US6674886B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for recognizing security documents
Assignee: Digimarc Corp
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Filing: 1999-10-28
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Granted: 2004-01-06
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Expires: 2019-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A document is analyzed to determine whether it is a banknote or the like, by reference to image data corresponding to the document. Two analysis techniques may be used, one based on detection of a visible pattern characteristic of a security document, the other based on detection of a steganographic digital watermark characteristic of a security document. If either characteristic is found, the image is flagged, and appropriate anti-counterfeiting steps may be taken. Detection of the visible pattern can be performed using a series of successively more rigorous tests. If the image fails a test, successive testing steps can be skipped, speeding the process. Hough transform-based pattern recognition techniques are used in some embodiments. Provision of both a visible pattern detector and a watermark detector in a single apparatus enhances detection reliability, while permitting various implementation efficiencies.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce L. Davis
- 👤 Burt W. Perry
- 👤 J. Scott Carr
- 👤 Gilbert B. Shaw
- 👤 Geoffrey B. Rhoads
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 12:20
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F12/00; G06F12/16; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00838; H04N1/0084; H04N1/00843; G06F21/00; G06F21/10; G06V; G06V10/00; G06V10/40; G07; G07D; G07D7/00; G07D7/003; G07D7/0034; G07D7/20; H04N1/00856; H04N1/00877; G06F2221/00; G06F2221/21; G06F2221/2101
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein at least one of the analyses employs a Hough-based transform to detect a two-dimensional, rotationally invariant feature.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein at least one of the analyses employs a Hough-based transform to detect a two-dimensional, rotationally invariant feature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the image data is acquired by visible light scanning.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1 in which one of the analyses employs a Hough-based transform to detect a two-dimensional, rotationally invariant feature at a first rotational state, and another of the analyses employs a Hough-based transform to detect a two-dimensional, rotationally invariant feature at a second, different, rotational state.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein the first analysis is based on a rotationally invariant feature.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein the first analysis is based on a rotationally invariant feature.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the image data is acquired by visible light scanning.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein the first analysis is based on a rotationally symmetric feature.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein the first analysis is based on a rotationally symmetric feature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the image data is acquired by visible light scanning.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein one of said analyses steps through plural rotation states of the image data.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of processing image data to screen for security document images comprising, in the order stated: (a) performing a first analysis on the image data; (b) if the first analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping steps (c)-(e) (c) performing a second analysis on the image data; (d) if the second image analysis indicates the image data does not correspond to a security document, skipping step (e); and (e) flagging the image data as corresponding to a security document; wherein one of said analyses steps through plural rotation states of the image data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-01-05 | 2007-07-07 | 2008-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-01-05 | 2011-07-07 | 2012-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-01-05 | 2015-07-07 | 2016-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |