Thesis Topic:
Development of an imperceptible and durable watermark for the security and authentication of physical objects through an invisible physical signature.

Job Description:
In the context of increasing counterfeiting of high-value products (luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc.), security technologies must evolve to ensure product authenticity and traceability. This CIFRE PhD thesis aims to develop a robust and imperceptible physical watermark that can be directly integrated into the texture of products or their packaging. The watermark must be resistant to diverse manipulation and acquisition conditions (angles, lighting, capture quality).

The goal is to create a discreet and reliable marking solution that enables product authentication using standard devices like smartphone cameras.

Thesis Context and Objectives:
This project will be conducted in partnership with the GREYC laboratory in Normandy, specifically with the SAFE team, which specializes in cybersecurity. SAFE’s research activities cover three main areas, seamlessly combining theoretical and practical aspects:

• Biometrics: Definition and evaluation of biometric systems, as well as biometric data protection.

• Security Architecture and Models: Network security (IoT, SDN, 5G), applied cryptography, randomization, and information protection.

• Forensic Science: Natural Language Processing, forensic platforms, and privacy protection.

These areas offer a rich context for watermarking applications, especially in the fields of security and digital investigation. The research will involve advanced image processing techniques, with an exploration of machine learning methods, including some deep learning algorithms, to enhance the watermark’s robustness and adaptability to acquisition conditions.

Main Responsibilities:

• Research and Modeling: Develop an analytical framework for creating invisible watermarks embedded in object textures, using image processing methods.

• Development and Simulation: Build and test watermark integration models based on physical analysis and advanced simulations.

• Optimization and Validation: Experimentally validate the solution in varied test environments to ensure watermark durability against physical wear, such as abrasion, handling, and lighting variations.

• Documentation and Communication: Write scientific papers, participate in international conferences, and contribute to patent applications in the case of patentable innovations.