Having Watermark Patents (Class 283/113)
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Patent number: 7710610Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit adapted to form images of a plurality of colors in a manner in which a predetermined pattern of a predetermined color is registered thereon and superimpose those images to form a color image, a controller configured to control the image forming unit so as to form a patch image of each color for density detection, and a detector configured to detect the density of each of the patch images. The controller controls the image forming unit so as to superimpose the predetermined pattern of the predetermined color upon the patch image of a predetermined color and not to superimpose the predetermined pattern of the predetermined color upon the patch images of the other colors.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinji Katagiri, Yoichiro Maebashi
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Patent number: 7704586Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic molded bodies having two-dimensional or three-dimensional image structures produced in the interior through laser subsurface engraving. The plastic molded bodies are made of plastic materials which have a content of nanoscale metal oxides having particle sizes from 1 to 500 nm, both the plastic material and also the included metal oxide being transparent to the laser light used for producing the image structures. The plastic materials from which the molded bodies are manufactured particularly contain metal oxides having particle sizes from 5 to 100 nm at a content of 0.0001 to 0.1 weight-percent. Typical metal oxides are nanoscale indium-tin oxide or antimony-tin oxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Degussa AGInventors: Klaus-Dieter Schübel, Jürgen Kreutz, Wilhelm Wolff, Günther Ittmann, Thomas Hasskerl, Harald Häger, Ralf Richter, Wolfgang Stuber
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Patent number: 7704585Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in paper, and in particular to the use of watermarks and/or embossings for strengthening paper sheets and documents made therefrom. The invention therefore provides a sheet of paper having at least three corners and three sides joined at said corners, wherein corner reinforcing watermarks are provided at each of said corners. Alternatively, or in addition, corner reinforcing embossings are provided at each of said corners.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: De La Rue International LimitedInventors: Nicholas G. Pearson, Paul Howland
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Patent number: 7706025Abstract: Provided herein are teachings directed to the creation of moiré-based auto-stereoscopic watermarks in rendered images. By choosing different halftone structures, which differ by having different spatial frequencies for each of two delineated partitions in an image, it becomes possible to embed arbitrary binary patterns into printed documents as digital watermarks. The invisible watermarks become moiré auto-stereoscopic images when the prints are viewed through an overlaid transparency “decoder” suitably prepared by virtue of being rendered with a uniform halftone structure having the correct special frequency in relationship with the partition frequencies employed in the printed document.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Shen-Ge Wang
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Patent number: 7697716Abstract: An image is processed to encode a digital watermark, with different regions thereof processed using different levels of watermark intensity. In an image comprised of elements of differing sizes (e.g., halftone shapes of different sizes, or lines of different width), the different regions can be defined by reference to the sizes of elements contained therein. Regions characterized by relatively small elements can be watermarked at a relatively low intensity. Regions characterized by relatively large elements can be watermarked at a relatively high intensity. A variety of other features are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Marc D. Miller, Donald Haaga, Tony F. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7660429Abstract: A watermarked halftone image is generated from a continuous tone image by performing error diffusion halftoning on the continuous tone image while adding a watermark to the halftone image during the halftoning. A location of the watermark in the halftone image may be based on prediction criteria. Error caused by adding the watermark may be diffused into the halftone image.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Doron Shaked, Izhak Baharav
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Patent number: 7657750Abstract: A digital watermark may be applied to digital image data to produce watermarked digital image data. A transformation may be applied to the watermarked digital image data to produce transformed watermarked digital image data. The transformation may approximate the inverse of a transformation that represents distortion caused by transmission through a print-scan channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Bertrand Haas
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Publication number: 20090296981Abstract: The present application discloses a system, method and device for placing substantially invisible marks comprising alphanumeric characters, symbols, or bar codes, on a page using clear ink or toner, which may then be read by a spectrophotometer. Such substantially invisible marks are not viewable to the unaided eye of a human observer, do not distract a viewer, and allow the viewer to focus their attention on the printed matter and text of interest to the viewer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Lalit Keshav Mestha, Peter Stanley Fisher
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Patent number: 7620198Abstract: A watermark coding method and its recording medium utilize image interleaving and wavelet-based transformation to enhance the robustness of the image. The watermark series to be inserted is converted, encrypted, and modulated to increase the difficulty in decoding and restoring. Finally, the watermark is distributed and hidden in various frequency bands of the image in a frequency hopping way, generating a robust watermarked image. When used in a recording medium, side information produced during coding is recorded in the lead-in area of the recording medium to reduce the chances of illegal copying.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chien-Ju Li, Guo-Zua Wu, Meng-Han Tsai, Kun-Ta Wu
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Patent number: 7616837Abstract: A predetermined region set on a grayscale image is divided into rectangles each having a predetermined size (S706), and piled patterns which hold the accumulated values of pixel values at identical pixel positions upon piling up the divided rectangles is generated (S707). An alignment pattern is generated by calculating the logical sum of respective bit expression patterns (S708). A peak position which matches the alignment pattern on the piled patterns best is obtained (S710). The position of the predetermined region is corrected based on the peak position, and the predetermined region after correction is divided into rectangles each having the predetermined size (S711) Patterns in the divided rectangles are recognized (S712). Embedding information corresponding to each recognized pattern is specified (S713).Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jun Tamaru
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Patent number: 7599099Abstract: A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including added digital information is generated by an on-demand output of the pattern by a printer. An image processing apparatus for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image includes: a pattern storage section for storing a plurality of patterns that constitute a camouflage pattern image and that respectively represent specific bit values; an information input unit for inputting arbitrary information; and a camouflage pattern image structuring unit for receiving the information from the information input unit to represent a bit string of a binary representation of the information as an arrangement of a plurality of patterns. The image processing apparatus further includes a random number generation unit for generating a random number sequence; and a selection output unit for receiving the random number sequence from the unit and the information outputted from the information input unit to output, based on predetermined information, any one of them.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jun Tamaru
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Patent number: 7593137Abstract: A multi-gradation image such as a face image of a person in which sub-information is to be embedded is subjected to a preprocess by a preprocessing section based on a relationship between certain image data and read image data of a printed matter on which the certain image data is printed, sub-information is embedded into the multi-gradation image subjected to the preprocess by the preprocessing section by use of an digital watermark embedding section in an invisible state to the human eye, and the multi-gradation image having the sub-information embedded therein by the digital watermark embedding section is subjected to a post-process corresponding to the preprocess performed by the preprocessing section by use of a post-processing section.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takeo Miki, Takashi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7593138Abstract: Adobe Postscript's setoverprint and setoverprintmode operations, an imager and Object Optimized Rendering (OCR) technology can be combined to achieve a watermark result by either tagging lower image areas as text or other intents, or by changing color values. Separations from stacked objects are combinable with control over OOR tags and color values to achieve special effects are described. Mechanisms of the present embodiment would provide the option where special areas can either disappear and retain the lower object attributes or modify lower object runs with special effect algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Eric S. Barnes
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Patent number: 7577841Abstract: A method of placing a watermark in a video stream estimates motion between frames in the video stream, and computes a representative motion for a frame. Before embedding the watermark in that frame, the method spatially adjusts a digital watermark by the representative motion. This method is particularly suited for embedding a watermark in a video stream compressed using motion estimation. In this case, the method uses the motion vectors in the video stream to compute a dominant motion for a frame, and then shifts the watermark by this dominant motion before embedding it in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventor: Mehmet U. Celik
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Publication number: 20090161908Abstract: Techniques for making and using recoverable marks for films. The recoverable mark consists of a portion of a film to which a watermark that is imperceptible to viewers of the film has been applied and an original mark that is applied to the portion of the film with the watermark. Application of the original mark to the portion modifies the watermark, and consequently, if the original mark is altered, the modifications to the watermark preserve the original mark. In one application of the technique, the watermark is applied to a digital master of the film, a master analog copy is made from the digital master, and a unique original mark is applied to each of the copies made from the master analog copy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2005Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Mike Arthur Derrenbrger, Jian Zhao
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Patent number: 7545541Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing metadata embedded in a color measurement target to uniquely identify the target through color measurement. A color measurement target is used for color calibration, color characterization, color adjustment and/or color correction of a color output device and includes a collection of color patches imaged by the output device, wherein metadata is embedded directly into the color patches of the color measurement target to uniquely identify the target through color measurement. The metadata-bearing patches in the target are used to communicate information through color measurement, and can contribute to the color characterization.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.Inventors: John Charles Dalrymple, James Zhixin Chang
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Publication number: 20090125506Abstract: Provided is a method for managing messages in an archiving system for E-Discovery. The method includes capturing a message by classifying the message using at least one of a port number, a packet content and a packet pattern at the time of messaging a message transmitted by all communication devices officially recognized in a company, storing the message at an on-line storage through an indexing and a compression after removing a duplicate content of the message for a large capacity retrieval, and backing up the data at a unalterable permanent recording media in accordance with a priority selectively designated according to the attribute.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Somansa Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dae Hwan KIM
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Patent number: 7529941Abstract: A system and method of retrieving a watermark in a watermarked signal are disclosed. The watermarked signal comprises odd and even overlapped blocks where the watermark is contained in the even blocks. The method comprises, for each k-th even block, subtracting the two adjacent odd numbered blocks from the k-th even block of the watermarked signal to retrieve s*k(n), transforming s*k(n) into the frequency domain to generate Sk(f), calculating a phase of Sk(f) as ?(f) and a phase of Sk(f) as ?(f), calculating the difference ?(f) between ?(f) and ?(f), unwrapping ?(f) to obtain the phase modulation {tilde over (?)}k(f), and using a Viterbi search to retrieve the watermark embedded in {tilde over (?)}k(f).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: James David Johnston, Shyh-Shiaw Kuo, Schuyler Reynier Quackenbush, William Turin
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Patent number: 7493491Abstract: A server stores original data without a water-mark. When a user at a terminal apparatus connected with the server requests the server to display the original data on a display of the terminal apparatus, the server transforms the original data into an image data. Then the server adds a water-mark to the image data and transmits the image data with the water-mark to the terminal apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Ootsuka, Ikuo Yoshida, Koichi Nagoshi, Kiyohiko Honda, Takayuki Fukushima
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Patent number: 7489797Abstract: A method of fragile watermarking is characterized by the step of generating at least a first ill-conditioned operator, said ill-conditioned operator being related to values extracted from an image or portion thereof A.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventor: Ebroul Izquierdo
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Publication number: 20090001709Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-ply security paper for manufacturing security or value documents, such as banknotes, identification cards and the like. Into a first paper ply (52) is introduced an endless security element (54) that is freely accessible on at least one side of the paper ply (52). The first paper ply (52) is covered on the freely accessible side of the security element (54) by a second paper ply (56), and the second paper ply (56) exhibits one or more openings (58) in the region of the security element (54).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2006Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventors: Friedrich Kretschmar, Mario Keller, Ralf Liebler, Jurgen Ruck, Wolfgang Wensauer, Theodor Burchard, Thomas Bodendieck, Gregor Grauvogl, Horst Reigl
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Patent number: 7471401Abstract: The present invention aims that in a printing environment holding only a print instruction and a print data, a printing system capable of updating, changing, correcting, etc. only an additional drawing object is provided by holding an instruction about printing of an additional drawing object (added information) based on the print instruction. In printing out print data on a target page with an additional drawing object added, a job ticket generation means generates a job ticket according to the information about an additional drawing object and instruction information about the printout. Printout means perform printout based on the job ticket generated by the job ticket generating means.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuyuki Saito
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Digital watermark processing apparatus, and digital contents distribution system using the apparatus
Patent number: 7461255Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide a digital watermark processing apparatus, which can embed a digital watermark while minimizing quality deterioration of objective contents. The image segmentation step segments objective contents into a plurality of partial contents. The encryption step encrypts designated one of the plurality of partial contents. The digital watermarking step embeds a digital watermark in the encrypted partial contents by a scheme corresponding to the characteristics or the purpose of use of an image. The decryption step decrypts the encrypted partial contents embedded with the digital watermark.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keiichi Iwamura -
Patent number: 7447329Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for producing a document verifiable for its forgery or alteration, and apparatus and method for authenticating the document. A barcode is generated based on the information included in the document, and also watermark is generated based on the information included in the document. The generated barcode and watermark are combined, and the combined barcode and watermark are inserted in the document so as to produce the document. When authenticating the document, the document is detected so as to extract the barcode inserted in the document and the information included in the extracted barcode and the information included in the document are compared, and also the document is detected so as to extract the watermark inserted in the document and the information included in the extracted watermark and the information included in the document are compared.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Markany Inc.Inventors: Jong-Uk Choi, Jong-Won Kim
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Publication number: 20080252066Abstract: A method and system for identifying, tracking, and/or authenticating objects that is simple to apply and to use by an intended user, but is extremely difficult to counterfeit or compromise by an unintended user. Also disclosed is a multi-color, co-planar indicium made of a combination of printed patterns of multiple inks. The printed patterns may be modified by software-generated masks to ensure that the patterns are co-planar. The indicium is undecipherable unless irradiated with specified wavelengths of light radiation, filtered through specified spectral filters, and read and decoded by an electronic image reader. The indicium may be visible or covert. The indicium encodes unique true information about the object and may encode nonsensical or intentionally incorrect information as a further deterrent to unauthorized use. The method permits the indicia to be applied to objects at high processing speeds possible with inkjet printing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: William Ross Rapoport, Karl J. Smith, Howard A. Fraenkel
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Patent number: 7409060Abstract: A digital watermarking technique is disclosed, in which image data are converted to frequency components through discrete wavelet transform and quantized into a set of quantized coefficients, which are then divided into a plurality of blocks. A digital watermark is embedded in the quantized coefficients by performing ON/OFF adjustment of bit information, such that the relation between natural number T and the bit information defined by N (N is an even number) significant bits Qnm (x, y) of the m-th bit plane of the n-th block satisfies the ON state represented by equation (1), or the OFF state represented by equation (2), depending on whether the hash value of the n-th block is odd or even. Then the quantized coefficients are encoded to produce a code stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuyuki Nomizu, Hiroyuki Sakuyama, Junichi Hara, Nekka Matsuura, Takanori Yano, Taku Kodama, Toshio Miyazawa, Yasuyuki Shinkai, Takayuki Nishimura
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Patent number: 7399513Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in paper, and in particular to the use of watermarks and/or embossings for strengthening paper sheets and documents made therefrom. The invention therefore provides a sheet of paper having at least three corners and three sides joined at said corners, wherein corner reinforcing watermarks are provided at each of said corners. Alternatively, or in addition, corner reinforcing embossings are provided at each of said corners.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: De La Rue International LimitedInventors: Nicholas G. Pearson, Paul Howland
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Patent number: 7367593Abstract: A security document and a method of making and authenticating the document in which the document contains a security feature of an image/background pattern printed in one subtractive color on the document and at least one other but different image/background pattern printed in another subtractive color superimposed directly over the one image/background pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Adler Tech International, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Wicker
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Patent number: 7366301Abstract: A multiple-layered watermark is generated to be placed on document, to protect against counterfeiting and forgery. Hidden information embedded into each of the watermark's layers is only detectable by using a corresponding decoder. Because of the multiple-layered structure, it is difficult to reverse engineer the optical watermark. The generalized watermark structure significantly increases the “key space” of the decoder.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Trustcopy Pte Ltd.Inventors: Sheng Huang, Jian Kang Wu
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Patent number: 7354072Abstract: In authenticity determinable printed matter according to this invention, a background image portion and at least one message image portion are printed on a surface of a base member. The background image portion has a first line drawing which is arrayed in a first direction and printed by an ink with a specular gloss to have an ink layer thickness. The message image portion has a second line drawing which is arrayed in a second direction and printed by the ink with the specular gloss to have the ink layer thickness.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: National Printing Bureau, Incorporated Administrative AgencyInventors: Takao Yokote, Kazuo Itoh, Kazuhiko Shimada
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Patent number: 7287163Abstract: A digital watermark embedding apparatus divides data to be watermarked into a plurality of data areas on the basis of data characteristics, in time series, or on the basis of user selection and performs digital watermark embedding in which different algorithms are applied to the separate data areas. Unlike schemes that embed digital watermarks using an algorithm that is uniform with all data areas, a digital watermark can be embedded in accordance with each data area of an image. When the algorithm is selected in accordance with user input, the embedding algorithm can be selected in accordance with the characteristics of the human vision or auditory sense. Image/audio quality control and detection performance improvement are thus made possible, and deterioration in data quality can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Ogino
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Patent number: 7284128Abstract: A record medium for recording an information signal in which a first watermark and a second watermark have been embedded, the first watermark being embedded when the information signal is transmitted as an analog signal, the second watermark being embedded when the information signal is further transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yoichiro Sako
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Patent number: 7246239Abstract: The invention provides methods for embedding digital watermarks for authentication of printed objects, and corresponding methods for authenticating these objects. One aspect of the invention is a method of embedding a digital watermark in a digital image to be printed on an object. The method embeds an auxiliary signal in the digital image so that the auxiliary signal is substantially imperceptible, yet machine readable. It converts the image to a halftone image using an inherently unstable halftone screen structure that is likely to cause ink flow errors when reproduced. The errors introduced by reproducing the unstable halftone screen structure incorrectly are automatically detectable by reading the auxiliary signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Tony F. Rodriguez, Mark E. Haynes, Hugh L. Brunk, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
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Patent number: 7227671Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recording a watermark pattern on a color recording medium that forms an image using a number N of colorants, the method comprising the step of forming the watermark pattern using at least two colorants, but fewer than N colorants.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert J. Zolla, Paul W. Jones, J. Allen Heath, Scott P. MacKenzie, Thomas F. Powers
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Patent number: 7162453Abstract: A system for watermarking data associated with one or more products includes one or more software components that collectively generate an algorithm for creating a particular pattern in data associated with one or more products available from one or more sellers. The data is stored in one or more databases accessible to one or more buyer computers for search queries for data associated with certain of the products. The pattern facilitates identification of a copy of the data and does not substantially affect authorized use of the data by the one or more buyer computers or users associated with the buyer computers. The software components collectively apply the algorithm to the data to create the particular pattern in the data.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: i2 Technologies US, Inc.Inventor: Manoel Tenorio
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Patent number: 7154560Abstract: Digital watermarks can serve to indicate copyright ownership of digitized video. When video images are transmitted as transformed by discrete cosine transformation (DCT) for compression, with or without motion compensation, it is advantageous to include a watermark after transformation. To this end, a DCT watermark is generated for optimal visibility based on the original image data, and the generated watermark is superposed on the transformed data.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Shih-Fu Chang, Jianhao Meng
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Patent number: 7144166Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for printing a secure image on media using an inkjet printing device. The method includes printing an underlayer using an inkjet printing device that penetrates into a front surface of media. The underlayer is configured to define identification indicia. Included in the method is printing a secure image on top of the underlayer using an inkjet printing device. Examination of a back surface opposite the front surface allows viewing of the identification indicia for authenticating the secure image.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Gopalan Raman
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Patent number: 7126721Abstract: The present invention relates to protecting printed items intended for public exchange having important informational indicia provided therein. The print items are protected from tampering by providing an informational indicia image as a glossmark. By selectively applying halftones with anisotropic structure characteristics which are significantly different in orientation while remaining identical in density to render information indicia, a glossmark image is produced of the information indicia. Such an information indicia glossmark image when provided in print item image helps protect that print item image from tampering.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Shen-ge Wang, Beilei Xu, Chu-heng Liu
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Patent number: 7114750Abstract: The present invention provides a durable and self-verifying secure document system and a method for its production, wherein counterfeiting is prevented. The secure document system is potentially useful for a wide variety of documents including, but not limited to, lottery tickets, currency, traveler's checks, passports, stock and bond certificates, bank notes, driver's licenses, wills, coupons, rebates, contracts, food stamps, magnetic stripes, test answer forms, invoices, tickets, inventory forms, tags, labels and original artwork. The instant invention provides a plastic paper substitute having various indicia associated therewith including visible and hidden indicia. Application of the hidden indicia to the plastic paper substitute is implemented in accordance with a computer software program, and the document includes an integral lens area which is particularly designed to verify the document's authenticity by rendering the hidden indicia visible to the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Graphic Security Systems CorporationInventors: Alfred V. Alasia, Thomas C. Alasia
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Patent number: 7113929Abstract: The present invention allows verification of a voucher or token prior to redemption. The voucher or token has a code associated therewith so that a value of the voucher or token may be stored in a database. Later when the voucher or token is presented to a cashier for redemption, the code is submitted to the database in order to retrieve the value associated with that voucher or token. In this way, the voucher or token is verified before redemption. In one embodiment, a verification system includes a voucher or token database, a recognition subsystem and two transceivers. The database knows the code and value associated with the voucher or token. A recognition subsystem reads the code from the voucher or token. The transceivers couple together the database and the recognition subsystem in such a way that the a query can be made by the recognition system to determine the value associated with the code or otherwise verify the validity of the voucher or token.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.Inventors: Kirk Beach, Christopher A. Pesch
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Patent number: 7054463Abstract: Image, video, or audio data is encoded with both a frail and a robust watermark. The two watermarks respond differently to different forms of processing (e.g., copying the object may render the frail watermark unreadable), permitting an original object to be distinguished from a processed object. Appropriate action can then taken in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Ammon E. Gustafson
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Patent number: 7050201Abstract: Paper is textured with a pattern that yields a known signature signal when transformed to the frequency domain. This signature can be used for various purposes, including determining the angular orientation of the paper when scanned, conveying a plural-bit digital watermark, and for simple document recognition purposes (e.g., photocopiers that refuse to reproduce banknotes). The texturing can be effected during the paper-making process, e.g., by shaping the surface of a de-watering element accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventor: Adnan M. Alattar
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Patent number: 7040663Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value such as a paper of value or ID card with a security element having an optically variable material. Said optically variable material conveys different color effects at different viewing angles. Additionally, the security element has at least one machine-readable feature substance that does not impair the visually visible optically variable effect of the optically variable material.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient, GmbHInventors: Reinhard Plaschka, Eckhard Braun, Wittich Kaule
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Patent number: 7003131Abstract: A method of embedding information in digital content representing media streams. The method includes (1) selecting a set of locations within that digital content reprensenting the media stream to embed information, (2) selecting a set of possible alterations to make at those locations, and (3) making a subset of the possible alterations. The set of locations and possible alterations is herein sometimes called a “watermark.” The subset of actual alterations that are made is herein sometimes called a “fingerprint.” The method determines a set of locations at which there are alternative versions of digital content representing the same media stream, such as one being the original and one being an alternative version of the same digital content, herein sometimes called the “original movie” and the “alt-movie,” or herein sometimes called the “original block” and the “alt-block” for a particular block in the digital content representing the media stream.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Kaleidescape, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Watson, Daniel A. Collens, Kevin Hui, Michael A. Malcolm
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Patent number: 6987861Abstract: A security feature, by which a genuine document can readily be visually distinguished from a reproduction, employs finely detailed, laterally spaced structures to yield the illusion of a 3D texture. When replicated using commonly-available scanning or printing devices, the fine detail is lost, and with it the 3D illusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventor: Geoffrey B. Rhoads
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Patent number: 6963845Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enabling a first user to obtain, using a business card of a second user, authority to transmit electronic mail to the second user, the business card including coded data indicative of the identity of the business card and of at least one reference point of the business card, the method including the steps of: receiving, in a computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the business card and a position of the sensing device relative to the business card, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the business card, sensing the indicating data using at least some of the coded data; identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data a request to authorise the transmission of electronic mail from the first to the second user; and recording, in the computer system, an authority allowing the first user to transmit electronic mail to the second user.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LTDInventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 6961442Abstract: A carrier is watermarked and then an image is printed or displayed on this carrier. A watermark can then be read from the image. If the image is printed on the carrier, the watermark can be read from the printed image or from any copy of the printed image. If the watermark is displayed on the carrier, and the displayed image is then copied, the copies will bear the watermark.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Brett T. Hannigan, Kenneth L. Levy
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Patent number: 6902331Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for printing a secure image on media using an inkjet printing device. The method includes printing an underlayer using an inkjet printing device that penetrates into a front surface of media. The underlayer is configured to define identification indicia. Included in the method is printing a secure image on top of the underlayer using an inkjet printing device. Examination of a back surface opposite the front surface allows viewing of the identification indicia for authenticating the secure image.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Gopalan Raman
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Patent number: 6854654Abstract: A method of packaging print media in combination with a printing device enables the printing device to automatically determine the type of media, and its characteristics and attributes, loaded in a media input tray. The print media package includes a pre-cut or perforated line which allows the removal of one end of the package forming a partial package exposing one end of sheets of the print media and encasing the print media. The print media is loaded in the media input tray encased in the partial package with the exposed ends of the print media sheets accessible to the printing device feed roller. The print media package includes an identifying code imprinted on an outside surface of the package located on the remaining portion of the package when the package end has been removed. The media input tray includes a sensor mounted in a location accessible to the identifying code when the print media encased in the partial package is loaded in the media input tray.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Michael P. Prenn
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Patent number: 6826289Abstract: In the attribute detection apparatus in the system of the present invention, an inputted image is transformed by DCT means to extract an estimation value of the embedded electronic watermark data in frequency space. Then, the statistical similarity between known electronic watermarks and the extracted electronic watermark data are calculated. The attribute change apparatus in a system of the present invention comprises a selector, an insert data register for storing the output of the selector, a brightness register for storing the brightness signal of the inputted image, a color difference register for storing the color difference signal of the inputted image, and adder for adding the output of the color difference register and the output of the insert data register. Here, the selector selects one of the insert data stored in a plurality of memory areas on the basis of the attribute inputted from attribute detection apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Masahiro Hashimoto