Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is a tester for detecting graphene security element in a security
document, such as a banknote, an identification card, etc., and the graphene security
element detection method in the security document.
State of the Art
[0002] Security documents, such as, in particular banknotes, securities, identity cards,
identification cards, payment cards, etc. are supplied with a variety of security
features to protect them against counterfeiting. Counterfeiting of security documents
can be minimised by applying a variety of security features to a document of value
so that expenditures associated with counterfeiting were as high possible, making
possible forgery operation as difficult and costly as possible, and optimally - unprofitable.
Because forged documents are often executed using another (usually cheaper) technology
and/or other materials than the originals, an effective safety element should be impossible
to reproduce accurately using a different technology and/or using other materials
than originally used. The security element should also be durable to use and recognisable
for machines and equipment. At the same time its production/introduction into the
structure of a security document should be as inexpensive as possible and should provide
the possibility to easily integrate with existing production processes.
[0003] There are three levels of security:
- a) the first degree - security based on organoleptic properties - for users who do
not have any additional tools or equipment;
- b) the second degree - securities verified using basic tools, e.g. magnifying glass,
UV lamp, etc.;
- c) the third degree - security verified by experts (specialists) in appropriately
equipped laboratories.
[0004] The oldest security elements and used to date are all kinds of watermarks, easy to
implement during the production of paper and practically impossible to produce on
finished paper. Another technical element are opaque materials used for the execution
of a document. Sometimes these additions can be used as markers in addition to the
security functions. Covering materials with different additions, whose composition
is secret of the producer and the user, are the most common security. They are often
placed on the border of a security available (recognizable) for an average document
user, and security elements recognised by a special device only.
[0005] The used security features include:
- special, secret recipe paper conferring specific mechanical and optical properties;
- replacing paper with polymer substrate difficult to print on;
- the use of microprinting;
- recto-verso, i.e. printing on both sides, in which a picture visible in the lumen
is created with the finely fitting elements located on both sides of a sheet, e.g.
a banknote.
- a description on the recto;
- metallic foil hot-stamping (hot stamping) with a holographic model;
- embossment resulting from intaglio printing;
- complex graphics, yet distinct, with strong saturation and gloss paint;
- watermark, especially visible against the light;
- a security thread in the form of a metal strip inserted within the paper structure
with spacing forming an inscription;
- printing with an optically variable ink - seen in front and at a sharp angle it changes
colour;
- ribbing;
- drawings visible under UV light.
[0006] As modern analytical methods allow you to easily examine the structure of each thin-film
product, effective protection should be based more on process. At present optimal
security solutions for value documents against counterfeiting include a combination
of traditional methods, IT technology and materials technology that uses nanomaterials.
[0007] Although the features of security elements to be verified either by a user or a machine
are characteristics associated with the mechanical, electrical and thermal conductivity
properties, etc., the features of the widest range of applications are optical properties
of the security element.
[0008] The contents of
US 3,910,701 present a method and a tester for measuring the refractive index, absorption and/or
light transmission, provided with a light emitting diode (LED) emitting light of different
wavelengths and directing them to the test element, and at least one element sensitised,
which is reached by light of each of the LEDs reflected from the surface and/or penetrating
through the test piece. The described tester further comprises control means to the
separate LEDs, which allows, among others, determination of the relative reflectance
of various elements of the test at a particular wavelength, the differential reflectance
for one test element at two different wavelengths and the permeation and absorption
parameter corresponding to these measurements and the relative differential.
[0009] On the other hand,
US 5,894,352 discloses a method and a tester for determining the level of absorption of light
in the light transmitting optical elements. The method is based on the measurement
of the temperature rise of the optical element resulting from absorption of light.
[0010] Furthermore,
DE 10126722 A1 discloses a hand-held device for testing the authenticity and/or validity of security
document such as admission tickets or travel tickets. The device comprises a reader
to move a security document through it and read information and/or security features
contained in this document and a testing component, which verifies the authenticity
and/or validity of a security document based on data recorded by the reader.
[0011] In parallel with the development of increasingly complex and difficult to counterfeit
security features against counterfeiting, there is a continuing need for possible
simple to use, compact, versatile, and independent testers and methods for detecting
such high-tech security elements in security documents. As a rule, the operation of
verifying the authenticity of a security feature in the tested document cannot lead
to damage of the structure of the document.
[0012] One modern type of document security against counterfeiting are nanomaterials introduced
directly into the structure of a security document (paper, plastic), or contained
in a separate security element arranged on or within the structure of the document.
[0013] The nanomaterials with properties that are particularly useful in the field of document
security against counterfeiting include graphene, which is a flat structure made of
carbon atoms connected in hexagons. Graphene shows, among others, linear dependence
of dispersion, resulting in a unique light absorption. Light absorption occurs when
an electron from the valence band can absorb a photon (the photoelectric effect).
This is possible if the energy difference between the point of the valence band and
conduction is the same as the energy of the photon. In graphene in the area called
"point K" there is a linear dispersion dependence and closed energy slot, which means
that each wavelength of light (each colour) in the range of from near infrared to
ultraviolet light can be absorbed by graphene, as there will always be an electron,
which can absorb a photon. Furthermore, the probability of absorbing each wavelength
of light is the same. Since the graphene is a single layer material, it absorbs only
a very small part of the incident light (2.3%) and thus is a material having a high
degree of translucency (transparency), and at the same time a material having a very
strong absorption of light (as for such a thin structure).
[0014] The graphene security feature can be completely transparent or in the case of the
need to obtain visualisation, it can have a form which is visible to the human eye.
[0015] Examples of graphene structures in security features include:
- (a) a layer of graphene (two-dimensional or structured, e.g. nanotubes) arranged between
two polymer layers;
- (b) a layer of doped graphene (two-dimensional or structured, e.g. nanotubes) arranged
between two polymer layers.
[0016] The structure of graphene in a security element may be supplemented by the so-called
quantum dots. Quantum dots (QD) are semiconductor nanocrystals with sizes ranging
from 2-10 nm. Just as semiconductors, quantum dots absorb photons of light with such
energy that gives you the ability to transfer electrons from the non-activated to
one of the higher available energy levels. Otherwise, there is an emission process,
because the wavelength emitted by light depends on the size of the dots. Hence, having
a semiconductive material we can get markers having different colours, which are characteristic
of quantum dots.
[0017] The radiation may be absorbed by quantum dots in a broad spectral range, whereas
their molar absorption coefficient increases towards the UV. Thus the excitation can
be made of many kinds of dots using one light source, since there is no requirement
to apply excitation at a preset wavelength. In turn, the profile of the fluorescence
emission of quantum dots is narrow and has a small half-width value (FWHM 125 nm).
This allows for simultaneous use of multiple markers having different colours without
fear of overlapping of the signals. The nanocrystals can be repeatedly excited, with
no noticeable decrease in fluorescence because they have a high quantum yield of fluorescence
and long radiation (10-100 ns).
[0018] The structure of the nanocomposite material comprising a graphene security element
takes into account:
- the use of a variable number of layers of polymer in the material - the number of
coats applied is dependent on the conditions in which the security element will operate.
- The use of a variable number and size of the graphene quantum dots, if the use such
structure gives is necessary to increase the efficiency of the security feature.
[0019] Graphene security elements, as well as other such security elements have a unique
shape designed, preferably forming a specified image. This shape is applied in the
production process on the transparent polymer substrate. The process of applying the
layer of a nanocomposite is compatible with the application methods for the corresponding
polymers. The thus obtained security elements are then placed in known manner in the
structure of security documents.
[0020] The objective of the invention is to provide a tester and detector of a graphene
security element in a security document, such as a banknote, an identification card,
etc., allowing for a simple, rapid and reliable verification of the authenticity of
this document. This objective has been achieved by applying the solution set out in
the appended claims.
Summary of the Invention
[0021] The present invention is a tester for detecting a graphene security element in a
security document, provided with a power module, a control module, an internal memory
module, a measuring slot, a specific wavelength light emitter, a reflective/transreflective
element and a photodetector. The tester in accordance with the invention has an additional
data acquisition control module and a control unit, wherein:
- the control module is connected to the power module, the light emitter, the data acquisition
control module and the control module,
- the reflective/transreflective element is connected to the light emitter, the photodetector
and the control module,
- the photodetector is further connected to the data acquisition control module,
- the internal memory module is connected to the data acquisition control module,
- the light emitter, the reflective/transreflective element and the photodetector are
disposed in the measurement slot in such a way that when a security document or a
fragment thereof comprising a graphene security element is inserted into the measurement
slot in order to verify the authenticity of the security document, the light coming
from the emitter via the reflective/transreflective element after reflection from
and/or passing through the graphene security element goes to the photodetector.
[0022] In one of the preferred embodiments, the tester according to the invention further
comprises at least one communication module for wireless data exchange with a mobile
device equipped with an LCD/LED display, especially a smartphone. In preferred embodiments
of the tester according to the invention the communication module is (i) a Bluetooth
module connected to the control module and/or (ii) an optical sensor connected to
the reflective/transreflective element and the control module.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the tester according to the invention additionally
has a LED/LCD unit connected to the control module.
[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment, the tester according to the invention additionally
has a fingerprint reader connected to the control module and the reflective/transreflective
element.
[0025] The present invention also provides a method for detecting a graphene security element
in a security document using a tester according to the invention as defined above,
in which method
- the tester power supply is started,
- an initial check of the presence of the security document in the measuring slot is
carried out,
- the light emitter is started,
- the level of absorption and/or refraction of light passing through the security element
is measured,
- the result of the measurement is recorded,
- and a message about the result of detection is generated.
[0026] In one preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the tester according
to the invention as defined above is used, wherein the measurement result registration
it is transmitted via the communication module to a mobile device provided with an
LCD/LED, in particular a smartphone, then the measurement result is compared with
a model stored in a database and a message about the result of detection is generated
on the mobile device display. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to
the invention, before starting the tester power supply, the tester is deposited on
the case of the mobile device.
[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention an external
database is used as a database, in particular such published in the Internet, and
the comparison of the measurement result with a model stored in the database is preceded
by a mobile device establishing a wireless connection to this database. Alternatively,
in another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention a database
stored in the memory of the mobile device is used as a database.
[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention the tester defined
above according to the invention provided with a LED/LCD unit is connected to a control
unit, and irrespective of the messages generated by means of separate devices such
as, in particular a mobile device, the detection result is generated by the tester
LED/LCD unit.
[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention the tester defined
above according to the invention provided with a fingerprint reader connected to the
control module and the reflective/transreflective unit, in which method immediately
after starting the tester power supply a user fingerprint scan is performed using
a fingerprint reader, which is part of the tester, the result of the reading is compared
to the model in the tester memory and depending on the result of the comparison continues
with further stages of the process - when the fingerprint reading is consistent with
the model, or the tester operation shuts down - when the fingerprint reading is not
compatible with the model.
[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the tester
is used in combination with a mobile device provided with a fingerprint reader, and
immediately after starting the tester power supply using the communication module
a wireless connection with the mobile device is established, then by means of the
mobile device fingerprint reader a user fingerprint scan is performed the result of
the reading is compared to the model in the tester memory and/or the mobile device,
and depending on the result of the comparison continues with further stages of the
process - when the fingerprint reading is consistent with the model, or the tester
operation shuts down - when the fingerprint reading is not compatible with the model.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1
- illustrates an example of application of a graphene security feature in a security
document (a banknote),
- Fig. 2
- illustrates an embodiment of a method for detecting a graphene security element using
a smartphone by an on-line method,
- Fig. 3
- illustrates an embodiment of a method for detecting a graphene security element using
a smartphone by an off-line method,
- Fig. 4
- illustrates an embodiment of a method for detecting a graphene security element without
using a smartphone,
- Fig. 5
- illustrates an embodiment of a method for detecting the level of light absorption
in a graphene security element using a smartphone,
- Fig. 6
- illustrates another embodiment of a method for detecting the level of light absorption
in a graphene security element using a smartphone,
- Fig. 7
- illustrates a variant of a method for detecting the level of light absorption in a
graphene security element without using a smartphone,
- Fig. 8
- shows a block diagram of the measuring functions of graphene security element detection
in the on-line method of Fig. 2,
- Fig. 9
- shows a block diagram of the measuring functions of graphene security element detection
in the off-line method of Fig. 3,
- Fig. 10
- shows a block diagram of the measuring functions of graphene security element detection
in in the method without using a smartphone,
- Fig. 11
- shows a schematic diagram of the tester according to the invention.
[0032] The figures use the following indications: 1 - power supply module; 2 - control unit;
3 - internal memory module; 4 - measuring slot; 5 - emitter of light at a specific
wavelength; 6 - reflective/transreflective module; 7 - photodetector; 8 - LED/LCD;
9 - data acquisition control module; 10 - fingerprint reader; 11 - control module;
12 - optical sensor; 13 - Bluetooth module; 15 - tester switch; 20 - graphene nanocomposite
elastic layer; 21 - polymeric substrate of the security element; 22 - graphene security
element; 23 - security document; A - light absorption level detection in a graphene
security element; B - comparing the measurement result with the model in an external
database; C - generating a message of the detection result through a mobile application.
Detailed Description of the Invention Embodiments
[0033] Fig. shows an example of application of a graphene security element 22 in the structure
of the security document 23, here in the form of a banknote, wherein in the graphene
security element 22, the graphene nanocomposite elastic layer 20 etched in a freely
designed shape is disposed on the polymeric substrate 21 of the security element 22.
[0034] Fig. 2 shows a variant of the method according to the invention using a smartphone
as a mobile device using an on-line method. In this variant after placing a graphene
security element 22 in the measuring slot of the tester mounted on the smartphone
case the process of A starts - light absorption level detection in the graphene security
element 22. After the measurement is taken and the measurement result is transferred
to the smartphone, a wireless connection of the smartphone with an external database
and process B is started - comparing the measurement result with the model in an external
database, then the process C - a message of the result of detection is generated through
the mobile application, here completed successfully by displaying the message "OK"
on the smartphone LCD/LED. The term "on-line" means that the external database is
available via the Internet.
[0035] Fig. 3 shows a variant of the method according to the invention using a smartphone
as a mobile device using an off-line method. This method is substantially similar
to the on-line method (Fig. 2), but in this case as a database stored in the smartphone
memory is used as the database, and therefore the method according to this embodiment
of the invention is performed without connecting to the Internet.
[0036] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention without the use of a smart phone, i.e.
only using the tester of the present invention. In the detection variant illustrated
here in a limited access mode, when the tester is turned on using the switch 15 the
user puts his finger to the fingerprint reader 10 on the tester case, and after the
positive result of the verification of user identity (i.e. recognition of the user
by the tester as a person entitled to use it) and placing the security document 23,
or fragment thereof containing the security element 22 in the measuring slot 4 of
process A starts - detection of the level of light absorption in the graphene security
feature 22. The detection result, and thus the result of comparing the measurement
result with the model in the database of the tester is generated in LED/LCD module
8.
[0037] Fig. 5 shows a variant of the method in detecting the level of light absorption in
the graphene security element 22 using a smartphone, wherein the tester is mounted
as an accessory on the smartphone case. In Fig. 6 shows a variant of the method, wherein
the tester only neared to the smartphone. In turn Fig. 7 shows the process of a method
for detecting the level of light absorption in the graphene security element 22 without
the use of a smart phone, i.e. only by using the tester of the present invention.
[0038] Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of the measuring functions of graphene security element
22 detection in the on-line method of Fig. 2, and Fig. 9 - a corresponding diagram
for an off-line method of Fig. 3. In both versions at the stage of determining the
measurement mode, in the case of a limited mode the step further conditioning the
process is a positive identification of the user permissions, implemented through
reading a fingerprint. In Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of the measuring functions
of graphene security element 22 detection in in the method without using a smartphone,
i.e. in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 7. In the implementation of the detection
process in limited access mode, in the diagram between the step of the system power
supply and the initial control of the presence of the object of detection there is
an additional step of determining the measurement mode as a limited measurement and
verification of the user identity according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.
4.
[0039] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a tester according to the invention for implementation
of the embodiment of the invention in each of the three major methods described above,
i.e. using a smartphone in an on-line method (Fig. 8) using a smartphone in an off-line
method (Fig. 9) and without using a smartphone (Fig. 10) together with several variants
thereof. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the tester according to the
invention is provided with the power supply module 1, the control module 2, the internal
memory module 3, the measurement slot 4, the emitter of light of a specific wavelength
5, the reflective/transreflective element 6, the photodetector 7, the data acquisition
control module 9 and control unit 11. The control unit 2 is connected to the power
supply module 1, the light emitter 5, the data acquisition control unit 9 and the
control module 11. The reflective/transreflective element 6 is connected to the light
emitter 5, the photodetector 7, and the control module 11. The internal memory module
3 is connected to the data acquisition control module 9. The light emitter 5, the
reflective/transreflective element 6 (such as, in particular, the mirror element or
a semipermeable optical element) and the photodetector 7 are arranged in the measuring
slot 4 in such a way that when a security document or fragment thereof comprising
a graphene security element is inserted into the measuring slot 4 in order to verify
the authenticity of the security document, the light coming from the emitter 5 via
the reflective/transreflective element 6 after reflection from and/or passing through
the graphene security element goes to the photodetector 7. The tester shown in Fig.
11 has two communication modules for wireless data exchange with the mobile device
equipped with a LCD/LED, in this case - a smartphone, wherein one of the communication
modules is a Bluetooth module 13 connected to the control module 2, and the second
communication module is an optical sensor 12 engaged with the reflective/transreflective
element 6 and the control unit 2. As a rule for data exchange with the mobile device
one communication module is sufficient, but the use of several (e.g. two) different
communication modules using different technologies for wireless data transmission
increases the possibility of adjusting the method of use of the tester according to
the invention to a user's specific needs/preferences. The tester shown in Fig. 11
has a LED/LCD 8 connected to the control module 2, enabling the implementation of
the method according to the invention in the embodiment without the use of a smartphone.
In addition, the tester has a fingerprint reader 10 connected to the control module
11 and a reflective/transreflective element 6, which enables the measurement in a
limited access mode, i.e. only by an authorised user.
[0040] For graphene security elements the border absorption value is 2.3% of the radiation
incident on the security element.
[0041] The tester and method of the invention can be used to verify the authenticity of
any security documents, using at least one graphene security element. Examples of
these types of security documents include: banknotes; passports (security element
can be an integral part of the cover); credit cards, driving licenses, ID cards or
other documents in the form of plastic cards (the security element is in the top layer
of the card); excise prints and bands; personal identifiers; securities; license documents,
certificates; high value product labels especially susceptible to counterfeiting.
1. The tester for a graphene security element detection in a security document, provided
with a power supply module (1), a control module (2), an internal memory module (3),
a measurement slot (4), an emitter (5) of a specific wavelength light, A reflective/transreflective
element (6) and a photodetector (7),
characterised in that it additionally has a data acquisition control module (9) and a control unit (11),
wherein:
- said control module (2) is connected to the power supply module (1), and emitter
(5) of light, the data acquisition control module (9) and the control module (11).
- the reflective/transreflective element(6) is connected to the light emitter (5),
the photodetector (7) and the control module (11),
- the photodetector (7) is further connected to the data acquisition control module
(9),
- the internal memory module (3) is connected to the data acquisition control module
(9),
- the light emitter (5), the reflective/transreflective element (6) and the photodetector
(7) are arranged in the measurement slot (4) in such a way that when a security document
or a fragment thereof comprising a graphene security element is inserted into the
measurement slot (4) to verify the authenticity of the security document, the light
coming from the emitter (5) via the reflective/transreflective element (6) after being
reflected from and/or passing through the graphene security element goes to the photodetector
(7).
2. The tester according to claim 1, characterised in that it further comprises at least one communication module for wireless data exchange
with the mobile device equipped with an LCD/LED, especially a smartphone.
3. The tester according to claim 2, characterised in that the communication module is a Bluetooth module (13) connected to the control module
(2).
4. The tester according to claim 2, characterised in that the communication module is an optical sensor (12) connected to a reflective/transreflective
element (6) and a control module (2).
5. 7. The tester of one of the claims 1-4, characterised in that it additionally has an LED/LCD unit (8) connected to the control module (2).
6. The tester of one of the claims 1-5, characterised in that it further has a fingerprint reader (10) connected to the control module (11) and
the reflective/transreflective element (6).
7. A graphene security element detection method in a security document using the tester
according to claim 1,
characterised in that
- the tester power supply is started,
- an initial check of the presence of the security document in the measuring gap is
carried out,
- the light emitter is started,
- the level of absorption and/or refraction of light passing through the security
element is measured,
- the result of the measurement is recorded,
- and a message about the result of detection is generated.
8. A method according to claim 7, characterised in that the tester as defined in one of claims 2-4 is used, wherein the measurement result
registration it is transmitted via the communication module to a mobile device provided
with an LCD/LED, in particular a smartphone, then the measurement result is compared
with a pattern stored in a database and a message about the result of detection is
generated on the mobile device display.
9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that before starting the power the tester is mounted on the mobile device case.
10. A method according to any one of claims 8-9, characterised in that an external database is used as a database, in particular such published in the Internet,
and the comparison of the measurement result with a pattern stored in the database
is preceded by a mobile device establishing a wireless connection to this database.
11. A method according to any one of claims 8-9, characterised in that as a database stored in the memory of the mobile device is used as a database.
12. A method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterised in that the tester is used as defined in claim 5, and independently of the messages generated
by means of separate devices such as, in particular a mobile device, a message indicating
the result of the detection is generated by a LED/LCD module of the tester.
13. A method according to any one of claims 7-12, characterised in that the tester as defined in claim 6 is used, wherein immediately after starting the
tester power supply a user fingerprint scan is performed using a fingerprint reader,
which is part of the tester, the result of the reading is compared to the pattern
in the tester memory and depending on the result of the comparison continues with
further stages of the process - when the fingerprint reading is consistent with the
pattern, or the tester operation shuts down - when the fingerprint reading is not
compatible with the pattern.
14. A method according to any one of claims 8-12, characterised in that the tester is used in combination with a mobile device provided with a fingerprint
reader, and immediately after starting the tester power supply using the communication
module a wireless connection with the mobile device is established, then by means
of the mobile device fingerprint reader a user fingerprint scan is performed the result
of the reading is compared to the pattern in the tester memory and/or the mobile device,
and depending on the result of the comparison continues with further stages of the
process - when the fingerprint reading is consistent with the pattern, or the tester
operation shuts down - when the fingerprint reading is not compatible with the pattern.