Embedded Image Detector in Transparent Authentication Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication document reading devices face challenges in efficiently capturing images of authentication documents due to the need for direct contact and precise alignment, which complicates device design and increases space requirements for image sensors and lighting components.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an image detector within a light-transparent layer on the authentication document, coupled with a communication interface, such as an RFID chip, allows for efficient image capture and transmission, simplifying device construction and reducing spatial requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an external image sensor and lighting unit are used to capture images of the authentication document, then image capture functionality is achieved, but the device occupies considerable space and requires direct contact with the document

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidimage capture quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image detector is integrated directly into the authentication document by embedding it within the light-transparent layer. This merging of the imaging function into the document itself eliminates the need for separate external image sensors and lighting units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image capture quality through direct contactless imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system transitions from a three-dimensional external device requiring physical contact to a two-dimensional integrated layer within the document. The image detector is arranged in the light-transparent layer, enabling image capture without the need for external optical components and reducing spatial requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If direct contact between the image sensor and authentication document is required for image capture, then image quality is improved, but the ease of operation and device simplicity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By embedding the image detector within the light-transparent layer of the authentication document, the system eliminates the need for precise alignment between external sensors and the document. The integrated design ensures consistent positioning without requiring manual adjustment or precise mechanical alignment, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication document becomes self-sufficient by incorporating the image detector within its structure. The document itself provides the imaging capability without requiring external devices, eliminating alignment requirements and simplifying the authentication process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If an RFID chip is integrated into the authentication document for communication, then contactless data transmission is enabled, but the document complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddocument complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID chip is integrated into the authentication document to provide contactless communication capability alongside the embedded image detector. This multi-functional integration enables both imaging and wireless data transmission within a single document structure, enhancing versatility while maintaining a unified design that minimizes overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables efficient and detailed image capture of authentication documents, facilitating authentication processes while minimizing device complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

each light sensor of the image detector is configured to detect illuminating light reflected or scattered from a section of the document surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light-transparent layer arranged on the document surface of the document body, the light-transparent layer having an image detector for capturing an image of the document feature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3429866B1Authentication document
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3429866B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3429866B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3429866B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an authentication document (100) comprising a document body (101) that has a document surface (103) which is provided with a document feature (104) of the authentication document; further comprising a light-transparent layer (105) on the document surface (103) of the document body (101), said light-transparent layer (105) being provided with an image detector (107) for a captured image of the document feature (104); and comprising a communication interface (111) for outputting the captured image.