Computer Vision-Based Multispectral Verification of Printed Tickets Using Infraredesign and Dual Aztec Codes

This study presents and evaluates a multispectral authentication system for printed tickets that combines Infraredesign® principles, cryptographically linked two-dimensional codes, and computer vision–based verification. The proposed approach integrates two Aztec codes into the same physical area of a document, one visible in the visible spectrum and the other concealed in the near-infrared spectrum. Both codes are generated algorithmically and are deterministically linked, enabling hierarchical verification of ticket authenticity. The visible Aztec code serves as the primary identifier and provides access to ticket-related data stored in a backend system. A cryptographic signature derived from this code is used to generate a secondary payload, which is embedded into a spectrally hidden Aztec code using Infraredesign® techniques. The hidden code remains visually neutral in the visible spectrum but becomes detectable under near-infrared imaging. Ticket verification is performed in two stages using computer vision: decoding the visible code and independently decoding the infrared code, followed by payload comparison. The system is implemented using standard CMYK digital printing without special inks or additional production steps, making it suitable for industrial deployment. Forensic and spectroscopic analysis confirms reliable separation of visible and infrared elements, particularly in the 780–850 nm wavelength range. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method provides strong resistance to copying, scanning, and visual forgery, while enabling automated and real-time ticket authentication. The approach is demonstrated on secure entrance tickets for national parks, highlighting its practical applicability in document security applications.