Abstract: Technology for constructing a symbol template for use by a 1D barcode decoder. One method includes obtaining a first symbol pattern representing a first symbol, the first symbol pattern comprising a plurality of elements, with each element corresponding to a 1D barcode space or bar, in which the first symbol represents one unique 1D bar (b) and space (s) pattern corresponding to a symbol or digit: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; obtaining prefix elements, the prefix elements comprising a subset of second symbol elements from a second symbol pattern which precedes the first symbol from within a scanline of image data, the subset being less than a total number of elements within the second symbol elements; extending the first symbol pattern with the prefix elements to yield an overlapping symbol template for use in correlation-based barcode decoding. Other technology provided as well.

Abstract: Image processing technology embeds signal (e.g., digital watermarks) within imagery during a raster image process(or). One claim recites: an image processing method of embedding a signal within imagery using raster image processing (RIP), including: obtaining a plurality of elements representing a signal; determining edges within the imagery; using the determined edges as a reference, modulating a plurality of print structures within the RIP according to the plurality of elements to embed the signal within the imagery, in which one determined edge defines the signal to be at a predetermined angle in a set of dimensions comprising color and spatial frequency. Of course, other claims, combinations and technology are described too.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal encoding for elements within PDF files. One implementation encodes an artwork element under different encoding conditions, and selects a winner version based on resulting signal robustness and/or visibility. Other implementations generate PDF layer masks to help determine overall embedding robustness, including interference from layered elements. Other implementations are provided too.

Abstract: The present disclosures relates to finding or localizing machine readable indicia (e.g., a barcode or digital watermark) in imagery. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: memory for buffering blocks of image data, the image data having been captured with a camera and depicting a printed object; one or more processors programmed for: generating an edge orientation sensitive feature set from the image data; using a first trained classifier to determine whether the feature set includes data representing a barcode; and using N additional trained classifiers to determine an orientation angle associated with the barcode, wherein N comprises an integer greater than 3, and wherein the orientation angle is selected based on a probability metric. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal encoding for printed objects such as product packaging, labels and hangtags. One implementation obtains a color image representing CMY color channels, and alters the color image to include an encoded signal by altering values representing CIELAB a* and b*, all the while keeping L* on or within a predetermined tolerance of a contour representing a constant value. Other implementations are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to advanced signal processing technology including signal encoding.

Abstract: Audio signal processing enhances audio watermark embedding and detecting processes. Audio signal processes include audio classification and adapting watermark embedding and detecting based on classification. Advances in audio watermark design include adaptive watermark signal structure data protocols, perceptual models, and insertion methods. Perceptual and robustness evaluation is integrated into audio watermark embedding to optimize audio quality relative the original signal, and to optimize robustness or data capacity. These methods are applied to audio segments in audio embedder and detector configurations to support real time operation. Feature extraction and matching are also used to adapt audio watermark embedding and detecting.

Abstract: A method for generating a psychoacoustic model from an audio signal transforms a block of samples of an audio signal into a frequency spectrum comprising frequency components. From this frequency spectrum, it derives group masking energies. These group masking energies each correspond to a group of neighboring frequency components in the frequency spectrum. For a group of frequency components, the method allocates the group masking energy to the frequency components in the group in proportion to energy of the frequency components within the group to provide adapted mask energies for the frequency components within the group, the adapted mask energies providing masking thresholds for the psychoacoustic model of the audio signal.

Abstract: Inventory on a rack of store shelves is monitored by a camera-equipped system that senses when items have been removed. Image data is desirably sensed at plural spectral bands, to enhance item identification by digital watermark and/or other image recognition techniques. The system can be alert to the presence of nearby shoppers, and change its mode of operation in response, e.g., suppressing flash illumination or suspending image capture. The system may self-calibrate to the geometry of shelving in its field of view, and affine-correct captured imagery based on the camera's viewpoint. A great many other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Signal processing devices and methods obtain an estimate of a geometric transform of an image signal, use it to obtain a measure of signal confidence of a reference signal in a sub-block of the image signal, and weight message estimates based on the signal confidence. The geometric transform is used as an approximation of the geometric distortion of an image after digital data is encoded in it, and it is used to compensate for this distortion to facilitate extracting embedded digital messages from the image. Due to the errors in the approximation, the signal confidence metric is determined and used to weight message symbol estimates extracted from the image.

Abstract: A steganographic digital watermark signal is decoded from host imagery without requiring a domain transformation for signal synchronization, thereby speeding and simplifying the decoding operation. In time-limited applications, such as in supermarket point-of-sale scanners that attempt watermark decode operations on dozens of video frames every second, the speed improvement allows a greater percentage of each image frame to be analyzed for watermark data. In battery-powered mobile devices, avoidance of repeated domain transformations extends battery life. A great variety of other features and arrangements, including machine learning aspects, are also detailed.

Abstract: This disclosure details image and audio signal processing methods and associated equipment to robustly encode transaction parameters in rendered displays, printed objects and audio. It also details corresponding decoding methods and equipment to recover these parameters. Further, it details object authentication processing and equipment to validate a transaction for an object, employing a trust network protocol for maintaining a trusted transaction history of the object. Various alternative forms of this technology are described.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements involving electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, wearable devices, etc., are disclosed. One arrangement involves a low-power processing technique for discerning cues from audio input. Another involves a technique for detecting audio activity based on the Kullback-Liebler divergence (KLD) (or a modified version thereof) of the audio input. Still other arrangements concern techniques for managing the manner in which policies are embodied on an electronic device. Others relate to distributed computing techniques. A great variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: Self-checkout technologies for retail stores are improved by incorporation of enhanced fraud detection arrangements. For example, if a shopper enters an item on a self-checkout tally, while positioned at a location remote from the normal stock location for that item, a responsive action may be taken. Likewise, if a shopper enters the same item on a self-checkout tally twice, at widely separated times, a responsive action may be taken. These responsive actions can include dispatching a store clerk to assist the shopper, or increasing a risk score that is repeatedly re-calculated during the shopper's visit. A great variety of other features and arrangements (e.g., powering arrangements for mobile phones in shopping carts) are also detailed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal encoding for product packaging and other printed objects. One implementation utilizes a target reflectance value for image content combined with an encoded signal at or around 660 nm to guide color changes. Luminance change is controlled through opposing color shifts, while maintaining the target reflectance value. Other implementations are provided.

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. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The parameters of an optical code are optimized to achieve improved signal robustness, reliability, capacity and/or visual quality. An optimization program can determine spatial density, dot distance, dot size and signal component priority to optimize robustness. An optical code generator employs these parameters to produce an optical code at the desired spatial density and robustness. The optical code is merged into a host image, such as imagery, text and graphics of a package or label, or it may be printed by itself, e.g., on an otherwise blank label or carton. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to signal processing such as image processing, signal encoding, digital watermarking and data hiding. Technology includes a method comprising: capturing imagery corresponding to a printed object with a red illumination scanner, the red illumination scanner having a wavelength at or around 660 nm, said scanning yielding scan data, wherein the printed object includes a process color printed thereon through an offset or flexo printing press, the process color including a narrow-band absorption material that has a peak absorbance at or around 660 nm, the process color printed in a manner to convey an encoded plural-bit message, the encoded plural-bit message corresponding to a GTIN number; analyzing the imagery with one or more programmed multi-core processors to decode the encoded plural bit message, said analyzing yielding the GTIN number; and providing the GTIN number as an output. Of course other combinations and technology is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal encoding for printed objects. One implementation selects an embed direction based on a minimal visibility axis of a 1 JND ellipse at a certain color center. Other technology provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, e.g., to image processing technology including device to device communication. One claim recites an apparatus for device to device communication using displayed imagery, said apparatus comprising: a camera for capturing a plurality of image frames, the plurality of image frames representing a plurality of graphics displayed on a display screen of a mobile 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; means for decoding outputs from the plurality of graphics; and means for constructing the payload from decoded outputs; and means for carrying out an action based on a constructed payload. A great variety of other features, arrangements and claims are also detailed.