Abstract: In an information processing device which embeds a number of partial information items produced from predetermined information in an image, an image dividing unit divides an image into a number of division images in a lattice formation to generate the division images. An information assigning unit assigns the partial information items to the division images generated by the image dividing unit. An information embedding unit embeds the partial information items assigned by the information assigning unit, in the division images. The information assigning unit assigns all the partial information items to a set of division images located in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A PC generating image data divides data to be embedded into a predetermined size and arranges it in a predetermined area of a watermarking image. In the predetermined area are defined positions a-h assumed by an information dot configuring an information pattern based on the data to be embedded, and, of positions a-h, a position defined for the information pattern is assumed by a point dot. Of positions a-h, a position that is not defined for the information pattern is assumed by a linear dot. Furthermore in the predetermined area there is a position assumed by a positioning dot defining the predetermined area, and this position is assumed by a point dot. The linear dot has a geometry extending in one of the main scanning direction and vertical scanning direction of an image formation apparatus that allows higher performance in reproducibility for a line.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a copy function may include a reading device, a recognition device, a conversion device, and a print device. The reading device reads characters on a first recording medium. The recognition device recognizes the characters based on a result of reading performed by the reading device. The conversion device converts a result of recognition performed by the recognition device into image data which indicates shapes of the characters. The print device prints the characters on a second recording medium based on the image data.

Abstract: A document authenticating method is disclosed by which numerous small-sized two-dimensional barcode stamps are generated and placed in a distributed manner on a printed document. The small-sized barcode stamps collectively encode the content of the document to be used for document authentication. In one example, the stamp size is about ¼ by ¼ inches or less and the tile size for the stamps is 4 by 4 pixels at a resolution of 400 dpi. The document is segmented into segments each containing a paragraph or a line of text. For each segment, a set of barcode stamps encoding the authentication data for the segment is placed in the vicinity of the segment. They may be placed in the empty space in the last line of each paragraph, in the empty space between adjacent paragraphs, or at the beginning or end of each line.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for using embedded auxiliary signals in documents for copy detection and other applications. In on application, the auxiliary signal is formed as an array of elements selected from a set of print structures with properties that change differently in response to copy operations. These changes in properties of the print structures that carry the embedded auxiliary signal are automatically detectable. For example, the changes make the embedded auxiliary signal more or less detectable. The extent to which the auxiliary data is detected forms a detection metric used in combination with one or more other metrics to differentiate copies from originals. Examples of sets of properties of the print structures that change differently in response to copy operations include sets of colors (including different types of inks), sets of screens or dot structures that have varying dot gain, sets of structures with different aliasing effects, etc.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve dissatisfaction of the user who cannot take out the source data in a case where a code image in the original can not be decoded. In order to accomplish the above object, the invention provides an image processing apparatus comprising code image detection unit that determines whether or not an code image is included in the original image data, code image decoding unit that decodes the code image to extract source data if it is determined that the code image is included by the code image detection unit, and synthesizing unit that encodes information obtained by decoding a partial area of the code image and overlaying encoded information on the area where the code image is included, if the code image decoding unit is successful in decoding only the partial area of the code image.

Abstract: A data transmission system is provided that enables a user to move away before the completion of data transmission regardless of whether a refund is made in association with occurrence of a communication error when a data transmitting apparatus performs data transmission and collects a consideration. The data transmitting apparatus includes a consideration receiving portion that receives a consideration of FAX data transmission, a report destination input portion that inputs a report destination of a user, and a FAX transmission error detecting portion that detects a communication error at the time of the FAX data transmission. In case the FAX transmission error detecting portion detects a communication error, the system including the data transmitting apparatus transmits refund information for refunding the consideration of the FAX data transmission with the communication error to the report destination input through the report destination input portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for embedding information in software and/or other electronic content such that the information is difficult for an unauthorized party to detect, remove, insert, forge, and/or corrupt. The embedded information can be used to protect electronic content by identifying the content's source, thus enabling unauthorized copies or derivatives to be reliably traced, and thus facilitating effective legal recourse by the content owner. Systems and methods are also disclosed for protecting, detecting, removing, and decoding information embedded in electronic content, and for using the embedded information to protect software or other media from unauthorized analysis, attack, and/or modification.

Abstract: A flatbed scanner comprises: a platen for supporting a substrate and a carriage for traversing across a surface. The carriage comprises a pagewidth scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image and a pagewidth printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto the surface. The flatbed scanner further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A printer comprises: a feed mechanism and a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises: a printhead for printing a position-coding pattern onto a surface and a scanhead for scanning a pre-printed graphic image. The printer further comprises an ink supply and a processor configured for generating association data. The association data indicates an association between a scanned graphic image, an impression identity and a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for generating a variable data differential line pattern font comprising forming a periodic line pattern suitable for tessellation disposition within a printed document and selectively distorting a portion of the periodic line pattern in a predetermined manner wherein the distorting comprises generating a distinguishable font corresponding to the distorting. A plurality of different distinguishable fonts are formed by a corresponding plurality of distorted line patterns, respectively.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling watermark printing are provided. The method comprises: receiving original printing information sent from a host; processing preset original watermark data based on a watermark control instruction to obtain application watermark data; composing the application watermark data and the original printing information to obtain composed data; and printing the composed data.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying that a document is included in a document management system is disclosed. This system and method includes radio frequency scanning at least a portion of the document, generating document data dependently upon the radio frequency scanning, comparing the generated document data to stored document data, the stored document data generated dependently upon a prior radio frequency scanning of at least a portion of the document, and outputting an indication of the document being included in the document management system as determined by the comparing.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with disclosed embodiments provide for a method for previewing documents by associating one of a plurality of copy protection templates with a document; and viewing the document using one of a plurality of options associated with a user-interface by blending an image corresponding to the copy protection template with an image of at least one page in the document, wherein the options comprise: a print preview option that permits the viewing of a printed version of the document; and a copy preview option that permits the viewing of a duplicated version of the document. In some embodiments, the method may be invoked using document processing software and/or software associated with a print driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to digital watermarking and steganography. One claim recites a method including: receiving digital data representing media including at least video and audio; digital watermarking at least some portions of the digital data, the digital watermarking introducing changes to at least some portions of the digital data to hide information in at least some portions of the digital data representing audio and in at least some portions of the digital data representing video, the information comprises at least geo-location data and time data, and the geo-location data is redundantly hidden in digital data over time; and optically projecting the media on a surface for viewing. Projected media includes the information digital watermarked therein. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: Techniques for creating an identity document are provided. The techniques include obtaining two or more identity-linked images, deriving one or more at least partially transparent regions from one of the two or more identity-linked images, combining the two or more identity-linked images to create a combined image, and embedding authentication data into the combined image, inside the one or more at least partially transparent regions, to create an identity document.

Abstract: Trapping objects. An object of a first type, for example, a text is detected in a section of a page. An object of a second type, for example, a stroke is then detected in the section. A check is then performed to determine if the object of the second type adjoins the object of the first type. One or more parameters, for example trapping parameters associated with the object of the first type are applied to the object of the first type and to the object of the second type, if it is determined that the object of the second type adjoins the object of the first type.

Abstract: Interactive décor and systems and methods of printing an interactive pattern using an inkjet printer are disclosed. An interactive décor may comprise a substrate, and an interactive pattern printed on the substrate. The interactive pattern is addressable using a reader device, but is substantially indiscernible to a naked eye at a viewing distance. A decorative image is printed over the interactive pattern. The decorative image is predominant to the naked eye.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes at least one input device for inputting a plurality of pieces of content data; a recognition unit configured to recognize a mark included in the pieces of content data, and an association processing unit configured to perform association processing by mutually establishing a link between at least two pieces of content data based on the mark recognized by the recognition unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides encryption techniques useful with digital watermarking payloads. One claim recites: a method to secure a first digital watermark payload and a second digital watermark payload through encryption of only one of the first digital watermark payload or the second digital watermark payload. The method includes: utilizing a multi-purpose computer processor configured to: provide information redundantly in the first digital watermark payload and the second digital watermark payload, yet the first digital watermark payload includes at least some information that is unique relative to at least the second digital watermark payload; encrypt the first digital watermark payload; embed a first digital watermark in media, the media representing audio, imagery or video, the first digital watermark comprising the encrypted first digital watermark payload; and embed a second digital watermark in the media, the second digital watermark comprising the second digital watermark payload.

Abstract: A watermark information embedding apparatus generates a document image from electronic document data that has been input thereto, modifies the electronic document data based upon the document image and embeds information in the electronic document data. The apparatus includes a document image generator for generating a document image from the electronic document data; a document analyzer for detecting layout information of each constituent image in the generated document image; a normalization information calculation unit for calculating normalization information, which is for normalizing placement of each constituent image, based upon the detected layout information; a modification unit for modifying the electronic document data; and an embedding unit for embedding information in the modified electronic document data.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided which embeds a decodable two-dimensional code when embedding (printing) a two-dimensional code in an original document. The image forming device represents additional information by associating virtual points with dots in one-to-one correspondence and arranges dots in positions deviated from virtual points associated with the dots. The image forming device includes a determining unit for determining intervals between the virtual points and virtual points adjacent to the virtual points and determining sizes of the dots, and an arranging unit for arranging dots having the determined sizes to respective virtual points having the determined intervals. The determining unit may determine dots to have sizes other than sizes proportional to the determined intervals.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input part to input data which is a target of an image processing, an output part to output a result of the image processing, a first filter to control an input process of data from the input part depending on the input part, and a second filter to control an output of data to the output part depending on the output part. A marking type information which is to be added to a predetermined image is specified with respect to the second filter, a marking image is created based on the marking type information, and the marking image is synthesized with respect to an image which is output from the output service. The second filter instructs output of an image with respect to the output service. An application is formed by connecting the first filter and the second filter.

Abstract: An image processing device provided with an acquiring unit and a generating unit. The acquiring unit acquires invisible image data of an invisible image subject to forming on a recording medium with invisible coloring material and acquires source image data of a source image subject to forming on the recording medium with visible coloring material. The generating unit generates corrected-image-data of the source image data corrected according to the absorption wavelength characteristics of the invisible coloring material, such that the color of overlapping regions where both the invisible image and the source image are superimposed when formed on the recording medium approximates to the color of regions corresponding to the overlapping regions in the source image.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to prevent a two-dimensional code to be additionally embedded from corrupting a two-dimensional code which has been embedded when a document in which the two-dimensional code has been embedded is copied or when a document in which the two-dimensional code has been embedded is overlaid on form data in which the two-dimensional code has been embedded. In the present invention, when it is detected that a second two-dimensional code is embedded in an input image, the input image is printed without overlay of a first two-dimensional code thereon. Furthermore, when form data for overlaying is stored, when it is detected that a third two-dimensional code is embedded in the form data or when it is detected that a second two-dimensional code is embedded in an input image, the input image is output without overlay of a first two-dimensional code thereon.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which makes it possible to change the manner of authentication between cases where restriction of a specific process is performed on an image of an original, as an original document, and where the restriction of the specific process is performed on an image of an original, as a copy of the original document. A scanner reads an image on an original. An embedded information-extracting section extracts specific information contained in the read image. A determining section determines based on the extracted information whether or not the original is an original document. An authenticating section performs authentication using respective difference pieces of authentication information in cases where the original is determined to be an original document and where the original is not. A copy operation control section restricts the specific process based on the image, according to a result of the authentication.

Abstract: Paper fingerprint information that represents a fiber pattern unique to a paper sheet is scanned, and the paper fingerprint information and its position information are embedded at two corners as the cater-cornered positions on a paper sheet. The paper fingerprint information is extracted based on the embedded position information.

Abstract: A document securization method includes: a first step of forming a first mark (205, 210) on a first surface of a document by utilizing a first marking element, a second step of forming a second mark (215) on another surface of the document or in the depth of the document by utilizing a second marking element, the two marks are superimposed when the document is illuminated by back-lighting and at least one (215) of the marks is a mark whose copy, made using marking elements identical to those utilized for forming the mark, causes an error rate, measured dot by dot, that is greater than a predefined value.

Abstract: A system and method for infrared watermarking using gray component replacement and other color removal schemes is shown. This method includes providing a substrate and implementing two infrared absorption strategies, one with low infrared absorption and the other with high infrared absorption. These two strategies are then combined in order to form two gamuts with substantially similar shapes. This combination can be made by blending the gamuts at areas where one of the strategies do not meet or implementing the intersection of the two gamuts. A watermark is then printed along with an image. The resultant image with watermark is void of artifacts while still having a consistent watermark signal.

Abstract: When output data is created, image data for preview image is generated based on the output data. Based on the image data, a preview image corresponding to the output data is displayed.

Abstract: A watermark is provided for use with images or image portions, such as saturated text. The watermark is provided as a modulation to the optical density of a public image or image portion wherein both modulated and unmodulated portions of the public image or image portion have an optical density that is beyond a threshold optical density beyond which the human visual system has a low sensitivity to optical density variations. Alternatively, the modulation is made at such a low amplitude as to be difficult to perceive by the human visual system. The modulation may be applied via an overprinting operation. Alternatively the modulation may be applied to image data prior to printing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for embedding or detecting watermarks in a text, which belong to the field of document protection. The method and apparatus overlay an additional layer of shade in a document for recording a large amount of information from watermarks. The shade comprises the dots arranged under certain rules. Shifts of the dots record each bit string within the watermark. According to the method and apparatus, a large amount of information can be embedded and the watermarks embedded in the shade are dispersed together with the document which can be digitized by a scanner for being detected.

Abstract: The printing device includes a reading unit, a printing unit, an operation mode setting unit, a personal information determining unit that determines the kind of the personal information, such as an address, a personal name, or a telephone number, from image data read by the reading unit when the operation mode setting unit sets the operation mode to be a reading mode, a printing data setting unit, a concealing-pattern-data generating unit that generates concealing pattern data, and a printing control unit that activates the printing unit to perform printing on the printed object based on the concealing pattern data generated by the concealing-pattern-data generating unit when the operation mode setting unit sets the operation mode to be a printing mode.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an associated an image processing method and computer readable storage medium are provided. The image processing apparatus includes an image reading module, an image data storage module, a registration module, an analyzing module, and an image processing module. The image reading module can read a document image. The image data storage module can store the document image. The registration module can register marking images by respectively encoding marking information into the marking images. The analyzing module can extract an embedded image from the document image and to perform an analysis of the embedded image that includes comparing the embedded image to the marking images registered in the registration module. The image processing module can compose an output image based on the document image stored in the storage module and a result of the analysis of the embedded image performed by the analyzing module.

Abstract: A text modification mechanism is provided for formatting data such that the information can be reasonably deciphered by a human, but cannot be easily recognized by computer recognition techniques. The text modification mechanism alters printed text so that computer recognition of characters becomes difficult. Modification of the text may be accomplished with manipulation of the fonts or the background. The mechanism may also modify the text based on user preferences.

Abstract: A terminal is provided with an image obtaining portion that obtains an image including a code representing a location of a web page, a web page obtaining portion that obtains the web page based on the code included in the image, a calculation portion that compares the image except the code with the web page to calculate a degree of relevance between the image except the code and the web page, and a print controller that issues a command to print the image with the code excluded if the degree of relevance is lower than a predetermined threshold, and to print the image without excluding the code if the degree of relevance is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: To provide an information processing device, an image movement instructing method, and an information storage medium for selecting any of a plurality of images in a simple operation and for designating a destination to which to move the selected image or images. The image processing device comprises an image displaying unit for displaying one or more images on a display screen; a track acquiring unit for acquiring a finite track at a position designated by a user on the display screen; an image selecting unit for selecting some or all of the one or more object images based on the track acquired by the track acquiring unit; and an image moving unit for moving the object image selected by the image selecting unit to a position in accordance with an end point of the track acquired by the track acquiring unit.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code printing apparatus includes a computer device and a tape printer. A print frame is arranged on a label making work area on an edit display screen displayed on the computer device. A user inputs a text into a text box arranged on the print frame, and then highlights the text to be coded in a two-dimensional code by a mouse, and then one-clicks a two-dimensional code button. Herewith, the text and the two-dimensional code are displayed on the text box. If the user clicks a print button, a label on which both the text and the two-dimensional code printed is printed.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods directed to the generation of multi-layer digital watermarks, including the generation of distinct watermarks on each of at least two color layers or channels within an image such that each may be retrieved or viewed independently of the other in the output image.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a combining module that respectively combine a plurality of first patterns and a plurality of second patterns each corresponding to the first patterns. Respective densities of the first patterns are different from each other. At least one of the second patterns include a plurality of regions where respective coverages are different in a main scanning direction.

Abstract: A printed media product, such as a trading card, that has a substrate and an encoded data element applied to a surface of the substrate containing information. The encoded data element includes first, second, and third data layers with first, second, and third patterns of encoded, colored dots defined by a binary encoding scheme. The dots of the first, second, and third layers are different colors separately resolvable by a scanner with decoding software. The colors of the dots are cyan, yellow, and magenta, and the layers are printed so that the dots overlap. The binary encoding scheme includes a two dimensional run length limited code. The printed media product includes a graphics element that can be interpreted by a human user, and typically, the information encoded in the encoded data element layers is related to the information in the graphics element.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit, a positional information reader, and a first controller. The printing unit performs printing on a recording sheet based on print information. The positional information reader reads positional information with regard to a first storing medium from a second storing medium. The first and the second medium are provided to the recording sheet. The first controller controls the printing unit based on the positional information, read by the positional information reader, so as to print an image, corresponding to the print information, in a position on a recording sheet according to the positional information.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, an input part inputs additional information to be embedded when printing a document. A developing part develops a character contained in the document, into which character the additional information is to be embedded, using a form deformed according to the additional information.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining preferred image locations for placing watermark information (both hidden and obvious). The disclosure includes at least three criteria (image similarity, contrast, and image value range) that may be used alone or in combination to determine a preferred area of the target image for placing the watermark depending upon the user's intent for the mark (hiding or showing watermark).

Abstract: In a computer system in which information represented by digital data is output to plural pages of recording medium, and then information on the plural pages of recording medium is read to use digital data representing the read information, authentication information is embedded in information of a start page selected by the computer system; a page number of the start page embedded the authentication information is notified to a user; information on the plural pages of recording medium is read, wherein the start page is positioned so as to be read first; digital data read from the plural pages of recording medium is authenticated based on the authentication information embedded in the start page; and a process for the digital data read from the plural pages of recording medium is controlled in accordance with a result of the authentication.

Abstract: The appearance of a color print viewed under UV illumination is predicted using a target comprising color patches each printed using a known coverage of printer colorant(s). In one case, the target is illuminated using a UV light source and an electronic image of the target is captured using a digital camera or the like. In another case, a spectrophotometer is used both with and without a UV cutoff filter to measure the target. The captured image data or the spectrophotometric measurements are used to derive a UV printer characterization model that relates any arbitrary combination of printer colorants to a predicted UV color appearance value. Metameric colorant mixture pairs for visible light and UV light viewing can be determined using the UV model together with a conventional visible light printer characterization model. A visual matching task is used to determine a correction factor for the UV printer characterization model.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to facilitate a printer to execute one or more operations in connection with one or more images are described herein. The methods may include methods that may, at least in part, be implemented at a printer including tracking one or more locations of a scan device with respect to a sheet having a first one or more pictures associated with one or more corresponding images, wherein the tracking is based, at least in part, on electronic data provided by the scan device. The printer may then based at least in part on the tracking, execute at least one operation in connection with all or a selected subset of the one or more corresponding images.

Abstract: A protection method for preventing a hard copy of a document from being released or reproduced is provided. The protection method comprises: selecting a pattern with a closed contour line and utilizing a level set method to process the pattern to generate at least a watermark; and embedding the watermark into the document. In addition, the protection method can further comprise: detecting the hard copy of the document to determine whether at least a watermark exists in the hard copy of the document; and forbidding releasing or reproducing the document when the watermark is detected in the hard copy of the document.

Abstract: A leak-prohibited image to be subjected to leak prohibition is comprised of dots DT so that two dots are included in an 8×8 matrix at a resolution of 600 dpi. The leak-prohibited image is formed as a computer terminal acquires image data, converts the image data to an image comprised of discrete microdots DT which cannot be resolved by copying, and outputs the converted image. Because the leak-prohibited image cannot be copied even if an image including the leak-prohibited image is copied, copy-originated information leak can be prohibited. Synthesizing a concealment image having a regularly discrete pattern with such a leak-prohibited image makes it difficult to view the leak-prohibited image from other directions than a front, thus prohibiting information leak by peeping.

Abstract: A method for using void pantographs involves generating a test sheet including multiple void pantographs, where each of the multiple void pantographs includes a pantograph foreground and a pantograph background. The test sheet is printed, and from the printed test sheet, at least one of the multiple void pantographs having a covert or semi-covert pantograph foreground and background is identified. The printed test sheet is scanned, and from the scanned test sheet, at least one of the multiple void pantographs having an overt pantograph foreground is identified. A workflow is developed for the at least one of the multiple void pantographs having both i) the covert or semi-covert pantograph foreground and background after printing, and ii) the overt pantograph foreground after scanning.