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: Multiple display heads of a single graphics processor are exploited to perform antialiasing and other processing tasks. In one embodiment, two display heads of the same graphics processor are coupled to each other in a master/slave configuration via a pixel transfer path. The “master” display head receives pixels from the “slave” display head in addition to its own pixels, and pixel selection logic in the master display head can blend the two pixels or select either one to the exclusion of the other. If the two pixels correspond to different sampling locations in the same display pixel, the blended pixel is an antialiased pixel.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to content identification, such as deriving identifiers from content itself. One claim recites a method including: using a processor, deriving first information from audio elements of an audio signal; using a processor, deriving second information from data representing picture elements of a video signal that is associated with the audio signal; and utilizing the first information or the second information in a content filtering process, said process utilizes a recognition unit or device to sample content being distributed on a network, and controls further distribution of the content in the network based at least in part on the first information or the second information. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to toys and game applications that are enhanced with digital watermarks. In one embodiment, a character card includes a unique identifier in the form of a digital watermark. The identifier is used to link to a database record, which can be updated to reflect changes in game attributes. Some such game attributes include life, character type and name, health, strength, and power levels. The data record can be updated or modified to reflect changes in attributes due to activity or events during a computer software game. The database record can be used by the computer software game to alter or enhance the game. In another embodiment, a toy interacts with toy components or cards via digital watermarks. Digital watermarks enhance games, toys and books in still other embodiments.

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: The present invention relates to steganographic encoding for multimedia content. In one combination, a method is provided including: encoding first information in a first component of a multimedia signal, the first component comprising audio, the first information being encoded though subtle changes to data representing the first component; encoding second information in a second component of the multimedia signal, the second component comprising video, the first information being encoded though subtle changes to data representing the first component, the first information and the second information are associated. Of course, other combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods and systems. In one embodiment, monetary objects can be watermarked to signify currency denomination information. The information, once extracted, is used to provide feedback regarding the currency denomination. An audio signal or Braille output can be provided as feedback. In another embodiment, a document management system can be based on watermarks. Embedded watermarks can be used to track document history, determine document version information, and enhance overall security. Handheld computing devices can be advantageously employed with these embodiments. Of course, other embodiments are provided and claimed as well.

Abstract: Methods and systems for watermarking of signals employ time frequency analysis. An encoding method divides the signal into segments, transforms each segment into a time-frequency representation, and computes a time-frequency domain watermark signal based on the time frequency representation. It then combines the time-frequency domain watermark signal with the media signal to produce a watermarked media signal. To embed a message using this method, one may use peak modulation, pseudorandom noise modulation, statistical feature modulation, etc. Watermarking that uses a time-frequency representation enables the encoder to adapt and or derive the modifications made to embed data based on the time frequency representation.

Abstract: A display refresh system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, a refresh rate is adjusted for power saving purposes, and/or any other purpose(s) for that matter. Further, various embodiments are provided for reducing visual manifestations associated with a transition between a first refresh rate and a second refresh rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various devices, including handheld devices. One claim recites a device including an image sensor including lenses, the lenses are arranged to create a pattern in captured image data, the pattern to be created so as to steganographically hide a plural-bit identifier in the captured image data, and electronic circuitry. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.

Abstract: Methods and systems for time-frequency domain watermarking of media signals, such as audio and video signals. An encoding method divides the media signal into segments, transforms each segment into a time-frequency representation, and computes a time-frequency domain watermark signal based on the time frequency representation. It then combines the time-frequency domain watermark signal with the media signal to produce a watermarked media signal. To embed a message using this method, one may use peak modulation, pseudorandom noise modulation, statistical feature modulation, etc. Watermarking in the time-frequency domain enables the encoder to perceptually model time and frequency attributes of the media signal simultaneously. A watermark decoder uses a calibration signal to detect the watermark signal in a potentially distorted version of the watermarked signal. The calibration signal may also be used to determine the watermark's alignment and scaling.

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: The disclosure describes a method of progressively decoding a digital watermark on a distributed computing platform. A client device equipped with a digital camera, such as a PDA or cell phone, captures a digital image of a watermarked object, and pre-filters the image to isolate a portion of the image data suspected of containing a digital watermark. The pre-filter de-correlates a portion of the image data suspected of containing a digital watermark from the remaining host image signal using a predictive filter. The client then quantizes the filtered data and progressively transmits the quantized data to a watermark decoder. The progressive transmitter sends image data as necessary to achieve a valid decoding operation. To reduce bandwidth requirements, the transmitter starts with the most highly quantized version of the filtered image, and sends lesser quantized versions until the watermark decoder completes a successful decoding operation.

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: Slight camera movement between capture of successive images is advantageously utilized to minimize or eliminate the need to interpolate in order to fill in the “holes” in a Bayer pattern. The captured color values from multiple appropriately positioned images are used to fill these holes. For example, instead of interpolating the value of red for the second pixel position on the first row of a Bayer pattern, an image is selected which is positioned one pixel to the right of the first image, and the red vales from this image are used for the red values of the second pixel on the first line. Values of the pixels in multiple images which are appropriately aligned to each pixel position are averaged to generate a better value for each pixel position. Information carried by a digital watermark (either alone or together with other techniques) is used to determine the alignment of the images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creating electronic versions of printed documents. A printed document will include steganographic, but machine-readable, indicia thereon. The steganographic indicia provides clues on how best to create a corresponding electronic version of the printed document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various steganographic methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a plurality of microlenses can provide a steganographic signal for a handheld device. The pattern corresponds to (or conveys) a device identifier. In another embodiment, a handheld computing device includes: a plurality of pixel elements; a set of microlenses; and electronic circuitry communicating with the set of microlenses. The set of microlenses are arranged to create a pattern, the pattern providing a plural-bit identifier. The electronic circuitry operates to change the unique identifier. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to authenticate identification documents. In a first implementation, an identification document includes a photograph and a digital watermark. The digital watermark carries first facial recognition data corresponding to a face depicted in the photograph. Optical scan data representing the photograph is received, and a second facial recognition data is derived. The first facial recognition data is recovered from the digital watermark, and is compared with the second facial recognition data.

Abstract: A scanner is programmed to extract a machine-readable identifier (e.g., encoded in watermark or barcode form) from an object, and transmit same to a remote computer (e.g., over the Internet). The remote computer responds with supplemental information or e-commerce opportunities relating to the scanned object. This information may be presented on an LCD display built-in to the scanner. In some embodiments, auxiliary CCD sensors are provided in addition to the scanner's usual image sensor. These auxiliary sensors can be employed for various purposes, including identifying surface texture characteristics so that corresponding filtering/processing of scan data can be performed; detecting affine transformations of the object being imaged so appropriate compensations can be applied, etc., etc.

Abstract: Stationery, or other printable media, is encoded with a digital watermark. The watermark is not conspicuous to a human observer of the media, yet conveys plural bits of auxiliary information when optically scanned and digitally processed. The watermark can be formed by ink-jet printing, or otherwise. The encoded information can be used for various purposes, including authenticating the document as an original, linking to associated on-line resources, and distinguishing seemingly-identical versions of the same document (document serialization).