SUBANG JAYA (July 22): Local software and identification document (ID) assurance solutions provider Innov8tif Solutions’ latest technology in authenticating IDs via smartphone cameras has receive an official patent in the US.

The patent (US 12026932.B2), issued on July 2, marks a significant milestone in the authentication of document security features using smartphone cameras at a time when identity crime, especially those involving fake identification documents, are prevalent.

The new technology utilises real-time video processing and algorithms to verify the authenticity of ID cards using authenticating features like security holograms based on their position when reflected by a light source. This is done by capturing a live video feed of the ID with a directed light source to illuminate the security hologram.

From there, the technology converts the real-time video feed into multiple image sequences for a detailed analysis. Each image is then examined for the presence of the light source’s reflection and the security hologram, assessing if both positions are consistent with the directed light source.

This results in the authenticity of the ID based on the analysed positions, ensuring the photo is not faked or doctored. Algorithms are further used to generate randomly designated light source positions for further authentication.

This technology is designed to combat counterfeit ID cards and identity theft, especially for industries requiring identity checks like financial institutions and government agencies, where online applications for users to submit photos of their IDs are more common.

"Existing identity verification systems may encounter challenges with poorly taken user-submitted images of ID documents. Our patented technology seeks to address these issues by ensuring a more reliable and accurate authentication process through real-time video processing and advanced algorithmic techniques," said Law Tien Soon, deputy CEO at Innov8tif.