Abstract: Digital audio data is processed to convey plural bits of hidden auxiliary data. The auxiliary data can be used for identification purposes, for device control (disabling recording and the like), etc. The claimed arrangement uses a data embedding technique characterized in that the values of single samples of the audio data are each influenced by the values of several of the bits of auxiliary data. A great variety of other techniques and applications are also detailed.

Abstract: To permit scaling or rotation of an image to be discerned—even if the original image is not available—certain marker signals are steganographically encoded in the image. In one particular implementation, encoding is effected by adding an overlay signal to the image. The overlay signal—when represented in the spatial frequency domain—includes a pattern of spots. If the image is scaled or rotated, this pattern changes in known ways. By examining the change in this pattern, the distortion (i.e., scale/rotation) of the image can be inferred. This technology finds particular application in conjunction with watermarking systems, permitting recovery of watermark data from images that have been scaled or rotated subsequent to watermarking.

Abstract: Multi-bit auxiliary information is hidden in audio and imagery (e.g., digital photographs, video), using steganographic techniques. Such information can be used for various purposes, including identifying audio/imagery as originating from a particular source, copy control, etc. In some embodiments, operation of the system changes over time. This change may be triggered by various events, including passage of new information to the system through audio or imagery being processed.

Abstract: Binary data is embedded in banknote artwork, permitting later recovery by, and control of, compliant devices that may encounter banknote image data, such as photocopiers, scanners, and printers. One embedding method involves providing nominal line art for the banknote, and imposing a virtual grid of points over the art, thereby defining plural regions. The luminance of at least certain of these regions is changed to effect encoding of the binary data. The luminance may be changed, e.g., by changing the width or spacing of the artwork lines, or by introducing new lines into the artwork.

Abstract: The adage “photos don't lie” is no longer reliable. The advent of digital editing tools makes it relatively easy to move, add, or delete features from photographs. Audio content is similarly susceptible to alteration. This problem is at least partially overcome by providing the content with supplemental data that is below a threshold of human perception. If a version of the content is thereafter encountered with the supplemental data missing or attenuated, it is known to have been altered. By reference to such supplemental data, it is often possible to identify particular portions of the content that have been altered.

Abstract: An audio monitoring device includes a microphone for receiving sound energy from a loudspeaker, and a steganographic decoder that decodes the signal produced by the microphone. By reference to the steganographically-decoded information, the device can be used to monitor the musical selections played in a venue for copyright royalty purposes and the like.

Abstract: Various improvements to steganographic systems, and applications therefore, are disclosed. The improvements include facilitating scale and rotation registration for steganographic decoding by use of rotationally symmetric steganographically embedded patterns and subliminal digital graticules; improved techniques for decoding without access to unencoded originals; improving robustness of steganographic coding in motion pictures and/or in the presence of lossy compression/decompression; and representing data by patterned bit cells whose energy in the spatial domain facilitates decoding registration. Applications include enhanced-security financial transactions, counterfeit resistant identification cards, fraud deterrent systems for cellular telephony, covert modem channels in video transmissions, photo duplication kiosks with automatic copyright detection, and hotlinked image objects (e.g. with embedded URLs) for use on the internet.

Abstract: A computer is provided with software that looks for certain activities that may be illicit (e.g. processing of a graphic file corresponding to a banknote). If such an activity is detected, tracer data detailing the activity is generated and secretly stored. in the computer. If the computer is later searched or seized, the tracer data can be recovered and employed as evidence of the computer's use, e.g. in counterfeiting.

Abstract: Security of a document is enhanced by steganographically embedding, within a graphic on the document, data that can be used in conjunction with text on the document to authenticate the document.

Abstract: An identification code signal is hidden in a carrier signal (such as an electronic data signal or a physical medium) in a manner that permits the identification signal later to be discerned. The carrier signal can thereby be identified, or some machine responsive action can thereby be taken. The technique can be applied in video imagery embodiments to control associated video equipment, e.g. to serve as a copy control signal.

Abstract: A printed object, such as an item of postal mail, a book, printed advertising, a business card, product packaging, etc., is steganographically encoded with plural-bit data. When such an object is presented to an optical sensor, the plural-bit data is decoded and used to establish a link to an internet address corresponding to that object.

Abstract: Methods of processing audio to convey auxiliary control information therein without audible evidence of data alteration. Various arrangements are disclosed. One receives plural bit auxiliary data in which the auxiliary control information is included, and modulates same with noise data to yield intermediate data. The intermediate data is then summed with the original audio to produce the encoded audio. The noise can be tailored to enhance performance, and the intermediate data can be scaled in amplitude so as to better hide the auxiliary data within the audio. One application of the technology is in consumer audio appliances, where the auxiliary control information can be used to trigger some response in the appliance, such as enabling or disabling certain operations.

Abstract: A method of removing fixed pattern noise derives an estimate of fixed pattern noise from a composite media signal and uses the estimate to evaluate and remove fixed pattern noise from selected frames. The technique is particularly suited for removing fixed pattern noise in images due to image capture processes, but applies to other media signals as well. In watermarking applications, the method can be used to improve detection and recovery of a watermark. Also, it may be used to remove components of a watermark or a watermark from a cover signal that contains two or more different watermarks.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided with processing circuitry that steganographically embeds plural-bit auxiliary data within the captured image data. The embedding may be accomplished by adding a low level noise signal to the image data, where the noise signal has the auxiliary data encoded therein. Image data output by the device thus conveys auxiliary data that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, devices and systems for reconfiguring a watermark detector. In many applications, it is useful to be able to change the operation of a watermark detector. Such changes may include changing how the watermark detector decodes or interprets a watermark embedded in a signal of a given media type, such as audio, video or still images.

Abstract: Security documents (e.g. passports, currency, event tickets, and the like) are encoded to convey machine-readable multi-bit binary information (e.g. digital watermark), usually in a manner not alerting human viewers that such information is present. The documents can be provided with overt or subliminal calibration patterns. When a document incorporating such a pattern is scanned (e.g. by a photocopier), the pattern facilitates detection of the encoded information notwithstanding possible scaling or rotation of the scan data. The calibration pattern can serve as a carrier for the watermark information, or the watermark can be encoded independently. In one embodiment, the watermark and the calibration pattern are formed on the document by an intaglio process, with or without ink. A photocopier responsive to such markings can take predetermined action if reproduction of a security document is attempted.

Abstract: By printing documents and other objects with machine readable indicia, such as steganographic digital watermarks or barcodes, a great variety of document management functions can be enabled. The indicia can be added as part of the printing process (after document data has been output by an originating application program), such as by printer driver software, by a Postscript engine in a printer, etc. The indicia can encode data about the document, or can encode an identifier that references a database record containing such data. By showing the printed document to a computer device with a suitable optical input device (e.g., a webcam), an electronic version of the document can be recalled for editing, or other responsive action can be taken.

Abstract: A digital content object comprised of plural portions is steganographically encoded, with different portions of the object conveying different steganographic data. Data steganographically conveyed in a first portion can be required to access information in a second portion. Data steganographically conveyed in the second portion can be required to access information in a third portion, and so on. Such arrangements make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to electronic content.

Abstract: An integrated optical cursor control—image capture device and related applications. An integrated optical cursor control and scanner device includes an image sensor used to capture instances of image data from which direction of movement of the device can be derived for controlling position of a cursor. In addition, the image sensor captures instances of image data from which a composite image comprised of image samples from the instances of image data can be constructed for image scanning applications.

Abstract: To enhance decoding of signals suspected of containing a watermark, a suspect signal is screened to compute detection values evincing presence and strength of a watermark. Screening strategies control detector actions, such as rejecting un-marked signals and improving synchronization of watermarks in suspect signals.