Polarizing Filter Camera for Covert Label Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods using invisible indicia on reflective substrates are limited by the need for manual, sequential authentication, lack of automation in data recording and transmission, and inability to decode machine-readable codes quickly, especially when authentication needs to be performed remotely or covertly.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a digital camera-equipped device, such as a cell phone, with orthogonally or identically oriented linear or circular polarizing filters to differentiate invisible indicia from the background, allowing for automated image capture, decoding, and remote transmission of authentication results, enabling immediate responses and covert authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sequential authentication is used with circular polarizing filters held in close proximity to the printing, then authentication can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be automated for recording and transmitting results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of holding and rotating circular polarizing filters with an automated optical system using a digital camera equipped with linear polarizing filters and a light source. The system captures images through automated illumination and filtering, eliminating manual manipulation and enabling rapid sequential authentication of multiple items without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing the visual information, and generating authentication results without requiring continuous manual intervention. The device autonomously completes the authentication process for each item in the sequence, recording and transmitting results without human assistance.
2Quantity of substance
If machine readable codes are printed in small space to encode large data, then data density increases, but the codes require quick decoding capability that manual methods cannot provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and decoding of machine readable codes with an automated digital imaging system. The digital camera captures the codes, and computational algorithms automatically decode the information, enabling rapid processing of high-density data encoded in small spaces without the time constraints of manual decoding.
3Ease of operation
If authentication is performed covertly without handling the item, then investigator safety and operational secrecy are improved, but the authentication device cannot be in close proximity to the item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables covert authentication by transitioning from contact-based close-proximity inspection to remote non-contact imaging. The digital camera system captures images of the authentication features from a distance, allowing investigators to perform covert authentication without physically handling items or being in close proximity, thus maintaining operational secrecy and safety.
4Speed
If immediate response to authentication results is required, then real-time decision making is improved, but the system must transmit and receive responses quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by automatically capturing images, processing authentication results, and transmitting data without interruption between items. The system maintains continuous useful action through automated workflows that eliminate delays for manual result evaluation and decision-making, enabling immediate responses to authentication outcomes.
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 efficient, automated authentication and data transmission, allowing for quick decoding of machine-readable codes and remote verification, facilitating covert operations and real-time responses, including promotional information or inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
Both filters are linear polarizing filters and are oriented orthogonally to each other. Light from the flash of the digital camera is polarized as it passes through the first linear polarizing filter.
Implementation Method 2
When the polarized light strikes a label with invisible indicia printed with optically active materials on a reflective substrate, it will reflect off the invisible indicia with a change in the direction of the polarization.
Implementation Method 3
The orthogonally oriented second linear polarizing filter located over the digital camera will block the unchanged polarized light reflecting from the background making it appear dark on the image sensor of the digital camera, but the polarized light reflecting from the invisible indicia will be only partially blocked and thus will appear bright on the image sensor of the camera.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for authenticating an object that includes providing a label (12) with invisible indicia (14) printed with optically active material on a reflective substrate; providing a device that has a digital camera (18) having a light source (20), an image sensor (22), a first polarizing filter (24) having a first orientation, and a second polarizing filter (26) having a second orientation; illuminating the label with the light from the light source through the first polarizing filter; forming an image with the image sensor using reflected light from the label wherein the reflected light passes through the second polarizing filter prior to reaching the sensor; wherein the second polarizing filter makes the invisible indicia visible; and authenticating the object.