Methods and systems for registering a wristwatch

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a computer implementation method and a computerized registration system for registering watch components. The method includes, in a computerized registration system (1), the steps of: receiving images of watch components (W, W') including serial numbers from a registration camera (3); extracting the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W'); extracting the fine features of the watch components (W, W'); generating a watch component registration code by processing the fine features using a one-way function; and storing the serial numbers in association with the watch component registration code.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for registering a wristwatch, particularly a whole wristwatch, wristwatch parts, and / or wristwatch components.

Background Art

[0002] The field of wristwatches is characterized by unique components and excellent craftsmanship, and is also characterized by a combination of multiple unique parts such as movements, bracelets, cases, and dials. All of these parts are manufactured according to high-quality and reliability standards.

[0003] As a result, wristwatches become valuable items and are also targets for counterfeiting. It is not only the appearance that is affected by counterfeits and imitations, but also the individual components of the movement, and similar or identical materials and / or manufacturing procedures may be used. In a simple inspection, it may be difficult to immediately determine the authenticity of a wristwatch or its individual components. Therefore, there is a need to find a method for quickly and reliably verifying the authenticity of a whole wristwatch and / or one or more of its parts and / or components. For example, simply applying special finishes, blued screws, characteristic design elements, special markings such as microprinting and micro QR codes (registered trademarks), or similar features to wristwatch components is not sufficient. High-value security functions such as microchips commonly used in the field of mechanical engineering may not be miniaturized sufficiently, or may cause quality defects or a decrease in appearance value. In addition, these security functions may include electronic circuits and components that are not suitable for mechanical wristwatches and / or luxury wristwatches.

[0004] While watches may have serial numbers, including those for the movement, bracelet, case, dial, and other components and their constituent parts, these numbers themselves do not guarantee authenticity. A counterfeit serial number can potentially be verified by comparing it against a database entry, but this does not guarantee authenticity. Furthermore, this type of authenticity verification is time-consuming and can only be performed by authorized parties, such as the manufacturer. Therefore, there is a need for a quick and reliable procedure that is, if possible, simple and at least widely available. The solution presented herein provides such a procedure. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present disclosure and the embodiments disclosed herein aim to provide methods and systems for registering watches, in particular watches as a whole, watch parts, watch components, and / or articles related to watches. For convenience, these will be collectively referred to as “watch components” in this specification.

[0006] In particular, the present disclosure and the embodiments disclosed herein aim to provide a computerized implementation method and computerized system for registering watch components that does not have at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, for example, that does not require modification of existing watch components. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and system that further enables the authenticity verification of watch components without the typical drawbacks of the prior art, namely, that it alters the appearance of the watch components or that the authenticity verification process becomes complicated by the use of advanced analytical equipment and time-consuming processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a computer implementation method for registering watch components includes the step of receiving an image of the watch component, including its serial number, from a registration camera in a computerized registration system. The method includes the step of extracting the serial number of the watch component from the image in the computerized registration system, for example, using optical character recognition. The method includes the step of extracting fine features of the watch component from the image in the computerized registration system. The method includes the step of generating a watch component registration code in the computerized registration system by processing the fine features, for example, using a one-way function. The method includes the step of storing the serial number in association with the watch component registration code.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of generating a watch component registration message in a computerized registration system, which includes a serial number and a watch component registration code. The method includes the step of digitally protecting the watch component registration message by the computerized registration system. The digital protection step may include including a digital signature generated in the computerized registration system in the watch component registration message. In addition to this, or instead, the watch component registration message may be digitally protected by encrypting the contents of the watch component registration message using the private key of the computerized registration system. The step of storing the serial number in association with the watch component registration code includes the step of transmitting the digitally protected watch component registration message from the computerized registration system to a watch component data storage system. The digitally protected watch component registration message is received in the watch component storage system. The watch component data storage system determines whether the digitally protected watch component registration message is authentic by verifying the digital signature and / or, by successfully decrypting the watch component registration message. Depending on whether the watch component data storage system has positively authenticated the watch component registration message, it stores the serial number in association with the watch component registration code.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of receiving a verification image of a watch component, including the serial number of the watch component, from a verification camera device in a computerized verification system. The method includes the step of extracting the serial number of the watch component from the verification image in a computerized verification system, for example, using optical character recognition. The method includes the step of extracting fine features of the watch component from the verification image in a computerized verification system. The method includes the step of generating a watch component verification code in a computerized verification system by processing the fine features using a one-way function. The method includes the step of authenticating a watch component in a computerized verification system if the watch component verification code matches a watch component registration code stored for the watch component along with its serial number.

[0010] In one embodiment, the step of authenticating a watch component includes a step of calculating a correspondence value using a correspondence function in a computerized verification system. The correspondence value indicates the degree of correspondence between the watch component verification code and the watch component registration code. The method includes a step of authenticating the watch component in a computerized verification system if the correspondence value satisfies a predetermined correspondence threshold. If the correspondence value does not satisfy the predetermined correspondence threshold, the watch component is not authenticated.

[0011] In one embodiment, the step of authenticating watch components further includes a step of analyzing verification images using image analysis in a computerized verification system to determine the degree of wear of the watch components. The method includes a step of modifying a predetermined corresponding threshold in the computerized verification system according to the degree of wear of the watch components.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of calculating the corresponding value using a correspondence function uses the time difference between the time when the watch component registration code is generated and the time when the watch component verification code is generated.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method includes a step of analyzing a verification image using image analysis in a computerized verification system to determine the degree of wear of a watch component. The method includes a step of determining in the computerized verification system whether the degree of wear exceeds a predetermined wear threshold. If the degree of wear exceeds the predetermined wear threshold, the method includes a step of generating a status change message in the computerized verification system, which includes the serial number of the watch component and the updated status of the watch component indicating that the watch component has been flagged as subject to service, replacement, or repair.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of generating a trimmed image of a watch component that includes a serial number and a predetermined margin surrounding the bounding box of the serial number. The method also includes the step of extracting fine features of the watch component from the trimmed image.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fine features of the watch components include features resulting from the heterogeneity of the watch components and / or from the non-reproducible randomness in the manufacturing process of the watch components.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving a watch component verification code and a serial number in a watch component data storage system. The method includes storing the watch component verification code in association with the serial number in the watch component data storage system. In any embodiment, the watch component registration code is updated using the watch component verification code.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of receiving metadata from a verification camera device in a computerized verification system. The metadata includes hardware configuration information of the verification camera device. The hardware configuration information includes information about the camera's hardware configuration, such as optical characteristics and / or imaging characteristics. The hardware configuration information may also include information about other aspects of the verification camera device. The metadata may also include software configuration information of the verification camera device. The metadata may also include user information of the user of the verification camera device. The metadata may also include contact information for the verification camera device, diagnostic data for the verification camera device, a current timestamp, location information for the verification camera device, and / or information about one or more past watch components imaged by the verification camera device. Preferably, the metadata uniquely identifies the verification camera device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method includes recording a status log associated with a watch component in a computerized verification system, which includes a plurality of log entries, each containing a watch component verification code and, in an optional manner, metadata from a verification camera device. The log entries may include a degree of correspondence associated with the watch component verification code.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method includes sending a status change message, including the serial number of the watch component and the updated status of the watch component, from a computerized approval system to a watch component data storage system. The updated status includes, for example, registered, in stock, scheduled for service, scheduled for repair, scheduled for replacement, scheduled for exchange, scheduled for update, scheduled for upgrade, scheduled for disposal, decommissioned, and disposed of. Depending on specific implementation requirements, statuses for other watch components may be defined. The method also includes updating the status of the watch component in the watch component data storage system according to the updated status.

[0020] In one embodiment, a status change message includes multiple digital signatures from multiple approvers, and the status update of the watch component is performed in response to the computerized approval system positively verifying the confirmation. The multiple approvers may be selected from a larger group of approvers. This selection may be, for example, a random selection generated by the computerized approval system.

[0021] In addition to a method for registering watch components, this disclosure relates to a computerized registration system for registering watch components. The computerized registration system comprises a processing unit configured to receive an image of a watch component, including its serial number, from a registration camera. The processing unit is configured to extract the serial number of the watch component from the image, for example, using optical character recognition. The processing unit is configured to extract fine features of the watch component from the image. The processing unit is configured to generate a watch component registration code by processing the fine features using a one-way function. The processing unit is configured to store the watch component registration code in association with the serial number of the watch component.

[0022] In one embodiment, the processing unit of the computerized registration system is configured to perform one or more of the methods or method steps described herein.

[0023] In addition to a computerized registration system for registering watch components, this disclosure also relates to a computerized verification system for verifying watch components. The computerized verification system comprises a processing unit configured to receive a verification image of a watch component, including the serial number of the watch component, from a verification camera device. The processing unit is configured to extract the serial number of the watch component from the verification image, for example, using optical character recognition. The processing unit is configured to extract fine features of the watch component from the verification image. The processing unit is configured to generate a watch component verification code by processing the fine features using a one-way function. The processing unit is configured to authenticate a watch component if the watch component verification code matches a watch component registration code stored in a watch component data storage system for the serial number of the watch component.

[0024] In addition to a method for registering watch components and a computerized system for registering watch components, this disclosure also relates to a computer program product for registering watch components. The computer program product includes computer program code configured to control a processing unit to perform a number of steps described herein. The steps include receiving an image of the watch component, including its serial number, from a registration camera. The steps include extracting the serial number of the watch component from the image, for example, using optical character recognition. The steps include extracting fine features of the watch component from the image. The steps include generating a watch component registration code by processing the fine features using a one-way function. The steps include storing the watch component registration code in association with the serial number of the watch component.

[0025] In one embodiment, a computer program product for registering a watch component is implemented as a non - transitory computer - readable medium storing computer program code configured to cause a processing unit to execute one or more of each method described herein or a part thereof.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program product for verifying a watch component. The computer program product includes computer program code configured to control a processing unit to execute a plurality of steps described herein. The steps include receiving, from a verification camera device, a verification image of a watch component including the serial number of the watch component. The steps include extracting, for example, using optical character recognition, the serial number of the watch component from the verification image. The steps include extracting fine features of the watch component from the verification image. The steps include generating a watch component verification code by processing the fine features using a one - way function. The steps include authenticating the watch component when the watch component verification code matches the watch component registration code stored in the watch component data storage system for the serial number of the watch component.

[0027] In one embodiment, a computer program product for verifying a watch component is implemented as a non - transitory computer - readable medium storing computer program code configured to cause a processing unit to execute one or more of each method described herein or a part thereof.

[0028] The disclosure described herein can be understood more specifically from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Note that these should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture including a computerized registration system and a computerized verification system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of a wristwatch component registration system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram of a wristwatch component verification system. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows a method for registering watch components. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows a method for verifying the watch component registration code. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows a method for storing the registration code of a watch component. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a method for determining the degree of wear on watch components. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a method for updating the status of watch components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Several embodiments are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, although not all features are shown in the drawings. In fact, the embodiments disclosed herein can take many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments specified herein. Rather, these embodiments are presented to satisfy the legal requirements applicable to this disclosure. Where possible, similar components or parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of an electronic system S according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system S comprises a computerized registration system 1, a computerized verification system 2, and a watch component data storage system 5. Various (sub)systems, devices, parts, and / or components of the electronic system S are directly or indirectly interconnected. Depending on a particular embodiment of the present invention, one or more (sub)systems, devices, parts, and / or components of the electronic system S may be integrated into one or more common devices and share components and / or resources, as shown in Figure 1 and described below.

[0032] The above connections are configured to perform data communication and may include wired and / or wireless connections. The connections may be made via an intermediate network, in particular a communication network such as a LAN, WLAN, VPN, mobile communication network, and / or the Internet.

[0033] Computerized registration system 1 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 2. Computerized verification system 2 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0034] In one embodiment, data communications within the electronic system S, particularly between the computerized registration system 1 and the watch component data storage system 5, and between the computerized verification system 2 and the watch component data storage system 5, are secured. The data communications are secured to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the data being communicated, and may utilize digital signatures, digital certificates, encrypted communications, obfuscated communications, and / or (virtual) private networks. Furthermore, dedicated private communication infrastructure, such as dedicated lines (i.e., communication cables provided between the computerized registration system 1 and the watch component data storage system 5, and between the computerized verification system 2 and the watch component data storage system 5, and not used or shared by other entities), may be used.

[0035] The computerized registration system 1 is connected to the registration camera 3. The connection between the registration camera 3 and the computerized registration system 1 is, for example, a wired connection and / or a wireless connection for data communication.

[0036] The registration camera 3 is configured to record one or more images of the watch components W, as will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 2. In Figure 1, the watch components when captured by the registration camera 3 are denoted by W. The watch components when captured by the verification camera device 4 are denoted by W'. However, watch components W and W' are the same watch component.

[0037] For convenience, the term "watch components" shall be understood to refer to watches, watch parts, watch components, and watch-related articles. A watch is a time-measuring instrument designed to be worn and to operate in any position, as defined by the ISO / TC114 Technical Committee on Watches. A watch consists of several watch components, such as the movement, case, bracelet, dial, and hands. Typically, a watch component is composed of an assembly of several watch components. For example, a watch bracelet is an assembly of bracelet links, clasps, and other components. For example, a dial is an assembly of dial plates, indices, fasteners, and other components. For example, a movement is an assembly of a mainplate, bridges and bridges, mainsprings (hairspring, barrel spring, etc.), winding rotor, gears, and other components. Watch articles are watch-related articles that can be sold together with a watch, such as warranty cards, warranty seals, watch boxes, and watch accessories such as cufflinks.

[0038] A watch component may have multiple surface elements, and these surface elements may have fine features and a serial number. One or more images of a watch component W include at least one image of a surface element containing the serial number of the watch component W.

[0039] The serial number of a watch component is a sequence of numbers and / or letters that uniquely identifies the watch component W. Furthermore, the serial number of the watch component W may include a checksum that can be used for the purpose of detecting errors during engraving of the watch component W, during recording and analysis of the serial number of the watch component W, and / or after transmission of the serial number of the watch component W. Thus, the integrity of the serial number may be verified using the checksum. However, the authenticity of the serial number cannot be verified using the checksum.

[0040] In certain watch components W, the serial number may be engraved on a visible surface element of the surface component. That is, the serial number may be directly visible to an observer or camera without requiring disassembly. For example, the serial number of a watch and / or watch case may be engraved on the underside of one of the lugs of the watch case. If the case has a transparent case back, the serial number of the movement may be engraved on the visible surface of the movement base plate and can be seen through this transparent case back. Alternatively, or to complement this, the serial number may be engraved on an invisible surface element of the watch component. That is, this serial number can only be seen after the disassembly process. For example, the serial number of a watch and / or watch case may be engraved between the lugs of the case and hidden by the last link of the bracelet, and can only be seen after the bracelet has been removed from the case. For example, the serial number of a dial may be engraved on the underside of the dial plate. This underside is an invisible part and cannot be accessed without disassembling the dial from the movement. In some cases, the serial number may be engraved multiple times on a watch component W.

[0041] For example, the housing or case of a watch may have a serial number engraved in two locations that are not visible on the finished watch. Each serial number may be engraved with a different size or font for the characters that make up the serial number.

[0042] Watch components (such as screws) that do not have a serial number do not fall under the definition of watch component W in the sense of the solution provided by this invention.

[0043] In addition to serial numbers, watch components may have other security features to prevent counterfeiting or imitation. Examples of security features include nanobarcode printing, tagged materials, unique design features, special shapes, and special surface finishes.

[0044] In the manufacturing process of watch components W, irreproducible irregularities can occur between two watch components manufactured by the same process, even if their dimensions and characteristics are very similar or nearly identical. These irreproducible irregularities are, for example, due to the manufacturing process of the watch components. Manufacturing processes for producing watch components include techniques such as machining, cutting, grinding, turning, and / or punching. Both subtractive and additive manufacturing techniques may be used. Furthermore, watch components are usually finished through processes such as tribo-finishing, polishing, and buffing to impart a desired surface finish and / or surface roughness for aesthetic and / or functional reasons. As a result of the above and other processes, irreproducible irregularities occur, and consequently, unique micro-characteristics are formed.

[0045] These irreproducible irregularities result in the minute characteristics of each watch component being different from one another. These irreproducible irregularities can be visually observed, for example, as polishing marks, cutting angles, or differences in texture. These deviations may be defined as deviations from other watch components of the same type, or as deviations from a model or design drawing of a watch component, such as a digital model or one or more special tools, or based on the parameter settings of a tool such as a laser cutting machine or laser engraving machine. In short, it is virtually impossible to manufacture watch components that are identical to each other, in particular, watch components that can be determined to be identical by comparing images of two watch components W (high-resolution and / or high-magnification images, and / or images taken with a camera and / or smartphone, etc.).

[0046] Therefore, each watch component W has, in addition to its unique serial number, unique micro-features present around and / or near the serial number, and / or unique micro-features present at the intersection of the serial number. These unique micro-features further uniquely identify a particular watch component W and are irreproducible. In particular, these unique micro-features may be produced, at least in part, by cutting and / or engraving processes, especially cutting and / or engraving processes that include cutting and / or engraving the serial number.

[0047] The computerized registration system 1 is connected to the watch component data storage system 5. The watch component data storage system 5 is implemented, for example, as a database stored in non-temporary memory. The database may be a relational or non-relational database, a file system, a key-value store, or another type of document or file database.

[0048] The database may be implemented as a cloud database configured to operate in a public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud computing environment. The database may also be implemented on private servers. Furthermore, the database may be implemented as a distributed database configured to store information across a distributed server network, for example, for redundancy or security purposes.

[0049] In one embodiment, the computerized registration system 1 includes a watch component data storage system 5.

[0050] The watch component data storage system 5 is configured to store information relating to and / or related to watch components, particularly watch components of a specific series of watch models. For specific watch components W, W', the information may include the serial number of the watch component, the type of watch component, the registration code of the watch component, the degree of wear, the status of the watch component, and / or the time when the watch component entered the assembly site, final inspection / certification site, shipping site, sales site, or after-sales service site. The information may further include a status log related to the watch component. The status log includes multiple log entries. The log entries may relate to events relating to watch component W. For example, a log entry may include the fact that the watch component was registered and the registration code of the watch component. A log entry may also relate to a verification event and may include the verification code of the related watch component, a corresponding value, and / or metadata related to the verification event. A log entry may also relate to a change in the status of the watch component. The status of a watch component may include, for example, registered, in stock, scheduled for service, scheduled for repair, scheduled for replacement, scheduled for exchange, scheduled for renewal, scheduled for upgrade, scheduled for disposal, decommissioned, disposed of, or other possible actions. Log entries may also relate to the serial numbers of the watch parts and / or other components that make up the watch to which the above component belongs. For example, for a watch case, the log entry may relate to the serial numbers of the movement, dial, and / or bracelet assembled with the case, as well as the serial numbers of the watch box and / or warranty associated with the case. Furthermore, log entries may record different versions of combinations of watch components that make up the watch parts and / or the watch as a whole. For example, if a watch component is replaced during service, it may be recorded as a different version.

[0051] The computerized verification system 2 is connected to the computerized registration system 1 and / or the watch component data storage system 5. For example, the computerized registration system 2 is connected to the computerized registration system 1, which is connected to the watch component data storage system 5. In addition to this, or instead, the computerized registration system 2 is connected to the watch component data storage system 5. The computerized verification system 2 is further connected to the verification camera device 4. This connection is configured to enable data communication between the computerized verification system 2 and the verification camera device 4.

[0052] In one embodiment, the verification camera device 4 is integrated into the computerized verification system 2.

[0053] The verification camera device 4 is configured to record one or more images of the watch component W'. As described above, the watch component W' corresponds to the watch component W at a later point in time. The verification camera device 4 will be described in more detail below.

[0054] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the computerized registration system 1. In one embodiment, the registration system constitutes part of the electronic system S in Figure 1. The computerized registration system 1 is connected to the registration camera 3 and further to the watch component data storage system 5 (not shown). The computerized registration system 1 may be implemented, for example, as a server computer. The server computer may be hosted on a cloud computing platform or virtualized. The computerized registration system 1 comprises a processing unit 11 and memory 12. The computerized registration system 1 further comprises modules for data communication, particularly with the registration camera 3, the watch component data storage system 5, and / or the computerized verification system 2. The computerized registration system 1 may further comprise required or optional additional modules, such as a human-machine interface (HMI) module for receiving data input and / or providing data output. The processing unit 11 comprises one or more electronic chips, such as one or more integrated circuits, microcontrollers, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.

[0055] Memory 12 comprises volatile (non-persistent) and / or non-volatile (persistent) memory modules. Memory 12 is implemented using, for example, solid-state memory (such as flash memory).

[0056] The processing unit 11 is configured to perform one or more steps and / or functions described herein. For example, the processing unit 11 is configured to perform one or more steps and / or functions stored in memory 12. These steps and / or functions are stored in memory 12, for example, as program code (e.g., as part of firmware, an operating system, a runtime environment, a software application, and / or a software library). Other steps and / or functions may be performed by dedicated circuitry located within the processing unit 11.

[0057] Depending on the embodiment, the processing unit 11 and the memory 12 may be integrated into a single electronic chip, for example, in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0058] The registration camera 3 is configured to record one or more images of the watch component W (not shown). The registration camera 3 is located, for example, at the place where the watch component W is manufactured (e.g., the manufacturer's factory), and / or at the place where watch components are assembled from the watch component, and / or at the place where watches, watch components, or watch components are serviced (or repaired). Preferably, the registration camera 3 is located along an assembly line in a manufacturing facility, assembly facility, inspection facility, or service facility.

[0059] In one embodiment, a plurality of registration cameras 3 are arranged in a registration camera assembly configured to separate and image a group of identical watch components W into individual watch components W.

[0060] The registered camera 3 includes an image sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor including a photosensor array. The image sensor is preferably configured to record in the wavelength range visible to the human eye, for example, in the range of about 390 nm to 750 nm. However, in certain embodiments, the image sensor may be further configured to record in the infrared wavelength range (for example, the near-infrared wavelength range of about 700 nm to 1700 nm) and / or the ultraviolet wavelength range (for example, the near-ultraviolet range including UV-A light of 320 nm to 400 nm and / or UV-B light of 280 nm to 320 nm).

[0061] The registered camera 3 further includes an optical assembly for imaging the watch components W. The optical assembly may include one or more lenses and / or mirrors.

[0062] The registered camera 3 may further include an illumination module to provide sufficient and / or appropriate illumination to the watch components W. The illumination module may include one or more lamps or flashes positioned to illuminate the watch components. The illumination module is preferably configured to provide an amount of light sufficient to obtain a clear image of the watch components when taking high-speed images, for example, with a shutter speed of less than 1 / 1000 of a second. In particular, the illumination module is configured to provide a light output with a color temperature close to daylight.

[0063] In one embodiment, the registration camera 3 is configured to record an image of one surface element of the watch component W and an image of another surface element by continuous or simultaneous shooting.

[0064] For example, the registration camera 3 is configured to record images of both sides of the watch component W by first recording an image of the first surface of the watch component W, then rotating the watch component W, and recording an image of the second surface element of the watch component W.

[0065] In another example, the registered camera 3 is equipped with two imaging sensors, and is configured to record an image of a first surface element of the watch component W using the first imaging sensor, and an image of a second surface element of the watch component W using the second imaging sensor.

[0066] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the computerized verification system 2. The computerized verification system 2 may be integrated with the computerized registration system 1, as described above. In one embodiment, the computerized verification system 2 may be implemented within the same computer system as the computerized registration system 1. The computerized verification system 2 may be implemented, for example, as a server computer. This server computer may be hosted on a cloud computing platform or virtualized.

[0067] The computerized verification system 2 is connected to the verification camera device 4. The computerized verification system 2 is further connected to the watch component data storage system 5 and, in any configuration, to the computerized verification system 1.

[0068] Computerized verification system 2 comprises a processing unit 21 and a memory 22. Computerized verification system 1 further comprises modules for data communication, particularly with the verification camera device 4, the watch component data storage system 5, and / or the computerized registration system 1. Computerized verification system 2 may further comprise required or optional additional modules, such as a human-machine interface (HMI) module for receiving data input and / or providing data output.

[0069] The processing unit 21 includes one or more electronic chips, such as one or more integrated circuits, microcontrollers, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.

[0070] Memory 22 comprises volatile (non-persistent) and / or non-volatile (persistent) memory modules. Memory 12 is implemented using, for example, solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory).

[0071] The processing unit 21 is configured to perform one or more steps and / or functions described herein. For example, the processing unit 21 is configured to perform one or more steps and / or functions stored in memory 22. These steps and / or functions are stored in memory 22, for example, as program code (e.g., as part of firmware, an operating system, a runtime environment, a software application, and / or a software library). Other steps and / or functions may be performed by dedicated circuits located within the processing unit 21.

[0072] Depending on the embodiment, the processing unit 21 and the memory 22 are integrated into a single electronic chip, for example, in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0073] The verification camera device 4 is configured to record at least one image of a watch component W' (not shown). The verification camera device 4 includes a camera, for example, which includes an image sensor and an optical system. The camera may further include an illumination module such as a flash or a light. The verification camera device 4 further includes a communication module configured for data communication with the computerized verification system 2. In some embodiments, the verification camera device 4 includes a processing unit and memory (for example, the processing unit and memory described above with respect to the computerized registration system 1 and / or the computerized verification system 2).

[0074] In one embodiment, the verification camera device 4 is implemented as a mobile communication device, particularly a portable communication device such as a smartphone or tablet. The mobile communication device may include additional modules such as a battery, a human-machine interface (e.g., including a touchscreen), and / or a communication module. The communication module may include a mobile wireless transceiver for data communication over a mobile communication network and a WiFi® transceiver for data communication over a WLAN. The mobile communication device may run an operating system (such as iOS or Android). The mobile communication device may have software applications installed (e.g., applications downloaded from cloud services such as Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store). The mobile communication device is generally operated by a user.

[0075] In one embodiment, the verification camera device 4 is implemented as a portable electronic device, such as a watch component quality control device configured to verify whether the tolerances of a particular watch component are within an acceptable range. In addition to or instead of this, the portable electronic device may be implemented as a watch component authentication device configured to verify, for example, the type of watch component or whether the watch component is counterfeit, either automatically or through user operation.

[0076] Figure 4 is a flowchart of Method 100 for registering a watch component W. Method 100 may be performed at a manufacturing facility for watch components, such as a movement assembly facility. For example, Method 100 may be performed immediately after the manufacture of the watch component. In addition to or instead of this, Method 100 may be performed immediately after the assembly of the watch parts. In addition to or instead of this, Method 100 may be performed immediately after the assembly of the watch. In addition to or instead of this, Method 100 may be performed immediately after the inspection or certification of the watch. In addition to or instead of this, Method 100 may be performed immediately before or after servicing the watch, watch parts, or watch components. Method 100 may also be performed by an authorized entity (e.g., a manufacturer-owned boutique or a watch brand sales agent) responsible for the processing, storage, distribution, handling, management, inspection, or other operations of new and / or used watches. Method 100 includes several steps S10 to S18. These steps may be performed by a computerized registration system 1. Method 100 may further include any preparation steps, subsequent steps, or intermediate steps described later. The time of registration may be specified as time t0.

[0077] It is preferable that Method 100 or at least some of the steps of Method 100 are performed in real time, and that each step is performed continuously during the manufacturing of the watch component W. In particular, steps S10 to S16, which relate from receiving an image of the watch component W to generating a watch component registration message, are performed in real time. The storage of the watch component registration message may also be performed in real time, although at least some watch component registration messages may be cached or buffered in other ways. Here, real time means that steps S10 to S16 are performed within a predetermined time frame, particularly within 0.1 to 10 seconds, preferably within 1 to 5 seconds. This allows the computerized registration system 1 to be compatible with modern robotic workstations that can assemble a particular watch component in less than one second.

[0078] In the preparation step, the registration camera 3 records one or more images of the watch components. In particular, the registration camera 3 uses an image sensor to record at least one image of at least one surface element of the watch components. The registration camera 3 records at least one image of the surface of the watch component W that includes the serial number.

[0079] In one embodiment, the registration camera 3 preprocesses one or more images of the watch components. For example, it may crop the images so that only the bounding box (e.g., a rectangular area) of the image remains, including the serial number and a predetermined boundary or margin. In an example where two serial numbers are engraved on a given surface element of the watch component, the registration camera 3 may be configured to generate two cropped images of the watch component: a first cropped image including the first serial number engraving and a second cropped image including the second serial number engraving. The registration camera 3 transmits one or more images to the computerized registration system 1.

[0080] In step S10, the computerized registration system 1 receives one or more images of the watch components W from the registration camera 3. The computerized registration system 1 may authenticate the one or more images using, for example, the metadata of the one or more images and / or metadata obtained from the registration camera 3 and / or the manufacturing process. By authenticating the one or more images in this way, only images from legitimate sources (i.e., trusted and approved registration cameras 3) are further processed by the computerized registration system 1.

[0081] In step S12, the computerized registration system 1 extracts a serial number from one or more images. The computerized registration system 1 is configured to extract the serial number using optical character recognition (OCR).

[0082] Alternatively, the serial number can be encoded using a barcode or QR code (registered trademark), and then extracted from the image using the corresponding method. For convenience, such methods will also be included under the term "Optical Character Recognition (OCR)."

[0083] In one embodiment, the computerized registration system 1 can use one or more images to identify the type of watch component or assign the watch component to a specific watch model. The type of watch component includes information about watch models that may contain this particular watch component, and, if necessary, also includes information about the material (e.g., steel, ceramic, gold, etc.) and movement type of the watch model to which the watch component is assigned.

[0084] In one embodiment, the computerized registration system 1 verifies the integrity of an extracted serial number by, for example, calculating a checksum of the serial number and comparing it with a check digit. The type of watch component identified may be used to calculate the checksum. In addition to or instead of this, the computerized registration system 1 may verify the validity of a serial number by searching a table or database, where the table or database contains the serial numbers of each manufactured watch component. In one embodiment, the database contains the serial numbers of each sold item.

[0085] In step S14, the computerized registration system 1 extracts the fine features of the watch components from one or more images. As described herein, fine features are unique, irreproducible, or unreplicable features specific to a particular watch component. Therefore, even if a second watch component exists with the same serial number, it will not have the same fine features. In other words, the fine features provide the "fingerprint" of the watch component.

[0086] In one embodiment, the computerized registration system 1 crops one or more images received from the registration camera 3. For example, the image is cropped so that only the bounding box (e.g., a rectangular area) of the image, including the serial number and a predetermined boundary, remains. In an example where two serial numbers are engraved on a given surface element of a watch component, the computerized registration system 1 may be configured to generate two cropped images of the watch component, consisting of a first cropped image including the first serial number engraving and a second cropped image including the second serial number engraving.

[0087] In an embodiment in which the watch components have serial numbers engraved in two locations, the computerized registration system 1 is configured to extract fine features from within a single bounding box surrounding a predetermined engraving of the serial number. Alternatively, the computerized registration system 1 is configured to extract fine features from within two bounding boxes, each associated with a specific engraving of the serial number.

[0088] In one embodiment, the fine features correspond to multiple landmarks. These landmarks are local regions in the image that may differ among the watch components. The landmarks may be predefined or automatically identified by a computerized registration system.

[0089] In step S16, the computerized registration system 1 generates a watch component registration code using the fine features (and / or one or more images) and a one-way function. Specifically, the one-way function takes the fine features and / or one or more images as input and generates a watch component registration code as output. The watch component registration code is, for example, an L-dimensional vector or an alphanumeric string.

[0090] In particular, the one-way function is designed so that fine features cannot be reproduced using the watch component registration code. Another important feature of the one-way function is locality, where small differences in fine features are preserved as relative distances (calculated using metrics such as Euclidean distance) in the output watch component registration code. Small differences in fine features can arise in the sense that each fine feature is slightly different, or in the sense that the set of fine features is different.

[0091] For example, a one-way function can be implemented using a locality-preserving hash function that generates similar watch component registration codes from two sets of similar fine features.

[0092] In one embodiment, the computerized registration system 1 is configured to extract fine features and generate a watch component registration code in accordance with the methods and techniques described in International Publication No. 2009 / 115611. That document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0093] In step S18, the computerized registration system 1 is configured to store the serial number in association with the watch component registration code. In any embodiment, metadata of the registration system 1 and / or the registration camera 3 may be stored in association with the serial number. Furthermore, in any embodiment, a timestamp of the registration time t0 may be stored. Depending on the embodiment, the computerized registration system 1 is configured to store the serial number in association with the watch component registration code in the memory of the computerized registration system 1.

[0094] In addition to or instead of this, the computerized registration system 1 is configured to generate a watch component registration message for transmission to the watch component data storage system. This will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0095] Figure 5 is a flowchart of Method 200 for verifying watch components. Method 200 is performed by a computerized verification system 2. Method 200 includes several steps S20 to S28. Method 200 may be performed by the computerized verification system 2 at the request of a user, or it may be performed as part of an existing process relating to the processing, storage, distribution, handling, management, inspection, or other operations of watch components incorporated into a sold watch. Method 200 may be performed, for example, at a point of sale controlled by a sales agent. Method 200 may include any preparatory steps, intermediate steps, or subsequent steps as described herein. Method 200 includes several steps similar to those of Method 100, and similar considerations apply.

[0096] In an optional preparation step, the verification camera device 4 records one or more images of the watch component W' for verification. The recording of one or more verification images by the verification camera device 4 may be prompted or initiated by the user, particularly through user interaction with the verification camera device 4. For example, the user may take an image (e.g., a photograph) of the watch component using a smartphone. Alternatively, the verification camera device 4 may record verification images as part of an automated process. This may be done, for example, when the watch component W is (re)sold on the market, when the watch component or a watch incorporating it is returned for repair or maintenance, and / or when the watch component is evaluated for wear or damage.

[0097] Subsequently, the verification camera device 4 transmits one or more images to the computerized verification system 2. In any manner, the verification camera device 4 may transmit metadata relating to the one or more images, metadata relating to the verification camera device 4, and / or metadata relating to the recording status of the images (e.g., geographical location and / or verification time t1). The metadata may include hardware configuration information of the verification camera device 4, particularly information relating to the camera. For example, it may include the camera model, manufacturer, and / or identifier. For example, it may include camera specifications such as resolution, focal length, and / or aperture. Furthermore, it may include information relating to the model and / or manufacturer of the verification camera device. It may also include information that uniquely identifies the verification camera device 4. This may include, for example, a serial number, MAC address, and / or a mobile subscriber identifier such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) contained in the SIM card of the verification camera device 4.

[0098] The metadata may include software configuration information for the verification camera device 4. Software configuration information may include, for example, the current application version of the camera software, the operating system version, and / or the firmware version. The metadata may also include carrier information regarding the mobile wireless network to which the verification camera device 4 (implemented, for example, as a smartphone) is connected. This may include the cell ID, the received signal strength indicator, and / or one or more base stations to which the verification camera device 4 is connected. The metadata may also include the SSID of WiFi networks within range. Finally, the metadata may include software and / or hardware diagnostic information.

[0099] In any configuration, the metadata may include user information about the user of the verification camera device 4, such as name, telephone number, home address, work address, email address, and / or date of birth. Furthermore, it may include user contact information, such as a contact list (name, telephone number, and / or other information identifying the contact).

[0100] The metadata may include a current timestamp indicating the verification time t1. Furthermore, the metadata may include location information of the verification camera device 4, such as the geographical location of the verification camera device 4 as determined using its Global Navigation System (GNSS) receiver. The location information is as follows:

[0101] The metadata may include information about past watch components W and W' captured by the verification camera device 4, particularly the serial number, watch component verification code, each point in time, and metadata associated with the past watch component.

[0102] In step S20, the computerized verification system 2 receives one or more verification images from the verification camera device 4.

[0103] In any embodiment, the computerized verification system 2 verifies whether one or more verification images correspond to any of the permitted types of watch components. For example, the computerized verification system 2 verifies whether the watch components shown in one or more verification images are of an appropriate predetermined type or model range.

[0104] In step S22, the computerized verification system 2 extracts a serial number from one or more verification images. The computerized verification system 2 is configured to extract the serial number using optical character recognition (OCR).

[0105] In one embodiment, the computerized verification system 2 identifies the type of watch component W' using one or more verification images.

[0106] In one embodiment, the computerized verification system 2 verifies the integrity of the serial number by, for example, calculating a checksum of the extracted serial number and comparing it with a check digit. The type of watch component identified may be used to calculate the checksum. In addition to or instead of this, the computerized verification system 2 may verify the validity of the serial number by searching a database, for example, a watch component data storage system 5. This database contains the serial numbers of each watch component already incorporated into watches that have been sold. In step S24, the computerized verification system 2 extracts fine features of the watch component from one or more verification images.

[0107] In one embodiment, the computerized verification system 2 is configured to trim one or more verification images received from the verification camera device 4. For example, the verification image is trimmed so that only the bounding box (e.g., a rectangular area) of the image, including the serial number and a predetermined boundary, remains. In an example where two serial numbers are engraved on a given surface element of the watch component W', the computerized verification system 2 may be configured to generate two trimmed images of the watch component W': a first trimmed image including the first serial number engraving and a second trimmed image including the second serial number engraving.

[0108] In an embodiment where the watch component W' has a serial number engraved in two places, the computerized verification system 2 is configured to extract fine features from within a single bounding box surrounding a predetermined engraving of the serial number. Alternatively, the computerized verification system 2 is configured to extract fine features from within two bounding boxes, each associated with a specific engraving of the serial number.

[0109] In step S26, the computerized verification system 2 generates a watch component verification code using the extracted fine features and / or one or more images and the one-way function described herein. Specifically, the one-way function takes the fine features and / or one or more images as input and generates a watch component registration code as output. The watch component verification code is, for example, an L-dimensional vector or an alphanumeric string.

[0110] In step S28, the computerized verification system 2 authenticates the watch component W' by determining whether the stored watch component registration code associated with the watch component W having the same serial number matches the watch component verification code. In particular, the computerized verification system 2 may determine a correspondence value indicating the degree of correspondence between the watch component registration code and the watch component verification code. This correspondence value may be determined using a correspondence function.

[0111] In one embodiment, the computerized verification system 2 collaborates with the watch component data storage system 5 to authenticate the watch component W'. For example, the computerized verification system 2 may send a query message to the watch component data storage system 5 containing the serial number of the extracted watch component W'. The watch component data storage system 5 performs a lookup and, in response to the query, returns a watch component registration code associated with the serial number. The query message may further include the type of watch component. As another example, the query message may include the watch component verification code itself. In this case, the watch component data storage system 5 performs the authentication as described herein.

[0112] The correspondence function may include, for example, calculating using a metric (e.g., Euclidean distance) between the L-dimensional vector representation of the watch component registration code and the L-dimensional vector representation of the watch component verification code. In particular, the correspondence function takes the L-dimensional vector representation of the watch component verification code and the L-dimensional vector representation of the watch component registration code as input and generates a correspondence value as output.

[0113] The corresponding value may be a continuous value calculated by, for example, a metric. Alternatively, the corresponding value may be a binary value if, for example, the watch component code is generated using a locality-preserving hash function with appropriate hash value binning. In this case, the corresponding function may include determining whether the watch component registration code and the watch component verification code are in the same bin.

[0114] The larger the correspondence value, the greater the degree of correspondence or agreement between the fine features of watch component W and the fine features of watch component W'. If it exceeds a predetermined correspondence threshold, the probability that watch component W' is not identical to watch component W (i.e., watch component W' is a counterfeit) becomes negligibly small.

[0115] For the fine features of watch component W and watch component W' to correspond or coincide, it means, for example, that at least some of the fine features present in watch component W are also present in watch component W'. In other words, watch component W has a set of fine features M, watch component W' has a set of fine features S, and set S is a subset of set M. The correspondence threshold may be defined, for example, as the absolute and / or relative magnitude of the subset S of fine features present in watch component W' with respect to the set M of fine features present in watch component W.

[0116] Depending on the embodiment, matching techniques such as approximate matching (e.g., fuzzy matching) or pattern matching may be used. For example, the fine features of watch component W and watch component W' may each be represented as vectors in a vector space. A metric may be calculated from which the distance between the vectors is calculated. This distance becomes the correspondence value, and the maximum distance still recognized as a match becomes the correspondence threshold. For example, the result of approximate matching may be expressed as the probability that two watch components W and W' are identical.

[0117] In addition to and / or alternatively, the correspondence or agreement of minute features may include defining a specific correspondence for each individual minute feature and determining the overall correspondence between watch component W' and watch component W using an aggregated correspondence scale based on this specific correspondence for each individual minute feature.

[0118] The computerized verification system 2 authenticates the watch component W', for example, depending on whether the corresponding value satisfies a predetermined corresponding threshold. Depending on the corresponding function used, this may be expressed as the minimum distance between L-dimensional vectors.

[0119] The predetermined correspondence threshold may depend on the type of watch component. Alternatively, the predetermined correspondence threshold may depend on the time difference between the registration time t0 of watch component W and the verification time t1 of watch component W'. In particular, the larger the time difference, the lower the predetermined correspondence threshold may be set. In this case, even if the correspondence value is lower than when the time difference is small, watch component W' is still authenticated positively. This may be used to account for wear and tear on watch components. Wear and tear on watch components may be considered according to the steps of method 400, described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0120] The one-way function is configured such that even if a predetermined percentage of the fine features extracted during the registration of the watch component W as part of Method 100 become unextractable, unreadable, and / or unidentifiable due to, for example, wear, the watch component verification code generated from the remaining fine features is still similar to the watch component registration code. In other words, even if only a portion of the original fine features remain on the watch component W, the watch component W' is still verifiable. This is possible, in particular, due to the constraint that the serial numbers must match between the watch component W at registration and the watch component W' at verification. As an optional step, the computerized verification system 2 generates a message indicating whether or not the watch component W' is genuine. The message may be displayed to the user, i.e., the person who initiated Method 200, using the display device of the computerized verification system 2. The user may be notified of a positive authentication result by means such as vibration, audio signal, or visual indicator generated by the computerized verification system 2.

[0121] Alternatively, the message may be sent to another device, such as the verification camera device 4. In this case, the message may also be displayed to the user. As described above, the user may be notified of a positive authentication result by means such as vibration, audio signals, or visual indicators generated by the verification camera device 4. The message may also be stored, for example, in the watch component data storage system 5. The message may include a watch component verification code and metadata from the verification camera device 4.

[0122] As an optional step, the computerized verification system 2 generates a watch component verification message including a watch component verification code and a serial number, and transmits it to the watch component data storage system 5. The watch component verification message may be digitally protected in a manner similar to the watch component registration message described in Method 300 of this specification. The watch component verification message may include corresponding values ​​and metadata related to the verification (e.g., metadata for the verification camera device 4).

[0123] The watch component data storage system 5 stores, for example, a watch component verification code associated with a serial number as a log entry for the watch component W. In any embodiment, the watch component registration code may be updated using the watch component verification code.

[0124] Figure 6 is a flowchart of method 300 for storing a watch component registration code. Method 300 is performed, for example, when registering a watch component W. Method 300 may be performed by a computerized registration system 1. The method includes steps S30 to S310.

[0125] In step S30, the computerized registration system 1 generates a watch component registration message. The watch component registration message includes the serial number of the watch component W and the watch component registration code of the watch component. The watch component registration message may further include metadata of the computerized registration system 1, metadata of the registration camera 3, metadata about the watch component (e.g., type, model, model number, manufacturing date, manufacturing location, material), and / or metadata about the status of the watch component registration process, such as a timestamp and / or geographical location.

[0126] In step S32, the watch component registration message is digitally protected by the computerized registration system 1. Digitally protecting the watch component registration message allows it to be verified. For example, the recipient of the watch component registration message can verify that the message is legitimate and was generated by the computerized registration system 1. Furthermore, digitally protecting the watch component registration message can prevent tampering or alteration of the message. In addition, digitally protecting the watch component registration message can prevent it from being read during transmission or while in temporary storage.

[0127] A watch component registration message may be protected by the computerized registration system 1 digitally signing the watch component registration message. Digital signing may include creating a digital signature using the private key of the computerized registration system 1. Digital signing a watch component registration message may further include hashing the watch component registration message and including the hash as part of the digital signature, and / or other well-known methods. The digital signature is provided together with or as part of the watch component registration message.

[0128] In addition to or instead of the above, the watch component registration message may be encrypted. This may be done using, for example, a symmetric encryption scheme or a public-key / private-key encryption scheme. The latter may encrypt the watch component registration message using, for example, the public key of the intended recipient, in particular the watch component data storage system 5.

[0129] In step S34, the watch component registration message is transmitted by the computerized registration system 1 to the watch component data storage system 5. This transmission may be further protected, for example, by establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between the computerized registration system and the watch component data storage system 5, or by using a dedicated communication line.

[0130] In step S36, the watch component registration message is received in the watch component data storage system 5.

[0131] In step S38, the watch component data storage system 5 determines the validity of the watch component registration message. This determination is made, for example, by determining whether the digital signature is authentic, or by successfully decrypting the watch component registration message. The watch component data storage system 5 may use the public key of the watch component data storage system 5 or the public key of the computerized registration system 1 to determine the validity.

[0132] In step S310, the watch component registration message, particularly the contents of the message including the serial number and watch component registration code, is stored in the watch component data storage system 5.

[0133] Figure 7 is a flowchart of Method 400 for determining the degree of wear of watch components and performing one or more additional steps. Method 400 may be performed, for example, by a computerized verification system 2. In addition to or instead of this, Method 400 may be performed, at least in part, by a watch component data storage system 5. Method 400 may be performed during or after the execution of Method 200 for authenticating watch component W'. Method 400 includes a plurality of steps S40 to S46, at least some of which are arbitrary steps.

[0134] In step S40, the degree of wear of the watch component W' is determined. The degree of wear is determined using one or more verification images and computer image analysis.

[0135] The degree of wear may be determined by considering the number of years the watch component W' has been in use, particularly the time difference between the current point in time (e.g., verification time t1) and registration time t0. The degree of wear may also be determined by considering the type of watch component. The degree of wear may also be determined by using a representation of a new watch component of the same type as the watch component W' (e.g., one or more images or models) as a criterion for comparison.

[0136] In an embodiment where approximate pattern matching is used to compare the fine features of watch component W at time t0 with the fine features of watch component W' at time t1, the degree of pattern matching may be used to determine the degree of wear. In this case, the degree of pattern matching becomes the corresponding value. The degree of wear may also be expressed as the probability that the two watch components W and W' are identical, i.e., as a probability value. A predetermined wear threshold may be defined as a specific probability value.

[0137] Furthermore, if the fine features of watch component W at time t0 and the fine features of watch component W' at time t1 are represented as vectors in vector space, the correspondence value may be defined as being inversely proportional to the distance between the vectors calculated using a metric. As a result, the correspondence value decreases as the distance increases, and the degree of wear is determined in this way. If a predetermined minimum distance is exceeded, it is considered that the wear threshold has been exceeded. In one embodiment, the degree of wear is determined using the number of fine features in watch component W' (those present in the verification image and / or represented by the watch component verification code). For example, it may be determined whether the wear threshold has been exceeded by comparing the number of fine features with an absolute minimum threshold. Alternatively, the degree of wear may be determined by comparing the number of fine features in watch component W' with the number of fine features present in watch component W (represented by the watch component registration code). For example, the degree of wear may be determined using the ratio obtained by comparing the number of fine features in watch component W with the number of fine features in watch component W'.

[0138] Image analysis may include determining the contrast level in one or more verification images and comparing it to a reference contrast. Image analysis may also include determining the sharpness level in one or more verification images and comparing it to a reference sharpness. Image analysis may also include determining one or more colors in one or more images and comparing them to one or more reference colors. Other aspects of the image, in particular the clarity of lines such as serial numbers, may be further considered. Criteria such as contrast, sharpness, and / or color are defined using representations of new watch components.

[0139] In step S42, the corresponding threshold is modified according to the determined degree of wear. In particular, the corresponding threshold may be lowered according to the degree of wear. In this case, the higher the degree of wear, the greater the relative reduction in the corresponding threshold. This ensures that even a watch component W' that has been used for several years and is worn can still be authenticated positively.

[0140] In one embodiment, the degree of wear is included in the watch component verification message sent to the watch component data storage system 5.

[0141] In step S44, it is determined whether the degree of wear exceeds a predetermined wear threshold. The wear threshold indicates, for example, that the watch component W' should be replaced at the next maintenance. This step may be performed by the computerized verification system 2 and / or the watch component data storage system 5. The result of the determination of whether the degree of wear exceeds the predetermined wear threshold may be transmitted to the watch component data storage system 5, for example, if the determination is performed by the computerized verification system 2.

[0142] If it is determined that the degree of wear exceeds a predetermined wear threshold, in step S46, the computerized verification system 2 and / or the watch component data storage system 5 generate a status change message. The status change message indicates, for example, that the watch component W' should be replaced at the next maintenance. For example, the status change message may include the serial number of the watch component W' and optionally include the degree of wear. When the computerized verification system 2 generates a status change message, it is sent to the watch component data storage system 5, which receives the status change message. The watch component data storage system 5 is configured to update the status of the watch component W' by changing its status to, for example, "Scheduled for Replacement" according to the status change message. Subsequently, the watch component W' is collected for maintenance at an appropriate time, for example, at a service center or a facility that partners with similar organizations responsible for service and / or repair and, if necessary, the collection of watches by notifying the owner.

[0143] Figure 8 is a flowchart of method 500 for updating the status of watch components W and W'. Method 500 may be performed at least in part by the computerized verification system 2 and / or the watch component data storage system 5. Method 500 may be performed whenever a status change message is generated for a watch component W. A status change message may be a status change request that requests a change in the status of one or more watch components W from a specific status to another status, for example, from "Scheduled for Replacement" to "End of Use", or from "Scheduled for Update" to "Updated". Method 500 described herein is performed to ensure that this process is carried out in a secure manner. Method 500 includes several steps S50 to S56.

[0144] In step S50, a status change message is generated. The status change message is a proposal by a given entity to change the current status of one or more watch components, including watch components W and W', from one status to another. Thus, the status change message identifies at least specific watch components W and W', for example, by including a serial number or a range of serial numbers, and indicates a desired new status for at least watch components W and W'. The entity may be any of the entities described as part of the electronic system S, for example, the computerized registration system 1, the computerized verification system 2, and / or the watch component data storage system 5. However, the entity may also be another computerized entity communicatively connected to the electronic system S, for example, a computerized device authorized and / or managed by the manufacturer.

[0145] The status change message is broadcast, i.e., sent, to multiple approving entities. These approving entities are, for example, entities each authorized and / or controlled by the manufacturer. These approving entities may also include, for example, multiple domestic or worldwide distributors of the manufacturer. Furthermore, these approving entities may include facilities that inspect, repair, or otherwise handle watch components W, W'.

[0146] In step S52, the status change message is received by at least some of the approving entities. These approving entities verify and approve the status change message and generate and send an approval message in response to the status change message. The approval message indicates approval of the status change for the watch component identified in the status change message. The approval message may be a digitally protected message as described herein.

[0147] The approval message is received by the entity that generated the status change message. In addition to this, or instead, the approval message may be sent to the watch component data storage system 5. The watch component data storage system 5 receives the approval message.

[0148] In step S54, for example, the receiving entity and / or the watch component data storage system 5 determines whether the number of received approval messages is sufficient. For example, it may be required that a certain percentage of the approval entities have sent approval messages, or that at least a predetermined number of approval entities have sent approval messages. The approval messages may also be verified, i.e., their authenticity checked.

[0149] In step S56, the status of watch components W and W' is updated in the watch component data storage system 5 according to the proposed new status included in the status update message.

[0150] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are illustrative, and as those skilled in the art will understand, at least some of the components and / or processes described in the above embodiments may be reconfigured, omitted, or introduced into other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for registering watch components (W, W'), In the computerized registration system (1), the process (S10) includes receiving images of the watch components (W, W') including their serial numbers from the registration camera (3), In the computerized registration system (1), the process (S12) involves extracting the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') from the image using optical character recognition, In the computerized registration system (1), the process (S14) involves extracting fine features of the watch components (W, W') from the image, In the computerized registration system (1), the process (S16) involves generating a watch component registration code by processing the fine features using a one-way function, The process of storing the serial number in association with the watch component registration code (S18), Methods that include...

2. In the computerized registration system (1), the steps include generating a watch component registration message including the serial number and the watch component registration code (S30), Step (S32) of digitally protecting the watch component registration message by including a digital signature generated in the computerized registration system (1) in the watch component registration message, and / or instead by encrypting the contents of the watch component registration message using the secret key of the computerized registration system (1), It further includes, The step (S18) of storing the serial number in association with the watch component registration code is, The process (S34) involves transmitting the digitally protected watch component registration message from the computerized registration system (1) to the watch component data storage system (5), In the watch component data storage system (5), the steps include receiving the digitally protected watch component registration message (S36), In the watch component data storage system (5), a step (S38) is taken to determine whether the digitally protected watch component registration message is authentic by verifying the digital signature and / or, in lieu thereof, by successfully decrypting the watch component registration message. In the watch component data storage system (5), in response to positive authentication of the watch component registration message, the process (S310) involves storing the serial number in association with the watch component registration code, The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

3. In the computerized verification system (2), the process (S20) includes receiving verification images of the watch components (W, W') including the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') from the verification camera device (4), In the computerized verification system (2), the steps include: extracting the serial number of the watch component from the verification image using optical character recognition (S22); In the computerized verification system (2), the steps include extracting fine features of the watch components (W, W') from the verification image (S24), In the computerized verification system (2), the process of generating a watch component verification code by processing the fine features using a one-way function (S26) is performed. In the computerized verification system (2), if the watch component verification code matches the watch component registration code for the watch component (W, W') stored together with the serial number, the step (S28) of authenticating the watch component (W, W') is performed. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The step (S28) for authenticating the watch components (W, W') is: The computerized verification system (2) includes a step of calculating a correspondence value that indicates the degree of correspondence between the watch component verification code and the watch component registration code using a correspondence function, In the computerized verification system (2), the steps include authenticating the watch components (W, W') when the corresponding value satisfies a predetermined corresponding threshold, The method according to claim 3, including the method described in claim 3.

5. The step (S28) for authenticating the watch components (W, W') is: In the computerized verification system (2), the process (S40) involves analyzing the verification image using image analysis and determining the degree of wear of the watch components (W, W'), In the computerized verification system (2), the steps include: modifying the predetermined corresponding threshold according to the degree of wear of the watch components (W, W') (S42); The method according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. In the computerized verification system (2), the process (S40) involves analyzing the verification image using image analysis and determining the degree of wear of the watch components (W, W'), In the computerized verification system (2), the steps include determining whether the degree of wear exceeds a predetermined wear threshold (S44), If the degree of wear exceeds the predetermined wear threshold, the computerized verification system (2) generates a status change message including the serial number of the watch components (W, W') and the updated status of the watch components (W, W') indicating that the watch components (W, W') have been flagged as subject to service, replacement, or repair (S46), The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising:

7. A step of generating a trimmed image of the watch component (W, W') including the serial number and a predetermined margin surrounding the bounding box of the serial number, A step of extracting the fine features of the watch components (W, W') from the trimmed image, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fine features of the watch components (W, W') include features resulting from the heterogeneity of the substrate of the watch components (W, W') and / or from the irreproducible randomness in the manufacturing process of the watch components (W, W').

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the fine features of the watch components (W, W') are produced by a cutting and / or engraving process, in particular a cutting and / or engraving process including the cutting and / or engraving of the serial number.

10. The watch component data storage system (5) includes a step of receiving the watch component verification code and the serial number, The watch component data storage system (5) includes the steps of storing the watch component verification code in association with the serial number, The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, further comprising:

11. The computerized verification system (2) further includes the step of receiving metadata from the verification camera device (4), The method according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the metadata includes one or more of the following: hardware configuration information of the verification camera device (4), particularly information about the camera; software configuration information of the verification camera device (4); user information of the user of the verification camera device (4); contact information of the verification camera device (4); diagnostic data of the verification camera device (4); current timestamp; location information of the verification camera device (4); or information about past watch components (W, W') captured by the verification camera device (4).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of recording a status log associated with the watch components (W, W') in the computerized verification system (2), the log log including a plurality of log entries, each including the watch component verification code and the metadata from the verification camera device (4).

13. A step of transmitting a status change message, including the serial number of the watch components (W, W') and the updated status of the watch components (W, W'), from the computerized approval system to the watch component data storage system (5), wherein the updated status includes one or more of the following: registered, in stock, scheduled for replacement, scheduled for update, scheduled for upgrade, scheduled for disposal, flagged for service or replacement or repair, decommissioned, or disposed of. The watch component data storage system (5) includes a step of updating the status of the watch components (W, W') according to the updated status, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:

14. The aforementioned status change message includes multiple digital signatures from multiple approving bodies, The method according to claim 13, wherein the update of the status of the watch components (W, W') is performed in accordance with the computerized approval system having positively verified the confirmation.

15. A computerized registration system (1) for registering watch components (W, W'), The system includes a processing unit (12), and the processing unit (12) is: Images of the watch components (W, W') including their serial numbers are received from the registration camera (3) (S10). Using optical character recognition, the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') are extracted from the image (S12). From the aforementioned image, the fine features of the watch components (W, W') are extracted (S14). By processing the fine features using a one-way function, a watch component registration code is generated (S16). The watch component registration code is stored in association with the serial number of the watch component (W, W') (S18). It is configured in such a way. system.

16. A computerized verification system (2) for verifying watch components (W, W'), The system includes a processing unit (21), and the processing unit (21) is Verification images of the watch components (W, W') including the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') are received from the verification camera device (4) (S20). Using optical character recognition, the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') are extracted from the verification image (S22). From the verification image, the fine features of the watch components (W, W') are extracted (S24). By processing the fine features using a one-way function, a watch component verification code is generated (S26). The watch component (W, W') is authenticated if the watch component verification code matches the watch component registration code stored in the watch component data storage system (5) for the serial number of the watch component (W, W') (S28). It is configured in such a way. system.

17. A computer program product for registering watch components (W, W'), The computer program code includes a computer program code that controls the processing unit (21), Step (S10) of receiving an image of the watch components (W, W') including the serial number of the watch components (W, W') from the camera (3), Step (S12) of extracting the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') from the image using optical character recognition, Step (S14) of extracting the fine features of the watch components (W, W') from the aforementioned image, The process of generating a watch component registration code by processing the aforementioned fine features using a one-way function (S16), Step (S18) of storing the watch component registration code in association with the serial number of the watch component (W, W'), Configured to perform a process that includes, Computer program products.

18. A computer program product for verifying watch components (W, W'), The computer program code includes a computer program code that controls the processing unit (21), Step (S20) of receiving a verification image of the watch components (W, W') including the serial number of the watch components (W, W') from the verification camera device (4), Step (S22) of extracting the serial numbers of the watch components (W, W') from the verification image using optical character recognition, Step (S24) of extracting the fine features of the watch components (W, W') from the verification image, The process (S26) involves processing the fine features using a one-way function to generate a verification code for the watch components (W, W'), Step (S28) to authenticate the watch components (W, W') if the watch component verification code matches the watch component registration code stored in the watch component data storage system (5) for the serial number of the watch component (W, W'), Configured to perform a process that includes, Computer program products.

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