Method for generating signature for e.g. banknote, involves scanning area of surface of article, receiving scanning signal, generating signature from received scanning signal, and storing signature in form for subsequent comparison purposes

The method involves scanning a region (7) of a surface (1) of an article using a line-shaped beam profile (6) of a radiation source e.g. LED. A scanning signal representing a part of the surface structure within the region is received. A signature is generated from the received scanning signal. The signature is linked with the article. The signature is stored in a preset form in an electronic storage medium i.e. semiconductor memory, optical storage medium i.e. compact disk, a magnetic storage medium i.e. hard disk, or radio frequency identification chip, for subsequent comparison purposes. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for identifying and/or authenticating articles (2) a sensor for scanning a surface of articles. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Erfindung ist ein Verfahren zur Identifizierung und/oder Authentifizierung von Gegenständen anhand ihrer Oberflächenbeschaffenheit. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Erfindung ist ferner ein Sensor zur Abtastung einer Oberfläche.