Mobile Document Imaging for Wavelength-Converted Security Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current document authentication methods, such as verifying the authenticity of security features on documents like banknotes and identification cards, are limited to fixed locations and require complex detection devices, making them inaccessible to a wide range of users.

Innovation Solution

A mobile image processing device equipped with a light-generating device and image acquisition system that illuminates and captures security features with wavelength-converting pigments, allowing for real-time detection and highlighting of these features using augmented reality techniques, enabling verification on portable devices like smartphones and augmented reality glasses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex detection devices are used for document authentication, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoiddetection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture an optical copy of the document and its security features, then processes this image data to perform authentication. This replaces complex physical detection devices with a simple imaging device and software-based analysis, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical detection systems with digital image processing. Instead of using complex optical sensors and mechanical scanning systems, the invention uses a standard camera to capture images and processes them computationally, substituting physical detection mechanisms with electronic and software-based solutions

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

2Measurement precision

If fixed location detection devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmobile authentication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the authentication system universal by implementing it in a mobile device that can authenticate various types of documents (banknotes, passports, ID cards) with different security features. The system adapts to different document types and authentication scenarios, providing both precision and versatility through a single multi-functional platform

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static fixed-location detection systems to dynamic mobile authentication. The system can move with the user, adapt to different lighting conditions, and process documents in various orientations and positions, providing both accuracy and adaptability through dynamic image capture and processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If standard imaging devices are used without specialized lighting, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging system simplicityVSAvoidsecurity feature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lighting function with the mobile device by integrating an LED light source directly into the device housing. This combination provides specialized illumination for security feature detection while maintaining device simplicity, as the lighting is built-in rather than requiring separate external equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the lighting parameters by using LEDs that can emit specific wavelengths optimal for exciting fluorescent and phosphorescent security features. This parameter optimization enhances detection precision while keeping the device simple, as the LED wavelength can be selected to match the excitation requirements of common security inks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4014209B1Mobile image processing apparatus for capturing an imaging of a document
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP4014209B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The disclosure encompasses a mobile image processing apparatus (100) for capturing an imaging (117) of a document (101), wherein the document (101) has a security feature (105) comprising a wavelength-converting pigment (107) in a local document region (103). The mobile image processing apparatus (100) comprises a light generating device (109) configured to illuminate the security feature (105) with illumination light of a first light wavelength in order to excite the security feature (105) to emit light of a second wavelength, and an image capturing device (111) for capturing an imaging (117) of the document (101), wherein the image capturing device (111) is configured to capture the light emitted by the security feature (105) in response to the illumination light, in order to obtain an imaging (117) of the security feature (105). Furthermore, the mobile image processing apparatus (100) comprises a processor (113) configured to detect the local document region (103) in the imaging (117) of the document (101), and an image display (115) configured to display the imaging (117) of the document (101) and an imaging (117) of the security feature (105) superimposed on the local document region (103).