Document Security Using Device-Independent Color Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security measures for documents, particularly currency notes, are vulnerable to forgery due to advancements in scanning and printing technologies, and existing color representation systems like RGB and CMYK are subjective and not device-independent, making it difficult to reliably distinguish genuine from fake documents.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a device-independent color coordinate system with specific variables to generate a securing image, which includes establishing a pair of variables within the color space, discretizing a region, and creating a color list to produce a second image that is applied to the document, making it difficult to reproduce and allowing for high-confidence differentiation between genuine and fake objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional color representation systems (RGB, CMYK) are used for document security, then the implementation is simple and widely compatible, but the color representation is subjective and device-dependent, making it unreliable for distinguishing genuine from fake documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the color representation from device-dependent parameters (RGB, CMYK) to device-independent parameters (L*a*b* color space with L, a, b coordinates). This parameter transformation ensures that color values remain consistent across different scanning and printing devices, thereby improving the reliability of color differentiation for security verification while maintaining a manageable level of system complexity through well-established color conversion algorithms.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution capturing devices and digital printers are used to reproduce security images, then the reproduction quality is high and can fool authentication systems, but the security measures become easier to overcome through faithful reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a securing image to the document before issuance, which is generated with specific color characteristics in the L*a*b* color space. This preliminary action creates a color signature that is intrinsic to the genuine document. When authentication occurs, the system compares the captured image's color values against expected ranges, making it difficult for forgers to reproduce the document faithfully even with high-resolution printers, because slight color variations become detectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system captures an image of the document, converts the colors to the L*a*b* color space, and compares the measured color values against reference values or acceptable ranges. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect deviations from the original color characteristics, thereby identifying forged documents even when the visual reproduction quality is high.
3Reliability
If complex securing images are applied to documents, then the security level increases, but the production process becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a securing image that can be applied through standard printing processes, converting a digital design into a physical document feature. The securing image itself is a graphical pattern or text that can be integrated into the document design and reproduced using conventional printing methods. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing security through the specific color characteristics and patterns that are difficult to replicate accurately.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is a securing method for securing one or more objects, mainly documents, which allows establishing security measures for subsequently distinguishing if said object is fake or genuine. The term "genuine" will be used for referring to the opposite of "fake". The invention features a method of generating a securing image applicable to an object such that its characterization is possible by means of using an image prior to its generation. A colour list, which is the one used for generating the image used in the securing, is generated from this first image.