SoI-Phase K: Authentication methods for security prints

The Sound-of-Intaglio (Sol) concept is a framework for the recognition of Intaglio structures and other printing procedures based on image processing algorithms and filed for patent and which, similar to a “record”, detects intrinsic information to distinguish genuine banknotes from new and worn-out counterfeit banknotes. The unique character of the process is attributable to the fact that no specific security features are applied but exclusively special printing procedures. Therefore, an adaption of the banknotes to the procedure is not required. Different resource-efficient implementations allow the use of hardware-oriented (FPGA) applications as well as of software-oriented. In particular, the project partners demonstrated in 2012 that also customary smartphones may be used as platform (cf. links). These were worldwide presented to almost all nations on the occasion of an international banknote security conference and the Banknote Horizons 2012. The project was already presented to the European Central Bank (ECB), the US Federal Reserve System (FED) and the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group (CBCDG) of the G20 states. The procedure significantly supports the authentication of banknotes and is currently evaluated in different scenarios with additional partners such as ATM suppliers.

Within the scope of a bilateral mission related research in the field of Industrial Signal Processing (ISP) new procedures for the authentification of banknotes are to be researched. However, as more and more print techniques and new security features will be established, total quality security, authenticity and bank note printing must be assured. "In a close partnership with KBA-NotaSys S.A., new pattern recognition concepts for the banknote authentification will be researched", commented Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg.

KBA-NotaSys S.A. is a global supplier of security printing systems serving the banknote industry. The core business ranges from banknote design and pre-press activity to design and supply of production machines, systems and process control tools as well as optical Banknote inspection and quality control. 

Project phases:

• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-I) - Phase A (01.07.2007-31.12.2009)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-II) - Phase B (01.01.2010-31.12.2012)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-III) - Phase C (01.01.2013-31.12.2014)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-IV) - Phase D (01.01.2015-31.12.2015)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-V) - Phase E (01.01.2016-31.12.2016)
• von 2017 bis 2019 Projektleitung und Ansprechpartner: Dr. rer. nat. Helene Dörksen
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-VI) - Phase F (01.01.2017-31.12.2017)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-VII) - Phase G (01.01.2018-31.12.2018)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-VIII) - Phase H (01.01.2019-31.12.2019)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-VIIII) - Phase I (01.01.2020-31.12.2020)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-X) - Phase J (01.01.2021-31.12.2021)
• Sound-of-Intaglio (SoI-XI) - Phase J (01.01.2022-31.12.2022)