Optical Variable Image Device Inspection via Multi-Angle Geometric Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Optical variable image devices, used to prevent counterfeiting, pose challenges in machine-readable information processing due to their property of displaying different images from various observation directions, making authenticity determination through image processing difficult.

Innovation Solution

An inspection apparatus is designed with an optical system, imaging portion, object relation determination portion, and authenticity determination portion to capture and analyze images from multiple observation directions, applying geometric transformations to determine authenticity based on predefined geometric differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical variable image devices display different images from different observation directions to prevent counterfeiting, then anti-counterfeiting effectiveness is improved, but machine-readable information processing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-counterfeiting effectivenessVSAvoidmachine-readable information processing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-directional image data into distinct observation direction components, processing each direction's image separately through the optical system. This allows the system to handle the complexity of multiple images by dividing them into manageable segments that can be individually analyzed and compared against reference data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by capturing images from multiple observation directions (adding the angular dimension) rather than relying on single-direction imaging. This multi-dimensional approach transforms the verification process from analyzing one image to analyzing a set of images across different angles, enabling machine-readable verification of the optical variable image device's authenticity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple images from different observation directions are captured for authenticity verification, then verification accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple images captured from different observation directions into a unified verification process. The optical system combines these multi-directional images and processes them together through the same image processing pipeline, allowing the system to leverage all captured images for comprehensive authenticity verification while maintaining a consistent processing framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal processing system that handles multiple observation directions using the same optical system and image processing algorithms. The apparatus is designed to be multi-functional, capable of capturing, processing, and verifying images from any observation direction through a single integrated system, reducing the need for direction-specific processing pathways.

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

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 accurate authenticity determination of optical variable image devices without relying on human sight, effectively distinguishing genuine from counterfeit devices by analyzing geometric differences in images from different angles.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system portion on which a plurality of reflected light rays corresponding to a plurality of observation directions with respect to an optical variable image device are incident and which images the plurality of reflected light rays incident thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2916296B1Inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP2916296B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2916296B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2916296B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an inspection apparatus includes an optical system portion (101) on which a plurality of reflected light rays corresponding to a plurality of observation directions with respect to an optical variable image device (2) are incident and which images the plurality of reflected light rays incident thereon, an imaging portion (102) that images the plurality of reflected light rays imaged by the optical system portion (101) and thereby generates reflecting light images corresponding the plurality of respective observation directions, an object relation determination portion (103) that determines whether or not there is a predetermined geometric difference between objects that are contained in reflecting light images imaged by the imaging portion (102) and corresponding to different observation directions, and an authenticity determination portion (105) that determines authenticity of the optical variable image device (2) based on a result of the determination by the object relation determination portion (103).