Authenticity Determination Using Multi-Directional Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the authenticity of solid bodies with randomly distributed surface characteristics are prone to errors due to the formation of consistent light and dark patterns when illuminated from different directions, leading to potential misidentification of forged documents.
Innovation Solution
An authenticity determination method that generates reference and check images by illuminating a solid body from multiple directions, using a combination of read images to perform a check process, and determines authenticity based on normalized correlation values to differentiate between genuine and forged items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single read image is used for authenticity determination, then the determination process is simple, but the precision of authenticity determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authenticity determination process into multiple independent check processes, each comparing a read reference image with a corresponding read check image. By dividing the single complex comparison into multiple simpler comparisons (first read reference image with first read check image, second read reference image with second read check image), the system achieves higher precision while keeping each individual check process manageable and systematic.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sets of read images are used for check process, then the authenticity determination becomes more precise, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple read images (first and second read reference images, first and second read check images) during the initial scanning process. These images are prepared in advance and stored for subsequent comparison operations. By pre-capturing all necessary images before the actual authenticity determination, the system avoids time-consuming repeated scanning while enabling multiple parallel check processes that enhance accuracy.
3Reliability
If illumination from multiple directions is used, then the light and dark patterns become more distinctive, but the complexity of image acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal illumination and image acquisition system that can capture images from multiple directions using the same light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit. The system illuminates the solid body from a first direction to capture first images, then illuminates from a second direction to capture second images. This multi-functional approach allows a single imaging system to perform multiple capture operations, reducing the need for separate illumination systems for each direction while achieving distinctive surface characteristic patterns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the precision of authenticity determination by accounting for variations in light and dark patterns formed from different illumination angles, reducing the likelihood of erroneous identification and improving the accuracy of distinguishing genuine from forged documents.
Implementation Method 1
a read image being read by a light-receiving unit receiving reflected light of light illuminated by a light-emitting unit toward the surface of the genuine solid body
Data Source
AI summary
To determine authenticity of a solid body simply and precisely, a reference area of a paper sheet which is genuine is optically read from two different directions, and the image is registered as a reference image. A check area of a paper sheet subjected to the authenticity determination, including the reference area and having a size larger than the reference area, is read from two different directions with a scanner, and data on a partial area having the same size as the reference area are extracted from each set of check data collected by the reading. For a set consisting of the reference image and the check image optically read from the same direction, the value of the correlation with the reference image is repetitively calculated by the normalized correlation method while the partial area is shifted within the check area. The maximum correlation value and the normalized score of the maximum correlation value are compared with respective thresholds to determine the authenticity of the paper sheet. If the paper sheet is determined to be “genuine” for the authenticity determination of each set, the paper sheet subjected to the authenticity determination is finally determined to be “genuine.”