Patents by Inventor Ammon E. Gustafson

Ammon E. Gustafson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8144368
    Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Digimarc Coporation
    Inventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Alastair M. Reed, Ravi K. Sharma, Osama M. Alattar, Brett T. Hannigan, Kenneth L. Levy, Hugh L. Brunk, Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7991184
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to digital watermarking. One claim recites an apparatus including: an input for receiving imagery or video; and an electronic processor for processing received imagery or video. The electronic processor is programmed for detecting first digital watermarking and second digital watermark from the imagery or video, in which the first digital watermarking utilizes a relationship between at least a first color space and a second color space. Another claim recites an apparatus including: an input for receiving imagery or video; and an electronic processor for processing received imagery or video. The electronic processor is programmed for embedding first digital watermarking and second digital watermark in the imagery or video, in which the first digital watermarking comprises a geometrically linear assignment of pixels, while the second digital watermarking comprises a geometrically random assignment of pixels. Of course other claims and combinations are provided too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7978875
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processing audio, video and images. One claim recites a method including: obtaining media signal comprising a steganographic signal hidden therein; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, selecting portions of the media signal for steganographic signal detection, wherein the subset of the media signal is selected based on at least one or more predetermined probability factors, in which a probability factor comprises a selection criteria or rule to identify portions of the media signal which have a higher likelihood of including a steganographic signal relative to other portions of the media signal; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing selected portions of the media signal to obtain the steganographic signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sharma, Ammon E. Gustafson, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 7957552
    Abstract: A digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer for receiving an incoming stream of data. The detector includes a registration module for determining registration of embedded data in blocks of the incoming stream of data, and logic for re-using the registration for subsequent blocks of the incoming stream of data to detect machine readable signals. Another digital watermark detector comprises a message reader for extracting message estimates from blocks of media signal data and a decoder for combining the extracted message estimates and decoding a message from the combined message elements. Another digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer and pipelined watermark processor segments. The segments each perform a different watermark detector operation. These segments concurrently operate on different data segments of the block of data in a processing pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Ammon E. Gustafson, Robert G. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20100095376
    Abstract: Various techniques for uniquely marking software, such as by reference to hidden information or other telltale features, are detailed. Some marks are evident in static code. Others are observable when the code is executed. Some do not manifest themselves until the code is exercised with specific stimulus. Different of the techniques are applicable to source code, object code, and firmware. A great number of other features and arrangements are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Brian T. MacIntosh, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20100014705
    Abstract: A digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer for receiving an incoming stream of data. The detector includes a registration module for determining registration of embedded data in blocks of the incoming stream of data, and logic for re-using the registration for subsequent blocks of the incoming stream of data to detect machine readable signals. Another digital watermark detector comprises a message reader for extracting message estimates from blocks of media signal data and a decoder for combining the extracted message estimates and decoding a message from the combined message elements. Another digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer and pipelined watermark processor segments. The segments each perform a different watermark detector operation. These segments concurrently operate on different data segments of the block of data in a processing pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Ammon E. Gustafson, Robert G. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20090296983
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processing audio, video and images. One claim recites a method including: obtaining media signal comprising a steganographic signal hidden therein; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, selecting portions of the media signal for steganographic signal detection, wherein the subset of the media signal is selected based on at least one or more predetermined probability factors, in which a probability factor comprises a selection criteria or rule to identify portions of the media signal which have a higher likelihood of including a steganographic signal relative to other portions of the media signal; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing selected portions of the media signal to obtain the steganographic signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sharma, Ammon E. Gustafson, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 7574014
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to digital watermarking and steganography. In one implementation, a method is provided including acts of receiving a media signal comprising a steganographic signal redundantly embedded therein; selecting a subset of the media signal for steganographic signal detection, wherein the subset of the media signal is selected based on at least one media signal characteristic associated with the subset; and detecting a steganographic signal hidden in the subset of the media signal. In another implementation, a digital watermark detector is providing including: electronic processing circuitry; memory; and executable instructions stored in memory for execution by said electronic processing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sharma, Ammon E. Gustafson, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 7539325
    Abstract: Two or more digital watermarks are embedded in a document. In one implementation the digital watermarks include characteristics that are chosen so that the watermarks will be affected in different manners if the document is subsequently copied or reproduced. A detection method or mechanism reads two or more of the watermarks and compares their characteristics. In another claim, two or more digital watermarks correspond to characteristics that are evaluated for authentication. Of course, other claims are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7480393
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer for managing an incoming stream of data. The detector includes logic for transferring overlapping data blocks from the memory buffer to a frequency domain transform processor, such as an FFT processor. The frequency domain transform processor including logic to re-use frequency domain transform operation results for overlapping portions of the data blocks. In another aspect of the invention, a digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer for a block of data, and pipelined watermark processor segments. The segments each perform different watermark detector operations in series. These segments concurrently operate on different data segments of the block of data in a processing pipeline. One embodiment employs pipelined processors for setting up data for subsequent detecting stages, such as pipelined data conversion, re-sampling, pre-filtering and frequency domain transforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Ammon E. Gustafson, Robert G. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7400743
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to steganographic encoding and/or digital watermarking. In one embodiment, a method is provided including: obtaining an image or video; encoding a first steganographic component in the image or video, wherein the first steganographic component comprises a first set of properties that are designed to be affected in a first manner when transformed from a first color gamut to a second color gamut; and encoding a second steganographic component in the image or video, wherein the first steganographic component comprises a second set of properties that are designed to be affect in a second manner when transformed from the first color gamut to the second color gamut. Other implementations and embodiments are provided and claimed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7266217
    Abstract: Image, video, and/or audio data is encoded with at least first and second watermarks. In one implementation a method includes: receiving content; embedding a first watermark signal in the content; compressing the content; embedding a second watermark signal in the content. The first watermark signal and the second watermark signal are designed to respond differently to at least a first type of signal processing. Other implementations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7171020
    Abstract: A fragile watermark is embedded in a document. The fragile watermark provides enhance security. In one implementation, a method is provided for embedding information in an image so that the image will have different information when a scanning or printing process reproduces the image. The method includes embedding digital information in an image; printing the embedded digital information and the image to produce a original printed image; scanning the original printed image to obtain a digital image of the embedded information and the image; determining the signal strength of the original image; and comparing the signal strength of a printed image with the signal strength of the original printed image to determine whether or not the printed image is a copy of the original printed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7054462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7054463
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7013021
    Abstract: The present invention detects the presence of a digital watermark in an image by selecting regions within the image having a high probability of containing the watermark. The image is examined to determine which regions of the image have characteristics indicating that there is a high probability that a watermark signal can be detected in that region of the image. The regions that have a high probability that a watermark can be detected (in contrast to all regions of the image) are examined to find watermark data. Probability factors used to select detection regions include: requiring a minimum variance separation between detection blocks; requiring a minimum distance between overlapping blocks; segmenting the detection blocks into a first and second subset based on separate criteria; establishing a keep away zone to prevent selection of a detection block near an image's border; and selecting a detection block only after its neighbors met sufficient threshold requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sharma, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6915002
    Abstract: A watermark embedder encodes auxiliary information, such as a binary message, into a host media signal by modulating message signals with two or more corresponding carrier signals to form a watermark signal and embeds this signal into the host. A compatible watermark decoder uses the carrier signals to demodulate the message signals from the watermarked signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6850626
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20040263911
    Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Alastair M. Reed, Ravi K. Sharma, Osama M. Alattar, Brett T. Hannigan, Kenneth L. Levy, Hugh L. Brunk, Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20040218761
    Abstract: A watermark embedder encodes auxiliary information, such as a binary message, into a host media signal by modulating message signals with two or more corresponding carrier signals to form a watermark signal and embeds this signal into the host. A compatible watermark decoder uses the carrier signals to demodulate the message signals from the watermarked signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ammon E. Gustafson