Method and apparatus for verification of diffractive elements.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for the authentication of documents using diffractive elements such as holograms or holographic [...] and objects.

[0002] Labelling of objects with holograms or hologram something similar elements is widespread. Holograms and hologram something similar elements are distinguished by that they contain diffractive structures, which lead to visible light when illuminated with optical diffraction and interference in the transmitted or reflected light can be perceived, in a similar fashion to a diffraction grating. A hologram is a holographic techniques produced two-dimensional imaging of an object with, which, when illuminated with a suitable light through interference origin article generates a three-dimensional images of the tool. mathematically is seen from its Fourier transforms in a reconstructed hologram the article. As hologram something similar elements shall be referred to hereinafter referred to as elements with diffractive structures, the generate visible light when illuminated with interference phenomena[...] visually perceptible, but not a three-dimensional mapping of a necessary origin article the produce. A hologram something similar Element is e.g. a stereogram or a computer generated graphics with the light diffracting [...] ™ primitives such as a (as it has been developed by OVD [...] AG for example) be, the different images from different spatial directions shows in response to monitoring, wherein the different images for example can give the appearance of a sequence of movement. "Diffractive element" as the term is used in what follows, Hologram hologram something similar elements with diffractive structures and preamble.

[0003] a high recognition value have markings with diffractive elements and arrival Visual for example, for reasons of aesthetics, as evidence of origin, to improve the security against forgery, in order to indicate a time limit, and for other reasons. Frequently such diffractive elements are applied on labels. But concern has been become known printing applications or injection molding process, with which diffractive elements may be created directly on articles. The diffractive elements in the applications referred to are with the unarmed In general, however, judged eye. In diffractive element introduced texts and symbols, e.g. "idiopathic" or a Company Logo as a reference, can serve here as a auxiliary information, to confirm the authenticity of a product, for example.

[0004] It were the hand that this type of verification is only qualitative and subjective nature from the untrained eye and without [...]original sample even counterproductive and may be with a, since in these cases even a inferior copy of a diffractive element can easily-versai the originality or authenticity of the object or of the document. A diffractive element can be constructed, for example that a brand name is readable only from a certain picture angle. For a human viewer is then already met the authenticity criterion , when operating at a back-and-forth-moving the hologram in the meantime the brand name appear or disappear again sees. That, however is not enough for a reliable authentication. Also, moving on from the diffractive element integrated machine-readable data with the eye alone in most cases not recognize and even less read or otherwise somehow evaluate.

[0005] it is an objective and quantitatively recoverable method desired, so as to be read out as holograms and recognize diffractive element. Since it serves little purpose in practice only, the diffractive elements in a laboratory to evaluate, but rather a Authentication in the array of Jedermann, i.e. little trained users must be can performed, should take place more or less automatically apparatus-supported evaluating an efficient, preferably intuitively to operate and on mobile, preferably also low-cost and easily obtainable equipment be capable of being implemented.

[0006] From the State of the type are already known of holograms Method for automated analysis. For example, the EP disclosed-A -0,880,112 a process, in which using a reconstruction jet , a zero order diffraction ray from the hologram and the hologram on the two associated reference beams Validating article in question. The proposed procedure is relatively complex and requires a specific for this purpose constructed Detecting device. Even the manipulation by untrained staff is hard to imagine. Further Method order to read out a hologram, were specified e.g. in US-A -2012/176 655, US-A -2007/121 186 or US-B2-6 832,003. Also these procedures require complicated proof devices , specific for the evaluation of holograms are available are constructed and not wide.

[0007] Another approach for authenticating a hologram has been proposed of [...] Technologies, [...] ™ [...]. under the name. Here a mobile phone shall be used for the detection of a image a hologram. The method implies that the to-be-verified hologram so-called " [...] " contains. It it is mounted on the hologram, specific pigments. The Authenticating therefore not primarily on the holographic (diffractive) properties of the hologram, but on specific characteristics, which additionally have been associated with the hologram.

[0008] WO-A -2011/045 543 is described a method, in which the appearance of a hologram is represented on a display of mobile equipment and simulated. Depending on the orientation of the apparatus is represented a different view of the hologram. The user compares the simulated image with the image of the corresponding real hologram at the same observation angle. The comparison is done by visually across the eye of the user and is therefore but only by the subjective perception of the user function. Also nearby are so only features visible and distinguishable, the, with the naked, unarmed eye are perceptible.

[0009] The invention provides a method for authenticating a diffractive element available, which can be carried out semi-automatically or fully automatically and requires no subjective comparison. The method can also be carried out by untrained users. It is also suitable for authentication of diffractive elements, which have characteristics, are not only hard to see with the naked eye or the, e.g. microstructures as micro writings , or that are extremely difficult are distinguishable from each other, e.g. pseudo-random pattern ("fingerprint")-the diffractive properties of the diffractive element and is not detected The method to other taggant dependent. The method is performed with a portable device, which has an imaging device. Such devices are wide available, e.g. in the form of a mobile telephone, so that no separate, costly and difficult to available devices or special, complex structures are required for the authentication.

[0010] The method comprises the following features:

Receiving at least two images of the diffractive element to the portable device, wherein the images with different spatial orientations of the portable device relative to the diffractive elements are contained (, for this purpose, the portable device can be moved in space and/or the diffractive element);

The spatial orientations determining the portable device when picking up the images with respect to at least two directions in space;

Creating Record data from the images and the associated spatial orientations; and

electronic comparison of the recorded data including with reference data.

[0011] It are therefore received at least two, preferably three or more images of the diffractive element from different directions. This can be implemented in the form of individually triggered photographs with a conventional camera function, or a video sequence comprising a plurality of successive images it can be included, while the portable apparatus and the diffractive element are pivoted relative to each other. The Record data can be data structures in the simplest case, in which said image data are combined in an appropriate manner and orientation data. The reference data from existing data for a known diffractive element can in this case be calculated (reference element), at the given spatial orientations by images of the reference element (simulates) are calculated. The image comparison with known digital image processing algorithms can then take place. But it is also conceivable, derive Record data, the orientation data are derived and from the image data in more complex ways, e.g. using lossless or lossy compression algorithms, of pattern recognition algorithms and/or using hash functions, and so on. In this way it is possible to reduce, the amount of data before the comparison clearly and to simplify the electronic comparison.

[0012] two or more images at different lighting conditions can also be included, e.g. once a natural ambient light illuminating function of the portable device and the other a. The illuminating function such as a portable device can e.g. by a in the integrated electronic flash or an integrated LED light source integral be realized or by an external, portable apparatus connected with the light source. Also it is conceivable, images at different screen illumination of the illuminating function of the portable device to receive. It it is advantageous, when at least two images with different lighting conditions are received from substantially the same direction, to identify to the influence of the different lighting conditions directly. For example, it is conceivable, then a first image without flash or vice versa, and, immediately thereafter in second image with flash trigger. The portable device has a separate illumination module on In another variant, the generates a targeted special illumination, e.g. with collimated light, as it is generated by a laser diode. Even images case of a different distance between the diffractive element and the portable apparatus may be included.

[0013] in order to be able to also small details of the diffractive element Resolve, the imaging device may comprise an optical zoom lens and/or a a macro lens. It is also conceivable, to provide for a separate enlargement module , comprising as a headpiece for the imaging device is formed and a lens assembly, the the scale (e.g. by a magnification of the focal length of the lens) increases. This is of particular advantage, when a diffractive element in the method is to be authenticated, the structures, which are not visible when the, with the naked eye, or random pattern as micro writings. A enlargement module and a lighting module can be combined into one unit. This can be formed as attachment or the like, can be releasably connected to the portable apparatus. The determining the spatial orientations is preferably performed with the aid of sensors integrated in the portable device. It it is, for example, around one or more inertial sensors (linear acceleration sensors), one or more gyroscopes (rotational acceleration sensors) and/or one or more magnetometer. Such sensors are referred to as a flat rate simplistic orientation sensors In the following.

The sensors determine a spatial orientation relative to a fixed reference as a general rule, at least, e.g. relative to the direction of gravity by means of a magnetometer relative to the magnetic north (z-Richtung) and optionally by means of inertial sensors. Changes in the orientation can be detected (electronic gyroscopes) additionally by gyro sensors. A spatial orientation of the portable device relative to the diffractive element therefrom in order to identify, different methods may be used. For example, initially a reference measurement in a prescribed for example, be carried out relative to the diffractive element reference orientation known, and subsequent orientations are based on these reference orientation.

[0014] in addition, the portable device relative to the diffractive Alternatively or can directly from the orientation of the captured images are determined element. These is then possible for example, when the diffractive element has a suitable and is provided with suitable markings and/or previously known contour form. The diffractive element can, for example, be rectangular in outline and in For a corner having a label, indicating, where is "upper left", or it can have an asymmetrical contour form for example, it enables the directly, clearly determine the orientation of the diffractive element. In this way it is possible, from an image of the diffractive element the orientation of the camera device to turn about a normal perpendicular to the surface of the diffractive element to determine (the azimuth φ in a polar coordinate system, in which the surface normal forms the z-axis). (Aspect ratio) of the picture of the diffractive element over from the aspect ratio due to the projection in the imaging plane can also be determined relative to the normal line (the elevation ■ &) the polar angle. From the size and position in the field of view of said Image pickup device and for known from the image distortion can image as focal length and also in a known manner to the distance sensor size imaging properties and the lateral position of the imaging device relative to the diffractive element are closed.

[0015] the same story, if the diffractive element is provided with a plurality of suitable markings, distributed over an area the e.g. in known intervals and are in the range of the diffractive element angle relations arranged each other. On form and size of the diffractive element in this case it is not on.

[0016] the orientation of the portable device relative to the diffractive element directly from if the captured images is determined, can be omitted in the portable apparatus orientation sensors. Since but many battery-powered devices, in particular the majority of today's [...] , such sensors are equipped at the factory with in any case, it is advantageous, to use the corresponding information in the invented method, also. For example, the accuracy of the determination of the orientation can be improved this, it can be created and/or redundancy is determined by the orientation independently in two ways.

[0017] The diffractive element can e.g. in the form of a label, a sticker, as a print on documents or other objects and the like applied or as engraving, embossing, or by lithography processes have been introduced or in articles injection moulding castingerosion procedure. in such a way surfaces shaped when viewed with the naked eye under illumination with white light usually show a rainbow something similar image, the colour changes under different [...]irradiation angles in the simplest case. More complex shapes show irradiation-angledependent movements of patterns, symbols characters etc. to seemingly three-dimensional image objects and projections, the only under directional, coherent light are completely visible. The diffractive element can therefore be selected such, when viewed from different orientations and illuminated with white light that it at least generates one of the following effects:

a color shift;

an alteration or apparent movement of images, symbols or signs (this closes also movement parallax effects a, i.e. the change of a picture, usually upon viewing a three-dimensional object from different directions in space that occurs); and

an emergence and disappearance of images (including geometric figures, pictograms or microstructures as micro writings), symbols or characters.

[0018] The method can include a targeted user guidance. The method may comprise in particular the outputting instructions to the For user via a visual or acoustic interface (e.g., display and/or loudspeaker). Exemplary the instructions could be in a general manner :" 1st over the diffractive element horizontally holding the device at a distance of 20-30 cm; 2. release from the camera is derived from a first image to receive receive runs from receive; 3 by at least 20° about a first axis. swivel the apparatus; 4. release the camera, around a second image; 5 by at least 20° about a second axis. swivel the apparatus; 6. release the camera, around a third image; 7. control room... evaluation...; 8. result: The diffractive element of XYZ. The authenticity is confirmed." Of course, totally different instructions are also conceivable. From the determined spatial orientations and further preferably hang The instructions from measurement conditions, to guide the user to illuminate pivot pivot targeted (e.g. "Slow", "Now other axis", "more", etc.).

[0019] The comparison of the images and the associated spatial orientations with reference data may take place either in whole or in part, on portable apparatus. This the reference data can be stored in the portable device can be. The reference data can be stored in the portable device statically, e.g. in a local database, the programme concerned in the portable apparatus is applied which during installation, or they can dynamically during the performance of the process or at a corresponding database are retrieved from a remote server with synchronisation procedure , e.g. via a wireless data link and/or a network. So it is e.g. conceivable that the portable device over a mobile radio connection or via a short-range compound as [...] 2G/3G/4G-an infrared link, a Bluetooth link is connected to the Internet a NFC-compound, etc., and that the remote server is connected also to the Internet, so that the portable device the data via wireless link and Internet from any location may call.

[0020] But it is also conceivable that the comparison is carried out in a separate evaluation unit Record data with reference data in whole or in part of, the spatially removed from the portable apparatus is arranged. This Record data are transmitted to the evaluation unit the. This can be implemented over a wireless data link and/or a network, as this has been carried out already above. The transmitted are processed in the evaluation unit can, of course, before the comparison further Record data.

[0021] in order to facilitate the evaluation, the portable device can send equipment signature to the evaluation unit for the portable device a specific. This it is possible to take into account, as the properties of the installed device-specific peculiarities photograph chip during the evaluation optics and of the installed. In order to facilitate subsequent inspections or a quality control, the Record data in an electronic database can be stored together with the equipment signature. The Record data can also be linked with additional data, such as date, time, user profile data , and so on.

[0022] Whatever the location, at which the comparison takes place with the reference data the Record data, it is advantageous, when the authentication result to an evaluation unit or a server and/or to an electronic database Transferring. In this way are guided via a statistics can Failed authentication retries, so that falsifications of the diffractive element can be better recognized and tracked. It the authentication result and, if desired, with further data, such as the can together with the equipment signature Record data are deposited in the computerised database. In this way it is possible, to perform a more accurate analysis of the offline picture comparison algorithms Record data on real data and/or the work out and determine later, whether in a changed recognition accuracypicture comparison algorithm an improved results. To this purpose or for other purposes the Record data can, the reference data, the authentication result and further data as the at least partially also Transferring equipment signature to further evaluation units.

[0023] an electrically actuatable Preferably the Image pickup apparatus (e.g. as with a per se known Autofocusing device) on focusing device, and the imaging device is so operated that it receives focus levels relative to the diffractive element in different images. In this way the largest level can still be possible to be determined also sharpness, or it can be used for comparison with the reference data in several images focus levels.

[0024] additionally can provide an estimate of the quality of the data for the focusing device authentication. In the measurement of the steepness edge contrast measurementfocus regulation is made, for example, due to a a between light/dark-contour edges, wherein a low value to a low sharpness and therefore for a gradient for a low quality of imaging is indicative. A focus regulationphase comparative measurementlight intensity sample also provides the same over the distance based on a quality parameters for the sharpness and thus the quality of the imager.

[0025] Finally, an integrated Zoom-function in the apparatus an advantage, wherein a digital zoom can be supplemented by an optical zoom. A Zoom with relatively long focal length it is proved to be useful for example in detection of microstructures micro writings than as. The function of the optical zoom is made already available today [...] of high quality. Also there are already high-quality digital cameras, are operated under operating systems such as android™ camera-internal evaluation or a wireless data communication allowing and a similar to a smartphone. A camera with optical zoom, however, can also be connected to the portable device as an extension module, or the portable device can be fitted with a separate plug-on optics , so as to achieve the necessary focal length or otherwise to increase the scale.

[0026] The portable device can comprise a geo localization module for determining a location information, e.g. a GPS module. In this case the authentication result can be associated with a location information (linked). With such data can be estimated e.g. the regional frequency distribution of counterfeiting.

[0027] The portable device can have integrated sensors is determined from the measured values for the authentication a quality measure. Education may serve, inter alia, the already mentioned, inertial sensors (linear acceleration sensors) and gyroscopes (rotational acceleration sensors) is determined from the acceleration data of these sensors wherein the quality measure then. This can serve for example to do so, to see undesirable jerking movements. The portable device can optionally the measurement Cancel, lie outside a predetermined range of values when the quality measure , and/or the user in an appropriate manner on the lack of draw measuring quality , e.g. spend an error message.

The invention provides further comprises a portable device for authenticating a diffractive element available. This points to:

a imaging device;

a memory device, in which a program for implementing a method according to any of the preceding claims is stored; and

at least one processor for execution of the program.

[0028] As has been carried out, the portable device preferably has further comprises sensors for determining an orientation of the portable device with respect to at least two spatial directions on.

[0029] in order to facilitate the lighting, the portable device can such as one or more LEDs a light source, a UV LED (e.g. for detecting a luminescence), or a laser, e.g. in the form of a laser diode (e.g. for detecting a CLR-effect (CLR = [...] laser Readable)) have. Such Illuminating means can be fixedly installed as separate lighting modules or can, for example, as a plug-in module, the portable apparatus complement. The diffractive element is illuminated during the recording of the images preferably with such a light source. Since the light source is arranged in a stationary position on the portable apparatus, changed from not only the spatial orientation between the imaging device to-shot and the diffractive element, but also the orientation between the light source and the diffractive element. These and the knowledge of the illumination direction can facilitate the evaluation. As has been carried out already above, the portable apparatus with a separate addition, it may be provided with a lens assembly of at least one lens enlargement module , so as to increase the scale of the camera. Illumination and magnification can also be realized in the form of a combined [...]enlargement module by an additional module.

[0030] The invention relates accordingly also to a portable apparatus of the above-mentioned type and a separate add-on module Set of an, wherein the additional module can be connected with the portable apparatus and has at least one of the following elements:

-a lens assembly of at least one lens for increasing the scale the imaging device; and/or

-a light source for illuminating the diffractive element, wherein the light source in particular by a laser can act.

[0031] The invention also relates to such an accessory module alone.

[0032] As has been carried out already above, the portable device can be adapted, to communicate with a remote apparatus (server, evaluation unit). This the portable device can comprise at least one communication module for exchanging data over a network. This is a wireless communication module can act It, e.g. a cellular mobile module according to a known mobile radio standard as GSM/GPRS/EDGE (2G), UMTS (3G) or LTE (4G), a WLAN/Wi-Fi-module, a Bluetooth module, a near field communication module (NFC-Modul), and so on.

[0033] The portable device can e.g. be one of the following appliances: a mobile telephone (in particular a so-called smart phone), a portable computer or a notebook, computer like a Tablet-computer, a PDA ("personal digital assistant"), an electronic reader as an e-Book-Reader, a scanner, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a digital [...] , a digital portable video playback device, a portable game console, a wristwatch, a computer peripheral.

[0034] The invention provides further comprises a computer program available, which is obtained in the execution in a portable apparatus, the imaging device has a executes, a method of the above-illustrated type. It is therefore made available to a computer program element, which contains a computer program code, when executed in a control device of a portable device performs the method of. The computer program or. Computer program element can be provided by all appropriate means, including source code, object code or a machine code. There can be stored on a computer-readable medium or as a data stream over a network are provided. It is a so-called "App" can act When computer program, at an existing operating system communicates with the hardware of the portable device over defined APIs.

[0035] All the policy considerations also apply in the same way for the portable apparatus of the present invention and the computer program of the present invention.

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, the only serve for explaining must be interpreted and not restrictive. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1 a sketch for illustration of the process at rotation about a first axis according to the invention;

Fig. 2 a sketch for illustration of the process at rotation about a second axis according to the invention;

Fig. 3 a sketch for illustration of the procedure according to the invention both the first and second axis rotation about;

A schematic sketch of selected components of a mobile phone 4 Fig., be used in a the process of the invention;

Fig. 5 a flow chart for an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. [...] illumination module 6 a smartphone with an external; and

Fig. 7 illustrate a possible variant of the user guidance a sketch for.

[0037] In the Fig. 1-3 is a portable device with an imaging device in the form of a camera 1 in the form of a 3 and a display [...] 4 represented. The portable device 1 is used is a optically-diffractive element on a document to authenticate 2. This the portable apparatus 1 about a first or second spatial axis is relative to the diffractive element (5 Arrows, 6) pivots. It images from different spatial directions are received of the diffractive element. For the images and the associated orientations of the portable device 1 are derived Record data, the reference data are compared electronically with, so as to authenticate the diffractive element.

[0038] In principle, on the basis of such an authentication is already then conceivable Record data, if at least one image and correlated value for the orientation between a first apparatus 1 and 2 this document are present. This simplest case of a verification can be, for example, examining a holographic [...] of sides of a consumer, so as to strengthen the confidence in the originality intends to buy an article, which he just. In this example the consumer receives for example, for use in the detection of the proprietor made available from the website necessary App.

[0039] For more reliable authentication, e.g. for customs authorities, but usually ranges from the minimum variant not. Therefore it is advantageous, at least one second imaging at a different orientation to perform, to obtain more relevant Record data. Able in principle, any number of partial information as a hologram be contained in a diffractive structure, wherein different partial information from different spatial directions are observable. For example a can with progressive change in a hologram or picture recording angle[...] displayed object appears to move or have more and more new views of the. In the event of such More-image With each imaging is generated a further pair of values of the picture information and spatial orientation-verification, authentication according to the invention with regard to the reliability of the statistically substantially increased.

[0040] also includes the possibility of the method described, to increase the complexity and thereby the height of the forgery security, not only with the spatial orientation by the picture information, but also with further spatial parameters is associated. An example of a further spatial parameters the set focal plane is the imaging device. Since an apparent spatial depth forms a hologram, can reveal with different focus levels each having a different image information itself. In this example, the portable apparatus generates [...] consisting of image information with each imaging quasi a, orientation and focal plane. Another increasing the complexity of the authentication by adding additional values for image information is conceivable in principle.

[0041] The video function of the portable device 1 can take place with a capturing images is usually already available in today's [...] the.

[0042] The Record data can include any type of information, the obtained from the shots. original image files Record data can include the particular. The original image files proposals, however, the disadvantage that the file size and accordingly the memory requirements are high. Because of the large amount of data is the computational complexity for the further Des Authentication high, what compromise on the computing power on the portable device or a remote server and the makes verification speed necessary. The Record data extracted from the imaging data therefore preferably comprise, for example, vector data of extracted alphanumeric characters, logos, ornaments etc. This is carried out with conventional [...]pattern recognition algorithms according to the data extraction The State of the type. The extracted data can, however, also be [...] , such as the random microstructure errors the diffractive structure consisting of properties are derived.

[0043] The portable device can be linked to a server while authentication procedure on-line or offline carry out what in practice is more advantageous-the authentication. The Records the checked operating diffractive structures are in this case at the next connection to the server to this uploaded, for closing the Authentications. In another variant, the reference data in the memory of the mobile telephone are already stored, so that in this variant, the authentication can be completed immediately without server contact.

[0044] The verification resultsverifying one or other profile data with the identity of the can and the location of the verification be extended, since the devices usually ([...] unique identifier) expel and equipped with a UUID itself usually via a global positioning system receiver. Additional advantages consist in the compulsory Logging verification time on the clock of the apparatus and the use of the integrated acceleration sensors, the gyroscopes, a quality value for the respective autofocus measurement and the exposure metering for the verification operation.

[0045] The image detection should preferably be carried out with a steady hand, wherein suitable light conditions and must be given a sufficient object focusing. A verification usually more unreliable[...] gestures caused with a result as such, with a quiet through-felt manual action is. Similarly, a generated in the dark or with a faulty more unreliableuseless focusing performed in contrast to such a verification or even a result, has the optimally exposed and sharp shots as a basis. It is therefore advantageous, to detect and to let such parameter in a quality rating flow during the recording. The portable device can calculate and output parameters from one or more quality indicators such a warning signal and/or the measurement Cancel, when one or more quality indicators lie outside a predetermined range of values.

[0046] the procedure shall be carried out advantageously by a software in the portable apparatus, the procedure is carried out by the leads the user, the evaluation and prepared to a server records for the Upload. Updated Downloading versions of the software during the next contact with the server, provided that such are present. The device software should have therefore on a protocol, allows a connection with a remote server.

[0047] In a simplified version of the method, however, can also be eliminated to a communication with a server.

[0048] 4 illustrates in very schematic manner some relevant components of a Fig. The system for carrying out the method. A portable device 1 has, inter alia, a processor 51 on, the controls the method. With the processor 51 act together, among other things: an imaging device (camera) 52, 53 which features a autofocus device; an illumination device (e.g. a LED flash) 54 ; a touch-screen-display 55 ; 56 a memory;

a communications module 57 (e.g. a mobile radiocommunication module, bluetooth, NFC-module, etc.); 58 with inertial sensors for three orthogonal spatial directions a inertial sensor unit ; gyroscope unitangle of rotation acceleration sensors 59 with a (gyroscopes) with respect to rotations about three orthogonal spatial directions; a 60 (e.g. a GPS module) geo localization module ; a speaker device can further input/output devices 61. The portable and further sensors such as a keyboard, in the same way to the processor 51 cooperate, e.g. sensors for ambient light, temperature, humidity, etc., contain. (Server) via a network 71 communicates wirelessly with a remote evaluation unit 70 57 72 72 the communication module is connected to the evaluation unit. A database.

[0049] 5 are now some modes of operation of the for authentication Based on the portable device used Fig. explained. The sequence can take place, in principle, as follows: 2 is at least 7 on a document Diffractive optical element from two orientations, the i here generally and simplistic with a- angle designations ,_{2 a are} indicated, with a portable apparatus received (execution of the first imaging 11 ; execution of said second imaging 12). The images of the diffractive element on a display of the portable device 9 are represented as images and optionally 10. The first or second imaging to a first or second 13 or 14 is reduced in steps image information. This data reduction is beneficial for efficient data processing and data storage. In a simple case recognizable letters vector files are generated and figures as, for example, in the format. [...] , . [...] , . [...] , or. [...] , with conventional picture working routines from the image of the diffractive element. For the 15 or 16 together with the orientation data is generated in steps image information a first or second stocktaking date set. The compared with reference data (step 17) in the portable apparatus be Records and sent to a network (step 18) or, whereupon they are transmitted from the network to an external server (step 19). The external server receives the data sets in step 20, this compares the data sets with data from a database in step 21 and then recovered, for example for quality control, for the statistical measurement, and so on.

[0050] Comparing with reference data can be examined in the images contained picture elements, such as the presence of certain shapes, lines, characters, numbers, codes, and so on. This image elements can connect up to the diffractive element embedded (in the form of diffractive structures, so that they change their appearance for example as a function of the direction of observation) and/or the diffractive element be superimposed, e.g. as a print next to the diffractive element. Here, come also recognizing method for use, as they are described in WO 2012/032 367 A1. In such Method displaced edge portions into correspondingly prepared markings are detected.

[0051] the following operating modes should particularly be discussed:

[0052] (a) authentication without any Server-access: In this fully autonomous mode are for authenticating a diffractive element on a surface of an object or document 7 2 at least two images with orientations a-i, a_{2 of the} portable device relative to the document received 2. The user is guided by the proceedings in part of this, the software, wherein the software serves as busboy branched in a. The first instruction of the software for the execution of a first can for example the presetting of a particular imaging camera angle 11 and a second 12 be imaging. The angle rate of change[...] orientation information as well as optionally the information to the fade, linear acceleration and GPS coordinates and their evaluation is done in the autonomous mode preferably automatically. The condition that a log of all acquired data, including the ID of the user can optionally, as well as on the result of the authentication consisting of yes/no-information automatically or upon request of the user as well as a quality value stored and optionally are displayed. This operating mode has its value especially at consumer level. The necessary for operation which is provided for this case than App software, e.g. on the website of a manufacturer or proprietor,.

[0053] (b) authentication with occasional server binding : Essentially includes the same elements as in the autonomous mode of operation the Workflow exclusively. 20 data during a built-up connection to the server Synchronizing Furthermore, wherein one or more of the following actions are performed: 20 (i) is downloaded from the server authentication program updated A, provided that a new version of the programme is present, with all the other data is uploaded (ii) The authentication result to the server 20 the Protocol, data are stored on the central database (iii) The strongly charged 21 and via the server 20 in a desired shape, for example, as for the report mark owner , processed. The value of the processed data can also serve as safety aspects, for example, in addition to pure marketing purposes and is thus for users with the respective authenticity feature provided for the manufacturer of the product must be classified as very high, (iv) The conditioned data are made available on the ground which performs said authentication by Download user. (Iv) can also be prevented from this option but privacy reasons.

[0054] The operating mode has the highest importance with the occasional server binding in practice, since in this mode, on the one hand, for the professional Authentication necessary central storage and evaluation of data is available, but, on the other hand, a fault-prone and expensive compound is not permanently during the authentication has to be built.

[0055] (c) authentication with standing server binding : In this completely covers the locally on the smartphone not-autonomous mode of operation only the functions from the application program, allowing the data handling orientation values and consisting of image data and the data to the server at least the associated the Upload. The Logging the data recording, the utilization of the data is done on the remote server. The user is only on the conclusion in this mode and the result of the authentication informs preferably. The information to the user in this operating mode, for example, can be: "Authentication Succeeded, feature authentic". The completely not-autonomous mode of operation offers the advantage with respect to the partially autonomous mode with occasional server binding only that no sensitive protocol data are stored on the smartphone.

[0056] For these species, for various reasons, there is a high need authenticity proof of the. On the one hand, to have not only the buyer or tenant of the product or the holder of the document the relatively rapidly acquired security via a real document or product, but also industrial processors of a valuable primary product, for example, the trade a built-in part for a machine or about, the markets which require protection products, service-provider, the use of such products, or well as other public authorities, which test products must have to examine, about customs services, or documents, about border control places.

[0057] a plurality of groups of persons interested verification results is not only at the. The associated data also allow a further statistical returns in step 22, for example, for marketing purposes or for verification procedures to establish a payment system of the.

[0058] 6 is a portable device with a separate 1 in the Fig. 31 illustrates additional module. The additional module has a lens assembly 32 on, so as to be able to increase in the portable apparatus Resolve scale the built-in camera 3 and so the finer details of a diffractive structure. The additional module 33 has further comprises a special light source, e.g. a (diode) laser or a particular LED on, so the diffractive member selectively to illuminate. This light source replaces the built-in flash 34 of the portable device. The additional module can be plugged onto the portable device. This graphically represented on guides it has not, how they are familiar to the person skilled in the art. The additional module can be wirelessly to the portable apparatus can be connected, e.g. via a NFC-interface or Bluetooth. In this case it has its own power source, e.g. a rechargeable battery, on. The additional module, however, can also be represented by a non-plug-in connection with the portable apparatus connectable graphically.

[0059] 7 schematically illustrates a possible variant is the user guidance in the Fig.. The display 4 of the portable device 1 is divided here into two regions 41.42. In the upper area is represented by the camera picture taken of the diffractive element 41 the 7. In the lower region 42 is represented a predetermined first reference picture. The user is now so guided that it aligns the portable device so that the picture taken by the camera corresponds to the first reference picture as accurately as possible. In the evaluation a picture taken The so flows. Next a different view of the diffractive element is represented in the lower region 42 from a different spatial direction. The user is now guided in turn in such a manner that it aligns the portable device as claimed in any that the image captured by the camera corresponds to the second reference picture in the upper region 41 as accurately as possible. This operation is optionally repeated even further. A comparison with reference data is then carried out with the so captured images.

[0060] "work out" the portable apparatus to order, the user can be so guided that it with the portable apparatus at different ambient conditions a predetermined diffractive element receptacles (e.g. sunshine, rain, interior, etc.) makes. In this way can improve the robustness of the process.

[0061]

1 Portable apparatus

diffractive element

Camera

Display

Movement about a first spatial axis movement about a second spatial axis diffractive element

first image of the diffractive element second image of the diffractive element execution of the first photographing execution of said second imaging reduction of the first imaging to a first to a second reduction of the second imager image information producing a first data set producing a second data set comparison of the data sets image information in the portable device sending the first and second data set transmitting the records in a network receiving the data sets to an external server comparison of the data sets with data from a database recovery of the data sets

Additional Module

Lens Assembly

Light Source

integrated flash

first portion

second region

Processor

Camera Autofocus Device Lighting Device Touch Screen-Display

Memory

Communication Module

inertial sensor unit

gyroscope unit

geo localization module

61 Loudspeaker

70 network

71 evaluation unit

72 database

a1 first orientation

a2 second orientation