Camera, optical identification tag detection system, and identification method

Abstract

The camera (10), system and method for identification utilizes an identification marker disposed inside the camera, on a cover glass (15) for an image sensor (14). The system includes a camera and an optical identification tag (31) disposed on the exterior of the camera (10). The optical identification tag (31) includes a security hologram configured to reflect light rays in a first predetermined light pattern (71), and the cover glass (15) includes an identification marker (1) in an optical path, the identification marker (1) configured to block light rays reaching a portion of the image sensor (14), and the identification marker (1) is configured to change the first predetermined light pattern (71) to a second predetermined light pattern (72) when the first predetermined light pattern (71) is reflected from the optical identification tag (31) to the identification marker (1).

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Digital imaging is prone to editing, filtering, or even forgery. Recipients of digital images and videos may not fully trust the content and its authenticity. They may change backgrounds for video conferences, enhance or even change participants' faces. In one example, deepfakes are synthetic videos or images that replace existing images or footage with the likeness of another person. As deepfake technology advances, it is becoming harder to distinguish real from fake content. Whatever the camera captures can be altered later.

[0002] Video conference participants are now trusted in a very simple way: as an example, in the European Patent Office's video conference opening procedure, participants are recognized by showing their ID card or passport to the camera. It is clear that such documents cannot be verified, since forged documents also have a similar appearance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is difficult to verify that a real-world object appears in a photograph. Various techniques have been introduced to mitigate this problem. Objects may have embedded RFID tags, NFC tags, or QR codes that are authenticated as part of the digital image. The camera can add metadata about the object to the image data. Digital images can also be watermarked or have a digital signature embedded in the image data to ensure authenticity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Summary of the Invention This Summary is intended to introduce in a simplified form some of the concepts that are described later in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

[0005] A camera, an optical identification detection system, and an identification method are disclosed below. The camera has an additional identification marker that marks each image or video captured by the camera. The camera is, in one example, a complete module suitable for a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer. The camera has a lens configured to focus a light beam onto an image sensor. On top of the image sensor, at a distance, is a cover glass that includes an infrared filter.

[0006] The cover glass includes a physical identification marker that blocks light from traveling to a portion of the image sensor. In one example, the identification marker casts a shadow of light traveling from the lens onto the image sensor. When the image sensor captures an image, the identification marker or a visual pattern thereof is displayed in the image.

[0007] The human eye can detect a similar entoptic phenomenon during ophthalmologic tests. This phenomenon, called the Purkinje tree, is an image of one's own eye's retinal blood vessels. If a small bright light is shone from the periphery of the subject's field of vision through the pupil, the position of the light is not normal for humans, so the abnormal light position casts a shadow of the blood vessels on unadapted parts of the retina. Normally, the human brain is adapted to cancel out the blood vessels from vision. In these rare circumstances, shadows become visible. So the human eye responds to shadows that are close to the retinal cells.

[0008] The identification marker may provide multiple optical effects to the image sensor. The identification marker may, for example, at least partially comprise a polarizing filter that filters reflections from the surface. The identification marker may include a diffraction grating that provides a diffraction effect to the image sensor. The identification marker may apply technologies such as holography, optically variable device (OVD) or diffractive optically variable image device (DOVID).

[0009] Systems for detecting optical identification tags are based on the mutual effect of an identification marker and an external optical identification tag. Examples of optical identification tags are security holograms that are attached or embedded in labels, quality products, or security products such as passports, credit cards, banknotes, etc. Holograms are very difficult to counterfeit because they are replicated from a master hologram, which requires expensive, specialized, and technologically advanced equipment.

[0010] The optical effect of the optical identification tag interacts with an identification marker placed within the camera, resulting in another image: the optical identification tag reflects a first predetermined light pattern that is further filtered or modified by the identification marker to produce a second predetermined light pattern.

[0011] The method includes marking an image captured by a camera with a pattern produced by an identification marker on an image sensor. The pattern produced by the identification marker can be used to verify the image and the physical camera used to form the image. For example, at the beginning of a video conference session, either party may verify from an image or video feed that the image contains a pattern produced by the identification marker. The pattern may be enhanced by directing external light on the camera, for example by temporarily pointing a smartphone flashlight at a laptop camera containing the identification marker. Once the camera itself is verified, the next step of verifying the contents of the video feed is facilitated. Due to the short distance between the cover glass and the image sensor, there may be slight variations in the pixels affected by the pattern. For example, moving the flashlight may be required to cause variations in the image to further verify the video stream. Image sensors typically have millions of pixels, making it possible to detect variations in small areas. Detecting these variations allows the image sensor and camera to be verified.

[0012] The method also includes modifying the first predetermined light pattern to a second predetermined light pattern by the identification marker. The mobile camera may be used to detect real-world objects and identify them in the digital realm. Image recognition may utilize both the first and second predetermined light patterns to verify the optical identification tag.

[0013] Physical image alterations applied near the image sensor by an identifying marker enable a variety of security solutions and verification methods that may be used in combination with traditional verification and / or authentication methods. As an example, facial recognition systems may be applied to further increase the reliability of authentication. Hardware used in video conferencing may be verified to increase the effectiveness of other methods. Video conferencing may become increasingly reliable as both parties can verify their identity.

[0014] The identification marker provides a visual marker for each image or video stream that can be used by camera forensics to verify the authenticity of each image and identify the device that captured the image or video. The identification marker can be used as an additional tool in camera forensics. The visual marker makes counterfeiting more difficult because it can change with different lighting conditions and lighting directions.

[0015] Many of the attendant features will be better understood and more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: The embodiments described below are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the shortcomings of the identification system or method, or image marking solutions.

[0016] The specification will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a camera. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a first image sensor assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a second image sensor assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a video stream captured by a camera having an identifying marker. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one exemplary scenario for applying identification markers to an image captured by a camera. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one exemplary scenario of an optical identification detection system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one exemplary concept of modifying optical identification by an identification marker. [Figure 8a]1 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of an identification method. [Figure 8b] 13 is a flow chart of a continuation of the identification method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to designate like parts.

[0019] The detailed description provided below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as an illustration of examples herein and is not intended to represent the only manner in which the examples herein may be constructed or utilized, however the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0020] Although the examples herein are described and illustrated as being implemented to identify a session, a person, or a product, they are provided by way of example and not limitation, and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the examples herein are suitable for use in a variety of authentication, verification, or identification applications by a variety of devices, systems, or methods.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a camera 10. The camera 10 comprises a lens 11, e.g., a movable lens group or lens module. The lens 11 can be movable within the lens module itself and / or by a frame 12 configured to suspend the lens 11 or lens group module. The frame 12 can be used for optical image stabilization. An image sensor 14 is configured to receive light from the lens 11. The optical path is defined as the trajectory that a light ray follows as it propagates through the camera 10. The camera 10 may include a transparent protective glass 13 that protects the optics and / or the entire camera 10.

[0022] A cover glass 15 of the image sensor 14 is present in the optical path between the lens 11 and the image sensor 14. The cover glass 15 covers the image sensor 14 because dust, dirt, or liquids can damage the sensitive image sensor 14. In some embodiments, the cover glass 15 includes an infrared filter that improves the perceived color captured by the image sensor 14. The distance between the image sensor 14 and the cover glass 15 can be a fraction of a millimeter or a few millimeters. The thickness of the cover glass 15 can be selected in the range of a few micrometers to a few millimeters to suit the camera system, the size of the image sensor 14, and the desired optical properties.

[0023] Examples of cameras 10 may be implemented in devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, or dedicated compact cameras or video conferencing cameras. A device may include multiple cameras 10 on one side or different sides of the device, and identification markers 1 may be implemented in one camera 10, multiple cameras 10, or all cameras 10.

[0024] The cover glass 15 includes an identification marker 1 in the optical path between the lens 11 and the image sensor 14. The identification marker 1 is configured to block the light beam from reaching a portion of the image sensor 14. In one embodiment, the identification marker is configured to deflect the light beam. The identification marker 1 is configured to affect the progression of the light beam to the image sensor 14. In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 is configured to project an image of the identification marker 1 onto the image sensor 14. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the identification marker 1 on the cover glass 15.

[0025] The identification marker 1 forms a pattern, or visual marking, in each image captured by the camera 10 with sufficient light. The visual marking is embedded in the original image data captured by the image sensor 14. The visual marking may be detectable from the raw image file data. The identification marker 1 forms a physical watermark in the form of a visual marking in the digital image or video stream. The visual marking may be selected depending on the intended use of the camera.

[0026] Visual markings in an image can be used as part of evidence in camera forensics to determine the authenticity of an image or the origin of the image. Other exemplary tools for camera forensics are to check for dead pixels or lens defects. One example of defining the authenticity of an image is to identify the camera that captured the image or video.

[0027] The identification marker 1 is embedded inside the camera 10 in one embodiment, which may be sealed and tamper-proof to indicate any attempt to tamper with the identification marker 1. In the example of FIG. 3, the identification marker 1 is located on the side of the cover glass 15 facing the image sensor 14. The cover glass 15 may be fragile, thin and difficult to remove intact. The identification marker 1 provides a security device for the camera 10, with each image being visually marked. The identification marker 1 may include a unique identifier that is stored in a database. The database may include information regarding the manufacture of the cover glass 15 and its attachment to the camera 10. The manufacturing process and / or logistics between different manufacturing locations of the identification marker 1, the cover glass 15 and the camera 10 may comply with appropriate security standards.

[0028] In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 comprises a diffraction grating. The diffraction grating includes elongated parallel elements with slots between them to allow light beams to pass through. The diffraction grating may comprise security hologram technology. In one embodiment, the diffraction grating is configured to generate a spectrum by diffraction onto the image sensor 14. In one embodiment, the diffraction grating is used to cause diffraction of light beams reaching the image sensor 14. In one embodiment, the diffraction grating produces different visual images that change depending on the lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the diffraction grating produces an interference pattern on the image sensor 14. In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 comprises a point diffraction grating, producing a sinusoidal zone plate image on the image sensor 14.

[0029] In one embodiment, security hologram technology is applied to provide the identification marker 1 on the cover glass 15. In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 comprises a sticker applied to the cover glass 15. The sticker may be partially transparent to allow light rays to pass through the sticker to the image sensor 14. In one embodiment, the sticker may comprise a grating, slots, holes, or other physical openings to allow light rays to pass through the sticker to the image sensor 14.

[0030] In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 is printed directly onto the cover glass 15 with ink. In one embodiment, the ink is opaque. In one embodiment, the ink is partially transparent. In one embodiment, the ink has optical properties, such as a refractive index, configured such that light rays passing through the ink are refracted to provide an optical effect on the image sensor 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the ink has a line width of 50 nm and a height of the ink above the cover glass 15 of 70-200 nm. The small scale of the ink can produce holographic effects, diffraction and refraction.

[0031] In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 comprises an etching of the cover glass 15. The etching may be performed with a laser. In one embodiment, the laser creates a line width of 10 μm. The etching may be used to create holographic effects, diffraction and / or refraction. In one embodiment, the etching may be provided by electron beam techniques, which may further reduce the line width.

[0032] In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 may include a coating on a portion of the cover glass 15, and a portion of the coating may be removed to form an image of the identification marker 1. In one embodiment, the coating is an e-beam resist, which is known to have good adhesion to glass. In one embodiment, the coating is opaque to light intensities applicable to typical camera exposures.

[0033] In one embodiment, the coating is further manipulated to achieve sufficient opacity. In one example, the e-beam resist is an electron sensitive polymer that is heated to ensure adhesion to the cover glass 15, or a larger sheet of glass. The coating is at least partially removed to provide a unique marking on the glass. The coating is removed in one embodiment by an e-beam lithography device and / or an e-beam pattern generator. In one embodiment, the coating is removed by a laser.

[0034] The marked coating is developed with a liquid compound and evaporated copper to obtain sufficient opacity. The cover glass 15 or larger sheet of glass is subjected to a lift-off process in which it is immersed in acetone or other suitable solvent to remove the non-copper coated portions, leaving the precise copper coated markings on the cover glass 15 or larger sheet of glass. If the substrate glass used is a larger sheet of glass, it may be cut into multiple individual cover glasses 15.

[0035] The cover glass manufacturing process may be reel-to-reel, reel-to-wafer, tape-and-reel, or other process, and the cover glass template is fed to an operating stage where it receives the individual marking. The cover glass template is operated in a selected manner to receive the identification marker 1. The operating stage may include a fiber laser, where the coating or the glass itself is processed. In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber laser comprises six separate lasers split from one laser source, each configured to apply a directional cut to the cover glass 15, or coating. Each of the six lasers may provide only one direction, and the final identification marker 1 may require application from six directions. The laser may cut a bevel or a straight line into the surface of the glass. Alternatively, in addition, the laser may generate a notch or a rough surface that may later receive an opaque material.

[0036] A variety of manufacturing techniques may be utilized to provide the cover glass 15 with a filter. In one embodiment, the identification marker 1 comprises a polarizing filter. Polarizing filters may be used to verify the authenticity of a camera view or video stream by showing how the polarization of the reflection changes when the camera or object is rotated. Examples of applicable filter types include absorption filters, dichroic filters, monochromatic filters, infrared filters, ultraviolet filters, neutral density filters, long pass filters, band pass filters, short pass filters, guided mode resonant filters, metal mesh filters, polarizing filters, and wedge filters.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, the identification marker 1 is an optically variable device (OVD). An OVD is an iridescent or non-iridescent security feature that displays different information, such as movement or color change, depending on viewing and / or lighting conditions. The special appearance change upon rotation and tilt is reversible, predictable, and repeatable.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the identification marker 1 is a diffractive optically variable image device (DOVID). DOVID is a type of optically variable device, a security feature based on visual effects caused by diffraction. DOVID contains micro- or nano-structures in the form of diffraction gratings. These structures produce optically variable effects such as dynamic color effects, holographic effects, kinematic effects, two- or three-dimensional images, color-changing effects, ideally easily recognizable but difficult to reproduce. DOVID may also contain elements invisible to the naked eye, such as microprints, kinetic microtext, or variable laser-readable microimages that become invisible under magnification under white light. DOVID structures can be incorporated into a foil, which may be hot stamped onto the cover glass 15.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a video stream captured by a camera 10 with an identification marker 1, as seen by a recipient of the video stream. The recipient's screen displays the video stream and the other party on a screen 40. In this example, the visual marking 41 is a QR code placed in the top left corner of the screen. The recipient can verify the QR code 41 from the screen 40, as it can be used as an additional security element linked to the Internet security framework. For example, the QR code can indicate, via a trusted third party, that the video stream originates from a trusted camera known to be installed on a trusted computer. The QR code can verify the hardware used by the other party.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates diagrammatically one exemplary scenario for applying an identification marker 1 to an image captured by a camera 10. In this example, the camera 10 is attached to a laptop computer 20. The identification marker 1 may not be visible in an image captured by the image sensor 14 under all lighting conditions. In one embodiment, a user shines a flashlight 21 or other bright light to enhance the visual marking by the identification marker 1. In one embodiment, a smartphone flashlight is used to illuminate the camera 10. The flashlight 21 may provide different colors to create different visual effects on the visual marking. The flashlight 21 may be directed from various directions, slightly moving the visual marking on the image sensor 14. The image sensor 14 comprises millions of pixels to detect light. A slight movement in the illumination causes different pixels to respond to the identification marker 1. Such variations may be difficult to reproduce in software, so the movement of the flashlight 21, or other light, may be used to verify the identification marker 1. Edges, slots, or openings may cause diffraction, resulting in a slight rainbow effect on a small portion of the visual marking that is only visible to a few adjacent pixels.

[0041] Detecting the visual image or effect caused by the identification marker 1 is, in one embodiment, performed by an apparatus having at least one processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to compare the visual image with predetermined rules, comparison images, or other data to verify authenticity.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a schematic of one exemplary scenario of a system for detecting optical identification. The system comprises the camera 10 as described above. An optical identification tag 31 is arranged outside the camera 10 and configured to be photographed by the camera 10. In this example, the optical identification tag 31 is arranged on an object 31. The object may be a personal ID card, a passport, or any device that requires verification. The object may be a high-quality product, a spare part, a luxury item. The optical identification tag 31 comprises a security hologram configured to reflect light rays in a first predetermined light pattern 71. FIG. 7 shows a schematic of one example of the first predetermined light pattern 71. The first predetermined light pattern 71 may be reflected from the optical identification tag 31 by ambient light, a backlight, or may be illuminated by a flashlight 21. The light rays from the first predetermined light pattern are directed towards the camera 10 and towards the identification marker 1. In this example, the identification marker 1 includes a polarizing filter that blocks a portion 73 from the first predetermined light pattern 71. The remaining light beam passing through the identification marker 1 generates a second predetermined light pattern 72. The identification marker 1 is configured to change the first predetermined light pattern 71 into a second predetermined light pattern 72. In this example, the second predetermined light pattern is a QR code that may be used for further security features.

[0043] Since polarizing filters only work properly in a few orientations, the user may need to rotate the optical identification tag 31 to receive validation from the system. The optical identification tag 31 may have a multi-directional polarizing effect that requires a range of orientations. The user may visualize the placement of the optical identification tag 31 from a screen that aids in correct placement and orientation.

[0044] The identification marker 1 allows the camera 10 to be used as a security device reader for multiple security solutions. The camera 10 may be used to verify passports, ID cards, or products. The camera 10 may provide an additional security element to other visual and electronic security elements embedded in tags. The security element may be embedded in the product or device or may be attached by a security sticker. One example of a security sticker is a security hologram.

[0045] 8a shows a flow chart of one embodiment of an identification method. The method includes a camera as previously described herein. A cover glass 15 is provided with an identification marker 1 in an optical path that blocks a light beam from reaching a portion of an image sensor 14. The method includes a step (block 800) of allowing the light beam to travel along the optical path. A step 810 of the method includes marking the image sensor 14 with a pattern caused by the identification marker 1 in an image captured by the camera 10.

[0046] Fig. 8b shows a flow chart of an embodiment of an identification method, where an identification marker is used to detect an optical identification tag 31. This step may be considered as continuing from the step of Fig. 8a. An optical identification tag 31 comprising a security hologram reflecting light rays in a first predetermined light pattern 71 is placed outside the camera 10 (step 820).

[0047] Step 830 includes advancing a light beam of the first predetermined light pattern 71 along a light path. In other words, the user may place the optical identification tag 31 in a suitable position for the camera to capture an image or video. Step 840 includes changing the first predetermined light pattern 71 to a second predetermined light pattern 72 by the identification marker 1. Step 850 includes capturing the second predetermined light pattern 72 by the image sensor 14.

[0048] In one aspect, a camera is disclosed herein that includes a lens, an image sensor that receives light from the lens, and a cover glass of the image sensor that is in an optical path between the lens and the image sensor. One aspect of the disclosure provides a novel cover glass, the cover glass includes an identification marker in the optical path, the identification marker configured to block light from reaching a portion of the image sensor. In one embodiment, the identification marker is configured to project an image of the identification marker onto the image sensor. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a polarizing filter. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a diffraction grating configured to generate a spectrum by diffraction to the image sensor. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a sticker attached to the cover glass. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a coating applied on a portion of the cover glass, a portion of the coating being removed to provide an image of the identification marker. In one embodiment, the identification marker is printed on the cover glass. In one embodiment, the identification marker is etched on the cover glass.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, a system for detecting an optical identification tag is disclosed. The system includes a camera having a lens, an image sensor that receives light from the lens, and a cover glass of the image sensor in an optical path between the lens and the image sensor. The optical identification tag is disposed outside the camera and configured to be imaged by the camera. The optical identification tag includes a security hologram configured to reflect light rays in a first predetermined light pattern, and the cover glass includes an identification marker in the optical path, the identification marker configured to block the light rays from reaching a portion of the image sensor, and the identification marker configured to change the first predetermined light pattern to a second predetermined light pattern when the first predetermined light pattern is reflected from the optical identification tag to the identification marker. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a polarizing filter. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a diffraction grating configured to generate a spectrum by diffraction to the image sensor. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a sticker attached to the cover glass. In one embodiment, the identification marker includes a coating applied on a portion of the cover glass, a portion of the coating being removed to provide an image of the identification marker. In one embodiment, the identification marker is printed onto the cover glass. In one embodiment, the identification marker comprises an etching onto the cover glass.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, a method of identification for a camera-based system is disclosed. The system includes a camera having a lens, an image sensor that receives light from the lens, and a cover glass of the image sensor in an optical path between the lens and the image sensor. The cover glass includes an identification marker in the optical path that blocks the light from reaching a portion of the image sensor. The method includes traveling light along the optical path and marking an image captured by the camera on the image sensor with a pattern caused by the identification marker. In one embodiment, the method includes placing an optical identification tag on the exterior of the camera that includes a security hologram that reflects light in a first predetermined light pattern, traveling a light beam of the first predetermined light pattern along the optical path, changing the first predetermined light pattern to a second predetermined light pattern by the identification marker, and capturing the second predetermined light pattern by the image sensor.

[0051] Alternatively or in addition, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware or hardware logic components. An example of an apparatus described herein above is a computing-based apparatus including one or more processors, which may be microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable type of processor, for processing computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the apparatus to control one or more sensors, receive sensor data, and use the sensor data. The computer-executable instructions may be provided using any computer-readable medium accessible by the computing-based apparatus. An example of a computing-based device is located in a cloud computing environment. Computer-readable media include, for example, computer storage media such as memory and communication media. Computer storage media such as memory include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, SSD drive, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or other non-transmission media that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. In contrast, communication media may embodied computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism. As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication media. Thus, computer storage media should not be interpreted as propagating signals per se. Although propagating signals may exist in computer storage media, the propagating signals themselves are not an example of computer storage media.It will be appreciated that while the computer storage medium is shown within a computing-based device, the storage medium may be distributed or located remotely and accessed over a network or other communications link, for example, by using a communications interface.

[0052] The apparatus or device may include an input / output controller arranged to output display information to a display device, which may be separate or integrated with the apparatus or device. The input / output controller is also arranged to receive and process input from one or more devices, such as user input devices (mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone, other sensors). Examples of apparatus or devices include smartphones, laptops, tablet computers, etc.

[0053] The methods described herein may be performed by software in machine-readable form on a tangible storage medium, and the computer program may be embodied on a computer readable medium, in the form of a computer program including computer program code means adapted to perform all steps of any of the methods described herein when executed on a computer. Examples of tangible storage media include computer storage devices with computer readable media such as disks, thumb drives, memory, etc., and do not include only propagated signals. Although a propagated signal may reside on a tangible storage medium, the propagated signal itself is not an example of a tangible storage medium. The software is suitable for execution on a parallel or serial processor, and may perform the method steps in any suitable order or simultaneously.

[0054] The ranges and device values ​​given herein can be expanded or modified without losing the desired effect.

[0055] Although at least some of the subject matter has been described in terms of specific structural features and / or acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example ways of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the claims.

[0056] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or to multiple embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. Further, it will be understood that references to "an" item refer to one or more of those items.

[0057] The steps of the methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described above to form further examples without losing the desired effect.

[0058] As used herein, the term "comprising" is used to mean including specified method blocks or elements, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and that the method or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0059] The above description is given by way of example only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made. The above specification, examples, and data provide a detailed description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described with a degree of particularity or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present specification.

Claims

1. Lens and, An image sensor that receives light from the aforementioned lens, The optical path between the lens and the image sensor includes a cover glass for the image sensor, The cover glass is provided with an identification marker in the optical path, and the identification marker is configured to block the light ray from reaching a portion of the image sensor. A camera characterized by the following features.

2. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification marker is configured to project an image of the identification marker onto the image sensor.

3. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification marker includes a polarizing filter.

4. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification marker includes a diffraction grating configured to generate a spectrum by diffraction to the image sensor.

5. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification marker comprises a sticker attached to the cover glass, or the identification marker is printed on the cover glass.

6. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification marker has a coating on a portion of the cover glass, and a portion of the coating is removed in order to provide an image of the identification marker.

7. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification marker comprises etching of the cover glass.

8. A camera having a lens, an image sensor that receives light from the lens, and a cover glass for the image sensor in the optical path between the lens and the image sensor, The system comprises an optical identification tag positioned outside the camera and configured to be photographed by the camera, The optical identification tag comprises a security hologram configured to reflect light rays in a first predetermined light pattern, The cover glass is provided with an identification marker in the optical path, and the identification marker is configured to block the light ray from reaching a part of the image sensor. A system for detecting an optical identification tag, characterized in that the identification marker is configured to change the first predetermined light pattern to a second predetermined light pattern when the first predetermined light pattern is reflected from the optical identification tag to the identification marker.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the identification marker includes a polarizing filter.

10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the identification marker includes a diffraction grating configured to generate a spectrum by diffraction to the image sensor.

11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the identification marker comprises a sticker affixed to the cover glass, or the identification marker is printed on the cover glass.

12. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the identification marker is coated on a portion of the cover glass, and a portion of the coating is removed in order to provide an image of the identification marker.

13. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the identification marker comprises etching of the cover glass.

14. A method of identification, A camera comprising a lens, an image sensor that receives light from the lens, and a cover glass for the image sensor in the optical path between the lens and the image sensor, The cover glass includes an identification marker in the optical path that prevents light rays from reaching a portion of the image sensor. It is characterized by the following: The aforementioned method, The steps include: causing light to travel along the optical path, An identification method comprising the step of marking an image captured by the camera on the image sensor with a pattern generated by the identification marker.

15. An optical identification tag, which includes a security hologram that reflects light rays in a first predetermined light pattern, is positioned outside the camera. The first predetermined light pattern is propagated along the optical path, The identification marker changes the first predetermined light pattern to a second predetermined light pattern, The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the image sensor captures the second predetermined light pattern.

Images