Printed Security Tag Fingerprinting for Smartphone Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for combating counterfeiting require dedicated tools or complex processes, are difficult to reproduce perfectly, and are often expensive due to multiple printing layers and lens arrays, making them impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A security feature using a unique, random pattern of colored fibers or disruptive materials in special paper/plastic, combined with a chemical varnish or ink, that can be authenticated using a smartphone and neural networks, providing a unique fingerprint comparison with a cloud or blockchain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional document verification methods are used, then the verification process is simple, but the reliability and fraud detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into multiple independent modules: illumination source, imaging device, sensor device, and processing unit. Each module performs a specific function (e.g., capturing visible light image, capturing near-infrared image), and their results are combined for comprehensive verification. This segmentation enables reliable multi-parameter verification while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification device is designed to perform multiple verification functions using different imaging modalities (visible light, near-infrared, ultraviolet) and different detection methods (optical properties, fluorescence, thermal characteristics). This multi-functionality allows a single system to detect various types of document features and fraud indicators, improving reliability without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices and sensors are used to improve verification accuracy, then the measurement precision increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging devices (visible light camera, near-infrared camera, ultraviolet camera) and sensor devices (fluorescence sensor, thermal sensor) are merged into a single integrated verification system. These devices are positioned to simultaneously or sequentially capture different spectral and physical properties of the same document, enabling comprehensive verification with coordinated control and unified processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends verification from a single dimension (visible light appearance) to multiple dimensions by incorporating near-infrared and ultraviolet spectral dimensions, fluorescence dimension, and thermal dimension. This multi-dimensional approach detects document features that are invisible in conventional imaging, significantly improving measurement precision through complementary information from different physical domains.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive document analysis is performed, then the loss of information is reduced, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of multiple types of document information simultaneously using parallel imaging and sensing channels. All imaging devices and sensors acquire their respective data (visible light image, near-infrared image, ultraviolet image, fluorescence signal, thermal distribution) in one coordinated operation, so that comprehensive information is obtained in a single verification action rather than through sequential analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the document image in different spectral ranges (visible, near-infrared, ultraviolet) and different physical modalities (optical, fluorescence, thermal). These copies preserve different document features and security elements, allowing comprehensive analysis without requiring physical manipulation or repeated handling of the original document, thus reducing verification time.
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 quick, precise authentication without specialized equipment, ensuring high security and cost-effective production by utilizing a simple smartphone and AI-based algorithms to verify authenticity.
Implementation Method 1
a second image data set which comprises at least one near-infrared image
Implementation Method 2
a third image data set which comprises at least one ultraviolet image
Implementation Method 3
comparing the first image data set, the second image data set and/or the third image data set to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3-1~3-3
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element applied to a document or an object in the form of a directly printed tag or in the form of a label made of paper or another material, with or without an identifier, of which tag or label the user can take a photo with a smartphone and then send said photo to a device comprising software provided with a recognition algorithm including neural networks, which device displays the fingerprint of the tag or label, thus allowing the detection of the authenticity of said document or object. In order to establish the authenticity of the product protected by said device, the image, stored in a cloud or blockchain database, of the label obtained after printing same or of the tag is compared with a new description.