Authenticated barcode patterns
A system and method for hidden security feature detection, analysis and authentication using a smart device is disclosed. The smart device can detect and analyze hidden security features using the camera capability of the smart device to capture a digital image, and then analyze and authenticate that image using a security service including a database of security feature data, processing rules, and other information. The security service can support a variety of smart devices and security features. The smart device includes a security-specific autofocus function that allows the smart device to be positioned within a range of distances and angles from a target document that includes hidden/covert security feature(s). The smart device can display an enhanced image showing the hidden security feature(s) and/or report if the security feature is valid or invalid, along with related information, via beeps, vibration, display, text messaging, or other reporting capabilities.
1. A point-of-sale-system comprising:
an imaging system;
a user interface display;
a lightsource configured to illuminate a product code;
a control system configured to, while the point-of-sale system is used to complete a transaction for a particular item:
causing a security feature to become visible by exposure to the light source;
obtain, via the imaging system, image data of the product code associated with the particular item while the security feature is visible from the light source, wherein the product code comprises a pattern of printed indicia printed as a barcode and the security feature, wherein the security feature is distorted by a reproduction of the product code and wherein the security featured is located within the barcode;
make a determination, based on the security feature, that the product code is either authentic or rather that the product code is unauthentic; and
if the determination is made that the product code is unauthentic, cause the user interface display to render an indication of unauthenticity, or else, if the determination is made that the product is authentic, proceed with the transaction for the particular item.
2. The point-of-sale system of claim 1 , further comprising a communication system, and wherein the control system is further configured such that the control system making the determination comprises the control system:
sending an authentication query to an authentication server using the communication system, wherein the authentication query comprises at least a portion of the obtained image data;
receiving, from the authentication server, an indication of an authenticity of the product code; and
using the received indication as a basis to make the determination.
3. The point-of-sale system of claim 2 , wherein the control system is further configured to receive, from the authentication server, an indication of serialized information associated with the particular item.
4. The point-of-sale system of claim 1 , wherein the control system is further configured such that, if the determination is made that the product code is authentic, the control system proceeding with the transaction for the particular item comprises the control system:
associating the product identification data with a price for the particular item;
determining that a payment for the price has been tendered;
in response to determining that the payment has been tendered, providing a receipt indicating the payment tendered and the product type indicated by the product identification data.
5. The point-of-sale system of claim 1 , further comprising a communication system, wherein the control system is further configured such that, if the determination is made that the product code is unauthentic, the control system is configured to:
terminate the transaction for the particular item; and
send an unauthenticity indication to an authentication server using the communication system.
6. A method comprising:
while a point-of-sale system is used to complete a transaction for a particular item:
illuminating a security feature by exposure to a light source, wherein the illuminating causes the security feature to be visible;
obtaining, via an imaging system, image data of a product code associated with the particular item while the product code is illuminated, wherein the product code comprises a barcode and the security feature, wherein the security feature is distorted by a reproduction of the product code and wherein the security featured is located within the barcode;
making a determination, based on the security feature, that the product code is either authentic or rather that the product code is unauthentic; and
if the determination is made that the product code is unauthentic, cause a user interface display to render an indication of unauthenticity, or else, if the determination is made that the product is authentic, proceed with the transaction for the particular item.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:
sending an authentication query to an authentication server using a communication system, wherein the authentication query comprises at least a portion of the obtained image data;
receiving, from the authentication server, an indication of an authenticity of the product code; and
using the received indication as a basis to make the determination.