Authors
Kamila Leśniewska-Matys (project leader, Kamila.Lesniewska-Matys@imif.lukasiewicz.gov.pl), Anna Kozłowska
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics, Warsaw, Poland (project coordinator)
Krzysztof Skupień
3d-nano, Cracow, Poland
Anatolijs Šarakovskis, Meldra Ķemere
Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
Pranciškus Vitta, Aistis Raudys
Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
Ewa Leszczyńska, Alicja Niesłuchowska
Garsų Pasaulis UAB, Vilnius, Lithuania
Aim of the project
The LumAI project aims to develop a novel class of luminescent functional materials for use in an innovative document security system based on the mobile detection with hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence (AI).
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a well-known technique for material characterization and sensing of specific characteristics. Unfortunately, currently available HSI systems are very sophisticated and available only in scientific laboratories. The development of a proposed simplified HSI system, based on commercially-available smartphone cameras and AI algorithms for discrimination against specific color tags will allow the application of the anti-counterfeiting measures outside expensive laboratories.
Airports, ports, border cross-offices and other facilities could be equipped with such equipment, ensuring enhanced security. It will not only allow the user to confirm the originality of the document but also to identify its producer, which will provide additional protection against counterfeiting.
Short description of the problem addressed by this project
The project’s overall concept is to develop a luminescent tagging material for a document security platform based on tagging identification using a smartphone with hyperspectral imaging and AI-based algorithms. To achieve this, detailed investigations of the materials selection, fabrication details, detection capabilities, and reliability are performed. The luminescent powder is incorporated into ink and printed on paper or polymer film. Mobile detection, i.e., activation by a model multichannel flash lamp and detection using a smartphone with hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) approach, is performed. Furthermore, the discrimination thresholds must be evaluated regarding the accuracy and repeatability of the ink/tag technology, detection system, and employed AI algorithms.
The LumAI project represents the collaborative design of the problem-oriented research and the creative integration of knowledge across disciplines, including material and computer science.
Main results and achievements
The project’s expected results, i.e., a system that facilitates combating forgery by increasing the security of documents translate directly onto the sense of protection of the state and its citizens. The project fulfills all the requirements of a responsible research. The innovative solutions of the LumAI take into account social and environmental benefits. The project will significantly contribute to the improvement of the technological competitiveness of Europe and strengthening innovation excellence not only for the industry but also for the academia and research institutes at the European and international levels. Moreover, the LumAI will seek to strengthen the role of companies in the society, their relationships, and their responsibilities for the broader impacts of their products and processes. First and foremost, LumAI supports the development of the European industry by dealing with novel functional materials with controlled optical properties and their applications. The final results show that the unique taggant for marking security documents and mobile applications with AI-based hyperspectral imaging is closely related to practical applications and has substantial social benefits.
Conclusion
Project LumAI, titled ‘Luminescent tagging of documents and the method of their mobile detection based on Hyperspectral Imaging and Artificial Intelligence,’ is an interdisciplinary project combining knowledge in the fields of materials engineering, optical imaging and characterization, and information technologies. The project addresses the need to protect the security documents (passports, ID cards, tax stamps) against counterfeiting. The LumAI aims to develop a novel class of functional materials and a mobile detection method that will be used in an innovative document security system. The LumAI consortium consists of five partners from three EU countries. They have been carefully selected to provide complementary expertise and resources and ultimately meet the requirements and ambition of the project. Due to its international character, the project strengthens the scientific excellence and visibility of research institutions and increases the competitiveness of industrial partners.
Acknowledgments
Project LumAI was selected in the Joint Transnational Call 2022 of M-ERA.NET 3, an EU-funded network of about 49 funding organizations (Horizon 2020 grant agreement No 958174). The project is funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) in Poland, the Latvian Council of Science (LZP) in Latvia, and the Research Council of Lithuania (LMT) in Lithuania.
