Abstract:
A method is provided for constructing a composite image having an authentication image formed therein. The authentication image is viewable using a decoder lens having one or more decoder lens frequencies. The method comprises generating a first plurality of component images in which corresponding tonal areas are tonally balanced around at least one tonal value. At least one of the component images is configured to include a representation of the authentication image. The method further comprises determining a pattern of component image elements for each of the component images. The pattern having at least one element frequency that is equal to or a multiple of a decoder lens frequency. At least a portion of the content of each component image element is extracted and used to construct a composite image element.
Abstract:
A method is provided for encoding a latent image having at least two color components into a visible image. A first and second image associated with first and second color components, respectively, are generated. The first image has a first pattern of elements and the second image has a second pattern of elements that are manipulated based on a corresponding color component provided in the latent image. A first and a second angle are assigned to the first image and the second image, respectively. The first image and second image are aligned by orienting the first pattern of elements according to the first angle and second angle, respectively. The aligned first image and second image are superimposed to render an encoded image that is decoded using a decoder that simultaneously display the first color component and the second color component of the latent image to present a color composite image.
Abstract:
A method of authenticating an object using optically decodable encoded images is presented. The method comprises attaching a digital data storage medium to the object and storing an optically decodable digital encoded image in the data storage medium, The digital encoded image comprises authentication information determinable by decoding the digital encoded image. The method further comprises downloading the digital encoded image from the digital data storage medium and applying a digital decoding algorithm to the captured digital image to establish a decoding result. The decoding result is then compared to object authentication criteria to establish an authentication result.
Abstract:
A reflective decoding device is provided for use in decoding an encoded image comprising a latent image encoded using at least one encoding parameter. The device comprises a substrate with a reflective surface portion having a surface topography comprising a predetermined pattern of topographical features. The predetermined pattern is configured with at least one geometric characteristic corresponding to the at least one encoding parameter so that placement of a light-transmissive sheet having the encoded image formed thereon over the predetermined pattern of topographical features allows the latent image to be viewed.
Abstract:
A method of producing a digital multiple-level encoded image (Fig. 7) is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digital authentication image (S110), obtaining a first encoding parameter set (S115) comprising one or more encoding parameters, and constructing a first encoded image (S125). The first encoded image is constructed using a first encoding methodology, the digital authentication image and the first encoding parameter set. The method further comprises obtaining a second encoding parameter set (S130) comprising one or more encoding parameters and constructing a second encoded image (140) using a second encoding methodology, the first encoded image and the second encoding parameter set. The second encoded image may be decoded to reveal the first encoded image using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the encoding parameters of the second encoding parameter set. The first encoded image may be decoded to reveal the authentication image using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the encoding parameters of the first encoding parameter set.
Abstract:
An automated method for authorizing and controlling the production of optically encoded images is provided. The method comprises receiving from a user data processor a request for authorization to produce an encoded image. The authorization request includes user-supplied data comprising at least one authentication image file. The method further comprises determining whether the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data. Responsive to a determination that the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data, an authentication image signature is generated from the at least one authentication image file using an image signature algorithm and a positive authorization response is returned to the user data processor. The positive authorization response includes the authentication image signature.
Abstract:
A method of authenticating objects is disclosed. At least one object having a print region with printed material contained thereon is provided. The printed material of the print region includes a layer of non-visible indicia which emits at least one wavelength of light outside a visible range of an electromagnetic spectrum when stimulated with electromagnetic radiation. An optical image of the object is recorded with an imaging device to make the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The perceived image is then compared against expected authentication indicia to authenticate the object. A system for authenticating objects includes at least one imaging device to record optical images of objects having a layer of non-visible indicia and to render the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The system also includes a central authentication system in communication with the imaging device to receive optical images recorded by the imaging device.
Abstract:
A method of authenticating an object using optically decodable encoded images is presented. The method comprises attaching a digital data storage medium to the object and storing an optically decodable digital encoded image in the data storage medium, The digital encoded image comprises authentication information determinable by decoding the digital encoded image. The method further comprises downloading the digital encoded image from the digital data storage medium and applying a digital decoding algorithm to the captured digital image to establish a decoding result. The decoding result is then compared to object authentication criteria to establish an authentication result.
Abstract:
An automated method of producing an encoded image for use in authenticating a printed version of a digital document is presented. The method comprises establishing at least one digitized authentication image, receiving at least one user-supplied encoding parameter, and determining at least one non-user-supplied encoding parameter. The method further comprises establishing a first encoding parameter set including the at least one user-supplied encoding parameter and the at least one non-user-supplied encoding parameter. The first encoding parameter set is usable to encode one or more of the at least one digitized authentication image. The method also comprises encoding one or more of the at least one digitized authentication image using the first encoding parameter set to produce a final encoded image.
Abstract:
An automated method of producing encoded images for incorporation into digital document is provided. The method comprises receiving a request from a user to produce an encoded image. The request includes user-supplied data for producing the encoded image, the user-supplied data including user-supplied authentication indicia and/or at least one user-supplied encoding parameter. The method further comprises determining whether the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data. Responsive to a determination that the user is authorized to produce an encoded image using the user-supplied data, encoding actions are carried out. The encoding actions include establishing at least one digitized authentication image (S25) and establishing an encoding parameter set including any user-supplied encoding parameters (S40). The encoding parameter set is usable to encode one or more of the least one digitized authentication image. The encoding actions also include encoding one or more of the at least one digitized authentication image using the encoding parameter set to produce a final encoded image (S50).