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EP-4736065-A1 - METHOD OF READING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT

EP4736065A1EP 4736065 A1EP4736065 A1EP 4736065A1EP-4736065-A1

Abstract

There is provided a method of reading an optically readable security element (20) that is proximal to an object (30) using an image capturing device (10). The optically readable security element 20 provides security in relation to the object (30). The method comprises, by the image capturing device (10): reading S1 the optically readable security element (20) and the object (30); extracting S2 an identity from the optically readable security element (20); optically determining S3 an attribute of the object (30); and calculating S4 a correspondence between the identity and the attribute.

Inventors

  • HOWARTH, DAVID IAN
  • SPEED, Phillip
  • YOUNG, ROBERT JAMES

Assignees

  • Quantum Base Limited

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20240627

Claims (15)

  1. 1. A method of reading an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object, using an image capturing device, the optically readable security element providing security in relation to the object, the method comprising, by the image capturing device: reading the optically readable security element and the object; extracting an identity from the optically readable security element; optically determining an attribute of the object; and calculating a correspondence between the identity and the attribute.
  2. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the attribute comprises: determining at least one of a position and an orientation of the object relative to the optically readable security element.
  3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein determining the attribute comprises: determining a physical characteristic of the object.
  4. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein calculating the correspondence comprises: comparing the determined attribute to an expected attribute; and verifying the correspondence only if the determined attribute is within a preset range of the expected attribute.
  5. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: retrieving, from a data store, data relating the determined attribute to the expected attribute.
  6. 6. The method of claim 4 or 5, further comprising: when the determined attribute is not within the preset range of the expected attribute, transmitting an output signal.
  7. 7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the attribute is determined using fingerprint region of interest, ROI, segmentation.
  8. 8. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: receiving information about the object from the optically readable security element.
  9. 9. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: combining the identity and the determined attribute to produce a joint identity.
  10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the identity and the attribute are combined using an exclusive disjunction operation.
  11. 11 . The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: optically determining a second attribute of the object; and calculating a correspondence between the identity and the second attribute.
  12. 12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the optically readable security element and the object are read by the image capturing device in a same field of view.
  13. 13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the optically readable security element comprises one or more optical emitters arranged to be read via emission radiation emitted from the one or more optical emitters, optionally wherein the optically readable security element comprises one or more optical emitters arranged to be excited by excitation radiation, optionally emitted from the image capturing device.
  14. 14. An image capturing device for reading an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object, the optically readable security element providing security in relation to the object, the image capturing comprising: a reader configured to read the optically readable security element and the object; and a processor configured to: extract an identity from the optically readable security element; optically determine an attribute of the object; and calculate a correspondence between the identity and the attribute.
  15. 15. A system comprising: an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object, the optically readable security element providing security in relation to the object and having an extractable identity; the object to which the optically readable security element is proximal, the object having an optically determinable attribute; and a data store configured to store a calculated correspondence between the identity and the attribute.

Description

METHOD OF READING AN OPTICALLY READABLE SECURITY ELEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method of reading an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object using an image capturing device, and an image capturing device for reading an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object. A related system is also disclosed. BACKGROUND Uniquely labelling an object, such as an item of designer clothing or an expensive piece of artwork or jewellery, is typically used to provide or enhance security. For example, uniquely labelling an object may deter attempts to tamper with the object and/or may hinder illicit reproduction of the object (e.g., counterfeiting). Directly labelling valuable objects is typically difficult or undesirable. For instance, directly applying a label to a valuable painting may cause irreversible damage to the painting (e.g., to a canvas or a frame of the painting). Even if irreversible damage is not caused, the presence of a visible label may detract from the aesthetic qualities of the painting (e.g., if the painting is on display in a gallery) or decrease the value of the painting. Hence, there is a desire for improved unique labelling (e.g., identifying) of an object, thereby providing security in relation to the object, preferably, without compromising the physical integrity or aesthetic qualities of the object. SUMMARY It is one aim of the present disclosure, amongst others, to provide a method of reading an optically readable security element which at least partially obviates or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative approach. For instance, it is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide a method of reading an optically readable security element that facilitates security in relation to an object without comprising the physical integrity or aesthetic qualities of the object. According to the present invention there is provided a method of reading an optically readable security element and an image capturing device for reading an optically readable security element, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the description that follows. According to a first aspect, there is provided a method of reading an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object using an image capturing device. The optically readable security element provides security in relation to the object. The method comprises, by the image capturing device: reading the optically readable security element and the object; extracting an identity from the optically readable security element; optically determining an attribute of the object; and calculating a correspondence between the identity and the attribute. Determining the attribute may comprise determining at least one of a position and an orientation of the object relative to the optically readable security element. Determining the attribute may comprise determining a physical characteristic of the object. Calculating the correspondence may comprise comparing the determined attribute to an expected attribute and verifying the correspondence only if the determined attribute is within a preset range of the expected attribute. The method may further comprise retrieving, from a data store, data relating the determined attribute to the expected attribute. The method may further comprise when the determined attribute is not within the preset range of the expected attribute, transmitting an output signal. The attribute may be determined using fingerprint region of interest, ROI, segmentation. The method may further comprise receiving information about the object from the optically readable security element. The method may further comprise combining the identity and the determined attribute to produce a joint identity. The identity and the attribute may be combined using an exclusive disjunction operation. The method may further comprise optically determining a second attribute of the object and calculating a correspondence between the identity and the second attribute. The optically readable security element and the object may be read by the image capturing device in a same field of view. The optically readable security element may comprise one or more optical emitters arranged to be read via emission radiation emitted from the one or more optical emitters. The optically readable security element may comprise one or more optical emitters arranged to be excited by excitation radiation, optionally emitted from the image capturing device. According to a second aspect, there is provided an image capturing device for reading an optically readable security element that is proximal to an object. The optically readable security element provides security in relation to the object. The image capturing comprises a reader configured to read the