2D Barcode Authentication for Identity Document Morphing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in authenticating identity document photographs lies in the complexity of morphed images, which can deceive both visual and automatic controls, making it difficult to ensure the originality of the image on the document.

Innovation Solution

A method involving encoding a message as a two-dimensional barcode with coding and non-coding sub-blocks, using remarkable points to calculate attributes for a digital fingerprint, and embedding this information within the barcode, which is then integrated with the illustration, allowing for secure verification using an optical sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple authentication method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to morphed images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication processVSAvoidimage authenticity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system segments the verification process into multiple independent components: extracting remarkable points from the illustration, calculating geometric attributes, generating digital fingerprint, creating 2D barcode with error-correcting codes, and cryptographic signing. Each segment performs a specific function, and together they provide robust authentication that resists morphed image attacks while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If complex morphed images are used, then the ability to deceive controls is improved, but the detectability of falsification worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeception capabilityVSAvoidfalsification detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by embedding the digital fingerprint and cryptographic signature into the original illustration before it can be manipulated. The 2D barcode containing authentication data is created in advance and integrated with the illustration. This preliminary authentication markup remains detectable even when the illustration undergoes morphing operations, allowing verification systems to identify falsification attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system implements feedback by comparing the extracted remarkable points and calculated attributes from the presented illustration against the stored digital fingerprint and original attributes. This feedback mechanism provides immediate verification of authenticity, detecting whether the illustration has been morphed or manipulated, and returning a clear authentication result.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a 2D barcode with error-correcting codes is embedded, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidencoding system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 2D barcode serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the digital fingerprint, contains cryptographic signature data, encodes error-correcting codes for data integrity, and provides machine-readable authentication information. This multi-functionality consolidates several security mechanisms into a single compact element, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the illustration's essential features through remarkable points and geometric attributes, encoding them into the 2D barcode. This digital fingerprint copy serves as an authentic reference that can be verified without requiring the original physical illustration, enabling reliable authentication while simplifying the verification process through automated optical recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3539058B1Method for authenticating an illustration
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 SURYS
  • EP3539058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for authenticating an illustration, comprising - encoding a message in the form of a two-dimensional barcode comprising blocks, each block coding a fragment of said message and comprising a set of coding sub-blocks, each sub-block comprising a set of binary elements. It is essentially characterised in that the encoding comprises prior steps consisting in: - defining or identifying a set of noteworthy points in the illustration, - calculating a set of attributes depending on certain at least of the noteworthy points, - selecting, among the calculated attributes, at least one attribute allowing a digital fingerprint to be defined, - optionally compressing said digital fingerprint, - optionally signing said digital fingerprint by means of a cryptographic signature, and - recording in the message one among: - a set of at least one attribute, - the digital fingerprint, - the compressed digital fingerprint, and - the signed and optionally compressed digital fingerprint.