Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing images and related information. In one implementation, geographic information system (GIS) layer information is registered or aligned to an image using digital watermark information embedded within the image.

Abstract: A digital watermark embedder reduces a watermark signal as a function of time varying properties of video such that a watermark that would otherwise be static over frames is selectively reduced to make it imperceptible. The method computes a watermark signal corresponding to locations within a frame, where the watermark signal is mapped to locations in the video frame and is computed based upon attributes of the video within the frame. The method varies the strength of the watermark signal over time. The process of varying the strength includes reducing the strength of the watermark signal to make the digital watermark less perceptible in the video in locations where the video has time varying properties. The method embeds the watermark signal into the video at the locations with the varying strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creating electronic versions of printed documents. A printed document will include steganographic, but machine-readable, indicia thereon. The steganographic indicia provides clues on how best to create a corresponding electronic version of the printed document.

Abstract: A variety of systems responsive to watermarked documents are detailed. In one, watermarking is employed to facilitate e-commerce transactions. More particularly, watermarking is employed to assure that an on-line purchaser of goods has physical custody of the credit card being charged. Without such custody, the requested transaction will be refused by the credit card issuer.

Abstract: The ability to remove a watermark from an encoded image opens the possibility of various novel applications. Several such applications are detailed. One employs a reversible watermark in conjunction with a second (robust) watermark. In this arrangement, the payload of the reversible watermark conveys information about the robust watermark (e.g., encoding parameters, or an error signal), permitting removal of the robust watermark from an uncorrupted encoded image. By such arrangements, the encoded image can be fully restored to its pristine, unencoded state even if several different watermarks have been applied.

Abstract: A map depicts a plurality of different locations. Steganographic encoding is embebbed in first and second map areas. Steganographic encoding in each area conveys an identifier that is associated with its respective map area. Different encoded identifiers are used to link to information pertaining various different locations depicted in the map.

Abstract: Fingerprint data derived from audio or other content is used as an identifier, to trigger machine responses corresponding to the content. The fingerprint can be derived from the content, and also separately encoded in a file header. Digital watermarks can also be similarly used.

Abstract: Electronic content data that is copied without authorization can be traced back to its source using steganographically encoded information. Such arrangements are useful, e.g., where electronic content is rendered to an audience—one of whom may be making an illicit recording. In such embodiments, the encoding may be performed as the content is made available to the consumer, e.g., allowing data identifying time and place of rendering to be encoded. The specification details a variety of other steganographic techniques and applications, including conveying different messages using different parts of an image, and conveying record control information with electronic content.

Abstract: A watermark embedder transforms a media signal from its perceptual domain to frequency domain regions and embeds a hash of data from one frequency domain region into a watermark in another frequency domain region. Alternatively, it encodes instances of the same message into the frequency domain regions. To detect alteration of the media signal, a watermark decoder transforms a suspect signal into the frequency domain regions, extracts the watermark message from a first frequency domain region and compares it with a reference derived from another frequency domain region. The reference signal is either a hash computed from the other frequency domain region of the watermarked signal, or another instance of the same message embedded into the other frequency domain region. The decoder can be used to detect alteration of the signal, such as alteration that occurs with reproduction (printing, scanning, copying, D/A-A/D conversion, etc.), compression, cropping or swapping of media signal content, etc.

Abstract: Methods of processing audio to convey auxiliary information therein without audible evidence of data alteration. Various arrangements are disclosed. One receives plural bit auxiliary data in which the auxiliary information is included, and modulates a carrier signal with the auxiliary data to yield intermediate data. The intermediate data is then summed with the original audio to produce the encoded audio. The carrier signal 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 monitoring, where the auxiliary information can be used to track usage of audio or audio-visual content.

Abstract: Watermark detection in an image or the like can be optimized by exploiting the innate biases in the image to emphasize the watermark signal. The watermark signal can be trial-located with different origins in the image to find one that yields improved results. Similarly, the image can be processed (e.g., by changing resolution, rotation, or compression) so as to change the innate biases to better reinforce the watermark signal. Compression of an image can be done in accordance with a desired identifier, with the compressor deciding which image components to retain and which to discard based, in part, on the identifier that is to be associated with the image. The techniques are also applicable to other forms of content, such as audio.

Abstract: A wireless phone is equipped with a 2D optical sensor, enabling a variety of applications. For example, such a phone may also be provided with a digital watermark decoder, permitting decoding of steganographic data on imaged objects. Movement of a phone may be inferred by sensing movement of an imaged pattern across the optical sensor's field of view, allowing use of the phone as a gestural input device through which a user can signal instructions to a computer-based process. A variety of other arrangements by which electronic devices can interact with the physical world are also detailed, e.g., involving sensing and responding to digital watermarks, bar codes, RFIDs, etc.

Abstract: A fragile watermark is embedded in a document. The fragile watermark provides enhance security. In one implementation, a method is provided for embedding information in an image so that the image will have different information when a scanning or printing process reproduces the image. The method includes embedding digital information in an image; printing the embedded digital information and the image to produce a original printed image; scanning the original printed image to obtain a digital image of the embedded information and the image; determining the signal strength of the original image; and comparing the signal strength of a printed image with the signal strength of the original printed image to determine whether or not the printed image is a copy of the original printed image.

Abstract: Media objects are transformed into active, connected objects via identifiers embedded into them or their containers. In the context of a user's playback experience, a decoding process extracts the identifier from a media object and possibly additional context information and forwards it to a server. The server, in turn, maps the identifier to an action, such as returning metadata, re-directing the request to one or more other servers, requesting information from another server to identify the media object, etc. The server may return a higher fidelity version of content from which the identifier was extracted. In some applications, the higher fidelity version may be substituted for the original media object and rendered to provide higher quality output. The linking process applies to broadcast objects as well as objects transmitted over networks in streaming and compressed file formats.

Abstract: An automated monitoring service downloads image files (including, e.g., graphic and video files) and audio files from various Internet sites, and checks these files for the presence of embedded digital watermark data. When found, such data is decoded and used to identify the proprietor of each watermarked file. The proprietors are alerted to the results of the monitoring operation, often apprising such proprietors of unknown distribution of their image/video/audio properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various steganographic methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a plurality of microlenses can provide a steganographic signal for a handheld device. The pattern corresponds to (or conveys) a device identifier. In another embodiment, a handheld computing device includes: a plurality of pixel elements; a set of microlenses; and electronic circuitry communicating with the set of microlenses. The set of microlenses are arranged to create a pattern, the pattern providing a plural-bit identifier. The electronic circuitry operates to change the unique identifier. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A mouse having X- and Y-position encoders, and associated circuitry for generating X- and Y-movement data, additionally includes an optical sensor for producing grey-scale image data, thereby allowing the mouse to serve both as a positioning device and an optical input device. Desirably, the substrate on which the optical sensor is formed also includes a steganographic decoder. This decoder can enable a variety of functionality, such as linking to web addresses steganographically encoded in print media (e.g., by subtle inking variations or by texture). In other embodiments, such a peripheral is provided without mouse-like functionality, and again permits reading machine-readable indicia printed in catalogs and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques to steganographically mark specular surfaces. In one implementation, we steganographically mark a specular surface by providing a steganographic signal including at least plural-bit data, and arranging ink in a pattern on the specular surface to represent the steganographic signal. The ink preferably provides a diffuse reflection property.

Abstract: A pattern signal is steganographically encoded in a content object to aid in identifying distortion (e.g., image rotation) to which the object may be subjected. The signal may include a feature that can be used to unambiguously identify correct orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to authenticate identification documents. In a first implementation, an identification document includes a photograph and a digital watermark. The digital watermark carries first facial recognition data corresponding to a face depicted in the photograph. Optical scan data representing the photograph is received, and a second facial recognition data is derived. The first facial recognition data is recovered from the digital watermark, and is compared with the second facial recognition data.