EP3825140B1 - Safety mark, method for detecting a safety mark and system for detecting a safety mark - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a security token, a method for detecting a security token and a system for detecting a security token.

Some containers, reusable containers or packaging, such as bottles, cans, bags, boxes and other containers, can be returned after being emptied and recycled and partially refilled. When the filled container is sold, a deposit is often retained to encourage the buyer to return the emptied reusable container to a specific location. The return can be carried out automatically, in particular with machines or return machines, which reimburse the buyer for the retained deposit value. To ensure that the returnee does not receive the deposit value without authorization, the reusable containers can have a security symbol. Many machines only refund the deposit value to the person returning the item after the security symbol has been positively checked.

The applicant is aware of security symbols for application to a carrier, in particular to a container or packaging, the security symbols having a flat first color element. Such a security symbol is, for example, from the DE 10 2006 011 143 A1 known. The WO 2018/224108 A1 discloses a security mark on a reusable container having an illustration including a first portion printed with a first ink and a second portion printed with a second ink. The reflectance of the first part is between o and 20% in the visible spectrum of up to 660 nm, and the reflectance of the first part is over 80% in infrared light with a wavelength > 800 nm. The reflectance of the second part is between o and 20% for light with a wavelength of up to 800 nm and over 25% for infrared light with a wavelength of over 960 nm. The EP 3570256 A1 relates to a test method for testing a security marking having at least one contrast field with a comparatively high reflectivity in a first and a second wavelength range and a security field which has different reflection properties in the first wavelength range than in the second wavelength range. The WO 2018/197278 A1 calls a security insert with visually recognizable characters, which comprises a first transparent layer with a color coating and a second transparent layer connected to the first layer. On the first layer and/or on the color coating there is a first UV color coating, which at least UV light is reflected at least in a first wavelength range. At least one of the transparent layers has blackened areas. A first part of the optically recognizable characters is formed by the blackenings in at least one of the layers, a second part of the optically recognizable characters by the color coating, and a third part of the optically recognizable characters by the UV color coating. The first and second sections of the optically recognizable characters reflect visible light, with the third part of the optically recognizable characters reflecting UV light at least in a first wavelength range.

However, some of these security symbols cannot be distinguished from counterfeits with sufficient certainty.

Task and solution

It is an object of the present invention to improve the ability to distinguish such security signs from counterfeits.

This object is achieved by a security sign (first aspect) according to claim 1, by a method for detecting a security sign (second aspect) according to claim 6 and with a system for detecting a security sign (third aspect) according to claim 15.

The security symbol of the first aspect is suitable for application to a carrier, in particular to a container or packaging. The security symbol has a flat first color element. The first color element is designed to emit light with an emission wavelength different from the first wavelength when irradiated with light of a first wavelength range, also called an excitation wavelength range, which contains light of a first wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the first wavelength is 450 nm and/or 626 nm, and the emission wavelength is 735 nm. When irradiated with the first wavelength, the first color element therefore shows fluorescence with the emission wavelength.

The first color element is designed to be transparent to the light from the second wavelength range when irradiated with light of a second wavelength range that differs from the first wavelength range, preferably to have a transmittance of at least 90%. However, it is also possible for the transmittance to be less than 90%, so that when irradiated with light from the second wavelength range, the first color element absorbs part of it. When irradiated with Light from a third wavelength range that differs from the second wavelength range, the first color element can absorb and/or reflect the light from the third wavelength range.

• S1 Bestrahlen des Sicherheitszeichens mit Licht in einem ersten Wellenlängenbereich, auch Anregungswellenlängenbereich genannt, der Licht der ersten Wellenlänge enthält,
• S2 Bestrahlen des Sicherheitszeichens mit Licht aus einem zweiten Wellenlängenbereich und mit Licht aus einem dritten Wellenlängenbereich, insbesondere während des Schrittes S1,
• S3 Erfassen von Licht, das von dem Sicherheitszeichen ausgeht, mit einer Sensoreinrichtung, insbesondere während der Schritte S1 und S2,
• wobei der erste und der dritte Wellenlängenbereich von dem zweiten Wellenlängenbereich verschieden sind, und
• wobei während des Schrittes S1 die Intensität des von dem Sicherheitszeichen ausgehenden Lichts innerhalb eines vierten Wellenlängenbereichs erfasst wird, der die Emissionswellenlänge enthält. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann auch hier die erste Wellenlänge 450 nm und/oder 626 nm sein, und die Emissionswellenlänge liegt bei 735 nm.

The method according to the second aspect serves to detect the aforementioned security symbol. The security symbol has a flat first color element which is designed to emit light with an emission wavelength different from it when irradiated with light of a first wavelength. The procedure has the following steps:

• S1 irradiating the security sign with light in a first wavelength range, also called the excitation wavelength range, which contains light of the first wavelength,
• S2 irradiating the security sign with light from a second wavelength range and with light from a third wavelength range, in particular during step S1,
• S3 detecting light emanating from the security sign with a sensor device, in particular during steps S1 and S2,
• wherein the first and third wavelength ranges are different from the second wavelength range, and
• wherein during step S1 the intensity of the light emanating from the security symbol is detected within a fourth wavelength range which contains the emission wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the first wavelength can also be 450 nm and/or 626 nm, and the emission wavelength is 735 nm.

The third aspect system is for detecting a security token. The system is designed to carry out the aforementioned method. The system has a positioning device for receiving a carrier, preferably a container or packaging, and a light source which is designed to emit light on a system-independent security sign in a first wavelength range, the first wavelength range, also called the excitation wavelength range, having a first wavelength and wherein the light source is designed to emit light onto the security sign in a second wavelength range and in a third wavelength range, the first and third wavelength ranges being different from the second wavelength range. The system also has a Sensor device, wherein the sensor device is designed to receive light emanating from the security symbol in a fourth wavelength range which contains an emission wavelength that differs from the first wavelength. This system also includes an evaluation device which is designed to output a signal that is dependent on the intensity of the light falling on the sensor device in the fourth wavelength range.

If the security sign according to the invention is irradiated with light in the first wavelength range, then it emits light with an emission wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The intensity of the light emitted at the emission wavelength can also be recorded and evaluated, allowing the security sign to be distinguished more reliably.

“Absorbing” light by the security symbol or by a color element of the security symbol in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning that the security symbol neither emits nor reflects the incident light in such a way that this can be measured or measured with conventional detectors used to detect security symbols. would be detectable.

For the purposes of the invention, a distinction is made between the wavelength range visible to the human eye with wavelengths of 380 nm to 700 nm and a wavelength range of 280 nm to 1100 nm that can be detected by a sensor device.

Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The security symbol has at least one, in particular two-dimensional, first color element. The security symbol can have several first color elements that are on the outer surface of the carrier (subsurface), e.g. B. the container or the packaging, can be arranged adjacent to each other. The security symbol, in particular its first color element, can be connected to the carrier or applied to an outer surface of the carrier. The security symbol can be applied as a layer to the carrier, in particular to the outer surface, in particular printed or sprayed. The security sign can have a carrier element that can be mechanically connected or glued to the carrier. The carrier element can be a plastic or metal foil. The security symbol, in particular having the carrier element, can have a layer thickness of 0.7 to 1.3 μm, especially if it is applied to the carrier.

The first color element can initially be in liquid form, in particular with a solvent, or as a powder before the security symbol is applied to the carrier. The first color element can have at least one alphanumeric character and/or a two-dimensional area. The first color element can in particular be applied as a layer to the carrier element.

The security sign can have positioning marks which are used to position the security sign or the carrier, e.g. B. the container or the packaging, especially in a return machine, for improved detection of the security symbol. The security symbol can have further color elements, in particular with an alphanumeric character, barcode and/or matrix code, which serve to distinguish the security symbol from a counterfeit.

According to one embodiment, the first wavelength range, also called the excitation wavelength range, is between 280 nm and 700 nm, with the first wavelength preferably being 450 nm and/or 626 nm. The security sign can be designed to emit visible light when it is irradiated with light of this first wavelength range. In particular, the emission wavelength can be 735 nm, which is emitted when the first color element is irradiated with light of this first wavelength range.

According to a further embodiment, the second wavelength range is in the infrared light range, in particular between 700 nm and 1100 nm. The security symbol, in particular its first color element, can be designed not to emit any light, in particular no visible light, when it is irradiated with light of this second wavelength range becomes. In particular, in this embodiment, the incident light from the second wavelength range is transmitted to a specific first proportion and absorbed to a specific second proportion, the ratio of the first and second proportions forming the transmittance.

According to another embodiment, the third wavelength range is in the visible range, in particular between 380 nm and 700 nm.

One embodiment of the security sign has a second color element which is designed to absorb and/or reflect the security sign when the security sign is irradiated with light from the second wavelength range, the second color element being designed to be between the first color element and the background, e.g. B. the carrier to be arranged. The second color element can initially be in liquid form, in particular with a solvent, or as a powder before the safety symbol is applied to the carrier. The second color element can have at least one alphanumeric character and/or a two-dimensional area. The first and second color elements can form two layers of the security symbol, wherein the second color element can be designed to be attached directly to the background. If the security symbol has a carrier element, the second color element can be applied directly to the carrier element and the first color element to the second color element.

The first color element can be partially transparent to the light from the first wavelength range. In this embodiment, when the security sign is irradiated with light from the second wavelength range, the second color element can be detected by a sensor device. This is because the light of the second wavelength range can pass through the first color element because it is transparent to light of the second wavelength range. This information about the second color element can additionally be used to determine the authenticity of a security symbol.

During steps S1, S2 of the method according to the invention, it is advantageous if an angle of incidence of 45° of the light on the security sign is avoided.

The light source can be designed to emit light exclusively with the wavelengths 450 nm, 550 nm, 626 nm and/or 900 nm.

• S5 Zuführen eines Trägers, vorzugsweise eines Behälter oder einer Verpackung, mit dem Sicherheitszeichen, insbesondere in einen Rückgabeautomaten,
• S6 Positionieren des Behälters derart, dass beim Bestrahlen des Sicherheitszeichen mit einer Lichtquelle von dem Sicherheitszeichen ausgehendes Licht bzw. elektromagnetische Wellen von einer Sensoreinrichtung erfasst werden können.
• Während Schritt S5, kann der Behälter in einem sogenannten Nest des Rückgabeautomaten abgelegt werden. Die Schritte S5 und S6 können den Schritten S1 bis S3 vorausgehen. Mit diesen weiteren Schritten kann die Zuverlässigkeit des Verfahrens verbessert werden.

One embodiment of the method has the following steps:

• S5 feeding a carrier, preferably a container or packaging, with the security symbol, in particular into a return machine,
• S6 Positioning the container in such a way that when the security sign is irradiated with a light source, light or electromagnetic waves emanating from the security sign can be detected by a sensor device.
• During step S5, the container can be placed in a so-called nest of the return machine. Steps S5 and S6 may precede steps S1 to S3. These additional steps can improve the reliability of the process.

• S4 Erfassen der Gestalt des Sicherheitszeichens auf Grundlage des während des Schritts S3 empfangenen Lichts mit der Sensoreinrichtung, die mit einer Auswerteeinrichtung (6) signalverbunden ist.
• Auf diese Weise kann sichergestellt werden, dass nur solche Sicherheitszeichen als echt erkannt werden, deren Gestalt oder Form dem Original entspricht.

Another embodiment of the method according to the second aspect further comprises the following step:

• S4 Detecting the shape of the security symbol based on the light received during step S3 with the sensor device, which is signal-connected to an evaluation device (6).
• In this way it can be ensured that only those security symbols whose shape or form corresponds to the original are recognized as genuine.

In one embodiment, the fourth wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range. In this embodiment, the light emitted from the color element of the security sign with the emission wavelength lying in the fourth wavelength range can be more easily distinguished from light reflected toward a sensor device upon irradiation with light of the first wavelength range.

According to a further embodiment, the fourth wavelength range is different from the second wavelength range and from the third wavelength range. In this embodiment, the security sign can be irradiated with light from the second and third wavelength range without reflections towards the sensor device with which light at the emission wavelength is detected interfering with the detection of the intensity of the light at the emission wavelength. It is only necessary that the sensor device is designed, for example by a corresponding filter, so that it is only sensitive to the fourth wavelength range.

One embodiment is characterized in that the first wavelength range, also called the excitation wavelength range, is between 280 nm and 700 nm, preferably where the first wavelength is 450 nm and/or 626 nm.

In another embodiment, the second wavelength range is in the infrared light range, in particular between 700 nm and 1100 nm.

According to one embodiment, the third wavelength range is in the visible range, in particular between 380 nm and 700 nm.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the light source is arranged with respect to the security sign to be detected in such a way that the angle of incidence of the light on the security sign is different from 45°.

In a further embodiment, a first temporal pulse pattern is impressed on the light from the first wavelength range during irradiation. The first pulse pattern can have a temporal sequence of light pulses with pauses in between. The irradiation with light visible to the eye preferably takes place according to the first pulse pattern. This makes it possible in a simple manner to distinguish the emitted light detected therein with the first emission wavelength from other scattered light detected in a sensor device. This is because the light that is due to the emission in the color element induced by the irradiation with light from the first wavelength range and has the emission wavelength also necessarily has the first pulse pattern, so that it can already be identified by its time course.

One embodiment includes that when irradiating the light from the second wavelength range, a second temporal pulse pattern is impressed and/or when irradiating the light from the third wavelength range, a third temporal pulse pattern is impressed, the second and the third pulse patterns being different from one another and from the first temporal one Pulse patterns are different. This makes it possible to distinguish the light of the second and third wavelength range backscattered by the security symbol from one another in a sensor device and from the light with the emission wavelength through the respective different time course.

The sensor device can receive electromagnetic waves and can provide a signal proportional to the intensity received. It may include a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, a silicon-based sensor, a germanium-based sensor, or a combination of these sensors.

In one embodiment, the light source has a first light source element, preferably one or more LEDs (light emitting diode), which can emit light in the first wavelength range and/or third wavelength range, and a second light source element, preferably one or more LEDs , which can emit light in the second wavelength range. If a light source with LEDs is used, this can result in the light of the first wavelength range emitted by the light source essentially containing only light of the first wavelength. Likewise, this can result in the light of the second and third wavelength range emitted by the light source essentially only containing light with the single wavelength, the wavelength of the light of the third wavelength range deviating from that of the first wavelength range.

However, the light source can also be designed so that it emits “white” light that includes the first, second and third wavelength ranges.

The system has a positioning device in which the carrier, i.e. z. B. a container or packaging with which security signs can be arranged.

An embodiment of a system has a first optical filter that can be arranged at a first position between the light source and the positioning device and moved away from this position, the first optical filter being transparent to light of the first wavelength and opaque to light of the emission wavelength. This prevents light with the emission wavelength from hitting the security sign, the reflection of which could interfere with the detection of the emitted light with the emission wavelength, particularly when using a light source that emits "white" light. In a further preferred manner, the first optical filter can be designed as a low-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 450 nm and 735 nm, more preferably between 626 nm and 735 nm.

A low-pass filter in the sense of the present invention is designed to allow light with a wavelength below a cutoff wavelength to pass through almost unattenuated, while light with a wavelength above the cutoff wavelength is blocked. This means that the transmission coefficient, which indicates the ratio of the intensity of light after passing through the filter relative to the intensity before passing through the filter, is almost equal to one for wavelengths below the cut-off wavelength, while it is equal to zero above the cut-off wavelength. The cutoff wavelength is the wavelength at which the transmission coefficient in the area of the transition between the pass band and the blocking band takes on a value of 0.5.

A further embodiment of the system according to the invention is provided with a second optical filter which can be arranged at a second position between the positioning device and the sensor device and moved away from this position, the second optical filter being transparent to light with the emission wavelength and being transparent to light from the first wavelength range, which has a wavelength outside a range around the emission wavelength, is opaque. In this embodiment, particularly when using a light source that emits "white" light, it is prevented that light that does not have the emission wavelength can be prevented from falling on the sensor device. Preferably, the second optical filter can be designed in particular as a bandpass filter, with the first cutoff wavelength being below the emission wavelength and the second cutoff wavelength being above the emission wavelength.

A bandpass filter in the sense of the present invention is designed to block light with a wavelength below a first cutoff wavelength, while light with a wavelength above the first cutoff wavelength and below a second cutoff wavelength can pass through the filter almost unattenuated. Light with a wavelength above the second cutoff wavelength is again blocked. This means that the transmission coefficient, which indicates the ratio of the intensity of light after passing through the filter relative to the intensity before passing through the filter, is almost equal to zero for wavelengths below the first cutoff wavelength, while it is above the first cutoff wavelength and below the second cutoff wavelength is almost equal to one. Above the second cutoff wavelength, the transmission coefficient is zero. Here too, the cutoff wavelengths are the wavelengths at which the transmission coefficient in the area of the transition between the pass band and the blocking regions takes on a value of 0.5.

In a further embodiment of a system, a first optical filter is provided, which can be arranged at a first position between the light source and the positioning device and moved away from this position, the first optical filter being a low-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 450 nm and 735 nm, more preferably between 626 nm and 735 nm.

In addition, in this embodiment, a second optical filter can be provided, which can be arranged at a second position between the positioning device and the sensor device and moved away from this position and which acts as a high-pass filter with a cutoff wavelength smaller than the emission wavelength and larger than the cutoff wavelength of the low-pass filter is designed.

A high-pass filter in the sense of the present invention is designed to block light with a wavelength below a cutoff wavelength, while light with a wavelength above the cutoff wavelength can pass through the filter almost unattenuated. This means that the transmission coefficient, which indicates the ratio of the intensity of light after passing through the filter relative to the intensity before passing through the filter, is almost equal to one for wavelengths above the cut-off wavelength, while it is zero below the cut-off wavelength. Here too, the cutoff wavelength is the wavelength at which the transmission coefficient takes on a value of 0.5 in the area of the transition between the pass band and the blocking band.

This embodiment ensures that radiation necessary to stimulate the emission of light with the emission wavelength reaches the safety sign, but then only light with the emission wavelength reaches the sensor device.

A further preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention has a third optical filter which can be arranged at a first position between the light source and the positioning device and moved away from this position and which is transparent to light from the second wavelength range and transparent to light from the first and/or or third wavelength range is opaque. In this way, particularly when using a light source that emits "white" light, it is ensured that only light from the second wavelength range, i.e. preferably infrared light, reaches the security sign, so that only this light can then reach the sensor device.

Furthermore, it is preferred if a fourth optical filter is provided in a system according to the invention, which can be arranged at a second position between the positioning device and the sensor device and moved away from this position and which is transparent to light from the second wavelength range and transparent to light from the first and / or third wavelength range is opaque. This also ensures that only light from the second wave range can reach the sensor device.

In a further preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention, the third and/or the fourth optical filter can be designed as a high-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 700 nm and 1000 nm.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, a fifth optical filter can be provided, which can be arranged at a first position between the light source and the positioning device and moved away from this position and which is transparent to light from the third wavelength range and transparent to light from the second Wavelength range is opaque. This ensures, particularly when using a light source that emits "white" light, that only light of the third wavelength range reaches the security sign from the light source and then also to the sensor device.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention, a sixth optical filter can be provided, which is arranged at a second position between the positioning device and the sensor device and from this position can be moved away and which is transparent to light from the third wavelength range and opaque to light from the second wavelength range. This also ensures that only light from the wavelength range reaches the sensor device.

In a further preferred manner, the fifth and/or the sixth optical filter can be designed as a low-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 700 nm and 1000 nm.

Examples of embodiments

Fig. 1

ein erstes bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Sicherheitszeichens mit einem ersten Farbelement bei Bestrahlen mit sichtbarem Licht,

Fig. 2

das erste bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiel bei Bestrahlen mit Licht der Wellenlänge 450 nm,

Fig. 3

das erste bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiel bei Bestrahlen mit Licht der Wellenlänge 900 nm,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung der optischen Eigenschaften des Sicherheitszeichens aus den Fig. 1 bis 3,

Fig. 5a und 5b

ein zweites und drittes bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Sicherheitszeichens mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Farbelement unter Licht der Wellenlänge 900 nm,

Fig. 6

schematische Schnitte durch weitere Ausführungsbeispiele des Sicherheitszeichens und

Fig. 7

schematisch ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Erfassen eines Sicherheitszeichens.

Further refinements and advantages of the invention result from the preferred exemplary embodiments described below. Show it

Fig. 1

a first preferred embodiment of a security sign with a first color element when irradiated with visible light,

Fig. 2

the first preferred embodiment when irradiated with light with a wavelength of 450 nm,

Fig. 3

the first preferred embodiment when irradiated with light with a wavelength of 900 nm,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the optical properties of the safety symbol from the Fig. 1 to 3 ,

5a and 5b

a second and third preferred embodiment of a security sign with a first and a second color element under light with a wavelength of 900 nm,

Fig. 6

schematic sections through further exemplary embodiments of the security symbol and

Fig. 7

schematically a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention for detecting a security symbol.

Fig. 1 shows an image of a first exemplary embodiment of a security symbol 1 with several first color elements 3, which, for example, form an alphanumeric character string "lor". The first color elements 3 are applied to a carrier (not shown), such as a packaging or a container, for example by printing, and are designed so that the first color elements 3 in the in Fig. 1 shown irradiation with light from a so-called third wavelength range, here visible light, which has wavelengths between 470 nm and 700 nm, appears black or dark compared to the gray background to the human eye and also to a CMOS camera. This is the case because the first color elements 3 absorb the light from the third wavelength range incident on them. The two dark triangles 5 form positioning marks and are designed here to absorb light between 300 nm and 1200 nm. The other color elements 7 of the security symbol 1, for example "PP2", "P2", appear black or dark when illuminated with light with wavelengths from the third wavelength range and also serve to distinguish them.

Fig. 2 shows an image of the safety symbol 1 of the Fig. 1 when irradiated with light of the first wavelength 450 nm from the so-called first wave range, which here extends between 280 nm and 700 nm. The first wavelength can also be 626 nm, for example. The first color elements 3 fluoresce during this irradiation by emitting light with an emission wavelength, 735 nm in the exemplary embodiment described here, and appear bright or white. The other color elements 7 ("PP2", "P2") and the triangles 5 appear black or dark because they absorb the light from the first wavelength range or the first wavelength.

Fig. 3 shows a picture of the safety symbol 1 from the Fig. 1 and 2 under light from the so-called second wavelength range, here the infrared range, with a wavelength of 900 nm. The first color elements cannot be recognized because their color does not differ from the gray background, which is caused by light from the second wavelength range backscattered on the carrier. Rather, they are transparent to the light from the second wavelength range, and in the exemplary embodiment described here, the transmittance for the light from the second wavelength range at 900 nm is at least 90%, that is, the intensity of the light with the wavelength of 900 nm after passing through the first color elements 3 still have 90% of the intensity of the incident light. However, it should be noted that it is also possible for the transmittance in the first color elements 3 for the light from the second wavelength range to be less than 90%, so that when irradiated with light from the second wavelength range, the first color elements 3 absorb part of it. In this case, the first color elements 3 would stand out from the background in an image that was recorded when irradiated with light from the second wavelength range. The triangles continue to appear black or dark to the eye and the camera. The other color elements 7 "PP2", "P2" are predominantly transparent to light of this wavelength and are hardly recognizable compared to the background.

The optical properties of the first exemplary embodiment of a security symbol 1 and in particular those of the first color elements 3 are in Fig. 4 shown again schematically as a function of the wavelength of the light incident on the security symbol 1 and emitted from it.

Out of Fig. 4 The following can first be seen: If the first exemplary embodiment of a security sign 1 is irradiated with light from the first wavelength range W1, which contains the first wavelength A1, here visible light, the first wavelength A1 being at 450 nm, the first color elements 3 emit as a result of the irradiation with light of the first wavelength A1, light with the emission wavelength A2, the emission wavelength A2 being 735 nm in the first exemplary embodiment. When irradiated with the first wavelength A1, the first color elements 3 therefore show fluorescence with the emission wavelength A2, as indicated by the arrow F in Fig. 4 is indicated. In Fig. 4 It is also indicated that when the first color elements 3 are irradiated with light from the first wavelength range, which contains a further first wavelength A1 of 626 nm, the first color element 3 also then shows fluorescence at 735 nm. This is illustrated by the arrow F.

Furthermore, in Fig. 4 It can be seen that the light reflected back from the security symbol 1 and in particular the first color elements 3 can be detected by means of a sensor device, the sensitivity of which is shown as a function of the wavelength by the curve labeled SE, whereby it can be seen that the sensor device is from the visible to in is sensitive to the infrared range. In particular, the sensor device is sensitive over a larger area than is the case with the human eye, whose sensitivity has the curve marked v(λ).

Furthermore, is Fig. 4 It can be seen that if the first security symbol 1 is filled with light from a second wavelength range W2, which in the preferred exemplary embodiment described here includes the infrared light range, in particular light with a wavelength between 700 nm and 1100 nm, this light contains the first color elements 3 almost without Loss of intensity happens and is backscattered by the carrier arranged under the first color elements 3. This process is shown as an example for infrared light B with a wavelength of 900 nm. Since the light from the second wavelength range W2, infrared light in the present exemplary embodiment, is also backscattered by the carrier from the areas of the security symbol 1 that are free of the first color elements 3, whereby there is also no significant loss of intensity, the first color elements 3 when irradiated with light from the second Wavelength range W2 cannot be recognized in an image recorded by a sensor device and does not stand out from its surroundings. This is already in Fig. 3 been shown.

Finally it's in Fig. 4 It can also be seen that when the first color elements 3 of the security symbol 1 are irradiated with light from a third wavelength range W3, in the preferred embodiment described here like the first wavelength range W1, visible light with a wavelength between 380 nm and 700 nm, the first Color elements 3 absorb the light of the third wavelength range and this is not scattered in the direction of a sensor device. This case will be in Fig. 4 represented by the wavelength labeled "C" and corresponds to the image shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

With regard to the irradiation of the security symbol 1 with light from the second wavelength range W2, it should be noted that if a second color element is arranged under the first color elements 3 and on the carrier, light B from the second wavelength range W2, which without loss of intensity first color elements 3 happens, is reflected back at the second color element arranged underneath them if the second color element is made of color reflecting infrared light. Such a case will be discussed below with reference to Fig. 5a be explained.

Thus, this allows with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 described first exemplary embodiment of a security symbol 1 the following tests for authenticity:

When irradiated with light from the first wavelength range W1 with the first wavelength A1, here visible light with a first wavelength A1 of 450 nm, a sensor device is used, which may only be sensitive to light with the emission wavelength A2 through the use of a filter, here 735 nm, it is checked whether the first color element 3 actually shows fluorescence and emits light of the emission wavelength A2 when it is irradiated with light from the first wavelength range W1.

In the case that the light source used for irradiation with light from the first wavelength range W1 is designed in such a way that the first wavelength range W1 emitted by it is as in Fig. 4 shown extends far beyond the first wavelength A1, it makes sense that an optical filter in the form of a high-pass filter is arranged between the security symbol and the sensor device, which blocks light with a wavelength below a cut-off wavelength and lets through light with a wavelength above the cut-off wavelength. The transmission of such a filter has the in Fig. 4 with OF designated course, whereby its cutoff wavelength, as in Fig. 4 shown, then chosen like this that this is greater than the upper limit of the first wavelength range W1 and smaller than the emission wavelength A2. It is then realized that the optical filter is transparent to light with the emission wavelength A2 and is opaque to light from the first wavelength range W ₁ , which has a wavelength outside a range around the emission wavelength A2. This means that only light that has the emission wavelength A2 reaches the sensor device, and the sensor device cannot be disturbed by scattered light that has a wavelength from the first wavelength range W1.

If the security symbol 1 is irradiated with light from the second wavelength range W2, it passes through the first color elements 3 without significantly losing intensity and is scattered on the carrier towards the sensor device, while light from the second wavelength range W2 does not hits the first color elements 3, is also scattered to the sensor device. It can therefore be checked whether, if so, to what extent, the first color elements 3 stand out from the surroundings when irradiated with light from the second wavelength range W2.

Finally, when the security sign 1 is irradiated with light from the third wavelength range W3, in which the first color element 3 absorbs the incident light, the shape of the first color element 3 can be checked by analyzing an image based on light from the third wavelength range has been detected by the sensor device.

5a and 5b show images under light from the so-called second wavelength range, here infrared light with a wavelength of 900 nm, of a second and third exemplary embodiment of a security sign 1, which have a two-layer structure. In addition to the aforementioned first color elements 3 in the form of "lor", which cannot be recognized due to their permeability to light of the second wavelength range, these security symbols 1 also have second color elements 9. The second color elements 9 are arranged below the "o" of the first color element 3, which is transparent to light of the second wavelength range. This means that the second color element 9 is arranged closer to the surface of the carrier, for example the container or the packaging, than the first color element 3. In the examples shown here, each of the second color elements 9 includes the character "X".

The 5a and 5b show how the second and third exemplary embodiments of a security sign 1 when irradiated with light from the second wavelength range, i.e. in the exemplary embodiment described here, infrared light with a wavelength of 900 nm, is captured. As in the first exemplary embodiment, the first color elements 3 "lor" are transparent to the light of this wavelength and do not differ from the gray background formed by the carrier. As in the first exemplary embodiment, the further color elements 7 "PP2", "P2" hardly stand out from the background formed by the carrier when irradiated with light from the second wavelength range. In the second exemplary embodiment ( Fig. 5a ) the second color elements 9 reflect the incident light passing through the first color element 3 and are clearly visible. In the third embodiment ( Fig. 5b ), the second color elements 9 absorb the light passing through the first color element 3 and thus appear dark.

Fig. 6 shows cross sections through several further exemplary embodiments of a security sign according to the invention. To make the individual layers of the multi-layer security symbols shown here easier to see, the layers are shown spaced apart from one another, although in reality they are attached directly to one another. The carrier 13, ie for example a container or packaging on which the security symbols can be applied, is only shown in part. The container can also have a rounded cross section.

The security symbol of a fifth embodiment ( Fig. 6a ) has a carrier element 11 or carrier film, which can be connected to a carrier 13 in the form of a container. The first color element 3 is applied to the carrier element 11 and has the same properties as the first color element 3 of the first exemplary embodiment, ie when irradiated with light from the first wavelength range it emits light with the emission wavelength and when irradiated with light it emits light with the first wavelength It is transparent to the second wavelength range, so that in this case the carrier element 11 determines how the first color element 3 appears when irradiated with light of the second wavelength range, here infrared light. Finally, the first color element 3 absorbs when irradiated with light from the third wavelength range (see Fig. 1 ).

The security symbol 1 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment Fig. 6b has only a first color element 3 and does not require a carrier element. The security symbol 1 including the first color element 3 is applied directly to the outer surface of the carrier 13 or container, for example printed or sprayed through a mask. Here too, the first color element 3 is designed in the way that has already been described in connection with the fifth exemplary embodiment. The structure of the sixth exemplary embodiment therefore essentially corresponds to that of first embodiment, which is related to the Fig. 1 to 3 has been described.

In the security symbol 1 of a seventh exemplary embodiment ( Fig. 6c ), a first color element 3 is arranged above a second color element 9, so that the latter is arranged closer to the carrier 13 or container. If the security symbol 1 is applied to the outer surface of the container 2, then the second color element 9 is thus arranged between the outer surface of the carrier 13 or container and the first color element 3.

In the seventh embodiment according to Fig. 6c the first color element 3 is designed in the same way as has already been described in connection with the fifth exemplary embodiment. The second color element 9 is further designed so that it absorbs light from the second wavelength range, ie infrared light in the exemplary embodiment described here. This means that the second color element 9 appears dark in an image of the seventh embodiment that is recorded when irradiated with infrared light. The structure of the seventh exemplary embodiment therefore essentially corresponds to that of the fourth exemplary embodiment Fig. 5b .

The security symbol 1 of the eighth embodiment ( Fig. 6d ) is a combination of the fifth and seventh exemplary embodiments, in that the security symbol 1 according to the eighth exemplary embodiment has a first color element 3, a second color element 9 covered by it and a carrier element 11, the carrier element 11 being attached to the carrier 13 or the container. The first and second color elements 3, 9 are constructed in the way that has already been described in connection with the fifth and seventh exemplary embodiments.

The security symbol 1 of the ninth embodiment ( Fig. 6e ) has two first color elements 3 and a second color element 9. One of the first color elements 3 covers the second color element 9, so that it is arranged between the first color element 3 and the carrier 13 in the form of the container 13. This ninth exemplary embodiment of a security symbol 1 can be applied directly to the outer surface of the carrier 13 or the container in two operations, in particular printed or sprayed. Here too, the first and second color elements 3, 9 are constructed in the way that has already been described in connection with the fifth and seventh exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 7 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of a system for detecting a security symbol 1, which is attached to a carrier 13, for example in the form of a container.

In the exemplary embodiment described here, the system has a housing 17, shown schematically, which prevents large amounts of scattered light from the environment from reaching the area of the system and influencing the detection of a security sign.

A positioning device 19 is provided within the housing 17, with which a carrier 13, for example a container or packaging, can be positioned in such a way that a security sign 1 attached to the carrier 13 is arranged within the system in such a way that it is illuminated with light Light source 21 of the system 15 is irradiated and the light emanating from the security symbol 1 during the irradiation can be detected by a sensor device 23 of the system 15. The positioning device 19 can be designed as a combination of conveyor belts and rollers, which make it possible to convey a carrier 13 in a longitudinal direction and thereby rotate it. However, it is also possible for the positioning device 19 to be designed as a turntable with which the carrier 13 can be aligned. The present invention is also not limited to the two aforementioned examples of positioning devices, but other devices can also be used that make it possible to align a carrier 13 with the light source 21 and the sensor device 23.

In the exemplary embodiment described here, the light source 21 can have a first light source element, preferably one or more LEDs, which can emit light in the first wavelength range. In the exemplary embodiment described here, the first wavelength range includes light with wavelengths between 280 nm and 700 nm and in particular the first light source element, if it has LEDs, can essentially only emit light with a first wavelength of 450 nm. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment described here, the first light source element can emit light in the third wavelength range, namely in the range between 380 nm and 700 nm in the preferred exemplary embodiment described here, wherein the first light source element, in particular if it has LEDs, essentially only emits light a wavelength that deviates from the first wavelength of 450 nm.

Furthermore, the light source 21 can have a second light source element, also preferably one or more LEDs, which can emit light in the second wavelength range, namely in the infrared range between 700 nm and 1100 nm.

However, the light source 21 can also be designed so that it emits “white” light that includes the first, second and third wavelength ranges.

It is also possible for the light source elements of the light source 21 to be designed in such a way that a first temporal pulse pattern is imposed on the light from the first wavelength range, a second pulse pattern on the light from the second wavelength range and a third temporal pulse pattern on the light from the third wavelength range, where the pulse patterns are different from each other.

The sensor device 23 of the exemplary embodiment of the system can receive light and in particular electromagnetic waves emanating from the security symbol 1 and can provide a signal proportional to the intensity received. It may include a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, a silicon-based sensor, a germanium-based sensor, or a combination of these sensors. The sensor device 23 is finally connected to an evaluation device 25.

Finally, the light source 21, the positioning device 19 and the sensor device 23 are arranged in such a way that an angle of incidence on the security sign 1 of 45° is avoided. Furthermore, an angle of 90° between the light beam from the light source 21 and the light beam towards the sensor device 23 is also avoided in this preferred embodiment.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, a position P1 and a second position P2 are provided for optical filters, the first position P1 being arranged between the light source 21 and the positioning device 19 in such a way that light from the light source 21 onto the security symbol 1 a carrier 13 picked up by the positioning device 19 falls, passes through the first position P1 and a filter arranged there. Analogously, the second position P2 is arranged so that light emanating from a security sign 1, which is attached to a carrier 13 arranged in the positioning device 19, when the security sign 1 is irradiated by means of the light source 21, passes through a filter in the second Position P2 passed.

The exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention can have a first optical filter 27, which can be arranged at the first position P1 between the light source 21 and the positioning device 23 and can be moved away from this position, i.e. H. it can be moved between the first position P1 and a position in which light from the light source 21 does not pass through the first filter when it comes to the positioning device 19. Furthermore, the first optical filter 27 is for light of the first wavelength, i.e. H. here 450 nm, transparent and for light of the emission wavelength, i.e. H. here 735 nm, opaque. In particular, the first optical filter 27 can be designed as a low-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 450 nm and 735 nm, more preferably between 626 nm and 735 nm.

Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention can have a second optical filter 29, particularly when using a light source 21 that emits "white" light, which can be arranged at the second position P2 between the positioning device 19 and the sensor device 23 and can be moved away from this position . This means that the second filter 29 can be moved between the second position P2 and a position in which light from the positioning device 19 does not pass through the second filter when it reaches the sensor device 23. The second optical filter 29 is for light with the emission wavelength, i.e. H. here 735 nm, transparent and opaque for light from the first wavelength range, which has a wavelength outside a range around the emission wavelength. In particular, the second optical filter 29 can be designed as a bandpass filter with a center wavelength that corresponds to the emission wavelength.

It is also possible for the first optical filter 27 to be designed as a low-pass filter, preferably with a cut-off wavelength between 450 nm and 735 nm, more preferably between 626 nm and 735 nm, and the second optical filter 29 to be designed as a high-pass filter with a cut-off wavelength smaller than that Emission wavelength, i.e. H. preferably smaller than 735 nm and larger than the cutoff wavelength of the low-pass filter.

Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention can be provided with a third optical filter 31, particularly when using a light source 21 that emits "white" light, which, like the first optical filter 27, is arranged at the first position P1 and moved away from this position can be and which is transparent to light from the second wavelength range and opaque to light from the first and / or third wavelength range. In the exemplary embodiment described here the third optical filter 31 is transparent to infrared light with a wavelength in the range of 700 nm and 1100 nm, while visible light with a smaller wavelength cannot pass through the third optical filter.

Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, in particular when using a light source 21 that emits "white" light, can be provided with a fourth optical filter 33, which, like the second optical filter 29, is arranged at a second position P2 and moved away from this position can be and which is transparent to light from the second wavelength range, i.e. infrared light in the exemplary embodiment described here, and opaque to light from the first and / or third wavelength range, visible light in the exemplary embodiment described here. In particular, the third and/or the fourth optical filter 31, 33 can be designed as a high-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 700 nm and 1000 nm.

Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, in particular when using a light source 21 that emits "white" light, can be provided with a fifth optical filter 35, which, like the first optical filter 27, is arranged at the first position P1 and moved away from this position can be and which is transparent to light from the third wavelength range, visible light in the present exemplary embodiment, and opaque to light from the second wavelength range, infrared light in the present exemplary embodiment.

Finally, the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention can be provided with a sixth optical filter 37, which, like the second optical filter 29, can be arranged at the second position P2 and moved away from this position and which is suitable for light from the third wavelength range, i.e. in the present one Embodiment visible light, transparent and opaque to light from the second wavelength range. In particular, the fifth and/or the sixth optical filter 35, 37 can be designed as a low-pass filter, preferably with a cutoff wavelength between 700 nm and 1000 nm.

To detect a security symbol 1 on a carrier 13, the previously described system 15 can be operated as follows in a preferred exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention:

First, the carrier 13, ie a container or packaging, is fed to the positioning device 19, for example by placing it on a conveyor belt, and is arranged with the positioning device 19 in such a way that the carrier 13 attached Security sign 1 is aligned so that light emanating from the light source 21 hits the security sign 1 and the incident light is scattered towards the sensor device 23.

In a first step S1, the security symbol 1 is irradiated with light in the first wavelength range, which contains light of the first wavelength. In the present exemplary embodiment, this is visible light, and the first wavelength is 450 nm. To achieve this, in the exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, the first optical filter 27 can be moved to the first position P1, so that the light from the Light source 21 must pass through the first optical filter 27, which allows light of the first wavelength to pass through, but is opaque to light of the emission wavelength, here 735 nm.

Parallel to step S1 or before or after it, in a step S2 the security symbol 1 is irradiated with light from a second wavelength range and with light from a third wavelength range. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second wavelength range is in the infrared light range and the first wavelength range is in the visible range.

If steps S1 and S2 do not take place in parallel, i.e. the light source 21 does not emit broadband light that extends from the visible range to the infrared range, the third filter 31 can first be moved to the first position P1 and the fourth filter 33 during step S2 can be moved to the second position P2. Thus, only light from the second wavelength range, infrared light in the present exemplary embodiment, falls on the security symbol 1, and only light coming from there in the second wavelength range, also infrared light in the present exemplary embodiment, reaches the sensor device 23.

Then, during step S2, the fifth filter 35 can first be moved to the first position P1 and the sixth filter 37 to the second position P2. Thus, only light from the third wavelength range, visible light in the present exemplary embodiment, falls on the security symbol 1, and only light in the third wavelength range coming from there, also visible in the present exemplary embodiment, reaches the sensor device 23.

During steps S1 and S2, the light emitted by the security symbol 1 during irradiation is detected with the sensor device in a step S3.

During step S1, i.e. H. During the irradiation with light from the first wavelength range, which contains the first wavelength, 450 nm in the exemplary embodiment, the intensity of the light emanating from the security symbol 1 is detected within a fourth wavelength range by the sensor device 23, which contains the emission wavelength, 735 nm in the exemplary embodiment , contains. Based on this intensity and possibly based on the position in the image captured by the sensor device 23 at which this intensity occurs, the evaluation device 25 can determine as a first authenticity criterion whether the security symbol 1, which is located on the carrier 13 in the positioning device 19, is genuine is.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment described here, during step S2, when the security symbol is irradiated with light from the second wavelength range, in the present exemplary embodiment infrared light, the shape of the security symbol is determined with the sensor device 23, based on the light from the second wavelength range becomes. Since the first color element 3 is transparent to light from the second wavelength range, the shape determined in this way can possibly determine the shape of the second color element 9 (see 5a and 5b ) represented under the first color element 3, a further authenticity criterion is checked by the evaluation device 25.

Finally, in the exemplary embodiment described here, during step S2, when the security symbol is irradiated with light from the third wavelength range, visible light in the present exemplary embodiment, the shape of the security symbol 1 is also determined with the sensor device 23, with the light from the third wavelength range being used for this purpose Wavelength range is taken as a basis.

Since the first color element 3 absorbs light from the third wavelength range, it appears dark when irradiated with light from the third wavelength range. From the shape of the first color element 3 determined in this way, a third authenticity criterion can be checked by the evaluation device 25, or the shape of the first color element 3 when irradiated in the second and third wavelength ranges can be compared with one another as a further authenticity criterion.

If the light source 21, as described above, is designed to provide the emitted light with different temporal pulse patterns depending on whether light from the first, second or third wavelength range is emitted, the sensor device can also determine based on these pulse patterns which wavelength range emanating from the security symbol 1 and from the The light detected by the sensor device must be located. This makes it possible to dispense with some of the filters 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37. In the same way, the filters can be dispensed with if the light source 21 is designed in such a way, for example through the use of LEDs, that it only emits light with defined wavelengths from the wavelength ranges. For example, if only light with the first wavelength is emitted and the first wavelength range then contains only one wavelength, it is only necessary to prevent light of the first wavelength from reaching the sensor device 23. For this purpose, only one filter at the second position P2 is then required during step S1.

Overall, the use of the security symbol 1 according to the invention with a first color element 3, which, when irradiated with a first wavelength, emits light with an emission wavelength that is different from the first wavelength, allows a further authenticity criterion to be checked.

Reference symbols

1

Safety sign

3

first color element

5

Triangle, positioning mark

7

another color element

9

second color element

11

Support element

13

carrier

15

system

17

Housing

19

Positioning device

21

light source

23

Sensor device

25

Evaluation device

P1

first position for one of the optical filters

P2

second position for one of the optical filters

27

first optical filter

29

second optical filter

31

third optical filter

33

fourth optical filter

35

fifth optical filter

37

sixth optical filter

W1

first wavelength range

W2

second wavelength range

W3

third wavelength range

A1

first wavelength

A2

Emission wavelength

b

Infrared light

C

visible light

SE

Sensitivity - sensor device

OF

Transmission coefficient - optical filter

F,F'

fluorescence

v(λ)

Sensitivity - human eye

Claims (21)

1. A safety mark (1) for application on a carrier (13), in particular on a container or packaging,

   wherein the safety mark (1) has a planar first color element (3),

   wherein the first color element (3) is designed to,

   when irradiated with light of a first wavelength range (W1), which contains light of a first wavelength (A1), emit light with an emission wavelength (A2) different from the first wavelength (A1),

   when irradiated with light of a second wavelength range (W2), which differs from the first wavelength range (W1), be transmissive to the light from the second wavelength range (W2), preferably to have a transmittance of at least 90%, and

   when irradiated with light from a third wavelength range (W3), which differs from the second wavelength range (W2), absorb and/or reflect the light from the third wavelength range (W3).
2. The safety mark (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first wavelength range (W1) is between 280 nm and 700 nm.
3. The safety mark (1) according to one or more of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second wavelength range (W2) is in the infrared light range, in particular between 700 nm and 1100 nm.
4. The safety mark (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third wavelength range (W3) is in the range visible to the human eye, in particular between 380 nm and 700 nm.
5. The safety mark (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, having a second color element (9),

   which is designed to, when the safety mark (1) is irradiated with light from the second wavelength range (W2), absorb and/or reflect this light,

   wherein the second color element (9) is designed to be arranged between the first color element (3) and the substrate.
6. A method for detecting a safety mark (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5,

   wherein the safety mark (1) has a planar first color element (3), which is designed to, when irradiated with light of a first wavelength (A1), emit light with an emission wavelength (A2) different therefrom,

   wherein the method comprises the following steps:

   S1 Irradiating the safety mark (1) with light in a first wavelength range (W1), which contains light of the first wavelength (A1),

   S2 Irradiating the safety mark (1) with light from a second wavelength range (W2) and with light from a third wavelength range (W3), in particular during step S 1,

   wherein the first and third wavelength ranges (W3) are different from the second wavelength range (W2),

   S3 Detecting light originating from the safety mark (1) with a sensor device (23) during steps S 1 and S2,

   wherein, during step S1, the intensity of the light originating from the safety mark (1) is detected within a fourth wavelength range, which contains the emission wavelength (A2).
7. The method according to claim 6 further comprising the following step:
   S4 Detecting the shape of the safety mark (1) on the basis of the light received during step S3 with the sensor device (23), which is signal-connected to an evaluation device (25).
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the light from the second wavelength range (W2) and/or the light from the third wavelength range (W3) are detected separately in step S4 in order to detect the shape of the safety mark (23).
9. The method according to one or more of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fourth wavelength range is different from the first wavelength range (W1).
10. The method according to one or more of claims 6 to 9, wherein the fourth wavelength range is different from the second and third wavelength ranges (W2, W3).
11. The method according to one or more of claims 6 to 10, wherein the first wavelength range (W1) is between 280 nm and 700 nm.
12. The method according to one or more of claims 6 to 11, wherein the second wavelength range (W2) is in the infrared light range, in particular between 700 nm and 1100 nm.
13. The method according to one or more of claims 6 to 12, wherein the third wavelength range (W3) is in the visible range, in particular between 380 nm and 700 nm.
14. The method according to one or more of claims 6 to 13, wherein a first temporal pulse pattern is impressed on the light from the first wavelength range during irradiation and/or

    a second temporal pulse pattern is impressed on the light from the second wavelength range (W2) during irradiation and/or

    a third temporal pulse pattern is impressed on the light from the third wavelength range (W3) during irradiation, wherein the second and third pulse patterns are different from one another and from the first temporal pulse pattern.
15. A system for detecting a safety mark (1) on a carrier, preferably on a container or packaging, wherein the system is designed to conduct the method according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the system has:

    a positioning device (19) for receiving the carrier (13), preferably the container or packaging,

    a light source (21),

    wherein the light source (21) is designed to emit light onto the safety mark (1) in a first wavelength range (W1), wherein the first wavelength range (W1) comprises a first wavelength (A1),preferably wherein the first wavelength is 450 nm and/or 626 nm, and

    wherein the light source (21) is designed to emit light onto the safety mark (1) in a second wavelength range (W2) and in a third wavelength range (W3), wherein the first and third wavelength ranges (W1, W3) are different from the second wavelength range (W2),

    a sensor device (23) which is designed to receive light originating from a safety mark, which is attached to a carrier (13), preferably a container or packaging, arranged in the positioning device, in a fourth wavelength range, which contains an emission wavelength (A2) which is different from the first wavelength (A1),preferably wherein the emission wavelength (A2) is 735 nm,
    and

    an evaluation device (6) which is designed to output a signal which is dependent on the intensity of the light falling on the sensor device (23) in the fourth wavelength range.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the light source (21) has a first light source element, preferably one or more LEDs, capable of emitting light in the first wavelength range (W1) and/or third wavelength range (W3),
    wherein the light source (21) has a second light source element, preferably one or more LEDs, capable of emitting light in the second wavelength range (W2).
17. The system according to claim 15 or 16, having a first optical filter (27) which can be arranged at a first position (P1) between the light source (21) and the positioning device (19) and moved away from this position, wherein the first optical filter (27) is transmissive to light of the first wavelength (A1) and not transmissive to light of the emission wavelength (A2).
18. The system according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, having a second optical filter (29) which can be arranged at a second position (P2) between the positioning device (19) and the sensor device (23) and moved away from this position, wherein the second optical filter (29) is transmissive to light having the emission wavelength (A2) and not transmissive to light from the first wavelength range (W1) having a wavelength outside a range around the emission wavelength (A2).
19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the first optical filter (27) is designed as a low-pass filter, preferably with a cut-off wavelength between 450 nm and 735 nm, more preferably between 626 nm and 735 nm, and
    having a second optical filter (29) which can be arranged at a second position (P2) between the positioning device (19) and the sensor device (23) and moved away from this position and which is designed as a high-pass filter with a cut-off wavelength smaller than the emission wavelength (A2) and larger than the cut-off wavelength of the low-pass filter.
20. The system according to one or more of claims 15 to 19, having a third optical filter (31) which can be arranged at a first position (P1) between the light source (21) and the positioning device (19) and moved away from this position and which is transmissive to light from the second wavelength range (W2) and not transmissive to light from the first and/or third wavelength range (W3), and/or
    having a fourth optical filter (33) which can be arranged at a second position (P2) between the positioning device (19) and the sensor device (23) and moved away from this position and which is transmissive to light from the second wavelength range (W2) and not transmissive to light from the first and/or third wavelength range (W1, W3).
21. The system according to one or more of claims 15 to 20, having a fifth optical filter (35) which can be arranged at a first position (P1) between the light source (1) and the positioning device (19) and moved away from this position and which is transmissive to light from the third wavelength range (W3) and not transmissive to light from the second wavelength range (W2),
    and/or having a sixth optical filter (37) which can be arranged at a second position (P2) between the positioning device (19) and the sensor device (23) and moved away from this position and which is transmissive to light from the third wavelength range (W3) and not transmissive to light from the second wavelength range (W2).

Images