Digital Camera Authentication with Orthogonal Polarizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for products with invisible indicia on reflective substrives are limited by the need for manual, sequential authentication, lack of automation in data recording and transmission, and inability to decode machine-readable codes quickly, especially when authentication needs to be performed remotely or covertly.
Innovation Solution
A system using a digital camera with orthogonally oriented linear or circular polarizing filters to differentiate invisible indicia from the background, allowing for automated image capture, decoding, and remote transmission of authentication results, enabling immediate responses and covert authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual sequential authentication is used with circular polarizing filters, then authentication can be performed with simple equipment, but the authentication process is time-consuming and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated digital imaging system. A digital camera captures images of the authentication indicia, and software automatically processes these images to determine authenticity, eliminating the need for manual sequential inspection through polarizing filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the authentication indicia on the product. This digital image can be captured, stored, and analyzed automatically without requiring physical handling or sequential manual inspection, enabling rapid automated authentication.
2Loss of information
If invisible indicia are printed in machine-readable code form, then data encoding efficiency is improved, but quick decoding capability is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and stores reference templates of valid machine-readable codes during system setup. During authentication, the captured image is compared against these pre-stored templates, enabling rapid decoding and verification without requiring complex real-time computation.
3Ease of operation
If authentication is performed remotely without handling the item, then covert authentication is enabled, but the revealing device must be at a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from close-proximity optical inspection to remote imaging authentication. Instead of requiring the inspector to be close to the product with polarizing filters, the system uses a digital camera to capture images from a distance, allowing covert authentication without physical handling or close proximity.
4Loss of information
If results need to be transmitted to another location, then centralized monitoring is improved, but automated recording and transmission capability is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically transmits authentication results to a central database or monitoring location, and can receive feedback or additional information in return. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual data entry and transmission, enabling centralized monitoring and immediate response capabilities.
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
Enables efficient, automated authentication and data transmission, allowing for quick decoding of machine-readable codes and remote verification, with the option for promotional information or inventory management responses.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear polarizer having a first orientation... illuminating the label with light from the light source through the first linear polarizer
Implementation Method 2
a label with invisible indicia on the object which rotates a polarization of incident light
Implementation Method 3
a second linear polarizer having a second orientation orthogonal to the first orientation... the second linear polarizer makes the invisible indicia visible
Data Source
AI summary
A system for authenticating an object includes a label (12) with invisible indicia (14) on the object which rotates a polarization of incident light; a digital camera (18) having a light source (20), an image sensor (22), a first polarizing filter (24) having a first orientation, and a second polarizing filter (26) having a second orientation orthogonal to the first orientation; illuminating the label with light from the light source through the first linear polarizer; forming an image with the image sensor using reflected light from the label wherein the reflected light passes through the second polarizer prior to reaching the sensor; wherein the second linear polarizer makes the invisible indicia visible; and authenticating the object.