Multi-Angle OVD Imaging for Quantitative Security Document Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no method to quantitatively determine the visual functionality of Optically Variable Devices (OVDs) in security documents, making it difficult to compare different OVD technologies or designs, assess wear and degradation, and differentiate between genuine and counterfeit OVDs.
Innovation Solution
A Multi-Angle Dynamic Image system comprising a box platform, high-resolution linear camera, and computer algorithms to capture and process digital images from security documents at various angles, generating Dynamic Images and Maps to quantify OVD performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective evaluation methods are used to assess OVD performance, then expert judgment can be obtained, but quantitative comparison and objective measurement are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human evaluation with an automated imaging system that captures multiple digital images at different angles and processes them through computer algorithms to generate quantitative parameters, substituting mechanical/optical measurement with digital processing and analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the OVD at multiple angles and uses these copies for quantitative analysis, allowing repeated measurements and objective comparison without requiring physical manipulation or subjective interpretation of the actual OVD
2Measurement precision
If multiple digital images are captured at various angles, then quantitative evaluation of OVD visual functionality is enabled, but image processing complexity and data volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the evaluation process into distinct stages: image acquisition at multiple angles, image processing and alignment, calculation of difference images, generation of dynamic images, and extraction of quantitative parameters. This segmentation makes the complex measurement task manageable and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate representations (difference images, dynamic images, and parameter calculations) that mediate between the raw multi-angle images and the final quantitative parameters, simplifying the extraction of visual functionality metrics
3Productivity
If quantitative parameters are calculated from image differences, then objective comparison of OVDs is possible, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing steps (alignment, normalization, and difference calculation) before final parameter extraction, preparing the data in advance to reduce computational burden during the actual measurement and comparison phases
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 objective and quantitative evaluation of OVDs, allowing for comparison, durability assessment, and differentiation between genuine and counterfeit OVDs, facilitating informed design and security verification.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquisition device, comprising a linear camera, to obtain a plurality of digital images in a variety of angles from the security document, to capture variations in color and structure as the orientation and observation angles of the linear camera and illumination change
Data Source
AI summary
A Multi-Angle Dynamic Image system provides multi-angle observation capabilities comprising lamps strategically positioned to obtain high quality images of the security documents or items under analysis, to obtain images with variations in the observation angle of the security document or item under study. The system includes a box platform for placing the security document or item thereupon, the box platform changes its orientation, allowing the system to capture the variations in color and structure as the orientation and the angles of the observation and illumination change. The system also includes a high-resolution linear camera to capture the intricate details while avoiding distortion and parallax issues. The system also includes a computer configured to run algorithms to process image acquisition data for a complete set of observation angles, to pre-process image acquisition data including crop and image standardization, to calculate differences between adjacent angle images, eliminate noise, to calculate a total optical flow using the images at different angles and their differences to generate the Dynamic Images vectorial field, one per orientation, and the Dynamic Map, a heat map generated using the magnitude from the Dynamic Image vectorial field, and calculate from the Dynamic Image the different parameters associated with dynamic properties of the OVD.