Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus that reverse the notion of the attack process in using intentional image distortion techniques as a means of indelibly marking an original image. It also provides for imparting and removing intentional image distortion to further obscure an embedded invisible watermark. It further provides means for hiding a watermark embedded into a watermarked image. It also provides for imparting distortion on an reference image to form a single level or multilevel caricature of the entire (or part of) the reference image.

Abstract: A watermark embedder encodes auxiliary information, such as a binary message, into a host media signal by modulating message signals with two or more corresponding carrier signals to form a watermark signal and embeds this signal into the host. A compatible watermark decoder uses the carrier signals to demodulate the message signals from the watermarked signal.

Abstract: A file includes both content data (e.g., audio or visual information) and header data. At least some of the header data is steganographically encoded within the content data. This arrangement permits some of the header data to be recovered from the content, even if the content is transformed in a way that the file header information becomes lost. The encoded data can also be used to check for certain forms of file tampering. A variety of other steganographic techniques and applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting unauthorized access to a multicast by one or more members of a subnet reconfigures the multicast if all subnet members participating in the multicast do not reply to a query message. To that end, the apparatus first receives a query message requesting the identity of all subnet members that are participating in the multicast. Upon receipt, the query message is forwarded to each subnet member that is participating in the multicast. Receipt of the message by selected subnet members participating in the multicast causes a reply message to be forwarded. It then is determined if a reply message has been forwarded by all subnet members participating in the multicast.

Abstract: Methods for decoding auxiliary control information from audio and using same to control an audio appliance. Various arrangements are disclosed. One method correlates a filtered version of the audio with predetermined noise data to discern plural bits of hidden data. The data thereby extracted is used to trigger some response in the appliance, such as enabling or disabling certain operations.

Abstract: In a coding method and a coder for introducing a non-audible data signal into an audio signal, the audio signal is first transformed to a spectral range and the masking threshold of the audio signal is determined. A pseudo-noise signal and a data signal are provided and multiplied with each other so a to provide a frequency-spread data signal. The spread data signal is weighted with the masking threshold, and thereafter the audio signal and the weighted data signal are superimposed. In a method and a decoder for decoding a data signal introduced into an audio signal in non-audible manner, the audio signal is first sampled and thereafter the sampled audio signal is filtered in non-recursive manner. The filtered audio signal is subsequently compared to a threshold value so as to retrieve the data signal.

Abstract: One or more masks comprising pseudorandom sequence generating polynomials are utilized to derive new polynomials to thereby minimize the number of polynomials that need be stored to support use of pseudorandom sequences. The polynomials each correspond to a given state of a pseudorandom sequence and derivation of a particular such polynomial will allow calculation of the corresponding given state. A radio (85) in a code division multiple access wireless communications system (80) uses this approach to achieve rapid phase correlation with a pseudorandom sequence that is used by the system to facilitate synchronization.

Abstract: A satellite-based digital broadcast system is used to provide real-time news, entertainment and informational programs to aircraft passengers in flight. Transmissions from the satellite occur on a time division multiplex (TDM) downlink with different broadcast programs being transmitted on different TDM channels. A broadcast receiver is carried on board the aircraft, and includes a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the TDM channels to reproduce the original broadcast programs. The broadcast receiver may be adapted to receive and reproduce both audio and video broadcasts, as well as to provide other types of information delivery services. Encryption of the broadcast programs may be used to restrict their use to a specific aircraft or airline company.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating cell-specific scrambling codes in an asynchronous CDMA mobile communication system. A predetermined number of base scrambling codes are stored as initial conditions. An intended scrambling code is generated by cyclically shifting or masking a corresponding base scrambling code. This provides for generating cell-specific scrambling codes at any point in time to achieve high-speed cell search.

Abstract: Digital audio data is processed to convey plural bits of hidden auxiliary data. The auxiliary data can be used for identification purposes, for device control (disabling recording and the like), etc. The claimed arrangement uses a data embedding technique characterized in that the values of single samples of the audio data are each influenced by the values of several of the bits of auxiliary data. A great variety of other techniques and applications are also detailed.

Abstract: Multi-bit auxiliary information is hidden in audio and imagery (e.g., digital photographs, video), using steganographic techniques. Such information can be used for various purposes, including identifying audio/imagery as originating from a particular source, copy control, etc. In some embodiments, operation of the system changes over time. This change may be triggered by various events, including passage of new information to the system through audio or imagery being processed.

Abstract: Various improvements to steganographic systems, and applications therefore, are disclosed. The improvements include facilitating scale and rotation registration for steganographic decoding by use of rotationally symmetric steganographically embedded patterns and subliminal digital graticules; improved techniques for decoding without access to unencoded originals; improving robustness of steganographic coding in motion pictures and/or in the presence of lossy compression/decompression; and representing data by patterned bit cells whose energy in the spatial domain facilitates decoding registration. Applications include enhanced-security financial transactions, counterfeit resistant identification cards, fraud deterrent systems for cellular telephony, covert modem channels in video transmissions, photo duplication kiosks with automatic copyright detection, and hotlinked image objects (e.g. with embedded URLs) for use on the internet.

Abstract: The adage “photos don't lie” is no longer reliable. The advent of digital editing tools makes it relatively easy to move, add, or delete features from photographs. Audio content is similarly susceptible to alteration. This problem is at least partially overcome by providing the content with supplemental data that is below a threshold of human perception. If a version of the content is thereafter encountered with the supplemental data missing or attenuated, it is known to have been altered. By reference to such supplemental data, it is often possible to identify particular portions of the content that have been altered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for introducing white noises into a digital audio signal so that there is progressive and cumulative degradation in audio quality after each successive reproduction of the audio sound signal in a fashion analogous to analog audio reproduction. The invention provides a white noise generator, and a digital entroping unit. In a preferred embodiment, the white noise generator is implemented by a hardware random number generator. The digital entroping unit controls the magnitude of white noise desired based on a random number generated by the random number generator, and adds the white noise to the input audio sound signal to produce a degraded audio sound signal. The magnitude of white noise can be controlled by using various masking and formatting of random number data.

Abstract: A variety of techniques for steganographically encoding digital data into, and decoding steganographically data from, audio, video, and image signals (“content signals”) are disclosed. One method encodes a sampled input signal in a manner wherein a single signal sample is processed in accordance with plural bits of binary data. Another technique globally distributes a plural-bit code throughout a content signal, so that the code can be fully discerned from an analysis of even a fraction of the encoded signal, and wherein the encoding takes the form of low level pseudo-random noise. Another technique involves decoding steganographic data from an encoded content signal without reference to an unencoded version of the content signal. A variety of other techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for increasing the leak-resistance of cryptographic systems using an indexed key update technique are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cryptographic client device maintains a secret key value as part of its state. The client can update its secret value at any time, for example before each transaction, using an update process that makes partial information that might have previously leaked to attackers about the secret no longer usefully describe the new updated secret value. By repeatedly applying the update process, information leaking during cryptographic operations that is collected by attackers rapidly becomes obsolete. Thus, such a system can remain secure (and in some embodiments is provably secure) against attacks involving analysis of measurements of the device's power consumption, electromagnetic characteristics, or other information leaked during transactions. The present invention can be used in connection with a client and server using such a protocol.

Abstract: Methods of processing audio to convey auxiliary control information therein without audible evidence of data alteration. Various arrangements are disclosed. One receives plural bit auxiliary data in which the auxiliary control information is included, and modulates same with noise data to yield intermediate data. The intermediate data is then summed with the original audio to produce the encoded audio. The noise can be tailored to enhance performance, and the intermediate data can be scaled in amplitude so as to better hide the auxiliary data within the audio. One application of the technology is in consumer audio appliances, where the auxiliary control information can be used to trigger some response in the appliance, such as enabling or disabling certain operations.

Abstract: A transmitter employing a cryptographic algorithm and key generates and transmits a staggered pulse signal that includes a plurality of high-power pulses that are part of a pseudonoise (PN) code. The high-power pulses are separated by a group of low-power chips and the time interval between the high-power pulses is varied according to the cryptographic algorithm and key. A receiver, employing a corresponding cryptographic algorithm and key receives the signal and correlates it with a locally generated code that is modified according to the cryptographic algorithm and key to detect the phase of the received PN code. The receiver also can include a matched filter configured according to the cryptographic algorithm and key to detect the sequence of high-power pulses in the received signal.

Abstract: The encryption device includes random number generator means for generating a random number; and a first selector for selecting one of q fixed values in response to the random number, a second selector for selecting one set of q sets of fixed tables in response to the random number. XOR means XORs an input with an XOR of a key with the fixed value. Nonlinear transform means nonlinearly transforms an input in accordance with the selected set of fixed table. Another encryption device includes a plurality of encrypting units coupled in parallel, and a selector for selecting one of the plurality of encrypting units in response to the random number. The masking with the fixed values improves of the processing speed and reduces the required RAM area.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing video tape piracy of video material shown by an electronic projector by varying frequently the frame rate, line rate or pixel rate of the projector. In a preferred embodiment the frame rate is varied in accordance with a cryptographically secure algorithm. In another embodiment the frame rate is varied in accordance with the content of the scene in the film.

Abstract: A digital content object comprised of plural portions is steganographically encoded, with different portions of the object conveying different steganographic data. Data steganographically conveyed in a first portion can be required to access information in a second portion. Data steganographically conveyed in the second portion can be required to access information in a third portion, and so on. Such arrangements make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to electronic content.

Abstract: A system for the insertion of microthreads in transmitted data is provided. The system includes a digital content system providing carrier data, such as sampled audio data. A microthread insertion system coupled to the digital content system generates a composite data sequence that includes the carrier data and microthread data, such as broadcast verification data. The microthread data is camouflaged using the carrier data, such as by including in the audio signal in a manner that allows it to be detected but which does not noticeably affect the audio signal for listeners.

Abstract: A delivery system for managing security keys uses three key pairs to establish, register, move and revoke rights in a device to view protected information. The first and second key pairs cooperate to establish a secure certificate containing a device public and private key, and the pairs of keys are manipulated to install the appropriate keys in the device and the associated authentication server without ever exposing the keys. Thereafter, in the event of a need to authorize a new device to view content associated with a prior, authorized device, the key pairs are used to revoke the rights of an old device and establish identical viewing rights in the new device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and apparatus for encrypting a message. A password is encrypted using a polymorphous coding function and used as a seed for a one-time pad generator. The one-time pad generator generates a one-time pad that is used to mask the message. Decryption of the encrypted message requires the password used during the encryption process and the polymorphous codification function. The foregoing are used to regenerate the mask. The regenerated mask is applied to the encrypted message, thereby providing the original message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for inserting a watermark in the compressed domain. The watermark inserted does not require a reference. An overall watermarking system incorporating the invention combines cleartext, bitstream, and integrated watermarking. In a perceptual coder, the data enters a filterbank, where it is processed into multiple separate coefficients. A rate/distortion control module uses noise threshold information from a perceptual coder, together with bit-count information from a noiseless coder, to compute scale factors. The coefficients are multiplied by the scale factors and quantized, then noiseless coded and then output for further processing/transmission. The invention supports three embodiments for inserting a mark into the bitstream imperceptibly. It is assumed that some set of scale factor bands have been selected, into which mark data will be inserted. In one embodiment, a set of multipliers {xi=2Ni: i&egr;M} is chosen.

Abstract: A method for generating scrambling codes in a mobile communications system generates an extended code performing a masking operation. A movable selector performs the mask operation to extract continued bits from the extended code under control of a controller. A masked code is selected by the selector, and the selected code and another masked code are subjected to an EXOR operation to generate a scrambling code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watermark embedding method and to transcoding and digital recording apparatus including a facility for watermark embedding. A first embodiment incorporates a watermark embedding system with a cascaded decoder/encoder transcoder of the type commonly found in digital recording apparatuses. An input data stream in a first format is received by a decoder (10) of the transcoder. Coding parameters are fed from a first output of the decoder (10) to a first input of an encoder (30) of the transcoder. A second output of the decoder (10) comprises a baseband video signal which is passed to a first input of an adder (24). An output of a watermark generator (22) is fed to a second input of the adder (24). An output of the adder (24) is fed to a second input of the encoder 30. The output of the encoder (30) comprises the information to be recorded in a second format which is compatible with a storage medium.

Abstract: A coding device for implementing a cryptographic encryption and/or access authorization includes a data processing unit, a decoupling unit, a power supply interface, a main clock supply unit, and a power profile generator generating a power profile and superimposing it on a power profile of the data processing unit to prevent an attack by correlation analysis of the power profile.

Abstract: Multimedia data embedding, such as video, image or audio data watermarking. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method first receives a vector x of N data samples, where X=[x(0)x(1) . . . x(N−1)] and represents multimedia. Next, the method receives a vector p, where P=[p(0)p(1) . . . p(N−1)] and represents a pseudo-random sequence. Finally, the method generates a new vector x′ in which the vector p is embedded in the vector x, such that x′=[x′(0)x′(1) . . . x′(N−1)] and x′=x+aq, where a comprises a perception-based scaling factor and the vector q comprises a perceptually weighted pseudo-random sequence based on the vector p.

Abstract: Additional information, composed of characters, images, voice, etc., is converted into two-dimensional codes and then converted into a visible additional image to be embedded. The additional image is embedded in a full-color main image in a state of invisibility to produce a composite image. The composite image is recorded on a non-electronic medium such as paper or on an electronic medium, such as a memory on a personal computer, over the Internet. The embedded additional image is extracted from the composite image recorded on the recording medium and the additional information is reproduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for embedding or encoding auxiliary signals into an analog host or cover signal. A replica of the cover signal or a portion of the cover signal in a particular domain (time, frequency or space) is generated according to a stego key specifying modification values to specified parameters of the cover signal. The replica signal is then modified by an auxiliary signal corresponding to the information to be embedded, and inserted back into the cover signal. Embedded auxiliary signals are extracted by generating replicas of received signals and correlating the replicas with the received signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for embedding or encoding auxiliary signals into an analog host or cover signal. A replica of the cover signal or a portion of the cover signal in a particular domain (time, frequency or space) is generated according to a stego key specifying modification values to specified parameters of the cover signal. The replica signal is then modified by an auxiliary signal corresponding to the information to be embedded, and inserted back into the cover signal. Embedded auxiliary signals are extracted by generating replicas of received signals and correlating the replicas with the received signals.

Abstract: An extraction process includes the steps of carrying out a geometric transformation on a picture being inspected to transform the size of the picture being inspected into a reduced scale of an original picture; creating a plurality of degraded original pictures with different types each obtained as a result of degradation of the original picture; creating a plurality of differential pictures by subtraction of the degraded original pictures with different types from the picture being inspected with a transformed size to cancel degradation components in the picture being inspected with a transformed size; and extracting the information corresponding to the authentication information.

Abstract: A consumer audio device decodes auxiliary control data that is hidden in audio information. The auxiliary control information can be used to trigger some response in the device, such as enabling or disabling certain operations.

Abstract: Wireless devices and methods employ steganography to convey auxiliary data in addition to audio information. An exemplary application is a battery-powered cell phone, having, e.g., a microphone, a speaker, a modulator, an antenna, and an RF amplifier. The steganographically-encoded auxiliary data can be sent to, and/or sent from, such a device, and used for purposes including authentication, system administration, etc.

Abstract: An input content signal—representing audio or video—is steganographically encoded to hide plural-bit auxiliary data therein. The encoding operation changes over time, e.g., by using different “key” data for successive portions of the content signal. In some embodiments, the key data used in one portion of the signal is a function of auxiliary data decoded from a preceding portion. Consequently, to successfully decode the auxiliary data, the decoder must have successfully decoded a previous portion. In essence, decoding instructions are sent “on the fly” in such embodiments. In some embodiments, the auxiliary data is changed in temporally adjoining portions of the content signal—e.g., in successive frames of video or blocks of audio. In other embodiments, the key is changed less frequently, e.g., on a daily basis. External events may also trigger changing of the key data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing acoustic and/or gesture input commands by an entertainment device begins by detecting an acoustic initiation command and/or a gesture initiation command. The initiation command may be directed to a particular entertainment device, which may be a part of an entertainment center, or to the entire entertainment center. In addition, the initiation command corresponds to a particular operation of the entertainment device. Having detected the initiation command, the process proceeds by detecting an acoustic function command and/or a gesture function command, which is associated with the detected initiation command. The flnction command indicates the particular change desired for a corresponding parameter. Having detected the function command, it is interpreted to produce a signal for adjusting the parameter of the entertainment device.

Abstract: An identification code signal is hidden in a carrier signal (such as an electronic data signal or a physical medium) in a manner that permits the identification signal later to be discerned. The carrier signal can thereby be identified, or some machine responsive action can thereby be taken. The technique can be applied in video imagery embodiments to control associated video equipment, e.g. to serve as a copy control signal.

Abstract: Two data units are selected from main information, such as MIDI data, into which additional information is to be incorporated, to calculate a difference between respective values of the two data units. A particular data segment to be incorporated into one of the MIDI data units is selected from a group of data of additional information. The size of the data segment to be incorporated into one of the data units may be either one bit or two or more bits. Substitute data to replace the content of one MIDI data unit is generated on the basis of a predetermined function using, as variables, the data-related value and a value of the particular data segment, and the content of the data unit corresponding to a predetermined one of the two MIDI data units is replaced by the generated substitute data. Thus, through such an electronic watermarking technique, any desired additional information can be incorporated into the MIDI data without changing the MIDI data format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to information temporarily stored in memory, such as a hard disk drive, associated with a digital document processor, such as a digital copier, printer, or facsimile machine. This invention includes storing information to memory, conducting an operation on the information, and automatically overwriting the information one or more times with a bit mask. Bit masks may be non-random or random sequences of binary values.

Abstract: The adage “photos don't lie” is no longer reliable. The advent of digital editing tools makes it relatively easy to move, add, or delete features from photographs. Other digital content is similarly susceptible to alteration. This problem is at least partially overcome by providing a photograph with supplemental data. This supplemental data is below a threshold of human perception (e.g., is essentially invisible) yet can extend throughout the image. If a version of the image is thereafter encountered with the supplemental data missing or attenuated, the image is known to have been altered. By reference to such supplemental data, it is often possible to identify particular regions within the image that have been altered.

Abstract: There is provided a data communication device for transmitting input data to a host device, comprising: a sampling unit for sampling the input signal corresponding to the input operation at every prescribed timing cycle; a transmitter for transmitting data corresponding to the level of the sampled input signal to a host device; and a dummy signal generator for generating a dummy signal and laying the dummy signal over the input signal during the time period other than the sampling period. Even in the case of wiretapping of the input signal, the dummy signal that is unrelated to the input operation will thereby be detected along with the input signal. Theft of the data corresponding to the input signal can be prevented because the wiretapper will be unable to distinguish which is the input signal.

Abstract: A network scanner for security checking of application programs (e.g. Java applets or Active X controls) received over the Internet or an Intranet has both static (pre-run time) and dynamic (run time) scanning. Static scanning at the HTTP proxy server identifies suspicious instructions and instruments them e.g. a pre-and-post filter instruction sequence or otherwise. The instrumented applet is then transferred to the client (web browser) together with security monitoring code. During run time at the client, the instrumented instructions are thereby monitored for security policy violations, and execution of an instruction is prevented in the event of such a violation.

Abstract: A multiple access communications data and information transport system and methodology for employing the noise present in any conduit as a carrier form using wireless chaotic waveform signals supported by nonlinear noise sustaining structures. The communications system utilizes digital devices and software embodying various algorithms designed to manipulate the nonlinear perturbations of any given conduit to establish a high bandwidth bidirectional, isochronous noise immune communications signal. Additionally, the system can be combined with any of a number of wireless or wireline communication methodologies to further enhance performance in terms of bandwidth, throughput, noise immunity, power consumption, cell size, and number of users without disturbing any concurrent signal traffic.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for embedding or embedding digital data into an analog host or cover signal. A distributed signal feature of the cover signal in a particular domain (time, frequency or space) is calculated and compared with a set of predefined quantization values corresponding to an information symbol to be encoded. The amount of change required to modify the signal feature to the determined target quantization value is calculated and the cover signal is modified accordingly to so change the feature value over a predefined interval. Information symbols are extracted by the opposite process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for concealing data bursts in an analog scrambler using audio repetition. What otherwise would be periodic data bursts appearing at the audio output are replaced with samples from audio portions of the multiplexed signal. Preferably the replaced audio samples come from immediately past portions of the audio of the signal. The data bursts are therefore effectively concealed from the audio output which improves on the degradation of audio otherwise caused by the data bursts that are mixed in periodically with the audio portions of the signal.