Abstract: An automated batch identifier registration and embedding system for media signals, such as image, video and audio files. A batch identifier registration system enables a user to submit a request for a batch of unique identifiers to be embedded in media signals. The user submits a request for a batch of IDs. The batch registration system verifies the accuracy of the request, sends a confirmation, allocates IDs, creates corresponding entries in a registration database, and creates embedder files used in a batch embedding process. The user may then submit a request for embedder files. To perform automated batch embedding, a watermark embedder takes the embedder files and corresponding list of media signal files as input and automatically embeds identifiers supplied in the embedder files into corresponding media signal files.

Abstract: Costs associated with accessing the internet from a public terminal are borne by one or more sponsors. The terminal thus sponsored may, in exchange, be limited in the internet domains it is capable of browsing. If a user wishes to browse beyond the sponsored domains, a usage charge may be assessed. In other arrangements, web cards (like pre-paid phone cards) may be sold at retail establishments (or issued by libraries), to permit web browsing from compliant terminals. A variety of other arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A method of segmenting a media signal for parallel watermarking operations sub-divides the media signal into segments, distributes the segments to parallel processors, and performs parallel digital watermark operations on the segments in the parallel processors. These parallel processors may comprise separate threads of execution on a processing unit, or several execution threads distributed to several processing units. In one enhancement, the method prioritizes the segments for watermarking operations. This enables finite processing resources to be allocated to segments in order of their priority. Further, processing resources are devoted to segments where the digital watermark is more likely to be imperceptible and/or readable. A system for distributed watermark embedding operations includes a watermark signal generator, a perceptual analyzer and a watermark applicator.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for associating content objects (e.g., paper documents, audio and video files, etc.) with corresponding information and/or action. One arrangement employs an architecture comprising a registration server, a router, and one or more product handlers. Identifiers for the content objects can be obtained in various ways, including decoding a digital watermark, deriving an identifier by hashing music data, sensing machine-readable data such as RFID or barcode data, etc. One particular method involves applying an algorithmic process to produce music- or video-content-identifying data; wirelessly sending the content-identifying data from the device in one or more packets including XML compliant data; and, as a consequence, receiving data back. By reference to this data, the receiving device presents information to a user that identifies a title of the content, and a performer of the content.

Abstract: A machine readable code (e.g., digital watermark or bar code) conveyed with objects is used in establishing links to associated electronic resources, such as web pages. The object can be physical (e.g., a magazine page) or electronic (e.g., music data). The associated electronic resource can be a web site from which goods or services (e.g., music) may be offered for sale. In some embodiments, when a code is sensed from one object, the system can foresee other object codes that may soon be sensed, and can anticipatorily provide address information for their respectively associated electronic resources. In another embodiment, the microphone of a cell phone is used to listen to ambient audio. A watermark in the audio is decoded and its payload is used to link to, or provide, related information. A variety of other concepts are also detailed, such as permitting the free distribution of low fidelity music as marketing agents for higher fidelity versions that are available for sale.

Abstract: A method of linking a content object with a network resource presents a content object to a reader, discerns an identifier associated with the content object, transfers the identifier to an indexing system, and in response receives an internet address corresponding to the content object. To enhance the response of the indexing system, it includes multiple routers, which it selects based on location relative to the reader. For example, the method sends user location data to a master system, and in response, receives an address of an indexing system close to the user location.

Abstract: A method of linking a content object with a network resource presents a content object to a reader, discerns an identifier associated with the content object, transfers the identifier to an indexing system, and in response receives an internet address corresponding to the content object. To enhance the response of the indexing system, it includes multiple routers, which it selects based on location relative to the reader. For example, the method sends user location data to a master system, and in response, receives an address of an indexing system close to the user location.

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 portable wireless phone device includes a module configured to derive identification data from audio or visual content. The phone device transmits a packet of data to a remote system that includes both context or environment data, and also at least part of this derived identification data. A great number of other features and improvements are also detailed.

Abstract: A method of linking a content object with a network resource presents a content object to a reader, discerns an identifier associated with the content object, transfers the identifier to an indexing system, and in response receives an internet address corresponding to the content object. To enhance the response of the indexing system, it includes multiple routers, which it selects based on location relative to the reader. For example, the method sends user location data to a master system, and in response, receives an address of an indexing system close to the user location.

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 method of linking a content object with a network resource presents a content object to a reader, discerns an identifier associated with the content object, transfers the identifier to an indexing system, and in response receives an internet address corresponding to the content object. To enhance the response of the indexing system, it includes multiple routers, which it selects based on location relative to the reader. For example, the method sends user location data to a master system, and in response, receives an address of an indexing system close to the user location.

Abstract: A method of linking a content object with a network resource presents a content object to a reader, discerns an identifier associated with the content object, transfers the identifier to an indexing system, and in response receives an internet address corresponding to the content object. To enhance the response of the indexing system, it includes multiple routers, which it selects based on location relative to the reader. For example, the method sends user location data to a master system, and in response, receives an address of an indexing system close to the user location.

Abstract: A machine readable code (e.g., digital watermark or bar code) conveyed with objects is used in establishing links to associated electronic resources, such as web pages. The object can be physical (e.g., a magazine page) or electronic (e.g., music data). The associated electronic resource can be a web site from which goods or services (e.g., music) may be offered for sale.

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.

Abstract: A watermark embedded in a content (e.g., a printed document, digital audio, etc.) includes data that associates the content with a remote store of related data. For example, an image watermark may contain an index value that identifies a database record specifying (a) the owner's name; (b) contact information; (c) license terms and conditions, (d) copyright date, (e) whether adult content is depicted, etc., etc. Or a magazine advertisement may contain an index value that identifies a database record specifying a related URL. Sometimes there are several back-and-forth exchanges between the decoding device and the database. To speed response time, it is desirable that this traffic be exchanged with a database that is located close—in network proximity—to the device that decodes the watermark. In one embodiment this is accomplished by first querying a master database with the zip code, or other identifier, of the decoding device.