Token Authentication Using Steganographic Infrared Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional authentication systems that rely on physical features of tokens, such as watermarks or color-changing ink, can be easily copied by malicious actors, as these features are designed to be noticeable to humans and do not effectively deter sophisticated counterfeiters.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tailored-wavelength-range coded patterns, steganographic images, and invisible-ink-printed patterns that are invisible to the naked eye, allowing for secure token authentication using specific wavelengths of light, making it difficult for counterfeiters to create authentic-looking fake tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security features (watermarks, color-changing ink) are added to physical tokens to deter copying, then the tokens become more resistant to common counterfeiting attempts, but these features remain visible to the naked eye and can be assessed by malicious actors to create convincing fake tokens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication code from visible form and embeds it within a steganographic image where it is invisible to the naked eye. The authentication code is transformed from a standalone visible element into a hidden component within an image that appears normal, preventing malicious actors from visually assessing the authentication features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a steganographic image as an intermediary carrier that holds the authentication code. This intermediary conceals the authentication code within its structure, making it imperceptible to human eyes while remaining detectable by authentication systems, thus blocking the direct visual assessment path for counterfeiters.
2Ease of operation
If visible security features are used on tokens, then humans can easily detect visual differences between authentic and fake tokens, but malicious actors can also visually assess and replicate these features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual detection mechanism with an automated authentication system that uses image processing and pattern recognition. Instead of relying on humans to see and verify security features, the system captures an image of the token and algorithmically detects the hidden authentication code within the steganographic image, substituting mechanical/visual inspection with computational analysis.
3Reliability
If authentication codes are printed on physical tokens using conventional methods, then the tokens can be authenticated, but the codes can be easily copied to create fake tokens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the authentication code within a steganographic image, creating a nested structure where the code is contained inside the image data. This nesting makes the authentication code inaccessible to conventional copying methods, as the code is hidden within the image's pixel structure rather than being a separate printable element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and detectability parameters of the authentication code by encoding it within steganographic image data. The code transitions from being a visible, directly copyable printed element to being an invisible, algorithmically-detected pattern within image pixels, fundamentally changing how the code can be accessed and replicated.
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
The proposed solution enhances token authentication security by making it challenging for malicious actors to create fake tokens that appear identical to the original, as the invisible patterns are only detectable using specific light spectra, thereby preventing fraudulent activities.
Implementation Method 1
invisible-ink-printed patterns (e.g., infrared printed patterns, near-infrared (NIR) printed patterns, ultraviolet printed patterns)
Implementation Method 2
invisible-ink-printed patterns (e.g., infrared printed patterns, near-infrared (NIR) printed patterns, ultraviolet printed patterns)
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an authentication system may be configured to process one or more tokens that incorporates one or more tailored-wavelength-range coded patterns, codes represented within a steganographic image, or “overlapping” codes. As an example, such a token may include (i) one or more invisible-ink-printed patterns printed using infrared ink corresponding to different tailored wavelength ranges within the infrared light spectrum, (ii) one or more steganographic images in which invisible-ink-printed patterns are interweaved within the steganographic images, (iii) visible-ink-printed patterns and invisible-ink-printed patterns printed substantially within the visible ink portions of the visible-ink-printed patterns, or (iv) other features, where the invisible-ink-printed patterns correspond to one or more authentication codes or other data for token authentication.