Abstract: A method and system for detecting a display mode suitable for a reduced display refresh rate are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a computing device, which includes a memory and a processing unit. The memory stores multiple image surface data. The processing unit is configured to compose a first display frame from a first base surface and optionally a first overlay surface, calculate a first numerical code representative of a first frame content of the first display frame, compose a second display frame from a second base surface and optionally a second overlay surface, calculate a second numerical code representative of a second frame content of the second display frame, and track the results of comparing the first numerical code with the second numerical code to determine whether a change between the first frame content and the second frame content has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital watermarking methods and systems. In one embodiment, a handheld device displays a digitally watermarked image at an event center. An optical scanner captures optical scan data representing the device display. A watermark decoder analyzes the captured optical scan data to obtain the watermark. The watermark is used to determine authorized entry. The handheld device may include a cell phone or other portable computing device.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to toys and games that are enhanced with encoded information. One claim recites a method of playing a computerized game including: receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information steganographically encoded therein, the information is carried by the physical object through alterations to data representing at least some features carried by the physical object; utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to: analyze received image or video to decode information steganographically encoded therein; interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and modify the at least one game attribute to reflect activity during play of the computerized game. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A media object authentication system uses layers of security features based on digital watermarks embedded in media objects. The system generates a first digital watermark with a message payload carrying data about the object, such as a hash of text data printed on the object. The first digital watermark is combined with a content signature derived from features of the media object, such as frequency domain attributes, edge attributes, or other filtered version of the media signal (e.g., image photo on a secure document) on the media object. This combination forms a new digital watermark signal that is embedded in the host media object. To verify the object, the digital watermark payload is extracted and compared with the data about the object. The combined digital watermark and content signature is also evaluated to authenticate the media signal on the media object.

Abstract: A method and system are implemented to dynamically control a display refresh rate. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which comprises the steps of driving a display device at a first refresh rate over a period of time, measuring a number of first content frames with changes in content out of a plurality of content frames that are generated over the period of time for the display device, and driving the display device at a second refresh rate if the number of the first content frames meets a first condition associated with a first threshold reference, and optionally driving the display device at a third refresh rate if the number of first content frames meets a second condition associated with a second threshold reference.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to embedding auxiliary data and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: receiving data representing a media signal; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating perceptibility characteristics of the media signal, in which the perceptibility characteristics include contrast; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating a non-linear contrast to gain mapping using the perceptibility characteristics; using a programmed electronic processor, embedding an auxiliary signal in the media signal with reference to the non-linear contrast to gain mapping. Other claims and combinations are also provided.

Abstract: A media object authentication system uses layers of security features based on digital watermarks embedded in media objects. The system generates a first digital watermark with a message payload carrying data about the object, such as a hash of text data printed on the object. The first digital watermark is combined with a content signature derived from features of the media object, such as frequency domain attributes, edge attributes, or other filtered version of the media signal (e.g., image photo on a secure document) on the media object. This combination forms a new digital watermark signal that is embedded in the host media object. Biometric information may also be embedded in a machine readable code in the object or indexed via the machine readable code. This biometric information is used to generate biometric templates, and facilitate or enhance biometric comparison for one to one or one to many verification.

Abstract: A display refresh system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, a refresh rate is adjusted for power saving purposes, and/or any other purpose(s) for that matter. Further, various embodiments are provided for reducing visual manifestations associated with a transition between a first refresh rate and a second refresh rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital watermarking methods and systems. In one embodiment, a handheld device displays a digitally watermarked image at an event center. An optical scanner captures optical scan data representing the device display. A watermark decoder analyzes the captured optical scan data to obtain the watermark. The watermark is used to determine authorized entry. The handheld device may include a cell phone or other portable computing device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc.

Abstract: A method and system are implemented to measure quantitative changes in display frame content for dynamically controlling a display refresh rate. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of composing a first display frame from a first set of rendered image surfaces, composing a second display frame from a second set of rendered image surfaces, dividing the first display frame and the second display frame into a same number of frame regions. Also, for each of the frame regions, the method also includes the steps of calculating a first set of numerical codes and a second set of numerical codes representative of the content associated with the frame region in the first and second display frame, respectively; and determining an amount of changes in content between the first display frame and the second display frame based on the results of comparing the first set of numerical codes against the second set of numerical code.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, e.g., electronic tickets, coupons and credits. In some cases these electronic objects are represented by imagery or audio. One claim recites a handheld apparatus including: an input for receiving an electronic coupon or credit, the electronic coupon or credit comprising audio; electronic memory for storing a received electronic coupon or credit; an audio output for outputting the received electronic coupon or credit, in which the electronic coupon or credit is intended to be applied to a purchase or transaction; and an electronic processor programmed for controlling output of the received electronic coupon or credit. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: Digital data is decoded from media signals (e.g., audio, images, video, etc.) using a distributed processing in which a first device receives and pre-processes the signal, and transmits it to a remote device for further decoding. One method pre-filters the media signal, leaving a residual from which digital data is decoded. Other arrangements progressively send portions of the signal for decoding operations.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to methods and systems for signal hiding using feature modulation. One claim recites a method comprising: obtaining data representing a media signal; analyzing the data to determine features of the media signal; using a programmed electronic processor, modifying determined features to hide a signal in the data; and modifying the data to include a characteristic to facilitate later detection of the signal. In some case the features may include statistical features of the media signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to identification documents and related methods and apparatus. One claim recites a method to determine whether to authenticate an identification document through digital watermarking or through an alternative process. The method includes: receiving data carried by the identification document corresponding to a detection trigger; if the received data indicates an expected presence of digital watermarks, attempting to authenticate the identification document by analyzing digital watermarking carried by the identification document; and if the received data indicates an expected absence of digital watermarks, attempting to authenticate the identification document through an alternative process. Other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to digital watermarking of data, e.g., representing video or audio. One claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing video or audio; using a multi-purpose electronic processor programmed for: transforming the data into a transform domain, analyzing the transformed data to identify a plurality of transform coefficients according to predetermined criteria, and altering the identified plurality of transform coefficients to carry a digital watermark; and analyzing the data to determine a baseline state for the digital watermark. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided too.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to creating and managing electronic documents. One claim recites a computerized tablet including: electronic memory for storing electronic data corresponding to an application document, an electronic processor, and a display. The electronic processor is programmed for: obtaining the electronic data corresponding to an application document; analyzing the electronic data to detect steganographic indicia encoded therein, the steganographic indicia comprising a plural-bit identifier; and generating an electronic form based at least in part on the steganographic indicia, the electronic form comprising at least one field to receive user input. The display is for displaying the electronic version of the application document, and for receiving user input corresponding to the at least one field. Other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital watermarking. In one implementation, a system is provided to read a digital watermark from digital imagery which includes data representing a number of pixels. Each pixel of the number of pixels is defined by a set of values representing color components of the particular pixel. The digital watermark is embedded in the digital imagery through modifications to at least some data representing the digital imagery. The system includes a filter to calculate values of pixels along a preferred projection axis, the preferred projection axis corresponds to a direction of embedding determined based on color characteristics of at least some pixels associated with the digital imagery; and a digital watermark reader which operates on values calculated by the filter. Other implementations are provided as well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to embedding auxiliary data and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: receiving data representing a media signal; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating perceptibility characteristics of the media signal, in which the perceptibility characteristics include contrast; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating a non-linear contrast to gain mapping using the perceptibility characteristics; using a programmed electronic processor, embedding an auxiliary signal in the media signal with reference to the non-linear contrast to gain mapping. Other claims and combinations are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns content identification, such as extracting identifying information from content itself. One combination described in the disclosure is a method including: extracting first identifying information from data representing audio elements of an audio signal, the act of extracting first identifying information from data representing audio elements of the audio signal utilizes a programmed electronic processor; extracting second identifying information from data representing picture elements of a video signal that is associated with the audio signal, the act of extracting second identifying information from data representing picture elements of the video signal utilizes a programmed electronic processor; and utilizing the first identifying information or the second identifying information in a synchronization process, the synchronization process controls content synchronization during rendering of the audio signal or the video signal. Of course, other combinations are provided as well.