JPH10320517A - Identity authentication method and device therefor using mark invisible to naked eye - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and surely perform the effective judgment on genuineness and authentication of identity for an object to be authenticated, by printing previously a mark invisible to the naked eye on the object, applying the adaptive out-visible area radiation to the object, and identifying the presence of reflection received from the mark also the identity of the object. SOLUTION: A mark that is invisible to the naked eye is printed on an object M to be authenticated by means of the special ink. The object M is irradiated with a radiation light L1 sent from a radiation source 1, and a desired radiation component included in the reflected light L2 is detected by a sensor 3. The detection of the radiation component is recognized by a feature recognition means 4. A feature storage means 5 stores the mark printed on the object M in the form of a pattern or a digital signal. A feature collation means 6 collates the feature of the object M recognized by the means 4 with the storage contents of the means 5 and outputs the collation result. Then the collation result is displayed or notified by an alarm in a complete coincidence or non- coincidence state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique in which a mark which cannot be identified with the naked eye is added to an object to be authenticated in advance, and radiation of a specific wavelength generated when the radiation outside the visible region is applied. Identify the identity or authenticity of the body to be authenticated, such as securities, banknotes, ID cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, various tickets, identification cards, driver's licenses, health insurance cards, etc. The present invention relates to an identity authentication method and an identity authentication device suitable for implementing the authentication method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is well known that a printed character, a ground pattern, a stamp shape or a stamp component, a paper quality, a type of ink used, and the like are used as a means for judging the authenticity of bills and securities. However, all of these are identifiable by the naked eye and tactile sensation, and there are forgers who have devised more than this, despite various ingenuity on the issuer side. . In particular, with the development of various analytical techniques, paper quality, ink components, fonts, stamps,
Techniques for reproducing stamped meat components have become easier, and counterfeiting crimes have occurred frequently.

[0003] With respect to such ordinary identifiable features, a technique of putting a watermark mark, which is difficult to identify and forge, on banknotes, securities, and the like has been widely used since ancient times regardless of the east and west of the ocean. However, the counterfeiter's response technology has also improved, and is not always an effective means. Furthermore, with the recent diversification of life styles, the form of the body to be authenticated to be authenticated has also become diversified, and the number of watermarks that cannot be used is increasing.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of performing an effective authenticity determination or identity authentication on a diversified object to be authenticated quickly and reliably. An object of the present invention is to provide an identity authentication method using a mark and an identity authentication device suitable for implementing the authentication method.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to print an invisible mark consisting of characters, symbols, figures, and the like on a body to be authenticated in advance by using a special radiation-reactive ink outside the visible region. The problem is solved by an identity authentication method using a visible invisible mark, in which the object to be authenticated is irradiated with radiation outside the visible region and the presence or absence of reflection from the visible invisible mark and the identity are identified to determine the identity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a radiation source which generates radiation outside a specific visible region and irradiates the object to be authenticated with the radiation source, which is suitable for performing the above-described method of identity verification. And a sensor for identifying a specific radiation resulting from conversion from the body to be authenticated in response to the radiation.

[0007] The identity authentication method using the invisible mark of the naked eye according to the present invention is a visible area 38 that is visible to the naked human eye.
Invisible to the naked eye formed by a special ink that responds to radiation outside the visible region, which can be confirmed only by so-called radiation outside the visible region, deviating on the shorter wavelength (ultraviolet region) or longer wavelength (infrared region) side than 0 to 780 nm. By printing the mark on securities, bills, and other objects to be authenticated, effective authentication or identity authentication can be quickly and reliably achieved.

[0008] A special ink for printing such invisible marks is, for example, one containing a weak gloss medium as a main component, appropriately dissolving with a solvent, for example, a polyhydric alcohol, and adjusting the viscosity with a predetermined oil component.

In addition, a component for irradiating radiation of a specific wavelength outside the visible region, which is invisible to the naked eye, is dispersed and added to the low gloss medium. Such materials are those that emit radiation of a specific wavelength outside the visible range, such as infrared or ultraviolet radiation, which can be detected directly by the naked eye or through filters and other sensors.

As a component that emits radiation of a specific wavelength outside the visible region, for example, radiation that can be directly discerned by the naked eye when irradiated with infrared rays or ultraviolet rays, so-called fluorescent substances and substances that generate phosphorescence are known. Such a component can be regarded as a radiation wavelength conversion material, and can be configured to generate appropriate radiation only when the wavelength of the irradiated radiation is tuned to a previously adjusted wavelength by appropriately adjusting. . Therefore, higher confidentiality can be achieved.

[0011] Further, by using a special filter or a special sensor that selectively allows a predetermined wavelength to pass therethrough, as a component that can be indirectly sensed by the naked eye, a substance that generates a corresponding reflection in response to radiation outside the visible region to be irradiated. Should be fine. It should be noted that a relatively easy system can be configured so that weak fluorescence or phosphorescence can be detected only with a simple fluoroscope in the presence of visible light as well as radiation outside the visible region.

Therefore, an apparatus suitable for carrying out the identity authentication method using a visually invisible mark according to the present invention is as follows.
A filter that includes a radiation source for generating radiation outside the visible region for irradiating the object to be authenticated, such as a laser source, a special discharge lamp, a special electric bulb, and the like, and further detects radiation generated from the naked invisible mark of the object to be authenticated. And / or sensors. A CCD (charge coupled device) can be used for such a sensor.

Such an identity authentication device includes means for receiving and automatically sending an object to be authenticated, means for turning on / off radiation in accordance with the presence or absence of the object to be authenticated, and sound or visible light in accordance with the output of a sensor. Means for notifying by display, means for automatically selecting and excluding a subject to be authenticated whose identity is denied, and means for controlling gates for restricting access can be provided. Such a configuration can be configured by appropriately selecting well-known devices alone or in combination according to the application, purpose, and the like.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an apparatus suitable for performing an identity authentication method using a visually invisible mark according to the present invention.

In the drawing, it is assumed that the invisible mark is printed on the object M with the special ink as described above. The printing of such characters, symbols, figures, and the like as such invisible marks to the naked eye can incorporate changes as appropriate. For example, it is possible to move the print position, change the number of prints, print not only on one side, but also on the front and back, and further finely change the print position on the front and back according to the issue timing and purpose.

Such a change can be made in accordance with, for example, discrimination based on the issuance time of the securities, discrimination based on the face value or use, and the like. In the case of an ID card, an identification card, various tickets, etc., it is possible to input the information including the relation with magnetic data added separately. In the case of a body to be authenticated such as an ID card or a license where personal data is particularly important, a face photograph, fingerprint, palm print, voice print, or the like can be printed directly or as a pattern.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a radiation source by a laser or the like. The radiation from the radiation source 1 is applied to the object M as shown by an arrow L1 via a light condensing device 2 and / or a scanning device (not shown), and causes reflection as shown by an arrow L2.

The target radiation component in the reflection L2 is detected (imaged) by a filter (not shown) and / or a sensor (eg, CCD) 3 as appropriate.
The result is recognized by the feature recognition means 4. This recognition can be carried out by applying well-known pattern recognition means and character recognition means, and by ascertaining the characteristics of the whole or the main part.

On the other hand, reference numeral 5 denotes a feature storage unit for the invisible mark of the naked eye on the authentication target M. The feature storage means 5 can store the feature of the invisible mark of the subject M to be authenticated as a pattern or as a digitized code.

The feature storage means 5 can determine the degree of configuration based on the accuracy according to the importance of authentication of the authentication target M. In addition, a single storage unit is sufficient for the same type of the authentication target M according to the application, but a plurality of storage units for the multiple types of the authentication target m1, m2,. May be prepared, and the authentication operation may be performed by a manual operation or automatically.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a feature matching unit. Here, the matching between the feature of the authentication target M recognized by the feature recognizing unit 4 and the content stored in the feature storage unit 5 is performed by a pattern recognition technique or a comparison technique of the encoded content, and the matching result is output. Is done.

This collation result output is displayed as a perfect match or a non-match, or an alarm is issued. When a complicated invisible mark is used, it may not be possible to determine the mark due to, for example, slight contamination on the surface of the body M to be authenticated. It is also possible to add a partial match (gray zone: detailed judgment required) to a mismatch (abnormal).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration for recognizing the features of the invisible mark printed on the body M to be authenticated and storing the features in the feature storage means 5 described above. A genuine bill surface is placed on the mounting table as the object to be authenticated M,
Is stored in the feature storage means 5.

As described above, it is possible to configure a dedicated means for recognition and storage. However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the data is read and stored in the feature storage means 5 from the feature recognition means 4 by a signal path shown by a broken line. It is also possible to configure so as to squeeze.

The contents stored in the feature storage means 5 include, for example, a floppy disk, a memory card, and a CD.
-It is also possible to use a suitable storage medium such as a ROM so as to support a large number of devices. According to such a configuration, for example, the information can be stored only as electronic information, and the shape of the genuine pattern and the content of the data can be kept secret even for a normal operator, and a higher degree of confidentiality can be achieved. Can be secured.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the use of the object M to be authenticated with the naked invisible mark according to the present invention. For example, a security such as a bill or a stock certificate is converted into information from the security issuer 9. FIG. 1 shows an example in which authentication is performed by a securities certifying organization 10 such as a financial institution or a securities exchange.

With this configuration, counterfeit securities can be quickly and accurately identified, and the occurrence of economic loss can be prevented. In this configuration, the subject M is an ID card, an identification card, a credit card, a driver's license, various tickets, etc., so that a normal signal is generated only when the object is authentic, the gate is opened, and the facility is opened. Can be configured to generate an output necessary for permitting the use of the user, determining a proper user, and the like.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show an object M to be authenticated.
It shows a configuration example of the naked invisible mark in the
FIG. 7A shows an example in which the character “PAT” is described on the authentication target M. FIG. 2B shows an example in which a graphic “oval, rectangular” and a character “real” are combined and printed. Such an invisible mark can be appropriately combined with such a shape, a readable character string, and the like.

Further, these printing positions can be changed more by placing, for example, a face photograph, a fingerprint, or the like at any or all of the center, four corners, etc. of the authentication target M as shown in FIG. And more authentication information can be added.

It is desirable to impart appropriate confidentiality to the printing of these invisible marks. After confirmation by an ID code or a password, it is preferable that only authorized operators can operate. desirable.

Further, in the use for which the application range is specified, for example, for the use specific to an individual, a face photograph, a fingerprint, a palm print, a voice print, and the like are collected as described above, and printed with special ink based on these. can do. Further, it is desirable to take care to prevent deterioration of the printed portion during long-term use, for example, to coat with a protective film or to laminate with a transparent plastic film.

In the method of authenticating an object to be authenticated using the invisible mark of the naked eye according to the present invention, not only the existence of the mark itself but also the shape, combination, printing position, etc. cannot be recognized by the naked eye. Such a printing operation may be performed, for example, on a transparent ink base as shown in the following table (Table 1), for example, with ethyl alcohol,
This can be achieved by using a special ink in which fine particles which are appropriately dissolved in a viscosity by a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and emit radiation having a desired wavelength in accordance with radiation outside the visible region are dispersed and blended. Naturally, the composition of the transparent ink base should be changed depending on the material of the printing medium (secure paper, glossy paper, western paper, Japanese paper, etc.).

[0033]

[Table 1]

Here, the fine particles that generate radiation of a desired wavelength in response to radiation outside the visible region may be used, in an expected use mode,
Should be selected by expiration date, etc. In general,
A substance that is colorless and transparent in appearance and can generate fluorescence, phosphorescence, or other radiation having an appropriate wavelength is suitable.

[0035]

As described above, according to the method of authenticating an object to be authenticated with the naked eye invisible mark according to the present invention, a large amount of data can be easily added by the naked eye invisible mark, and a large anti-counterfeiting effect is exhibited. I do. Therefore, it is possible to exhibit higher authentication authentication characteristics which cannot be achieved by the conventional technology.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an authentication device suitable for performing an authentication method of an object to be authenticated by a naked invisible mark according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an apparatus for storing a mark necessary for performing a method of authenticating a body to be authenticated with a visually invisible mark according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a usage mode of an authentication method of an object to be authenticated by a visually invisible mark according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printing of a visible invisible mark in the authentication method for an object to be authenticated using the visible invisible mark according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiation source 2 Condenser 3 Sensor (filter) 4, 8 Feature recognition means 5 Feature storage means 6 Feature collation means 7 Sensor (filter) 9 Securities issuer 10 Securities certification organization M Subject body (securities)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A special ink for radiation reaction outside the visible region,
A macroscopic invisible mark composed of characters, symbols, figures, etc. is printed in advance on the object to be authenticated, and radiation outside the visible region is applied to the object to be authenticated, and the presence or absence of reflection from the macroscopic invisible mark and the same An identity authentication method using an invisible mark with the naked eye, wherein identity is determined by identifying sex. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an infrared region is used as the radiation outside the visible region. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein an ultraviolet region is used as the radiation outside the visible region. 4. The special ink for radiation reaction outside the visible region,
The identity according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transparent ink component is a special ink in which a radiation wavelength conversion dye that generates reflected light by radiation outside the visible region is dispersed. Authentication method. 5. A radiation source that emits radiation outside a specific visible region and irradiates an object to be authenticated, and identifies a specific radiation generated by being converted from the object to be authenticated according to the radiation from the radiation source. And a sensor, the identity authentication device using a visually invisible mark. 6. The identity authentication apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a filter mechanism for passing only a specific wavelength of radiation generated by conversion from the authentication target. 7. The identity authentication device according to claim 5, wherein the radiation source is an infrared laser. 8. The identity authentication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the radiation source is an ultraviolet laser. 9. The identity authentication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is a CCD image sensor.