Abstract: The application discloses identification and security documents and methods and systems for authenticating such identification and security documents. In one implementation, a document includes a first surface; and a second surface. The first surface comprises a first set of print structures and a second set of print structures. The first set of print structures and the second set of print structures cooperate to obscure the location on the first surface of the second set of print structures. The second set of print structures is arranged on the first surface so as to provide a reflection pattern. In one example, the reflection pattern includes a diffraction grating. The second set of print structures is preferably provided on the first surface with metallic ink. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to gaining access to secure systems. One claim recites an apparatus including: an image or video sensor for capturing image or video data; and a multi-purpose computer processor configured to: decode machine-readable information encoded in captured image or video data representing a plurality of physical objects, each instance of machine-readable information includes identifying information; determine an order in which the physical objects are presented to the image or video sensor for evaluation via the identifying information; and comparing the order to a predetermined sequence to determine whether to allow access to a remotely located computerized system. The apparatus may be housed, e.g., in a cell phone. Other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Abstract: Content fingerprints and watermarks are combined in various ways for content identification applications. Fingerprints are used to identify content generally while watermarks provide more detailed localization of parts within the content, and vice versa. Fingerprint techniques are further used for signal synchronization and other pre-processing steps to assist in digital watermark decoding. A variety of fingerprint/watermark techniques identify characteristics of the channel of content from content samples.

Abstract: Steganographic synchronization signals (sometimes termed “orientation signals,” “marker signals,” reference signals,” “grid signals,” “calibration signals,” etc.) are sometimes included with digital watermarking signals to aid in correct decoding of the object thereby marked (e.g., a digital image file, audio clip, document, etc.). Digital watermark detection systems sometimes fail if the object encompasses several separately-watermarked components (e.g., a scanned magazine page with several different images, or photocopy data resulting from scanning while several documents are on the photocopier platen). Each component may include its own synchronization signal, confusing the detection system. In accordance with certain embodiments, this problem is addressed by a proximity-based approach, and/or a multiple grid-based approach. In accordance with other embodiments, the synchronization signal can—itself—convey watermark information, so it serves both a synchronization and a payload-conveyance function.

Abstract: Registration data embedded in an image is used to determine and compensate for geometric transformation of the image. The registration data may include frequency domain features of the image that are used to compute the rotation and/or scaling of the image. The registration method may be used in conjunction with digital watermarking and other signal processing applications.

Abstract: A wavelet domain watermark encoder and decoder embed and detect auxiliary signals in a media signal, such as a still image, video or audio signal. The watermark encoders and decoders employ techniques that take advantage of processing plural levels of resolution of the signal to embed and detect auxiliary information in the media signal.

Abstract: The application discloses identification and security documents and methods and systems for authenticating such identification and security documents. In one implementation, a document includes a first surface; and a second surface. The first surface comprises a first set of print structures and a second set of print structures. The first set of print structures and the second set of print structures cooperate to obscure the location on the first surface of the second set of print structures. The second set of print structures is arranged on the first surface so as to provide a reflection pattern. In one example, the reflection pattern includes a diffraction grating. The second set of print structures is preferably provided on the first surface with metallic ink. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to information hiding and digital watermarking. One claim recites a method of hiding auxiliary data in an image. The image includes line structures. The method include: receiving an image including line structures; identifying a frequency associated with the line structures; using a programmed processor modulating the frequency associated with the line structures to convey auxiliary data in the image, in which the presence of the auxiliary data is hidden from a human observer of the image, but the auxiliary data is machine-detectable. Other claims, implementations and embodiments are provided as well.

Abstract: This disclosure describes apparatus and systems for encoding and decoding signals from a host signal such as audio, video or imagery. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: electronic memory for storing a media signal representing audio or video; and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is programmed for: extracting data representing at least some features of the media signal; using the extracted data as a key to select coefficients in a transform domain, the coefficients representing the media signal; and modifying selected coefficients to hide a steganographic signal in the media signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A phase deviation method determines translation between a reference and suspect signal by analyzing a phase deviation surface created by computing a deviation metric for phase shift estimates and then analyzing a surface formed from the deviation metrics for an array of translation offsets. The phase deviation method analyzes the deviation surface to determine a translation offset that minimizes phase deviation. This method is applied at increasing levels of detail to refine the translation offset.

Abstract: Signal processing devices and methods estimate transforms between signals using a least squares technique. From a seed set of transform candidates, a direct least squares method applies a seed transform candidate to a reference signal and then measures correlation between the transformed reference signal and a suspect signal. For each candidate, update coordinates of reference signal features are identified in the suspect signal and provided as input to a least squares method to compute an update to the transform candidate. The method iterates so long as the update of the transform provides a better correlation. At the end of the process, the method identifies a transform or set of top transforms based on a further analysis of correlation, as well as other results.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc.

Abstract: A multidimensional histogram is used to characterize an image (or object), and is used to identify candidate matches with one or more reference images (or objects). An exemplary implementation employs hue information for two of the dimensions, and a second derivative function based on luminance for a third dimension. The simplicity and speed of the detailed arrangements make them well suited for use with cell phones and other mobile devices, which can use the technology for image/object recognition, e.g., in visual search applications.

Abstract: Variable message coding protocols enable greater flexibility in encoding auxiliary data in media signals. One such protocol employs a version identifier that indicates the type of coding used to process an auxiliary data message before it is embedded in a host media signal. This version identifier specifies the type of error robustness coding applied to a variable message. The error robustness coding may be varied to alter the message payload capacity for different versions of auxiliary data embedding and reading systems. Another protocol uses control symbols to specify the format and variable length of the variable message.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection. In one implementation we embed an auxiliary signal with a first color that is out of gamut with process color inks or with a particular range of printers. A process color approximation of the first color yields a relatively different contrast when, e.g., viewed with an interference filter. A copy is determined based on the relative presence or absence of the auxiliary signal. In another implementation, we provide a first auxiliary signal with a first color and a second auxiliary signal with a second color. A filter is matched according to the spectral response of the first color. The second color preferably includes a spectral response that is inversely related to the matched filter. The first signal is then detectable in a process color copy, but less so in the original. However, the second signal is detectable in the original, but less so in the copy.

Abstract: Digital data is decoded from media signals (e.g., audio, images, video, etc.) using a distributed processing in which a first device receives and pre-processes the signal, and transmits it to a remote device for further decoding. One method pre-filters the media signal, leaving a residual from which digital data is decoded. Other arrangements progressively send portions of the signal for decoding operations.

Abstract: Various improvements and applications for digital watermarking technology are detailed. One concerns techniques for making watermarks resistant to malicious attacks. Another involves using digital watermarking with ID cards and credentials, such as a watermarked driver's license conveying a user's cryptographic PKI. Still another uses digital watermarks in connection with automated compliance audits for corporate users of electronic content. A variety of other technologies are also detailed.

Abstract: A multidimensional histogram is used to characterize an image (or object), and is used to identify candidate matches with one or more reference images (or objects). An exemplary implementation employs hue information for two of the dimensions, and a second derivative function based on luminance for a third dimension. The simplicity and speed of the detailed arrangements make them well suited for use with cell phones and other mobile devices, which can use the technology for image/object recognition, e.g., in visual search applications.

Abstract: Machine readable signals embedded in other media signals include a circular structure in a transform domain to facilitate detection. The machine readable signals are not apparent to human observers of rendered media containing the machine readable signals, such as images and documents. A detector captures the media signal, transforms it to the transform domain, and then uses the circular structure in the transform domain to facilitate detection despite rotation of the media signal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processing audio, video and images. One claim recites a method including: obtaining media signal comprising a steganographic signal hidden therein; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, selecting portions of the media signal for steganographic signal detection, wherein the subset of the media signal is selected based on at least one or more predetermined probability factors, in which a probability factor comprises a selection criteria or rule to identify portions of the media signal which have a higher likelihood of including a steganographic signal relative to other portions of the media signal; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing selected portions of the media signal to obtain the steganographic signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.