Invisible Security Features in Data Carrier Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enhancing security against forgery on data carriers, such as ID cards, are limited in their ability to create invisible yet detectable security features that do not alter the appearance of the image when viewed by the naked eye.
Innovation Solution
Embedding additional information with positive and negative gray or brightness values, or color changes that are imperceptible at the resolution of the human eye but visible under magnification, using high-resolution output devices like laser inscription systems to create a new optical security feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional information is embedded in the image using high-resolution output devices, then security against forgery is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into individual pixels that serve as carriers for additional information. Each pixel can be independently modified to embed security features, allowing the manufacturing process to handle complex security requirements through simple, repeatable pixel-level operations rather than complex overall process design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies pixel parameters (such as brightness, color, or presence/absence) to encode additional information. By changing these parameters at the pixel level, the system embeds security features using standard output devices without requiring complex manufacturing processes, thus improving security while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If the resolution of the output device is increased to embed invisible security features, then the security feature becomes more secure, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard output devices to perform multiple functions: producing the visible image and embedding invisible security features simultaneously. This eliminates the need for specialized high-resolution equipment, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining security effectiveness through clever use of pixel-level modifications
3Reliability
If microstructures are integrated into the image to create security features, then protection against counterfeiting is improved, but the image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds security information in a partial manner within the pixel structure, using only the fine details that are imperceptible to the human eye. The majority of the pixel characteristics remain dedicated to maintaining visible image quality, while subtle parameter variations encode security features that do not degrade the overall image appearance
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
This method provides a highly secure, invisible security feature that can only be detected with magnification, significantly increasing protection against counterfeiting without altering the image's appearance to the naked eye, and is suitable for various data carriers including ID cards and banknotes.
Implementation Method 1
The data carrier material is blackened in a targeted manner using a laser beam whose intensity is modulated in such a way that the desired image information is produced pixel by pixel
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for applying an image to a data carrier, in particular a data or identification card, using an output device. To further increase the counterfeit protection of the data carrier, additional information is integrated into the image to be applied as a novel security feature, invisible to the unarmed human eye.For this purpose, it is provided that the image to be applied consists of a large number of pixels, each assigned positive gray or brightness values; that the number of pixels in the image is adapted to the spatial resolution of the output device; that the additional information to be embedded in the recognizable image consists of a large number of pixels corresponding to the spatial resolution of the output device, each assigned positive and negative gray or brightness values; that the gray or brightness values of the pixels of the additional information to be embedded are superimposed on the gray or brightness values of the pixels of the image; and that the image to be applied is recorded pixel by pixel on the data carrier using the gray or brightness values thus obtained.