ITMO20010019A1 - SYSTEM FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION OF A DATA REGISTRATION MEDIA - Google Patents

Description

System for the identification and authentication of a data recording medium.

The present invention relates to a data recording medium equipped with identification means, in particular with means suitable for allowing the identification of the medium and for verifying its origin.

One of the main and most felt problems currently in the field of data recording media, in particular in the field of already recorded media, such as for example music CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or CDs on which computer programs are recorded, is that of counterfeiting, which causes significant economic damage to producers of music, films and computer programs.

At present, the counterfeiting of the aforementioned data recording media is very easy and retailers and consumers do not have tools to ascertain whether a data recording medium is counterfeit, the only indication of a counterfeit being, in general, the too low price of the product.

Likewise, even the authorities responsible for the protection of producers and consumers may encounter considerable difficulties in ascertaining whether a product is counterfeit or authentic, as there is a lack of reliable means of identifying the product.

The present invention proposes to provide a system for the identification and authentication of a data recording medium which allows to quickly and safely ascertain the origin of said medium and to certify its authenticity.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for the identification and authentication of a data recording medium of the optical, magnetic, or magneto-optical type, characterized in that it comprises incorporating in said medium readable identification means. distance on which identification data of the origin and authenticity of the product are recorded.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a data recording medium of the magnetic, optical or magneto-optical type is provided, comprising remote readable identification means, on said identification means being recorded identification data of the data recording medium and its authenticity.

Thanks to the invention, the data recording medium can be identified with certainty by means of the data recorded on the identification means integrated in the medium, data which are unique for each medium and therefore guarantee its origin and authenticity.

Furthermore, the possibility of remote reading the data recorded on the identification means makes the identification of the support and the verification of its authenticity very quick and easy, allowing to carry out said identification and said verification on a large number of supports in a very long time. short. The invention will now be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Which illustrate some forms of implementation, purely identifying and not limiting, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an identification means according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of an optical data recording medium according to the invention, of the printed CD type;

Figure 3 is a perspective, schematic and exploded view of the support of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross section of a rewritable CD type data recording medium;

Figure 5 is a perspective, schematic and exploded view of the support of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of a single-sided, single-layer DVD type data recording medium;

Figure 7 is a perspective, schematic and exploded view of the support of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-section of a single-layer, double-sided DVD type data recording medium;

Figure 9 is a perspective, schematic and exploded view of the support of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-section of a double-layer, single-sided DVD type data recording medium;

Figure 11 is a perspective and schematic view of the support of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a schematic cross-section of a double-sided, double-sided DVD type data recording medium;

Figure 13 is a perspective and schematic view of the support of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a schematic cross section of a data recording medium of the floppy disc type. Figure 8 is a schematic cross section of a data recording medium of the floppy disk type. Figure 1 illustrates an identification means according to the invention, which comprises an integrated circuit 1 equipped with a memory, comprising a non-rewritable part in which a unique identification code of the integrated circuit can be stored, a rewritable part, which can be protected by rewriting, in which identification data of a product to which the integrated circuit is intended to be associated can be stored. of the product, and a freely rewritable part, in which it is possible, for example, to store in an editable way, further data relating to the aforementioned product. The aforementioned identification data are used to guarantee that the origin and authenticity of the product to which the label will be associated.

The integrated circuit 1 is associated with an antenna 2 which allows the integrated circuit 1 to receive and transmit radio frequency signals. The reading of the data stored in the memory of the integrated circuit 1 and the writing of data in said memory are carried out by means of known remote reading / writing devices which communicate with the integrated circuit 1 by means of radiofrequency signals, which are picked up by the associated antenna 2 to the integrated circuit. The energy for the operation of the integrated circuit is provided by the same radio frequency signal emitted by the reading / writing device. It is possible to use read / write devices capable of simultaneously reading the data recorded on a plurality of integrated circuits 1. This allows to further speed up the identification and authentication of the data recording media to which the integrated circuits 1 are associated, with considerable time savings.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic section of a printed optical data recording medium 3 of the CD Compact Disc type), ie a medium that can be used by the user only for reading the data recorded on it. The optical support 3 comprises an active layer 4, for example made of aluminum, on one face of which data are engraved for the reproduction of musical passages, images, films, for the execution of computer programs, etc. . The active layer 4 is enclosed between a lower protective layer 5 and an upper protective layer 6, for example of polycarbonate, which serve to protect the active layer 4 from any damage that could make the engraved data illegible.

A printed label 7 containing information on the data recorded on the optical support 3 is generally superimposed on the upper protective layer 6.

The optical support 3 is provided with a hole 8 for coupling a data reader device to driving means.

The active layer 4 normally comprises a data-free zone surrounding the hole 8.

The integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2, can be inserted between two of the layers that make up the optical support 3, in a position such as not to interfere with the reading of the data by the reading device. For example, the integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2 can be inserted between the active layer 4 and the upper protective layer 6, or between the upper protective layer 6 and the label 7, so as not to be visible from the outside. The integrated circuit 1 and the relative antenna 2 can also be arranged on the engraved layer 4, in correspondence with the data-free area surrounding the hole 8 of the optical support 3.

Figure 3 shows, in an exploded perspective view, a possible positioning of the integrated circuit 1 and of the relative antenna 2 on the optical support 3.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of an optical data recording medium 9 of the recordable CD type, ie of the type which allows the user to both read data recorded on it and record data on it. The optical support 9 comprises a first protective layer 10, an active layer 11 in polymeric material on which the data to be recorded on the optical support 9 are engraved, a protective lacquer layer 12, a further protective layer 13, with possible external printable surface, and a possible label 14. The optical support 9 is also provided with a hole 15 for coupling with the driving means of a data reader / recorder device.

The integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2 can be inserted between two of the layers that make up the optical support 9, in a position such as not to interfere with the reading and / or recording of data by the reading / recording device. For example, the integrated circuit 1 and the antenna 2 can be inserted between the active layer 11 and the protective lacquer layer 12, or between the protective lacquer layer 12 and the further protective layer 13, or between the further protective layer 13 and the label 14. In any case, the position of the integrated circuit 1 and of the relative antenna 2 must be such as not to prevent the recording of the data on the polymer layer 9 or the reading of the data from said layer. In Figure 5, in an exploded perspective view, a possible positioning of the integrated circuit 1 and of the relative antenna 2 on the optical support 9 is shown.

Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate an optical data recording support 16 of the DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) type with single side and single layer, ie an optical support readable on one side only, with data engraved on a single layer. This type of support comprises, from the bottom upwards in Figure 6, a transparent substrate 17, generally made of polycarbonate, through which the reading of the data engraved on the support 16 is carried out, a reflective layer 18, for example made of metallic material, a protective layer 19 and a possible label 20, applied on the protective layer 19. The data recorded on the optical support are engraved on the face of the transparent substrate 17 facing the reflecting layer 18. The data is read by a laser beam reader device , not shown, which emits a laser beam, which is focused on the face of the transparent substrate 17 on which the data recorded on the support 16 are engraved and is reflected by the reflecting layer 18 towards the reader device. The support 16 is provided with a central hole 21 for coupling the reader device with dragging means. The integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2, can be inserted between the reflecting layer 18 and the protective layer 19, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, or between the protective layer 19 and the label 20.

Figures 8 and 9 schematically illustrate a single-sided and double-layer DVD type optical data recording medium 22, ie an optical medium readable on one side only, with data engraved on two distinct layers. This type of support comprises, from the bottom upwards in Figure 8, a transparent substrate 23 generally made of polycarbonate, through which the reading of the data engraved on the support 22 is carried out, a layer 24 of semi-reflective material, a further transparent layer 25 also generally made of polycarbonate, a layer of completely reflective material 26, a protective layer 27 and a possible label 28, applied on the protective layer 27. The data recorded on the support 22 are engraved on the face of the transparent substrate 23 facing the layer 24 of semi-reflective material and on the face of the further transparent layer 25 facing the completely reflective layer 26. The support 22 is provided with a central hole 29 for coupling with driving means of a reader device. The integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2, can be inserted between the completely reflective layer 26 and the protective layer 27, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, or between the protective layer 27 and the label 28.

Figures 10 and 11 schematically illustrate an optical data recording medium 30 of the double-sided and single-layer DVD type, ie a medium readable from both sides. This type of support comprises, from bottom to top in Figure 10, a first transparent substrate 31, for example in polycarbonate, through which a first series of data engraved on the support 30, a reflective layer 32, a second substrate is read transparent 33, through which a second series of data engraved on the support 30 is read. The first series of data is engraved on the side of the first transparent substrate 31 facing the reflective layer 32, while the second series of data is engraved on the side of the second transparent substrate 33 facing towards the reflecting layer 32. The support 30 is provided with a central hole 34 for coupling with driving means of a reader device. An area of the first transparent substrate 31 immediately surrounding the central hole 34 and a corresponding area of the second transparent substrate 33 are normally devoid of engraved data. On one of these areas, or on both, a label 35 can be applied, without this interfering with the reading of the data. The integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2, can be applied on one of said data-free areas, below the possible label 35.

Figures 12 and 13 schematically illustrate an optical data recording medium 30 of the double-sided and double-layer DVD type, ie a medium readable from both sides, with data engraved on two distinct layers on each side of the medium. This type of support comprises, from bottom to top in Figure 12, a first transparent substrate 37, for example in polycarbonate, through which a first and a second series of data engraved on the support 36 are read, a first layer of material semi-reflective 38 on whose face opposite the transparent substrate 37 said first series of data is engraved, a layer of transparent material 39, for example in polycarbonate, on whose face opposite the semi-reflective layer 38 said second series of data is engraved, a layer 40 of reflecting material, a second layer 41 of transparent material, similar to layer 39, on the face of which facing the reflecting layer 40 is engraved a third series of data, a second layer of semi-reflective material 42 similar to the first layer 38 of semi-reflective material, on the whose face facing the second layer 41 of transparent material is engraved a fourth series of data and a second transparent substrate 43, similar to the first transparent substrate 37, through which said third and fourth series of data engraved on the support 38 are read. The support 36 is provided with a central hole 45 for coupling with driving means of a reader device. Corresponding areas immediately surrounding the central hole 45 of the first semi-reflective layer 38, of the first transparent layer 39, of the second transparent layer 41 and of the second semi-reflective layer 42 are normally devoid of engraved data. A label 44 can be applied on the first transparent substrate 37 or on the second transparent substrate 43 in a zone thereof corresponding to said data-free zones, so that the label 44 does not interfere with the reading of the data. The integrated circuit 1, with the relative antenna 2, can be applied on one of said data-free areas, or below the possible label 44, as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 13 shows a magnetic data recording medium 46, of the floppy disc type. The support 46 comprises a disk 47 made of magnetic material, enclosed in a casing 48 and provided with coupling means 50 suitable to allow the disk 47 to be coupled with the driving means of a reader device. The support 46 can be provided with a label 49, applied to the external surface of the casing 48. The integrated circuit 1 and the relative antenna 2 can be applied, for example, under the label 49, as shown in Figure 13.

The use of the system according to the invention is not limited to the examples described, but can be extended to any data recording medium, for example magnetic tapes for recording sound or images, phonographic discs, etc. it being sufficient to identify, for any type of data recording medium, a position in which to apply the integrated circuit 1 and the antenna 2 without these interfering with the reading of the data recorded on the medium.

In practical implementation, the materials, dimensions and executive details may be different from those indicated, but technically equivalent to them, without thereby departing from the legal domain of the present invention.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Method for the identification and authentication of a data recording support (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46), characterized in that it comprises embedding in said support (3, 9, 16, 22 , 30, 36, 46) remote readable identification means (1, 2) on which identification data of the origin and authenticity of said support can be recorded (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46). Method according to claim 1, wherein said identification means comprise an integrated circuit (1), equipped with a memory on which said identification data, an electrically connected antenna (2) can be permanently and / or modified. to said integrated circuit, said antenna (2) being adapted to receive and send radio frequency signals to a device for reading / writing said data on said memory. Method according to claim 1, or 2, wherein said identification means (1, 2) are incorporated in said support (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) in such a position as not to interfere with the reading data recorded on it or writing data to it. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said data recording medium (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) is a medium of the optical, magnetic, or magneto-optical type. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said data recording medium is a phonograph record. 6. Data recording support (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) comprising remote readable identification means (1, 2), on said identification means (1, 2) being recordable the identification data of said support (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) and its authenticity. 7. Data recording medium (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) according to claim 6, wherein said identification means comprise an integrated circuit (1), equipped with a memory on which they can be recorded, so permanent and / or modifiable, said identification data, an antenna (2) electrically connected to said integrated circuit, said antenna (2) being able to receive and send radiofrequency signals to a device for reading / writing said data on said memory . 8. Data recording medium (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) according to claim 6, or 7, wherein said identification means (1, 2) are incorporated in said support (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) in a position that does not interfere with the reading of data recorded on it or with the writing of data on it. 9. Data recording medium (3, 9, 16, 22, 30, 36, 46) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it is an optical, magnetic or magneto-optical type support. Data recording medium (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is an optical medium of the printed CD type. Data recording medium (9) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a rewritable optical medium of the CD type. Data recording medium (16) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a single-sided, single-layer DVD type optical medium. Data recording medium (22) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a single-sided and double-layer DVD type optical medium. Data recording medium (30) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is an optical medium of the double-sided, single-layer DVD type. Data recording medium (36) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is an optical medium of the double-sided and double-layer DVD type. Data recording medium (46) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a magnetic medium of the floppy disc type. 17. Data recording medium according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a magnetic tape for recording sound and / or images. 18. Data recording medium according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a phonograph record.