Smartphone DOVID Verification via Geometric Correction and Fourier Decoding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for verifying diffractive optical variable identification devices (DOVID) are subjective and difficult to implement in real-time, requiring complex image processing and specific observation conditions, making them prone to errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a smartphone-based verification process that includes capturing DOVID images under different observation conditions, correcting geometric deformations, analyzing non-spectral colors, and decoding hidden information using Fourier holograms or encrypted images, with a multi-step algorithm to ensure authenticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection method is used for DOVID verification, then the verification process is simple and accessible, but the reliability is low due to subjectivity and human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification process simplicityVSAvoidverification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated machine vision system using a camera and image processing algorithm. The system captures images of the DOVID and automatically analyzes optical effects, replacing human subjective judgment with objective computational analysis, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the DOVID and the verification result. This intermediary automatically captures images, processes them through algorithms to detect optical effects and hidden information, and provides objective verification results, eliminating direct human subjectivity while keeping the process accessible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If digital fingerprint calculation method is used for automatic verification, then the reliability is improved through objective analysis, but the complexity of the verification procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential verification features from the complete image analysis process. Instead of calculating comprehensive digital fingerprints from all image data, the system selectively extracts and analyzes specific optical effects and hidden information characteristics, reducing computational complexity while maintaining verification reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the verification process into distinct modular stages: image capture, optical effect detection, hidden information analysis, and authentication decision. Each stage processes specific features independently, reducing overall procedure complexity compared to holistic digital fingerprint calculation while maintaining high reliability through systematic analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Extent of automation

If digital fingerprint comparison method is used, then the verification is automated, but real-time verification cannot be achieved due to complex calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification automationVSAvoidverification speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs partial action by analyzing only the most critical verification features rather than processing complete digital fingerprints from all image data. The system focuses on detecting key optical effects and hidden information characteristics, performing sufficient analysis for reliable verification without the excessive computational burden of complete fingerprint calculation, enabling real-time processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent skips intermediate complex calculation steps required for complete digital fingerprint generation. Instead of performing full image processing and comprehensive feature extraction, the system directly detects essential optical characteristics and hidden information, rushing through the verification process with optimized algorithms that achieve real-time performance while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Measurement precision

If verification requires specific observation conditions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture accuracyVSAvoiddevice positioning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic verification that can adapt to different observation conditions. Instead of requiring fixed positioning, the system dynamically adjusts its analysis based on the captured image quality and angle, processing verification data from various positions and orientations. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision through adaptive algorithms while greatly improving ease of operation by eliminating strict positioning requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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, reliable, and real-time verification of DOVID authenticity by identifying specific features and parameters, ensuring high reliability through a multi-step check of geometric design, color characteristics, and decoding hidden information.

Implementation Method 1

The wide variety of optical effects used in modern DOVID... 'spectral color' - a color with a dominant wavelength of the visible light range... 'white light illumination' - the illumination of the variable optical device with natural directional non-polarized light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

the binary image with a random texture is a Fourier hologram and stores a hidden image with a random phase mask. The straightened image is processed with a reverse Fourier transform and its amplitude part containing a decoded image is displayed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP3910548B1Method for checking variable diffractive optical element
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 DEMAX HOLOGRAMS AD
  • EP3910548B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910548B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3910548B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The method relates to the security of the documents and goods from forgery. Its application enhances the protective properties of the diffractive optical variable device by improving the inspection procedure, with automatic recognition of machine-readable features added to visually controlled ones. The following operations are performed: after forming the diffractive optical variable element, it is subjected to verification by launching an application using the algorithm on a smartphone with a camera. The user manually positions the smartphone over the optical variable device (1) and shoots it at two substantially different observation conditions. The images are geometrically straightened and correlated with the original one. From the straightened images, color characteristics are found, dynamic effect parameters are measured and hidden information is decrypted. Upon a successful comparison of the characteristics and parameters with predefined values, the originality of the captured diffractive optical variable device is determined.