Abstract: On-demand watermarking of digital content, particularly in the context of retail transactions, is described. Rather than replicating the digital content in bulk or mass at once, the digital content is replicated on-demand, at the time that a customer orders or otherwise transacts for the content. After the order is placed, the digital content is watermarked. The watermark can be defined based on personal information related to the customer, thereby personalizing or customizing the watermark and the digital content.

Abstract: A process encodes video or image data. The process includes estimating forms of a plurality of functions and estimating a best quality value for producing encoded frames with sizes that satisfy one or more constraints. Each function relates encoded size to encoded quality for an associated frame. Each frame has data for one or more images. The constraints are associated with transmission line bandwidth or receiver buffer size. The estimating a best quality value is based in part on the functions. The process also includes transmitting frames encoded with approximately the best quality value to a transmission line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to the provision of credit and financial services. In one embodiment, the present invention provides-user authentication protocols facilitating the electronic delivery of credit reports over a computer network directly to users. According to one embodiment of the invention, a credit report comprises a particular user's credit history and other financial information, and/or a credit rating. Other embodiments of the present invention allow for the provision of services related to consumer and business credit report data.

Abstract: Computer processor method and apparatus for creating an audio multiplier control signal for controlling the dynamic range of a recorded audio work. The technique includes determining an envelope of the amplitude of amplitude versus time values the audio signal, and then determining, for values of the envelope, respective minimum and maximum multiplication factors (MinMF and MaxMF) that can be multiplied times the values such that the products are above a predetermined minimum amplitude and below a predetermined maximum amplitude of the dynamic range. Then a control signal function of amplitude versus time is created such that all values of the control signal function at particular times are between respective MinMF and MaxMF values for the times, and such that segments of the control signal function have reduced slopes. Also disclosed is a method of creating a reduced-slope series of line segments passing through a pair of Max and Min limiting functions specifying y values with respect to a variable x.

Abstract: Correcting deinterlaced video by determining whether the deinterlaced video has comb artifact areas, and correcting the comb artifact areas. The detection of comb artifacts includes comparing the differences in pixel values between adjacent rows with the differences in pixel values of alternate rows. The detection includes calculating comb artifact factors based on the differences, and comparing the median value for a group of pixels with a threshold to determine if there is an comb artifact at the pixel.

Abstract: Computer processor method and apparatus for creating an audio multiplier control signal for controlling the dynamic range of a recorded audio work. The technique includes determining an envelope of the amplitude of amplitude versus time values the audio signal, and then determining, for values of the envelope, respective minimum and maximum multiplication factors (MinMF and MaxMF) that can be multiplied times the values such that the products are above a predetermined minimum amplitude and below a predetermined maximum amplitude of the dynamic range. Then a control signal function of amplitude versus time is created such that all values of the control signal function at particular times are between respective MinMF and MaxMF values for the times, and such that segments of the control signal function have reduced slopes. Also disclosed is a method of creating a reduced-slope series of line segments passing through a pair of Max and Min limiting functions specifying y values with respect to a variable x.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting unauthorized copies of software. Each copy of software is uniquely identified by a license number. Each use of each copy is termed a session. Each copy's sessions are numbered sequentially. Each session is assigned a random session stamp when it begins. For each copy, a stamp history is kept, giving the next session number and the session stamps for prior sessions. If software copies having the same license number are used on two different computers, their stamp histories will show different next-session numbers and/or different session stamps for prior sessions, indicating two copies of the software exist, which may be, e.g., a license violation. Each software copy maintains a stamp history database (SHD) comprising a stamp history for itself and for other copies of software for which it has received a stamp history.

Abstract: A method for regulating the asking and motivating the answering of questions via a computer network. The number and complexity of questions asked is controlled by a question regulation method, and the number and quality of answers provided is controlled by an answer evaluation method. The question regulation method permits users to post more numerous or more complex questions based on factors such as viewing of advertising, or provision of marketing information. The answer measurement method may be used to reward those who supply numerous or high-quality answers with premiums, public recognition, or employment opportunities.