Abstract: An apparatus has two optical portions, for capturing imagery from two directions. One portion captures imagery from the user (e.g., the user's retina), and the other captures imagery from another subject. In one arrangement, each optical portion has its own image sensor, and the two portions operate at the same time to capture imagery. Information derived from the imagery of the user (e.g., a hash) can be used—in consultation with a database—to attempt to identify the user. Such an image hash can be steganographically embedded into the subject-related image information. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods, apparatus and systems. One claim recites a method of determining a size or denomination of a momentary object. The method includes: utilizing a configured, multi-purpose electronic processor, decoding a digital watermark embedded in a monetary object, the watermark including data corresponding to a denomination of the monetary object; based on the data, determining feedback to indicate the denomination of the monetary object; and providing the feedback. Handheld computing devices can be advantageously employed with this combination. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus has two optical portions, for capturing imagery from two directions. One portion captures imagery from the user (e.g., the user's retina), and the other captures imagery from another subject. In one arrangement, each optical portion has its own image sensor, and the two portions operate at the same time to capture imagery. Information derived from the imagery of the user (e.g., a hash) can be used—in consultation with a database—to attempt to identify the user. Such an image hash can be steganographically embedded into the subject-related image information. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: User attribute data, such as a retinal scan or fingerprint data, is encoded into a media signal as it is captured in media capture device, such as a camera, video recorder, etc. The user attribute data uniquely associates the creator with the content he or she creates. By steganographically embedding the user attribute data into the content at or near the time of capture, the creator of the content can be authenticated at a subsequent time. In addition, alteration of the content can be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods, apparatus and systems. One claim recites a method of determining a size or denomination of a momentary object. The method includes: utilizing a configured, multi-purpose electronic processor, decoding a digital watermark embedded in a monetary object, the watermark including data corresponding to a denomination of the monetary object; based on the data, determining feedback to indicate the denomination of the monetary object; and providing the feedback. Handheld computing devices can be advantageously employed with this combination. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed.

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: User attribute data, such as a retinal scan, is encoded into a media signal as it is captured in media capture device, such as a camera, video recorder, etc. The user attribute data uniquely associates the creator with the content he or she creates. By steganographically embedding the user attribute data into the content at or near the time of capture, the creator of the content can be authenticated at a subsequent time. In addition, alteration of the content can be detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods and systems. In one embodiment, a handheld device displays a digitally watermarked ticket image at an event center. At the event center, a watermark decoder extracts the watermark to determine authorized entry. In another embodiment, a plurality of microlenses can provide a polarized luminance pattern on a display. The pattern corresponds to (or conveys) a unique device identifier. In yet another embodiment, monetary objects are watermarked with payload information to signify currency denomination. The payload information, once extracted, is used to provide feedback regarding the currency denomination. An audio signal or Braille output can be provided as feedback. In still another embodiment, a document management system is based on watermarks. Embedded watermarks are used to track document history, determine document version information, and enhance overall security.

Abstract: This disclosure describes several video watermarking and fingerprinting enhancements. These enhancements include synchronizing watermark detectors with one-dimensional calibration signals, layering digital watermarks, watermarks for version control, compressed domain watermarking, watermarking of video object layers, key channel watermark embedding for video, robust fingerprinting of video and watermarking of scalable video.

Abstract: This disclosure describes several video watermarking and fingerprinting enhancements. These enhancements include synchronizing watermark detectors with one-dimensional calibration signals, layering digital watermarks, watermarks for version control, compressed domain watermarking, watermarking of video object layers, key channel watermark embedding for video, robust fingerprinting of video and watermarking of scalable video.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods and systems. In one embodiment, a handheld device displays a digitally watermarked ticket image at an event center. At the event center, a watermark decoder extracts the watermark to determine authorized entry. In another embodiment, a plurality of microlenses can provide a polarized luminance pattern on a display. The pattern corresponds to (or conveys) a unique device identifier. In yet another embodiment, monetary objects are watermarked with payload information to signify currency denomination. The payload information, once extracted, is used to provide feedback regarding the currency denomination. An audio signal or Braille output can be provided as feedback. In still another embodiment, a document management system is based on watermarks. Embedded watermarks are used to track document history, determine document version information, and enhance overall security.