Method and device for identifying and authenticating objects

1. A process for identifying and/or authenticating an object comprising the steps of

providing an identifier with the object, having a code region containing at least one optical code and a scattering region containing a plurality of scattering centers,

positioning the object and the scanning unit manually in relation to each other,

irradiating at least part of the identifier with coherent electromagnetic radiation,

capturing the reflected radiation by at least one detector,

converting into an electronic signal from which an identifiable signature is determined, and

filtering the signal for producing two signals, one of which predominantly contains information on the optical code and the other of which predominantly contains information on the scattering pattern of the scattering surface of the object, the first signal being used for identifying the object and the second signal being used for authenticating the object.

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the electromagnetic radiation is coherent.

3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein part of the scattering region overlaps part of the code region.

4. The process according claim 1 , wherein the code region is located inside the scattering region or the scattering region is located inside the code region.

5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the identifier is dot scanned or line scanned by a source of electromagnetic radiation.

6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the identifier is illuminated over its entire surface by a source of electromagnetic radiation.

7. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of

positing manually the object and the scanning unit in relation to each other,

irradiating the at least one optical code or part of the at least one optical code with electromagnetic radiation and

capturing the radiation reflected by the optical code or part of the optical code by at least one detector and converted into an electronic signal,

utilizing the electronic signal for triggering an actuator which accurately repositions the object and the scanning unit in relation to each other,

irradiating with coherent electromagnetic radiation one region of the object which scatters electromagnetic radiation and whose position is clearly predetermined in relation to the position of the optical code,

capturing the radiation reflected by the scattering region by at least one detector and converting the radiation captured into an electronic signal from which an identifiable signature is determined.

8. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of

utilizing a full-area detector as the at least one detector on which an image of the optical code is formed and

utilizing only bright pixels of the optical code on the full-area detector for determining a signature.

9. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of

utilizing the information obtained from the optical code to select one or several signatures in order to compare them with a current signature.

10. A device for identifying and/or authenticating an object, comprising

at least one coherent source for emitting electromagnetic radiation onto the object,

at least one detector for capturing the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the object and for converting the radiation into an electronic signal and

a signal filter for filtering the electronic signal such that two signals result, one is used for identifying the object and the other of which is used for authenticating the object.

11. A device according to claim 10 , wherein the signal which is used for identifying the object is employed for triggering an actuator which positions the object and at least one source of electromagnetic radiation in relation to each other.