get started

Opera-ID

Opera-ID is designed as a technological support tool for the identification and verification of artworks.

Opera-ID is a web app developed by Veralinx to identify artworks already registered on the platform directly through a smartphone camera.

Thanks to its visual recognition algorithms, Opera-ID allows users to:

  • identify only artworks already registered on Veralinx and processed through the platform registration workflow;
  • recognize two-dimensional works, such as paintings, graphics, prints, and photographs;
  • access, after identification, the related Artwork Card and blockchain references, when available.

Opera-ID is designed as a first-level identification tool: it enables rapid artwork recognition and provides immediate access to its registered digital identity.
More in-depth verification remains based on consultation of the Artwork Card, which contains images, dimensions, technique, materials, and other information useful for assessing the artwork.

Why it works only on smartphones

Opera-ID uses the mobile device camera and is designed to operate together with native smartphone functions, including geolocation.

For this reason:

  • it is intended for smartphone use only;
  • it is not designed for desktop or laptop use;
  • if opened on a computer, the service may not function properly.

How to install Opera-ID on a smartphone

  1. Open the browser on your smartphone
    (for example Chrome on Android or Safari on iPhone).
  2. Access the Opera-ID page.
  3. Add the page to your Home Screen:
    • Android / Chrome: open the browser menu and select “Add to Home screen”
    • iPhone / Safari: tap the Share icon and choose “Add to Home Screen”

How to use it

  • Launch Opera-ID from the Home screen.
  • Log in with your Veralinx credentials.
  • Allow device geolocation, if requested.
  • Press the central button to activate the camera.
  • If your device allows it, before taking the picture select the aspect ratio best suited to the shape of the artwork, for example 1:1, 4:3, or 16:9. In general:

    • 1:1 is suitable for square artworks;

    • 4:3 is generally the most balanced format for many rectangular artworks;

    • 16:9 may be useful for particularly elongated artworks, either vertical or horizontal, when it allows the artwork to fill the frame more effectively.

  • Frame the artwork frontally, under good lighting conditions, and try to include it completely.
  • For better identification, the artwork should occupy most of the frame, leaving only a small visible margin around the edges. Avoid photographing the artwork from too far away, with too much background around it, or too close, cutting off edges, frame, or peripheral details.
  • Keep the smartphone as parallel as possible to the plane of the artwork, avoiding tilted shots, oblique perspectives, or strong distortions. The image should be centered, steady, and sharp.
  • Avoid reflections, strong shadows, direct flash light, overly glossy surfaces, or unrelated objects visible in the frame. Whenever possible, use natural light or soft, even lighting.
  • If the artwork is vertical, hold the smartphone vertically; if the artwork is horizontal, rotate the smartphone horizontally. The goal is to adapt the framing to the actual shape of the artwork so that it can be recognized in its entirety.
  • Take the photo.
  • Before sending the image, check that the artwork is complete, well lit, in focus, and not cropped.
  • Press the button to send the image to the recognition system.
  • Wait a few seconds for the result.
  • If the artwork is successfully identified, you will be able to access the Artwork Card directly and, when available, the blockchain registration.

Function and limits of the system

Opera-ID is a technological tool designed to support the artwork identification and verification process.
It does not replace visual analysis, documentary review, or expert judgment, but provides a first level of digital recognition based on comparison between the acquired image and the images stored in the system.

At present, Opera-ID:

  • is designed for the recognition of two-dimensional artworks;
  • does not support three-dimensional works such as sculptures or installations;
  • identifies only artworks already registered on the Veralinx platform.

The system analyzes and compares the visual features of the captured image with those stored in the archive.
For this reason, it cannot independently determine whether the identified work is, for example, an original, a reprint, or a reproduction of different size.
That assessment requires analysis of the data contained in the Artwork Card and review by the user or expert performing the verification.

Possible causes of failed recognition

In some cases, identification may not be successful. The most common causes are:

  • registered images of insufficient quality or lacking adequate detail;
  • graphic characteristics of the artwork that are too uniform or not distinctive enough for the algorithm;
  • non-optimal capture conditions, such as poor lighting, reflections, excessive tilt, partial framing, or blurred images.

For better results, it is recommended to:

  • photograph the artwork in good lighting;
  • frame it as frontally as possible;
  • include it entirely in the image;
  • keep the camera steady and properly focused.