Device for optically identifying objects

A device for optically identifying objects, a surface of which has a relief structure having a plurality of individual markings which constitute an identification pattern, which device comprises a radiation source emitting a radiation beam which is incident concurrently upon the plurality of individual markings of the entire relief structure of the surface, and radiation-sensitive detection means disposed in the path of radiation originating from the surface, wherein the chief ray of the beam omitted by the source extends at an acute angle to the normal of the surface and the radiation, originating from the surface, which is incident concurrently on the radiation-sensitive detection means, is modulated by the shadow effect of the details of the entire relief structure of the surface, so that the entire identification pattern is incident concurrently onto the detection means.