Abstract: In one arrangement, a first device presents a display that is based on context data, derived from one or more of its sensors. This display is imaged by a camera in a second device. The second device uses context data from its own sensors to assess the information in the captured imagery, and makes a determination about the first device. In another arrangement, social network friend requests are automatically issued, or accepted, based on contextual similarity. In yet another arrangement, delivery of a message is triggered by a contextual circumstance other than (or in addition to) location. In still another arrangement, two or more devices automatically establish an ad hoc network (e.g., Bluetooth pairing) based on contextual parallels. In still another arrangement, historical context information is archived and used in transactions with other devices, e.g., in challenge-response authentication. A great number of other features and arrangements—many involving head-mounted displays—are also detailed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, e.g., to image processing technology including device to device communication. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: a camera for capturing imagery; and one or more processors configured for: analyzing a plurality of image frames captured with said camera, the plurality of image frames representing a plurality of graphics displayed on a display screen of a portable device, in which each of the graphics comprises an output from an erasure code generator, in which the erasure code generator produces a plurality of outputs corresponding to a payload; analyzing the plurality of image frames to decode outputs from the plurality of graphics; reconstructing the payload from decoded outputs; and utilizing the payload to carry out an action. A great variety of other features, arrangements and claims are also detailed.

Abstract: Debug information is output from a point-of-scale scanner by disguising it as one or more product identifiers (e.g., Global Trade Item Numbers, or GTINs). Generation of such “faux GTINs” to convey the debug information can be activated by presenting a special machine readable code to the scanner. Repetitive patterns in the debug information are desirably varied to avoid triggering duplicate detection logic in the scanner, which might otherwise suppress outputting of such repetitive information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to advanced image signal processing technology including: i) rapid localization for machine-readable indicia including, e.g., 1-D and 2-D barcodes; and ii) barcode reading and decoders.

Abstract: Various image processing arrangements are detailed for detecting mis-marking of product packaging artwork with two conflicting steganographically-encoded product identifiers. Some embodiments concern detection in a pre-press or test-print quality assurance stage. Others concern detection post-press. All help serve to assure accurate product identification by point of sale scanners. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Methods employ sensors in portable devices (e.g., smartphones) both to sense content information (e.g., audio and imagery) and context information. Device processing is desirably dependent on both. For example, some embodiments activate certain processor intensive operations (e.g., content recognition) based on classification of sensed content and context. The context can control the location where information produced from such operations is stored, or control an alert signal indicating, e.g., that sensed speech is being transcribed. Some arrangements post sensor data collected by one device to a cloud repository, for access and processing by other devices. Multiple devices can collaborate in collecting and processing data, to exploit advantages each may have (e.g., in location, processing ability, social network resources, etc.). A great many other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Content objects are associated with metadata via content identifiers that are derived from sensed signals captured by requesting mobile devices. In response to a content based query from a mobile device, content fingerprints and extracted digital codes decoded from the sensed signals are issued to a network based router system. This system determines identification priority, metadata responses associated with different forms of identification, and priority of metadata responses to the query.

Abstract: Spectral encoding methods are more robust when used with improved weak signal detection and synchronizations methods. Further robustness gains are achieved by using informed embedding, error correction and embedding protocols that enable signal to noise enhancements by folding and pre-filtering the received signal.

Abstract: Imagery captured by a point-of-sale scanner (e.g., in a supermarket) for purposes of barcode decoding, is contrast-enhanced preparatory to use for watermark decoding—despite the fact that such operation may sometimes result in contrast between certain pixels being diminished. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Differential modulation schemes encode a data channel within host signal or noisy environment in a manner that is robust, flexible to achieve perceptual quality constraints, and provides improved data capacity. Differential arrangements enable a decoder to suppress host signal or other background signal interference when detecting, synchronizing and extracting an encoded data channel. They also enable the incorporation of implicit or explicit synchronization components, which are either formed from the data signal or are complementary to it.

Abstract: A system learns to automatically identify, and detect, contextual conditions that may serve as action triggers to help please a user (or avoid annoying a user). Among other features, a simple sensor arrangement is detailed which, in addition to producing a customary stream of high bandwidth sensor data, provides an output of low bandwidth data. This low-bandwidth data serves to identify a particular reference pattern with which the high-bandwidth sensor data is found to correspond. Such a sensor can employ reference patterns discovered through pseudo-random trials. A great number of other advantageous features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Arrangements involving portable devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers) are disclosed. One arrangement enables a content creator to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another utilizes a device camera to identify nearby subjects, and take actions based thereon. Others rely on near field chip (RFID) identification of objects, or on identification of audio streams (e.g., music, voice). Some technologies concern improvements to the user interfaces associated with such devices. Others involve use of these devices in connection with shopping, text entry, sign language interpretation, and vision-based discovery. Still other improvements are architectural in nature, e.g., relating to evidence-based state machines, and blackboard systems. Yet other technologies concern use of linked data in portable devices—some of which exploit GPU capabilities. Still other technologies concern computational photography.

Abstract: The present disclosures relates generally to digital watermarking and data hiding.

Abstract: Arrangements are detailed to process imagery of an object, captured by a camera, based on contextual data that at least partially characterizes a condition of the object when the imagery was captured. Contextual data can be obtained directly by a sensor or can be derived by pre-processing the captured imagery. The captured imagery can be processed to detect features such as digital watermarks, fingerprints, barcodes, etc. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: There are many advantages to implementing a watermark-based system using dedicated hardware, rather than using software executing on a general purpose processor. These include higher speed and lower power consumption. However, hardware implementations incur substantial design and development costs. Moreover, because each watermarking application has its own design constraints and parameters, it has not been cost-effective to develop a hardware chip design for each, since such chips would typically not be manufactured in volumes sufficient to bring per-unit costs down to an acceptable level. The present technology provides various techniques for making watermarking hardware adaptable, so that a single chip can serve multiple diverse watermark applications. By so-doing, the advantages of hardware implementation are made available where it was formerly cost-prohibitive, thereby enhancing operation of a great variety of watermark-based systems.

Abstract: Efficient detection of watermark payload boundaries provide granular localization of transitions between programs and advertisements of various types. In addition, it facilitates payload replacement schemes in which digital watermark layers are partially removed and overwritten with new payloads.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel methods for generating unique copies of content. One method combines the functions of the master copy and unique copy watermarks. In particular, the method generates a unique copy by varying the manner in which the master copy watermark is embedded in unique copies of a content item. In one embodiment, the master copy watermark is repeated within the content item and its location is varied in a unique pattern that comprises the unique copy watermark. The unique copy is generated by producing a copy in which master copy watermarks are embedded in a unique pattern. For instance in one embodiment, the locations of the master copy watermarks in the content item are represented as a vector of delta values in which each delta value corresponds to the distance between a corresponding instance of the master copy watermark, and a neighboring instance of the master copy watermark.

Abstract: The present disclosure relate generally to digital watermarking and signal encoding. Various colors can be evaluated and modified to carry an encoded or auxiliary signal.

Abstract: An image capture device, such as a smartphone or point of sale scanner, is adapted for use as an imaging spectrometer, by synchronized pulsing of different LED light sources as different image frames are captured by the image sensor. A particular implementation employs the CIE color matching functions, and/or their orthogonally transformed functions, to enable direct chromaticity capture. These and various other configurations of spectral capture devices are employed to capture spectral images comprised of spectral vectors having multi-dimensions per pixel. These spectral images are processed for use in object identification, classification, and a variety of other applications. Particular applications include produce (e.g., fruit or vegetable) identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.