Abstract: A tile-based arrangement is employed to effect watermarking of plural-bit auxiliary data into still or moving digital images. In a particular embodiment, the plural-bit auxiliary data is represented as a rectangular block of overlay data. This block is repetitively tiled, both vertically and horizontally, across the image, and combined with the image data to effect the encoding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to linking documents through digital watermarking. In one implementation, an identification document is embedded with a first digital watermark. The first digital watermark includes a first identifier. Before issuing a second document, like a boarding pass or ticket, the first identifier is extracted from the identification document. The first identifier is manipulated or altered to produce a second identifier. The second identifier, however, remains related to the first identifier. The second document is embedded with a second digital watermark including the second identifier. Thus, the identification document and the second document are linked through the first and second watermark identifiers.

Abstract: To stop illegal digital content distribution, IDs will be included in the content. However, current ideas of how to use the IDs are unacceptable. The automatic ID management process and apparatus increases the ease of access to protected content for the consumer, with desired content protection and minimal implementation costs. The process includes tracking the IDs of the previously accessed content of a rendering device, reviewing rules contained within the new content and rendering device, and restricting access if the new content does not meet the rules. For example, devices may be limited to accessing content with N different IDs over a specific time period, where the time period is influenced by the number of times content with a specific ID is accessed. The apparatus includes a logic processor and memory that implements the automatic ID management process.

Abstract: Image, video, or audio data is encoded with both a frail and a robust watermark. The two watermarks respond differently to different forms of processing (e.g., copying the object may render the frail watermark unreadable), permitting an original object to be distinguished from a processed object. Appropriate action can then taken in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification documents and smart cards. In one implementation, we provide a smart identification document including a document core. The document core is printed and laminated. The laminated core is milled to create a cavity. An integrated circuitry module is provided in the cavity. In one implementation, the cavity includes an upper cavity and a lower cavity. A laminate layer houses the upper cavity while the lower cavity extends into the document core. The upper cavity's aperture exceeds the aperture of the lower cavity resulting in a ledge in the laminate layer. A portion of the module may rest on the ledge, while another portion of the module may extend into the lower cavity. In another implementation, we provide a contactless smart card including a multi-layered structure. The structure includes a carrier layer including the smart card electronics.

Abstract: A security instrument and method of forming the same, in which the instrument is comprised of a series of layers which overlay one another, and in which at least one of the layers has a pattern imprinted thereon in a predetermined location, with pearlescent materials of varying colors and hues. When the layers are bonded together on a base member, a design emerges at the surface that provides optical variations, depending on the attitude and lighting at which the instrument is viewed.

Abstract: The disclosure describes systems for creating and authenticating printed objects using authentication and copy detection watermarks. For example, one verification system includes a watermark decoder and a verification module. The watermark decoder detects a copy detection watermark in a printed object to determine whether the printed object has been reproduced. The verification module processes a message decoded from an authentication watermark on the printed object to authenticate the printed object or bearer of the printed object. The authentication and copy detection watermarks may be implemented as the same or different watermarks. For example, the copy detection watermark may be a fragile watermark that carries the message and that degrades in response to a reproduction operation, such as photocopying or scanning and then reprinting the object. Alternatively, the authentication and copy detection watermarks may be separate watermarks embedded in an image that is printed on the object.

Abstract: A method for making a secure identification document with multiple images is provided. Information is provided to an information bearing layer, the information constructed and arranged to be capable of providing multiple images when the printed information is viewed at different predetermined angles through an appropriate lens. At least a portion of the information is covered with a layer of a substantially a transparent film material. A lens profile is embossed onto a first portion of the substantially transparent film material, wherein the first portion of the substantially transparent film material comprises an area that is less than the entire layer of substantially transparent film material and wherein the first location substantially coincides with the location of the information.

Abstract: To decode information that is steganographically encoded (“watermarked”) within an image, the image is first transformed into another domain. A variety of techniques can then be applied in furtherance of the decoding operation.

Abstract: Digital or analog objects are steganographically encoded with plural bit digital data. The encoding may proceed with reference to biometric data, such as fingerprint or retinal scan data. One application of such technology is to encode identification documents, such as a drivers' licenses. The encoded data can later be decoded and used, e.g., for authentication purposes.

Abstract: Postal stamps are steganographically encoded with plural bit data. This data can represent information such as value, or zip code. Or it can serve as a pointer to a remote data repository, where additional information is stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting steganographically hiding images and information. In a preferred embodiment, an image is hidden within a media signal. The media preferably includes a cyan (C) color plane, a magenta (M) color plane, a yellow (Y) color plane and a black (K) color plane. In an alternative embodiment, the media includes a spot color. The image is converted into a black color channel image and is then applied to the media's K channel. The black channel image is inverted and the inverted image is applied to the media's CMY (or spot) color planes. For detection, the embedded media is illuminated with infrared light, which emphasizes the black color plane. An input device captures a digital image of the illuminated media. The image is detected or displayed based on the emphasized black plane.

Abstract: Image, video, or audio data is encoded with both a frail and a robust watermark. The two watermarks respond differently to different forms of processing (e.g., copying the object may render the frail watermark unreadable), permitting an original object to be distinguished from a processed object. Appropriate action can then taken in response thereto.

Abstract: Embedding a watermark in an image by changing selected DCT coefficients in the blocks and macro blocks of coefficients which represent the image. The changes in the blocks that comprise each macro block are done in a coordinated manner so that the phase of the watermark signal is preserved across the block boundaries. By preserving the phase across block boundaries, a detectable grid is formed which can be used as an orientation and scaling grid. Furthermore, by preserving the phase across block boundaries the visual artifacts introduced by the watermark are minimized. The bit rate of the image signal is preserved by maintaining a count (referred to as the cumulative change count) that represents the amount that the bit rate has been increased by changes in coefficients less the amount that the bit rate has been decreased by changes in the coefficients.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of making a secure product using data hidden in the product itself and a method of using the hidden data to authenticate the product. The method assigns a product identifier to the product, such as a unique serial number. It also steganographically embeds security data into the product. The security data includes the product identifier (e.g., a hashed version of it). The security data is embedded such that it is machine readable and enables automated authentication of the product by comparing the security data decoded from the product with the product identifier.

Abstract: Methods for integrating digital watermarks into holograms, watermarked hologram structures, and related applications. One method creates a watermark image, and then embeds the watermark image into a holographic structure. The holographic structure is created using computer generated holography to create a digital representation of the holographic structure. This digital representation is recorded on a physical substrate using optical techniques or microlithography. As an alterative, a watermark signal is embedded in a physical holographic structure by embedding the signal into an image that is optically merged with the holographic structure as it is optically recorded, or by embedding the signal into an image or physical model from which the holographic structure is formed. Another approach the creates a halftone watermarked image, and forms the halftone watermarked image in the hologram by creating hologram dots corresponding to the dots in the halftone watermarked image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data hiding method that includes changing values of input pixels corresponding to an input two-dimensional image to encode an N-bit auxiliary data signal therein, thereby yielding encoded output pixels defining an encoded output image. N comprises at least two. The method is characterized in that the N-bit auxiliary data signal is redundantly encoded in the image by at least: changing values of input pixels in a first image location according to a first pattern in order to encode the N-bit auxiliary data signal therein; changing the pattern according to a key to yield a second pattern; and changing values in a second image location according to the second pattern in order to encode the N-bit auxiliary data signal therein.

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: The invention provides methods and systems for detecting and characterizing alterations of media content, such as images, video and audio signals, using watermark messages to carry signal metrics. By comparing signal metrics extracted from the watermark to signal metrics calculated from a suspect signal, a watermark decoder can detect and even classify types of alterations to the watermarked signal.

Abstract: Line art on a banknote or other security document is slightly changed to effect the encoding of plural-bit digital data (i.e. the banknote is digitally watermarked). When such a banknote is thereafter scanned, the resulting image data can be recognized as corresponding to a banknote by detection of the encoded data. (Alternatively, the image data can be recognized as corresponding to a banknote by machine detection of other forms of watermarking, or by reference to visible structures characteristic of banknotes.) In response to detection of a banknote, the detecting apparatus (e.g., a scanner, photocopier, or printer) can intervene by inserting forensic tracer data (e.g. steganographically encoded binary data) in the image data. The tracer data can memorialize the serial number of the machine that processed the banknote data and/or the date and time such processing occurred.