Abstract: The invention provides a method of computing positioning of a mobile device in a wireless network. This positioning method receives associated pings exchanged among a network of nodes. The pings include count stamps of ping transmit and receipt, and a count stamp of a message received by the network nodes from the mobile device. The method evaluates count stamps to determine clock differences among clocks of the network nodes. From the clock differences, the method determines pseudo ranges between the network nodes and the mobile device. The method determines location of the mobile device by evaluating the differences between ranges of candidate positions of the mobile device and the pseudo ranges. It minimizing a function of error associated with the position candidates to determine the mobile device's location.

Abstract: Signal detection adaptable to accommodate various lighting conditions, and to embedding signals according to anticipated lighting conditions likely to be present during image capture. One claim recites a method comprising: obtaining data representing picture elements of imagery or video, the imagery or video having been captured with a camera; obtaining lighting information associated with image capture of the imagery or video; based on the lighting information, adapting a detection process, in which the detection process is adapted by applying different weightings to different color channels for detection, the different weightings being associated with the lighting information; using a programmed electronic processor, analyzing the data to determine whether auxiliary data is encoded therein, said act of analyzing utilizes the adapted detection process. Of course, different combinations and claims are provided too.

Abstract: Mobile device positioning employs various forms of audio signal structures and detection methodologies. In one method, detection of an audio signal from a first source enables construction of a signal to facilitate detection of an audio signal from another source. Signals detected from these sources enable positioning of the mobile device receiving those signals. Another method forms audio signals transmitted from audio sources so that they have parts that add constructively and parts that differentiate the sources to enable positioning. Another audio signal based positioning method adaptively switches among positioning methods so that positioning remains operative as a mobile device moves toward and away from the sources. Another method tracks positioning history, evaluates it for errors and performs error mitigation to improve accuracy. Various other positioning technologies are detailed as well.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features 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: 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: 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: 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 method computes signal characteristics of a host signal in which a digital signal is encoded, and analyzes the characteristics to determine an extent to which the signal characteristics correspond to characteristics of the digital signal. The method adapts parameters of a predictive filter or prediction function applied to the host signal based on the extent to which the signal characteristics correspond to the characteristics of the digital signal. In one embodiment, different filters or filter parameters are selected to match different signal characteristics of the host signal with the characteristics of the digital signal. These predictive filtering techniques also enable optimized encoding of digital signals that adapt the encoding of digital signals to take advantage of predictive filtering in the decoding process.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features 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 invention relates generally to pre-processing images, audio and/or video to improve biometric analysis from such. In one implementation, a method is provided including: receiving a color digital image including a representation of a human subject; converting the color digital image into grayscale values; transforming at least one representation of the converted color image; analyzing the transformed, converted color image to identify artifacts; if artifacts are found, processing the color digital image to reduce the artifacts; and providing the processed digital image to a biometric system. Other implementations are provided as well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to embedding auxiliary data and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: receiving data representing a media signal; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating perceptibility characteristics of the media signal, in which the perceptibility characteristics include contrast; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating a non-linear contrast to gain mapping using the perceptibility characteristics; using a programmed electronic processor, embedding an auxiliary signal in the media signal with reference to the non-linear contrast to gain mapping. Other claims and combinations are also provided.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features are also detailed.

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. Biometric information may also be embedded in a machine readable code in the object or indexed via the machine readable code. This biometric information is used to generate biometric templates, and facilitate or enhance biometric comparison for one to one or one to many verification.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to signal detection adaptable to accommodate various lighting conditions, and to embedding signals according to anticipated lighting conditions likely to be present during image capture. One claim recites a method comprising: obtaining data representing imagery or video, the imagery or video having been captured with a camera; obtaining lighting information associated with image capture of the imagery or video; based on the lighting information, adapting a signal detection process; and using a programmed electronic processor, analyzing the data to determine whether a signal is encoded therein, said act of analyzing utilizes an adapted signal detection process. Of course, different combinations and claims are provided too.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through use of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to content identification with so-called fingerprinting. One claim recites a method comprising: deriving fingerprint information corresponding to audio or video using a mobile user device; obtaining geographical location information associated with the mobile user device; communicating the fingerprint information and the geographical location information to a remotely located network service; and receiving a response from the remotely located service, the response being dependent on both the fingerprint information and the geographical location information. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided.