Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and apparatus used in connection with steganography and digital watermarking. In one implementation, a method of obtaining information from a network of computers based at least in part on the environment associated with a first computer is provided. An object is presented within the field of view of an optical sensor device. The optical device is in communication with a first computer. The object includes plural-bit data steganographically encoded in the object. The first computer communicates with at least a second computer in the network of computers. Optical data corresponding to the object is acquired, and the plural-bit digital data is decoded from the optical data. At least some of the decoded data and environmental data is submitted to the second computer, which determines which information to send to the first computer based on the environmental data. Many other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to postal metering devices and mail systems that variously employ digital watermarking techniques. In one implementation we provide on an envelope a marketing image in addition to postage indicia. The marketing image includes a digital watermark embedded therein. The watermark includes a link to access information that is associated with the envelope's sender. In some cases the digital watermark is fragile, allowing us to determine whether the marking image or postal indicia is authentic.

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: By printing documents and other objects with machine readable indicia, such as steganographic digital watermarks or barcodes, a great variety of document management functions can be enabled. The indicia can be added as part of the printing process (after document data has been output by an originating application program), such as by printer driver software, by a Postscript engine in a printer, etc. The indicia can encode data about the document, or can encode an identifier that references a database record containing such data. By showing the printed document to a computer device with a suitable optical input device (e.g., a webcam), an electronic version of the document can be recalled for editing, or other responsive action can be taken.

Abstract: Various improvements relating to digital watermarking and related technologies are detailed, including methods that enhance security and functionality, and new articles including watermarked puzzles and marked DNA.

Abstract: A number of novel watermarking applications, and improvements to watermarking methods, are disclosed. Included are techniques for selectively incorporating promotional messages into rendered video content, monitoring whether promotional messages are rendered or skipped, permitting payment for content upon rendering rather than receipt, controlling rendering of video to include or omit adult-themed sections, confirming a person's age by reference to a watermarked identification document, and watermarking digital cinema projections.

Abstract: By printing documents and other objects with machine readable indicia, such as steganographic digital watermarks or barcodes, a great variety of document management functions can be enabled. The indicia can be added as part of the printing process (after document data has been output by an originating application program), such as by printer driver software, by a Postscript engine in a printer, etc. The indicia can encode data about the document, or can encode an identifier that references a database record containing such data. By showing the printed document to a computer device with a suitable optical input device (e.g., a webcam), an electronic version of the document can be recalled for editing, or other responsive action can be taken.

Abstract: By printing documents and other objects with machine readable indicia, such as steganographic digital watermarks or barcodes, a great variety of document management functions can be enabled. The indicia can be added as part of the printing process (after document data has been output by an originating application program), such as by printer driver software, by a Postscript engine in a printer, etc. The indicia can encode data about the document, or can encode an identifier that references a database record containing such data. By showing the printed document to a computer device with a suitable optical input device (e.g., a webcam), an electronic version of the document can be recalled for editing, or other responsive action can be taken.

Abstract: A kiosk for reading a digital watermark from a physical object (e.g., a printed document) can be used in various contexts, including retail systems designed to provide customers with product information; corporate greeting systems used to register or direct a visitor; computer terminals in public environments—such as cyber cafés—which can be used to access the Internet; and registration terminals at service centers, such as a copy center, that are used to request services or provide information. An illustrative kiosk may include a housing with a computer concealed inside. On the outside of the kiosk is an illuminated stage on which the user can place the object to be read. An image sensor (e.g., a webcam) captures an image of the object placed on the stage, and the computer processes the image to decode the watermark payload. The computer than responds to the user (e.g., via a display screen or audio transducer) with responsive information.

Abstract: A variety of systems responsive to watermarked documents are detailed. In one, a system includes a user terminal, a central site, and a website. The user terminal includes a watermark reader, and a capture device to capture an image of a watermarked document. The central site includes a database of watermark identifiers. The user terminal communicates an extracted watermark identifier to the central site. The central site interrogates a database via the extracted watermark identifier to find any related information. The central site generates a validation key and communicates such to the user terminal. The validation key can be used by the website to validate access by the user terminal.

Abstract: A variety of systems responsive to watermarked documents are detailed. In one, a system includes a user terminal, a central site, and a website. The user terminal includes a watermark reader, and a capture device to capture an image of a watermarked document. The central site includes a database of watermark identifiers and corresponding and related information. The user terminal communicates an extracted watermark identifier to the central site. The central site interrogates a database via the extracted watermark identifier to find any related information. The central site generates a random number and a time stamp, and stores such as a verification record along with the extracted watermark identifier. Such a verification record can be used to verify authority to enter the website from the user terminal.

Abstract: By printing documents and other objects with machine readable indicia, such as steganographic digital watermarks or barcodes, a great variety of document management functions can be enabled. The indicia can be added as part of the printing process (after document data has been output by an originating application program), such as by printer driver software, by a Postscript engine in a printer, etc. The indicia can encode data about the document, or can encode an identifier that references a database record containing such data. By showing the printed document to a computer device with a suitable optical input device (e.g., a webcam), an electronic version of the document can be recalled for editing, or other responsive action can be taken.

Abstract: A number of novel watermarking applications, and improvements to watermarking methods, are disclosed. Included are techniques for encoding printed circuit boards and street signs with watermarks, deterring credit card fraud and controlling software licensing using watermarks, registering collectibles via watermarks, encoding the margins of printed pages with watermarks, and using watermarks to convey extra information in video by which fidelity of the rendered video may be improved.

Abstract: A variety of systems responsive to watermarked documents are detailed. In one, watermarking is employed to facilitate secure online transactions. In another, a system for exchanging data is provided. One system includes a user terminal and a central site. The user terminal includes a watermark reader, and a capture device to capture an image of a watermarked document. The central site includes a database of image hashes. The user terminal communicates with the central site. The watermark reader reads a watermark and computes a hash of a captured image, and passes the hash to the central site for comparison with the database of image hashes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to linking on-line data to printed documents, such as business cards, envelopes, stickers, stationary, letterhead, résumés, etc. In one embodiment, a card-user registers with an on-line database and receives a gallery item including a steganographically-embedded unique identifier. The gallery item, such as a graphical background, text, shading, graphic, etc., is integrated and then printed with a document. The printed document can then be presented an optical-scanner, which outputs data. The output data is decoded to identify the unique identifier. The unique identifier is then used to index into the on-line database to retrieve information related to the proprietor of the document. In one embodiment, the on-line database includes features such as providing an immediate contact number, translation and/or pronunciation ability, and storage of audio/video files.