DE102016111348A1 - DOCUMENTS READER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a document reader (100) for an authentication document (101), wherein the authentication document (101) has a carrier layer (103) and a molecular layer (105) arranged on the carrier layer (103), wherein the authentication document (101) is further formed to generate a stimulation field in response to an electrical voltage which places the molecular layer (105) in an excited state. The document reader (100) comprises a communication interface (107) which is electrically connectable to the authentication document (101) and designed to apply the voltage to the authentication document (101) to generate the stimulation field, a lighting device (109) which is formed to illuminate the molecular layer (105) of the authentication document (101) with illumination light (111-1), wherein the illumination light (111-1) has a first light spectrum, wherein the illumination light (111-1) is reflectable on the carrier layer (103) a light sensor (113) which is designed to detect the illumination light (111-2) reflected on the carrier layer (103), the reflected illumination light (111-2) having a second light spectrum which differs from the first light spectrum, and a processor (115) configured to set the authentication document (101) based on a To authenticate comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum.

Description

The present invention relates to a document reader for an authentication document and a method for authenticating an authentication document.

A document such as an identification document or a banknote usually has a multiplicity of security features which prove the authenticity of the document and make it difficult to falsify the document. The security features usually have characteristic properties that can be checked during authentication of the document. The security features may further include electronic circuitry that is read out upon authentication of the document.

In common authentication methods, data exchange between a document reader and the document usually takes place via contactless, digital communication protocols. In this case, digital encryption methods such as the transport layer security protocol and / or the RSA cryptosystem can be used to authenticate the document or to digitally sign the document. However, these digital encryption protocols can be decrypted by very powerful computer systems, such as quantum computers. Furthermore, in order to carry out the authentication methods, a processor, for example in the form of a computer chip, is required in the document, which additionally increases the manufacturing costs of the document.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an efficient concept for authenticating an authentication document, which in particular does not require a processor or microchip in the authentication document.

This object is achieved by articles having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a document reading device for an authentication document, wherein the authentication document comprises a carrier layer and a molecular layer arranged on the carrier layer, wherein the authentication document is further configured to generate a stimulation field in response to an electrical voltage which places the molecular layer in an excited state offset, with a communication interface, which is electrically connected to the authentication document and configured to apply the voltage to generate the stimulation field to the authentication document, a lighting device which is adapted to illuminate the molecular layer of the authentication document with illumination light, wherein the illumination light is a first Light spectrum has, wherein the illumination light is reflected on the support layer, a light sensor, which is formed detecting the illumination light reflected at the carrier layer, the reflected illumination light having a second spectrum of light different from the first spectrum of light, and a processor configured to authenticate the authentication document based on a comparison of the first spectrum of light with the second spectrum of light , The processor is designed to work on analog and / or digital and / or optical basis. This achieves the advantage that the authentication document can be efficiently authenticated on the basis of a spectral change of the illumination light when the molecular layer is illuminated. This spectral change depends in particular on the structure of the molecular layer and on the applied electrical voltage and is therefore particularly tamper-proof.

Authentication of the authentication document authenticates the authentication document. The authentication of the authentication document may include an identification of the authentication document and / or a verification of the identity of the authentication document. The authentication of the authentication document can be carried out as part of a signature process, wherein the signature creator can be identified by means of the authentication.

The authentication document may be an ID card or a smart card. The authentication document can also be one of the following identification documents: Identity document, such as identity card, passport, access control card, authorization card, company card, tax stamp or ticket, birth certificate, driver's license or vehicle pass, means of payment, for example a bank card or credit card. The authentication document may further comprise an electronically readable circuit, for example an RFID chip. The authentication document can be single-layered or multi-layered or paper and / or plastic-based. The authentication document can be constructed from plastic-based films which are joined together to form a card body by means of gluing and / or lamination, the films preferably having similar material properties.

The molecular layer of the authentication document may include or form a security feature of the authentication document. The molecular layer may further form a physically unclonable function (PUF). The molecular layer can be arranged on or at the authentication document, and can be used to authenticate the authentication document, for example to verify the authenticity of the authentication document.

The molecular layer of the authentication document may comprise a plurality of oriented molecules or polymer chains which may be disposed on the carrier layer and may be chemically or physically bound to the carrier layer. The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains can be anchored with one end to the carrier layer. The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains can be randomly arranged on the carrier layer.

The polymer chains or oriented molecules may be deflectable from a rest position in response to the stimulation field. The second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light may be determined by the deflection of the polymer chains or oriented molecules, or influenced in a characteristic manner. For example, the deflected oriented molecules or polymer chains have a characteristic absorption spectrum, which depends on the deflection and thus on the stimulation field or the applied electrical voltage. When the molecular layer is illuminated, in particular twice the molecular layer, the first light spectrum of the illumination light can be converted into the second light spectrum due to the characteristic absorption in the excited molecular layer.

In this case, the absorption spectrum of the molecular layer in the excited state can depend on a multiplicity of factors, in particular the type of molecules or polymer chains, the length of the molecules or polymer chains and the density or distribution of the plurality of molecules or polymer chains on the carrier layer. Due to the large number of molecules or polymer chains on the support layer, this can result in a unique and difficult to copy absorption spectrum, which is a characteristic property of the molecular layer.

The stimulation field may be an electrical stimulation field, an electrostatic stimulation field, a magnetic stimulation field, or an electromagnetic stimulation field. The excitation of the molecular layer with the stimulation field may comprise a purely electrical excitation, a purely magnetic excitation and / or a combination of both excitations. The stimulation field can be generated by applying the voltage to two electrodes. The electrodes may be disposed on two opposite sides of the molecular layer. Alternatively, the carrier layer may be formed as one of the two electrodes. The second electrode may be disposed adjacent to the molecular layer. Furthermore, the carrier layer may also comprise both electrodes.

The carrier layer of the authentication document may be a metal layer, in particular a gold or silver layer, a conductive oxide layer, a dielectric layer, a plastic layer, in particular a polycarbonate layer, or a semiconductor layer.

The communication interface of the document reader may include a voltage source, in particular a DC or an AC voltage source, for generating the electrical voltage. The electrical voltage may have a voltage value, in particular a voltage amplitude. The voltage source can be electrically connectable to the authentication document, in particular to electrodes of the authentication document. The communication interface may further comprise a wireless interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface or a WLAN interface, or an RFID reader.

The processor may be implemented as a microprocessor in the document reader. The processor may also be integrated into a data processing device, such as a computer or a laptop, which is connected to the document reader. The processor is designed to work on analog and / or digital and / or optical basis.

In one embodiment, the processor includes a random generator configured to generate the voltage or a voltage value of the voltage at random. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light is particularly difficult to reproduce or to falsify.

The processor can be designed to control the communication interface with the generated electrical voltage, in particular with a voltage value of the generated electrical voltage, for acting on the authentication document.

In one embodiment, the processor is configured to determine an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer based on the comparison of the first light spectrum and the second light spectrum, wherein the processor is configured to authenticate the authentication document based on the absorption spectrum. This provides the advantage that the authentication document can be efficiently authenticated based on the characteristic absorption spectrum of the molecular layer. The absorption spectrum can depend on the molecular layer and the applied, in particular random, electrical voltage and can form a physically unclonable function.

According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to calculate an expected spectrum based on the first light spectrum of the illumination light and the determined absorption spectrum, wherein the processor is configured to compare the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light with the expected spectrum and to authenticate the authentication document, if that second light spectrum corresponds to the expected spectrum. This provides the advantage that the authentication document can be authenticated efficiently based on the detected absorption spectrum of the molecular layer.

According to one embodiment, the illumination device comprises at least one light source, in particular an LED and / or a laser diode. This achieves the advantage that efficient illumination of the molecular layer can take place. The light sources can be arranged in an array, for example an LED array, and designed to illuminate the molecular layer of the authentication document as evenly as possible.

According to one embodiment, the illumination device is designed to generate the illumination light in a white light wavelength range, an infrared wavelength range or an ultraviolet wavelength range. The first light spectrum may be defined by the wavelength range of the illumination light.

According to one embodiment, the light sensor has at least one photodiode or a photodiode layer or a transistor layer. Thereby, the advantage is achieved that the reflected illumination light can be detected efficiently.

According to one embodiment, the light sensor comprises a spectrometer device, which is designed to detect the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light. This achieves the advantage that the second light spectrum can be detected efficiently. The spectrometer device may comprise at least one photodiode.

According to one embodiment, the spectrometer device comprises a prism spectrometer, a grating spectrometer, a Fourier transform spectrometer or a laser spectrometer. The spectrometer device can be designed as a microspectrometer and integrated into the document reader.

According to one embodiment, the communication interface comprises a voltage source, in particular a DC voltage source or an AC voltage source, for generating the electrical voltage. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the electrical voltage can be efficiently generated as a DC voltage or as an AC voltage.

According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to receive an authentication request signal, wherein the communication interface is configured to control the illumination device in response to receiving the authentication request signal for emitting the illumination light. This provides the advantage that authentication of the authentication document by the document reader can be efficiently initialized. The authentication request signal may be sent out from the authentication document itself.

According to one embodiment, the document reading device comprises a display, in particular a display, wherein the display is designed to indicate a successful or a failed authentication of the authentication document. This provides the advantage that a successful or failed authentication can be displayed efficiently. The display may be a touch display, which in addition to operating the document reader, for example, to initialize an authentication process, can be used.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for authenticating an authentication document, wherein the authentication document has a carrier layer and a molecular layer arranged on the carrier layer, wherein the authentication document is further configured to generate a stimulation field in response to an electrical voltage Excited state, with applying the authentication document with the electrical voltage to generate the stimulation field, irradiating the molecular layer with illumination light, wherein the Illumination light has a first light spectrum, wherein the illumination light is reflectable on the carrier layer, detecting the illumination light reflected on the carrier layer, the reflected illumination light having a second light spectrum different from the first light spectrum, and authenticating the authentication document based on a comparison of first light spectrum with the second light spectrum.

This achieves the advantage that the authentication document can be authenticated efficiently based on a spectral change of the illumination light when the molecular layer is illuminated. This spectral change depends in particular on the structure of the molecular layer and on the applied electrical voltage and is therefore particularly tamper-proof.

The method can be carried out by means of the document reader according to the invention. Further features of the method emerge directly from the functionality of the document reader according to the invention.

Authentication of the authentication document authenticates the authentication document. The authentication of the authentication document may include an identification of the authentication document and / or a verification of the identity of the authentication document. The authentication of the authentication document can be carried out as part of a signature process, wherein the signature creator can be identified by means of the authentication.

According to one embodiment, the method step of authenticating the authentication document based on a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum comprises the following further method steps: determining an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer based on the comparison of the first light spectrum and the second light spectrum, and authenticating the authentication document the basis of the absorption spectrum. This provides the advantage that the authentication document can be efficiently authenticated based on the characteristic absorption spectrum of the molecular layer. The absorption spectrum can depend on the molecular layer and the applied, in particular random, electrical voltage and can form a physically unclonable function.

According to one embodiment, the step of authenticating the authentication document based on the absorption spectrum comprises the following further method steps: calculating an expected spectrum on the basis of the first light spectrum of the illumination light and the determined absorption spectrum, comparing the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light with the expected spectrum, and authenticating the Authentication document, if the second light spectrum corresponds to the expected spectrum. This provides the advantage that the authentication document can be authenticated efficiently based on the detected absorption spectrum of the molecular layer.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program with a program code for carrying out the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

The invention can be implemented in software and / or hardware.

Further embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a document reader for an authentication document;

2a a schematic representation of a molecular layer, which is formed by a plurality of deflectable molecules, in the resting state;

2 B a schematic representation of the molecular layer 2a after applying a stimulation field;

3 a flow chart of a method for authenticating an authentication document; and

4 a Flussidagramm of a method for authenticating an authentication document.

1 shows a schematic representation of a document reader 100 for an authentication document 101 according to one embodiment.

The authentication document 101 has a carrier layer 103 and one on the carrier layer 103 arranged molecular layer 105 on. The authentication document 101 is further configured to generate, in response to an electrical voltage, a stimulation field comprising the molecular layer 105 put into an excited state.

The document reader 100 includes a communication interface 107 , which with the authentication document 101 electrically connectable and configured, the authentication document 101 to apply the electrical voltage for generating the stimulation field, a lighting device 109 which is formed, the molecular layer 105 of the authentication document 101 with illumination light 111-1 to illuminate, with the illumination light 111-1 a first light spectrum, wherein the illumination light 111-1 on the carrier layer 103 is reflective, a light sensor 113 , which is formed on the support layer 103 reflected illumination light 111-2 capture, wherein the reflected illumination light 111-2 has a second light spectrum different from the first light spectrum, and a processor 115 , which is formed, the authentication document 101 on the basis of a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum to authenticate.

By authenticating the authentication document 101 becomes the authentication document 101 authenticated. The authentication of the authentication document 101 may be an identification of the authentication document 101 and / or a verification of the identity of the authentication document 101 include. The authentication of the authentication document 101 can be done in the context of a signature process, the signature creator can be identified by means of authentication.

The authentication document 101 can be an ID card or a smart card. The authentication document 101 may also be one of the following identification documents: Identity document, such as identity card, passport, access control card, authorization card, company card, tax stamp or ticket, birth certificate, driver's license or vehicle pass, means of payment, such as a bank card or credit card. The authentication document 101 may further comprise an electronically readable circuit, such as an RFID chip. The authentication document 101 can be single-layer or multi-layered or paper and / or plastic-based. The authentication document 101 can be constructed of plastic-based films, which are joined together to form a card body by means of gluing and / or lamination, wherein the films preferably have similar material properties.

The molecular layer 105 of the authentication document 101 can be a security feature of the authentication document 101 include or form. The molecular layer 105 may also form a physically unclonable function (PUF). The molecular layer 105 can be on or at the authentication document 101 can be arranged, and can be used to authenticate the authentication document 101 For example, to verify the authenticity of the authentication document 101 , are used.

The molecular layer 105 of the authentication document 101 may comprise a plurality of oriented molecules or polymer chains which are on the carrier layer 103 may be arranged and chemically or physically with the carrier layer 103 can be bound. The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains may each have one end with the carrier layer 103 be anchored. The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains may be random on the carrier layer 103 be arranged.

The polymer chains or oriented molecules may be deflectable from a rest position in response to the stimulation field. The second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light 111-2 may be fixed by the displacement of the polymer chains or oriented molecules, or influenced in a characteristic manner. For example, the deflected oriented molecules or polymer chains have a characteristic absorption spectrum, which depends on the deflection and thus on the stimulation field or the applied electrical voltage. When the molecular layer is illuminated 105 , in particular twice the molecular layer 105 , the first light spectrum of the illumination light 111-1 due to the characteristic absorption in the excited molecular layer 105 be converted into the second light spectrum.

In this case, the absorption spectrum of the molecular layer 105 in the excited state depend on a variety of factors, in particular the nature of the molecules or polymer chains, the length of the molecules or polymer chains and the density or distribution of the plurality of molecules or polymer chains on the carrier layer 103 , Due to the large number of molecules or polymer chains on the carrier layer 103 This can result in a unique and difficult to copy absorption spectrum, which is a characteristic property of the molecular layer 105 represents.

The stimulation field may be an electrical stimulation field, an electrostatic stimulation field, a magnetic stimulation field, or an electromagnetic stimulation field. The excitation of the molecular layer 105 The stimulation field may comprise a purely electrical excitation, a purely magnetic excitation and / or a combination of both excitations. The stimulation field can be generated by applying the voltage to two electrodes. The electrodes can be on two opposite sides of the molecular layer 105 be arranged. Alternatively, the carrier layer 103 be formed as one of the two electrodes. The second electrode may be adjacent to the molecular layer 105 be arranged. Furthermore, the carrier layer 103 also include both electrodes.

The carrier layer 103 of the authentication document 101 may be a metal layer, in particular a gold or silver layer, a conductive oxide layer, a dielectric layer, a plastic layer, in particular a polycarbonate layer, or a semiconductor layer.

The communication interface 107 may comprise a voltage source, in particular a DC or an AC voltage source for generating the electrical voltage. The electrical voltage may have a voltage value, in particular a voltage amplitude. The voltage source can with the authentication document 101 , in particular with electrodes of the authentication document 101 be electrically connectable. The communication interface 107 may further comprise a wireless interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface or a WLAN interface, or an RFID reader.

The processor 115 can be used as a microprocessor in the document reader 100 be educated. The processor 115 may also be integrated into a data processing device, for example a computer or a laptop, which is connected to the document reader 100 connected. The processor is designed to work on analog and / or digital and / or optical basis.

The processor 115 may include a random number generator or be designed as a random number generator. The random number generator may be configured to determine the electrical voltage based on a random algorithm. The processor 115 may be formed, after determining the electrical voltage, the communication interface 107 for charging the authentication document 101 to control with the electrical voltage.

The processor 115 may further be formed on the basis of the comparison of the first light spectrum of the illumination light 111-1 and the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light 111-2 to determine an absorption spectrum. The processor 115 may be formed, the authentication document 101 to authenticate on the basis of the absorption spectrum.

The processor 115 may further be formed on the basis of the first light spectrum of the illumination light 111-1 and the determined absorption spectrum to calculate an expectation spectrum. The processor 115 may be formed, the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light 111-2 compare with the expectation spectrum and the authentication document 101 to authenticate, if the second light spectrum corresponds to the expected spectrum.

The lighting device 109 may comprise at least one light source, in particular an LED and / or a laser diode, which is formed, the illumination light 111-1 in the direction of the molecular layer 105 of the authentication document 101 radiate.

The light sources can be formed, the illumination light 111-1 in a white light wavelength region, an infrared wavelength region or an ultraviolet wavelength region. The wavelength range of the illumination light 111-1 can be the first light spectrum of the illumination light 111-1 establish.

The light sensor 113 may comprise at least one photodiode or a photodiode layer or a transistor layer to the reflected illumination light 111-2 capture.

The light sensor 113 may further comprise a Spektrometervorrichtung, which is formed, the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light 111-2 capture. The spectrometer device may be used as a microspectrometer in the document reader 100 be educated. The spectrometer device may comprise a prism spectrometer, a grating spectrometer, a Fourier transform spectrometer or a laser spectrometer. The spectrometer device may comprise the at least one photodiode.

The communication interface 107 may be configured to receive an authentication request signal and the lighting device 109 in response to receiving the authentication request signal to broadcast the illumination light 111-1 head for. In this way, an authentication of the authentication document 101 be initiated. The authentication request signal may be from the authentication document 101 itself, or be sent by a communication device such as a smartphone.

According to one embodiment, the document reader comprises 100 Furthermore, a display, in particular a display. The display may be configured to successfully or unsuccessfully authenticate the authentication document 101 display.

2a and 2 B show schematic representation of the molecular layer 105 caused by a variety of deflectable molecules 201 is formed, according to an embodiment in the resting state and after applying the stimulation field.

The deflectable molecules 201 can form elongated polymer chains, and can act as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the carrier layer 103 be arranged.

The deflectable molecules 201 can be electrically charged. The deflectable molecules 201 may also be mechanically flexible or rigid. In particular, the mechanical flexibility of the deflectable molecules 201 depend on their length and / or their electrical charge. The deflectable molecules 201 may comprise synthetic molecules, for example alkyl chains with further functional groups, biomolecules, for example DNA or modified biomolecules. The deflectable molecules 201 can be designed as electrical monopolies, dipoles or quadrupoles.

The deflectable molecules 201 can by means of covalent bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals bonds, hydrogen bonds or adsorption on the support layer 103 be anchored. Furthermore, the deflectable molecules 201 Linker molecules, especially thiols, which are attached to one end of the deflectable molecules 201 are arranged, and which the respective molecules 201 on the carrier layer 103 anchor. Not on the carrier layer 103 anchored end of the deflectable molecules 201 can, as in 2a and 2 B shown by the carrier layer 103 protrude.

The deflectable molecules 201 are located in 2a in a rest position, for example because the authentication document 101 with no electrical voltage is applied (U = 0 V). The deflectable molecules 201 in the rest position, for example, are perpendicular to the carrier layer 103 due to mutual repulsion of the equally charged molecules 201 ,

2 B shows the molecular layer 105 out 2a upon application of the stimulation field according to one embodiment.

The stimulation field is in 2 B by applying the electrical voltage U = U _L to the carrier layer 103 , which forms a first electrode, and generates a second electrode, not shown. The stimulation field is, for example, an electric field between the two electrodes.

The deflectable molecules 201 , which carry, for example, a negative electric charge, are in 2 B in response to the application of the electrical voltage (U = U _L ) or the generation of the stimulation field from the rest position deflected.

The excited state of the molecular layer 105 can by this deflection of the deflectable molecules 201 be determined from the rest position. This can be the deflection of the molecules 201 the absorption properties of the molecular layer 105 , in particular an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer 105 , change characteristically. The change in the absorption properties can be directly related to the deflection of the molecules 201 and the applied voltage.

An indexing of a movement, in particular a collective movement, of a molecular layer on a surface by means of an electric field and the macroscopic detection of this movement is, for example, in Lahann, Joerg, et al. "A reversibly switching surface." Science 299 (5605), p. 371-374, 2003 disclosed.

According to one embodiment, the electrical voltage applied to the authentication document 101 for generating the stimulation field can be applied, designed as a DC voltage or as AC voltage. The generated stimulation field may be a DC field or an AC field in response to the nature of the electrical voltage. If the stimulation field is a dc field, then the deflectable molecules 201 remain in the deflected state after applying the stimulation field until the stimulation field is deactivated again. If the stimulation field is an alternating field, then the deflectable molecules 201 through the alternating field for swinging, in particular for collective swinging, on the carrier layer 103 be stimulated. In this case, the excited state of the molecules 201 determined by the molecular vibration.

The molecular layer 105 , in particular the deflectable molecules 201 Furthermore, an electrical moment, in particular an electric dipole or quadrupole moment, or a magnetic moment, in particular a magnetic dipole or quadrupole moment, may have.

In one embodiment, the stimulation field causes a change in the electrical or magnetic moments of the molecular layer 105 , The change in the electrical or magnetic moments can be the characteristic change in the absorption properties of the molecular layer 105 determine.

Furthermore, the change of the electrical or magnetic moments of the molecular layer 105 a characteristic change of a dielectric function of the molecular layer 105 cause. For example, the dielectric function of the molecular layer 105 from the orientation of the deflectable molecules 201 dependent.

In one embodiment, applying the stimulation field causes phonon excitation in the molecular layer 105 ,

3 shows a Flussidagramm a method 300 for authenticating the authentication document 101 according to one embodiment.

The authentication document 101 has the carrier layer 103 and those on the carrier layer 103 arranged molecular layer 105 on, with the authentication document 101 further configured to generate, in response to the electrical voltage, the stimulation field comprising the molecular layer 105 put in the excited state.

The procedure 300 includes an imposition 301 of the authentication document 101 with the electrical voltage to generate the stimulation field, a candling 303 the molecular layer 105 with illumination light 111-1 where the illumination light 111-1 a first light spectrum, wherein the illumination light 111-1 on the carrier layer 103 is reflective, a grasping 305 at the carrier layer 103 reflected illumination light 111-2 , wherein the reflected illumination light 111-2 having a second spectrum of light different from the first spectrum of light, and authenticating 307 of the authentication document 101 on the basis of a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum.

By authenticating the authentication document 101 becomes the authentication document 101 authenticated. The authentication of the authentication document 101 may be an identification of the authentication document 101 and / or a verification of the identity of the authentication document 101 include.

According to one embodiment, the method step comprises 307 authenticating the authentication document 101 further determining an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer based on a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum 105 on the basis of the comparison of the first light spectrum and the second light spectrum, and authenticating the authentication document 101 based on the absorption spectrum.

According to one embodiment, the method step comprises the authentication of the authentication document 101 further calculating, on the basis of the absorption spectrum, an expectation spectrum based on the first light spectrum of the illumination light 111-1 and the detected absorption spectrum, comparing the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light 111-2 with the expectation spectrum, and authenticating the authentication document 101 if the second light spectrum corresponds to the expected spectrum.

4 shows a Flussidagramm a method 400 for authenticating the authentication document 101 according to a further embodiment.

The procedure 400 includes issuing 401 of the illumination light 111-1 with the first light spectrum E (λ) and an impingement 401 of the authentication document 101 with the electrical voltage U _L , a first absorbing 403 of the illumination light 111-1 when irradiating the molecular layer 105 , wherein the first light spectrum E (λ) after the first irradiation of the molecular layer 105 due to light absorption in the molecular layer 105 is changed spectrally. The absorption spectrum of the molecular view A ₁ (λ, U _L ) is a function of the wavelength λ and the applied electrical voltage. The procedure 400 further comprises a second absorbing 405 of the reflected illumination light 111-2 when re-irradiating the molecular layer 105 after reflection on the carrier layer 103 , wherein the already changed light spectrum of the illumination light 111-2 when re-irradiating the molecular layer 105 is spectrally changed a second time by the absorption spectrum of the molecular layer A ₂ (λ, U _L ). The procedure 400 further comprises detecting 407 of the reflected illumination light 111-2 , which after the two-time irradiation of the molecular layer 105 the second light spectrum I (λ), and comparing 409 of the detected second light spectrum C (λ) having an expected spectrum Er (λ). The procedure 400 further includes a successful authentication 411 of the authentication document 101 if the second light spectrum I (λ) corresponds to the expectation spectrum Er (λ) (I (λ) - Er (λ) = 0), or unsuccessful authentication 413 of the authentication document 101 if the second light spectrum I (λ) does not correspond to the expected spectrum Er (λ) (I (λ) - Er (λ) ≠ 0).

The expectation spectrum Er (λ) can be derived from the processor 115 of the document reader 100 be determined on the basis of the known radiated first light spectrum E (λ) and the applied electric voltage U _L. Further, the expectation spectrum Er (λ) may be used as a reference spectrum in a memory of the document reader 100 be saved.

In one embodiment, the methods are 300 . 400 for authenticating the authentication document 101 Signature method for the authentication document 101 ,

According to one embodiment, the authentication or signature methods comprise 300 . 400 no digitized encryption method, eliminating the present method 300 . 400 can not be deciphered with the help of quantum computers, in contrast to, for example, RSA cryptosystems.

According to one embodiment, the document reader is 100 designed as a card reader for an authentication card. The document reader 100 may further include an overlay onto which the authentication document 101 can be placed in order to initialize the authentication process.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 Document reader

101

 authentication document

103

 backing

105

 molecular layer

107

 Communication Interface

109

 lighting device

111-1

 illumination light

111-2

 reflected illumination light

113

 light sensor

115

 processor

201

 deflectable molecules

300

 Method for authenticating an authentication document

301

 apply

303

 candling

305

 To capture

307

 Authenticate

400

 Method for authenticating an authentication document

401

 Issue and charge

403

 first absorbing

405

 second absorb

407

 detect

409

 to compare

411

 successful authentication

413

 unsuccessful authentication

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• Lahann, Joerg, et al. "A reversibly switching surface." Science 299 (5605), p. 371-374, 2003 [0074]

Claims (15)

Document reader ( 100 ) for an authentication document ( 101 ), the authentication document ( 101 ) a carrier layer ( 103 ) and one on the carrier layer ( 103 ) arranged molecular layer ( 105 ), wherein the authentication document ( 101 ) is further configured, in response to an electrical voltage, to generate a stimulation field which comprises the molecular layer ( 105 ) in an excitation state, comprising: a communication interface ( 107 ), which with the authentication document ( 101 ) is electrically connectable and configured, the authentication document ( 101 ) to apply the electrical voltage to generate the stimulation field; a lighting device ( 109 ), which is formed, the molecular layer ( 105 ) of the authentication document ( 101 ) with illumination light ( 111-1 ), whereby the illumination light ( 111-1 ) has a first light spectrum, wherein the illumination light ( 111-1 ) on the carrier layer ( 103 ) is reflectable; a light sensor ( 113 ), which is formed on the support layer ( 103 ) reflected illumination light ( 111-2 ), the reflected illumination light ( 111-2 ) has a second light spectrum different from the first light spectrum; and a processor ( 115 ), which is designed, the authentication document ( 101 ) on the basis of a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum. Document reader ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the processor ( 115 ) comprises a random generator configured to generate the electrical voltage or a voltage value of the electrical voltage on a random basis. Document reader ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor ( 115 ) is formed on the basis of a comparison of the first light spectrum, with the second light spectrum, an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer ( 105 ), whereby the processor ( 115 ), the authentication document ( 101 ) on the basis of the determined absorption spectrum. Document reader ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein the processor ( 115 ) is formed on the basis of the first light spectrum of the illumination light ( 111-1 ) and the determined absorption spectrum to calculate an expectation spectrum, wherein the processor ( 115 ) is formed, the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light ( 111-2 ) and the authentication document ( 101 ) if the second spectrum of light corresponds to the expected spectrum. Document reader ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device ( 109 ) comprises at least one light source, in particular an LED and / or a laser diode. Document reader ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination device ( 109 ), the illumination light ( 111-1 ) in a white light wavelength region, an infrared wavelength region or an ultraviolet wavelength region. Document reader ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sensor ( 113 ) has at least one photodiode or a photodiode layer or a transistor layer. Document reader ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sensor ( 113 ) comprises a spectrometer device, which is formed, the second light spectrum of the reflected illumination light ( 111-2 ) capture. Document reader ( 100 ) according to claim 8, wherein the spectrometer device comprises a prism spectrometer, a grating spectrometer, a Fourier transform spectrometer or a laser spectrometer. Document reader ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface ( 107 ) comprises a voltage source, in particular a DC voltage source or an AC voltage source, for generating the electrical voltage. Document reader ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the document reader ( 100 ) comprises a display, in particular a display, wherein the display is configured, a successful or a failed authentication of the authentication document ( 101 ). Procedure ( 300 ) for authenticating an authentication document ( 101 ), the authentication document ( 101 ) a carrier layer ( 103 ) and one on the carrier layer ( 103 ) arranged molecular layer ( 105 ), wherein the authentication document ( 101 ) is further configured, in response to an electrical voltage, to generate a stimulation field which comprises the molecular layer ( 105 ) into an excited state, with: applying ( 301 ) of the authentication document ( 101 ) with the electrical voltage for generating the stimulation field; Examining ( 303 ) of the molecular layer ( 105 ) with illumination light ( 111-1 ), the illumination light ( 111-1 ) has a first light spectrum, wherein the illumination light ( 111-1 ) on the carrier layer ( 103 ) is reflectable; To capture ( 305 ) of the carrier layer ( 103 ) reflected illumination light ( 111-2 ), the reflected illumination light ( 111-2 ) has a second light spectrum different from the first light spectrum; and Authenticate ( 307 ) of the authentication document ( 101 ) on the basis of a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum. Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 12, wherein the step ( 307 ) of authenticating the authentication document ( 101 ) on the basis of a comparison of the first light spectrum with the second light spectrum comprises the following further method steps: determining an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer ( 105 ) based on the comparison of the first light spectrum and the second light spectrum; and authenticating the authentication document ( 101 ) based on the absorption spectrum. Procedure ( 300 ) according to claim 13, wherein the step of authenticating the authentication document ( 101 ) on the basis of the absorption spectrum comprises the following further method steps: calculating an expected spectrum on the basis of the first light spectrum of the illumination light ( 111-1 ) and the determined absorption spectrum; Comparing the Second Light Spectrum of the Reflected Illumination Light ( 111-2 ) with the expected spectrum; and authenticating the authentication document ( 101 ), if the second light spectrum corresponds to the expected spectrum. Computer program with a program code for carrying out the method ( 300 ) according to one of claims 12 to 14, when the computer program is stored on a processor ( 115 ) is performed.

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