Hidden Spatial Code Authentication via Digital Revealing Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems rely on visible barcodes and codes, which are easily recognizable and aesthetically unappealing, and lack strong security features, as they can be modified without knowledge of the synthesis parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses spatial codes hidden within grayscale or color images, where a smartphone acquires and processes images to reveal the codes through perspective correction, fine grain rectification, and phase-controlled superposition with a digital revealing layer grating, providing high registration accuracy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible barcodes and codes are used for tracking systems, then the codes are easily recognizable and can be read by standard devices, but they are aesthetically unappealing and lack strong security features as they can be modified without knowledge of synthesis parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds spatial codes within visually significant images by nesting the code structure inside the image data. The base layer multigrating contains the hidden spatial code that is revealed through superposition with a revealing layer, creating a nested structure where the code is contained within the image without being visually apparent, thus providing security while maintaining aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D visible barcodes to a multi-layered spatial code structure that requires superposition in a different dimensional space. By using base layer and revealing layer gratings that must be superposed at specific orientations and positions, the system adds a dimensional complexity that prevents easy modification while maintaining readability through specialized devices
2Ease of operation
If spatial codes are hidden within grayscale or color images, then the acceptability and aesthetic appeal are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the codes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a revealing layer grating as an intermediary element that mediates between the hidden spatial code in the base layer and the detection device. This revealing layer, when superposed with the base layer, creates moiré patterns that make the hidden code detectable and measurable, thus bridging the gap between aesthetic concealment and detectability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color and intensity variations in the base layer multigrating image to encode the spatial code. By manipulating the grayscale or color values within the image and creating specific intensity patterns that reveal the code through superposition, the system maintains aesthetic appearance while enabling detection through optical processing
3Measurement precision
If high superposition registration accuracy is required to quickly reveal hidden spatial code messages, then the authentication success rate is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates synchronization markers and reference patterns in the base layer multigrating that enable preliminary alignment and registration before the actual code revelation process. These pre-positioned elements allow the system to quickly establish the correct superposition position, reducing the time required to achieve high registration accuracy and thus minimizing processing time while maintaining precision
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 quick and secure authentication and tracking of documents and goods, as well as localization of persons, with high success rates and improved acceptability, by utilizing non-modifiable hidden spatial codes within visually significant images.
Implementation Method 1
a base layer multigrating image reproduced on the document or good to be protected
Implementation Method 2
When the acquired and perspectively corrected base layer multigrating is superposed with a corresponding digital revealing layer grating, one of the hidden messages appears as a level-line moiré
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an authentication and tracking system relying on spatial codes hidden into a grayscale, variable intensity or color multigrating reproduced on a substrate. The authentication software running in a smartphone takes pictures of the multigrating and applies perspective correction and fine grain rectification. The hidden spatial code is made apparent by the phase-controlled superposition of the fine grain rectified multigrating and a corresponding digital revealing layer grating. Subsequent image processing operations enable extracting the hidden spatial code, decode it and authenticate the corresponding document or good, by sending the decoded message to an authentication and tracking computing server. Applications include the authentication and tracking of documents and goods as well as the localization of persons.