DE19849762A1 - Method of verifying the authenticity of security paper such as a banknote that uses an embedded electronic circuit that responds to an external interrogation signal - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase the security against counterfeiting of securities, for example banknotes, a security paper is used, in which an electronic circuit (4) with a dipole antenna (5, 5 ') is embedded. For the authenticity check, a carrier-frequency input signal is transmitted to the circuit and an output signal, which represents an authenticity feature and is emitted by the circuit in response thereto, is detected (FIG. 2).

Description

The invention relates to a security paper a non-contact check of an authenticity feature enabling electronic circuit chip with a as a transmitting / receiving antenna pattern on the security paper is connected and responsive to a received one Input signal an Aus representing the authenticity feature sends out signal and on a procedure for testing the Authenticity of documents, which are on the Security paper are recorded.  

The use of security papers for creation of documents serves to protect them against unauthorized copying through counterfeiters. This is especially true with securities like Banknotes, checks, travelers checks, stocks and the like are required Lich. Papers such as Aus are also valued for not directly money wise, passports and the like, there is a need for security against unauthorized copying. The term used "Certificate" is therefore intended to cover all types of against unauthorized use security and identification papers conclude.

Especially when the value is in daily circulation A counterfeiter likes papers, for example banknotes succeed in the optically recorded document content, at for example the optical print image of the banknotes, deceptive imitate exactly. This protects against this to the certificate position used security paper in its manufacture issued authenticity feature that with the counterfeiters Available means can practically not be imitated should. The attachment of watermarks is well known or inserting a security thread into the paper. In particular, it is known (DE 29 05 441 C3) in the paper layer a magnetizable or electrically conductive Si security strips.

In one of a known security paper the one gangs mentioned type (DE 196 30 648 A1) produced money Schein is a transponder chip with an antenna similar to in integrated the bill like that of conventional money seem common metal security strips. That as an antenna serving pattern is in the form of an antenna coil which as a thick or thin layer structure directly on the transpon the chip is formed. Alternatively, the transponder chip in the vicinity of the metal security strip or at an interruption of the metal security strip lo be calibrated and surrounded by the antenna coil. As another The metal security strip is possible in such a way  adorns that he himself the antenna coil for the transponder chip forms. The attachment of the antenna coil on the Trans ponderchip itself leads to a very small coil cross cut with a correspondingly small transmission / reception sensitivity speed. In addition, it is difficult to manufacture to anchor the small transponder chip to the bank note. The other aforementioned options, in which the antenna on the banknote outside the transponder chip orderly, allow the formation of larger coils cross-sections, but here too is the formation and connection the antenna coil with the transponder chip on the bill problematic in terms of production technology.

The invention has for its object a simple Security paper to be produced of the type mentioned at the beginning with improved counterfeit security and verifiability create as well as a procedure for automatic checking of Authenticity of documents created on the security paper give.

According to the invention, this task with regard to Si Security paper solved in that the as a send / receive antenna serving pattern has the shape of a dipole antenna.

In the configuration of the safe according to the invention on the existence of the authenticity safety feature in that he on the paper plane stretching dipole antenna of the circuit chip that the outside extension of its output signal triggering input signal will wear. It is preferably both the one output signal as well as the output signal by one with the signal frequency modulated carrier frequency vibration. By appropriate design of the circuit chips can be any information in the output signal content, preferably in binary form, as an authenticity feature be encoded. It is possible to use the electronic circuit training as a programmable microcontroller.  In this way, everyone can be on the security paper assign an individual authenticity feature to the document. For a banknote, for example, that the authenticity feature that on the optically readable print image of the banknote given monetary value and / or the specified reproduces the serial number of the banknote in coded form. In a method designed according to claim 12 for Authenticity can check both the optically readable content of the Certificate, in the example of the banknote its monetary value and / or their serial number, and the coding of this content Output signal of the circuit chip automatically detected and be compared with each other. The authenticity of the certificate, at the banknote, for example, is only then used by the method confirms if between the optically read content and the Information content of the output signal of the circuit chip a predetermined relationship, for example, about content attunement, exists.

The dipole antenna allows because of its simple straight linigen form a simple manufacture of the security pa piers. In particular, it can be used as a straight line Realize on a larger paper web, the individual NEN dipole antennas from the paper web by cutting documents to be produced automatically during the cutting process arise. Also advantageous is the ver with the dipole antenna bound transmit / receive directivity. For example banknotes stacked on top of each other machines usually counted so that the top one Banknote of the stack around one of its longer side edges turns and is placed on a new stack. Provided the dipole antenna is perpendicular to this side edge stretches, it goes through a sta pelebene vertical plane, which, with suitable alignment the send / receive characteristics of the counting machine for the during the turning movement perpendicular to the stacking level aligned bank note and therefore a secondary clause suppressed by the other bills in the stack  becomes. It is understood that for signal transmission used modulated carrier frequency to the dimension of the Dipole antenna is tuned.

There are various possibilities, such as Circuit chip and its dipole antenna on the security pa pier can be realized. It is preferably provided that the pattern forming the dipole antenna consists of two along a common straight line strip stands, which at their mutually facing ends with connection areas of the circuit chip are contacted. Doing it it proves particularly useful that the two Conductor strips through sections of an iso made conductive lating thin polymer substrate strip are formed between its between the facing ends of the lei The strip delimits the isolating section of the switch Kreischip is arranged. The conductive sections of the iso lating thin polymer substrate strip can, for example be generated by doping. It is very useful also, a larger polymer web with the exception of the one for inclusion of the insulating chips serving to me tallize, d. H. to be provided with a thin metal layer and cut the polymer substrate strips out of it to manufacture.

The connection to the circuit chip can he follow that the circuit chip on a thinly ground Semiconductor substrate is formed on the insulating Section of the polymer substrate strip is arranged. Tech Techniques for thin grinding the semiconductor substrate are known.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the circuit chip one on a ver with the pattern forming the dipole antenna see flexible polymer substrate trained integrated Polymer circuit chip is. This embodiment makes itself take advantage of the well-known modern polymer circuit technology (see IEDM 97-331 "Polymeric Integrated Circuits and Light-  Emitting Diodes "or The American Association for the Ad vancement of Science Vol. 278, No. 5337, October 17, 1997, Pages 383 to 384 "Patterning Electronics on the Cheap").

There is an advantageous embodiment in all cases in that the circuit chip and the dipole antenna bil patterns into the paper layer of the security paper are bedded. In this case, the circuit chip and the dipole antenna on both sides of partial layers of paper layer covered.

Another useful embodiment of the invention thank you is that the circuit chip one on a predetermined information content set fixed value has memory, the information content with the out transmitted output signal is transferable. Here the Authenticity feature corresponding information content in the Fixed value memory permanently preset and with the transmitted output signal transmitted.

In the context of the invention it is also provided that the Circuit chip one with one received by information signal can be written Has read / write memory, the information content with the transmitted output signal is transferable.

In this embodiment, the input signal is used not only to the fixed authenticity feature to access which one is on the security paper finished certificate is permanently assigned. Rather, with the input signal an information content on the switch Transfer the chip and be saved there, the address according to a subsequent received signal if it can be transmitted with the transmitted output signal. This embodiment is particularly in view of the in the patent claims 13 and 14 specified process variants important. It is from every point that the  checks the certificate created on the security paper, for example wise from any bank to which a bank note is on its money orbit, during the inspection process, for example during Money counting process, the verifying body and possibly also that Date of the examination, the informational content representing the Input signal written into the circuit. At after the following tests is this information content with the emitted output signal transferable and delivers on this way a local and temporal evidence of Sta ions that have been run through. Illegal money laundering shafts can be tracked exactly.

In terms of circuit technology, this becomes special simply realized in that the read / write memory is formed by a shift register into which a binary Representation of the informa transmitted with the input signal tion content can be stored sequentially. Here be the length of the shift register depends on the Um catch the information transmitted by the individual inspection bodies contents the total number of exams that can be saved gen. Since the information content from the input of the shift control sters are pushed to the exit, contains last teres always the current status of this information content, while information content from previous exams, that exceed the storage capacity of the shift register, be shifted out of the shift register.

Another important idea of the invention is in that the circuit chip is a non-contact Has power transmission feedable energy supply. In In this regard, it is particularly convenient that the energy transmission by a for modulation with the input signal provided carrier frequency oscillation takes place. This can the power supply of the circuit chip through that in the Claim 14 specified method completely from the outside done, and the circuit chip does not need its own loading driving energy source because of their finite life  duration and the fact that they are in any case with today's Mit barely paper-thin, a practical and economic realization of the security pa piers would cause great difficulties.

In the following description the invention is under Exemplified with reference to the drawing. It shows gene:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the front of a travel check, on which the realization of an electronic circuit serving for authentication is indicated schematically, and

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the back of the travelers check shown in Fig. 1.

The traveller's check shown in the drawing of an internationally known bank is he for the purpose of explaining the invention by the schematic representation of an electronic circuit formed on a thin chip 4 , he complements. The chip 4 is arranged on a polymer strip 1 which is embedded in the paper layer. This can be achieved that in the Papierherstel a first partial layer initially draws lung ge of the pulp, of the polymer strip 1 placed thereon and a second part layer of pulp is applied to closing it in a known manner be. The polymer strip 1 extends parallel to the two shorter side edges 2 , 2 'across the entire width of the rectangular traveller's check up to the sen longer side edges 3 , 3 '. Although the polymer strip 1 is covered on both sides by the paper layer, it seems recognizable in the drawing through the layers covering it.

The polymer strip 1 is made conductive, for example by doping or an applied metallization. Le diglich in the middle between the two side edges 3 , 3 ', where the integrated circuit chip 4 is arranged, the conductive doping or metallization layer is so un interrupted that on opposite edges 7 , 7 ' of the chip 4 formed connection areas of the chip 4 each from one of the two sides of the interruption he stretching partial strips 5 , 5 'of the polymer strip 1 are contacted. The two partial strips 5 , 5 'form in this way a dipole antenna connected to the chip 4 , which is used both for the signal transmission and for the transmission of the operating energy for the chip 4 .

The circuit chip 4 forms a microcontroller with a read-only memory, a shift register as the read / write memory and the input / output unit, which has a receiving part and a transmitting part. The number printed on the front of the traveler's check in optically readable plain text and the monetary value of the traveler's check are permanently stored in the read-only memory.

To check the authenticity, the traveller's check is passed through a test device which, on the one hand, reads the printed, optically readable information, such as check number and monetary value. At the same time, this reader sends out a carrier-frequency, modulated input signal for the circuit chip 4 . This input signal is decoded in the receiving part of the circuit. In response, the microcontroller controls the read-only memory and the transmitter part for carrier frequency-modulated transmission of an output signal in which the information content of the read-only memory is encoded. The tester detects this output signal and compares the information content thus transmitted with the optically recorded plain text information of the traveller's check. If there is no match, the traveller's check is shown as forged.

Banknotes have the same appearance as the travelers checks explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The counting of such banknotes usually takes place in that, from a stack of banknotes to be counted, the top banknote in each case is turned around one of its longer side edges 3 or 3 'and is thus passed over to a counted stack. During this turning process, the conductor strips 5 , 5 'forming the dipole antenna then pass through a plane perpendicular to the longer side edges 3 , 3 ', so that the conductor strips 5 , 5 'are perpendicular to the level of the banknotes in the middle of this turning movement the stack to be counted or counted. Taking advantage of the directional characteristic of the dipole antenna, the tester can be set up in such a way that the maximum coupling to the dipole antenna 5 , 5 'in the middle of the turning path of each bank note between the stack to be counted and the counted stack is sufficient. This allows crosstalk of the banknotes lying on the two stacks to be suppressed during the counting process.

The testing body transmits with the input signal an identifying information content, for example wise name and location of a person receiving the travelers check Bank and date of the test. At the same time, the counter bank taking the redeem of the travelers check, for example assign its name and address, identifying information tion additionally transmitted with the input signal and on to save. This information identifying the redeemer is of particular interest if a position that Originally accepted the travelers check from the issuer, this traveler's check to a third person as a means of payment passes on and this third person as a redeemer at the bank occurs. This identification information is provided by the Mi Krokontroller in binary form serial in the shift register entered, whereby a part of previously entered informa tion at the output of the shift register overflows and is lost goes.  

The input signal transmitted from the test device to the circuit chip 4 can also be coded with a command to read out the content of the shift register while simultaneously writing back the read information content. By transferring the total content of the shift register in the output signal of the circuit chip 4 , the test device can detect and evaluate this information content. In this way, the test device can determine which test centers have already passed a document to be tested and at what point in time. This is particularly important if the certificates are banknotes equipped with the switching circuit chip 4 , which are counted again and again in the course of their circulation at receiving banks. The circulation path of these banknotes can thus be monitored.

In the case of travelers checks, their security can be reduced increase even further by the drawee bank on issue of the travelers check in the read / write memory with the Check holder agreed additional identification code, for example, a PIN code. If a Travel check receiving station with a readable place this additional identification code suitable device is equipped, it can be used to authenticate the exhibitor Ask the check to provide this additional identifier naming fiction code, and it with the read Ver Compare the additional identification code. If If there is no match, the traveller's check is fake to discard.

An energy supply integrated on the circuit chip 4 , which supplies the operating energy, is fed from the carrier frequency oscillation of the input signal transmitted by the test device. In this way, the test device also transmits the energy required to operate the circuit chip 4 .

The security paper is produced in webs, in which, in accordance with the format of the bank notes, traveller's checks, certificates and the like to be produced from the security paper, the polymer strips 1 with the chips 4 arranged thereon with a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the side edges 3 , 3 'are continuously and continuously connected becomes. This paper web is then printed on both sides and then cut to size, which results in the individual pieces of banknotes, travelers' checks or the like in which the partial strips serving as dipole antennas extend with their ends 6 , 6 'to the side edges 3 , 3 ' of stretch cut pieces.

List of reference symbols

1

Polymer strips

2nd

,

2nd

'' shorter margins

3rd

,

3rd

'' longer margins

4th

Circuit chip

5

,

5

'' Partial strip

6

,

6

' End up

7

,

7

'' Edges of the circuit chip

Claims (15)

1. Security paper with an electronic switching circuit chip ( 4 ) that enables a non-contact check of a authenticity feature, which is connected to a pattern as the transmitting / receiving antenna ( 5 , 5 ') on the security paper and, in response to a received input signal, an output signal representing the authenticity feature transmits, characterized in that the nenden pattern ( 5 , 5 ') as the transmit / receive antenna has the shape of a dipole antenna. 2. Security paper according to claim 1, characterized in that the pattern forming the dipole antenna consists of two conductor strips ( 5 , 5 ') extending along a common straight line, which at their mutually facing ends with connection areas ( 7 , 7 ') of the circuit chip ( 4 ) are contacted. 3. Security paper according to claim 2, characterized in that the two conductor strips ( 5 , 5 ') are formed by conductive portions of an insulating thin polymer sub tread, between which between the mutually facing ends of the conductor strips ( 5 , 5 ') be limited insulating section of the circuit chip ( 4 ) is arranged. 4. Security paper according to claim 3, characterized in that the circuit chip ( 4 ) is formed on a thinly ground semiconductor substrate which is arranged on the insulating portion of the polymer substrate strip. 5. Security paper according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the circuit chip ( 4 ) is an integrated polymer circuit chip formed on a flexible polymer substrate provided with the pattern forming the dipole antenna. 6. Security paper according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the circuit chip ( 4 ) and the pattern forming the dipole antenna ( 5 , 5 ') are embedded in the paper layer of the security paper. 7. Security paper according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the circuit chip ( 4 ) has a fixed value set to a predetermined information content, the information content can be transmitted with the output signal sent out. 8. Security paper according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the circuit chip ( 4 ) has a write-read / write memory which can be written with an information content transmitted from the received input signal, the information content of which can be transmitted with the output signal transmitted. 9. Security paper according to claim 8, characterized net that the read / write memory by a shift register is formed, in which a binary representation of the one information signal transmitted sequentially is storable. 10. Security paper according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the circuit chip ( 4 ) has a power supply that can be fed by contactless energy transmission. 11. Security paper according to claim 10, characterized in net that the energy transfer through to modulation with carrier frequency oscillation provided for the input signal follows. 12. Procedure for checking the authenticity of documents that are in optically readable form on a security paper with a a non-contact verification of an authenticity feature is possible  structure is recorded, in which the Certificate checking body the optically readable content of the certificate customer and the authenticity feature are automatically recorded and to be related to each other, characterized net that the structure is an electronic circuit that in response to a received input signal the real emits an output signal representing the feature, and the the certificate checking body to the circuit that the off sending its output signal triggering input signal transmits. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the one transferred from the testing body to the circuit Input signal an identifying the testing body Has information content that is inserted into the circuit is saved. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the stored, identifying a verifying body Information content responsive to one from a reviewer Then place the transmitted input signal with the output signal is transferable to the testing body. 15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized characterized in that the necessary to operate the circuit energy from the testing body with the input signal is transmitted to the circuit.