EA005265B1 - Method for identifying defects in stored objects - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A method for identifying defects in stored objects, characterized in that for storing an object by a customer a first electronic file with a digital image of said object is formed in the presence of the customer, calculating in a computer using a corresponding program a check sum of the first electronic file and write down said check sum in a check document signed by the document custodian and the customer, besides, providing the first electronic file to the customer on a corresponding data carrier, and when detecting a visible defect on the object during storing or after withdrawing said document a corresponding inspection means visualizes the image stored in a second electronic file presented by said customer as the first electronic file, visually compare of the defect part of the object with a corresponding image part stored in said second electronic file, wherein the identity of the second electronic file to the first electronic file is checked by computing, using said corresponding program, the check sum of the second electronic file and compare said check sum with the check sum stored in said reference document, stating either the identity of said check sums or finding out a substantial difference between said parts proving the defect presence appeared during storing of said object. 2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that a copy of the first electronic file is stored by the custodian, if the difference of said check sums is found, a corresponding inspection means visualizes the image stored in his own electronic file presented by the custodian as a copy of the first electronic file comparing said defect part of the object with a corresponding image part stored in the custodian's own electronic file, wherein for verifying the identity of the in custodian's own electronic file of the first electronic file copy a control sum is calculated for custodian's own electronic file and compare said check sum stored in said check document, in case of stating the identity of the check sum stored in custodian's own electronic file and the check sum stored in the check document, and if a substantial difference between the defect part and said image part stored in the custodian's own electronic file is found and the defect is stated during the storing of said object. 3. A method for identifying defects in stored objects in the process of storing, characterized in that for storing an object by a customer a first electronic file with a digital image of said object is formed in the presence of the customer recording said electronic file on a removable carrier provided with forgery protection means and said removable carrier to the customer, and when detecting a visible defect on the object during storing or after withdrawing it visualize the image stored in the electronic file by the corresponding inspection means stored on the removable carrier presented by the customer, visually compare the defect part of the object with the corresponding image part contained in the electronic file stored on the removable carrier presented by the customer, verifying the identity of the removable carrier presented by the customer by checking the identity of said forgery protection means when stating the identity of the removable carrier presented by the customer and when finding a substantial difference between said parts stating the defect presence appeared during storing of said object.

Description

The present invention relates to methods for detecting defects, and more specifically to methods for identifying defects that occur in objects during their storage.

At present, storage of a wide variety of items (documents, items of cultural, historical or other value, works of art, jewelry, etc.) in storages is widely used. In general, the storage owner (hereinafter referred to as the keeper for brevity) must ensure the safety of items accepted for storage. At the same time, additional requirements may be imposed on the storage conditions of certain types of items, such as, for example, historical curiosities or works of art, due to the need for particularly careful treatment of these items.

In this document, the initial state of an item in storage means its condition at the time of its storage.

The client who placed the item in storage at the end of its storage in many cases checks whether the state of the item has changed during storage, including as a result of adverse temperature or humidity effects (especially for works of art). In addition, the need for such verification may arise repeatedly during the storage period, for example, due to the temporary removal of the item from storage for examination, display at exhibitions, etc.

In the event that the specified client detects a defect on an item deposited by him, he can claim that the damage to this item occurred during the storage period. The establishment of this fact is particularly significant in the case when the custodian is financially responsible for the stored item, especially if the client insured him against possible damage during storage prior to depositing his item. If we take into account that the item placed for storage could already have various defects in the initial state, then the detection of defects that occurred during the storage of this item is only feasible if the item was placed in storage in one way or another. "Cast" of its original state. Subsequently, already during storage or immediately upon its completion, the current state of this item is compared with the specified “impression”, during which the defects that are present on the object and that are absent on the “impression”, i.e. defects occurring during storage.

Currently, the most widely used method is to identify defects that occur in objects during their storage. When receiving from the client for storage, the item is photographed with an analog (film) camera. The photograph then produced in the photo lab (its dimensions, however, as a rule, do not exceed the size of A4 format), along with the other necessary documents relating to this item, is placed in the appropriate accounting register maintained by the custodian. If, during storage or after its completion, any defects are found on this item (cuts, scratches, chips, smudges, etc.), in this case the specified client and the custodian independently or with the participation of an expert carry out a visual comparison of this subject with his photo contained in the register of accounting. If at the same time any of the defects found on the item itself are missing in the photograph, then it is concluded that the damage to this item occurred during the storage period.

In general, the criteria for attributing one or another feature of the appearance of the object being inspected to the number of defects are sufficiently subjective, therefore, as a rule, such criteria are clearly indicated in the storage contract drawn up between the custodian and the client when the item is deposited.

The above method of identifying defects that occur in objects during their storage, has the following disadvantages. The development of photographic film and the subsequent printing of a photograph together take at least 2-3 hours, regardless of whether these operations are performed manually or using automatic developing equipment. Thus, if a photograph of an item accepted for storage is made in the presence of a client, then in practice he has to wait for the completion of this procedure for at least the specified time. If this photo is made in advance, then when accepting an item for storage it will be necessary to conduct a thorough visual comparison of this item with a photograph in order to establish the correspondence of the photograph to the original.

If the custodian's procedure for receiving items for storage requires that a photograph of the item being received be made in the presence of the client, then in order to speed up the service, the custodian has to spend on each new client a separate film. The consequence of this is an increased consumption of photographic film and the corresponding chemical reagents, which is also a disadvantage of the described method.

The third disadvantage of the described method is as follows. Some violations of the technology of creating an analog photo may entail obtaining a photo image of unsatisfactory quality, resulting in a violation of color reproduction, lack of sharpness, uneven illumination of the image (caused, including, by the glare from the flash), etc. At the same time, regardless of the stage at which such a violation of technology was allowed, it can be identified practically only after the completion of printing of this photograph. And then at best (for example, if the poor quality of the picture was caused by the marriage of photo paper), at least, only the printing of the photograph should be repeated, in the worst case, the entire sequence of technological operations must be completely repeated: photographing, developing a film, printing the photograph. That is, in fact, the procedure for manufacturing a photograph, the duration of which, as noted above, is several hours, must be repeated.

The fourth disadvantage of the described method lies in the deterioration of the quality of the image contained in the photographic film and photographic paper over time, due to the natural irreversible changes in the properties of the photographic film and photographic paper with time noticeably accelerated during storage of these materials in suboptimal conditions (climatic, illuminance, etc. ). At the same time, these changes can manifest themselves in the form of mechanical deformations of these materials (distortion, cracking, etc.), and in the form of irreversible chemical changes in the photosensitive layer (loss of sharpness, change in the color gamut, including fading, and so on. d.) After a certain time, the deterioration in the quality of both the negative and the photograph may become so significant that it would be impossible to carry out, with the required degree of reliability, the above-described visual comparison of the subject with his photograph.

The fifth drawback of the described method is closely related to the previous drawback and consists in the limited replicability of the image contained in the photographic film. Since the production of paper photographs of the above item in the described method can only be performed by exposing the corresponding film (negative), when printing each new photo, the negative will be subject to mechanical impact, as well as to a rather intense light and heat effect from the photo enlarger lamp, which was described above , will inevitably lead to irreversible changes to the image on the negative. As a result, after a certain number of photographs printed from a given negative, the differences between the subject itself and its image on the negative will become unacceptable for the purposes of the described method.

The above disadvantages in varying degrees affect the practical value of the described method. While the first three drawbacks create only some inconvenience for the client and the custodian at the time of receiving the item for storage, the last two drawbacks impose fundamental limitations on the most essential characteristic of this method - the possibility of reliable (reliable) detection of defects that occur in the item during its storage , especially after some time has passed since the item was placed in storage. Nevertheless, the described method is considered today one of the most reliable ways to detect such defects.

A known method of making photos using a digital camera. A digital camera is a device that, like an analog camera, forms a snapshot of a photographed object, but not in analog form (on film), but in digital form - as an electronic file containing a digitized image of the specified object. The electronic part of a typical modern digital camera is, in fact, a microcomputer containing, inter alia, a processor, blocks of RAM and permanent memory. In addition, a digital camera adapter typically includes a digital interface adapter that allows a digital camera to exchange data with a computer, printer, and other digital devices. As such a digital interface, the most commonly used interfaces are EeeHUie and I8B. To save the created electronic files, a digital camera is usually equipped with a removable memory adapter (non-volatile) and / or a floppy disk drive (or drive) or a recordable laser disk.

For the manufacture of digital photographs in stationary conditions, the so-called digital photographic studio is widely used. It is a software and hardware complex typically comprising a computer to which a digital camera and a color printer (most often an inkjet printer) are connected via appropriate digital interfaces. The complex also includes the corresponding software. In this case, the production of digital photographs as follows. Using a digital camera, they create an electronic file with the image of the object being photographed, which is transferred via a corresponding digital interface from a digital camera to a computer. Then this electronic file is printed on paper by means of a color printer connected to this computer. Also, using a computer, the specified electronic file can be viewed on the monitor screen, edited, copied without changing the contents of the file, including transferring to other computers, etc.

To transfer an electronic file from a digital camera to a computer or other digital device, one of the above-mentioned removable media can be used: a memory module, a floppy disk or a laser disk (if there are corresponding adapters or drives in the digital camera and computer). In particular, there are printers equipped with a similar adapter of removable memory modules that allow printing digital photos stored in such modules. Accordingly, in practice there is also a method of making a photo, in which an electronic file with an image that needs to be printed on paper is transferred from a digital camera to a printer without using a computer, by means of a corresponding removable memory module.

Instead of a digital camera, in some cases, a so-called projection scanner is used to create digital photos, using almost the same principle of forming an electronic file with an image of a photographed (scanned) object as a digital camera. In this case, in some models of projection scanners to form a rectangular image raster, a two-dimensional array of photosensitive elements is used, like in digital cameras, but a one-dimensional line of photosensitive elements moved mechanically perpendicular to its centerline (as in so-called tablet scanners). In addition to these devices, a digital video camera operating in camera mode (i.e. in freeze mode) is currently used to create digital photographs, and in some cases (see below) also a flatbed and so-called roll scanners. Due to the wide variety (both in construction and principle of operation) of devices intended for forming a digital image of visible objects, hereinafter, for generality of presentation of the present invention, all such devices are referred to as digital photographing devices.

The use of a digital photographing device for the purpose of identifying defects that occur in objects during their storage would, in principle, make it possible to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the method using an analog camera. First of all, it should be noted that the possibility of storing an electronic file with a digital image for an unlimited time without any changes, as well as the easy possibility of unlimited replication of a specified digital image by simply copying this electronic file, i.e. without changing the contents of this file. Secondly, film is not used in a digital camera, respectively, chemical reagents are not required for its manifestation and fixing, which reduces the current costs of receiving items for storage. Third, the total time spent photographing a digital camera and then printing a photo on an A4 sheet of paper using a modern high-quality color printer usually does not exceed 10-15 minutes against the aforementioned 2-3 hours for an analog photo-making process. As a result, a photograph of the item taken for storage can be made in the presence of the client in a relatively short time, without causing discomfort to this client due to loss of time. Accordingly, if the produced photo turned out to be of unsatisfactory quality, then its repeated production can be carried out in the presence of the client during the same time.

In principle, the use of a digital photographing device allows the identification of defects that occur in objects during storage, and without making paper photographs. In this case, the final form of the image of the subject will be the aforementioned electronic file and in the process of detecting defects, instead of a photograph of this subject, its image displayed on a computer monitor or other similar visualizing device (TV, video projector, etc.) will be used. The main significant disadvantage of this method is that, as mentioned above, this electronic file can be easily changed (edited) using a computer. Therefore, it cannot be a reliable source of information about the initial state of an item in storage. As a result, digital photography is currently practically not used for the purpose of identifying defects that occur in objects during their storage.

The present invention is to provide a way to reduce the time and consumables to identify defects that occur in objects during their storage, as well as improve the convenience of identifying such defects for all of its participants, while ensuring the reliability of the results of the identified defects, less (and for long periods of storage of items is much greater) than the reliability provided in the above method using an analog camera.

The task with the achievement of the specified technical result is solved by the fact that in the first embodiment of the method of detecting defects that occur in objects during their storage, when a client places some object in storage in the presence of this client, the first electronic file with a digital image of the specified object is calculated in a computer using the appropriate program, the checksum of the first electronic file and enter the specified checksum in the control document signed by the custodian the specified item and the specified client, in addition, provide the first electronic file to the specified client on the appropriate medium, and when it detects a visible defect on this item during or after storage, render the image contained in the second electronic file presented by the specified client with the appropriate visualization tool As the first electronic file, a visual comparison of the defective area of this item with the corresponding image area is performed. contained in the said second electronic file, to verify the identity of the second electronic file to the first electronic file using the above program, the checksum of the second electronic file and compare this checksum with the checksum contained in the above-mentioned check document, if the said checksums are equal and when a significant difference is revealed between these areas, state the presence of a defect that occurred during the storage of the specified item a.

The peculiarity of the first variant of the method according to the present invention is that they can store a copy of the first electronic file with the custodian, and then, in the absence of equality of the above mentioned checksums, the image contained in the custodian’s own electronic file presented by the custodian as a copy of the first electronic file, perform a visual comparison of the above-mentioned defective area of the subject with the corresponding section of the image, with Keeping in the custodian's own electronic file, to verify the identity of the custodial own electronic file of the copy of the first electronic file using the above program, the checksum of the custodian's own electronic file and compare this checksum with the checksum contained in the above-mentioned check document, provided that the checksum of the custodian’s own electronic file and the checksum is equal We, contained in the control document, and when identifying significant differences between the above-mentioned defective part of the object and the specified part of the image contained in the custodian's own electronic file, state the presence of a defect that occurred during the storage of the specified object.

The task with the achievement of the same technical result is also solved by the fact that in the second variant of the method of detecting defects that occur in objects during their storage, when a client places any storage object, an electronic file with a digital image of the specified item is stored in the presence of this client This electronic file is on removable media equipped with a means of counterfeit protection and provides this removable media to the specified client and, if detected during the process or at the end and storing the specified object of the visible defect on this object is visualized by the corresponding visualization means the image contained in the electronic file recorded on the removable medium presented by the specified client, visual comparison of the defective part of this object with the corresponding part of the image contained in the electronic file recorded by the specified client removable media, while verifying the authenticity of the removable media presented by the client by verifying the authenticity whith said means of protection against forgery, with detection of authenticity of the customer replaceable carrier and detecting a substantial difference between said portions ascertain the presence of a defect generated during storage of said object.

To create photographs in the method according to the present invention, a digital photographing device is used, for which it is preferable to use a digital camera or a color projection scanner. Also for this purpose a digital video camera operating in camera mode (i.e. in freeze mode) can be used. If flat A0 or less items that are easily folded or rolled up (paper documents, geographical and similar maps, posters, banknotes, small carpets, unframed paintings, graphics, etc.) are accepted for storage, such items may be scanned using roll-on A0 scanners used in publishing. Flat items that do not exceed the size of A4 or A3 formats (such as the items mentioned above, as well as other small solid objects: coins, engravings, etc.) can be scanned using color flatbed scanners of one of these formats.

The method according to the present invention is indifferent as to whether the client who is depositing the item is the owner of this item or whether the client acts on behalf of and / or on behalf of the specified owner. In addition, there may be cases when an item is placed in storage by one person and removed from storage by another (for example, if during storage the item was sold to that other person, it was inherited, etc.). In such cases, both of these persons in the framework of the method according to the present invention are considered as the same client.

The first variant of the method according to the present invention is implemented as follows. When accepting any item from the client for custody, the custodian in the presence of this client fixes the original appearance of the item. For this purpose, the keeper by means of a digital photographing device creates a digital snapshot of this item, i.e. an electronic file containing a digital image of the specified item (hereinafter, to simplify the references in the description of the first embodiment of the method of the present invention, this electronic file is referred to as the first electronic file or the original electronic file) . If the custodian has several digital photographing devices of various types, the custodian selects the most appropriate digital photographing device based on the physical parameters of the item, such as size, shape, weight, stiffness, etc.

The first (original) electronic file formed by a digital photographing device containing a digital image of the specified item is transferred (recorded) to a computer in the presence of a client. Such a file transfer (unless a computer sufficient for the purposes described below is contained in the digital photographing device itself) can be carried out including one of the above known methods: through the aforementioned digital interface connecting this computer to the specified digital photographing device (if there are interface adapters), or through one of the above-mentioned removable media (if both devices have corresponding adapters or disco water). Next, this computer starts and runs a checksum calculation program that calculates the checksum of the first electronic file. As an algorithm for calculating the checksum implemented by this program, it is preferable to use a standardized algorithm that has the following property: if the checksum of a file is calculated using this algorithm, all other files that give the same checksum can be obtained only by selecting their contents, but not by calculation. These requirements are satisfied, in particular, by the algorithm according to GOST R 34.11-94.

The calculated checksum of the first electronic file can be stored in the same computer. In connection with the acceptance of this item for storage, the custodian draws up a control document (for example, a storage agreement, receipt or act of acceptance of the item for storage, etc.), in which he, among other necessary information, records the indicated checksum. This control document is compiled in two copies, each of which is signed by the custodian and the above client. After that, the keeper sends one copy of this control document to the client, and he keeps the second copy (for example, places it together with other documents relating to the subject in the accounting register maintained in this storage).

In addition to calculating the above checksum, the custodian writes the first electronic file to removable media by means of the appropriate drive (disk drive) included in the above mentioned computer. Such a removable media can be a floppy disk (diskette), a laser disk with the possibility of a single (for example, in the SE-K format) or multiple (for example, in the SE-IHU format) recording, etc. Also, the aforementioned checksum of the first electronic file can be recorded on this removable medium (provided that the keeper, after calculating it, has saved it to the specified computer). This removable media containing the first electronic file (and, possibly, its checksum) is provided to the above customer. At the same time, the keeper can keep a copy of the first electronic file recorded on a computer and / or on removable media.

With the transfer to the client of the control document and removable media, the procedure for receiving the item for storage in the framework of the first variant of the method according to the present invention is considered complete.

During the process or immediately after storage of the above item, the specified client may require to check its external condition, during which any defects may be detected on the item. It is also possible that the client, independently examining the item in the process or immediately after its storage, detects on it the defects that it presents to the custodian as having already appeared during the storage of this item. In any case, when one or several visible defects on it are detected during the process or at the end of storage of this item, the custodian and the client jointly (independently or with the participation of a third-party expert) carry out the identification of defects of this item that occurred during the storage period. To do this, the specified client must provide (present) to the custodian the first (original) electronic file received earlier. In general, the electronic file that the client presents to the custodian as the original electronic file may for some reason differ from the original electronic file, therefore in the description of the method of the present invention, this presented electronic file is referred to as the second electronic file.

The keeper saves the second (provided by the client) electronic file to the computer, and the method of providing the second electronic file is irrelevant — the file can be transferred to the custodian on removable media, transferred to the specified computer from the client's computer via a digital interface, etc.

Defects found on this item during the inspection of its external condition and / or presented to the custodian by the client are examined in turn. At the same time, the image contained in the second electronic file is visualized by means of any of the visualization tools available to the custodian. For example, the specified image can be displayed in whole or in separate sections on a computer monitor screen, in which a second electronic file is recorded, and / or printed out on paper through a printer (if it is connected to this computer). In this case, the resolution of the rendered image is chosen so that it allows viewing this image with sufficient details.

The area of the surface of the specified object containing the next defect is carefully examined, after which the corresponding area is located on the visualized image contained in the second electronic file. Next is a thorough visual comparison of both of these sections. If, in accordance with certain criteria previously developed by the custodian and the client, the indicated areas visually coincide or differ insignificantly, this means that the defect on the item was already present on it at the time the item was received for storage. In this case, the customer’s claims regarding this defect are rejected. If a significant (in accordance with the specified criteria) visual difference between the indicated areas is identified, this defect on the object is preliminarily regarded as arising during storage.

In the process of the inspection described above, it is advisable to keep a record of this inspection. In this protocol, in particular, descriptions of not only those defects that were previously regarded as occurring during storage, but also other defects found, can be entered. Upon completion of the inspection, the protocol is signed by the custodian and the indicated client. In the future, such a protocol can be used for the purposes of carrying out an independent examination of this item, for presenting an insurance company that has insured this item from damage (deterioration) during storage, and for other necessary purposes.

If, at the end of the above visual comparison, any defective areas of the specified item are revealed that are significantly different from the corresponding parts of the image contained in the second electronic file, then the above-mentioned client has a basis for asserting that these defects occurred during the storage period. of this item, as well as for obtaining insurance compensation in the event that the client insured him against possible damage to storage before depositing this item for storage. However, it is possible that this client intentionally deposited an item that had already been defective, and then edited the first electronic file received earlier from the custodian to hide any of these defects. Since when examining the defects of a given item, as described above, it is the electronic file submitted by the client that is used (second), in addition to the visual comparison described, the keeper checks whether the presented electronic file is genuine, i.e. identical to the original electronic file. In order to determine the authenticity of the second electronic file, the custodian in the presence of the specified client through the above-mentioned checksum calculation program calculates the checksum of the second electronic file and compares it with the checksum contained in the above-mentioned check document, which has a copy of the custodian. If the specified checksums coincide, then the second electronic file is recognized as authentic (identical to the first electronic file), and all defects found on this item, previously regarded as occurring after the item has been accepted for storage, are finally recognized as such.

If the specified checksums do not match, then it does not guarantee the opposite that all the identified defects that allegedly arose during the storage period of the item were already present before the deposit. The electronic file presented by the client may be the original electronic file that the client unintentionally modified (edited) upon receipt from the custodian. The original electronic file received by the client could deteriorate without the client's participation, due to various technical reasons (for example, due to a failure in the computer's operating system used by the client). At the same time, the changes in this file could not really affect the results of the above procedure for identifying defects for the reason that all or at least some of the changed (damaged) parts of this file could relate to image areas sufficiently remote from the localization areas of the detected defects, allegedly arisen during the storage period of the item, or these file changes were very minor (to produce invisible changes in the image of the eye). In this case, the custodian can re-identify defects that have occurred on the item during storage, this time using the custodian’s copy of the original (first) electronic file (for this, the depository, providing the first electronic file to the client, keeps a copy of this electronic file). In this case, the procedure for this re-detection of defects is completely identical to the above-described procedure for detection of defects using the second electronic file: the image contained in the custodian's own electronic file (presented by the custodian as the specified copy of the first electronic file) is visualized using any of the above visualization tools, and each defective area of this item is visually compared with the corresponding section of the image contained in We are at the custodian's own electronic file. At the same time, in order to verify the authenticity of the custodian’s own electronic file (that is, the identity of this file of the specified copy of the first electronic file), the custodian, in the presence of this client, calculates the checksum of its own electronic file by means of the above-mentioned checksum calculation program and compares it with the control amount contained in the aforementioned control document. If the identity of the custodian's own electronic file is confirmed, then when detecting defective areas on this item that are significantly different from the corresponding parts of the image contained in the custodial own electronic file, all such defects are recognized as arising during storage of the item.

It should be noted that from the point of view of the achieved result, the above described procedure for detecting defects that occur in an item during its storage is indifferent to which of the two procedures is performed first: a visual comparison of defective areas on the item and on its image contained in the corresponding electronic file, or calculating the checksum of this electronic file. In practice, depending on the specific situation, the custodian can choose either of two options for following these procedures.

In some cases, when receiving an item for storage, there may be a need for more than one digital image of this item. For example, if this object has a pronounced three-dimensionality (statues, vases, etc.), then to get a complete picture of its original appearance, it may be necessary to obtain several digital images of this object from different angles. Acquiring several digital images may also be necessary if the item being deposited is so large that with the available resolution of the digital photographing device used by the keeper of the digital image, it is not enough to subsequently examine the original state of this image using this image. item with the required degree of detail. In this case, the subject before photographing is visually divided into zones of such dimensions that allow the custodian to photograph each of these zones with sufficient resolution using an existing digital photographic device.

In any of the cases described, the keeper forms several different first electronic files, which together reflect the original appearance of the subject. Further, in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention, said set of first electronic files is used in the same way as the above-described integral first electronic file. Accordingly, the custodian provides the above-mentioned client with the specified set of files recorded on one or, possibly, on several removable media (for example, if the total volume of this set exceeds the capacity of one media). Subsequently, when defects are detected in a given item during its storage, the specified client presents to the custodian a set of second electronic files, which must be identical to the specified set of first electronic files. The procedure for carrying out a visual comparison of this subject with its digital image in the event that this image is contained in the aggregate of the second electronic files does not practically differ from the above described basic order, which involves the use of a solid second electronic file.

As in the case of using a solid second electronic file, this set of second electronic files may be unreliable (that is, not identical to the specified set of first electronic files). In order to be able to detect the defects arising from a given item during storage in this situation, the custodian, providing the client with a set of first electronic files, keeps a set of copies of the first electronic files. Further, when finding the visual comparison of a given object with its digital image when it detects an inaccuracy of a set of second electronic files presented by a client, the keeper for conducting a repeated visual comparison presents the set of his own electronic files as the specified set of copies of the first electronic files, while checking the identity of these two sets. The procedure for carrying out a visual comparison of this item with its digital image in the event that this image is contained in the aggregate of the custodian's own electronic files does not practically differ from the above-described basic procedure, which involves the use of the custodial custodial own electronic file.

The calculation of the checksum of the specified set of first electronic files in the process of receiving this item for storage can be carried out in two ways. According to the first of these methods, the specified set of files is copied into one temporary file, then with the help of the above described program the checksum of this file is calculated, which is entered into the aforementioned control document (the temporary file can then be deleted). Later, when authenticating the aggregate of second electronic files presented by the above-mentioned client, they are also copied into one temporary file, the checksum of which is then compared with the checksum contained in the control document. In the same way, if necessary, the checksum of the collection of its own electronic files is calculated and used.

The second way to calculate the checksum is to calculate the individual checksums of each of the first electronic files included in the specified set, after which all these checksums are entered into the check document. Accordingly, when authenticating the set of second electronic files presented by the specified client, the checksum of each of the second electronic files is compared with the corresponding checksum of those contained in this check document. The totality of the second electronic files is recognized as genuine (the identical totality of the first electronic files) only if each of these comparisons revealed an equality of the corresponding checksums. In the same way, if necessary, the checksums of the files included in the set of the custodian's own electronic files are calculated and used.

In practice, it is possible that both above mentioned copies of the control document are lost or damaged. In this case, it becomes impossible to perform all the checksum comparison procedures described in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention, since for the successful implementation of any of these procedures one of the compared checksums should be contained in this control document. In this case, the second variant of the method according to the present invention allows to ensure the required reliability of detecting defects that occur in an object during storage.

The second variant of the method according to the present invention is implemented as follows. When accepting any item from the client for custody, the custodian in the presence of this client fixes the original appearance of the item. For this purpose, the keeper, as in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention, by means of a digital photographing device creates a digital snapshot of this subject, i.e. an electronic file containing a digital image of the specified item. If the custodian has several digital photographing devices of various types, the custodian selects the most appropriate digital photographing device based on the physical parameters of the item, such as size, shape, weight, stiffness, etc.

The keeper saves the specified electronic file to removable media provided with a means of counterfeit protection, after which this removable media is provided to the specified client. The main purpose of using protected media in this embodiment of the method according to the present invention is to ensure that the electronic file recorded on this medium remains unchanged; therefore, it is desirable to use a medium that can only be written once, and then the contents of the recorded media cannot be changed. (An example of such a carrier is a laser disk format 0Β-). Accordingly, the said means of protecting removable media from counterfeiting must be such that the indicated client cannot independently reproduce this medium on another copy of the same removable media.

For example, a hologram with a unique image, which is currently widely used to protect CDs, audio and video tapes from counterfeiting, can be used as the mentioned anti-forgery protection. Usually such a hologram is pasted on the package with a similar carrier in the process of its production. When any attempt to separate a hologram from this package, the image on the hologram is destroyed or irreversibly distorted. Often, the hologram itself is destroyed. When using such a hologram in the method according to the present invention, it is advisable to stick it not on the package of the above-mentioned removable carrier, but on the carrier itself, for example, on its non-working surface. In this case, an additional means of protection may be the special arrangement of this hologram on the carrier. Such a hologram can be glued both in the presence of the above-mentioned client on the copy of the removable carrier transferred to it, and in advance on the whole batch of such carriers, for example, in the process of their production. Since the specified client will not be able to separate it from the copy of the removable media provided to it without damaging such a hologram, it will not be able to transfer it to another copy of the same carrier.

To further enhance the protection of removable media used by the custodian, each individual copy of these removable media can be uniquely labeled. In principle, a custodian can independently label removable media used by him in a similar way, for example, applying a unique number (a kind of serial number) to each copy of the carrier with indelible ink or paint, while it is preferable to use ink or paint that becomes visible only under special lighting ( for example, in ultraviolet light). But such a “home” labeling method can be relatively easily repeated by the client. Therefore, the most reliable way to uniquely label removable media for the purposes of the present invention is to apply unique identifiers to individual media specimens in a high-tech way directly during their production. An example of such a method is the method of manufacturing exclusive plastic cards of the brand \ νοιΊά of the international payment system MasterCard

Satb). Each such card is made personally for its future holder, while in the process of making it, a personal signature of this holder is applied to the front side of the card by laser engraving, after which the front side of the card is laminated.

The described method of protecting media using a unique identifier can be easily extended to the case of several custodians. In this case, the manufacturer can mark their carriers with an identifier consisting of two parts, similarly to identifiers of passports and other strict reporting forms, a series and a number. In this case, each custodian is assigned a separate series of such identifiers, and within their own series each custodian can provide removable media with unique numbers to its customers.

With the transfer of a removable carrier tamper-proof to the client, the procedure for receiving the item for storage within the framework of the second variant of the method according to the present invention is considered completed.

Subsequently, when the item or one or several visible defects on it are detected during the process or at the end of storage, the keeper and the client, as in the first embodiment of the method of the present invention, carry out the identification of defects in the item that occurred during its storage. The order of examination (inspection) of the defects found on the specified item is almost identical to the corresponding order described in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention, except that in this variant of the method, when conducting a visual comparison of the defective portion of this item with the corresponding portion of the rendered digital image of the subject as an electronic file carrier of this image uses an electronic file contained on removable media, which is indicated The client provides (presents) to the custodian as removable media received by the client when the specified item is deposited. In this case, the visualization of the image contained in the electronic file submitted by the client can be carried out using the same visualization tools that are mentioned in the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention.

In order to make sure that the electronic file submitted by the indicated client on a removable medium — the same file that was provided to this client when the item was deposited, the custodian verifies the authenticity of the removable medium presented by the client in addition to the specified visual comparison. from fake. For example, if the aforementioned hologram with a unique image is used as a means of protecting a removable carrier from counterfeiting used by the storekeeper, then the custodian checks the availability of such a hologram on the media presented, as well as its integrity and location on this carrier. The keeper also checks if this hologram contains signs of its transfer from another place or from another carrier, etc.

If at the end of the inspection of the removable media presented by the specified client, the custodian recognizes it as genuine, then within the second variant of the method of the present invention, if such defective areas are found on this item that are significantly different from the corresponding image sections contained in the custodian’s own electronic file, all such defects recognized arising during storage of the item.

The above-described invention allows to reduce the time and consumables costs for detecting defects that occur in objects during their storage, as well as to increase the convenience of carrying out the specified defect detection for all its participants, while ensuring the reliability of the results of said defect detection, no less (and during long the storage time of items is much greater) than the reliability provided in the above described method using an analog camera.

Claims (3)

1. A method for detecting defects that occur in items during storage, which means that when a client places an item in storage, the first electronic file with a digital image of the specified item is formed in the presence of that client, and the control program is calculated using a computer the amount of the first electronic file and enter the specified checksum in the control document signed by the custodian of the specified item and the specified client, in addition, provide the first electronic the throne file to the specified client on the appropriate medium, and if a visible defect is detected during or after storage of the specified item, the item contained in the second electronic file presented by the specified client as the first electronic file is visualized with the appropriate visualization tool, and a visual comparison of the defective area is performed of this item with the corresponding section of the image contained in the second electronic file, while to verify the identity The realities of the second electronic file, the first electronic file is calculated using the aforementioned program, the checksum of the second electronic file and this checksum is compared with the checksum contained in the aforementioned control document, if the said checksums are equal and if a significant difference between the indicated areas is detected, a defect has occurred during storage of the specified item. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which a copy of the first electronic file is stored at the custodian, in the absence of equality of the aforementioned checksums, the image contained in the own electronic file provided by the custodian presented by the custodian as a copy of the first electronic file is visualized with the appropriate visualization tool, the visual comparing the aforementioned defective portion of the subject with the corresponding portion of the image contained in the custodian’s own electronic file, while to verify the identity of the custodian’s own electronic file, copies of the first electronic file are calculated using the aforementioned program and the checksum of the custodian’s own electronic file is compared and this checksum is compared with the checksum contained in the aforementioned control document, provided that the checksum of the custodian’s own electronic file and checksum contained in the control document, and if significant ichiya between the above-mentioned object the defective portion and said image area contained in the existing custodian own electronic file, ascertain the presence of a defect generated during storage of said object. 3. A method for detecting defects that occur in items during storage, which means that when a client places an item in storage, an electronic file with a digital image of the specified item is formed in the presence of that client, this electronic file is recorded on removable media equipped with a means of protection against counterfeiting, and provide this removable medium to the specified client, and if a visible defect is detected during or after storage of the indicated item, the corresponding item is visualized accordingly With the appropriate visualization tool, the image contained in the electronic file recorded on the removable medium presented by the indicated client performs a visual comparison of the defective section of this item with the corresponding section of the image contained in the electronic file recorded on the removable medium provided by the indicated client, and the authenticity of the client removable media by authenticating said security device