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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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.