Inspection and authentication of color security deterrents with multiple imaging devices

© Inspection and authentication of color security deterrents with multiple imaging devices Jason S. Aronoff, Steven J. Simske HP Laboratories HPL-2010-8 Payload density, grayscale pre-compensation, authentication The use of 2D color barcodes is quickly becoming commonplace on printed packaging and labels. The color barcode allows for a higher data density in comparison to its 1D or 2D black and white counterparts. However, with the introduction of color, a new set of imaging problems is introduced in reading the color symbol. Color requires the use of higher quality image capture devices as well as the associated bandwidth when the captured image is analyzed or sent to a central repository for authentication. In this paper we introduce a novel approach to color manipulation which enables two modalities of reading; color and grayscale. This approach adjusts the printed color set such that it is visually distinct in grayscale while still retaining a reasonable resemblance to the original colors. We examine the robustness of this approach using the color tile deterrent and printing and authenticating samples using several printers and a range of deterrent sizes. In cases where symbol size negatively impacts read accuracy we propose an alternate approach which allows for improved reading while still retaining a reasonable payload density. When properly deployed, our approach can complement any color barcode technology by allowing for dual authentication. External Posting Date: January 21, 2010 [Fulltext] Approved for External Publication Internal Posting Date: January 21, 2010 [Fulltext] Published and presented at Optical Document Security 2010, San Francisco. January 20-22, 2010 Copyright Optical Document Security 2010. Inspection and authentication of color security deterrents with multiple imaging devices Jason S. Aronoff and Steven J. Simske Hewlett Packard Labs, 3404 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO, USA 80528