Object Authentication via Low-Resolution Positioning and High-Resolution Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object identification and authentication technologies are expensive, fragile, and difficult to implement, especially for on-site use, due to high costs, size, and weight of reading devices, and have low tolerance to positioning errors, limiting their adoption beyond forensic use.
Innovation Solution
A method involving capturing a first image of an object at a lower resolution to determine the position of the area of interest, followed by a higher-resolution image capture to extract unique physical characteristics, using affordable digital image capture means like flatbed scanners or industrial cameras, and stabilizing the positioning of the area of interest for accurate reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and fragile reading devices are used for object authentication, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the object's surface imprint at high resolution during registration, storing it in a database. During authentication, a low-resolution image is compared against the stored high-resolution reference copy, eliminating the need for expensive real-time imaging devices while maintaining authentication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary high-resolution imaging during the registration phase when the object is first processed. This pre-captured high-resolution imprint is stored and used as a reference for subsequent authentication checks, avoiding the need for expensive equipment during actual authentication operations.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution image capture is performed for every object, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
High-resolution imaging is performed preliminarily during registration when the object passes through the registration system. The resulting high-resolution imprint is stored in the database and used as a reference for rapid authentication checks, eliminating the need for slow high-resolution scanning during authentication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A high-resolution digital copy of the imprint is created during registration and stored. During authentication, only a low-resolution image needs to be captured and compared against the stored reference copy, dramatically increasing processing speed while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If positioning accuracy is critical for imprint reading, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the position of the object's imprint in the captured image and uses this feedback to determine the correct region of interest. This automatic positioning feedback eliminates the need for manual positioning by users, maintaining high measurement precision while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting the imprint location in the captured image and determining the correct region to analyze. This self-service positioning capability eliminates the need for user expertise in positioning, making the system easier to operate while maintaining accuracy.
4Device complexity
If only a small portion of object surface is processed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal approach where any object surface can be registered and authenticated using the same process. The database stores high-resolution imprints from various object types, and the same authentication algorithm applies to all objects, providing versatility without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the surface imprint regardless of object type or size. This universal copying approach allows the same system to authenticate different object types (packaging, documents, products) without requiring type-specific equipment or procedures.
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
This approach reduces costs, improves positioning accuracy, and enables on-site authentication of objects, making it more accessible for widespread use beyond forensic applications, including counterfeiting detection by various stakeholders.
Implementation Method 1
a digital image sensor is used to capture the imprint
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reading a physical characteristic on an object includes:a step (240, 315, 405) of capturing a first image of at least a portion of the object with a first resolution;a step (245, 320, 415, 420) of determining the position of an area of the object to be processed, according to the first image;a step (255, 330, 430) of capturing a second image of the area of the object to be processed, with a second resolution higher than the first resolution; anda step (260, 335, 440) of determining the physical characteristic based on the second image. In some embodiments, there is, in addition, a step of marking the object with a mark bearing information representative of at least a portion of the physical characteristic.