Abstract: 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 may be enhanced by processing plural frames of data from the image sensor before issuing a result.

Abstract: The pages of a children's book are marked in a machine-readable manner (e.g., by imperceptible digital watermark technology). When such a page is shown to a camera-equipped computer device, the watermark is decoded, and the story text from that page is read aloud to a child. A number of variants are contemplated, including using book pages as entry points to corresponding videos; using books to link to corresponding interactive web sites or multi-player games; incorporating the camera in a plush toy; evoking different responses from the system by using the book to convey gestures to the camera; providing such functionality in cell phones, set top boxes, and Bluetooth-equipped devices; customizing read-aloud stories using words provided by the child or a parent; etc.

Abstract: A method for tracking media signals in multimedia content is provided by uniquely identifying the multimedia content with a digital watermark identifier. A video channel is preferably embedded with a first watermark identifier. The first identifier uniquely identifies the multimedia content or the content family. A second digital watermark is embedded in an audio channel of the multimedia content. The second digital watermark uniquely identifies a user or user device. When the multimedia content is found in an unauthorized or unexpected channel, the content can be traced back to its misappropriating source via the user identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for integrating a bottom-of-basket (BOB) item detector with a data reader. In some embodiments, the BOB item detector may be integrated with a barcode scanner of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal without need for modification of the POS system software. Some embodiments may also provide for a visual and/or audible indication or confirmation of the presence of a bottom-of-basket item.

Abstract: A data reading system is mountable onto a material transport device having a first section, a primary power supply and a second section movable with respect to the first section. The data reading system comprises a data reader disposed on the second section of the material transport device, the data reader comprising a power source and an induction power receiving unit. The data reading system also comprises an induction power transmission unit disposed on the first section of the material transport device and connected to the primary power supply of the material transport device. The induction power receiving unit is located proximate the induction power transmission unit when the second section is disposed in a given position with respect to the first section, whereby the induction power transmission unit transmits power to the induction power receiving unit for charging the power source of the data reader.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a method of RFID power ramping for tag singulation that includes activating the trigger control of an RFID reader for engaging power to begin reading RFID tags. A user may take a first reading at a low power level of a volume around the RFID reader establishing a first read volume. If the user does not detect a particular RFID tag, the user may then increase the transmitting power from the RFID reader to a second higher power level obtaining a second reading of RFID tags in a second read volume. The user may once again increase the transmitting power from the RFID reader to a third higher power level obtaining a third reading of RFID tags in a third reading volume. Increasing the RFID transmitting power is repeated until there is a final read volume where the operator reads and recognizes the detected RFID tag. The final step includes deactivating the trigger control of the RFID reader after reading the desired RFID tag.

Abstract: There is provided a system for transmission of power and/or information between a first location external of a living body and a second position internal of the living body which comprises: (a) a primary controller (2) comprising a power source and a transmitter locatable at the first locations; and (b) an antenna (12) based device (10) locatable at the second position to receive an output from the transmitter, wherein the power source is adapted to emit high frequency electromagnetic radiation between 0.5 to 5 GHz. A medical appliance comprising a spring-based stent incorporating a monitoring device wherein the spring of the stent acts as the aerial for the monitoring device and wherein the medical appliance is capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation with a frequency between 0.5 to 5 GHz.

Abstract: A watermarking method converts a watermark message into a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signal and embeds the FSK signal in a host signal. The spectral properties of the FSK watermark signal facilitate its detection, even in applications where the watermarked signal is corrupted. Because of these properties, the FSK watermark signal can perform the dual function of identifying the watermark's presence and orientation in potentially corrupted media, and also conveying a hidden message in the host signal. Such a watermark may be referred to as a self-orienting watermark.

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: A perceptual model performs an analysis of a media signal, such as an image or audio signal. The model may be used in media signal processing applications such as digital watermarking and data compression to reduce perceptibility of changes made to code the signal. For image applications, the model computes the sensitivity of an image to changes based upon local image contrast, while taking into account the sensitivity of connected directional edges. By comparing the local image strength of various directionally filtered versions of the image, the model creates a directional control vector. This control vector may be used to reduce changes to an image in text and edge regions, and thus, avoid perceptible artifacts in those regions. The model takes into account the local contrast of the image and the directional control vector to create a gain vector. Using the local contrast measurements, the model follows the eye's nonlinear response to contrast discrimination.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for coding messages for digital watermark applications. One method combines the use of different error correction coding schemes to error correction encode an auxiliary message, and then imperceptibly embeds that coded message into a media signal, such as an image, video or audio signal. A particular example of this method is a concatenated code where the auxiliary message is encoded using convolution coding and Reed Solomon coding before being embedded in a host media signal in a digital watermarking process. Another method combines M-ary signaling with error correction coding to encode the auxiliary message, and then imperceptibly embeds the resulting message signal into a host media signal. One specific example is illustrated where a watermark embedder applies Reed Solomon coding to an auxiliary message, and then M-ary modulates the resulting Reed Solomon coded message. The watermark embedder then embeds the M-ary modulated message into a host media signal.

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 to digital watermarks. In a preferred embodiment, a media signal is embedded with a digital watermark component. The media signal includes a cyan color plane, a magenta color plane, a yellow color plane, and a black plane. The digital watermark component is embedded in the cyan, magenta, and yellow color planes. The digital watermark component is inverted, and embedded in the black color plane. The resulting watermark is fragile, since signal processing techniques that combine the color planes with the black color plane effectively cancels the watermark signal in local areas. The inventive watermark also includes low-visibility properties, by canceling perceived luminance change in local areas throughout the media signal. In another embodiment, a watermark signal is embedded in a first color scheme to be out-of-color gamut in a second color scheme.

Abstract: A perceptual model performs an analysis of a media signal, such as an image or audio signal. The model may be used in media signal processing applications such as digital watermarking and data compression to reduce perceptibility of changes made to code the signal. For image applications, the model computes the sensitivity of an image to changes based upon local image contrast, while taking into account the sensitivity of connected directional edges. By comparing the local image strength of various directionally filtered versions of the image, the model creates a directional control vector. This control vector may be used to reduce changes to an image in text and edge regions, and thus, avoid perceptible artifacts in those regions. The model takes into account the local contrast of the image and the directional control vector to create a gain vector. Using the local contrast measurements, the model follows the eye's nonlinear response to contrast discrimination.

Abstract: The present invention involves in situ laser patterning of thin-film layers during sequential deposition of the different layers. The layers may be applied using any known method of film deposition. The method of the present invention involves laser ablation to remove unwanted portions of the coating layers, including color filter materials, that have been sequentially deposited onto substantially the entire surface of a substrate. By controlling the depth of the laser ablation removal of the deposited films, it is possible to remove any portion of a film or layers of films or coatings that have been sequentially coated onto the surface of the substrate and to thereby control the depth and location of color filter materials coated upon the substrate. This patterning process can be employed in conjunction with any film deposition technique known in the art, including vacuum, wet chemical or dry processing deposition techniques, but is preferred with vacuum deposition.