Object Forgery Detection via Microstructure and Code Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for verifying the authenticity of objects with graphic representations of information, such as documents and products, primarily focus on verifying the object itself rather than the authenticity of the information, leaving a gap in ensuring the integrity of the data or markings on the object.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a contrasting, irregular microstructure on the object's surface, combined with graphic representations like 1D or 2D codes, to generate and verify a reference identifier, ensuring the object and its information have not been manipulated by comparing spatially resolved images of the surface features and encoded data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods verify only the object's authenticity, then object verification is achieved, but the information authenticity cannot be verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation authenticity verificationVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the object verification and information verification into a single unified process. The microstructure analysis and graphic representation decoding are integrated into one verification step, allowing both object authenticity and information authenticity to be verified simultaneously without requiring separate verification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference identifier as an intermediary element that links the microstructure characteristics with the graphic representation information. This reference identifier serves as a mediator that connects the physical object properties with the encoded information, enabling verification of both together through a single comparison process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If microstructure analysis is performed, then object authenticity is verified, but the information integrity remains unverified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation integrity verificationVSAvoidverification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges microstructure-based object verification with graphic representation-based information verification into a single integrated verification process. Both verification aspects are combined and compared against the stored reference identifier, ensuring that both object authenticity and information integrity are verified simultaneously with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a reference image is stored in database, then verification can be performed, but unauthorized copies cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized copy detectionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple verification aspects (microstructure characteristics, graphic representation data, and their relationship) into a single reference identifier that is stored in the database. This unified reference identifier enables the detection system to verify both object authenticity and information integrity simultaneously, preventing unauthorized copies while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4214689B1Method for determining a manipulation or forgery of an object and system therefor
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 ERICH UTSCH
  • EP4214689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4214689B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4214689B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a manipulation or forgery of an object (1) which is identified with a graphical representation of an information, wherein the graphical representation of the information forms light and dark regions (11) and the object (1) has a surface having a contrasting, irregular microstructure. The invention also relates to a system (100) which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.