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: The present invention relates generally to processing video signals. One claim recites a method including: utilizing a multi-purpose electronic processor programmed for analyzing a video signal to derive or calculate an identifier from data representing picture elements of the video signal or from data representing audio accompanying the video signal; providing the identifier to electronic memory or to a remote repository to obtain advertizing information; receiving advertizing information from the electronic memory or the remote repository; and controlling rendering of the advertizing information such that the advertizing information is synchronized with at least a portion of the video signal when rendered. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Abstract: A system for determining location and timing information in a cellular network includes a space-time calibration unit (SCU) and a plurality of nodes in communication with the SCU. Each node includes a node ping driver that receives frame synchronization information from a respective subset of cell sites, and associates the frame synchronization information with respective receive count stamps generated using a local node clock. The system also includes a user handset that includes a handset ping driver that receives the frame synchronization information from a serving cell site and one or more neighbor cell sites, and associates the frame synchronization information with respective receive count stamps generated using a local handset clock. The SCU uses the information from the node and handset ping drivers to determine a handset location.

Abstract: This application relates, e.g., to processing video and audio. One claim recites a method including: utilizing a multi-purpose electronic processor programmed for analyzing a video signal to derive or calculate an identifier from data representing picture elements of the video signal or from data representing audio accompanying the video signal; providing the identifier to memory or to a remote repository to obtain advertizing information; receiving advertizing information from the memory or the remote repository; and controlling rendering of the advertizing information such that the advertizing information is synchronized with at least a portion of the video signal when rendered. Of course, additional claims and combinations are provided.

Abstract: Driver's licenses and other security documents include one or more machine-readable features, each conveying plural bits of information. These features are used in a variety of ways to increase security, and/or to enhance functionality. In one embodiment, data encoded on a driver's license is used at airport check-in, to link to a state DMV database and obtain information by which the document, and its custodian, can be authenticated. In like fashion, a license can be used to authenticate a bearer and/or his/her age prior to the sale of alcohol or tobacco products. In other embodiments, different elements of a driver's license (e.g., the substrate, photo, text data, and machine-readable data) are logically bound together (e.g., interlinked through payloads conveyed by different machine-readable features) as a deterrent against counterfeiting. Driver's licenses can be similarly logically bound to personal checks and other documents. Many other arrangements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variety of systems responsive to watermarked documents are detailed. In one, watermarking is employed to facilitate system access. In another, security is provided through analyzing digitally watermarked documents. In yet another, a digital watermark-based combination lock is adapted to analyze a sequence (and perhaps an orientation) of presented digitally watermarked cards.

Abstract: Methods and systems for associating objects with corresponding machine behaviors. Machine behaviors refer to responsive actions that are triggered when an object (which may be physical or electronic) is encountered. Examples of these behaviors include fetching a web page, executing software instructions, etc. A registration system enables machine behaviors to be associated with objects through use of object identifiers. For an electronic object such as an audio or video signal, the identifier can comprise a steganographic in-band watermark, a numeric ID or song/artist name field in a in a file header; a 128-bit hash value obtained by applying a hashing algorithm to the content data, the file header data, a portion thereof, etc. The disclosure particularly focuses on an embodiment utilizing stickers as objects, and watermarks as identifiers, but the technology can be implemented in many other, different, forms.

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.One particular arrangement is a method in which a PDA, wristwatch, or other portable device with a display screen presents an image that depicts a proprietor of the device, and also includes a machine-readable identifier (e.g., a watermark or barcode). This image is sensed by a separate device, such as a webcam or a camera-equipped cell phone. The sensing device can then take an action based on the identifier (e.g., linking to an email account or to a web site that corresponds to the person depicted on the display screen).

Abstract: Watermarks in video signals or the accompanying audio track are used to associate video objects in a video sequence with object specific actions or information. A video object refers to a spatial and temporal portion of a video signal that depicts a recognizable object, such as a character, prop, graphic, etc. Each frame of a video signal may have one or more video objects. The auxiliary information is embedded in video or audio signals using “steganographic” methods, such as digital watermarks. By encoding object specific information into video or an accompanying audio track, the watermarks transform video objects into “watermark enabled” video objects that provide information, actions or links to additional information or actions during playback of a video or audio-visual program. A similar concept may be applied to audio objects, i.e. portions of audio that are attributable to a particular speaker, character, instrument, artist, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques whereby objects are readily identified. These inventive techniques are ideally suited for traffic monitoring. In one implementation a vehicle is marked with a machine-readable code on an outer, top surface of the vehicle. An elevated or aerial platform captures an image of the vehicle. A detector analyzes the captured image to recover the machine-readable code. The vehicle is identified from such. Traffic congestion can be determined by monitoring the movement of a marked vehicle through the city traffic. In some implementations the machine-readable code comprises an identifier, which is used to interrogate a database for related information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for associating watermark enabled objects with machine behaviors. Machine behaviors refer to actions by devices or systems in response to a triggering event. Examples of these behaviors include fetching a web page, opening an email client to send an email to a specific person, initiating a phone or video conference call, etc. A registration system enables users to associate machine behaviors with objects through a watermark embedded in the objects. The decoding of the watermark initiates a process for triggering the machine behaviors associated with the watermarked object. While the disclosure describes an implementation for stickers as a class of watermark enabled objects, the system and related methods apply to other forms of watermark enabled objects, including both electronic and physical objects.

Abstract: A variety of systems responsive to watermarked documents are detailed. In one, watermarking is employed to facilitate system access. In another, security is provided through analyzing digitally watermarked documents. In yet another, a digital watermark-based combination lock is adapted to analyze a sequence (and perhaps an orientation) of presented digitally watermarked cards.

Abstract: A watermark-based age verification system is provided in one implementation. The verification system may also verify a biometric template against a biometric sample. Shelf-life identification documents are provided in another implementation. Another aspect of the present invention analyzes image data to identify a face region or silhouette associated with a human subject depicted in the image data. The image data is adjusted, e.g., to center or align a face region within an image frame. A digital watermark is embedded after realignment. Another aspect authenticates or handles digital images that are captured at a first location and transferred to a second location via watermarking. In another implementation, first machine-readable code on an identification document layer is cross-correlated with second machine-readable code on the identification document.

Abstract: Digital watermarks can be employed in conjunction with trading cards (e.g., baseball cards, fantasy game cards, etc.) to serve a variety of purposes. Among these are facilitating on-line collecting and game-play. Digital watermarks may also be used in distinguishing genuine cards from counterfeits.

Abstract: Driver's licenses and other security documents include one or more machine-readable features, each conveying plural bits of information. These features are used in a variety of ways to increase security, and/or to enhance functionality. In one embodiment, data encoded on a driver's license is used at airport check-in, to link to a state DMV database and obtain information by which the document, and its custodian, can be authenticated. In like fashion, a license can be used to authenticate a bearer and/or his/her age prior to the sale of alcohol or tobacco products. In other embodiments, different elements of a driver's license (e.g., the substrate, photo, text data, and machine-readable data) are logically bound together (e.g., interlinked through payloads conveyed by different machine-readable features) as a deterrent against counterfeiting. Driver's licenses can be similarly logically bound to personal checks and other documents. Many other arrangements are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and systems for visibly altering a security card in response to detecting a change in access permission, such as an event that invalidates the card. In one implementation, a machine-readable code on the card carries an index to a database of access permission information. A reader extracts the code from the card when its bearer presents it for validation. The reader looks up the access permission and either permits access, denies access, or invalidates the card. One mode for invalidating the card visibly alters the card so that other personnel can identify the card as being invalid through visible inspection.

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 provides various authentication and digital watermarking methods and apparatus. In one implementation, we use our techniques to authenticate clothing, e.g., flight jackets and designer clothing. The clothing includes machine-readable indicia, which is generally imperceptible to a human observer of the clothing. The method includes the steps of: i) providing the clothing to an optical sensor, which produces image data corresponding to the clothing; ii) analyzing the image data to detect the machine-readable indicia; and determining based at least in part on the machine-readable indicia whether the clothing is authentic.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques whereby objects are readily identified. These inventive techniques are ideally suited for traffic monitoring. In one implementation a vehicle is marked with a machine-readable code on an outer, top surface of the vehicle. An elevated or aerial platform captures an image of the vehicle. A detector analyzes the captured image to recover the machine-readable code. The vehicle is identified from such. Traffic congestion can be determined by monitoring the movement of a marked vehicle through the city traffic. In some implementations the machine-readable code comprises an identifier, which is used to interrogate a database for related information.

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.