Counterfeit Prevention Medium Identification Using Observation Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating counterfeit prevention media, such as those used for securities and branded goods, require specialized devices and expertise, making it difficult for ordinary users to determine authenticity using a simple image capturing device, especially when the media is not placed horizontally.
Innovation Solution
An identification system that uses a general-purpose digital camera to capture images of the counterfeit prevention medium, employing an observation angle estimating unit and similarity calculating unit to determine authenticity by comparing captured image data with reference data, without relying on the disposition condition of the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated authenticity determination device with controlled observation angle is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system (dedicated authenticity determination device with controlled observation angle) with a computational approach using a general-purpose imaging device. The system uses image processing algorithms to estimate the observation angle from captured images, substituting mechanical precision control with software-based angle estimation, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the counterfeit prevention medium's appearance at various observation angles. By capturing images at different angles and generating a reference database, the system copies the essential authentication information into a processable format that can be analyzed by the imaging device, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while preserving authentication capability.
2Measurement precision
If a gyro sensor is used to estimate observation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gyro sensor (mechanical/inertial measurement system) with an image-based computational approach. Instead of using physical sensors to measure device orientation, the system analyzes the captured image content and geometric relationships to infer the observation angle, eliminating the need for additional sensing hardware while maintaining angle estimation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image data as an intermediary between the imaging device and the observation angle measurement. Rather than directly measuring orientation with a gyro sensor, the system uses the captured image as a mediator that contains information about the observation angle, which can then be extracted through image processing and geometric analysis.
3Measurement precision
If the counterfeit prevention medium must be placed horizontally for accurate authentication, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static requirement (medium must be horizontal) into a dynamic solution where the system adapts to any medium orientation. By calculating the observation angle based on the actual capture geometry and adjusting the authentication process accordingly, the system maintains measurement precision regardless of how the medium is positioned, making the authentication process flexible and adaptable to various dispositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference frame and coordinate system parameters used in authentication. Instead of requiring the medium to align with a fixed horizontal reference, the system transforms the authentication parameters to account for the actual observation angle and medium orientation, allowing accurate authentication in any disposition condition by adjusting the computational parameters rather than the physical setup.
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 straightforward authenticity determination of counterfeit prevention media using a simple image capturing device, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and expertise, and functioning regardless of the medium's orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device to the counterfeit prevention medium can be precisely controlled
Implementation Method 2
OVD (optically variable device) ink or pearl pigment or the like can be used, in which the color or the brightness varies
Implementation Method 3
OVD (optically variable device) ink or pearl pigment or the like can be used, in which the color or the brightness varies
Implementation Method 4
a diffraction grating or a hologram in which the color or the patterns vary depending on the observation angle
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An identification device is provided with a reference image generation unit that generates a reference image data corresponding to an observation angle, the reference image data being compared with a captured image data where the counterfeit prevention medium is captured, with a pattern of light to be observed of the counterfeit prevention medium changing depending on the observation angle, the observation angle being an angle formed between a reference line of a surface to be observed of the counterfeit prevention medium and an imaging direction of the captured image data; a similarity calculating unit that calculates a similarity between the captured image data and the reference image data; and an authenticity determination unit that performs an authenticity determination whether the counterfeit prevention medium is correct, on the basis of whether the similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold.