Composite Image Construction for Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for authenticating documents and objects using encoded images require complex and costly decoding lenses, which are impractical to manufacture and limit their anti-counterfeiting effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method of constructing a digital encoded image as a composite image from component images, where each component image is tonally balanced around a specific color shade, allowing the authentication image to be viewed using a decoder lens with corresponding frequencies, enabling efficient and cost-effective authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex lens element patterns are used to improve anti-counterfeiting effectiveness, then authentication reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidlens manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the encoded image into multiple frequency components (first frequency corresponding to primary image features, second frequency corresponding to authentication image features). This segmentation allows the authentication information to be separated and decoded independently, improving reliability without requiring complex lens patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameters of the encoded image components. By encoding the authentication image at a different frequency (second frequency) than the primary image (first frequency), the system enables differentiation and authentication without complex lens manufacturing, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple frequency components are encoded in the composite image, then authentication capability is improved, but image processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the composite image into distinct frequency components during encoding. The first frequency component carries primary image information while the second frequency component carries authentication information. This segmentation enables straightforward decoding by filtering at different frequencies, improving authentication capability without excessive processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies frequency encoding only to specific portions of the image (authentication regions) rather than the entire image. This partial application of frequency modulation reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The method allows for the creation of composite images that appear as a single tone to the naked eye but can be decoded using a decoder lens, enhancing anti-counterfeiting measures without the need for complex lens manufacturing, thus improving authentication efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a decoder lens having a plurality of lens elements defining one or more decoder lens frequencies over an object to which the composite image has been applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2628130B1Method for constructing a composite image incorporating a hidden authentication image
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 GROPHIC SECURITY SYST CORP
  • EP2628130B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2628130B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2628130B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method is provided for constructing a composite image having an authentication image formed therein. The authentication image is viewable using a decoder lens having one or more decoder lens frequencies. The method comprises generating a first plurality of component images in which corresponding tonal areas are tonally balanced around at least one tonal value. At least one of the component images is configured to include a representation of the authentication image. The method further comprises determining a pattern of component image elements for each of the component images. The pattern having at least one element frequency that is equal to or a multiple of a decoder lens frequency. At least a portion of the content of each component image element is extracted and used to construct a composite image element.