Watch Image Authentication Using Multi-Angle Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current watch authentication methods rely on visual observation, leading to low accuracy in distinguishing genuine from counterfeit watches due to hidden defects in components.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and device that acquires images of a watch at multiple angles, performs image authentication, and outputs defect information to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit watches, using differential point learning models to enhance authentication accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual observation method is used for watch authentication, then the operation is simple and easy to perform, but the authentication accuracy is low due to hidden defects in components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation system with an automated image processing system that captures high-resolution images of watch components and uses computer algorithms to detect defects. The system substitutes human visual inspection with automated image acquisition and analysis, thereby improving authentication accuracy while managing complexity through systematic automation

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies (images) of the watch components for analysis. Instead of directly examining the physical object, the system captures images that serve as replicas for detailed inspection and defect detection. This copying approach allows for enhanced analysis without physical contact and enables automated processing while maintaining simplicity in operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If automated image processing is implemented for watch authentication, then the authentication accuracy improves through defect detection, but the device complexity increases due to multiple processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the authentication process into distinct segments: image acquisition, image processing, defect detection, and authentication decision-making. Each segment handles a specific aspect of the analysis, allowing for specialized processing at each stage while maintaining overall system manageability. This segmentation enables high detection accuracy through focused analysis without overwhelming complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing layer between the physical watch and the authentication decision. The image processing system acts as a mediator that translates physical component characteristics into detectable digital features, enabling accurate defect detection while shielding the complexity of the analysis from the user interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple images at multiple angles are captured for authentication, then the detection of component defects improves, but the time required for authentication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent defect detectionVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images at different angles in advance, before the actual authentication decision is required. The system pre-processes and stores these images, so when authentication is needed, the analysis can proceed quickly using the already-acquired data. This preliminary image capture enables comprehensive defect detection without delaying the final authentication process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by processing images in a continuous workflow rather than sequential batch processing. The system continuously analyzes captured images, allowing for real-time defect detection across multiple angles without interrupting the authentication flow. This continuity reduces overall authentication time while maintaining comprehensive inspection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4538993B1Method and device for authenticating a watch
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 WATCH GOD GRP LTD
  • EP4538993B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4538993B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4538993B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present application relates to a method and device for authenticating a watch. The method for authenticating the watch includes: acquiring an authentication signal of the watch; acquiring an image of the watch based on the authentication signal of the watch; performing image authentication according to the image, and outputting defect information which is distinguishing information in appearance between a counterfeit watch and a genuine watch; outputting an evaluation result of the watch according to at least one kind of the defect information. The technical solution in the present disclosure performs image authentication according to the image, outputs defect information, and outputs an evaluation result of the watch according to at least one kind of the defect information, so as to achieve automatic watch authentication. Moreover, defect information from the image is fully used as a basis for evaluating the watch, thereby enhancing the authentication accuracy of the method for authenticating the watch and enabling automatic watch authentication, and avoiding the need for the user to rely on limited visual observation.