CN101124589A - System and method for authenticating a subject by using multi-stage image encoding and decoding - Google Patents

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.

Description

Translated fromChinese

通过使用多级图像编码和解码来认证对象的系统和方法System and method for authenticating a subject by using multi-stage image encoding and decoding

相关申请的交叉引用Cross References to Related Applications

本申请要求根据2004年8月9日提交的美国临时申请60/600,027以及2005年2月28日提交的美国申请11/068,350(’350申请)而享有优先权，并且这两份申请在此全部引入以作为参考，其中’350申请要求根据2004年8月26日提交的美国临时申请60/565,300而享有优先权。本申请还涉及2004年5月18日提交的美国申请10/847,962(’962申请)以及2004年5月18日提交的美国申请10/897,943(‘943申请)，其中每一份申请都在此全部引入以作为参考。This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/600,027, filed August 9, 2004, and U.S. Application 11/068,350, filed February 28, 2005 (the '350 application), both of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety Incorporated by reference, where the '350 application claims priority from US Provisional Application 60/565,300, filed August 26,2004. This application is also related to U.S.application 10/847,962 filed May 18, 2004 (the '962 application) and U.S.application 10/897,943 filed May 18, 2004 (the '943 application), each of which is incorporated herein All are incorporated by reference.

技术领域technical field

本发明主要涉及的是对象安全认证领域，尤其涉及的是通过使用编码图像来认证文档和其他对象。The present invention relates generally to the field of secure authentication of objects, and more particularly to authenticating documents and other objects through the use of encoded images.

背景技术Background technique

文档伪造和产品假冒是已被采用了多种方法来进行处理的重大问题。其中一种较成功的方法是使用应用或打印在所保护对象上的潜在或隐藏图像。通常，这些图像在不具有将其再现的专门设备的帮助下是无法看到的。Document forgery and product counterfeiting are significant problems that have been tackled in a variety of ways. One of the more successful methods is the use of latent or hidden images applied or printed on the object to be protected. Often, these images cannot be seen without the aid of specialized equipment to reproduce them.

一种形成潜在图像的方法是对图像执行光学编码，以使该图像在打印时只能通过使用相应解码设备来查看。这种图形编码图像可以用在近乎任何形式的打印文档上，其中包括法律文档、身份证和身份证明、标签、现金、邮票等等。此外，它们还可以应用在商品或是易被伪造的商品包装上。One way to create a latent image is to optically encode the image so that when printed it can only be viewed by using a corresponding decoding device. This graphically encoded image can be used on virtually any form of printed document, including legal documents, ID cards and identification, labels, cash, stamps, and more. In addition, they can also be applied to goods or product packaging that are vulnerable to counterfeiting.

对应用了图形编码图像的对象来说，通过对编码数据进行解码，以及将解码图像与预期认证图像相比较，可以对这些对象进行认证。该认证图像可以包括所认证对象特有的信息或是与一组相似对象相关的信息(例如由特定制造商或设施生产的产品)。编码图像的产生和应用可以被控制，由此不易对其进行复制。此外，通过配置编码图像，还可以使篡改文档或标签信息的处理变得非常明显。Objects to which a graphically encoded image is applied can be authenticated by decoding the encoded data and comparing the decoded image with an expected authentication image. The authentication image may include information specific to the object being authenticated or information related to a group of similar objects (eg, products produced by a particular manufacturer or facility). The generation and use of coded images can be controlled so that they cannot be easily copied. In addition, tampering with document or label information can also be made very obvious by configuring encoded images.

对使用图形编码图像来防止伪造或是未授权生成文档及其他产品的处理而言，其效率是取决于软件安全性以及用以编码认证图像的编码参数的。此外，它还依赖于针对用以将最终编码图像应用于所认证对象的系统所进行的访问控制。对用于产生编码图像的编码参数或认证图像来说，对其的未授权获知使得复制编码图像并且将其应用于不可信的产品或文档成为可能。The effectiveness of the process of using graphically encoded images to prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized creation of documents and other products depends on the security of the software and the encoding parameters used to encode the authentication image. In addition, it relies on access control to the system used to apply the final encoded image to the authenticated object. Unauthorized knowledge of the encoding parameters or authentication images used to generate the encoded image makes it possible to copy the encoded image and apply it to untrusted products or documents.

由此有必要采取措施以确保编码处理的安全性，并使该处理难以或者无法被施以逆向工程或是被复制。It is therefore necessary to take measures to ensure the security of the coding process and to make it difficult or impossible to reverse engineer or copy it.

发明内容Contents of the invention

本发明的一个方面提供了一种用于产生数字多级编码图像的方法。该方法包括：获取数字认证图像，获取包含了一个或多个编码参数的第一编码参数集，以及构造第一编码图像。第一编码图像是使用第一编码方法、数字认证图像以及第一编码参数集构造的。该方法还包括：获取包含了一个或多个编码参数的第二编码参数集，以及使用第二编码方法、第一编码图像以及第二编码参数集来构造第二编码图像。通过使用具有与第二编码参数集中的至少一部分编码参数相对应的特性的解码器来解码第二编码图像，可以显示第一编码图像。第一编码图像则可以使用具有与第一编码参数中的至少一部分编码参数相对应的特性的解码器来解码，以便显示认证图像。One aspect of the invention provides a method for generating a digitally multilevel coded image. The method includes: acquiring a digital authentication image, acquiring a first encoding parameter set including one or more encoding parameters, and constructing a first encoding image. A first encoded image is constructed using a first encoding method, a digital authentication image, and a first set of encoding parameters. The method further includes: acquiring a second encoding parameter set including one or more encoding parameters, and using the second encoding method, the first encoded image, and the second encoding parameter set to construct a second encoded image. The first encoded image may be displayed by decoding the second encoded image using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the encoding parameters in the second encoding parameter set. The first encoded image may then be decoded using a decoder having characteristics corresponding to at least a portion of the first encoding parameters to display the authentication image.

本发明的另一个方面提供了一种用于解码数字多级编码图像的方法，其中该图像是通过使用第一编码方法、认证图像以及第一编码参数集来构造第一数字编码图像，并且随后使用第二编码方法、第一编码图像以及第二编码参数集来构造第二数字编码图像而被产生的。该方法包括：使用第二编码参数集的至少一部分来解码第二数字编码图像，以便显示第一数字编码图像。该方法还包括：使用第一编码参数集的至少一部分来解码第一数字编码图像，以便显示认证图像。Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for decoding a digitally multilevel encoded image, wherein the image is constructed by using a first encoding method, an authentication image, and a first set of encoding parameters to construct a first digitally encoded image, and subsequently Generated by constructing a second digitally encoded image using the second encoding method, the first encoded image, and the second encoding parameter set. The method includes decoding the second digitally encoded image using at least a portion of the second set of encoding parameters to display the first digitally encoded image. The method also includes decoding the first digitally encoded image using at least a portion of the first set of encoding parameters to display the authentication image.

附图说明Description of drawings

通过结合附图来阅读下文中的详细描述，可以更全面地理解本发明，在附图中，其中使用了相同的参考指示符来指示相似的部件，并且其中：The present invention may be more fully understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designators are used to refer to like parts, and in which:

图1是使用光学解码设备来解码所打印的图形编码图像的例图；Figure 1 is an illustration of the use of an optical decoding device to decode a printed graphic-encoded image;

图2是使用光栅移动方法而从初级和次级图像中形成例示的光栅编码图像的例图；Figure 2 is an illustration of forming an exemplary raster-coded image from primary and secondary images using a raster shift method;

图3是使用光学解码器来解码图2的编码图像的例图；Figure 3 is an illustration of decoding the encoded image of Figure 2 using an optical decoder;

图4是具有周期性变化的色调密度的空白对照图像的例图；Figure 4 is an illustration of a blank control image with periodically varying tone densities;

图5是内嵌了次级图像的图4对照图像的例图；Figure 5 is an illustration of the comparison image of Figure 4 with a secondary image embedded;

图6是从图5的初级图像和对照图像中形成的编码图像；Figure 6 is an encoded image formed from the primary image and the control image of Figure 5;

图7是根据本发明实施例来构造数字多级编码图像的方法的流程图；7 is a flow chart of a method for constructing a digital multi-level coded image according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图8是根据本发明实施例来解码数字多级编码图像的方法的流程图；8 is a flow chart of a method for decoding a digital multi-level coded image according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图9是根据本发明实施例来构造数字多级编码图像的系统的示意图；以及9 is a schematic diagram of a system for constructing a digital multi-level coded image according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

图10是用于认证对象的系统的示意图。10 is a schematic diagram of a system for authenticating objects.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

本发明的实施例涉及的是通过使用视觉编码或图形编码图像来保护文档和其他物品的方法。这些图像通常内嵌在背景或源图像中，并且打印在易受变更、伪造或假冒的物品上。这里使用的术语“图形编码图像”和“编码图像”指的是通过使用编码方法以及一组编码参数而在背景域或第二图像内部操纵和/或隐藏第一图像所产生的图像。编码图像是以这样一种方式产生的，其中在被应用或打印时，如果没有使用解码设备，那么第一图像是不能被人眼察觉的。某些编码图像包含了隐藏的潜在图像，由此很难从背景或初级图像中察觉出这些图像的存在。其他编码图像包括由于经过了系统性加扰或是其他方式的处理而易被看出但却无法读取的内容。Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of securing documents and other items by using visually encoded or graphically encoded images. These images are often embedded in background or source images and printed on items that are susceptible to alteration, forgery or counterfeiting. The terms "graphically encoded image" and "encoded image" as used herein refer to an image produced by manipulating and/or concealing a first image within a background domain or within a second image using an encoding method and a set of encoding parameters. The coded image is produced in such a way that the first image is imperceptible to the human eye when applied or printed without the use of a decoding device. Some coded images contain hidden latent images that are difficult to detect from background or primary images. Other coded images include content that can be seen but cannot be read because it has been systematically scrambled or otherwise manipulated.

本发明规定将一种或多种编码方法按顺序应用于认证图像，以便产生多级编码图像。每一个编码步骤都可以使用不同的编码方法和/或不同的编码参数来构造，由此无法通过使用单个解码部件或是借助了基于软件的解码器的单次解码来完全解码合成的编码图像，以便显示认证图像。The present invention provides for the sequential application of one or more encoding methods to an authentication image in order to produce a multi-level encoded image. Each encoding step can be constructed using different encoding methods and/or different encoding parameters, whereby the resulting encoded image cannot be completely decoded by using a single decoding component or by a single decoding with the aid of a software-based decoder, in order to display the authentication image.

本领域普通技术人员应该理解，这里使用的术语“编码图像”可以应用于打印或是以其他方式施加的图像，并且可以应用于由数据处理器创造的数字图像或是使用数码相机或其他图像获取设备而从打印图像中获取的数字图像。Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the term "encoded image" as used herein can apply to images that are printed or otherwise applied, and to digital images created by a data processor or captured using a digital camera or other image A digital image obtained from a printed image by a device.

对本发明来说，具有特殊意义的编码图像是那些被配置成使用基于透镜的解码设备而被光学解码的图像。这种图像使用了某些类型的透镜(例如双凸透镜)所具有的能力，以便根据其光学特性来对图像内容进行采样。举例来说，双凸透镜可被用于根据透镜的微透镜频率来对图像内容进行采样和放大。所使用的图像通常是借助若干种方法中的某一种来编码的，这些方法通常包括：确定一个频率与用作解码器的双凸透镜的频率相对应的规则化周期性图案，然后则引入与所编码图像的内容相对应的图案失真。在这里可以使这些失真非常小，从而难以用肉眼从规则化图案中看出该图像。这种编码图像既可以像在美国专利3,937,565中公开的那样通过使用专门的摄影器材而以模拟方式产生，也可以像在美国专利5,708,717(’717专利)中公开的那样以数字方式产生，其中这两份专利在此全部引入以作为参考。Coded images of special interest to the present invention are those images configured to be decoded optically using a lens-based decoding device. This imagery uses the ability of certain types of lenses, such as lenticular lenses, to sample image content based on their optical properties. For example, a lenticular lens can be used to sample and magnify image content according to the lenslet frequency of the lens. The images used are usually encoded by one of several methods, which usually involve determining a regularized periodic pattern with a frequency corresponding to that of the lenticular lens used as a decoder, and then introducing a The content of the encoded image corresponds to the pattern distortion. These distortions can here be made so small that it is difficult to see the image from the regularized pattern with the naked eye. This coded image can be produced either in an analog fashion using specialized photographic equipment as disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,937,565 or digitally as disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,708,717 (the '717 patent), where Both patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

正如在’350申请中公开的那样，以光学方式编码的图像也可以使用基于软件的解码设备来解码。这种设备将会使用用以编码图像的编码参数而将一种或多种解码算法应用于数字编码图像。其输出则是一个数字解码结果，该结果可以与原始认证图像相比较，另外也可以从该结果提取信息，以便与应用了编码图像的特定对象所涉及的已知信息或是以其他方式确定的信息相比较。Optically encoded images can also be decoded using software-based decoding devices, as disclosed in the '350 application. Such a device would apply one or more decoding algorithms to a digitally encoded image using the encoding parameters used to encode the image. The output is a digital decoding result that can be compared to the original authentication image, and information can also be extracted from the result to correlate with known or otherwise determined information about the particular object to which the encoded image is applied. compare the information.

数字编码的图像可以内嵌在背景或其他图像中，由此很难察觉到编码图像的单独存在。参考图1，编码图像10可以使用初级或源图像20以及次级图像40来建立，其中所述次级图像40是以一种只能借助具有预定频率的解码设备30查看的方式内嵌在初级图像20中的。初级图像可以像在图1的编码图像中那样是空白的灰度或彩色背景图像，或者它也可以包含可视图像内容，例如图样、相片或是其他形式的标记。该次级图像也可以是任何形式的图像或标记，并且可以包括在某些方面与初级图像相关的标记。在例示的编码图像10中，次级图像40是基于单词“Department ofTransportation(交通部门)”的重复图案。该次级图像可以单独编码，然后则整合或内嵌到初级图像中，此外，内嵌处理也可以采用这样一种在内嵌次级图像时对其进行编码的方式来完成。如图1所示，通过将解码设备40置于编码图像10上方的正确方位，可以查看到次级图像。在图1的实例中，解码设备具有水平轴32和垂直轴34，并且编码图像10具有水平轴22以及垂直轴24。当解码设备30的水平轴32的方位相对于编码图像10的水平轴22相差解码角α时，这时将会显示解码图像。解码角α是一个编码参数，该参数是在编码和内嵌次级图像之前确定的。A digitally encoded image can be embedded in a background or other image, making it difficult to perceive the isolated presence of the encoded image. Referring to FIG. 1 , an encodedimage 10 may be built using a primary orsource image 20 and asecondary image 40 embedded in the primary in such a way that it can only be viewed by means of adecoding device 30 having a predetermined frequency. inimage 20. The primary image may be a blank grayscale or colored background image as in the coded image of Figure 1, or it may contain visual image content such as drawings, photographs, or other forms of indicia. The secondary image may also be any form of image or indicia, and may include indicia related in some way to the primary image. In the illustrated encodedimage 10, thesecondary image 40 is based on a repeating pattern of the word "Department of Transportation". The secondary image can be coded separately and then integrated or embedded into the primary image. Alternatively, the embedding can be done in such a way that the secondary image is encoded when it is embedded. By placing thedecoding device 40 in the correct orientation over the encodedimage 10 as shown in FIG. 1 , the secondary image can be viewed. In the example of FIG. 1 , the decoding device has ahorizontal axis 32 and avertical axis 34 , and the encodedimage 10 has ahorizontal axis 22 and avertical axis 24 . When the orientation of thehorizontal axis 32 of thedecoding device 30 differs from thehorizontal axis 22 of the encodedimage 10 by the decoding angle α, the decoded image will then be displayed. The decoding angle α is an encoding parameter that is determined before encoding and embedding the secondary image.

用以将次级图像内嵌或整合在初级图像中的方法可以分成两种通用的方法。在第一个方法中，其中使用了预定频率而在初级图像上施加规则化的周期性行为。这个处理基本上是通过在预定频率光栅化初级图像来完成的。然后，次级图像将被映射到初级图像，由此可以在与次级图像中的包含图像内容的位置相对应的位置变更初级图像的规则化行为。这些变更足够小，由此人眼是很难将其鉴别出来的。但是，当在初级图像上方放置了频率与预定频率相对应的双凸透镜时，该透镜将会以一种通过揭示这些变更来形成潜在次级图像的方式而采样和放大初级图像内容。The methods used to embed or integrate the secondary image into the primary image can be divided into two general methods. In the first approach, a regularized periodic behavior is imposed on the primary image using a predetermined frequency. This processing is basically done by rasterizing the primary image at a predetermined frequency. The secondary image will then be mapped to the primary image, whereby the regularization behavior of the primary image can be altered at locations corresponding to locations in the secondary image that contain image content. These changes are small enough that they are difficult for the human eye to pick out. However, when a lenticular lens with a frequency corresponding to a predetermined frequency is placed over the primary image, the lens will sample and amplify the primary image content in a way that reveals these alterations to form the underlying secondary image.

在第二个方法中，规则化的周期性行为首先施加于次级图像而不是初级图像，其中只要在次级图像中存在内容，那么该行为中将会发生变化。然后，该次级图像被映射到初级图像，并且初级图像内容将会根据编码的次级图像内容而被逐像素地改变。In the second approach, a regularized periodic behavior is first applied to the secondary image rather than the primary image, where as long as there is content in the secondary image a change in this behavior will occur. This secondary image is then mapped to the primary image, and the primary image content will be changed pixel by pixel according to the encoded secondary image content.

现在将会更详细地论述上述方法的实例。在图2～3中描述了第一种方法的一个简单实例。图2显示的是光学编码图像110的放大视图。编码图像10是从人脸的初级图像和字母“SI”的次级图像中构造的。该初级图像是在特定频率以及光栅角α上光栅化的。次级图像则是通过在处于与次级图像内容相对应的位置的光栅元素中引入位置变化(移动)而被内嵌在初级图像中的。这些移动可以足够小，以使肉眼无法将其解释成是内嵌在初级图像中的内聚图像。光栅频率越高，区分移动和/或鉴别内嵌图像就越发困难。这些移动的存在可以进一步通过尽可能平缓和平滑地执行从图像的未移动光栅位置到移动位置地转移来伪装。如图2所示，其结果得到的是易于查看初级图像但是不容易鉴别次级图像地编码图像110。如图3所示，当在编码图像110上方的正确方位(也就是光栅角α)放置了具有与光栅元素频率相对应的线频率的双凸透解码透镜120时，这时可以看到次级图像(字母“SI”)。Examples of the methods described above will now be discussed in more detail. A simple example of the first method is depicted in FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 2 shows a magnified view of the optically encodedimage 110 . Thecoded image 10 is constructed from a primary image of a human face and a secondary image of the letters "SI". The primary image is rasterized at a specific frequency and a raster angle α. The secondary image is then embedded in the primary image by introducing position changes (movements) in the raster elements at positions corresponding to the secondary image content. These movements can be small enough that they cannot be interpreted by the naked eye as a cohesive image embedded in the primary image. The higher the raster frequency, the more difficult it is to distinguish motion and/or identify embedded images. The presence of these movements can further be disguised by performing the transfer from the unmoved raster position of the image to the moved position as smoothly and smoothly as possible. As shown in FIG. 2, the result is an encodedimage 110 that is easy to view the primary image but not easy to identify the secondary image. When a lenticulartransparent decoding lens 120 with a line frequency corresponding to the grating element frequency is placed in the correct orientation (i.e. grating angle α) above thecoded image 110 as shown in Figure 3, the secondary Image (letter "SI").

内嵌图像的存在可以进一步通过补偿初级图像中的较小区域或窗口的色调密度变化来伪装。该处理可以通过修改被移动图像中的个别像素来完成，由此每一个窗口的平均色调密度都会保持与未移动图像的相应窗口相同。The presence of embedded images can be further camouflaged by compensating for changes in tone density of smaller areas or windows in the primary image. This can be done by modifying individual pixels in the shifted image, whereby the average tone density of each window remains the same as the corresponding window of the unshifted image.

本领域普通技术人员将会理解，上述方法可以与任何形式的点、符号或线光栅化方法结合使用。此外，如在共同未决的’962和’943申请中所述，该方法和其他方法还可以用于内嵌具有不同编码参数的多个次级图像。Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above method can be used in conjunction with any form of point, symbol or line rasterization method. Furthermore, this and other methods can also be used to embed multiple secondary images with different encoding parameters, as described in the co-pending '962 and '943 applications.

上述方法可以被视为是’717专利所公开方法的一个特殊情况。在该方法中，其中首先使用了’717专利中描述的加扰方法来编码次级图像，然后则重组初级图像的光栅线，以便与经过编码的次级图像的图案相一致。最终得到的编码图像可以使用一个双凸透解码设备来查看，其中该设备具有用以光栅化初级图像以及用以编码次级图像的相同频率。The method described above can be considered a special case of the method disclosed in the '717 patent. In this method, where the secondary image is first encoded using the scrambling method described in the '717 patent, the raster lines of the primary image are then reorganized to conform to the pattern of the encoded secondary image. The resulting encoded image can be viewed using a biconvex transparent decoding device with the same frequency used to rasterize the primary image and to encode the secondary image.

如果较为理想的是输出图像为连续色调图像(与第一种方法中产生的光栅化图像相反)，那么可以使用将次级图像内嵌在初级图像中的第二种通用方法。在该方法中，次级图像是内嵌在“空白的”对照图像中的，其中该图像除了规则化周期性色调变化之外是没有其他内容的。然后，内嵌了次级图像的对比图像将被映射到初级图像。If the desired output image is a continuous-tone image (as opposed to the rasterized image produced by the first method), then the second general method of embedding the secondary image within the primary image can be used. In this method, the secondary image is embedded in a "blank" control image, where the image has no content other than regularized periodic tonal changes. Then, the comparison image with the secondary image embedded will be mapped to the primary image.

现在将参考图4～6来论述该方法的一个简单实例。图4显示的是一个空白对照图像210，在这个图像中，图像象素的色调值是作为周期性函数变化的，其中该函数可以是方波、正弦波、三角波等等。这个函数的频率与双凸透解码透镜的频率相匹配。所述周期性变化的角方位将会设立用于解码编码图像的角度。如图5所示，次级图像是通过在与次级图像中的内容位置相对应的任何一个位置移动周期性函数的相位而被内嵌在对照图像210中的。这样一来，在经过修改的对照图像210中，规则化的色调变化偏差与次级图像的内容是对应的。A simple example of this method will now be discussed with reference to Figures 4-6. Figure 4 shows ablank image 210 in which the tonal values of the image pixels vary as a periodic function, where the function can be a square wave, a sine wave, a triangle wave, or the like. The frequency of this function matches that of the lenticular transparent decoding lens. The periodically varying angular orientation will establish the angle used to decode the encoded image. As shown in FIG. 5, the secondary image is embedded in thecomparison image 210 by shifting the phase of the periodic function at any one of the locations corresponding to the content location in the secondary image. In this way, in the modifiedcomparison image 210 , the regularized tone variation deviation corresponds to the content of the secondary image.

然后，经过修改的对照图像210将会逐象素地映射到初级图像230。初级图像320的象素则被照亮或变暗，以便匹配对照图像210中的相应象素的色调变化图案。在图6中显示了最终的编码图像。对于那些被照亮或变暗的初级图像象素来说，其实际数量可以使用变换函数来确定，其中该函数通常是作为查找表定义的。这些函数是存在差异的，这一点则取决于图像应用。举个例子，该变换函数可以被设计成专门与特定的打印处理(例如喷墨、染料升华、激光打印等等)结合使用。The modifiedcomparison image 210 is then mapped to theprimary image 230 pixel by pixel. The pixels of theprimary image 320 are then lightened or darkened to match the tone change pattern of the corresponding pixels in thecontrol image 210 . The final encoded image is shown in Figure 6. The actual number of primary image pixels that are lightened or darkened can be determined using a transformation function, typically defined as a lookup table. These functions vary depending on the imaging application. For example, the transfer function can be designed specifically for use with a particular printing process (eg, inkjet, dye sublimation, laser printing, etc.).

本领域普通技术人员应该理解，通过使用上述方法，可以利用如在共同未决的’962和’943申请中描述的不同编码参数来内嵌多个次级图像。然后，每一个次级图像都可以由对应于相关编码参数集的解码器进行独立解码。这种方法不应该与本发明的多级编码图像相干扰，其中本发明的多级编码图像需要对每一级编码图像进行顺序解码。但是应该理解，任何根据本发明的方法产生的指定等级的编码图像都可以引入多个次级图像。Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that by using the above-described methods, multiple secondary images can be embedded using different encoding parameters as described in the co-pending '962 and '943 applications. Each secondary picture can then be independently decoded by the decoder corresponding to the associated encoding parameter set. This approach should not interfere with the multi-level coded picture of the present invention, which requires sequential decoding of each level of coded picture. It should be understood, however, that any coded picture of a given level produced by the method of the present invention may incorporate multiple secondary pictures.

任何一种上述方法的输出既可以是打印的编码图像(也就是打印在文档或其他物品上的集合的初级和潜在次级图像)，也可以是数字编码图像，其中所述数字编码图像既可以传送，也可以内嵌在数字文档中，还可以被保存，以供以后使用。The output of any of the above methods may be either a printed coded image (i.e., a collection of primary and potential secondary images printed on a document or other item) or a digitally coded image, wherein the digitally coded image is either Transmissions can also be embedded in digital documents and can be saved for later use.

另一种内嵌图像的方法一般用在钞票和支票中。在该方法中，潜在图像是通过在可视图像中与隐藏图像内容相对应的位置改变光栅元件的方向来创建的。举个例子，在与潜在图像相对应的位置，初级图像中的垂直光栅线可以改为水平线。通常，潜在图像可以通过轻微倾斜钞票而被看到。但是，初级图像中的偏移同样可以使用光学解码器来解码。这是因为初级图像的光栅线在没有隐藏内容的位置是沿着解码器的双凸透镜线长度延伸的，但在存在隐藏内容的位置则只具有一个交叉部分。当通过解码器查看时，该差别会使隐藏图像比可视图像更为明亮。Another method of embedding images is commonly used in banknotes and checks. In this method, a latent image is created by changing the orientation of raster elements at locations in the visible image that correspond to hidden image content. As an example, vertical raster lines in the primary image can be changed to horizontal lines at positions corresponding to the latent image. Often, the latent image can be seen by tilting the banknote slightly. However, offsets in the primary image can also be decoded using an optical decoder. This is because the raster lines of the primary image run along the length of the lenticular line of the decoder where there is no hidden content, but only have a cross section where there is hidden content. This difference makes the hidden image brighter than the visible image when viewed through a decoder.

对上述所有图形编码方法及其合成的编码图像来说，它们共有的一个方式在于它们都包含了与规则的周期性行为(例如空间位置、色调密度、光栅角)的偏差。规则的周期性行为和由此得到的偏差可以根据所使用的编码方法以及预定的编码参数集合而被确定。这些偏差可以通过使用具有与一个或多个编码参数相对应的特性的解码器而被看到。举例来说，这其中的一个编码参数可以是规则的周期性行为的频率。解码器(无论是基于硬件还是软件)则必须依照该频率来进行配置。例如对双凸透镜来说，通过设定透镜频率，可以使规则的周期性行为的频率与透镜频率乃至透镜频率的倍数相等。然后，该双凸透镜可以充当内容采样器/放大器，以便加重与规则化行为的偏差，并且将这些偏差集合在次级图像中。What is common to all of the above-mentioned image coding methods and their resultant coded images is that they all contain deviations from regular periodic behavior (eg spatial position, hue density, raster angle). The regular periodic behavior and the resulting deviations can be determined depending on the encoding method used and a predetermined set of encoding parameters. These deviations can be seen by using a decoder with properties corresponding to one or more encoding parameters. For example, one of the encoding parameters could be the frequency of regular periodic behavior. The decoder (whether based on hardware or software) must be configured according to this frequency. For example, for a biconvex lens, by setting the lens frequency, the frequency of the regular periodic behavior can be equal to the lens frequency or even the multiple of the lens frequency. This lenticular lens can then act as a content sampler/amplifier to accentuate deviations from the regularized behavior and aggregate them in the secondary image.

除了上述光学编码方法之外，可以与本发明结合使用的其他方法包括符号表示编码以及数字编码方法，例如数字水印。应该理解的是，与特定编码方法相关联的编码参数的特性至少部分取决于编码方法的特性。用于光栅化方法的编码参数的实例可以包括图像的分辨率或频率以及解码透镜在显示认证图像时必须处于的方位(解码角)。另一个实例是用于确定特定光栅化处理类型的指示符。举例来说，这种光栅化处理类型参数可以用于确定图像是使用点、线、菱形、椭圆形点还是其他某种几何形状来光栅化的。此外，每一个光栅化处理类型都可以包括特定的特性，这些特性同样可以作为编码参数来使用。其中举例来说，这些参数包括菱形和椭圆形点的伸长度等等。在通过解码器查看时，编码参数还可以包括与认证图像的几何形状、位置以及方位相关的值。另外，编码参数还可以包括如下变量，例如打印分辨率或是用于从认证标记中产生壁纸图案的重复因数或频率。In addition to the optical encoding methods described above, other methods that may be used in conjunction with the present invention include symbolic representation encoding as well as digital encoding methods such as digital watermarking. It should be appreciated that the nature of the encoding parameters associated with a particular encoding method depends at least in part on the nature of the encoding method. Examples of encoding parameters for rasterization methods may include the resolution or frequency of the image and the orientation (decoding angle) the decoding lens must be in when displaying the authentication image. Another example is an indicator used to determine a particular rasterization type. For example, the Rasterization Type parameter can be used to determine whether the image is rasterized using points, lines, diamonds, elliptical points, or some other geometric shape. In addition, each rasterization type can include specific properties that can also be used as encoding parameters. These parameters include, for example, the elongation of rhombus and ellipse points, and the like. The encoding parameters may also include values related to the geometry, position and orientation of the authentication image when viewed by a decoder. In addition, encoding parameters may also include variables such as print resolution or the repetition factor or frequency used to generate the wallpaper pattern from the authentication mark.

如’943申请中所述，单个编码图像可以从一个编码参数集中构造，其中该编码参数集具有由用户产生或选择的一个或多个编码参数，以及并非由用户选择或产生或者是在没有用户输入的情况下自动产生的一个或多个或附加编码参数。如上所述，单个编码图像还可以从多个认证图像中构造，其中每一个图像都具有自己的相关编码参数集。在这些实施例中，用于第一认证图像的某些或所有编码参数集可以由用户选择或产生，而用于第二认证图像的某些或所有编码参数则可以不由用户选择或产生，或者是在没有用户输入的情况下自动产生。As described in the '943 application, a single encoded picture may be constructed from an encoding parameter set having one or more encoding parameters that were generated or selected by the user and that were not selected or generated by the user or were created in the absence of the user. One or more or additional encoding parameters that are automatically generated on input. As mentioned above, a single encoded image can also be constructed from multiple authentication images, each with its own associated set of encoding parameters. In these embodiments, some or all of the encoding parameter sets for the first authentication image may be selected or generated by the user, while some or all of the encoding parameters for the second authentication image may not be selected or generated by the user, or is generated automatically without user input.

编码图像的特性可以依赖于某个对象或某组对象。例如对文档、信息内容或图形内容来说，用于编码图像的编码参数可以根据对象标识或特性而被唯一或者半唯一地确定。编码图像特性还可以根据产生对象或构造/应用编码图像时的周围环境来确定。The properties of an encoded image may depend on an object or a group of objects. For example for documents, information content or graphic content, the encoding parameters used to encode images can be uniquely or semi-uniquely determined depending on object identification or properties. Coded image properties may also be determined from the surrounding environment in which the object was created or the coded image was constructed/applied.

本发明的方法增强了包括上述方法在内的先前已知的编码方法。在本发明的方法中，第一数字编码图像是使用至少一个认证图像以及第一编码参数集并且通过使用第一编码方法产生的。该第一编码图像还可以包括第一背景或源图像，在所述第一背景或源图像中，其中使用了第一编码参数集中的编码参数而编码和内嵌了认证图像。然后，第一数字编码图像将会与第二编码参数集以及第二编码方法结合使用，以便产生第二数字编码图像。第二数字编码图像可以包括内嵌了第一数字编码图像的第二背景或源图像。所述第二数字编码图像可以保存、应用于对象或是进行传输。此外，所述第二数字编码图像还可以与另一个(也就是第三)编码参数集以及第三编码方法结合使用，以便产生第三编码图像。应该理解的是，在每一级的编码中，先前级别的编码图像实际是在产生当前编码图像的过程中使用的“认证图像”。由此，这些中间编码图像可以用于对整个编码图像中的某个级别进行认证。The method of the present invention enhances previously known encoding methods, including those described above. In the method of the invention, a first digitally encoded image is generated using at least one authentication image and a first set of encoding parameters and by using a first encoding method. The first encoded image may also include a first background or source image in which the authentication image is encoded and embedded using encoding parameters from the first encoding parameter set. The first digitally encoded image is then used in conjunction with the second set of encoding parameters and the second encoding method to produce a second digitally encoded image. The second digitally encoded image may comprise a second background or source image in which the first digitally encoded image is embedded. The second digitally encoded image can be saved, applied to the object or transmitted. Furthermore, said second digitally encoded image may also be used in combination with a further (ie third) set of encoding parameters and a third encoding method in order to generate a third encoded image. It should be understood that in each level of encoding, the encoded picture of the previous level is actually the "authentication picture" used in the process of generating the current encoded picture. Thus, these intermediate coded pictures can be used to authenticate a certain level in the whole coded picture.

图7是根据本发明来产生多级编码图像的方法M100的流程图。该方法始于S100。在S110，获取了数字认证图像。该认证图像是一个将会在解码最终的多级编码图像时产生的图像。该数字认证图像可以从独立供应方接收，也可以从存储器中检索。作为替换，该数字认证图像可以从简图中创建或是通过扫描预期图形图像而被产生。FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method M100 for generating a multi-level coded image according to the present invention. The method starts at S100. At S110, a digital authentication image is acquired. The authentication image is an image that will be generated when decoding the final multi-level coded image. The digital authentication image may be received from an independent provider, or may be retrieved from memory. Alternatively, the digital authentication image may be created from a sketch or generated by scanning a desired graphic image.

认证图像可以包括认证标记，该标记则可以是任何一种可视显示，其中包括但不局限于数字化图像、计算机生成的图像以及来自文档处理程序的文本串。通过选择认证标记，可以提供关于对象来源或是关于用户的信息。例如，认证标记可以包括公司标志图像或是政府机构的文本标识。作为替换或是补充，该认证标记还可以包括与所要认证的特定对象相关的信息。例如，用于特定文档的认证标记可以包括来自文档自身的文本或是与产生文本的环境相关的文本。该认证标记还可以包括与当前认证处理相关的环境的文本标识。举例来说，如果认证方法是在打印特定文档的时候执行的，那么认证标记可以包括将要与该文档相关联的时间和日期的文本显示。作为替换或补充，该认证标记可以包括与产生、处理或打印文档的处理器或工作站相关的信息。An authentication image may include an authentication mark, which in turn may be any visual display including, but not limited to, digitized images, computer-generated images, and text strings from document processing programs. By selecting an authentication token, information about the origin of the object or about the user can be provided. For example, an authentication mark can include an image of a company logo or a textual logo of a government agency. Alternatively or in addition, the authentication mark may also include information relating to the specific object to be authenticated. For example, an authentication mark for a particular document may include text from the document itself or text related to the environment in which the text was generated. The authentication token may also include a textual identification of the context relevant to the current authentication process. For example, if the authentication method is performed when a particular document is printed, the authentication indicia may include a textual display of the time and date to be associated with that document. Alternatively or additionally, the authentication mark may include information relating to the processor or workstation that generated, processed or printed the document.

本领域普通技术人员可以从上文中理解，对某个对象或某组对象而言，认证图像可以是唯一的，并且是对某个用户来说是可以通用的。在另一个替换方案中，在具有或不具有来自用户的输入的情况下，认证图像是可以通过认证软的认可证颁发者或提供者来确定的。Those skilled in the art can understand from the above that the authentication image can be unique for a certain object or a certain group of objects, and can be used universally for a certain user. In another alternative, the authentication image is determinable by the authentication software's approved credential issuer or provider, with or without input from the user.

第一编码参数集是在S115获取的。如先前所述，在对编码图像进行解码时，编码参数可以用于确定编码图像的特性和/或认证图像的外观。与认证图像一样，编码参数集可以从单独的提供方接收或是从存储器中检索。该编码参数集也可以从’943申请描述的多个来源提供的编码参数集合。例如，个别编码参数既有可能是由用户提供的，也有可能不是由用户提供的。用户提供的编码参数可以由用户以交互方式提供，也可以由软件提供和存储，以便在以后加以使用。非用户提供的编码参数既可以预先编程到编码软件中，也可以从数据存储器中检索。此外，非用户提供的编码参数还可以由软件根据处理环境或是基于随机选择来进行计算。其中举例来说，处理环境可以包括产生编码图像的时间或是操作环境的特性(例如产生文档的处理器的特性或标识)。The first encoding parameter set is acquired at S115. As previously described, when decoding an encoded image, encoding parameters may be used to determine the characteristics of the encoded image and/or the appearance of the authentication image. As with the authentication image, the set of encoding parameters can be received from a separate provider or retrieved from memory. The encoding parameter set may also be an encoding parameter set provided from a number of sources described in the '943 application. For example, individual encoding parameters may or may not be user-supplied. User-supplied encoding parameters may be provided interactively by the user, or provided and stored by software for later use. Non-user-supplied encoding parameters can either be pre-programmed into the encoding software or retrieved from data memory. In addition, non-user-supplied encoding parameters can also be calculated by software according to the processing environment or based on random selection. Wherein, for example, the processing environment may include the time when the encoded image was generated or the characteristics of the operating environment (such as the characteristics or identification of the processor that generated the document).

通过包含无法受控于用户的编码参数，可以防止特定用户执行错误的使用。一个或多个非用户提供的编码参数既可以由软件许可或控制实体设置，也可以由用户组织的管理员设置。此外，如上所述，非用户提供的一个或多个编码参数还可以在没有用户输入的情况下由软件进行构造。By including encoding parameters that cannot be controlled by the user, it is possible to prevent specific users from performing erroneous uses. One or more non-user-supplied encoding parameters may be set either by the software licensing or controlling entity, or by an administrator of the user's organization. Additionally, as noted above, one or more encoding parameters that are not provided by the user may also be constructed by the software without user input.

在S120，其中可以根据所使用的编码方法来获取源或初级图像。所述源图像是一个可视背景或是内嵌了编码认证图像的图像。此外，该初级图像也可以是如图1的编码图像10中的空白背景图像，或者可以包含图2的编码图像110中的可视图像内容，例如图样或相片。与认证图像一样，初级图像既可以从单独的提供方接收，也可以从存储器中检索，还可以以数字方式创建。At S120, the source or primary image can be acquired according to the encoding method used. The source image is a visual background or an image with an embedded coded authentication image. In addition, the primary image may also be a blank background image as in the codedimage 10 of FIG. 1 , or may contain visible image content in thecoded image 110 of FIG. 2 , such as a pattern or a photo. Like authentication images, primary images can either be received from a separate provider, retrieved from memory, or digitally created.

在S125，其中将会使用数字认证图像以及第一编码参数集来构造第一数字编码图像。如上所述，任何用于从认证图像中创建编码图像的方法都是可以使用的。根据所述方法，编码认证图像可以内嵌在第一初级图像中，以便产生第一数字编码图像。如果打印第一数字编码图像，那么第一初级图像是可以用肉眼看到的。但是，除非用具有与第一编码参数集相关联的特性的解码器进行解码，否则认证图像是无法看到的。In S125, the digital authentication image and the first encoding parameter set are used to construct the first digitally encoded image. As mentioned above, any method for creating an encoded image from an authentication image can be used. According to the method, a coded authentication image may be embedded in the first primary image in order to generate a first digitally coded image. If the first digitally encoded image is printed, then the first primary image is visible to the naked eye. However, the authentication image cannot be seen unless it is decoded with a decoder having the characteristics associated with the first encoding parameter set.

第一数据编码图像代表了多级编码图像中的第一级。第二级则可以使用在S130获取的第二编码参数集来构造，在理想情况下，根据所使用的编码方法，在S135将会得到第二初级图像。在这个第二级编码处理中，认证图像将会由第一编码图像所取代，该图像将会在S140中使用第二参数集来重新编码。经过编码的第一编码图像可以内嵌在第二初级图像中，以便产生第二编码图像。值得注意的是，第二级编码处理中使用的编码方法与第一级编码处理中使用的方法未必是相同的方法。The first data coded picture represents the first level in the multi-level coded picture. The second stage can be constructed using the second encoding parameter set acquired at S130. Ideally, according to the encoding method used, the second primary image will be obtained at S135. In this second level encoding process, the authentication image will be replaced by the first encoded image, which will be re-encoded using the second parameter set in S140. The encoded first coded picture may be embedded in the second primary picture to generate a second coded picture. It should be noted that the encoding method used in the second-level encoding process is not necessarily the same as the method used in the first-level encoding process.

如果打印第二数字编码图像，那么只有第二初级图像是可以用肉眼看到的。如果将具有与第二编码参数集相关联的恰当特性的解码器应用于第二数字编码图像，那么可以看到第一初级图像。但是，除非使用具有与第一编码参数集相关联的恰当特性的解码器进行解码，否则认证图像仍旧是无法看到的。If the second digitally encoded image is printed, only the second primary image is visible to the naked eye. If a decoder with appropriate properties associated with the second set of encoding parameters is applied to the second digitally encoded image, then the first primary image can be seen. However, the authentication image remains invisible unless decoded using a decoder with the proper characteristics associated with the first encoding parameter set.

由此可以看出，如果使用基于硬件的光学解码处理来解码第二编码图像，那么将会需要两个透镜部件。其中一个透镜部件具有与第一编码参数集相对应的光学特性，另一个透镜部件则具有与第二编码参数集相对应的光学特性。认证图像则只能通过将这两个透镜中的一个重叠在另一个透镜的顶部才可以被看到。该处理既可以使用两个完全分离的透镜来实现，也可以使用如在2002年6月6日提交的美国专利申请10/165,162中描述的组合透镜来实现，其中该申请在此全部引入作为参考。It can be seen from this that if a hardware based optical decoding process is used to decode the second encoded image, then two lens components will be required. One of the lens components has optical properties corresponding to the first set of encoding parameters, and the other lens component has optical properties corresponding to the second set of encoding parameters. The authentication image can only be seen by superimposing one of these two lenses on top of the other. This process can be accomplished either using two completely separate lenses, or using a combined lens as described inU.S. Patent Application 10/165,162, filed June 6, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety .

此外，通过获取数字形式的打印编码图像，以及使用数字(也就是基于软件的)解码器来解码所获取的图像，同样可以解码打印形式的第二解码图像。数字解码器会被配置成首先使用第二编码参数集以及与第二编码处理中使用的第二编码方法相适合的解码方法来解码第二级编码。然后，这个第一次解码经过的输出将被用作第二次解码经过的输入，其中在第二次解码中，第一编码参数集将会与适合第二编码处理中所用编码方法的解码方法结合使用。而第二次解码经过的输出将会包含认证图像。Furthermore, by acquiring the printed encoded image in digital form, and using a digital (ie software based) decoder to decode the acquired image, it is also possible to decode a second decoded image in printed form. The digital decoder is configured to first decode the second level encoding using the second set of encoding parameters and a decoding method appropriate to the second encoding method used in the second encoding process. The output of this first decoding pass will then be used as input for a second decoding pass in which the first set of encoding parameters will be matched with the decoding method appropriate for the encoding method used in the second encoding process In conjunction with. The output of the second decoding pass will contain the authentication image.

此外，数字解码器还可用于对从未打印过的第二数字编码图像进行解码。第二数字编码图像则仅仅用于替换所获取的打印图像形式。Additionally, the digital decoder can be used to decode a second digitally encoded image that has never been printed. The second digitally encoded image is then only used to replace the acquired printed image form.

如图7所示，方法M100可以包括第三编码级别，其中在S145中将获取第三编码参数集，在S150将会获取可选地第三数字初级图像，并且在S155将会构造第三编码图像。在这里很容易理解的是，当打印第三数字图像时，只有第三初级图像是可以用肉眼看到的。如果将一个具有与第三编码参数集相关联的恰当特性的解码器应用于所打印的编码图像，那么可以看到第二初级图像。通过使用第二解码器(或是数字解码器中的第二次解码)以及第二编码参数集，可以允许查看第一初级图像，此外，通过使用第三解码器(或数字解码器中的第三次解码)以及第一编码参数集，可以允许查看认证图像。As shown in FIG. 7, the method M100 may include a third encoding level, wherein in S145 a third encoding parameter set will be acquired, an optional third digital primary image will be acquired in S150, and a third encoding will be constructed in S155 image. It is easy to understand here that when the third digital image is printed, only the third primary image is visible to the naked eye. The second primary image can be seen if a decoder with appropriate properties associated with the third set of encoding parameters is applied to the printed encoded image. By using a second decoder (or a second decoding in a digital decoder) and a second set of encoding parameters, it is possible to allow viewing of the first primary image, and by using a third decoder (or a second decoding in a digital decoder) Three decodings) and the first set of encoding parameters may allow viewing of the authentication image.

在S190，方法M100将会结束。但是应该理解，在方法100中是可以包含附加步骤的。特别的，在这里可以使用任何数量的编码等级，以便产生最终的多级编码图像。但是，为了实现高质量结果，有必要使编码参数与编码等级相适合。例如，编码处理的光栅频率可以随着每一级编码而递增。在本发明的某个应用中，该频率可以随着每一个编码级别而被加倍，由此确保从先前级别中获取足够细节，以便保持编码信息。At S190, the method M100 will end. It should be understood, however, that additional steps may be included in method 100 . In particular, any number of encoding levels may be used here in order to produce the final multi-level encoded image. However, to achieve high-quality results, it is necessary to adapt the encoding parameters to the encoding level. For example, the raster frequency of the encoding process can be incremented with each level of encoding. In a certain application of the invention, this frequency may be doubled with each encoding level, thereby ensuring that enough detail is captured from previous levels to preserve the encoded information.

一旦构造了数字多级编码图像，则可以将其存储、传送到请求方或是应用于某个对象。作为替换，数字多级编码图像也可以直接插入数字文档。然后，包含了编码图像的文档可以进一步地处理、传送或打印。应该理解的是，编码图像是在文档内部以图形方式编码的，由此它会与文档同时被打印。在打印文档时，所打印的多级编码图像将会以它的编码形式产生，由此除非借助相应的解码设备，否则是无法看到该图像的。Once a digitally multilevel coded image is constructed, it can be stored, transmitted to a requesting party, or applied to an object. Alternatively, the digital multilevel coded image can also be inserted directly into the digital document. Documents containing encoded images can then be further processed, transmitted or printed. It should be understood that the encoded image is graphically encoded within the document so that it is printed simultaneously with the document. When the document is printed, the printed multi-level coded image will be produced in its coded form so that it cannot be seen except with the aid of a corresponding decoding device.

另外，对使用多个硬件解码器部件来解码具有三个以上的编码等级的编码图像而言，这种处理并不总是可行的。但是，软件解码器同样可以是可以接受的，由此可以像单级编码图像那样简单地解码多级编码图像。在图8中显示了一个可以结合数字编码器使用例示解码方法M200。如所示，方法M200是为三级数字编码图像设置的。但是应该理解，方法M200同样适合具有任意数量的编码级别的数字图像。Furthermore, it is not always possible to use multiple hardware decoder components to decode coded pictures with more than three coding levels. However, software decoders may also be acceptable, whereby multi-level coded pictures can be decoded as easily as single-level coded pictures. An exemplary decoding method M200 that may be used in conjunction with a digital encoder is shown in FIG. 8 . As shown, method M200 is provided for three-level digitally encoded images. It should be understood, however, that method M200 is equally applicable to digital images having any number of encoding levels.

方法M200始于S200。在S210，其中将会接收多级编码图像。该多级编码图像既可以从单独的提供方接收，也可以从存储器中检索。这个多级编码图像既可以是原始的未打印数字图像，也可以是所获取的数字形式的打印编码图像。在S215，其中将会获取第三编码参数集(也就是在第三级编码处理中使用的编码参数集)，其中所述第三编码参数集既可以从单独的提供方接收，也可以从存储器中检索得到。Method M200 begins with S200. In S210, a multi-level coded image will be received. The multi-level coded image can either be received from a separate provider or retrieved from memory. This multi-level coded image can be either the original unprinted digital image or a printed coded image captured in digital form. In S215, the third encoding parameter set (that is, the encoding parameter set used in the third-level encoding process) will be obtained, wherein the third encoding parameter set can be received from a separate provider or from a memory retrieved from.

如’350申请中描述的那样，某些数字解码方法有可能需要了解内嵌了次级图像的初级图像。如果用以解码多级编码图像中的第三级的解码方法具有这种需求，那么可以在S220获取初始图像。在S225，多级编码图像中的第三级是使用第三编码参数集解码的，必要情况下还会使用第三数字初始图像，由此可以产生第一编码结果。As described in the '350 application, certain digital decoding methods may require knowledge of the primary image in which the secondary image is embedded. If the decoding method used to decode the third level in the multi-level coded picture has such a requirement, the initial picture can be acquired at S220. At S225, the third level of the multi-level encoded image is decoded using the third encoding parameter set, and if necessary, the third digital initial image, thereby generating the first encoding result.

然后，第一解码结果将被用作第二级解码处理的输入。在S230，其中将会获取第二编码参数集，如有必要的话，在S235还会获取第二数字初级图像。S240，其中将会使用第二编码参数集来解码多级编码图像中的第二级，如有必要还会使用第二数字初始图像，以便产生第二解码结果。如上所述，在不同编码级别中使用的编码方法可以是不同的。同样，在不同解码级别中使用的解码方法也可以是变化的，特别的，解码方法是适合在每一级使用的编码方法的。由此，用以解码第二级编码图像的数字解码方法不必等同于用以解码第三级编码图像的解码方法。Then, the first decoding result will be used as input for the second stage decoding process. In S230, the second encoding parameter set will be obtained, and if necessary, the second digital primary image will be obtained in S235. S240, wherein the second encoding parameter set is used to decode the second level in the multi-level encoded image, and if necessary, the second digital original image is used to generate a second decoding result. As mentioned above, the encoding methods used in different encoding levels may be different. Likewise, the decoding method used in different decoding levels can also be changed, in particular, the decoding method is suitable for the encoding method used in each level. Thus, the digital decoding method used to decode the second level coded picture does not have to be identical to the decoding method used to decode the third level coded picture.

第二解码结果可以用作第一级解码处理的输入。第一编码参数集是在S245获取的，如有必要，在S250还会获取第一数字初始图像。在S240，其中将会使用第一编码参数集来解码多级编码图像中的第一级，如有必要的话，在这里还会使用第一数字初级图像，从而产生第三解码结果，其中该结果包含了解码形式的认证图像。在S290，该方法结束。The second decoding result can be used as input to the first stage decoding process. The first encoding parameter set is obtained at S245, and if necessary, the first digital initial image is also obtained at S250. In S240, the first encoding parameter set will be used to decode the first level in the multi-level encoded image, if necessary, the first digital primary image will be used here, thereby generating a third decoding result, wherein the result Contains the authentication image in decoded form. At S290, the method ends.

上述解码方法的一个方面在于：具有多个编码级别的编码图像是可以使用硬件和软件解码器的组合来解码的。例如，对使用光学编码方法产生的具有第一和第二编码级别的打印编码图像来说，该图像可以借助适于第二编码级别编码参数的透镜解码器与提供有第一编码级别的编码参数的数字解码器的组合来解码。这个处理可以通过将透镜部件定向在编码图像上来实现，由此可以使第一编码图像可视。对通过透镜部件看到的第一编码图像来说，其数字图像是使用扫描仪或数码相机之类的图像获取设备来捕获的。然后，该数字图像将使用提供有第一编码图像的编码参数的数字解码器来进行解码。解码结果提供的则是用于编码第一编码图像的认证图像。An aspect of the decoding method described above is that coded pictures with multiple coding levels are decodable using a combination of hardware and software decoders. For example, for a print-encoded image with a first and a second encoding level produced using an optical encoding method, the image may be provided with the encoding parameters of the first encoding level by means of a lens decoder adapted to the encoding parameters of the second encoding level. A combination of digital decoders to decode. This can be accomplished by orienting the lens element over the coded image, whereby the first coded image can be made visible. The digital image of the first coded image viewed through the lens assembly is captured using an image acquisition device such as a scanner or digital camera. This digital image will then be decoded using a digital decoder provided with the encoding parameters of the first encoded image. The decoded result then provides the authentication image used to encode the first encoded image.

本发明的编码和解码方法的操作可以分布在几个施动者之间，由此可以使之特别适合分层的认证和安全方案。例如，通过限制潜在解码实体访问用于某个编码级别的编码参数，在这里将会防止该实体完全解码多级编码图像。在分层系统中，最低级别的检查者可以有权限访问仅用于最高编码等级的解码参数，这对对象的第一层认证来说是足够的。The operation of the encoding and decoding method of the invention can be distributed among several actors, thereby making it particularly suitable for layered authentication and security schemes. For example, by restricting a potential decoding entity's access to the encoding parameters for a certain encoding level, that entity would be prevented from fully decoding a multi-level encoded image. In a hierarchical system, the lowest level of inspectors may have access to decoding parameters only for the highest encoding level, which is sufficient for the first level of authentication of objects.

在本发明的某些实施例中，不同实体可以添加供编码图像经过的安全层。每一个此类实体都可以用自己的编码参数集和/或初级图像来对编码图像进行重新编码。这样一来，通过一系列的生成或传输步骤，可以到达诸如文档之类的对象的路径，其中每一个此类步骤都具有针对编码图像所进行的相关联的重新编码处理。In some embodiments of the invention, different entities may add security layers through which encoded images pass. Each such entity can re-encode the coded picture with its own set of coding parameters and/or the primary picture. In this way, the path of an object such as a document can be reached through a series of generation or transmission steps, each of which has an associated re-encoding process for the encoded image.

本发明的编码方法可以使用任何自动化数据处理系统来执行。参考图9，用于构造多级编码图像的数据处理系统300可以包括与用户接口以及打印机(未显示)或其他设备相连的数据处理器310，以便将图像提供给某个对象。该数据处理器310可以用适合执行本发明的方法的软件来编程。在图示实施例中，数据处理器310可以包括一个认证图像模块312，该模块接收或产生认证标记，并且在必要的时候再现所述标记，以便形成一个或多个数字认证图像。所述认证标记和/或编码参数既可以经由用户接口320而从用户接收，也可以从内部的数据存储模块318检索，还可经由与数据处理器310选择性连接的网络而从独立的处理器或数据存储服务器中接收。The encoding method of the present invention can be performed using any automated data processing system. Referring to FIG. 9, a data processing system 300 for constructing a multilevel encoded image may include adata processor 310 coupled to a user interface and a printer (not shown) or other device for providing the image to an object. Thedata processor 310 can be programmed with software suitable for carrying out the methods of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment,data processor 310 may include anauthentication image module 312 that receives or generates authentication indicia and, if necessary, reproduces the indicia to form one or more digital authentication images. The authentication token and/or encoding parameters may be received from the user via theuser interface 320, may also be retrieved from the internaldata storage module 318, or may be retrieved from a separate processor via a network optionally connected to thedata processor 310. Or received from the data storage server.

数据处理器310还可以包括编码参数模块314，该模块接收和/或集合(assemble)编码参数集，以便在编码和重新编码一个或多个数字认证图像的过程中使用。通过对编码模块316进行编程，可以使用任何一种或多种编码方法、第一编码参数集的编码参数以及数字认证图像来构造第一编码图像。此外，在这里还可以对该编码模块316进行进一步编程，以便将初级图像合并在第一编码图像中。另外，编码模块316还可以进一步编程，以便像先前描述的那样使用附加编码参数集以及初级图像来重新编码第一编码图像，由此构造数字多级编码图像。在数据存储模块318中，所使用的编码参数集和初级图像可以保存在与应用了多级编码图像的该对象或一组对象相关联的数据库记录中。这种关联可以确保能够检索到必要的编码参数和图像，以便在解码多级编码图像的过程中使用。另外，该数字多级编码图像既可以保存在数据存储模块318中，也可以经由网络连接传送到某个请求方，还可以使用打印机或其他设备而被打印或是应用于某个对象。Data processor 310 may also include anencoding parameter module 314 that receives and/or assembles a set of encoding parameters for use in encoding and re-encoding one or more digital authentication images. By programming theencoding module 316, any one or more encoding methods, encoding parameters of the first encoding parameter set, and a digital authentication image may be used to construct the first encoded image. In addition, theencoding module 316 may be further programmed here to incorporate the primary image into the first encoded image. In addition, theencoding module 316 may be further programmed to re-encode the first encoded image using additional sets of encoding parameters and the primary image as previously described, thereby constructing a digital multilevel encoded image. Indata storage module 318, the set of encoding parameters used and the primary image may be stored in a database record associated with the object or group of objects to which the multi-stage encoded image has been applied. This association ensures that the necessary encoding parameters and images can be retrieved for use in decoding multi-level encoded images. In addition, the digital multi-level coded image can be stored in thedata storage module 318, can also be transmitted to a requesting party via a network connection, and can also be printed or applied to an object using a printer or other equipment.

自动化系统300还可以包括控制设备340，该设备可以用于控制数据处理器300或是安装于数据处理器300的编码软件的使用。该控制设备340可以是一个单独的处理器、模块或数据存储设备，而编码软件则可以从该设备中获取认证标记、编码参数或是与处理环境相关的数据。The automation system 300 may also include acontrol device 340 that may be used to control the data processor 300 or the use of coded software installed on the data processor 300 . Thecontrol device 340 can be a single processor, module or data storage device, and the coding software can obtain authentication marks, coding parameters or data related to the processing environment from the device.

应该理解的是，数据处理系统300既可以包括单个处理器，也可以包括由一个或多个网络互连的多个处理器和/或服务器。此外，处理系统300中的个别模块的功能还可以分布在多个处理器中。It should be appreciated that data processing system 300 may include a single processor, or may include multiple processors and/or servers interconnected by one or more networks. In addition, the functions of individual modules in the processing system 300 may also be distributed among multiple processors.

参考图10，用于认证对象的系统400包括一个被配置成产生数字多级编码图像的编码处理器410，以及一个被配置成对数字多级编码图像进行解码的解码处理器430。该编码处理器410可以包括认证图像模块412、编码参数模块414以及编码模块416，在所有这些模块中，其中任何一个模块或是所有模块都是可以与编码信息数据库440进行通信的。编码模块416被适配或编程为使用认证图像模块412提供的认证图像以及编码参数模块414提供的编码参数集来产生多级编码图像。编码模块416还可以使用初级图像而在不同的编码级别嵌入编码图像。对认证图像或包含在其中的指示，以及任何初级图像和/或某些或所有编码参数来说，这些信息既可以从编码图像请求方450接收，其中该请求方被适配成在用户与编码处理器410之间提供一个接口。另外，对认证图像或包含在其中的指示，以及任何初级图像和/或某些或所有编码参数来说，这些信息也可以从编码信息数据库440或是其他数据存储模块中检索得到。Referring to FIG. 10, a system 400 for authenticating a subject includes an encoding processor 410 configured to generate a digital multilevel encoded image, and a decoding processor 430 configured to decode the digital multilevel encoded image. The encoding processor 410 may include an authentication image module 412 , an encoding parameter module 414 and an encoding module 416 , and any or all of these modules can communicate with the encoding information database 440 . The encoding module 416 is adapted or programmed to generate a multi-level encoded image using the authentication image provided by the authentication image module 412 and the set of encoding parameters provided by the encoding parameter module 414 . The encoding module 416 may also use the primary image to embed the encoded image at a different encoding level. For authentication images or indications contained therein, as well as any primary images and/or some or all encoding parameters, such information may be received from an encoded image requestor 450 adapted to communicate between the user and the encoding An interface is provided between the processors 410 . Additionally, for the authentication image or indications contained therein, as well as any primary image and/or some or all of the encoding parameters, such information may also be retrieved from the encoding information database 440 or other data storage means.

编码模块416可以将每一个编码级别的认证图像和编码参数集保存在编码信息数据库440中，以便在以后对预期发现多级编码图像的数字图像进行解码的时候使用这些信息。编码模块416还可以将多级编码图像保存在数据库440中，并且促使将多级编码图像施加于某个对象，和/或将编码图像返回给编码图像请求方450。在某些实施例中，多级编码图像可以内嵌在数字文档中，然后该文档则可以保存或是返回给编码图像请求方450。The encoding module 416 may store the authentication images and encoding parameter sets for each encoding level in the encoding information database 440 for use in subsequent decoding of digital images where multi-level encoding images are expected to be found. The encoding module 416 may also save the multi-level encoded image in the database 440 and cause the application of the multi-level encoded image to an object and/or return the encoded image to the encoded image requester 450 . In some embodiments, the multi-level encoded image can be embedded in a digital document, which can then be saved or returned to the encoded image requester 450 .

解码处理器430可以包括解码请求接口432、编码信息模块434以及解码模块436。解码请求接口432被适配成接收要求对预期包含多级编码图像的数字图像进行解码和/或认证的请求。解码请求接口432则可以被配置成从认证请求方460接收这个请求。该请求可以包括数字多级别编码图像以及用于产生编码图像的一个或多个编码级别的任何一个或所有编码参数。应该理解的是，数字多级编码图像可以是一个以数字方式产生的未打印的图像，此外它也可以是一个通过使用扫描仪、数码相机或是其他数字图像获取设备462获取的被捕获数字图像。The decoding processor 430 may include a decoding request interface 432 , an encoding information module 434 and a decoding module 436 . The decode request interface 432 is adapted to receive requests for decoding and/or authentication of digital images expected to contain multi-level encoded images. Decode request interface 432 may then be configured to receive this request from authentication requester 460 . The request may include the digital multi-level encoded image and any or all encoding parameters for one or more encoding levels used to generate the encoded image. It should be understood that the digital multilevel encoded image can be a digitally generated unprinted image, or it can also be a captured digital image captured using a scanner, digital camera, or other digital image capture device 462 .

解码处理器430还可以包括编码信息模块434，该模块被配置成获取编码参数，并且在必要时获取用于产生预期会在与请求相关联的数字图像中发现的多级编码图像。某些或所有编码参数和/或初级图像既可以从编码信息数据库440中检索，也可以从与解码请求一起接收的信息中推导得到。编码信息模块434则会会聚解码每一个编码级别所需要的信息，并且将其传递到解码模块436。该解码模块436可以被适配成执行上文所述的多级解码方法，以便按顺序解码多级编码图像中的任何一个或所有解码级别。在经过了每一个解码阶段之后，解码结果既可以存储、返回给认证请求方，也可以提供给另一个已被授权的请求方。The decode processor 430 may also include an encoding information module 434 configured to obtain encoding parameters and, if necessary, multi-level encoded images used to generate the multi-level encoded images expected to be found in the digital images associated with the request. Some or all of the encoding parameters and/or primary images may be either retrieved from the encoding information database 440 or derived from information received with the decoding request. The encoding information module 434 then aggregates the information needed to decode each encoding level and passes it to the decoding module 436 . The decoding module 436 may be adapted to perform the multi-level decoding method described above, so as to sequentially decode any or all decoding levels in the multi-level coded image. After each decoding stage, the decoded result can either be stored, returned to the authentication supplicant, or provided to another authorized supplicant.

解码模块436还可以将来自某个解码阶段的解码结果还发到认证处理器470，以便与所预期的解码结果相比较。认证处理器470可以包括被适配成从解码处理器430接收解码结果的解码器接口模块472。接口模块472还可以被适配成从解码处理器接收编码信息或者从编码信息数据库中检索此类信息。编码信息可以包括用于对预期的多级编码图像进行编码的认证图像和/或任何初级图像。这些图像可以由一个认证模块474来使用，其中该模块被适配成将接收自解码处理器430的编码结果与预期的解码结果相比较。特别的，该认证模块可以被适配成将认证图像与最终的解码结果相比较，以便认证已被解码的数字图像。The decoding module 436 may also send decoding results from certain decoding stages to the authentication processor 470 for comparison with expected decoding results. Authentication processor 470 may include a decoder interface module 472 adapted to receive decoding results from decoding processor 430 . The interface module 472 may also be adapted to receive encoded information from a decoding processor or to retrieve such information from an encoded information database. The encoding information may include the authentication image and/or any primary images used to encode the intended multi-level encoded image. These images may be used by an authentication module 474 adapted to compare encoding results received from decoding processor 430 with expected decoding results. In particular, the authentication module may be adapted to compare the authentication image with the final decoding result in order to authenticate the decoded digital image.

认证模块474还可以被适配成从解码结果中提取内容，然后，该内容可以与认证标准或是直接从应用了多级编码图像的数字文档中提取的内容相比较。该认证模块474可以包括OCR软件或是条形码解译软件，这些软件则可以用于从解码结果和/或数字文档中提取信息。The authentication module 474 can also be adapted to extract content from the decoded results, which can then be compared with authentication criteria or directly extracted from the digital document to which the multi-level coded image has been applied. The authentication module 474 can include OCR software or barcode interpretation software that can be used to extract information from decoded results and/or digital documents.

应该理解的是，编码处理器410、解码处理器430以及认证处理器470实际都可以是单独的数据处理器或服务器，此外它们也可以分布在经由网络420来执行选择性通信的多个数据处理器中。另外还应该理解，编码处理器410和解码处理器430可以包括多个处理器，并且不同级别的编码和解码处理是可以在相同或不同处理器上执行的。在一个特定实施例中，每一个阶段的编码都是由不同处理器执行的。这样则允许由不同的编码实体来保持每一个级别使用的编码信息。It should be understood that the encoding processor 410, the decoding processor 430, and the authentication processor 470 may actually be separate data processors or servers, and they may also be distributed among multiple data processing devices that selectively communicate via the network 420. device. It should also be understood that the encoding processor 410 and the decoding processor 430 may include multiple processors, and different levels of encoding and decoding processing may be performed on the same or different processors. In a particular embodiment, each stage of encoding is performed by a different processor. This allows a different encoding entity to maintain the encoding information used at each level.

现在将对本发明的技术方法的可能实施方式的通用方面进行描述。在上文中描述了本发明的技术的不同方法和操作系统实施例。可以想到的是，本发明的系统或是本发明的系统的一部分是可以采用通用计算机之类的“处理机”的形式的。这里使用的术语“处理机”可以被理解成是包含了使用至少一个存储器的至少一个处理器。所述至少一个存储器存储的是一组指令。这些指令则可以永久或暂时保存在处理机的一个或多个存储器中。处理器执行一个或多个存储器中保存的指令，以便对数据进行处理。该指令组则可以包括执行一个或多个特定任务的不同指令，例如以上在流程图中描述的任务。用于执行特定任务的指令集可以表征为程序、软件程序或者仅仅表征为软件。General aspects of possible implementations of the technical method of the invention will now be described. Different method and operating system embodiments of the techniques of the present invention are described above. It is contemplated that the inventive system, or a portion thereof, may take the form of a "processing machine" such as a general purpose computer. The term "processor" as used herein may be understood to include at least one processor using at least one memory. The at least one memory stores a set of instructions. These instructions may then be stored permanently or temporarily in one or more memories of the processor. A processor executes one or more instructions held in memory for processing data. The set of instructions may then include different instructions to perform one or more specific tasks, such as the tasks described above in the flowcharts. A set of instructions for performing a particular task may be represented as a program, a software program, or simply software.

如上所述，处理机通过执行保存在一个或多个存储器中的指令来处理数据。其中举例来说，所述数据处理既可以对所述处理机的一个或多个用户所给出的命令做出响应，也可以对先前处理进行响应，还可以响应另一个处理机和/或其他输入所给出的请求。As noted above, processors process data by executing instructions stored in one or more memories. Wherein, for example, said data processing may be in response to commands given by one or more users of said processing machine, or to previous processing, or to another processing machine and/or other Enter the request given.

如先前所述，用于实施本发明的处理机可以是通用计算机。但是，上述处理机还可以使用多种其他技术中的任何一种，这其中包括专用计算机，包含了微型计算机、小型计算机或大型机的计算机系统，已编程的微处理器，微控制器，外围集成电路部件，CSIC(用户专用集成电路)、ASIC(专用集成电路)或其他集成电路，逻辑电路，数字信号处理器，FPGA、PLD、PLA或PAL之类的可编程逻辑设备，或是其他任何能够实施本发明的处理步骤的设备或设备装置。As previously stated, the processing machine used to implement the invention may be a general purpose computer. However, the processor described above may also use any of a variety of other technologies, including special purpose computers, computer systems including microcomputers, minicomputers or mainframes, programmed microprocessors, microcontrollers, peripheral Integrated circuit components, CSIC (Customer Specific Integrated Circuit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other integrated circuits, logic circuits, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices such as FPGAs, PLDs, PLAs or PALs, or any other A plant or plant arrangement capable of carrying out the process steps of the invention.

应该理解的是，为了实践上文所述的发明方法，处理器和/或处理机的存储器是不必在物理上处于相同地理位置的。也就是说，在本发明中使用的每一个处理器和存储器都可以处于不同的地理位置并且可以相连，以便以任何适当的通信方式来进行通信。此外还应该理解，每一个处理器和/或存储器都可以包括设备的不同物理部分。相应地，处理器没有必要是处于某个位置的单个设备，存储器也没有必要是处于另一个位置的另一个单独设备。也就是说，在这里可以想到的是，处理器可以是处于两个不同物理位置的两个设备。这两个不同设备可以采用任何适当的方式来连接。另外，存储器可以在两个或更多的物理位置包含两个或更多的存储器部分。It should be understood that the processors and/or the memory of the processing machine need not be physically located in the same geographical location in order to practice the inventive method described above. That is, each processor and memory used in the present invention can be geographically located and connected for communication by any suitable means of communication. In addition, it should be understood that each processor and/or memory may comprise a different physical portion of the device. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a processor to be a single device at one location, nor for memory to be another separate device at another location. That is, it is conceivable here that the processors may be two devices at two different physical locations. The two different devices may be connected in any suitable manner. Additionally, a memory may contain two or more memory portions at two or more physical locations.

为了进一步说明，上述处理是由不同组件以及不同存储器执行的。但是应该理解，根据本发明的另一个实施例，如上所述由两个不同组件执行的处理也可以由一个单独的组件来执行。此外，如上所述由一个不同组件执行的处理也可以由两个不同组件执行。同样，根据本发明的另一个实施例，如上所述由两个相异存储器部分执行的存储器存储也可以由单个存储器部分执行。此外，如上所述由一个不同存储器部分执行的存储器存储也可以由两个存储器部分来执行。For further illustration, the above-described processing is performed by different components and different memories. However, it should be understood that according to another embodiment of the present invention, the processing performed by two different components as described above may also be performed by a single component. Furthermore, processing performed by one different component as described above may also be performed by two different components. Also, according to another embodiment of the present invention, memory storage performed by two distinct memory sections as described above may also be performed by a single memory section. Furthermore, memory storage performed by one different memory section as described above may also be performed by two memory sections.

另外，各种技术方法都是可以用于在不同处理器和/或存储器之间提供通信的，并且这些技术方法还可以用于允许本发明的处理器和/或存储器与任何其他实体进行通信；也就是说，由此可以获取更多指令或是访问和使用远程存储器存储。用于提供这种通信的技术可以包括网络、因特网、内部网、外连网、LAN、以太网、电信网络(例如蜂窝或无线网络)或是任何提供通信的客户机服务器系统。这些通信技术可以使用任何适当的协议，例如TCP/IP、UDP或OSI。In addition, various technical methods can be used to provide communication between different processors and/or memories, and these technical methods can also be used to allow the processor and/or memory of the present invention to communicate with any other entity; That is, from which further instructions can be fetched or remote memory storage can be accessed and used. The technology used to provide such communications may include a network, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, Ethernet, a telecommunications network such as a cellular or wireless network, or any client-server system that provides communications. These communication techniques may use any suitable protocol, such as TCP/IP, UDP or OSI.

如上所述，在本发明的处理中使用了一组指令。这组指令可以采用程序或软件的形式。所述软件可以采用诸如系统软件或应用软件的形式。此外，举例来说，该软件还可以采用独立程序集合的形式，处于较大程序内部的程序模块的形式或是一部分程序模块的形式。所使用的软件可以包括采用了面向对象的编程形式的模块化程序设计。该软件会向处理机告知对数据进行怎样的处理。As noted above, a set of instructions are used in the processing of the present invention. The set of instructions may take the form of a program or software. The software may take the form of, for example, system software or application software. Furthermore, the software could take the form of a collection of stand-alone programs, a program module within a larger program, or a portion of a program module, for example. The software used may include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The software tells the processor what to do with the data.

应该理解的是，在本发明的实施方式和操作中使用的指令或指令集是可以采用任何可供处理机读取指令的适当形式的。例如，形成某个程序的指令可以采用适当的程序设计语言的形式，其中所述程序设计语言将会转换成机器语言或对象代码，以便允许一个或多个处理器读取这些指令。也就是说，在某个特定的程序设计语言中，程序设计代码或源代码的书写行是使用编译器、汇编器或解译器而被变换成机器语言的。所述机器语言是二进制编码的机器指令，这些指令是某种处理机所特有的，也就是说，所述指令是某种计算机所特有的。该计算机则是理解机器语言的。It should be understood that the instructions or sets of instructions used in the implementation and operation of the present invention may take any suitable form for processor-readable instructions. For example, instructions forming a program may be in the form of a suitable programming language that is translated into machine language or object code to allow one or more processors to read the instructions. That is, written lines of programming code or source code in a particular programming language are transformed into machine language using a compiler, assembler, or interpreter. The machine language is binary-coded machine instructions, and these instructions are unique to a certain processor, that is, the instructions are unique to a certain computer. The computer understands machine language.

根据本发明的不同实施例，任何适当的程序设计语言都是可以使用的。作为示例性描述，所使用的程序设计语言可以包括汇编语言、Ada、APL、Basic、C、C++、C#、COBOL、dBase、Forth、Fortran、Java、Modula-2、Pascal、Prolog、REXX、Visual Basic和/或Java Script。此外，在这里不必将单一类型的指令或单一类型的程序设计语言与本发明的系统和方法操作结合使用。与之相反，根据需要或预期，任何数量的不同程序设计语言都是可以使用的。Any suitable programming language may be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. As an exemplary description, the programming languages used may include Assembly Language, Ada, APL, Basic, C, C++, C#, COBOL, dBase, Forth, Fortran, Java, Modula-2, Pascal, Prolog, REXX, Visual Basic and/or Java Script. Moreover, it is not necessary that a single type of instruction or a single type of programming language be used in connection with the operation of the systems and methods of the present invention. Instead, any number of different programming languages may be used, as needed or desired.

此外，在实施本发明的过程中使用的指令和/或数据可以根据需要来使用任何压缩或加密技术或算法。加密模块可被用于加密数据。此外，举例来说，文件或其他数据可以使用适当的解密模块来解密。In addition, instructions and/or data used in implementing the present invention may use any compression or encryption techniques or algorithms as desired. An encryption module can be used to encrypt data. Also, for example, files or other data can be decrypted using an appropriate decryption module.

如上所述，作为例证，本发明可以采用包括计算机或计算机系统在内的处理机的形式来实现，其中所述处理机包括至少一个存储器。可以预期的是，对诸如软件之类的允许计算机操作系统执行上述操作的指令集来说，这些指令集可以根据需要而被包含在多种媒体或介质的任何一种之中。此外，由指令集处理的数据同样可以包含在多种介质或媒体的任何一种之中。也就是说，对用于保持在本发明中使用的指令集和/或数据的特定介质、也就是处理机中的存储器来说，所述介质可以采用多种物理形式或传输中的任何一种的形式。作为例证，该介质可以采用纸件、纸制幻灯片、压密盘、磁条、激光卡、智能卡、处理器芯片、存储器芯片、DVD、集成电路、硬盘、软盘、光盘、山村卡、磁带、RAM、ROM、PROM、EPROM、线路、电缆、光纤、通信信道、卫星传输或其他远程传输以及其他任何可以由本发明的处理器读取的介质或数据源。As noted above, the invention may, by way of example, be implemented in the form of a processing machine comprising a computer or computer system, wherein the processing machine includes at least one memory. It is contemplated that the set of instructions, such as software, that allow the computer's operating system to perform the operations described above may be contained in any of a variety of media or media, as desired. In addition, data processed by the instruction sets may likewise be contained in any of a variety of media or media. That is, for the particular medium used to hold the instruction sets and/or data used in the present invention, that is, memory in a processor, the medium may take any of a variety of physical forms or transports form. As examples, the media may be paper, paper transparencies, compact disks, magnetic stripes, laser cards, smart cards, processor chips, memory chips, DVDs, integrated circuits, hard drives, floppy disks, compact discs, mountain cards, magnetic tape, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, wires, cables, fiber optics, communication channels, satellite transmissions or other remote transmissions, and any other medium or data source that can be read by the processor of the present invention.

此外，在实施本发明的处理机中使用的一个或多个存储器可以采用多种形式中的任何一种，以便允许存储器根据需要来保持指令、数据或其他信息。由此，该存储器可以采用数据库的形式来保持数据。该数据库可以采用任何预期的文件排列，例如平面文件排列或关系数据库排列。In addition, one or more memories used in a processor embodying the invention may take any of a variety of forms to allow the memory to hold instructions, data or other information as needed. Thus, the memory can hold data in the form of a database. The database can be in any desired file arrangement, such as a flat file arrangement or a relational database arrangement.

在本发明的方法和系统中，其中可以使用多种“用户接口”来允许用户与一个或多个用于实施本发明的处理机相对接。这里使用的用户接口包含了供允许用户与处理机进行交互的处理器使用的任何硬件、软件或是软硬件集合。举例来说，用户接口可以采用对话屏的形式。此外，用户接口还可以包括鼠标、触摸屏、键盘、电话(陆上通信线、蜂窝或无线)、语音读取器、语音识别器、对话屏、菜单框、列表、检验栏、触发器开关、按钮或是其他任何允许用户在处理机处理指令集的时候接收与处理机操作相关的信息和/或为处理机提供信息的设备。相应地，用户接口可以是任何一种在用户与处理机之间提供通信的设备。用户经由用户接口提供给处理机的信息可以采用命令、数据选择或是某些其他输入的形式。In the method and system of the present invention, various "user interfaces" may be used to allow a user to interface with one or more processors for implementing the present invention. As used herein, user interface includes any hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software used by a processor that allows a user to interact with the processor. For example, the user interface may take the form of dialog screens. In addition, user interfaces may include mouse, touch screen, keyboard, telephone (landline, cellular, or wireless), voice reader, voice recognizer, dialog screens, menu boxes, lists, checkboxes, toggle switches, buttons Or any other device that allows a user to receive information related to the operation of the processor and/or provide information to the processor while the processor is processing a set of instructions. Accordingly, a user interface may be any device that provides communication between a user and a processing machine. The information provided by the user to the processor via the user interface may be in the form of commands, data selections, or some other input.

如上所述，用户接口可以由执行指令集的处理机加以使用，以使处理机处理关于用户的数据。一般来说，处理机通过使用用户接口来与用户进行交互，以便传送或是接收来自用户的信息。但是可以预料的是，根据本发明的系统和方法的某些实施例，人眼实际上是没有必要与本发明的处理机所使用的用户接口进行交互的。与之相反，可以想到的是，本发明的用户接口可以与另一个处理机而不是人类用户进行交互，也就是传送或接收信息。相应地，所述其他处理机是可以表征为用户的。此外还可以想到的是，在本发明的系统和方法中使用的用户接口可以与另外的一个或多个处理机进行局部交互，同时仍旧与人类用户进行局部交互。As noted above, the user interface may be used by a processor executing a set of instructions to cause the processor to process data about a user. Generally, a processor interacts with a user by using a user interface to transmit or receive information from the user. It is contemplated, however, that according to certain embodiments of the systems and methods of the present invention, the human eye is not actually necessary to interact with the user interface used by the processing machine of the present invention. In contrast, it is conceivable that the user interface of the present invention may interact, ie transmit or receive information, with another processor than a human user. Correspondingly, the other processors are identifiable as users. It is also contemplated that the user interface used in the systems and methods of the present invention may interact locally with another processor or processors while still interacting locally with a human user.

本领域技术人员很容易想到的是，本发明是允许广泛的使用和应用的。在不脱离本发明的实质和范围的情况下，除了这里描述的实施例之外，本发明的很多实施例和适应方式以及众多的变化、修改和等价方案都是可以从本发明以及先前描述中明显看出或是可以由其合理建议的。It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows for a wide variety of uses and applications. Many embodiments and adaptations of the invention, as well as numerous changes, modifications and equivalents, in addition to those described herein, are possible from the invention and the preceding description without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. obvious from or reasonably suggested by it.

虽然在上文中例证并描述了本发明的例示实施例，但是应该理解，本发明并不局限于这里所公开的构造。在不脱离实质或基本属性的情况下，本发明是可以采用其他的特定形式来实现的。While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the constructions disclosed herein. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essence or essential attributes.

Claims (31)

1. method that is used to produce digital multilevel coding image, this method comprises:

Obtain digital authentication image;

Obtain the first coding parameter collection that has comprised one or more coding parameters;

Use first coding method, digital authentication image and the first coding parameter collection to construct first coded image;

Obtain the second coding parameter collection that has comprised one or more coding parameters; And

Use second coding method, first coded image and the second coding parameter collection to construct second coded image,

Wherein second coded image can use the demoder with at least a portion coding parameter corresponding characteristic of concentrating with second coding parameter to decode, so that show first coded image, and first coded image can use the demoder that has with at least a portion coding parameter corresponding characteristic of the first coding parameter collection to decode, so that show authentication image.

2. according to the automatic mode of claim 1, the operation of wherein constructing first coded image comprises the authentication image coding and is embedded in first primary image.

3. according to the automatic mode of claim 1, the operation of wherein constructing second coded image comprises first coded image is embedded in second primary image.

4. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that first coding method is identical with second coding method.

5. according to the automatic mode of claim 1, also comprise:

Obtain the 3rd coding parameter collection that has comprised one or more coding parameters; And

Use the 3rd coding method, second coded image and the 3rd coding parameter collection to construct the 3rd digital coding image,

Wherein the 3rd digital coding image can use the demoder that has with at least a portion coding parameter corresponding characteristic of the 3rd coding parameter collection to decode, so that show second coded image.

6. method that is used for decoded digital multilevel coding image, wherein said image produces by using first coding method, authentication image and the first coding parameter collection and constructing first digital coding image and use second coding method, first coded image and the second coding parameter collection to construct second digital coding image subsequently, and this method comprises:

Use at least a portion of the second coding parameter collection, second digital coding image of decoding, so that show first digital coding image; And

Use at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection, first digital coding image of decoding, so that show authentication image.

7. according to the method for claim 6, wherein should be applied to an object by numeral multilevel coding image, and the operation of wherein second digital coding image being decoded comprises:

First lenticular unit is placed the multilevel coding image top that is employed, so that can check the multilevel coding image that is employed by these parts, wherein this first lenticular unit has and the corresponding optical characteristics of at least a portion of the second coding parameter collection.

8. according to the method for claim 7, wherein first lens are biconvex lens parts, and these parts have comprised evenly spaced a plurality of lenticule, so that the lens frequency is set, and wherein the first coding parameter collection comprises a coding frequency, and this coding frequency is the multiple of lens frequency.

9. according to the method for claim 7, the operation of first digital coding image of wherein decoding comprises:

With above first lenticular unit places second lenticular unit under the situation of registration the multilevel coding image that is employed mutually, can check the multilevel coding image that is employed by described second lenticular unit thus, wherein said second lenticular unit has and the corresponding optical characteristics of at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection.

10. according to the method for claim 9, wherein second lenticular unit is a biconvex lens parts, these parts have comprised a plurality of evenly spaced lenticules, so that a lens frequency is set, the wherein said second coding parameter collection has comprised the coding frequency as coding parameter, and this coding frequency then is the multiple of lens frequency.

11. method according to claim 6, wherein digital multilevel coding image is applied to an object, and the operation of first and second digital coding images of decoding is by many parts decoder lens being placed the multilevel coding image top that is employed carry out, described many parts demoder comprises first lenticular unit that has with the corresponding optical characteristics of at least a portion of the second coding parameter collection, and has second lenticular unit with the corresponding optical characteristics of at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection.

12. method according to claim 11, wherein first lenticular unit is a biconvex lens parts, these parts have comprised evenly spaced a plurality of lenticule, so that set up the first lens frequency, second lenticular unit is a biconvex lens parts, these parts have comprised a plurality of evenly spaced lenticules, so that set up the second lens frequency, wherein at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection has comprised the first coding frequency, this frequency is the multiple of the second lens frequency, and at least a portion of the second coding parameter collection has comprised the second coding frequency, and this frequency is the multiple of the first lens frequency.

13. according to the method for claim 6, wherein the operation that second digital coding image is decoded is to use digital decoder to carry out, this operation comprises:

Receive digital multilevel coding image;

Obtain at least a portion of the second coding parameter collection; And

At least a digital decoding method has been applied to use the digital multilevel coding image of at least a portion that second coding parameter concentrates, so that produce first decoded result.

14. according to the method for claim 13, wherein the operation that first digital coding image is decoded is to use digital decoder to carry out, this operation comprises:

Obtain at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection; And

At least a digital decoding method has been applied to use first decoded result of at least a portion that first coding parameter concentrates, so that produce second decoded result.

15. according to the method for claim 6, wherein

Numeral multilevel coding image is applied to an object,

The operation of second digital coding image of decoding comprises first lenticular unit is placed the multilevel coding image top that is employed, so that can check the multilevel coding image that is employed by first lenticular unit, wherein first lenticular unit has and the corresponding optical characteristics of at least a portion of the second coding parameter collection, and

The operation of first digital coding image of decoding is to use digital decoder to carry out, and this operation comprises:

Obtain the digital picture of the first digital decoding image of first lenticular unit decoding,

Obtain at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection, and

The digital picture that has been applied to use at least a portion of the first coding parameter collection to obtain at least a digital decoding method is so that produce decoded result.

16. a system that is used to construct digital multilevel coding image, this system comprises:

Authentication image module, this module are adapted to obtains digital authentication image;

Coding parameter module, this module are adapted to a plurality of coding parameter collection of set, and wherein each coding parameter collection all comprises the coding parameter that at least one uses in the process of coded digital image; And

The coding module that communicates with authentication image module and coding parameter module, this coding module is adapted to the use first coding parameter collection and first coding method is applied to authentication image, so that coded image is provided, and with coded image recompile pre-determined number, so that produce digital multilevel coding image, the coding each time of described coded image all be to use can be identical with first coding method coding method and different coding parameter collection finish.

17. according to the system of claim 16, wherein coding module also is adapted to the primary image that makes the authentication image that coded image comprises coding form embedded.

18. according to the system of claim 16, wherein authentication module, coding parameter module and coding module and data memory module communicate, this data memory module then is configured to authentication storage image and a plurality of coding parameter collection.

19. according to the system of claim 18, wherein data memory module also is configured to store digital multilevel coding image.

20. the system according to claim 16 also comprises:

Be used for digital coding image is applied to the device of object.

21. according to the system of claim 16, wherein authentication image module is adapted to from one group of certification mark and constructs digital authentication image.

22. according to the system of claim 16, wherein the coding parameter module is adapted to from encoded image requester and receives at least one coding parameter.

23. according to the system of claim 16, wherein the coding parameter module be adapted to from the information of object association obtain at least one coding parameter.

24. according to the system of claim 16, wherein should to as if document, and the information that is associated with object is the document process environment.

25. system that is used for decoded digital multilevel coding image, wherein this image is to produce with the recompile that produces coded image and in order coded image is carried out pre-determined number by using the first coding parameter set pair digital authentication image to encode, each recompile rank all is to use different additional code parameter sets to finish, final recompile rank will provide digital multilevel coding image, and this system comprises:

Coded message module, this module are adapted to all additional code parameter sets that obtain the first coding parameter collection and be used to produce digital multilevel coding image; And

The decoder module that communicates with the coded message module, this decoder module is adapted at least a digital decoding method is applied to digital multilevel coding image, and described at least a digital decoding method can begin from final recompile rank by using other appropriate coding parameter of each recompile level to come repeatedly with reverse order each recompile rank of decoding.

26. the system according to claim 25 also comprises:

Decoding request module, this module are adapted to the request that receives digital multilevel coding image and require decoded digital multilevel coding image from the decoding requesting party.

27. the system according to claim 25 also comprises:

Digital picture is obtained equipment, and this equipment is adapted to and obtains digital multilevel coding image from the multilevel coding image that is applied to object.

28. one kind is used for the system that the object of multilevel coding image authenticates has been used in expectation, wherein this image is by using the first coding parameter collection to come the coded digital authentication image to produce coded image and in order coded image to be carried out the recompile of pre-determined number and produced, each recompile rank all is to use different additional code parameter sets to finish, final recompile rank then provides digital multilevel coding image, and this system comprises:

Encoded information database, this database are configured to all additional code parameter sets of storing digital authentication image, the first coding parameter collection and being used to produce digital multilevel coding image; And

Carry out the decoding processor of selective communication with encoded information database via first network, this decoding processor is received the request that require decoded digital test pattern via second network from the decoding requesting party by adaptive, receive this digital test image, retrieval is used to produce the coding parameter collection of digital multilevel coding image from encoded information database, and digital test image used at least a coding/decoding method, described at least a coding/decoding method will be repeated repeatedly, the number of times that wherein said multiplicity equals again coded image to be encoded adds 1, produces decoded result thus.

29. the system according to claim 28 also comprises:

Carry out the certified processor of selective communication with decoding processor and encoded information database via first network, this certified processor is adapted to key numbers authentication image from encoded information database, reception is from the decoded result of decoding processor, and decoded result compared with the certification mark in appearing at digital authentication image, thereby determine authentication result.

30. according to the system of claim 29, wherein certified processor also is configured to via the 3rd network authentication result is sent to the authentication result requesting party.

31. according to the system of claim 30, wherein first, second with the 3rd network in any one can be the network identical with one or two network of remainder.

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