Patents by Inventor Sean Calhoon
Sean Calhoon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20160364634Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Bruce L. Davis, Tony F. Rodriguez, Geoffrey B. Rhoads, John D. Lord, Alastair M. Reed, Eric D. Evans, Rebecca L. Gerlach, Yang Bai, John Stach, Tomas Filler, Marc G. Footen, Sean Calhoon
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Publication number: 20160267620Abstract: In one aspect, assembly of multi-part food packaging is checked by reference to payloads of steganographically-encoded digital watermarks printed across plural components of the packaging. Marking all surfaces of the packaging components allows arbitrary orientation of feed stock in assembly equipment, and wide latitude in placement of inspection cameras along the packaging line. In another aspect, a scanner at a retail checkout station is alert to any gap detected in steganographic encoding on retail product packaging and, if found, alerts an operator to possible presence of an adhesive label with a misleading barcode. A great variety of others features and arrangements are also detailed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Sean Calhoon, Tony F. Rodriguez, William Y. Conwell
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Patent number: 9412143Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the technological arts of digital watermarking and fingerprinting. One claim recites a method comprising: obtaining digital data representing imagery captured with a camera; storing the digital data at a location in electronic memory; processing the digital data with a processor, said processing comprising generating a digital fingerprint of the imagery; storing the digital fingerprint of the imagery and the location in a storage repository or index; transforming the digital data with digital watermarking upon a request to output the digital imagery to a physical domain, said digital watermarking comprising a plural bit identifier; and associating the plural bit identifier with the fingerprint and location in the storage repository or index. Of course, other combinations, features and claims are disclosed as well.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Sean Calhoon, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20150154231Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to improve network searching for watermarked content. In some implementations we employ keyword searching to narrow the universe of possible URL candidates. A resulting URL list is searched for digital watermarking A system is provided to allow customer input. For example, a customer enters keywords or network locations. The keywords or network locations are provided to a watermark-enabled web browser which accesses locations associated with the keywords or network locations. Some implementations of the present invention employ a plurality of distributed watermark-enabled web browsers. Other aspects of the invention provide methods and system to facilitate desktop searching and automated metadata gathering and generating. In one implementation a digital watermark is used to determine whether metadata associated with an image or audio file is current or fresh. The metadata is updated when it is out of date.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Sean Calhoon, Alastair M. Reed
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Patent number: 8953908Abstract: The present disclosure relates to signal processing. One claim recites a method comprising: receiving an imagery or audio file; utilizing a configured multi-purpose electronic processor, identifying perceptual features in the imagery or audio file; and based on the perceptual features or data representing the perceptual features automatically creating metadata for the imagery or audio file. The act of automatically creating metadata utilizes at least some data obtained from a process in a portable computing device, the process comprises communication with a device that is separate from an apparatus that is performing the method. Of course, other claims and are provided too.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Sean Calhoon, Alastair M. Reed
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Publication number: 20140132994Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus employing digital watermarking and/or steganography. In one implementation a cell phone includes watermarking capabilities to facilitate image transfer/receipt. Other implementations are detailed herein as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Sean Calhoon, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 8573476Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Patent number: 8570586Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to methods and apparatus employing digital watermarking. Once claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory for storing received digital imagery or audio, in which the digital imagery or audio comprises digital watermarking including a first instruction, in which the digital watermarking is hidden in the digital imagery or audio through alterations of data representing the digital imagery or through alterations of data representing the audio; and an electronic processor programmed for: decoding the digital watermark from the digital imagery or audio to obtain a first instruction; and based at least in part on the obtained first instruction, updating said apparatus when an address associated with the digital imagery or audio changes. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Sean Calhoon, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20120318861Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Patent number: 8261973Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Patent number: 8240564Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Publication number: 20120181334Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Patent number: 8051293Abstract: Various improvements to data processing systems involve enhancements to BIOS functionality, use of identifiers associated with specific instances of hardware, and data hiding techniques—sometimes alone, sometimes in combination. Many of these improvements can be applied to increase the security of computer systems, and networks of which they form part.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Sean Calhoon, J. Scott Carr, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20100006648Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack,is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Publication number: 20090144534Abstract: Various improvements to data processing systems involve enhancements to BIOS functionality, use of identifiers associated with specific instances of hardware, and data hiding techniques—sometimes alone, sometimes in combination. Many of these improvements can be applied to increase the security of computer systems, and networks of which they form part.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Sean Calhoon, J. Scott Carr, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7450734Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to improve network searching for watermarked content. In some implementations we employ keyword searching to narrow the universe of possible URL candidates. A resulting URL list is searched for digital watermarking. A system is provided to allow customer input. For example, a customer enters keywords or network locations. The keywords or network locations are provided to a watermark-enabled web browser which accesses locations associated with the keywords or network locations. Some implementations of the present invention employ a plurality of distributed watermark-enabled web browsers. Other aspects of the invention provide methods and system to facilitate desktop searching and automated metadata gathering and generating. In one implementation a digital watermark is used to determine whether metadata associated with an image or audio file is current or fresh. The metadata is updated when it is out of date.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Sean Calhoon, Geoffrey B. Rhoads, J. Scott Carr
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Patent number: 7370190Abstract: Various improvements to data processing systems involve enhancements to BIOS functionality, use of identifiers associated with specific instances of hardware, and data hiding techniques—sometimes alone, sometimes in combination. Many of these improvements can be applied to increase the security of computer systems, and networks of which they form part.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Sean Calhoon, J. Scott Carr, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20070091376Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus employing digital watermarking and/or steganography. In one implementation a printer includes watermarking capabilities to facilitate image management. Other implementations are detailed herein as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2006Publication date: April 26, 2007Inventors: Sean Calhoon, Tony Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20060200672Abstract: Various improvements to data processing systems involve enhancements to BIOS functionality, use of identifiers associated with specific instances of hardware, and data hiding techniques—sometimes alone, sometimes in combination. Many of these improvements can be applied to increase the security of computer systems, and networks of which they form part.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2005Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Sean Calhoon, J. Carr, Tony Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20060115108Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to improve network searching for watermarked content. In some implementations we employ keyword searching to narrow the universe of possible URL candidates. A resulting URL list is searched for digital watermarking. A system is provided to allow customer input. For example, a customer enters keywords or network locations. The keywords or network locations are provided to a watermark-enabled web browser which accesses locations associated with the keywords or network locations. Some implementations of the present invention employ a plurality of distributed watermark-enabled web browsers. Other aspects of the invention provide methods and system to facilitate desktop searching and automated metadata gathering and generating. In one implementation a digital watermark is used to determine whether metadata associated with an image or audio file is current or fresh. The metadata is updated when it is out of date.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Tony Rodriguez, Sean Calhoon, Alastair Reed