number of individual grains are generally excited and measured at the same time. This overlap the individual time structures of the emissions of the individual grains in such a way that overall a non-mono-exponential time behavior can result.

Der Fachmann kann durch einfache Messung der zeitabhängigen Lumineszenz eines Lumineszenzstoffs feststellen, ob dieser ein monoexponentielles Zeitverhalten aufweist oder nicht. Hierbei wird der zeitliche Verlauf der Intensität in der Abklingphase gemessen und eine Exponentialkurve an die Abklingkurve angepasst. Als Maß für die Güte der Anpassung kann beispielsweise das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 verwendet werden, wobei die Abklingkurve beispielsweis als "nicht-exponentiell" bewertet wird, falls R2 ≤ 0.98 gilt. Bei der Messung sollte das Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis zu Beginn der Abklingkurve mindestens 50 betragen, damit nicht durch Zufall bei einer monoexponentiellen Abklingkurve ein Fit mit Fitgüte R2 ≤ 0.98 erhalten wird.By simply measuring the time-dependent luminescence of a luminescent substance, the person skilled in the art can determine whether or not it has a mono-exponential time behavior. Here, the time course of the intensity in the decay phase is measured and an exponential curve is adapted to the decay curve. For example, the coefficient of determination R 2 can be used as a measure of the quality of the adaptation, the decay curve being evaluated, for example, as "non-exponential" if R 2 0.98 applies. During the measurement, the signal-to-noise ratio at the beginning of the decay curve should be at least 50 so that a fit with a fit quality of R 2 ≤ 0.98 is not obtained by chance with a mono-exponential decay curve.

Die Erfindung erstreckt sich weiterhin auf ein Verfahren zum Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Vorliegens oder Nicht-Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung eines wie vorstehend beschrieben ausgebildeten Wertdokuments. Das Verfahren umfasst die folgenden Schritte:The invention further extends to a method for identifying (i.e. recognizing the presence or absence) of the security marking of a value document formed as described above. The procedure consists of the following steps:

Schritt i)Step i)

Gemeinsames Anregen der lumineszierenden Substanzen der Sicherheitsmarkierung mit einem (selben) Anregungspuls.Joint excitation of the luminescent substances of the security marking with one (same) excitation pulse.

Schritt ii)Step ii)

Detektieren des Zeitverlaufs einer Gesamtintensität der durch den Anregungspuls angeregten, zeitgleich emittierten Strahlungen der lumineszierenden Substanzen.Detecting the time course of a total intensity of the simultaneously emitted radiations of the luminescent substances excited by the excitation pulse.

Schritt iii)Step iii)

Anpassen einer Linearkombination I(t) gemäß der nachfolgenden Formel I t = ∑ i = 1 n c i ⋅ I i t

Figure imgb0002
an den Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität der emittierten Strahlungen, wobei Ii(t) definierbare bzw. definierte Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der jeweils von den lumineszierenden Substanzen (durch den denselben Anregungspuls angeregten) emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen und ci anzupassende Linearkoeffizienten sind. Der Laufindex i bezieht sich auf die lumineszierenden Substanzen, n gibt die Zahl der lumineszierenden Substanzen und t die Zeit an. Die Zeitverläufe Ii(t) der Intensitäten der Lumineszenzstoffe können für jeden Lumineszenzstoff durch Anregen mit dem gleichen Anregungspuls und Detektieren der Lumineszenzstrahlung (vorab) bestimmt werden.Adapt a linear combination I (t) according to the following formula I. t = ∑ i = 1 n c i ⋅ I. i t
Figure imgb0002
 to the time course of the total intensity of the emitted radiation, where I i (t) are definable or defined time courses of the intensities of the luminescence radiation emitted by the luminescent substances (excited by the same excitation pulse) and c i are linear coefficients to be adapted. The running index i relates to the luminescent substances, n indicates the number of luminescent substances and t the time. The time courses I i (t) of the intensities of the luminescent substances can be determined (in advance) for each luminescent substance by excitation with the same excitation pulse and detection of the luminescence radiation.

Zur Anpassung der Linearkombination I(t) an den Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität I(t) werden die Linearkoeffizienten ci ermittelt. Die Linearkoeffizienten ci geben jeweils den relativen Anteil eines Zeitverlaufs Ii(t) einer einzelnen lumineszierenden Substanz an der Linearkombination I(t) an. Aus den Linearkoeffizienten ci kann der relative Mengenanteil einer jeden lumineszierenden Substanz, bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge der lumineszierenden Substanzen, in der Sicherheitsmarkierung und somit das Mengenverhältnis (z.B. Mischungsverhältnis) der lumineszierenden Substanzen in der Sicherheitsmarkierung ermittelt werden.To adapt the linear combination I (t) to the time course of the total intensity I (t), the linear coefficients c i are determined. The linear coefficients c i each indicate the relative proportion of a time course I i (t) of an individual luminescent substance in the linear combination I (t). The relative proportion of each luminescent substance, based on the total amount of luminescent substances, in the security marking and thus the proportion (eg mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances in the security marking can be determined from the linear coefficients c i .

Schritt iv)Step iv)

Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Vorliegens oder Nicht-Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung auf Basis der Linearkoeffizienten ci.Identifying (ie recognizing the presence or absence) of the security marking on the basis of the linear coefficients c i .

Die Anpassung der Linearkombination I(t), bestehend aus einer mit den Linearkoeffizienten ci gewichteten Summe der vorbekannten Zeitverläufe Ii(t), an die Gesamtintensität I(t) der zeitgleich emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen ermöglicht in vorteilhafter Weise eine besonders einfache, zuverlässige und sehr schnelle Bestimmung des Mengenverhältnis (z.B. Mischungsverhältnis) der lumineszierenden Substanzen in der Sicherheitsmarkierung, wodurch eine sichere Identifizierung der Sicherheitsmarkierung ermöglicht ist.The adaptation of the linear combination I (t), consisting of a sum of the known time curves I i (t) weighted with the linear coefficients c i , to the total intensity I (t) of the luminescence radiation emitted at the same time advantageously enables a particularly simple, reliable and very rapid determination of the quantity ratio (eg mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances in the security marking, which enables reliable identification of the security marking.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden in Schritt iii) die Linearkoeffizienten ci derart bestimmt, dass absolute Abweichungen der Linearkombination I(t) von Datenpunkten des detektierten Zeitverlaufs der Gesamtintensität minimiert sind. Vorzugsweise werden die Linearkoeffizienten ci durch die Methode der kleinsten Quadrate so bestimmt, dass die Summe der quadratischen Abweichungen der Linearkombination I(t) von Datenpunkten der detektierten Gesamtintensität minimiert sind. Dem Fachmann auf dem Gebiet der statistischen Auswertung von Datenmengen ist die Methode der kleinsten Quadrate geläufig, so dass sich hier eine weitere Erläuterung erübrigt. Lediglich ergänzend wird darauf hingewiesen, dass es sich hierbei um eine statistische Standard-Methode handelt, um eine Ausgleichskurve an einen Datensatz mit möglichst geringer Abweichung der Datenpunkte von der Ausgleichskurve zu ermitteln.In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the linear coefficients c i are determined in step iii) in such a way that absolute deviations of the linear combination I (t) from data points of the detected time course of the total intensity are minimized. The linear coefficients c i are preferably determined by the least squares method in such a way that the sum of the squared deviations of the linear combination I (t) of data points of the total detected intensity is minimized. The method of least squares is familiar to those skilled in the field of statistical evaluation of data sets, so that no further explanation is required here. In addition, it is pointed out that this is a statistical standard method for determining a regression curve for a data set with the least possible deviation of the data points from the regression curve.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens umfasst Schritt iv) die folgenden Teilschritte:In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, step iv) comprises the following sub-steps:

Teilschritt iv-1)Substep iv-1)

Für n-1 Linearkoeffizienten ci: Ermitteln einer Verhältniszahl Mi für jeden Linearkoeffizienten ci, die sich aus dem Verhältnis des Linearkoeffizienten ci zu mindestens einem weiteren Linearkoeffizienten ci ergibt (z.B. c1/c2).For n-1 linear coefficients c i : Determination of a ratio Mi for each linear coefficient c i , which results from the ratio of the linear coefficient c i to at least one further linear coefficient c i (for example c 1 / c 2 ).

Vorteilhaft wird die Verhältniszahl Mi durch das Verhältnis des Linearkoeffizienten ci zur Summe wenigstens eines, vorzugsweise aller, Linearkoeffizienten ci bestimmt (z.B. c1/(c1+c2)). Für den n-ten Linearkoeffizienten ergibt sich die Verhältniszahl Mn aus Mn = 1 - (M1 +... + Mn-1), d.h. der Differenz zwischen der Zahl 1 und der Summe der übrigen Verhältniszahlen Mi. Die Verhältniszahlen Mi geben das Mengenverhältnis (z.B. Mischungsverhältnis) der lumineszierenden Substanzen in der Sicherheitsmarkierung an.The ratio Mi is advantageously determined by the ratio of the linear coefficient c i to the sum of at least one, preferably all, linear coefficients c i (for example c 1 / (c 1 + c 2 )). For the nth linear coefficient, the ratio M n results from M n = 1 - (M 1 +... + M n-1 ), ie the difference between the number 1 and the sum of the other ratios M i . The ratios Mi indicate the quantity ratio (eg mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances in the security marking.

Teilschritt iv-2)Substep iv-2)

Für jede Verhältniszahl Mi: Prüfen, ob die Verhältniszahl Mi innerhalb eines zugehörigen, definierbaren bzw. definierten Wertebereichs Wi liegt, welcher vorteilhaft einem Streubereich um dem vorbekannten relativen Mengenanteil der lumineszierenden Substanz in der Sicherheitsmarkierung entspricht.For each ratio Mi: check whether the ratio M i lies within an associated, definable or defined value range W i , which advantageously corresponds to a scatter range around the previously known relative amount of the luminescent substance in the security marking.

Teilschritt iv-3)Substep iv-3)

Für jede Verhältniszahl Mi: Zuordnen des Attributs "Verhältniszahl akzeptiert", falls die Verhältniszahl Mi innerhalb des zugehörigen Wertebereichs Wi liegt, oder des Attributs "Verhältniszahl nicht akzeptiert", falls die Verhältniszahl Mi außerhalb des zugehörigen Wertebereichs Wi liegt.For each ratio number M i: Assign the attribute "proportional number accepted" if the ratio number M i is within the corresponding range of values W i, or the attribute "aspect ratio does not accept" if the ratio number M i outside the associated range of values W i is.

Teilschritt iv-4)Substep iv-4)

Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung, falls allen Verhältniszahlen Mi das Attribut "Verhältniszahl akzeptiert" zugeordnet wurde, oder Nicht-Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Nicht-Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung, falls mindestens einer Verhältniszahl Mi das Attribut "Verhältniszahl nicht akzeptiert" zugeordnet wurde.Identifying (ie recognizing the presence) of the security marking if the attribute “ratio accepted” has been assigned to all ratios M i , or non-identification (ie recognizing the non-existence) of the security marking if at least one ratio M i has the attribute “ratio not accepted "was assigned.

Durch die Teilschritte iv-1) bis iv-4) ist in vorteilhafter Weise eine einfache und zuverlässige Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung auf Basis der Linearkoeffizienten ci möglich.The sub-steps iv-1) to iv-4) advantageously enable simple and reliable identification of the security marking on the basis of the linear coefficients c i .

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens weist dieses einen weiteren Schritt v) auf, der die folgenden Teilschritte umfasst:In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it has a further step v) which comprises the following sub-steps:

Teilschritt v-1)Substep v-1)

Ermitteln einer die Güte der Anpassung der Linearkombination I(t) an den Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität kennzeichnenden Maßzahl G. Vorzugsweise wird als Maßzahl G das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 verwendet. Dem Fachmann auf dem Gebiet der statistischen Auswertung von Datenmengen ist das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 geläufig, so dass sich hier eine weitere Erläuterung erübrigt. Lediglich ergänzend wird darauf hingewiesen, dass es sich bei dem Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 um eine statistische Standard-Methode handelt, mit der die Qualität einer linearen Approximation ermittelt werden kann.Determination of a measure G characterizing the quality of the adaptation of the linear combination I (t) to the time curve of the total intensity. The coefficient of determination R 2 is preferably used as the measure G. The coefficient of determination R 2 is familiar to those skilled in the field of statistical evaluation of data sets, so that no further explanation is required here. Merely in addition, it is pointed out that the coefficient of determination R 2 is a statistical standard method with which the quality of a linear approximation can be determined.

Teilschritt v-2)Substep v-2)

Vergleichen der Maßzahl G mit einem definierbaren bzw. definierten Schwellwert. Wird als Maßzahl G das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 verwendet, so wird ein unterer Schwellwert von vorzugsweise 0,9, besonders bevorzugt 0,95 verwendet, wodurch eine hohe Zuverlässigkeit bei der Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung erreichbar ist.Compare the dimension G with a definable or defined threshold value. If the coefficient of determination R 2 is used as the measure G, a lower threshold value of preferably 0.9, particularly preferably 0.95, is used, as a result of which a high level of reliability can be achieved in the identification of the security marking.

Teilschritt v-3)Substep v-3)

Zuordnen des Attributs "Maßzahl akzeptiert" zur Maßzahl G, falls die Maßzahl G größer als der Schwellwert ist, oder des Attributs "Maßzahl nicht akzeptiert", falls die Maßzahl G kleiner oder gleich dem Schwellwert ist,Assigning the attribute "Dimension number accepted" to the dimension number G if the dimension number G is greater than the threshold value, or the attribute "Dimension number not accepted" if the dimension number G is less than or equal to the threshold value,

Teilschritt v-4)Substep v-4)

Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Nicht-Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung, falls die Maßzahl G mit dem Attribut "Maßzahl akzeptiert" bewertet wurde, oder Nicht-Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Nicht-Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung, falls die Maßzahl G mit dem Attribut "Maßzahl nicht akzeptiert" bewertet wurde.Identifying (ie recognizing that the safety marking is not present) if the dimension G has been assessed with the attribute "Dimension accepted", or non-identification (ie recognition of the non-presence) of the security marking if the dimension G was evaluated with the attribute “dimension not accepted”.

Für den Fall, dass in Schritt iv) die Teilschritte iv-1) bis iv-4) durchgeführt werden, gilt für Teilschritt v-4):
Identifizieren der Sicherheitsmarkierung, falls alle Verhältniszahlen Mi mit dem Attribut "Verhältniszahl akzeptiert" bewertet wurden und zudem die Maßzahl G mit dem Attribut "Maßzahl akzeptiert" bewertet wurde, oder Nicht-Identifizieren (d.h. Erkennen des Nicht-Vorliegens) der Sicherheitsmarkierung, falls mindestens eine Verhältniszahl Mi mit den Attribut "Verhältniszahl nicht akzeptiert" bewertet wurde und/oder die Maßzahl G mit dem Attribut "Maßzahl nicht akzeptiert" bewertet wurde.In the event that sub-steps iv-1) to iv-4) are carried out in step iv), the following applies to sub-step v-4):
Identifying the security marking, if all the ratios M i have been evaluated with the attribute “ratio accepted” and the dimension G has also been evaluated with the attribute “dimension accepted”, or non-identification (ie recognition of the non-presence) of the security marking, if at least a ratio M i was evaluated with the attribute “ratio not accepted” and / or the dimension G was evaluated with the attribute “dimension not accepted”.

Durch Schritt v), insbesondere in Verbindung mit den Teilschritten iv-1) bis iv-4), kann in besonders vorteilhafter Weise die Zuverlässigkeit der Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung noch weiter verbessert werden.By means of step v), in particular in connection with sub-steps iv-1) to iv-4), the reliability of the identification of the security marking can be improved even further in a particularly advantageous manner.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden in einem sich an das Abschalten des Anregungspulses unmittelbar anschließenden ersten Zeitraum mehr Datenpunkte zum Detektieren zum Detektieren der Gesamtintensität erfasst als in einem sich an den ersten Zeitraum unmittelbar anschließenden zweiten Zeitraum, wobei der erste Zeitraum und der zweite Zeitraum gleich lang sind. Diese Maßnahme ermöglicht in vorteilhafter Weise eine hohe Zuverlässigkeit der Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung bei begrenzten Speicherressourcen.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a first time period immediately following the switching off of the excitation pulse, more data points are recorded for detection in order to detect the total intensity than in a second time period immediately following the first time period, the first time period and the second Period are the same length. This measure advantageously enables high reliability of the identification of the security marking with limited memory resources.

Zur Auswahl der lumineszierenden Substanzen und zur Festlegung ihrer definierten relativen Mengenanteile für ein Wertdokument, beispielsweise wie oben aufgeführt, kann eine Gesamtintensität in Abhängigkeit der Zeit (also die Linearkombination I(t)) definiert und einer Information (z.B. Echtheit) zugeordnet werden. Die Linearkombination I(t) ist eine Kombination der Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten Ii(t) der lumineszierenden Substanzen mit den Linearkoeffizienten ci der lumineszierenden Substanzen. Ausgehend von der definierten Linearkombination I(t) sind die Mengenanteile der lumineszierenden Substanzen festgelegt. Somit ergibt sich aus der vorgegebenen, gewünschten Linearkombination I(t) ein definiertes Mengenverhältnis und definierte Mengenanteile der lumineszierenden Substanzen. Zur Bestimmung und/ oder Auswahl der lumineszierenden Substanzen sowie der definierten Mengenanteile werden insbesondere die jeweiligen Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten Ii(t) der lumineszierenden Substanzen und gegebenenfalls die jeweiligen Linearkoeffizienten ci betrachtet und/ oder ausgewertet. So kann mithilfe einer Datenbank, in der die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten Ii(t) hinterlegt sind, eine Kombination der lumineszierenden Substanzen definiert werden. Anschließend kann mithilfe der Linearkoeffizienten ci der relative Mengenanteil der jeweiligen lumineszierenden Substanz definiert werden. Dabei kann berücksichtigt werden, dass zum Einstellen der Intensität Ii(t) der lumineszierenden Substanz diese mit sogenannten Tarnstoffen versehen ist. Die Tarnstoffe bewirken eine Verringerung der Lumineszenz- Intensität der lumineszierenden Substanz, insbesondere um einen zeitlich konstanten Faktor, so dass sich abhängig von der Menge an Tarnstoff aus dem Linearkoeffizienten ci ein anderer relativer Mengenanteil für die jeweilige lumineszierende Substanz ergibt.To select the luminescent substances and to determine their defined relative proportions for a value document, for example as listed above, a total intensity can be used as a function of time (that is to say the Linear combination I (t)) can be defined and assigned to an item of information (e.g. authenticity). The linear combination I (t) is a combination of the time courses of the intensities I i (t) of the luminescent substances with the linear coefficients c i of the luminescent substances. The proportions of the luminescent substances are determined based on the defined linear combination I (t). The predetermined, desired linear combination I (t) thus results in a defined quantitative ratio and defined quantitative proportions of the luminescent substances. To determine and / or select the luminescent substances and the defined proportions, in particular the respective time courses of the intensities I i (t) of the luminescent substances and, if applicable, the respective linear coefficients c i are considered and / or evaluated. A combination of the luminescent substances can thus be defined with the aid of a database in which the time courses of the intensities I i (t) are stored. The relative proportion of the respective luminescent substance can then be defined with the aid of the linear coefficients c i . It can be taken into account that in order to adjust the intensity I i (t) of the luminescent substance, it is provided with so-called camouflage substances. The camouflage substances cause a reduction in the luminescence intensity of the luminescent substance, in particular by a factor that is constant over time, so that, depending on the amount of camouflage substance, the linear coefficient c i results in a different relative proportion for the respective luminescent substance.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Die Erfindung wird nun anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert, wobei Bezug auf die beigefügten Figuren genommen wird. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
Zeitverläufe der Lumineszenzintensitäten zweier Lumineszenzstoffe A, B mit einem verschiedenen, nicht-monoexponentiellen Emissionsverhalten;
Fig. 2
einen Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität der lumineszierenden Strahlungen einer Kombination der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B von Fig. 1, mit Anpassungskurve;
Fig. 3
Zeitverläufe der Lumineszenzintensitäten von drei Lumineszenzstoffen A, B, C mit einem verschiedenen, teilweise nichtmonoexponentiellen Emissionsverhalten;
Fig. 4
einen Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität der lumineszierenden Strahlungen einer Kombination der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, C von Fig. 3, mit Anpassungskurve;
Fig. 5
ein Diagramm zur Veranschaulichung eines Mischungstupels (a,b) mit Streubereich für die Mischung aus drei Lumineszenzstoffen von Fig. 4;
Fig. 6
obere Abbildung: simulierter Zeitverlauf der Lumineszenzintensität einer Kombination von Lumineszenzstoffen mit definiertem Rauschanteil während der Abklingphase; untere Abbildung: Abhängigkeit des relativen Mischungsanteils von der Größe des Rauschanteils;
Fig. 7
Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität der emittierten Strahlung einer Mischung zweier Lumineszenzstoffe mit einem unterschiedlichen, monoexponentiellen Emissionsverhalten zur Veranschaulichung eines Fälschungsversuchs, mit Anpassungskurve;
Fig. 8
ein Wertdokument mit einem Kennfaden, der eine Sicherheitsmarkierung aufweist. Ausführliche Beschreibung der Abbildungen
The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying figures. Show it:
Fig. 1
Time courses of the luminescence intensities of two luminescent substances A, B with a different, non-mono-exponential emission behavior;
Fig. 2
a time course of the total intensity of the luminescent radiation of a combination of the two luminescent substances A, B from Fig. 1 , with fitting curve;
Fig. 3
Time courses of the luminescence intensities of three luminescent substances A, B, C with a different, partly non-mono-exponential emission behavior;
Fig. 4
a time course of the total intensity of the luminescent radiation of a combination of the luminescent substances A, B, C of Fig. 3 , with fitting curve;
Fig. 5
a diagram to illustrate a mixture tuple (a, b) with scatter range for the mixture of three luminescent substances from Fig. 4 ;
Fig. 6
upper figure: simulated time course of the luminescence intensity of a combination of luminescent substances with a defined noise component during the decay phase; Lower figure: Dependency of the relative mixing component on the size of the noise component;
Fig. 7
Time course of the total intensity of the emitted radiation of a mixture of two luminescent substances with a different, mono-exponential emission behavior to illustrate an attempt at forgery, with an adaptation curve;
Fig. 8
a value document with an identification thread which has a security marking. Detailed description of the images

Sei zunächst Fig. 1 betrachtet, worin beispielhaft die gemessenen Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen von zwei verschiedenen Lumineszenzstoffen A, B veranschaulicht sind. Die Intensität I ist gegen die Zeit t (in beliebigen Zeit- und Intensitätseinheiten) aufgetragen. Die gemessenen Datenpunkte sind jeweils durch eine durchgezogene Datenlinie miteinander verbunden.Be first Fig. 1 considered, in which the measured time courses of the intensities of the emitted luminescence radiation from two different luminescent substances A, B are exemplified. The intensity I is plotted against the time t (in any time and intensity units). The measured data points are each connected to one another by a solid data line.

Die Lumineszenzstrahlungen der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B werden durch einen einzigen bzw. selben Anregungspuls (Lichtblitz) gemeinsam angeregt. Der Anregungspuls wird zum Zeitpunkt t=0 eingeschaltet und zum Zeitpunkt t=tp ausgeschaltet. Die Zeitdauer und Intensität des Anregungspulses sind durch die gestrichelte Linien veranschaulicht. Vorzugsweise liegt die Dauer des Lichtblitzes im Bereich von 10 µs bis 10 ms und beträgt beispielsweises 40 µs.The luminescent radiation of the two luminescent substances A, B are excited together by a single or the same excitation pulse (light flash). The excitation pulse is switched on at time t = 0 and switched off at time t = t p . The duration and intensity of the excitation pulse are illustrated by the dashed lines. The duration of the flash of light is preferably in the range from 10 μs to 10 ms and is, for example, 40 μs.

Die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten beider Lumineszenzstoffe A, B weisen jeweils eine Anklingphase, in der die Intensität von Null bis zu einem Maximalwert ansteigt, sowie eine Abklingphase, in der die Intensität vom Maximalwert an abfällt, auf. Erkennbar erreicht die Intensität des Lumineszenzstoffs A zum Zeitpunkt t=tp einen Maximalwert, so dass die Anklingphase endet, wenn der Anregungspuls ausgeschaltet wird. Anders der Lumineszenzstoff B, dessen Intensität erst nach Abschalten des Anregungspulses einen Maximalwert erreicht. Die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe unterscheiden sich stark voneinander, wobei beide Lumineszenzstoffe ein nicht-monoexponentielles Emissionsverhalten zeigen. Die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe haben einen Bray-Curtis-Abstand von 0,25, welcher ein geringes und damit bevorzugtes Korrelationsverhalten der beiden Emissionsverläufe widerspiegelt.The time courses of the intensities of the two luminescent substances A, B each have an attack phase in which the intensity increases from zero to a maximum value, and a decay phase in which the intensity drops from the maximum value. It can be seen that the intensity of the luminescent substance A reaches a maximum value at time t = t p , so that the attack phase ends when the excitation pulse is switched off. This is not the case with the luminescent substance B, whose intensity only reaches a maximum value after the excitation pulse has been switched off. The time courses of the intensities of the two luminescent substances differ greatly from one another, with both luminescent substances showing a non-monoexponential emission behavior. The time courses of the intensities of the two luminescent substances have a Bray-Curtis distance of 0.25, which reflects a low and therefore preferred correlation behavior of the two emission courses.

Fig. 2 zeigt den gemessenen Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität der zeitgleich emittierten Strahlungen einer Mischung der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B im I-t-Diagramm. Die Kombination der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B kann als Sicherheitsmarkierung für ein Wertdokument eingesetzt werden. Weiterhin dargestellt sind der Anregungspuls zum gemeinsamen Anregen der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B (welcher gleich ist zum Anregungspuls in Fig. 1) sowie eine mit durchgezogener Linie eingezeichnete Anpassungskurve. In der Mischung der Lumineszenzstoffe liegt der Lumineszenzstoff A mit einem Mischungsanteil von 30% und der Lumineszenzstoff B mit einem Mischungsanteil von 70% vor, jeweils bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B. Das (vorbekannte) Mengenverhältnis (Mischungsverhältnis) der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B beträgt somit 30%/70%. Die Anklingphase der Gesamtintensität der emittierten Strahlungen dauert bis nach t=tp an; ein Maximalwert der Gesamtintensität wird erst nach Ausschalten des Anregungspulses erreicht. Fig. 2 shows the measured time course of the total intensity of the simultaneously emitted radiation of a mixture of the two luminescent substances A, B in the It diagram. The combination of the two luminescent substances A, B can be used as a security marking for a document of value. The excitation pulse for the joint excitation of the two luminescent substances A, B (which is the same as the excitation pulse in FIG Fig. 1 ) and an adaptation curve drawn in with a solid line. In the mixture of the luminescent substances, the luminescent substance A is present with a mixed proportion of 30% and the luminescent substance B with a mixed proportion of 70%, in each case based on the total amount of the luminescent substances A, B. The (previously known) quantity (mixing ratio) of the luminescent substances A, B is therefore 30% / 70%. The attack phase of the total intensity of the emitted radiation lasts until after t = t p ; a maximum value of the total intensity is only reached after switching off the excitation pulse.

Die Messungen der Gesamtintensität finden zu definierten Zeitpunkten statt. Die Messungen können zu äquidistanten Zeitpunkten, jedoch auch nichtäquidistant Zeitpunkten, erfolgen, wobei letzteres den Vorzug bietet, dass beispielweise bei begrenzten Speicherressourcen im Nachweissensor, eine reduzierte Datenmenge gewählt werden kann, ohne die Anpassungsgüte signifikant zu verschlechtern. Dafür werden vorzugsweise in Zeitabschnitten, in denen sich die Intensitätsverläufe der Basisstoffe stark unterscheiden mehr Messpunkte genommen, wohingegen während der Abklingphase lange nach der Anregung, wenn die Lumineszenz schon weit abgeklungen ist, weniger Messpunkte genommen werden.The measurements of the total intensity take place at defined times. The measurements can take place at equidistant points in time, but also at non-equidistant points in time, the latter offering the advantage that, for example, with limited memory resources in the detection sensor, a reduced amount of data can be selected without significantly impairing the quality of adaptation. For this purpose, more measurement points are preferably taken in time segments in which the intensity profiles of the base substances differ greatly, whereas fewer measurement points are taken during the decay phase long after the excitation, when the luminescence has already decayed far.

Der gemessene Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität I(t) wird durch Anpassen einer Linearkombination der allgemeinen Formel I t = ∑ i = 1 n c i ⋅ I i t

Figure imgb0003
ausgewertet.The measured time course of the total intensity I (t) is obtained by fitting a linear combination of the general formula I. t = ∑ i = 1 n c i ⋅ I. i t
Figure imgb0003
 evaluated.

Die zur linearen Anpassung verwendete Formel (A) ist eine Linearkombination aus (gesampelten) Basisvektoren Ii(t). Der Laufindex i kennzeichnet die Lumineszenzstoffe. Im vorliegenden Fall beträgt n=2, also i=1 und i=2, entsprechend der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B. Die Basisvektoren Ii(t) sind definierbare bzw. definierte (vorbekannte) Zeitverläufe der verwendeten Lumineszenzstoffe und ergeben sich vorzugsweise aus vorab ermittelten zeitlichen Intensitätsmessungen der verwendeten Lumineszenzstoffe. Die Basisvektoren Ii(t) sind jeweils mit den zugehörigen Linearkoeffizienten ci zu wichten. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel entsprechen die Basisvektoren Ii(t) den vorbekannten Zeitverläufen IA(t), IB(t) der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, wie sie in Fig. 1 gezeigt sind.The formula (A) used for the linear adaptation is a linear combination of (sampled) basis vectors Ii (t). The index i characterizes the luminescent substances. In the present case, n = 2, i.e. i = 1 and i = 2, corresponding to the two luminescent substances A, B. The basic vectors I i (t) are definable or defined (previously known) time courses of the luminescent substances used and preferably result from beforehand determined temporal intensity measurements of the luminescent substances used. The basis vectors I i (t) are each to be weighted with the associated linear coefficients c i . In the present exemplary embodiment, the basic vectors I i (t) correspond to the previously known time courses I A (t), I B (t) of the two luminescent substances A, B, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 are shown.

Eine Anpassung der Linearkombination I(t) an die Datenpunkte der gemessenen Gesamtintensität erfordert eine Bestimmung der Linearkoeffizienten ci, was vorliegend mit dem Verfahren der kleinsten Quadrate (Least-Square-Fit-Verfahren) erfolgt. Die Linearkoeffizienten ci können hierdurch in effizienter Weise mit einer guten Anpassung der Ausgleichskurve ermittelt werden. Aus den Linearkoeffizienten ci ergeben sich die relativen Mischungsanteile der eingesetzten Lumineszenzstoffe in der Sicherheitsmarkierung, jeweils bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge an Lumineszenzstoffen. Die Auswertung ergibt einen Mischungsanteil von 28,8% für den Lumineszenzstoff A und einen Mischungsanteil von 71,2% für den Lumineszenzstoff B, entsprechend einem Mengenverhältnis (Mischungsverhältnis) A/B = 28,8%/71,2%.An adaptation of the linear combination I (t) to the data points of the measured total intensity requires a determination of the linear coefficients c i , which in the present case is carried out using the least squares method (least square fit method). The linear coefficients c i can hereby be determined in an efficient manner with a good adaptation of the compensation curve. The relative mixing proportions of the luminescent substances used in the security marking result from the linear coefficients c i , in each case based on the total amount of luminescent substances. The evaluation results in a mixing proportion of 28.8% for the luminescent substance A and a mixing proportion of 71.2% for the luminescent substance B, corresponding to a quantity ratio (mixing ratio) A / B = 28.8% / 71.2%.

Für eine Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung werden die ermittelten Linearkoeffizienten ci als 2-Tupel (c1, c2) zusammengefasst und in einen skalierungsunabhängigen Wert, einer Verhältniszahl Mi, umgerechnet. Die Verhältniszahl M1 ergibt sich aus den Linearkoeffizienten c1, c2 wie folgt: M1 = c1/(c1+c2). Demnach wird für den ersten Linearkoeffizienten c1 das Verhältnis zur Summe der beiden Linearkoeffizienten c1 und c2 gebildet. Für den zweiten Linearkoeffizienten c2 ergibt sich die zugehörige Verhältniszahl M2 aus M2 = 1 - M1. Anschließend wird für die Verhältniszahl M1 oder M2 geprüft, ob die Verhältniszahl innerhalb eines zugehörigen, definierbaren bzw. definierten (vorbestimmten) Wertebereichs W1 bzw. W2 liegt. Die Wertebereiche W1, W2 geben jeweils einen Streubereich um die vorbekannten Mischungsanteile der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B in der Sicherheitsmarkierung an. Dann erfolgt für die geprüfte Verhältniszahl M1 oder M2 eine Zuordnung des Attributs "Verhältniszahl akzeptiert", falls die Verhältniszahl innerhalb des zugehörigen Wertebereichs liegt, oder des Attributs "Verhältniszahl nicht akzeptiert", falls die Verhältniszahl außerhalb des zugehörigen Wertebereichs liegt. Im vorliegenden Fall liegen die Verhältniszahlen M1, M2 innerhalb der zugehörigen Wertebereiche W1, W2, d.h. im Rahmen der Streuung wurden die richtigen, d.h. vorbekannten Mischungsanteile der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, jeweils bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, bzw. das vorbekannte Mengenverhältnis (Mischungsverhältnis) A/B ermittelt.To identify the security marking, the linear coefficients c i determined are combined as 2-tuples (c 1 , c 2 ) and converted into a scaling-independent value, a ratio M i . The ratio M 1 results from the linear coefficients c 1 , c 2 as follows: M 1 = c 1 / (c 1 + c 2 ). Accordingly, the ratio to the sum of the two linear coefficients c 1 and c 2 is formed for the first linear coefficient c 1 . For the second linear coefficient c 2 results in the corresponding aspect ratio of M 2 M 2 = 1 - M. 1 A check is then made for the ratio M 1 or M 2 as to whether the ratio lies within an associated, definable or defined (predetermined) value range W 1 or W 2 . The value ranges W 1 , W 2 each indicate a scatter range around the previously known mixing proportions of the luminescent substances A, B in the security marking. Then, for the checked ratio M 1 or M 2, the attribute “ratio accepted” is assigned if the ratio lies within the associated value range, or the attribute “ratio not accepted” if the ratio lies outside the associated value range. In the present case, the ratios M 1 , M 2 are within the associated value ranges W 1 , W 2 , ie the correct, ie previously known, proportions of the two luminescent substances A, B, each based on the total amount of the luminescent substances A, B, were found within the scope of the scatter , or the previously known quantity ratio (mixing ratio) A / B is determined.

Weiterhin wird die Güte der Anpassung der Linearkombination I(t) an den Zeitverlauf der Gesamtintensität der beiden lumineszierenden Substanzen A, B ermittelt. Zu diesem Zweck wird das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 verwendet, wobei es bevorzugt ist, wenn das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 oberhalb des Schwellwerts 0,9, vorzugsweise oberhalb des Schwellwerts 0,95, liegt. Im vorliegenden Fall ergibt sich ein Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 = 0,977.Furthermore, the quality of the adaptation of the linear combination I (t) to the time curve of the total intensity of the two luminescent substances A, B is determined. For this purpose, the coefficient of determination R 2 is used, it being preferred if the coefficient of determination R 2 is above the threshold value 0.9, preferably above the threshold value 0.95. In the present case, a coefficient of determination R 2 = 0.977 results.

Die Sicherheitsmarkierung ist somit eindeutig identifiziert (d.h. liegt vor), da den Verhältniszahlen M1, M2 das Attribut "Verhältniszahl akzeptiert" zugeordnet wurde und die Güte der Anpassung oberhalb des gewünschten Schwellwerts liegt. Durch die Notwendigkeit des Vorliegens beider Bedingungen (Attribut Verhältniszahl, Güte der Anpassung) kann eine besonders hohe Zuverlässigkeit bei der Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung erreicht werden.The security marking is thus clearly identified (ie is present), since the ratio M 1 , M 2 has been assigned the attribute “ratio accepted” and the quality of the adaptation is above the desired threshold value. Due to the need for both conditions to be present (attribute ratio, quality of adaptation), a particularly high level of reliability can be achieved in the identification of the security marking.

Unter Bezugnahme auf die Figuren 3 bis 5 wird ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel erläutert. Um unnötige Wiederholungen zu vermeiden, werden lediglich die Unterschiede zum Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 1 und 2 erläutert und ansonsten wird auf die dortigen Ausführungen Bezug genommen. Demnach wird eine Sicherheitsmarkierung mit drei kombinierten Lumineszenzstoffen A, B, C betrachtet, die durch einen selben Anregungspuls gemeinsam angeregt werden. Die Lumineszenzstoffe A, B entsprechen jenen von Fig. 1, der Lumineszenzstoff C kommt ergänzend hinzu. Wie im I-t-Diagramm von Fig. 3 erkennbar, unterscheiden sich die Zeitverläufe der Intensitäten der emittierten Lumineszenzstrahlungen stark voneinander, wobei der Lumineszenzstoff C, im Unterschied zu den Lumineszenzstoffen A, B, ein monoexponentielles Emissionsverhalten zeigt. Die gemessenen Datenpunkte sind jeweils durch durchgezogene Datenlinien miteinander verbunden.With reference to the Figures 3 to 5 a further embodiment is explained. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIG Figures 1 and 2 explained and otherwise reference is made to the statements there. Accordingly, a security marking with three combined luminescent substances A, B, C is considered, which are excited together by the same excitation pulse. The luminescent substances A, B correspond to those of Fig. 1 , the luminescent substance C is added in addition. As in the It diagram of Fig. 3 recognizable, the time courses of the intensities of the emitted luminescence radiation differ greatly from one another, the luminescent substance C, in contrast to the luminescent substances A, B, exhibiting a mono-exponential emission behavior. The measured data points are each connected to one another by solid data lines.

In der Mischung der Lumineszenzstoffe betragen die Mischungsanteile der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, C, in dieser Reihenfolge, 20%, 50%, 30%, jeweils bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge an Lumineszenzstoffen. Das Mischungsverhältnis A/B/C beträgt also 20%/50%/30%. Das kombinierte Intensitätsverhalten wurde mit einem Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis von ca. 20 gemessen. Die Messdaten sind in Fig. 4 dargestellt. Im Anschluss hieran wird die oben genannte Linearkombination der allgemeinen Formel A mit drei Basisvektoren IA(t), IB(t), IC(t), wie sie in Fig. 3 gezeigt sind, angepasst, wobei die Linearkoeffizienten c1, c2 c3 durch das Verfahren der kleinsten Quadrate bestimmt werden. Man erkennt eine gute Anpassung der Anpassungskurve an die Datenpunkte trotz des visuell deutlich erkennbaren Rauschanteils. Die Auswertung ergibt relative Mischungsanteile den Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, C, in dieser Reihenfolge, von 18.8%, 50.7%, 30,5%, jeweils bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge an Lumineszenzstoffen. Für eine Identifikation der Sicherheitsmarkierung werden die ermittelten Linearkoeffizienten c1, c2, c3 als 3-Tupel (c1, c2, c3) zusammengefasst und in die skalierungsunabhängigen Verhältniszahlen M1 = c1/(c1+c2+c3), M2 = c2/(c1+c2+c3) umgerechnet. Für den dritten Linearkoeffizienten c3 ergibt sich die zugehörige Verhältniszahl M3 aus M3 = 1 - (M1 + M2). Anschließend wird für zwei Verhältniszahlen M1, M2 geprüft, ob die Verhältniszahlen innerhalb eines zugehörigen, definierbaren bzw. definierten (vorbestimmten) Wertebereichs W1, W2 liegt, entsprechend Streubereichen der vorbekannten Mischungsanteile, d.h. es wird der Abstand des Mischungstupels (c1/(c1+c2+c3), c2/(c1+c2+c3)) zu den Referenzkoordinaten, gebildet aus der ursprünglichen Mischungszusammensetzung, ermittelt.In the mixture of the luminescent substances, the mixing proportions of the luminescent substances A, B, C, in this order, are 20%, 50%, 30%, in each case based on the total amount of luminescent substances. The mixing ratio A / B / C is therefore 20% / 50% / 30%. The combined intensity behavior was measured with a signal-to-noise ratio of approx. 20. The measurement data are in Fig. 4 shown. Following this, the above-mentioned linear combination of the general formula A with three basis vectors I A (t), I B (t), I C (t), as shown in Fig. 3 are adjusted, the linear coefficients c 1 , c 2 c 3 being determined by the least squares method. One notices a good fit of the fit curve to the data points despite the visually clearly recognizable noise component. The evaluation gives relative mixing proportions of the luminescent substances A, B, C, in this order, of 18.8%, 50.7%, 30.5%, in each case based on the total amount of luminescent substances. To identify the security marking, the linear coefficients c 1 , c 2 , c 3 determined are combined as 3-tuples (c 1 , c 2 , c 3 ) and converted into the scaling-independent ratios M 1 = c 1 / (c 1 + c 2 + c 3 ), M 2 = c 2 / (c 1 + c 2 + c 3 ) converted. For the third linear coefficient c 3 results in the corresponding aspect ratio from M 3 M 3 = 1 - (M 1 + M 2). Then a check is made for two ratios M 1 , M 2 whether the ratios lie within an associated, definable or defined (predetermined) value range W 1 , W 2 , corresponding to scatter ranges of the previously known mixing proportions, ie the distance between the mixing tuple (c 1 / (c 1 + c 2 + c 3 ), c 2 / (c 1 + c 2 + c 3 )) to the reference coordinates, formed from the original mixture composition.

Für eine einfache Prüfung der Lage des gemessenen Mischungstupels in Bezug auf das vorbekannte Mischungstupel wird in einer a-b-Ebene ein beispielsweise elliptisch geformter Toleranzbereich definiert (siehe Fig. 5). Dieser kann bedingt durch die Form des zeitlichen Intensitätsverhaltens in verschiedene Richtungen unterschiedlich ausgedehnt ausfallen. In Fig. 5 ist das gemessene Mischungstupel durch den ausgefüllten Kreis, der Sollwert (vorbekannte Mischungstupel) durch den leeren Kreis dargestellt.For a simple check of the position of the measured mixture tuple in relation to the previously known mixture tuple, an elliptically shaped tolerance range, for example, is defined in an ab plane (see FIG Fig. 5 ). Due to the shape of the temporal intensity behavior, this can be differently extended in different directions. In Fig. 5 the measured mixture tuple is represented by the filled circle, the target value (previously known mixture tuple) by the empty circle.

Dann erfolgt für zwei Verhältniszahlen M1, M2 eine Zuordnung des Attributs "Verhältniszahl akzeptiert", falls die Verhältniszahl innerhalb des zugehörigen Wertebereichs liegt, oder des Attributs "Verhältniszahl nicht akzeptiert", falls die Verhältniszahl außerhalb des zugehörigen Wertebereichs liegt.Then, for two ratios M 1 , M 2, the attribute “ratio accepted” is assigned if the ratio lies within the associated value range, or the attribute “ratio not accepted” if the ratio lies outside the associated value range.

Im vorliegenden Fall liegen die beiden Verhältniszahlen M1, M2 innerhalb zugehöriger Wertebereiche W1, W2, wobei im Rahmen der Streuung die richtigen, d.h. vorbekannten, relativen Mischungsanteile der beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, jeweils bezogen auf die Gesamtmenge der Lumineszenzstoffe A, B, C ermittelt wurden.In the present case, the two ratios M 1 , M 2 are within the associated value ranges W 1 , W 2 , the correct, ie previously known, relative mixing proportions of the two luminescent substances A, B, each based on the total amount of luminescent substances A, B, C were determined.

Weiterhin wurde das Bestimmtheitsmaß R2 ermittelt, was im vorliegenden Fall R2=0.9989 beträgt, wobei sich zeigte, dass es deutlich oberhalb der bevorzugten Schwellwerte liegt.Furthermore, the coefficient of determination R 2 was determined, which in the present case is R 2 = 0.9989, it being shown that it is clearly above the preferred threshold values.

Im Ergebnis kann festgestellt werden, dass die Sicherheitsmarkierung die vorbekannte Zusammensetzung aufweist, womit die Sicherheitsmarkierung identifiziert wurde.As a result, it can be determined that the security marking has the previously known composition, with which the security marking was identified.

Es wird nun Bezug auf Fig. 6, obere Abbildung, genommen. Um die Rauschempfindlichkeit des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zu untersuchen, wurden bei einer Abklingkurve einer Mischung aus zwei Lumineszenzstoffen mit monoexponentiellem Abklingverhalten unterschiedlich normalverteilte Rauschanteile zu den Messpunkten addiert. Es erfolgte eine Auswertung mit einem linearen Anpassungsverfahren gemäß vorliegender Erfindung und einem im Stand der Technik bekannten nicht-linearen Anpassungsverfahren. In Fig. 6, untere Abbildung, ist die Auswertung in einem Diagramm veranschaulicht, in dem der relative Mischungsanteil eines Lumineszenzstoffs gegen das Rauschlevel aufgetragen ist. Erkennbar zeigt sich bei der erfindungsgemäßen Bestimmung des relativen Mischungsanteils eine geringere Rauschanfälligkeit im Vergleich zu dem im Stand der Technik bekannten Verfahren. Erkennbar besteht für das nicht-lineare Verfahren im betrachteten Intervall des Rauschlevels ein annähernd linearer Zusammenhang zwischen der Streubreite des ermittelten Mischungsanteils und dem Rauschlevel. Die lineare Anpassungsmethode hingegen zeigt sich stabil mit einer Streubreite von 0,05 (absolut) des Mischungsanteils. Diese Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass schon bei geringen Rauschanteilen nicht-lineare Anpassungsverfahren nicht mehr zuverlässige Ergebnisse liefern, während die erfindungsgemäße lineare Anpassungsmethode im betrachteten Intensitätsintervall hinreichend zuverlässig funktioniert.It will now be referred to Fig. 6 , upper figure, taken. In order to investigate the noise sensitivity of the method according to the invention, noise components with different normal distribution were added to the measurement points in a decay curve of a mixture of two luminescent substances with mono-exponential decay behavior. An evaluation was carried out using a linear adaptation method according to the present invention and a non-linear adaptation method known in the prior art. In Fig. 6 , lower figure, the evaluation is illustrated in a diagram in which the relative mixing proportion of a luminescent substance is plotted against the noise level. It can be seen that the determination of the relative mixing proportion according to the invention shows a lower susceptibility to noise compared to the method known in the prior art. It can be seen that for the non-linear method in the observed interval of the noise level there is an approximately linear relationship between the spread of the determined mixture component and the noise level. The linear adjustment method, on the other hand, is stable with a spread of 0.05 (absolute) of the mixed proportion. These results suggest that even with low noise components, non-linear adaptation methods no longer deliver reliable results, while the linear adaptation method according to the invention functions sufficiently reliably in the intensity interval under consideration.

Fig. 7 zeigt das Zeitverhalten eines monoexponentiell abklingenden Lumineszenzstoffs, der beispielsweise für einen Fälschungsangriff verwendet werden könnte. Die durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ermittelte Anpassungskurve ist mit einer durchgezogenen Linie dargestellt. Nimmt man an, dass die Sicherheitsmarkierung die beiden Lumineszenzstoffe A, B enthält, dann ergeben sich die Mischungsanteile 61.2% und 37.8% sowie eine Anpassungsgüte von R2=0.793. Wegen der weit unterhalb des Schwellwerts von bevorzugt 0,9 liegenden Anpassungsgüte wird die Sicherheitsmarkierung nicht identifiziert. Fig. 7 shows the time behavior of a mono-exponentially decaying luminescent substance that could be used, for example, for a counterfeit attack. The adaptation curve determined by the method according to the invention is shown with a solid line. If one assumes that the security marking contains the two luminescent substances A, B, then the mixture proportions 61.2% and 37.8% and a goodness of fit of R 2 = 0.793 result. The security marking is not identified because the quality of adaptation is far below the threshold value of preferably 0.9.

Fig. 8 zeigt ein beispielsweise in Form einer Banknote ausgebildetes Wertdokument 1, das einen Kennfaden 2 mit einer Sicherheitsmarkierung 3 aufweist. Die Sicherheitsmarkierung 3 kann wie vorstehend beschrieben ausgebildet sein. Fig. 8 shows a value document 1 in the form of a bank note, for example, which has an identification thread 2 with a security marking 3. The security marking 3 can be designed as described above.

Wie sich aus vorstehender Beschreibung ergibt, bietet die Erfindung große Vorteile gegenüber den im Stand der Technik bekannten Auswerteverfahren mit nicht-linearer Anpassung, in denen neben den Amplituden der zeitlichen Intensitätsspektren auch die Abklingzeiten als Modellparameter verwendet werden. Insbesondere kann durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren mit vorgegebenem Zeitverhalten (insbesondere Abklingkurven) für die in Kombination eingesetzten Lumineszenzstoffe eine viel schnellere und stabilere Auswertung (d.h. schnelleres Konvergenzverhalten der Anpassungsroutine) für sowohl saubere als auch mit Rauschen behaftete Intensitätsmessungen erhalten werden. Eine quantitative Auswertung ergibt eine um ca. 3 Größenordnungen verringerte Rechenzeit im Vergleich zur im Stand der Technik bekannten nicht-linearen Anpassung, was die Effizienzsteigerung hinsichtlich der Auswertungsgeschwindigkeit verdeutlicht. In zeitkritischen Anwendungsfällen ist ein schnelles Auswerteverfahren essentiell, beispielsweise für die Analyse auf schnelllaufenden Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschinen mit bis zu 12 m/s bewegten Banknoten, da diese im Wesentlichen die Bearbeitungsgeschwindigkeit bestimmen.As can be seen from the above description, the invention offers great advantages over the evaluation methods known in the prior art with non-linear adaptation in which, in addition to the amplitudes of the temporal intensity spectra, the decay times are also used as model parameters. In particular, a much faster and more stable evaluation (ie faster convergence behavior of the adaptation routine) for both clean and noisy intensity measurements can be obtained through the method according to the invention with predetermined time behavior (in particular decay curves) for the luminescent substances used in combination. A quantitative evaluation results in a computing time reduced by approx. 3 orders of magnitude compared to the non-linear adaptation known in the prior art, which increases the efficiency with regard to the evaluation speed clarified. In time-critical applications, a fast evaluation method is essential, for example for the analysis on fast-running banknote processing machines with bank notes moving up to 12 m / s, since these essentially determine the processing speed.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

11
WertdokumentValue document
22
KennfadenTracer
33
SicherheitsmarkierungSafety marking

Claims (15)

  1. Value document having a security marking in the form of at least two luminescing substances, wherein
    - the luminescing substances (A, B) are respectively present in a defined relative quantitative share, based on the total quantity of the luminescing substances (A, B),
    - the luminescing substances (A, B) are jointly excitable by one excitation pulse,
    - the time courses of the intensities of the emitted radiations of the luminescing substances (A, B) are different from each other, characterized in that
    - at least one luminescing substance (A, B) has a non-monoexponential time course of the intensity of the emitted radiation.
  2. Value document according to claim 1, in which the at least two luminescing substances have overlapping, in particular identical, excitation spectra.
  3. Value document according to claims 1 or 2, in which the at least two luminescing substances have overlapping emission spectra.
  4. Value document according to one of the previous claims 1 to 3, in which the security marking has luminescing substances whose time courses of the intensities of the emitted radiations have a Bray-Curtis distance of greater than 0.10, preferably greater than 0.20, and with particular preference greater than 0.25.
  5. Value document according to one of the previous claims 1 to 4, in which the at least two luminescing substances respectively have an intensity of the emitted radiation which is in the region of 5% to 95%, preferably in the region of 10% to 90%, and with particular preference in the region of 15% to 85%, of the total intensity of the emitted radiations of the luminescing substances.
  6. Value document according to one of the previous claims 1 to 5, in which the at least two luminescing substances respectively have a decay time in the region of 100 ns to 100 ms, preferably in the region of 10 µs to 5 ms.
  7. Value document according to one of the previous claims 1 to 6, in which at least one luminescing substance comprises a host lattice doped with at least one rare-earth metal and/or at least one transition metal.
  8. Method for identifying the security marking of a value document according to one of the claims 1 to 7, which comprises the following steps:
    i) jointly exciting the luminescing substances with one excitation pulse,
    ii) detecting the time course of a total intensity of the emitted radiations of the luminescing substances,
    iii) adapting a linear combination I(t) of the formula I t = ∑ i = 1 n c i ⋅ I i t
    Figure imgb0005
     to the time course of the total intensity of the emitted radiations, wherein Ii(t) are time courses of the intensities of the radiations emitted by the luminescing substances and ci are linear coefficients, wherein the index i relates to the luminescing substances and n indicates the number of luminescing substances, wherein the linear coefficients ci are ascertained,
    iv) identifying the security marking on the basis of the linear coefficients ci.
  9. Method according to claim 8, in which in step iii) the linear coefficients ci are determined such that absolute deviations of the linear combination I(t) from data points of the time course of the detected total intensity are minimized.
  10. Method according to claim 9, in which the linear coefficients ci are determined by the method of least squares such that the sum of the square deviations of the linear combination I(t) from data points of the time course of the detected total intensity of the emitted radiations are minimized.
  11. Method according to one of the claims 8 to 10, in which step iv) comprises the following substeps:
    iv-1) for n-1 linear coefficients ci: respectively ascertaining a ratio value Mi for each linear coefficient ci, which results from the ratio of the linear coefficient ci to at least one further linear coefficient ci or to a sum of ci and at least one further linear coefficient ci,
    iv-2) for each ratio value Mi: checking whether the ratio value Mi is within an associated, definable or defined values range Wi,
    iv-3) for each ratio value Mi: assigning the attribute "ratio value accepted", if the ratio value Mi is within the associated values range Wi, or the attribute "ratio value not accepted", if the ratio value Mi is outside the associated values range Wi,
    iv-4) identifying the security marking, if all ratio values Mi have been assigned the attribute "ratio value accepted".
  12. Method according to 11, in which in step iv-1) the ratio Mi is ascertained by the ratio of the associated linear coefficient ci to the sum of all linear coefficients ci.
  13. Method according to one of the claims 8 to 12, which has a further step v) which comprises the following substeps:
    v-1) ascertaining a measure value G characterizing the goodness of the adaptation of the linear combination I(t) to the time course of the total intensity of the luminescing substances,
    v-2) comparing the measure value G with a threshold value,
    v-3) assigning the attribute "measure value accepted" to the measure value G, if the measure value G is greater than the threshold value, or the attribute "measure value not accepted", if the measure value G is smaller than or equal to the threshold value,
    v-4) identifying the security marking, if the measure value G has been evaluated with the attribute "measure value accepted".
  14. Method according to claim 13, in which the measure value G is the coefficient of determination R2, wherein the threshold value is 0.9, preferably 0.95.
  15. Method according to one of the claims 8 to 14, in which in step ii) more data points for detecting the total intensity are captured in a first time period immediately following the switching-off of the excitation pulse than in a second time period immediately following the first time period, wherein the first time period and the second time period are of equal length.
EP17767996.6A 2016-09-14 2017-09-14 Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking Active EP3512713B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL17767996T PL3512713T3 (en) 2016-09-14 2017-09-14 Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016011180.1A DE102016011180A1 (en) 2016-09-14 2016-09-14 Security document with security marking and method for identifying the security marking
PCT/EP2017/001087 WO2018050283A1 (en) 2016-09-14 2017-09-14 Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3512713A1 EP3512713A1 (en) 2019-07-24
EP3512713B1 true EP3512713B1 (en) 2020-12-16

Family

ID=59887187

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17767996.6A Active EP3512713B1 (en) 2016-09-14 2017-09-14 Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US10766294B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3512713B1 (en)
KR (1) KR102265444B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109863037B (en)
DE (1) DE102016011180A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2843602T3 (en)
HU (1) HUE053301T2 (en)
PL (1) PL3512713T3 (en)
PT (1) PT3512713T (en)
RU (1) RU2712380C1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018050283A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018007289A1 (en) * 2018-09-14 2020-03-19 Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh Document of value system
DE102020131382A1 (en) * 2020-11-26 2022-06-02 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung eingetragener Verein Method for marking products with an optical security feature with a time dimension
DE102021107759B4 (en) 2020-12-22 2024-01-18 PicoQuant Innovations GmbH Method for determining luminescence lifetimes of a luminescent sample
CN113035480B (en) * 2021-02-26 2022-02-11 中国科学院江西稀土研究院 Magnetic refrigeration material and preparation method and application thereof

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997039428A1 (en) 1996-04-15 1997-10-23 De La Rue International Limited Document of value
EP1158459A1 (en) 2000-05-16 2001-11-28 Sicpa Holding S.A. Method, device and security system, all for authenticating a marking
WO2005036479A2 (en) 2003-10-08 2005-04-21 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security document
WO2005035271A2 (en) 2003-10-08 2005-04-21 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Coding system for security documents
EP1616929A2 (en) 2004-07-13 2006-01-18 Fabrica Nacional De Moneda Y Timbre - Real Casa De La Moneda Luminescent pigments used in security documents, the process and device used to detect them
WO2006024530A1 (en) 2004-09-02 2006-03-09 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Value document with luminescent properties
DE102006047851A1 (en) 2006-10-10 2008-04-17 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Authenticity feature in the form of luminescent substances
WO2011082794A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2011-07-14 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Authenticity feature in the form of luminescent substances
US20130015789A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2013-01-17 Panasonic Corporation Electric tool
US20140001351A1 (en) 2012-06-27 2014-01-02 Authentix Inc. Security aspects of multiexponential decays

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU633370B2 (en) 1989-10-16 1993-01-28 Amgen, Inc. N-acetylmuramidase m1
US6091563A (en) 1997-09-26 2000-07-18 Iomega Corporation Latent illuminance discrimination marker system for data storage cartridges
DE19804021A1 (en) * 1998-02-02 1999-08-05 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Value document
US7213757B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2007-05-08 Digimarc Corporation Emerging security features for identification documents
DE10326983A1 (en) * 2003-06-12 2004-12-30 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Document of value with a machine-readable authenticity mark
EP1632908A1 (en) 2004-09-02 2006-03-08 Giesecke & Devrient GmbH Value document with luminescent properties
DE102007000888A1 (en) 2007-11-12 2009-05-14 Bundesdruckerei Gmbh Document with an integrated display device
WO2012003854A1 (en) * 2010-07-09 2012-01-12 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security feature
DE102010026627A1 (en) * 2010-07-09 2012-01-12 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Alkali metal and alkaline earth metal niobates and tantalates as security feature substances
US20130015651A1 (en) 2011-07-15 2013-01-17 Honeywell International Inc. Luminescent phosphor compounds, articles including such compounds, and methods for their production and use
DE102012013244A1 (en) * 2012-07-03 2014-01-09 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Value document, method for checking the existence thereof and value document system
DE102014018726A1 (en) * 2014-12-16 2016-06-16 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Apparatus and method for testing feature substances
US9382432B1 (en) * 2015-09-21 2016-07-05 Ubiqd, Llc Quantum dot security inks

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997039428A1 (en) 1996-04-15 1997-10-23 De La Rue International Limited Document of value
EP1158459A1 (en) 2000-05-16 2001-11-28 Sicpa Holding S.A. Method, device and security system, all for authenticating a marking
WO2005036479A2 (en) 2003-10-08 2005-04-21 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security document
WO2005035271A2 (en) 2003-10-08 2005-04-21 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Coding system for security documents
EP1616929A2 (en) 2004-07-13 2006-01-18 Fabrica Nacional De Moneda Y Timbre - Real Casa De La Moneda Luminescent pigments used in security documents, the process and device used to detect them
WO2006024530A1 (en) 2004-09-02 2006-03-09 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Value document with luminescent properties
DE102006047851A1 (en) 2006-10-10 2008-04-17 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Authenticity feature in the form of luminescent substances
WO2011082794A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2011-07-14 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Authenticity feature in the form of luminescent substances
US20130015789A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2013-01-17 Panasonic Corporation Electric tool
US20140001351A1 (en) 2012-06-27 2014-01-02 Authentix Inc. Security aspects of multiexponential decays

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Fluorescence Lifetime MEASUREMENT SOFTWARE U11487-01 Instruction Manual", HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K. K., May 2018 (2018-05-01), XP055848188
"Quantaurus-Tau. Fluorescence lifetime spectrometer. C 11367 series", HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K. K., 2016, pages 1 - 8, XP055848184
SIRMANE LIANA: "Vacuum ultraviolet excitation spectroscopy of nanostructured complex oxide phosphors", PHD THESIS, 2017, XP055848180

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN109863037A (en) 2019-06-07
PL3512713T3 (en) 2021-05-04
ES2843602T3 (en) 2021-07-19
HUE053301T2 (en) 2021-06-28
US20190358990A1 (en) 2019-11-28
DE102016011180A1 (en) 2018-03-15
CN109863037B (en) 2020-12-22
KR20190039291A (en) 2019-04-10
US10766294B2 (en) 2020-09-08
PT3512713T (en) 2021-01-05
KR102265444B1 (en) 2021-06-15
RU2712380C1 (en) 2020-01-28
EP3512713A1 (en) 2019-07-24
WO2018050283A1 (en) 2018-03-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3612398B1 (en) Value document having security marking with varying decay time and method for identifying the security marking
EP3512713B1 (en) Value document having security marking and method for identifying the security marking
EP2512821B1 (en) Authenticity feature in the form of luminescent substances
EP2591067A1 (en) Security feature
EP2869997B1 (en) Value document, method for checking the presence of same and value document system
EP2655549B1 (en) Security feature
EP3850594A1 (en) Valuable document system
WO2014180557A1 (en) Method for marking a feature substance, security feature, document of value and method for verifying said document
EP4026882B1 (en) Authenticity feature and method for testing an authenticity feature
EP3049253B1 (en) Value document and method for verification of the presence thereof
WO2013091860A1 (en) Security feature having several components
DE102016007099A1 (en) Method for securing value documents with storage phosphors
EP1631719B1 (en) Value document provided with a safety element and method for producing said value document
EP3049503B1 (en) Document of value and method for verifying the presence thereof
EP2794776A1 (en) Security feature having several components
EP3535735B1 (en) Method for the authentication of a security feature and assembly for the authentication of a security document having a security feature
DE102016007063A1 (en) Method for securing value documents with storage phosphors
EP2794775B1 (en) Security feature having several components
EP3866126A1 (en) Method for verifying a smartphone-verifiable security feature, smartphone-verifiable security feature and valuable or security document

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190415

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200723

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502017008711

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Ref document number: 3512713

Country of ref document: PT

Date of ref document: 20210105

Kind code of ref document: T

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20201229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1345243

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210317

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20201216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HU

Ref legal event code: AG4A

Ref document number: E053301

Country of ref document: HU

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2843602

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20210719

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 502017008711

Country of ref document: DE

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210416

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: SICPA HOLDING SA

Effective date: 20210913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210416

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210914

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210914

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210930

RAP4 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PK

Free format text: TITEL

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230520

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20230906

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230921

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20230901

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: BG

Payment date: 20230915

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20230915

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20230921

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20230912

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20230901

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: HU

Payment date: 20230911

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230918

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230930

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Payment date: 20230919

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20231019

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230929

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231001

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201216