Abstract: In one embodiment a document authentication station, for use with passports or the like, includes a 2D image sensor (e.g., CCD- or CMOS-based video camera), and a computer device. The image sensor produces produce image data corresponding to a presented document. From this image data, the computer extracts two or more identification data. One is a digital watermark. The other can be a bar code, data glyphs, OCR data, etc. The processor then proceeds to check that the two identification data correspond in an expected fashion. If not, the document is flagged as suspect or fake. Reliability of detection can be enhanced by processing plural frames of data from the image sensor before issuing a result.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to digital watermarking of data, e.g., representing video or audio. One claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing video or audio; using a multi-purpose electronic processor programmed for: transforming the data into a transform domain, analyzing the transformed data to identify a plurality of transform coefficients according to predetermined criteria, and altering the identified plurality of transform coefficients to carry a digital watermark; and analyzing the data to determine a baseline state for the digital watermark. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided too.

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for quantization based data embedding and reading in host signals, such as image, audio and video signals. To embed auxiliary data in a host signal, an embedder maps the host signal from a first domain into a mapped signal in a second domain. The embedder performs quantization based embedding of auxiliary data into the host signal using quantizers. The quantizers are adapted such that the relationship between corresponding quantizers in the first and second domains satisfies a predetermined constraint. The mapping improves the robustness of the data embedding method by increasing the chances that the embedded data can be recovered by an auxiliary data reader after modifications. A related embedding method projects the mapped signal unto a vector, and specifically, a pseudorandom vector. It performs quantization based embedding on the projected signal. The use of this projection provides added robustness of the embedded data to noise and other forms of distortion.

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for quantization based data embedding and reading in host signals, such as image, audio and video signals. To embed auxiliary data in a host signal, an embedder maps the host signal from a first domain into a mapped signal in a second domain. The embedder performs quantization based embedding of auxiliary data into the host signal using quantizers. The quantizers are adapted such that the relationship between corresponding quantizers in the first and second domains satisfies a predetermined constraint. The mapping improves the robustness of the data embedding method by increasing the chances that the embedded data can be recovered by an auxiliary data reader after modifications. A related embedding method projects the mapped signal unto a vector, and specifically, a pseudorandom vector. It performs quantization based embedding on the projected signal. The use of this projection provides added robustness of the embedded data to noise and other forms of distortion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to embedding auxiliary data and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: calculating with a processor or electronic circuitry characteristics of a media signal comprising audio or video; based at least in part on calculated characteristics of the media signal, providing a map of the media signal, wherein the map identifies at least one portion of the media signal in which plural-bit data should be steganographically encoded; transforming at least some portions of the media signal into a transform domain; and steganographically encoding with a processor or electronic circuitry auxiliary data in data representing at least the one portion of the media signal in which the plural-bit data should be steganographically encoded, and wherein at least said act of transforming or said act of steganographically encoding utilizes the map of the media signal. Other claims and combinations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genus of asymmetric benzimidazole compounds, methods and pharmaceut1cal compositions that are useful as modulators of potassium ion channels. The compounds of the invention are of use in both therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a class of chemical compounds useful in the treatment of sickle cell disease, diseases characterized by unwanted or abnormal cell proliferation and for the treatment of ocular disorders such as glaucoma. The active compounds are tri-(aryl or heteroaryl) methane compounds or analogues thereof which further comprise an imine moiety and where the tertiary carbon atom can be replaced with a different atom such as Si, Ge, N or P. The compounds enhance resistance to degradation in a biological medium, inhibit potassium flux in a cell, reduce mammalian cell proliferation, reduce the Gardos channel of erythrocytes, reduce sickle erythrocyte dehydration and/or delay the occurrence of erythrocyte sickling or deformation.

Abstract: A media object authentication system uses layers of security features based on digital watermarks embedded in media objects. The system generates a first digital watermark with a message payload carrying data about the object, such as a hash of text data printed on the object. The first digital watermark is combined with a content signature derived from features of the media object, such as frequency domain attributes, edge attributes, or other filtered version of the media signal (e.g., image photo on a secure document) on the media object. This combination forms a new digital watermark signal that is embedded in the host media object. To verify the object, the digital watermark payload is extracted and compared with the data about the object. The combined digital watermark and content signature is also evaluated to authenticate the media signal on the media object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genus of polycyclic pyrazines of formula (I): wherein A and B are independently substituted or unsubstituted 5- or 6- membered heterocycloalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted 5- or 6- membered heteroaryl, W1 is W2is —CH?, —NH—, —N?, —S—, or —O—; Z1 is Z2 is —CH?, —NH—, —N?, —S—, or —O—; Y is a bond, —CH?N—NH—, —NH—CH2, or —NR5—; s and t are independently integers from 1 to 4; and the substituents R1, R2A, R2B and R3 are as defined in the specification for compounds of formula (I). The polycyclic pyrazine compounds are useful as modulators of potassium ion channels in both therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method can be configured to detect respiratory air temperature information and respiratory air pressure information from a patient using a first piezoelectric film and a second piezoelectric film, wherein at least a portion of the second piezoelectric film overlaps at least a portion of the first piezoelectric film. In an example, the first and second piezoelectric films can be sized and shaped to be disposed on an upper lip of a subject. In certain examples, the first piezoelectric film can include a non-overlap portion exposed to nasal respiration, and the second piezoelectric film can include a non-overlap portion exposed to oral respiration.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating a media signal and related software, systems and applications. A digital watermark is embedded in the media signal. A metric is calculated for the digital watermark as embedded in the media signal. The resulting metric is then embedded in the media signal with the digital watermark. To detect a potential alteration, a detector computes the metric for a potentially corrupted version of the embedded media signal. The detector then compares its computed metric to the embedded metric to detect whether the alteration has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to embedding auxiliary data and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: calculating with a processor or electronic circuitry characteristics of a media signal comprising audio or video; based at least in part on calculated characteristics of the media signal, providing a map of the media signal, wherein the map identifies at least one portion of the media signal in which plural-bit data should be steganographically encoded; transforming at least some portions of the media signal into a transform domain; and steganographically encoding with a processor or electronic circuitry auxiliary data in data representing at least the one portion of the media signal in which the plural-bit data should be steganographically encoded, and wherein at least said act of transforming or said act of steganographically encoding utilizes the map of the media signal. Other claims and combinations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genus of polycyclic pyrimidines that are useful as modulators of potassium ion channels. The modulators of the invention are of use in both therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A media object authentication system uses layers of security features based on digital watermarks embedded in media objects. The system generates a first digital watermark with a message payload carrying data about the object, such as a hash of text data printed on the object. The first digital watermark is combined with a content signature derived from features of the media object, such as frequency domain attributes, edge attributes, or other filtered version of the media signal (e.g., image photo on a secure document) on the media object. This combination forms a new digital watermark signal that is embedded in the host media object. To verify the object, the digital watermark payload is extracted and compared with the data about the object. The combined digital watermark and content signature is also evaluated to authenticate the media signal on the media object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genus of bis-benzimidazole compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions that are useful as modulators of potassium ion channels. The compounds of the invention are of use in both therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. In one embodiment a method is provided including obtaining a media signal; determining characteristics of the media signal; based at least in part on the characteristics of the media signal, providing a map of the media signal; transforming at least some portions of the media signal into a transform domain; and hiding plural-bit data in at least some portions of the transformed media signal. The map identifies at least one area in the media signal in which hiding of plural-bit data should be avoided or suppressed. At least one of the act of transforming or the act of hiding utilizes the map of the media signal. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided which are useful in the treatment of diseases through the inhibition of sodium ion flux through voltage-gated sodium channels. More particularly, the invention provides substituted sulfonamides, compositions comprising these compounds, as well as methods of using these compounds or compositions in the treatment of central or peripheral nervous system disorders, particularly pain and chronic pain by blocking sodium channels associated with the onset or recurrence of the indicated conditions. The compounds, compositions and methods of the present invention are of particular use for treating neuropathic or inflammatory pain by the inhibition of ion flux through a voltage-gated sodium channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genus of polycyclic pyridines that are useful as modulators of potassium ion channels. The modulators of the invention are of use in both therapeutic and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment a document authentication station, for use with passports or the like, includes a 2D image sensor (e.g., CCD- or CMOS-based video camera), and a computer device. The image sensor produces produce image data corresponding to a presented document. From this image data, the computer extracts two or more identification data. One is a digital watermark. The other can be a bar code, data glyphs, OCR data, etc. The processor then proceeds to check that the two identification data correspond in an expected fashion. If not, the document is flagged as suspect or fake. Reliability of detection can be enhanced by processing plural frames of data from the image sensor before issuing a result.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, tools to allow more intuitive display and/or definition of ranges in software applications. Merely by way of example, a software application might include a user interface that has a graphical element (such as a line, a bar, and/or the like) that represents a spectrum of values. The application might further include one or more markers that serve to define boundaries of one or more ranges within the spectrum. By allowing a user to move the markers (through manipulation of the markers using a mouse, typing values for the markers, and/or the like), the interface can allow the user to quickly and easily define different ranges of values and/or to view defined ranges. In an aspect, a marker (and/or an accompanying indicator) may be configured to indicate to the user whether the value represented by the marker falls within or outside the range bounded by the marker.