Signed Item Authentication Using Unique Code Image Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating signed physical items are costly, vulnerable to fraud, and rely on unreliable expert opinions or eyewitness accounts, creating logistical challenges and reducing the efficiency of signing events.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that captures images of a unique code on a physical item before, during, and after a signing session, generating an authentication asset with the code superimposed on the images, allowing owners or potential buyers to verify authenticity using a mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If third-party authentication services are used to authenticate signed items, then authentication reliability is improved, but cost and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-authentication by having the signing event itself capture images and generate authentication assets without requiring third-party authenticators. The signing event participant uses their own device to capture images of the unique code and signature, eliminating the need for external authentication services while maintaining reliability through direct capture of the signing moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (authentication asset) of the physical signing event by capturing images and video of the unique code and signature. This digital copy serves as proof of authenticity without requiring physical presence of third-party authenticators, thereby reducing logistical complexity while maintaining authentication reliability.
2Reliability
If third-party authentication services are used to authenticate signed items, then authentication reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need to pay third-party authentication services by enabling the signing event participant to perform authentication themselves. The participant captures images and generates authentication assets using their own device, thereby reducing or eliminating authentication costs while maintaining reliability through direct capture of the signing moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, disposable digital imaging technology (smartphone cameras) to replace expensive third-party authentication services. The authentication asset is a digital copy that can be easily captured and stored, eliminating the need for costly professional authentication services while maintaining sufficient reliability for verification purposes.
3Reliability
If video recordings are used to prove signature authenticity, then authentication reliability is improved, but association with individual items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the authentication process by separating the unique code identification from the signature capture. The unique code is first captured and associated with the specific item, then the signature is captured in relation to that code. This segmentation ensures that the authentication asset clearly links the signature to the specific item through the unique code, eliminating ambiguity about item association.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique code serves as an intermediary element that links the physical item to the authentication asset. By capturing images of the unique code before and after signing, and including it in the authentication asset, the system creates a clear chain of association between the item, the code, and the signature, thereby maintaining reliable item association while improving authentication reliability.
4Ease of operation
If expert opinion authentication is used, then authentication process is simplified, but reliability and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of human expert opinion with an automated digital imaging system. Instead of relying on human experts to visually assess and authenticate signatures, the system uses cameras to capture images of the unique code and signature, then processes these images digitally to create authentication assets. This substitution maintains simplicity while dramatically improving reliability and accuracy through objective digital capture rather than subjective human judgment.
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication system and method of authenticating a signed item captures a first image of a unique code on a physical item at a first time of a session. A session image of a participant affixing a signature to the physical item during the session is captured. The system and method captures a second image of the signature and the unique code on the physical item at a second time of the session. An authentication asset is generated including the unique code superimposed on one or more of the first image, the session image, or the second image. Other embodiments are described and claimed.