Detecting Conflicting Digital Watermarks on Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital watermarking technologies face challenges in detecting multiple conflicting machine-readable codes on product packaging, leading to errors such as double-charging during retail checkout, as these codes can be spatially offset or have varying scales and rotations, making them difficult to detect.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that generates a new digital watermark pattern, determines the origin location for embedding, and varies the scale or rotation of the watermark across different packages, along with a system to detect and flag faulty packaging with conflicting GTIN identifiers, ensuring accurate detection and prevention of double-charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple digital watermarks are embedded on packaging with varying positions, scales, and rotations, then the complexity of detection increases, but the reliability of detecting conflicting codes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the image into multiple candidate regions based on detected code patterns, then processes each region separately to identify and resolve conflicting watermarks. This segmentation approach manages complexity by dividing the detection task into manageable parts while maintaining high detection accuracy through focused analysis of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D watermark detection to 3D spatial analysis by considering position, scale, and rotation as additional dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables the system to detect and differentiate multiple watermarks embedded at various orientations and scales, improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If digital watermarks are obscured in the printed media, then they become imperceptible to untrained observers, but they become detectable through automated processes
Solution Approach 1:
The watermark embedding applies different quality levels to different regions of the image. In areas where watermarks are embedded, the modification is subtle and imperceptible to untrained observers under normal viewing conditions. The automated detection system, however, is specifically tuned to recognize these subtle modifications, maintaining high detection precision while preserving the imperceptibility requirement.
3Reliability
If the detection system analyzes multiple candidate codes, then the likelihood of detecting conflicting watermarks increases, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtering and candidate identification before full analysis. It first detects potential code regions and identifies candidates that may contain watermarks, then focuses detailed analysis only on these pre-selected regions. This preliminary action reduces the overall analysis time while maintaining high reliability in detecting conflicting watermarks by ensuring all candidates are considered.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses feedback mechanisms where initial detection results inform subsequent analysis. When conflicts are detected in certain regions, the system adjusts its analysis focus and parameters for remaining regions, reducing redundant analysis and optimizing the time required while maintaining comprehensive conflict detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various image processing arrangements are detailed for detecting mis-marking of product packaging artwork with two conflicting steganographically-encoded product identifiers. Some embodiments concern detection in a pre-press or test-print quality assurance stage. Others concern detection post-press. All help serve to assure accurate product identification by point of sale scanners. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.