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

Abstract: Audio signal processing enhances audio watermark embedding and detecting processes. Audio signal processes include audio classification and adapting watermark embedding and detecting based on classification. Advances in audio watermark design include adaptive watermark signal structure data protocols, perceptual models, and insertion methods. Perceptual and robustness evaluation is integrated into audio watermark embedding to optimize audio quality relative the original signal, and to optimize robustness or data capacity. These methods are applied to audio segments in audio embedder and detector configurations to support real time operation. Feature extraction and matching are also used to adapt audio watermark embedding and detecting.

Abstract: Content signal recognition is based on a multi-axis filtering of the content signal. The signatures are calculated, formed into data structures and organized in a database for quick searching and matching operations used in content recognition. For content recognition, signals are sampled and transformed into signatures using the multi axis filter. The database is searched to recognize the signals as part of a content item in the database. Using the content identification, content metadata is retrieved and provided for a variety of applications. In one application, the metadata is provided in response to a content identification request.

Abstract: Sparse signal modulation schemes encode a data channel on a host image in a manner that is robust, flexible to achieve perceptual quality constraints, and provides improved data capacity. The host image is printed by any of a variety of means to apply the image, with sparse signal, to an object. After image capture of the object, a decoder processes the captured image to detect and extract data modulated into the sparse signal. The sparse signal may incorporate implicit or explicit synchronization components, which are either formed from the data signal or are complementary to it.

Abstract: The application discloses printed objects including encoded information, and methods, apparatus and systems for authenticating such printed objects. Some such objects, methods and apparatus involve data hiding and/or encoded signals.

Abstract: This patent document relates generally to encoded information and digital watermarking. One claim recites an image capture device comprising: an optical system; an image sensor on a substrate for capturing imagery provided by the optical system, in which captured imagery includes encoded information, and in which the captured imagery comprises first color information, second color information and third color information; means for compressing the captured imagery captured by said image sensor; means for detecting the encoded information from the captured imagery, in which said detecting utilizes different color information weightings so that at least the first color information and the third color information are weighted differently than one another for detection of the encoded information; and means for providing the encoded information for output or display, once the encoded information is detected. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

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: This disclosure describes a distributed reader architecture for a mobile computing device such as cellular telephone handset.

Abstract: The present invention relate generally to digital watermarking and data hiding. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: electronic memory for storing first color data and second color data, the first color data and the second color data represent data from a color image signal or color video signal, and a digital watermark signal, the digital watermark signal serving to facilitate detection of a watermark message; means for separating the digital watermark signal into first frequency components and second frequency components; means for modifying the first color data by hiding the first frequency components therein; and means for modifying the second color data by hiding the second frequency components therein. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided too.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to advanced image processing and encoded signal processing.

Abstract: Consumer uses of mobile devices and electronic media are changing. Mobile devices include increased computational capabilities, mobile broadband access, better integrated sensors, and higher resolution screens. These enhanced features are driving increased consumption of media such as images, maps, e-books, audio, video, and games. As users become more accustomed to using mobile devices for media, opportunities arise for new digital watermarking usage models. For example, transient media, like images being displayed on screens, can be watermarked to provide a link between mobile devices, extending the reach of digital watermarking. Digital fingerprinting can also be employed. Applications based on these emerging usage models can provide richer user experiences and drive increased media consumption. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: There are many advantages to implementing a watermark-based system using dedicated hardware, rather than using software executing on a general purpose processor. These include higher speed and lower power consumption. However, hardware implementations incur substantial design and development costs. Moreover, because each watermarking application has its own design constraints and parameters, it has not been cost-effective to develop a hardware chip design for each, since such chips would typically not be manufactured in volumes sufficient to bring per-unit costs down to an acceptable level. The present technology provides various techniques for making watermarking hardware adaptable, so that a single chip can serve multiple diverse watermark applications. By so-doing, the advantages of hardware implementation are made available where it was formerly cost-prohibitive, thereby enhancing operation of a great variety of watermark-based systems.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements involving electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, wearable devices, etc., are disclosed. One arrangement involves a low-power processing technique for discerning cues from audio input. Another involves a technique for detecting audio activity based on the Kullback-Liebler divergence (KLD) (or a modified version thereof) of the audio input. Still other arrangements concern techniques for managing the manner in which policies are embodied on an electronic device. Others relate to distributed computing techniques. A great variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: This patent document relates generally to encoded information and digital watermarking. One claim recites an image capture device comprising: an optical system; an image sensor on a substrate for capturing imagery provided by the optical system, in which captured imagery includes encoded information, and in which the captured imagery comprises first color information, second color information and third color information; means for compressing the captured imagery captured by said image sensor; means for detecting the encoded information from the captured imagery, in which said detecting utilizes different color information weightings so that at least the first color information and the third color information are weighted differently than one another for detection of the encoded information; and means for providing the encoded information for output or display, once the encoded information is detected. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: This patent document relates generally to steganography and digital watermarking. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: electronic memory for buffering samples corresponding to a digital image; means for analyzing a digital image relative to an expected workflow process, the expected workflow process comprising optical capture of a printed version of the digital image, the digital image comprising data representing process colors CMY; means for applying tone correction to the digital image, said means for applying yielding an altered digital image; means for transforming the altered digital image with digital watermarking, the digital watermarking conveying a plural-bit message; and a processor configured for providing the transformed, altered digital image. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: Spectral encoding methods are more robust when used with improved weak signal detection and synchronizations methods. Further robustness gains are achieved by using informed embedding, error correction and embedding protocols that enable signal to noise enhancements by folding and pre-filtering the received signal.

Abstract: Audio signal processing enhances audio watermark embedding and detecting processes. Audio signal processes include audio classification and adapting watermark embedding and detecting based on classification. Advances in audio watermark design include adaptive watermark signal structure data protocols, perceptual models, and insertion methods. Perceptual and robustness evaluation is integrated into audio watermark embedding to optimize audio quality relative the original signal, and to optimize robustness or data capacity. These methods are applied to audio segments in audio embedder and detector configurations to support real time operation. Feature extraction and matching are also used to adapt audio watermark embedding and detecting.

Abstract: Sparse signal modulation schemes encode a data channel on a host image in a manner that is robust, flexible to achieve perceptual quality constraints, and provides improved data capacity. The host image is printed by any of a variety of means to apply the image, with sparse signal, to an object. After image capture of the object, a decoder processes the captured image to detect and extract data modulated into the sparse signal. The sparse signal may incorporate implicit or explicit synchronization components, which are either formed from the data signal or are complementary to it.

Abstract: Audio sounds are captured from a subject's body, e.g., using a smartphone or a worn array of microphones. Plural features are derived from the captured audio, and serve as fingerprint information. One such feature may be a time interval over which a threshold part of spectral energy in the audio is expressed. Another may be a frequency bandwidth within which a second threshold part of the spectral energy is expressed. Such fingerprint information is provided to a knowledge base that contains reference fingerprint data and associated metadata. The knowledge base matches the fingerprint with reference fingerprint data, and provides associated metadata in return—which can comprise diagnostic information related to the captured sounds. In some arrangements, an audio signal or pressure waveform stimulates the body at one location, and is sensed at another, to discern information about the intervening transmission medium. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Supplemental network services are synchronized with a program using the program's audio signal. A synchronization method employs local caching of portions of a fingerprint database to manage network services for identifying which programs a user's mobile device is exposed to and the timing of events within the program. The system enables background recognition and synchronization of network services in a way that consumes less device power and bandwidth.