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 (s110). 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 (s140). 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 (s170).
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:
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 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:
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:
A method is presented for decoding an encoded image produced from a primary image and at least one secondary image using at least one encoding parameter. The encoded image is formed so that when the encoded image is printed, the secondary image is not discernible to a viewer without an optical decoding device having characteristics corresponding to the at least one encoding parameter. The method comprises obtaining a digital version of the encoded image (S110), determining the at least one encoding parameter (S130), and constructing a decoded image from the digital encoded image using at least one of the encoding parameters in the encoding parameter set (S160).
Abstract:
A method of producing a digital multiple-level encoded image is presented. The method comprises obtaining a digital authentication image, obtaining a first encoding parameter set comprising one or more encoding parameters, and constructing a first encoded image. 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 comprising one or more encoding parameters and constructing a second encoded image 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:
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 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.