Variable Light Pattern Authentication Using Observation Angle Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating identification media, such as securities and products, are difficult for general users to perform without specialized devices, and encrypted code information can be easily duplicated, making it hard to determine authenticity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that uses a simple image capturing device, like a digital camera, to read code information and perform authenticity determination based on both code information and a variable light pattern, without requiring special equipment or installation, by integrating imaging and illumination units with observation angle estimation and similarity calculation for authenticity assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a special authenticity determination device with precisely controlled observation angle is used, then measurement precision of the variable light pattern is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device automatically estimates the observation angle based on metadata (EXIF information) embedded in the captured image, eliminating the need for manual angle control or specialized equipment. The system self-determines the viewing conditions and uses this information to select appropriate reference images for comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of observation angle from a manually controlled physical quantity to an automatically extracted metadata parameter. By capturing the observation angle information in the image metadata and using it to select corresponding reference images, the system achieves accurate authenticity determination without complex equipment.
2Reliability
If code information is encrypted to prevent duplication, then reliability against counterfeiting is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as special reading equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual pattern recognition function with the code information reading function into a single integrated system. The same imaging device that captures the variable light pattern for authenticity determination also reads the encrypted code information, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing the variable light pattern, estimating observation angle, reading encrypted code information, and determining authenticity. This multi-functional approach allows general users to authenticate products using common devices without requiring specialized tools.
3Reliability
If code information and visual authenticity determination function are combined, then reliability against duplication is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple reading methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visual pattern recognition function and code information reading function into a single integrated imaging device. The device captures both the variable light pattern and the encrypted code information simultaneously, processing both through unified software to determine authenticity, thereby maintaining high reliability while using simple equipment.
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 easy and secure authenticity determination of identification media using a versatile digital camera, providing high security without the need for specialized devices, and guiding users to authentic product information or counterfeit reports.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pieces of image data are captured by an imaging unit from light reflected from a variable light pattern portion of an identification medium
Data Source
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AI summary
An identification method for performing authenticity determination on an identification medium having code information and having a variable light pattern portion whose pattern of observed light varies upon a change in an observation angle and for performing reading of the code information includes generating, for captured image data of the variable light pattern portion of the identification medium, reference image data corresponding to the observation angle as the angle of an imaging direction of the captured image data with respect to a reference line of an observation target surface of the identification medium by a reference image generation unit, obtaining a degree of similarity between the captured image data and the reference image data, and performing, based on whether the degree of similarity exceeds a preset threshold, authenticity determination about whether the identification medium is authentic and reading the code information.