Forgery-Proof Image Data Encoding via Subtle Color Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating forgery-proof image information data are either expensive, require special equipment and coatings, or are difficult for end customers to handle and recognize, especially when using conventional printing methods and smartphone authentication.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates forgery-proof image information data using conventional printing methods, where information pixels are encoded with slightly different color values that are not visible to the naked eye, and interference pixels are added to hinder detection, allowing for authentication using a smartphone camera with device-specific print characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microholes or special coatings are introduced to create forgery-proof patterns, then authentication security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses conventional printing methods to create forgery-proof patterns by encoding information in the printed image itself, rather than requiring special coatings or microstructures. The printed image contains embedded authentication data that can be captured and verified, eliminating the need for expensive special materials while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of conventional printing by encoding authentication information in specific color values, pixel distributions, or image characteristics that are imperceptible to humans but detectable by machines. This allows standard printers to produce secure patterns without modifying the printing hardware or materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If special hologram labels or raster filters are used to prevent forgery, then authentication security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidcustomer handling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical systems like holograms and raster filters with a digital image processing approach. Authentication is performed by capturing the printed image with a camera and analyzing its digital characteristics, eliminating the need for special optical components and making the system accessible to ordinary consumers with smartphone cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If high contrast black and white disturbances are used in printed images, then ease of photographing is improved, but forgery resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing easeVSAvoidforgery resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by embedding authentication information in specific local characteristics of the printed image, such as subtle color variations or pixel-level patterns in particular regions. These local features are imperceptible to humans but provide machine-readable authentication data that prevents forgery while maintaining overall image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If colors with small color differences are used for watermarking, then forgery resistance is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforgery resistanceVSAvoidcolor recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary processing step where the subtle color differences or image characteristics are captured by a camera and then analyzed through digital image processing algorithms. This intermediary computational analysis compensates for the small physical differences, enabling accurate authentication even when color variations are imperceptible to human vision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2984814B1Generation and recognition of image information data that can be printed in a forgery-proof manner
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 SCANIFY GMBH
  • EP2984814B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2984814B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2984814B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating and authenticating image information data from information data, which image information data can be printed in a forgery-proof manner, comprising the following steps: encoding the information data into a form of binary information pixels, wherein the binary information pixels are arranged in a grid-like manner in accordance with a first grid in respective first grid regions (R1) within an image region (R0); dividing the respective first grid regions (R1) into respective second grid regions (R2) by means of a second grid; determining a respective information field (Ixy) of the respective second grid regions (R2) of the respective first grid region (R1) in accordance with a first association rule and determining the other second grid regions (R2) as faulty fields (Sxy); associating with the respective information field (Ixy), in dependence on the value of the information pixel, a first information color value (IF1) for a value 1 and a second information color value (IF0) for a value 0; determining and associating with the respective fault fields (Sxy) a respective fault color value in accordance with a fault color value association rule; and storing the second grid regions with the respective information color values (IF1, IF0) and fault color values as printable image information data.