Collectible Authentication and Grading via Feature Vector Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack a consistent and reliable method for authenticating, grading, and preserving collectible items, leading to potential fraud and loss of value due to degradation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a scanning device, a computer device, and a display device that generates information on authenticity and grade through feature vector matching with stored profiles, and encapsulates collectibles in a protective case to preserve their condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual authentication and grading methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but consistency and reliability deteriorate leading to fraud and value loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical authentication and grading processes with an automated optical scanning system. The scanning device captures high-resolution images and extracts feature vectors that are compared against stored profiles using computer algorithms, eliminating human subjectivity and inconsistency while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies (feature vectors) of collectible characteristics from scanned images. These digital representations are stored as profiles and used for comparison against new items, enabling consistent automated authentication and grading without handling the physical items excessively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If collectibles are handled and stored without protection, then accessibility and ease of operation are maintained, but condition degradation occurs resulting in value loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrade preservationVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs authentication, grading, and encapsulation of collectibles in advance before they enter circulation or storage. By determining the grade early and sealing items in protective cases with tamper-evident features, the system preserves condition without requiring ongoing manual intervention or monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses protective encapsulation cases with transparent windows that allow visual inspection of collectibles without physical handling. The cases provide physical protection while maintaining visibility, enabling grade preservation without sacrificing complete accessibility for viewing and verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12214951B2Apparatus and system for authenticating, grading, and encapsulating collectibles

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 SGCC INC

AI summary

A case includes a first shell to encapsulate a portion of a collectible. The first shell includes a planar first end having a recessed first edge. A wall is attached to the planar first end at the first edge of the planar first end and surrounds the portion of the collectible. A shoe tree includes a foot-shaped portion for insertion into the collectible and supporting the collectible. An end portion is attached to the foot-shaped portion and rests against the wall, wherein the first shell is configured to support the shoe tree. A second shell seals the case and includes a planar second end to be placed on a lip of the wall, wherein the collectible is configured to be encapsulated by the case. The planar second end has a recessed edge to align with the recessed first edge to enable the case to be stacked on a counterpart case.