Information carrier comprising access information

An information carrier for holding user information includes access information for accessing the user information, the access information being stored in a pre-determined first region on the information carrier. The information carrier further includes at least one further region different from the first region, the further region comprising dummy information.

Methods and systems for encoding and protecting data using digital signature and watermarking techniques

Systems and methods are provided for protecting and managing electronic data signals. In one embodiment a strong watermark is inserted in a data signal that is divided into a sequence of blocks, and a digital signature for each block is embedded in the signal via a watermark. The signal is then stored and distributed. When attempts are made to use or access the signal, the signal is checked for the presence of a watermark containing the digital signature for the desired portion of the signal. If the watermark is found, the digital signature is extracted and used to verify the authenticity of the desired portion of the signal. If not found, the signal is checked for the presence of the strong watermark, which if found causes the system to inhibit further use of the signal, and if not found further use of the signal is allowed.

Apparatus, method, and computer program product for recording content

An apparatus determines whether a combination of a certificate type of a content certificate recorded on a source recording medium and a medium type of the source recording medium is a proper combination. If the combination is a proper combination, the apparatus requests a license server, which is connected to the apparatus via a network, to give approval to record content on a target recording medium. If the apparatus is a legitimate DVD recorder, the license server sends to the content recording apparatus a content certificate including on the source recording medium as the certificate type. The apparatus records the content together with the received content certificate on the target recording medium.

FINGERPRINTING OF DATA

A method of identifying a source of media, including: performing the following actions using at least one computer: identifying a plurality of segments arranged to form said media; generating a representative master key (RMK) of said media from the arrangement of the plurality of segments, wherein the RMK comprises a first listing of master identifiers corresponding to the plurality of segments, each master identifier of the first listing of master identifiers identifying a source master of each segment of the plurality of segments; receiving a listing of fingerprints, each fingerprint of the listing of fingerprints having a corresponding identifier that identifies the source of said media, said each fingerprint also including a second listing of master identifiers; and comparing the first listing of master identifiers in the RMK to the second listing of master identifiers in said each fingerprint in the listing of fingerprints to identify the source. 1performing the following actions using at least one computer:identifying a plurality of segments arranged to form said media;generating a representative master key (RMK) of said media from the arrangement of the plurality of segments,wherein the RMK comprises a first listing of master identifiers corresponding to the plurality of segments, each master identifier of the first listing of master identifiers identifying a source master of each segment of the plurality of segments;receiving a listing of fingerprints, each fingerprint of the listing of fingerprints having a corresponding identifier that identifies the source of said media, said each fingerprint also including a second listing of master identifiers; andcomparing the first listing of master identifiers in the RMK to the second listing of master identifiers in said each fingerprint in the listing of fingerprints to identify the source;generating a first plurality of key sets from the RMK,wherein a key set is an arbitrary number of tuples formed as a subset of ...

Intelligent power and control policy for automotive applications

In automotive networking applications, data about vehicle's environment can be used in conjunction with a control policy to manage the performance and power usage of a networked device. The control policy can dynamically adjust the balance between link power and performance of the device's communications interface by taking into account the vehicles current situation and user preferences, e.g. location, destination, speed, sensor status, or the like. Controlling the balance between link power and performance of networked devices can be important in maximizing power savings without unacceptably decreasing network performance.

COLLECTING AND ANALYZING DATA FROM A MOBILE DEVICE

An application platform configurable for collecting user data associated with a plurality of retail-branded credit cards is provided. The application platform includes a configurable front end comprising a graphical user Interface layer that is configurable to a specific one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cards, a backend layer comprising credit card functionality for directly performing credit card transactions associated with a specific one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cards, a data collection layer comprising a data collector for collecting user data associated with the plurality of retail-branded credit cards and an analytics engine coupled with the data collection layer for determining one or more attribute about a user from the user data associated with the plurality of retail-branded credit cards. 1. A method for collecting user information associated with a co-branded virtual card , the method comprising:receiving, at a computer system and from a mobile device of a customer, an application for a co-branded credit card;performing, via the computer system, a customer qualification for the co-branded credit card;providing, from the computer system and to the mobile device, access to a virtual co-branded card for a qualified customer, said virtual co-branded card having a valid credit card number, a valid credit card expiration date and a valid credit card security code;authorizing, via the computer system, a use of the virtual co-branded card to buy goods at a time of qualification;collecting, at the computer system and from the mobile device, said user information associated with said virtual co-branded card; anddetermining, at the computer system, one or more buyer attributes for the customer from said user information associated with said virtual co-branded card.28-. (canceled)9. A method for collecting user data associated with a co-branded virtual card , the method comprising:qualifying, at a computer system, a customer for a co- ...

Method and Electronic Device for Controlling Video Playing

The present disclosure relates to a method and electronic device for controlling video play. Wherein, the method for controlling video play may include: acquiring identity information of a current playing device when a video is played; generating a watermark logo comprising the identity information; and displaying the watermark logo on a playing interface of the video.

Collecting and analyzing data from a mobile device

An application platform configurable for collecting user data associated with a plurality of retail-branded credit cards is provided. The application platform includes a configurable front end comprising a graphical user interface layer that is configurable to a specific one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cards, a backend layer comprising credit card functionality for directly performing credit card transactions associated with a specific one of the plurality of retail-branded credit cards, a data collection layer comprising a data collector for collecting user data associated with the plurality of retail-branded credit cards and an analytics engine coupled with the data collection layer for determining one or more attribute about a user from the user data associated with the plurality of retail-branded credit cards.

FINGERPRINTING OF DATA

Fingerprinting, including: receiving a plurality of master datasets, each master dataset divided into a plurality of input segments, wherein at least one master dataset of said plurality of master datasets is uniquely marked; selecting a corresponding input segment from one of said plurality of master datasets; storing a segment identifier indicating from which master dataset said selected corresponding input segment was selected; and sending said selected corresponding input segment to a client computer system over a computer network. 1. A method of fingerprinting , comprising:receiving a plurality of master datasets, each master dataset divided into a plurality of input segments, wherein at least one master dataset of said plurality of master datasets is uniquely marked;selecting a corresponding input segment from one of said plurality of master datasets;storing a segment identifier indicating from which master dataset said selected corresponding input segment was selected; andsending said selected corresponding input segment to a client computer system over a computer network.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the corresponding input segment is pseudo-randomly selected from one of said plurality of master datasets.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein sending said selected corresponding input segment comprisesstreaming said selected corresponding input segment.4. A method of fingerprinting claim 1 , comprising:receiving a plurality of master datasets, each master dataset divided into a plurality of input segments, wherein at least one master dataset of said plurality of master datasets is uniquely marked;sending a sequence of segments to a client computer system over a computer network, wherein each sent segment is selected from one of said plurality of master datasets;storing in a fingerprint file a segment identifier for each sent segment indicating from which master dataset that sent segment was selected,wherein the arrangement of said segment identifiers in said ...

Pre-processed information embedding system

Methods and devices are provided for reducing perceptible artifacts in a host content when the host contend is embedded with watermarks. In one method, a first segment of a host content that includes a first logical value is obtained. A second segment of the host content that includes a second logical embedded therein is also obtained. The second logical value is different from the first logical value, and the second segment is adjacent to the first segment of the host content. The host content at a boundary location of the first and the second segments is modified according to a transition function to suppress transitions in the host content at the boundary location caused by the different logical values embedded in the first and the second segments of the host content.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING THEATER-BASED ANTI PIRACY IMAGES

The present application relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for deterring video piracy. In aspects, a light source generates an infrared (IR) light spectrum that is projected onto a surface, such as a movie theatre screen. The IR light spectrum may form an watermark that is invisible to members of the audience that are viewing video content projected onto the surface, but that obfuscates at least a portion of video content captured by video recording device that is being used to capture a recording of the video content projected onto the surface. In aspects, a frequency of the IR light spectrum emitted by the light source may be periodically modified to make it more difficult to filter out the watermark. 1. A system comprising:a light source configured to emit an infrared (IR) light spectrum or a near IR (nIR) light spectrum; generate one or more signals configured to control projection of the IR light spectrum or the nIR light spectrum onto a surface to form a watermark; and', 'periodically modify a frequency of the IR light spectrum or the nIR light spectrum emitted by the light source; and, 'at least one processor configured toa memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a beam director unit coupled to the light source and configured to modify claim 1 , responsive to the one or more signals generated by the at least one processor claim 1 , a direction of projection for the IR light spectrum or the nIR light spectrum.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein modifying the direction of projection modifies at least one characteristic of the watermark.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the watermark comprises at least one of a shape of the watermark claim 3 , a size of the watermark claim 3 , and a location of the watermark.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional light sources configured to emit an IR light spectrum or a nIR ...

ASSOCIATING FIRST AND SECOND WATERMARKS WITH AUDIO OR VIDEO CONTENT

The present invention relates generally to processing audio or video content. One claim recites a system comprising: a portable device comprising storage and an electronic logic processor, the electronic logic processor configured for analyzing first content stored in said storage to detect a first class of watermarking hidden therein, the first class of watermarking comprising a link between the first content and a user, the first content further comprising a second class of watermarking, the second class of watermarking providing an indication that the first content is protected, in which the second class of watermarking is more difficult to remove from content relative to the first class of watermarking; and a software module for interacting with content files, said software module including instructions to cause an electronic logic processor to control transfer of the first content file to said portable device based on detection and interpretation of the second class of watermarking. Other claims and combinations are provided as well. 1. A method comprising:storing content representing audio or video in storage;using an electronic logic processor: i) embedding a first watermark in the content, the first watermark linking the content to a user; and ii) embedding a second watermark in the content, the second watermark providing an indication that the content is protected, in which the second watermark is more difficult to remove from the content relative to the first watermark; anddistributing the content to the user after said acts of embedding the first watermark in the content and embedding the second watermark in the content.2. The method of in which the first watermark comprises a rights watermark.3. The method of in which the second watermark comprises a protect watermark.4. A system comprising:a portable device comprising storage and an electronic logic processor, the electronic logic processor configured for analyzing first content stored in said storage ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WATERMARKING VIDEO MEDIA TO TRACE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION

An approach is provided for a segment-based viewing of a watermarked recording. The approach involves receiving a request, from an evaluator, to access one of a plurality of media associated with a plurality of interviewees, wherein each of the plurality of media represents a recording of an interview of a corresponding interviewee; and wherein the request relates to evaluation of the corresponding interviewee for admission or hiring. The approach also involves determining source-identifying information associated with the evaluator. The approach further involves determining source-identifying information associated with the request. The approach additionally involves generating a watermark based on the source-identifying information, wherein the watermark is configured to depict an identifier of the evaluator during a presentation of the requested media. The approach further involves modifying the one media to superimpose the watermark on the recording. The approach also involves initiating transmission of the requested media with the generated watermark to a target device associated with the evaluator. 1. A method comprising:receiving a request, from an evaluator, to access one of a plurality of media associated with a plurality of interviewees, wherein each of the plurality of media represents a recording of an interview of a corresponding interviewee, and wherein the request relates to evaluation of the corresponding interviewee for admission or hiring;determining source-identifying information associated with the evaluator;generating a watermark based on the source-identifying information, wherein the watermark is configured to depict an identifier of the evaluator during a presentation of the requested media; andinitiating transmission of the requested media with the generated watermark to a target device associated with the evaluator.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the request media includes a plurality of tabs representing correspondingly a plurality of ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WATERMARKING VIDEO MEDIA TO TRACE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION

An approach is provided for a segment-based viewing of a watermarked recording. The approach involves storing a plurality of media associated with a plurality of interviewees, wherein each of the plurality of media represents a recording of an unscripted interview of a corresponding interviewee. The approach also involves receiving a request to access one of the plurality of media. The approach further involves determining source-identifying information associated with the request. The approach additionally involves generating a watermark based, at least in part, on the source-identifying information. The approach further involves modifying the one media to superimpose the watermark on the recording. The approach also involves initiating transmission of the modified media to a target device. 1. A method comprising:storing a plurality of media associated with a plurality of interviewees, wherein each of the plurality of media represents a recording of an unscripted interview of a corresponding interviewee;receiving a request to access one of the plurality of media;determining source-identifying information associated with the request;generating a watermark based, at least in part, on the source-identifying information;modifying the one media to superimpose the watermark on the recording; andinitiating transmission of the modified media to a target device.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the source-identifying information includes user information about a user associated with the request claim 1 , the method further comprising:converting the user information into the watermark.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the source-identifying information includes information about the target device claim 1 , the method further comprising:converting the target device information into the watermark.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmission of the modified media to the target device is based claim 1 , at least in part claim 1 , on authentication of the target device.5 ...

System, method, and apparatus for securely providing content viewable on a secure device

A system, apparatus, and method are directed to providing and securely viewing secure content. In one embodiment, a secure player provides secure screening/previewing of secure content, such as a motion picture, by a member of an awards organization. A content key is employed to selectively encrypt at least a portion of a content stream. The content key is encrypted with a screener key. The encrypted content key is embedded into the secure content. The screener key is encrypted using public/private key pair that is bound to the secure player. The secure content may be distributed on a medium, such as a DVD, high definition DVD, or over a network, or the like. The secure player is configured to receive the medium, screener key, and a screener identity. The screener identity and screener key are employed by the secure player to decrypt and enable secure viewing of the content.

Personal document authentication system using watermarking

An identification document includes a unique identifier, and a picture of a person. Steganographically embedded in the picture is information corresponding to the identifier, by which the document can be authenticated. A verification apparatus reads the identifier from the document (e.g., by OCR or a machine-readable feature), and collects scan data corresponding to the picture. The scan data is processed to extract the embedded information. The embedded information is then compared for expected correspondence with the identifier. A remote database can store information related to the card, and can be queried in connection with the authentication.

Digital authentication with digital and analog documents

The present invention relates generally to systems for creating and authenticating printed objects using authentication information. One implementation recites: An apparatus for determining authenticity of a digital representation of an object. The digital representation includes embedded first authentication information. The apparatus includes: a storage system in which stored second authentication information is associated with stored reference codes; and a processor which receives the digital representation and a reference code associated therewith. The processor includes: an authentication information reader, and the processor: i) employs the reference code to retrieve the second authentication information associated therewith from the storage system, ii) employs the authentication information reader to recover the embedded first authentication information, and iii) employs recovered first authentication information and the second authentication information to determine authenticity of the digital representation. Other implementations are provided and claimed as well.

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컴퓨터를 통한 디지털 컨텐츠의 저장 및 재생 기능을구비한 개인 휴대 장치의 제어방법 및 이에 따른 개인휴대장치의 동작방법

본 발명은 컴퓨터를 통한 디지털 컨텐츠의 저장 및 재생 기능을 구비한 개인 휴대 장치의 제어 방법 및 이에 따른 개인 휴대 장치의 동작 방법이 개시된다. 본 발명에 따른 컴퓨터의 제어에 따른 개인 휴대 장치의 동작 방법은 직렬 케이블 또는 병렬 케이블을 통한 컴퓨터의 제어에 따라 디지털 컨텐츠의 저장 및 재생 기능을 구비한 개인 휴대 장치가 동작하는 방법에 있어서, (a) 상기 개인 휴대 장치에 내장된 내부 메모리 또는 외부로부터 삽입된 외부 메모리 카드에 있는 외부 메모리의 포맷을 요청하는 포맷 요청 명령을 상기 컴퓨터로부터 직렬 케이블 또는 병렬 케이블을 통하여 수신하는 단계; (b) 상기 개인 휴대 장치가 포맷을 실행할 준비가 완료되면, 직렬 케이블 또는 병렬 케이블을 통하여 상기 컴퓨터로 포맷 준비가 완료됨을 회신하는 단계; (c) 상기 (a) 단계에서 수신된 포맷 요청 명령의 실행을 위한 실행 명령을 상기 컴퓨터로부터 직렬 케이블 또는 병렬 케이블을 통하여 수신하는 단계 및 (d) 상기 (c) 단계에서 실행 명령을 수신하면, 해당 메모리의 포맷을 실행하고, 그 결과를 직렬 케이블 또는 병렬 케이블을 통하여 상기 컴퓨터로 회신하는 단계를 포함하고, 상기 (a) 단계 내지 (d) 단계에서 수신 또는 회신되는 전송 데이터의 구조는 전송 데이터의 시작을 표시하는 시작 분리 문자, 전송 데이터의 길이 정보, 명령어 코드 또는 상태 정보의 시작을 표시하는 중간 분리 문자, 명령어 코드 또는 상태 정보 및 전송 데이터의 끝을 표시하는 종료 분리 문자를 포함함을 특징으로 한다. 본 발명에 의하면, 컴퓨터와 디지털 컨텐츠의 저장 및 재생 기능을 구비한 개인 휴대 장치간의 직렬 케이블 또는 병렬 케이블을 통한 규격화된 인터페이스가 가능함에 따라, 개인 휴대 장치 내부의 통신 모듈과 컴퓨터상의 통신 응용 프로그램의 개발 시간을 단축할 수 있고, 이종 업체에서 개발된 개인 휴대 장치간의 호환이 가능할 뿐만 아니라, 개인 휴대 장치의 품질 검증의 효율성을 높일 수 있다. 또한, 본 발명에서의 컴퓨터와 개인 휴대 장치간의 규격화된 인터페이스는 개인 휴대 장치에서의 새로운 기능의 확장을 용이하게 하고, 디지털 컨텐츠의 보안 기능을 아울러 지원한다.

Надежная защита от копирования и/или воспроизведения

1. Способ надежного управления копированием произведения, имеющего кадровое представление и защиту от неправомерного использования, упомянутый способ содержит:осуществляют доступ к информации системы управления последовательным копированием для упомянутого произведения, имеющего кадровое представление и защиту от неправомерного использования;проверяют корректность упомянутой информации системы управления последовательным копированием;осуществляют доступ к информации об управлении копированием упомянутого произведения, имеющего кадровое представление и защиту от неправомерного использования;иопределяют с использованием упомянутой информации об управлении копированием, разрешено ли приложению безопасного копирования/воспроизведения создавать копию упомянутого произведения, имеющего кадровое представление и защиту от неправомерного использования.2. Способ по п.1, дополнительно содержащий:осуществляют доступ к информации об управлении воспроизведением упомянутого произведения, имеющего кадровое представление и защиту от неправомерного использования.3. Способ по п.2, дополнительно содержащий:осуществляют доступ к упомянутой информации системы управления последовательным копированием и упомянутой информации об управлении воспроизведением, по меньшей мере, из двух секретных битов приложения в МР3 файле.4. Способ по п.1, дополнительно содержащий:запрещают копирование упомянутого произведения, имеющего кадровое представление и защиту от неправомерного использования, если упомянутая проверка корректности упомянутой информации системы управления последовательным копированием заканчив� РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (51) МПК G06F 21/60 (13) 2011 147 225 A (2013.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ЗАЯВКА НА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЕ (21)(22) Заявка: 2011147225/08, 26.05.2010 (71) Заявитель(и): МЕДИА РАЙТС ТЕКНОЛОДЖИЗ, ИНК. (US) Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: 29.05.2009 US 12/474,790 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 21.11. ...

Insertion of identification markers into data

FIELD: information technology. SUBSTANCE: device for inserting identification markers contains many reception blocks intended for obtaining many input data sets, and each of the sets of input data sets is divided into a set of input segments, thus at least one of the sets of input data sets is uniquely marked; the selector for choice at least one input segment from one of at least two different input data sets of a set of input data sets; and at least one joiner, intended for arrangement of one input segment chosen at least for obtaining the output data set having a set of output segments, so that the quantity of output segments is equal quantity of the input segments in each input data set. EFFECT: guarantee of higher efficiency and reliability during the manufacture of data carriers with inserted identification labels. 39 cl, 9 dwg ÐÎÑÑÈÉÑÊÀß ÔÅÄÅÐÀÖÈß (19) RU (11) 2 339 091 (13) C2 (51) ÌÏÊ G11B 20/10 (2006.01) H04L 9/00 (2006.01) ÔÅÄÅÐÀËÜÍÀß ÑËÓÆÁÀ ÏÎ ÈÍÒÅËËÅÊÒÓÀËÜÍÎÉ ÑÎÁÑÒÂÅÍÍÎÑÒÈ, ÏÀÒÅÍÒÀÌ È ÒÎÂÀÐÍÛÌ ÇÍÀÊÀÌ (12) ÎÏÈÑÀÍÈÅ ÈÇÎÁÐÅÒÅÍÈß Ê ÏÀÒÅÍÒÓ (21), (22) Çà âêà: 2006101684/09, 31.03.2004 (72) Àâòîð(û): ÌÀËÈÊ Ñàìèò (US), ÑÀÈ Ðàäæà (US) (24) Äàòà íà÷àëà îòñ÷åòà ñðîêà äåéñòâè ïàòåíòà: 31.03.2004 (73) Ïàòåíòîîáëàäàòåëü(è): ÑÎÍÈ ÏÈÊ×ÅÐÑ ÝÍÒÅÐÒÅÉÍÌÅÍÒ ÈÍÊ. (US) R U (30) Êîíâåíöèîííûé ïðèîðèòåò: 31.07.2003 US 60/491,763 (43) Äàòà ïóáëèêàöèè çà âêè: 27.07.2006 (45) Îïóáëèêîâàíî: 20.11.2008 Áþë. ¹ 32 2 3 3 9 0 9 1 (56) Ñïèñîê äîêóìåíòîâ, öèòèðîâàííûõ â îò÷åòå î ïîèñêå: WO 02093578 A1, 21.11.2002. US 6185318 Â1, 06.02.2001. RU 2163056 Ñ2, 10.02.2001. RU 2000117578 A, 10.07.2002. US 6021391 A, 01.02.2000. TRAPPE W et al, Anti-collusion Fingerprinting for Multimedia, IEEE Transactions on signal processing, vol.51, ¹4, April 2003, c.c.1069-1087. 2 3 3 9 0 9 1 R U C 2 C 2 (85) Äàòà ïåðåâîäà çà âêè PCT íà íàöèîíàëüíóþ ôàçó: 23.01.2006 (86) Çà âêà PCT: US 2004/010047 (31.03.2004) (87) Ïóáëèêàöè PCT: WO 2005/003887 (13.01.2005) Àäðåñ äë ïåðåïèñêè: 103735, Ìîñêâà, óë. Èëüèíêà, 5 ...

Digital Watermark Extraction Apparatus for Copyright Protection of Digital Audio/Video/Multimedia

본 발명은 디지털 오디오/비디오에 포함된 저작권 보호 정보인 디지털 워터마크를 시변 예측모델링을 이용하여 추출하는 방법에 관한 것으로서, 원본 오디오나 비디오 없이도 워터마크가 삽입된 오디오 및 비디오에서 워터마크를 추출하며 워터마크가 삽입된 오디오/비디오 신호에 대해 워터마크를 제거하기 위한 다양한 공격이 가해지더라고 워터마크의 정보가 제거되지 않고 추출이 가능하다. The present invention relates to a method of extracting digital watermark, which is copyright protection information included in digital audio / video, using time-varying prediction modeling, and extracts a watermark from audio and video having watermark embedded therein without the original audio or video. Even if various attacks are applied to remove the watermark on the watermark embedded audio / video signal, the watermark information can be extracted without being removed. 인터넷과 같은 컴퓨터망과 컴퓨터의 이용이 급격하게 증가함에 따라 디지털 멀티미디어 데이터의 이용 및 보급이 일반화되고 있다. 그러나, 이러한 멀티미디어 데이터들은 디지털이라는 속성으로 인하여 복제가 용이하고, 누구나 손쉽게 불법 복제를 통해 디지털 데이터를 얻을 수 있다. 이에 따라 불법적인 복제를 방지하고 멀티미디어 컨텐츠를 생산한 작가의 저작권 및 소유권을 보호하고자 하는 요구가 생겨나게 되었다. As the use of computer networks and computers such as the Internet is rapidly increasing, the use and dissemination of digital multimedia data is becoming common. However, such multimedia data can be easily copied due to the digital property, and anyone can easily obtain digital data through illegal copying. As a result, there is a demand to prevent illegal copying and to protect the copyright and ownership of the author who produced the multimedia contents. 본 발명은 이러한 데이터 보호기술 중의 하나인 워터마크가 삽입된 오디오/비디오 및 멀티미디어에서 워터마크를 시변 예측분석부와 시변 예측필터부를 이용하여 원본 오디오/비디오 및 멀티미디어 없이도 정확하게 추출할 수 있다. 이러한 워터마크 추출기술은 여러 가지 분야에 응용할 수 있다. The present invention can accurately extract a watermark without using the original audio / video and multimedia using a time varying predictive analyzer and a time varying predictive filter in a watermark-embedded audio / video and multimedia. This watermark extraction technique can be applied to various fields.

Paper products and physical objects as means to access and control a computer or to navigate over or act as a portal on a network

Physical or electronic objects are encoded with identifiers, which serve to trigger object-appropriate responses from computer systems that encounter such objects. The encoding may be steganographic (e.g., by digital watermarks), so the presence of such identifiers is not evident to persons encountering the objects. An exemplary application is a computer system that looks at a printed magazine advertisement and initiates a link to a corresponding internet page. In one such implementation, the computer system senses an identifier encoded in the advertisement, determines a web address corresponding to that identifier, and directs a browser to that address. Another application is a computer system that looks at a printed spreadsheet, and retrieves from disk storage an electronic version of the same document for editing. In one such implementation, the computer system senses an identifier encoded in the printed spreadsheet, checks the identifier against a local index of documents stored on the computer, and recalls the corresponding document for editing. A variety of other applications, and associated methods and apparatuses, are also disclosed.

Methods and Tangible Objects Employing Machine Readable Data

The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. In one implementation we provide a method including: obtaining auxiliary data; providing a mask for a photo-reactive material, the mask corresponding at least in part to the auxiliary data; and exposing the material through the mask to steganographically impart the auxiliary data in the photo-reactive material. The auxiliary data is machine-readable from the exposed material. In another implementation the material is exposed through photolithographic illumination. Of course, other implementations are described and claimed as well.

Methods and tangible objects employing machine readable data in photo-reactive materials

The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. In one implementation we provide a method including: obtaining auxiliary data; providing a mask for a photo-reactive material, the mask corresponding at least in part to the auxiliary data; and exposing the material through the mask to steganographically impart the auxiliary data in the photo-reactive material. The auxiliary data is machine-readable from the exposed material. In another implementation the material is exposed through photolithographic illumination. Of course, other implementations are described and claimed as well.

Device for recording and reproducing data

FIELD: copyright protection technologies. SUBSTANCE: device has means for determining characteristics of stream determining whether the stream of outside audio data is compressed. Reading block for the stream has means for reading stream for reading stream of audio data, to which a flag for identifying conversion is assigned, from block for memorizing stream, and means for inserting water mark for inserting water mark into read stream of audio data. In said means read stream of audio data being subject to insertion of water mark, is subjected to backward process of conversion according to value of said flag of conversion identification assigned to audio data stream. EFFECT: higher effectiveness of prevention of illegal copying by means of insertion of water marks. 16 cl, 18 dwg тб ссс ПЧ сэ (19) РОССИЙСКОЕ АГЕНТСТВО ПО ПАТЕНТАМ И ТОВАРНЫМ ЗНАКАМ ВИ” 2 237 934 ' (51) МПК? 13) С2 С 11В 20/00 12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ (21), (22) Заявка: 2000118232/28, 08.10.1999 (24) Дата начала действия патента: 08.10.1999 (30) Приоритет: 08.10.1998 /Р 10/287085 (43) Дата публикации заявки: 20.06.2002 (45) Дата публикации: 10.10.2004 (56) Ссылки: ЕР 661819 А_2, 05.07.1995. ЕР 0784261 АЛ, 16.07.1997. 4$ 48172009 А, 03.10.1989. КЦ 95106475 АЛ, 27.01.1997. КЦ 2119269 СЛ, 20.09.1998. (85) Дата перевода заявки РСТ на национальную фазу: 10.07.2000 (86) Заявка РСТ: УР 9905566 (08.10.1999) (87) Публикация РСТ: М/О 00/21088 (13.04.2000) (98) Адрес для переписки: 129010, Москва, ул. Б. Спасская, 25, стр.3, ООО "Юридическая фирма Городисский и Партнеры", пат.пов. Ю.Д.Кузнецову, рег.№ 595 (72) Изобретатель: НОНОМУРА Томоюки (+Р), ИНОУЕ Мицухиро ()Р), МИНАМИ Масатака (0$), КОЗУКА Масаюки (ЦЗ) (73) Патентообладатель: (/Р) (74) Патентный поверенный: Кузнецов Юрий Дмитриевич МАЦУСИТА ЭЛЕКТРИК ИНДАСТРИАЛ КО.,ЛТД. (54) УСТРОЙСТВО ЗАПИСИ И ВОСПРОИЗВЕДЕНИЯ ДАННЫХ (57) Изобретение относится к области защиты авторских прав распространяемых аудиоданных, в том числе аудиоданных ...

Material storage

REPRODUCTION DEVICE AND METHOD, AND DISC REPRODUCTION DEVICE

Method and device for controlling distribution and usage of digital works

FIELD: technology and equipment for controlling distribution and usage of digital work, stored together with accompanying information about terms of use on data carrier. SUBSTANCE: accompanying information about terms of utilization is encoded or verified by using concealed information, which changes after each change of said information about terms of utilization. As aforementioned concealed information, encryption key can be utilized, also utilized for encryption of information about terms of utilization, or control checksum of data block, contains information about terms of utilization. EFFECT: prevented "copying and reproduction" attack on digital work. 3 cl, 3 dwg ÐÎÑÑÈÉÑÊÀß ÔÅÄÅÐÀÖÈß RU (19) (11) 2 279 724 (13) C2 (51) ÌÏÊ G11B 20/00 (2006.01) ÔÅÄÅÐÀËÜÍÀß ÑËÓÆÁÀ ÏÎ ÈÍÒÅËËÅÊÒÓÀËÜÍÎÉ ÑÎÁÑÒÂÅÍÍÎÑÒÈ, ÏÀÒÅÍÒÀÌ È ÒÎÂÀÐÍÛÌ ÇÍÀÊÀÌ (12) ÎÏÈÑÀÍÈÅ ÈÇÎÁÐÅÒÅÍÈß Ê ÏÀÒÅÍÒÓ (21), (22) Çà âêà: 2003107019/28, 02.08.2001 (72) Àâòîð(û): ÒÐÅÔÔÅÐÑ Ìåííî À. (NL), ÑÒÀÐÈÍà Àíòîíèóñ À.Ì. (NL) (24) Äàòà íà÷àëà îòñ÷åòà ñðîêà äåéñòâè ïàòåíòà: 02.08.2001 (43) Äàòà ïóáëèêàöèè çà âêè: 20.07.2004 R U (73) Ïàòåíòîîáëàäàòåëü(è): ÊÎÍÈÍÊËÅÉÊÅ ÔÈËÈÏÑ ÝËÅÊÒÐÎÍÈÊÑ Í.Â. (NL) (30) Êîíâåíöèîííûé ïðèîðèòåò: 16.08.2000 EP 00202888.4 (45) Îïóáëèêîâàíî: 10.07.2006 Áþë. ¹ 19 2 2 7 9 7 2 4 (56) Ñïèñîê äîêóìåíòîâ, öèòèðîâàííûõ â îò÷åòå î ïîèñêå: US 5638443 A, 10.06.1997. US 5624655 A, 06.05.1997. ÅÐ 1020856 À, 19.07.2000. WO 0133317 A, 10.05.2001. (85) Äàòà ïåðåâîäà çà âêè PCT íà íàöèîíàëüíóþ ôàçó: 17.03.2003 2 2 7 9 7 2 4 R U (87) Ïóáëèêàöè PCT: WO 02/15184 (21.02.2002) C 2 C 2 (86) Çà âêà PCT: EP 01/08924 (02.08.2001) Àäðåñ äë ïåðåïèñêè: 129010, Ìîñêâà, óë. Á.Ñïàññêà , 25, ñòð.3, ÎÎÎ "Þðèäè÷åñêà ôèðìà Ãîðîäèññêèé è Ïàðòíåðû", ïàò.ïîâ. Ã.Á. Åãîðîâîé (54) ÑÏÎÑÎÁ È ÓÑÒÐÎÉÑÒÂÎ ÄËß ÓÏÐÀÂËÅÍÈß ÐÀÑÏÐÎÑÒÐÀÍÅÍÈÅÌ È ÈÑÏÎËÜÇÎÂÀÍÈÅÌ ÖÈÔÐÎÂÛÕ ÐÀÁÎÒ (57) Ðåôåðàò: Äàííîå èçîáðåòåíèå îòíîñèòñ ê ñïîñîáó è óñòðîéñòâó äë óïðàâëåíè ðàñïðîñòðàíåíèåì è èñïîëüçîâàíèåì öèôðîâîé ðàáîòû, õðàíèìîé âìåñòå ñ ïðèñîåäèíåííîé ...

Method and apparatus for use of a watermark and a unique time dependent reference for the purpose of copy protection

A copyright protection system for protecting content wherein a time dependent ticket is calculated at a source device by combining a checkpoint with a ticket. The checkpoint is transmitted from a display device to the source device prior to the source device transmitting watermarked content to the display device. The checkpoint is also stored at the display device. Thereafter, the source device transmits, to the display device, watermarked content, the ticket, and the time dependent ticket. At the display device, the stored checkpoint is compared to a current count of a local clock that was utilized for producing the checkpoint. If the stored checkpoint is within a window of time of the local clock, then the stored checkpoint is combined with the ticket in the same way that the checkpoint is combined with the ticket at the source device. A result of the combination is compared to the time dependent ticket and if the result equals the time dependent ticket, then the watermark and ticket may be compared in the usual way to determine the copy protection status of the copy protected content.

Method and device for detection and use of sampling frequency for decoding of water sign information built into received signal selected by initial sampling frequency at coder side

FIELD: information technologies. SUBSTANCE: method to detect and use sampling frequency for decoding of water sign information built into a received signal sampled with the initial sampling frequency at the coder's side, besides, the specified decoding includes correlation with at least one reference sample, in which in the searching mode: possible sampling frequencies are repeatedly scanned in the frequency range thus decoding the water sign; the maximum and the second maximum are determined among summary validity values; besides, as soon as their ratio or their difference becomes higher than the second threshold value, or when the maximum number of scanning cycles is achieved, the specified searching mode is terminated, and the specified normal mode is launched, where the selected possible sampling frequency is accepted as the initial sampling frequency, and the water sign of the received signal is decoded part by part or frame by frame sing the selected possible sampling frequency. EFFECT: correct detection of a sampling frequency for decoding of water sign information built into a received distorted signal. 18 cl, 2 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) 2 481 649 (13) C2 (51) МПК G10L 19/018 (2013.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (21)(22) Заявка: 2009102228/08, 23.01.2009 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: 23.01.2009 (73) Патентообладатель(и): ТОМСОН ЛАЙСЕНСИНГ (FR) (43) Дата публикации заявки: 27.07.2010 Бюл. № 21 2 4 8 1 6 4 9 (45) Опубликовано: 10.05.2013 Бюл. № 13 2 4 8 1 6 4 9 R U Адрес для переписки: 129090, Москва, ул. Б. Спасская, 25, стр.3, ООО "Юридическая фирма Городисский и Партнеры" (54) СПОСОБ И УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ И ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ЧАСТОТЫ ДИСКРЕТИЗАЦИИ ДЛЯ ДЕКОДИРОВАНИЯ ИНФОРМАЦИИ ВОДЯНОГО ЗНАКА, ВСТРОЕННОЙ В ПРИНИМАЕМЫЙ СИГНАЛ, ВЫБРАННЫЙ С ПОМОЩЬЮ ИСХОДНОЙ ЧАСТОТЫ ДИСКРЕТИЗАЦИИ НА СТОРОНЕ КОДЕРА таким образом декодируя водяной знак; определяют максимум и второй ...

Method for Inserting Object-based Digital Watermark Using Shuffling Technique

본 발명은 디지털 워터마크 삽입 방법에 있어서, 비쥬얼 객체를 제외한 배경 영역을 고주파 패딩 패턴으로 패딩한 후, 셔플링 기반 디지털 워터마크가 삽입된 비디오 객체 평면을 대상으로 역셔플링한 다음에 삽입한 패딩 패턴을 삭제하여 셔플링 기반 디지털 워터마크가 삽입된 비쥬얼 객체를 생성하는 셔플링을 이용한 객체 기반 디지털 워터마크 삽입 방법에 관한 것이다. The present invention provides a digital watermark embedding method, in which a background region excluding a visual object is padded with a high frequency padding pattern, followed by reverse shuffling of a video object plane into which a shuffling-based digital watermark is inserted and then inserted into padding. The present invention relates to an object-based digital watermark insertion method using shuffling that generates a visual object into which a shuffling-based digital watermark is inserted by deleting a pattern. 본 발명에 따르면, 비쥬얼 객체 단위로 디지털 워터마크를 삽입·추출할 수 있도록 함과 동시에 셔플링 기법에 의해 고도의 저작권 보호 능력을 보유할 수 있는 이점이 있다. 특히, 영상이 고압축될 경우에도 저작권 보호가 가능하며, 다른 공격자가 자신의 영상이라 주장하는 소유권 주장과 커루젼과 같은 공격에도 강한 특성을 보일 뿐만 아니라 영상에 크기변환, 클리핑 및 여러 가지 필터링과 같은 인위적인 후처리를 가하더라도 저작권 보호가 가능한 장점이 있다. According to the present invention, it is possible to insert and extract digital watermarks on a visual object basis, and at the same time, to possess a high copyright protection capability by a shuffling technique. In particular, copyright protection is possible even when the video is compressed, and it is not only strong against attacks and claims such as claims that other attackers claim to be their own video, but also such as resizing, clipping and various filtering on the video. Even if artificial post-processing is applied, copyright protection is possible.

Data fingerprinting method

A fingerprinting apparatus, including: a plurality of receiving units to receive a plurality of input datasets, each of the plurality of input datasets divided into a plurality of input segments, at least one of the plurality of input datasets uniquely marked; a selector to select at least one input segment from one of at least two different input datasets of the plurality of input datasets; and at least one combiner to arrange the selected at least one input segment to produce an output dataset having a plurality of output segments, such that the number of output segments is equal to the number of input segments in each input dataset.

Reprogrammable security to regulate piracy and enable interactive content

The method of computer controlled portable personal device and the method for operating of this equipment thereof

一种由计算机控制具有存储或播放数字内容功能的便携式个人设备的方法及该设备的操作方法。计算机控制该设备的操作方法包括：从计算机接收格式化请求命令；当该设备准备格式化时，向计算机发送指明准备进行格式化的信号；从计算机接收执行命令；对存储器格式化。该方法能在计算机与便携式个人设备之间使用标准化接口，可以减少开发该设备中的内部通信模块和计算机应用程序所需的时间，并保证便携式个人设备的兼容性和有效性。

Method and apparatus to prevent the unauthorized copying of digital information

A method for authorizing the rendering of a digital recording. A first section and a last section of a track is first identified. A watermark is then decoded from the first and last sections of the track. It is then determined if at least one reserved bit is marked in the watermark in each of the first and last sections of the track. If so, it is determined if the sequence IDs of sections interposed between the first and last sections of the track are in sequential order. If both conditions are met, the rendering is authorized.

Method and apparatus for watermarking video images

Embedding a watermark in an image by changing selected DCT coefficients in the blocks and macro blocks of coefficients which represent the image. The changes in the blocks that comprise each macro block are done in a coordinated manner so that the phase of the watermark signal is preserved across the block boundaries. By preserving the phase across block boundaries, a detectable grid is formed which can be used as an orientation and scaling grid. Furthermore, by preserving the phase across block boundaries the visual artifacts introduced by the watermark are minimized. The bit rate of the image signal is preserved by maintaining a count (referred to as the cumulative change count) that represents the amount that the bit rate has been increased by changes in coefficients less the amount that the bit rate has been decreased by changes in the coefficients. If at any time the cumulative change count exceeds a pre-established limit, coefficient changes that decrease the cumulative change count continue; however, coefficient changes that increase the cumulative change count are suspended. The suspension of coefficient changes that increase the cumulative change count continues until the cumulative change count falls below the pre-established limit.

Information distribution apparatus, information recording medium, and information reproduction apparatus

Use of a watermark for the purpose of copy protection

用于保护信息内容的一个版权保护系统，其中在一个信源装置(330)通过组合一个核查点与一个标签计算出一个时间相关标签(314)。在该信源装置发送(360)加了水印标记的信息内容到该显示装置之前，核查点从显示装置(340)传送(361)到信源装置。该核查点也存储(376)在这显示装置。随后，信源装置把加了水印标记的信息内容、该标签和该相对时间相关的标签传送到该显示装置。在该显示装置，存储的核查点与本地时钟(374)的一个当前计数比较(314)，用于产生该核查点。如果存储的核查点在本地时钟的一个时间窗口之内，则以在信源装置处该核查点与标签组合的同样方式，存储的核查点与该标签组合(314’)。组合的结果与时间相关标签比较，并且如果该结果等于该时间相关标签，则该水印标记和标签可以在通常的方法中比较，以便确定复制保护的信息内容的防复制状态(314’)。

Reproducing apparatus and method and disk reproducing apparatus

盘密钥检测部分(3)根据从RF处理器(1)提供的数据，检测盘密钥。当检测到盘密钥时，系统控制器(7)控制光拾取器等，并且与TOC部分的数据一起再现包含在音频块部分中的若干扇区的数据。数据解密部分(4)根据盘密钥对从数据解码部分(2)提供的TOC部分的数据和若干扇区的数据进行解密，并且将解密数据提供给数据处理部分(5)。数据处理块(5)将TOC部分的数据和扇区首标部分的数据提供给系统控制器(7)。验证部分(8)检查从数据处理(5)提供的包括在首标部分中的时间数据的连续性。如果时间数据缺少连续性，则验证部分(8)禁止再现和其他处理。

Associating media through steganography

The present invention relates to associating media through digital watermarking. In one implementation, a method is provided to associate first media with at least second media. The first media includes encoded first plural-bit auxiliary information. The method includes receiving electronic data representing at least a portion of the first media; decoding the encoded first auxiliary information from the electronic data to obtain the first auxiliary information; providing second plural-bit auxiliary information, wherein the second auxiliary information is based on the first auxiliary information; and encoding the second auxiliary information in the second media, wherein the second media comprises an electronic form. Thus, the first media and the second media are associated via the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information.

Embedding hidden auxiliary information in media

Methods and apparatus for steganographically embedding information in media signals (e.g., audio and video) are provided. One claim recites a method of enabling tracing of a media signal to a distribution point of the media signal, including: providing time and place information associated with the distribution point, the distribution point includes at least speakers to render the media signal to an assembled audience; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, embedding the time and place information in the media signal, such that the time and place information is imperceptibly distributed in the media signal, said embedding alters data representing audible portions of the media signal or alters data representing video picture elements of the media signal to convey the time and place information in the media signal; and at least the place information is recoverable from plural different portions of the media signal. Of course, other claims, combinations and features are also provided.

Audio encoding to convey auxiliary information, and decoding of same

The present claims relate generally to steganographically encoding and decoding of audio signals. One claim recites a method of embedding auxiliary information in data representing audio. The method includes acts of: using at least a programmed electronic processor, altering data representing audio to include a sequence of bits of auxiliary information, said altering based on a carrier signal and corresponding to the sequence of bits, and said altering based on a local gain that varies within the data representing audio, the sequence of bits of auxiliary information including at least one fixed registration sequence for registration of the auxiliary information within the data representing audio and at least one message sequence, and in which the fixed registration sequence and the at least one message sequence are interleaved in at least some portions of the data, and in which the fixed registration sequence is provided in the data representing audio so as to allow determination of threshold levels associated with the auxiliary information; and repeating the altering of the data representing audio to include redundant instances of at least some of the auxiliary information including at least the fixed registration sequence. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Methods, objects and apparatus employing machine readable data

The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. One claim recites an object including: electronic processing circuitry having an operating or performance metric associated therewith; and steganographic indicia carried by the object, the steganographic indicia is usable as an index to verify the operating or performance metric. Another claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory; and machine-readable indicia usable as a registry index including data that provides an indication regarding an expected capacity of the electronic memory. Other combinations are described and claimed as well.

Methods and systems for steganographic processing

The present claims utilize steganographic embedding to help facilitate tracing of unauthorized copies to a location and particular time. One claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing audio or video, the audio or video to be communicated to an audience assembled at a location at a particular time; and steganographic embedding binary information in the data with a programmed electronic processor, said steganographic embedding modifies portions of the data to hide the binary information in the data, the binary information is associated with the location and particular time of communicating the audio or video to the audience assembled at the location at the particular time. The binary information enables an unauthorized version of the communicated audio or video to be traced back to the location and particular time. Of course, other combination and claims are provided too.

Apparatus and methods to process video or audio

The presently claimed invention relates generally to video or audio data. One claim recites an apparatus. The apparatus includes an input to receive data associated with video or audio; a decoder to analyze the data associated with video or audio for a steganographic signal hidden therein, the steganographic signal hidden in data representing video picture elements or in data representing audio elements; an extractor to extract an identifier from the data associated with video or audio; a generator to provide a signal based at least in part on a result produced by said decoder and said extractor; and an output to output the signal. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.

Content indexing and searching using content identifiers and associated metadata

A method of indexing content for network searching comprises obtaining media content signals stored on a computer network; deriving content identifiers from the content signals; using the content identifiers to obtain metadata used to classify the media content signals; and creating a searchable index of the media content signals based on the metadata, wherein users access the searchable index on the distributed computer network to submit a search query for the searchable index to retrieve links to the media content signals.

Methods for audio watermarking and decoding

The presently claimed invention relates generally to encoding and decoding audio signals to include auxiliary information. One example encoding technique includes steganography. One method recites: using a microphone, obtaining an audio signal carried by sound waves; utilizing an analog-to-digital converter to convert the audio signal into a digital audio signal; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, extracting auxiliary data from a series of segments of the digital audio signal, the segments conveying the same auxiliary data, yet the segments represent the auxiliary data differently as code signals carrying the same auxiliary data change over the blocks, the auxiliary data being steganographically hidden in the digital audio signal; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, utilizing the auxiliary data from the series of segments to increase confidence of accurate extraction of the auxiliary data, the auxiliary data being separately decoded from the segments and combined to increase the confidence of extraction of the auxiliary data. Of course, other combination and claims are provided as well.

Content objects with computer instructions steganographically encoded therein, and associated methods

Various improvements to digital watermarking are disclosed. For example, a digitally watermarked object can steganographically convey a payload that includes computer instructions (e.g., JAVA, ActiveX, or HTML) that—when decoded—control some manner of operation of an associated instruction processor. One application is a digital movie that, when double-clicked, automatically executes a watermark-embedded Java applet which links through a browser to the movie's distributor. The user is then prompted to input a credit card number. After the number has been verified and a charge made, the applet releases the content of the file to the computer's viewer for viewing of the movie.

Methods and apparatus to process imagery or audio content

The presently claimed invention relates generally to digital watermarking, and processing imagery (e.g., including video) or audio content. One claim recites a method including: obtaining first media comprising imagery or audio; obtaining second media comprising imagery or audio; aggregating the first media and the second media to yield a unit; and using a programmed electronic processor, examining the unit for the presence of a digital watermark. Another claim recites a method comprising: upon encountering imagery or audio content, performing a screening operation on the imagery or audio content; based at least in part on the result of the screening operation, determining whether to derive or extract identifying data from the imagery or audio content, said act of determining uses a programmed electronic processor; providing the identifying data for storage in an electronic data record. Still another claim recites a method comprising: using a programmed electronic processor, extracting identifying data from data representing imagery or from data representing audio; automatically dialing a telephone number; providing the identifying data for telephonic communication to a device hosting the telephone number; receiving signals representing a human voice command; and providing signals for telephonic communication to a device hosting the telephone number. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Steganographic encoding and decoding of auxiliary codes in media signals

Methods of steganographically encoding auxiliary data into audio and decoding the auxiliary data. In an encoding method, a processor maps the auxiliary data to samples in the audio data. A processor modifies the mapping of the auxiliary data to the samples over time. A processor modifies a feature of the samples of the audio data to which the code signals are mapped to convey the auxiliary data substantially imperceptibly in the audio data. In a decoding method, a processor performs decoding of a multibit auxiliary code embedded in an audio signal. A processor decodes code values of the auxiliary code from two or more different portions of the audio signal, each having the multibit auxiliary code. A processor combines the code values decoded from the two or more different portions of the audio signal to determine the code values of the auxiliary code.

Printer driver separately applying watermark and information

The present invention provides a printer responsive to commands from printer driver software. The printer driver software is characterized by being responsive to two types of input data. One of the types includes text data, and the other of the types includes watermark data. The two types of data are separately applied to printer driver software, rather than integrated together prior to application to the printer driver software.

Identification/authentication system using robust, distributed coding

An identification code signal is impressed on a carrier to be identified (such as an electronic data signal or a physical medium) in a manner that permits the identification signal later to be statistically discerned and the carrier thereby identified. The method and apparatus are characterized by robustness despite degradation of the encoded carrier, and by holographic permeation of the identification signal throughout the carrier.

Image steganography system featuring perceptually adaptive and globally scalable signal embedding

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. In one image steganography embodiment, the relative strength of the identification code signal is both perceptually adapted in accordance with psychovisual characteristics of the image, and globally scaled in accordance with a user-set visibility control. The technique can be applied in video imagery embodiments to control associated video equipment, e.g. to serve as a copy control signal.

Methods for surveying dissemination of proprietary empirical data

An automated system checks networked computers, such as computers on the internet, for watermarked audio, video, or image data. A report listing the location of such audio, video or image data is generated, and provided to the proprietor(s) thereof identified by the watermark information.

Method and system for digital watermarking

A method for applying a digital watermark to a content signal is disclosed. In accordance with such a method, a watermarking key is identified. The watermarking key includes a binary sequence and information describing application of that binary sequence to the content signal. The digital watermark is then encoded within the content signal at one or more locations determined by the watermarking key.

Digital watermarks and methods for security documents

Security documents (e.g. passports, currency, event tickets, and the like) are encoded to convey machine-readable multi-bit binary information (e.g., a digital watermark), usually in a manner not alerting human viewers that such information is present. The documents can be provided with overt or subliminal calibration patterns. When a document incorporating such a pattern is scanned (e.g. by a photocopier), the pattern facilitates detection of the encoded information notwithstanding possible scaling or rotation of the scan data. The calibration pattern can serve as a carrier for the watermark information, or the watermark can be encoded independently. In one embodiment, the watermark and the calibration pattern are formed on the document by an intaglio process, with or without ink. A photocopier responsive to such markings can take predetermined action if reproduction of a security document is attempted. A passport processing station responsive to such markings can use the decoded binary data to access a database having information concerning the passport holder. Some such apparatuses detect both the watermark data and the presence of a visible structure characteristic of a security document (e.g., a printed seal of the document's issuer).

Digital authentication with analog documents

Security of photographic identification documents is enhanced by embedding within the photographic image encoded information that may be correlated to other information pertaining to the individual represented by the image, such other information being, for example, printed on the document adjacent to the photograph.

Encoding and decoding in accordance with steganographically-conveyed data

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.

Linking documents through digital watermarking

The present invention relates to linking documents through digital watermarking. In one implementation, an identification document is embedded with a first digital watermark. The first digital watermark includes a first identifier. Before issuing a second document, like a boarding pass or ticket, the first identifier is extracted from the identification document. The first identifier is manipulated or altered to produce a second identifier. The second identifier, however, remains related to the first identifier. The second document is embedded with a second digital watermark including the second identifier. Thus, the identification document and the second document are linked through the first and second watermark identifiers.

Watermark embedder and reader

A watermark system includes an embedder, detector, and reader. The watermark embedder encodes a watermark signal in a host signal to create a combined signal. The detector looks for the watermark signal in a potentially corrupted version of the combined signal, and computes its orientation. Finally, a reader extracts a message in the watermark signal from the combined signal using the orientation to approximate the original state of the combined signal. While adapted for images, video and audio, the watermark system applies to other electronic and physical media. For example, it can be applied to mark graphical models, blank paper, film and other substrates, texturing objects for ID purposes, etc.

Watermark embedder and reader

A watermark system includes an embedder, detector, and reader. The watermark embedder encodes a watermark signal in a host signal to create a combined signal. The detector looks for the watermark signal in a potentially corrupted version of the combined signal, and computes its orientation. Finally, a reader extracts a message in the watermark signal from the combined signal using the orientation to approximate the original state of the combined signal. While adapted for images, video and audio, the watermark system applies to other electronic and physical media. For example, it can be applied to mark graphical models, blank paper, film and other substrates, texturing objects for ID purposes, etc.

Digital watermark screening and detecting strategies

To enhance decoding of signals suspected of containing a watermark, a suspect signal is screened to compute detection values evincing presence and strength of a watermark. Screening strategies control detector actions, such as rejecting un-marked signals and improving synchronization of watermarks in suspect signals.

Authentication of physical and electronic media objects using digital watermarks

Digital watermark methods for encoding auxiliary data into a host signal are used to authenticate physical and electronic objects. One such method computes a content specific message dependent on the host signal, encodes the content specific message into a watermark signal, and embeds the watermark in the host signal such that the watermark signal is substantially imperceptible in the host signal. One specific implementation embeds data representing salient features of the host signal into the watermark. For example, for photo IDs, the method embeds the spatial location of salient features of the photo into the watermark. Another implementation computes a semi-sensitive hash of the host signal, such as a low pass filtering of the signal, and embeds the hash into the watermark. The watermark signal may be content dependent by making the watermark key dependent on some attribute of the signal in which the watermark is embedded. Another approach is to make the watermark key dependent on a user or an attribute of the user. Yet another approach is to use multiple watermark components and multiple watermark detection stages that help identify and screen out invalid watermark signals. Another digital watermarking method for authenticating a media object transforms a media signal to a frequency domain comprising an array of frequency coefficients. It selects a first set of frequency coefficients, and alters the selected first set of frequency coefficients so that values of the coefficients in the set correspond to a pattern. The pattern of the media signal is authenticated by comparing a pattern of the values of the frequency coefficients in the set with an expected pattern.

Methods for audio watermarking and decoding

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.

IDENTIFICATION / CERTIFICATION CODING METHOD AND DEVICE

Steganographic encoding and decoding of auxiliary codes in media signals

One aspect of the invention is a method of decoding an auxiliary code embedded in an audio signal. The method performs a statistical decoding of a multibit auxiliary code embedded in an audio signal. The auxiliary code has been repetitively embedded in the audio signal. The method decodes code values of the auxiliary code from two or more different portions of the audio signal, each having the multibit auxiliary code. It then uses the code values decoded from two or more different portions to determine statistically the code values of the auxiliary code. Another aspect of the invention is another method of decoding an auxiliary code embedded in an audio signal. The method receives an audio signal suspected of being embedded with an auxiliary code. It evaluates a statistical feature of a portion of the audio signal to decode code values of the auxiliary code from the audio signal. It then determines a code value in the auxiliary code based on the statistical feature. The statistical feature may comprise, for example, the power of the audio signal. The statistical feature may be analyzed over different portions of the audio signal to decode two or more values of the auxiliary code.

Security system for photographic identification

Security of photographic identification documents is enhanced by embedding within the photographic image encoded information that may be correlated to other information pertaining to the individual represented by the image, such other information being, for example, printed on the document adjacent to the photograph.

Watermark embedder and reader

A watermark system includes an embedder, detector, and reader. The watermark embedder encodes a watermark signal in a host signal to create a combined signal. The detector looks for the watermark signal in a potentially corrupted version of the combined signal, and computes its orientation. Finally, a reader extracts a message in the watermark signal from the combined signal using the orientation to approximate the original state of the combined signal. While adapted for images, video and audio, the watermark system applies to other electronic and physical media. For example, it can be applied to mark graphical models, blank paper, film and other substrates, texturing objects for ID purposes, etc.

Steganographic image processing

Multi-bit auxiliary information is hidden in imagery (e.g., digital photographs, video), using steganographic techniques. Such information can be used for various purposes, including identifying an image as originating from a particular source. In some embodiments, certain bits of the auxiliary information effect no change to the image. A variety of different arrangements are disclosed.

Data hiding through arrangement of objects

The present invention provides steganographic embedding techniques. A digital watermark signal is reduced to a set of spatial positions. The set of spatial positions sufficiently conveys the digital watermark signal. Message objects are positioned according to the set of spatial positions. Non-message objects are combined with the message objects to form an image or design. The message objects include distinguishable characteristics, e.g., via color, contrast, gray-scale level or luminance, in comparison to the non-message objects. The digital watermark signal is detected by distinguishing the message objects from the non-message objects (e.g., via color or contrast differences) and analyzing the relative placement of the message objects within the image or design.

Printing media and methods employing digital watermarking

Stationary, or other printable media, is encoded with a digital watermark. The watermark is not conspicuous to a human observer of the media, yet conveys plural bits of auxiliary information when optically scanned and digitally processed. The watermark can be formed by ink-jet printing, or otherwise. The encoded information can be used for various purposes, including authenticating the document as an original, linking to associated on-line resources, and distinguishing seemingly-identical versions of the same document (document serialization).

Methods and tangible objects employing textured machine readable data

A tangible object (such as a microprocessor, wristwatch, pharmaceutical, compact disc, vehicle part, etc) is surface-textured to encode a plural-bit code thereon. In one arrangement, this encoding conveys date information. In use, the object can be imaged by a scanner apparatus, and the resulting scan data analyzed to discern the plural-bit code. The decoded date information can be used in a determination relating to the object. For example, at a port of entry, date information encoded on a Rolex wristwatch can be used to determine whether importation of the wristwatch should be permitted. The texture-encoded data can also convey other information, such as a vehicle identifier for an automotive part, a place of fabrication, a specification with which the part complies, etc.

Hiding geo-location data through arrangement of objects

The present invention provides steganographic-embedding techniques. In one implementation a digital watermark signal is mapped to a set of spatial positions. Physical message objects are positioned according to the set of spatial positions. The signal is provided on a physical structure such as a building or road. The signal may include geo-location information. The geo-location information identifies the location of the physical structure. In other cases the signal includes a marker or identifier. The marker or identifier provides a reference point for images depicting the physical structure.

Image capture device with steganographic data embedding

An image capture device is provided with processing circuitry that steganographically embeds plural-bit auxiliary data within the captured image data. The embedding may be accomplished by adding a low level noise signal to the image data, where the noise signal has the auxiliary data encoded therein. Image data output by the device thus conveys auxiliary data that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Redundantly embedding auxiliary data in source signals

The present invention relates to a data hiding method that includes changing values of input pixels corresponding to an input two-dimensional image to encode an N-bit auxiliary data signal therein, thereby yielding encoded output pixels defining an encoded output image. N comprises at least two. The method is characterized in that the N-bit auxiliary data signal is redundantly encoded in the image by at least: changing values of input pixels in a first image location according to a first pattern in order to encode the N-bit auxiliary data signal therein; changing the pattern according to a key to yield a second pattern; and changing values in a second image location according to the second pattern in order to encode the N-bit auxiliary data signal therein.

Methods and systems for steganographic processing

Media content (e.g., audio or visual) can be steganographically encoded for a variety of purposes. One such purpose relates to tracing rendered media content back to a particular time and place. For example, one claim recites a method including: receiving data representing media content, the media content is to be rendered to an audience assembled at a location; and then encoding tracing information in the data utilizing at least a programmed electronic processor, said encoding alters at least some portions of the data to hide the tracing information in the data, the tracing information is associated with a time and location of rendering the media content to the audience assembled at the location, the tracing information will permit an illicitly captured version of the rendered media content to be traced back to the time and location of the rendering. Of course, other combinations and claims are presented as well.

Content objects with computer instructions steganographically encoded therein, and associated methods

Various improvements to digital watermarking are disclosed. For example, a digitally watermarked object can steganographically convey a payload that includes computer instructions (e.g., JAVA, ActiveX, or HTML) that—when decoded—control some manner of operation of an associated instruction processor. One application is a digital movie that, when double-clicked, automatically executes a watermark-embedded Java applet which links through a browser to the movie's distributor. The user is then prompted to input a credit card number. After the number has been verified and a charge made, the applet releases the content of the file to the computer's viewer for viewing of the movie.

Low visibility watermark using time decay fluorescence

Media is embedded with an out-of-phase digital watermark. A first component of the digital watermark is printed using a first ultraviolet (UV) ink. The first UV ink includes a first fluorescence decay time. The second digital watermark component is inverted with respect to the first component and is printed using a second UV ink. The second ink includes a second fluorescence decay time, which is longer than the first decay time. The embedded media is illuminated with a UV pulse. The watermark is detected after the first emission decay time, but before the second emission decay time. The watermark is fragile under steady-state UV illumination since the inverted watermark component cancels the non-inverted component.

Content indexing and searching using content identifiers and associated metadata

A method of indexing content for network searching comprises identifying media content signals stored at sites distributed over a distributed computer network; extracting content identifiers from the content signals; using the content identifiers to obtain metadata used to classify the media content signals; and creating a searchable index of the media content signals based on the metadata, wherein users access the searchable index on the distributed computer network to submit a search query for the searchable index to retrieve links to the media content signals.

Replication generation management method and recording / reproducing system

Methods and systems for encoding and protecting data using digital signature and watermarking techniques

Systems and methods are provided for protecting and managing electronic data signals that are registered in accordance with a predefined encoding scheme, while allowing access to unregistered data signals. In one embodiment a relatively hard-to-remove, easy-to-detect, strong watermark is inserted in a data signal. The data signal is divided into a sequence of blocks, and a digital signature for each block is embedded in the signal via a watermark. The data signal is then stored and distributed on, e.g., a compact disc, a DVD, or the like. When a user attempts to access or use a portion of the data signal, the signal is checked for the presence of a watermark containing the digital signature for the desired portion of the signal. If the watermark is found, the digital signature is extracted and used to verify the authenticity of the desired portion of the signal. If the signature-containing watermark is not found, the signal is checked for the presence of the strong watermark. If the strong watermark is found, further use of the signal is inhibited, as the presence of the strong watermark, in combination with the absence or corruption of the signature-containing watermark, provides evidence that the signal has been improperly modified. If, on the other hand, the strong mark is not found, further use of the data signal can be allowed, as the absence of the strong mark indicates that the data signal was never registered with the signature-containing watermark.

Method and apparatus to protect media existing in an insecure format

The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus to manage processing of video content. In one implementation, a method of managing processing of video content is provided. The video content includes picture data representing picture elements to be rendered for display to a user. The embedded data is conveyed along with the video content. The method includes: (a) examining the embedded data for rights data, wherein the rights data is carried by a header; (b) only if the rights data is missing, examining the embedding data for protect data that is contained within the picture data; and (c) if the rights data is missing and the protect data is present, then limiting processing of the video content. Other implementations are provided as well.

Copy protection system

본 발명은, 적어도 부분적으로 암호화된 콘텐트의 제 1 신호를 적어도 포함하는 정보를 정보매체로부터 판독하는 장치와, 이와 같은 정보를 저장하는 장치와, 대응하는 방법에 관한 것이다. 본 발명은, 다음과 같은 콘텐트 스크램블링 시스템(CSS) 규칙, 즉 기록가능형 디스크 상의 CSS 암호화된 콘텐트가 거부되어야 한다는 규칙에 대한 구현예를 제공한다. ROM 디스크들을 기록가능형 디스크들과 구별하기 위해 워블된 디스크를 사용할 수 있도록 하기 위해서는, "새로운" 디스크 상의 콘텐트 내부에 "워블-트리거"가 존재하는 것이 요구된다. 이와 같은 트리거는 다음과 같은 요구조건을 갖는다: 이 트리거는 콘텐트를 보는 것만으로 쉽게 검출될 수 있어야 한다. 이 트리거는 해커에 의해 쉽게 제거될 수 없어야 한다. 이 트리거는 콘텐트 준비에 영향을 미치지 않아야 한다. 따라서, 본 발명에 따르면, 제 1 신호 내부에 논리적으로 삽입된 제 2 신호를 검출하는 수단과, 정보매체 상에 정보의 적어도 일부분을 저장하는데 사용된 물리 마크를 검출하는 수단과, 제 2 신호는 검출되었지만 어떤 물리 마크도 검출되지 않은 경우에, 정보매체로부터 판독된 정보의 재생을 거부하는 수단을 구비한 정보 판독장치가 제공된다. The present invention relates to an apparatus for reading information from an information carrier comprising at least a first signal of at least partially encrypted content, an apparatus for storing such information, and a corresponding method. The present invention provides an implementation for the following content scrambling system (CSS) rules, that is, rules that CSS encrypted content on a recordable disc should be rejected. In order to be able to use a wobbled disc to distinguish ROM discs from recordable discs, it is required that a "wobble-trigger" be present inside the content on the "new" disc. Such a trigger has the following requirements: The trigger should be easily detectable just by viewing the content. This trigger should not be easily removed by hackers. This trigger should not affect content preparation. Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a means for detecting a second signal logically inserted within a first signal, means for detecting a physical mark used to store at least a portion of information on an information carrier, and the second signal In the case where it is detected but no physical mark is detected, an information reading apparatus is provided having means for rejecting reproduction of information read from the information carrier.

Additional information embedding device and additional information embedding method

The additional information inserting apparatus according to the present invention encodes additional information signals using two or more kinds of encoding methods/encoding formats to generate two or more kinds of insertion patterns encoded by respective methods, and multiplexes and superimposes the respective encoded insertion patterns to main information signals. Thus, the additional information can be detected by decoding the encoded insertion patterns in accordance with at least either of the encoding methods/encoding formats. Even though one set of the additional information is deteriorated due to signal processing, attack, or other causes, the additional information can be detected correctly using the other set of the additional information. Furthermore, even though the additional information is important information as seen from a view of security, the security information cannot be completely erased, revised, or caused to be useless as long as all the encoding methods are not broken, which can ensure the protection of the copyright.

Authentication of identification documents

Security of photographic identification documents is enhanced by providing machine-readable information that may be correlated to other information pertaining to the individual represented by the image, such other information being, for example, printed on the document adjacent to the photograph.

Security documents with hidden digital data

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.

Methods for watermark decoding

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.

Steganographic encoding and detecting for video signals

Aspects of the invention relate generally to steganography, data hiding and/or digital watermarking for video and other media signals. One claim recites a method including: obtaining a media signal comprising a message steganographically embedded therein; obtaining information obtained from the media signal; adjusting a message detection process with reference to the information; and detecting the message from the media signal according to the adjusted message detection process. Of course, other combinations are provided as well.

Hiding and detecting messages in media signals

The present invention relates to steganographically hiding messages in media signals such as video and audio signals. In one implementation, a method of decoding an encoded media signal to extract a plural-bit auxiliary signal therefrom is provided. The media signal includes a plurality of intervals, with the plural-bit auxiliary signal being steganographically encoded in at least some of the intervals. Once encoded in the media signal the plural-bit auxiliary signal is generally imperceptible to a human observer of the encoded media signal. The encoding includes subtle changes to at least some portions of the media signal to thereby represent the plural-bit auxiliary signal. The method includes receiving the encoded media signal; and decoding the received encoded media signal to extract the plural-bit auxiliary signal therefrom. The decoding analyzes a plurality of intervals of the media signal with greater or lesser confidence in the extracted multi-bit auxiliary data signal being obtained by processing more or less intervals of the encoded media signal, respectively.

Audio encoding to convey auxiliary information, and media embodying same

Methods of processing audio to convey auxiliary information hidden therein are provided. Various arrangements are disclosed. One alters data representing audio to include a sequence of bits of auxiliary information. The altering is based on a carrier signal and corresponding to the sequence of bits, and is based on a perceptibility threshold that varies within the data representing audio. Other arrangements are provided as well.

Methods and systems for steganographic processing

Electronic content data (e.g., audio or visual) can be steganographically encoded for a variety of purposes. One claim recites a method practiced by a first party, including the acts: (a) receiving content that has been previously steganographically encoded by a second party with first plural-bit data; and (b) utilizing a programmed electronic processor, further steganographically encoding the content with a second plural-bit data different than the first. The further encoding includes altering digital data representing human-perceptible attributes of the content, in a manner that is dependent on the content. Both of the first and second plural-bit data are represented in encoded content. Of course, a great variety of other claims, arrangements and features are provided.

Audio and video signal processing

The present disclosure related generally to audio and video signal processing. Various arrangements are disclosed. One method recites: (a) obtaining data representing audible portions of audio or representing picture portions of video; (b) using a programmed electronic processor, determining identifying information from the obtained data by computing a frequency transform to produce frequency transform data, and processing the frequency transform data to derive a pattern, and using the pattern as the identifying information for the audio or video; and (c) using the identifying data to facilitate purchase or license of the audio or video. Other arrangements are disclosed as well.

Digital watermarks

The present invention relates generally to information encoding, data hiding, steganography and digital watermarking. One claim recites: using a programmed electronic processor, encoding content with a plural-bit digital watermark in accordance with initial encoding parameters; determining an assessment of the encoded plural-bit digital watermark in each of two or more portions of the content; for each of the two or more portions of the content, adjusting at least one of the initial encoding parameters according to a determined assessment for a respective portion of the content; and using a programmed electronic processor, encoding the content with said plural-bit watermark in accordance with adjusted encoding parameters. Other claims are provided as well.

Methods and arrangements for composing information-carrying artwork

Data defining several different information-carrying patterns can be stored on mass storage of a computer workstation and serve as a library of design elements for future designs. The same user-interface techniques that are employed to pick colors in image-editing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) and fill textures in presentation programs (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint) can similarly be used to present a palette of information patterns to a security document designer. Clicking on a visual representation of the desired pattern makes the pattern available for inclusion in a security document being designed (e.g. filling a desired area). A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Associating media through encoding

A method of associating first media with at least second media is described where the first media comprises encoded first auxiliary information. The first auxiliary information is auxiliary to the first media. The method includes receiving electronic data representing at least a portion of the first media, the electronic data being obtained from a portable storage device; decoding the encoded first auxiliary information from the electronic data to obtain the first auxiliary information; providing second auxiliary information, wherein the second auxiliary information is based on the first auxiliary information and is auxiliary to the second media; and encoding the second auxiliary information in the second media by altering data representing the second media to yield encoded second media, wherein the second media comprises an electronic form, storing the encoded second media in a storage device in a handheld device.

Digital authentication with digital and analog documents

The disclosure describes systems for creating and authenticating printed objects using authentication information. Techniques for incorporating authentication information into digital representations of objects and using the authentication information to authenticate the objects are also provided.

Watermarked printed objects and methods

A printed object is steganographically encoded with plural-bit data. When presented to a computer system with an optical sensor, the plural-bit data is decoded and used to trigger various functionality. For example, the system can link to a remote data store containing updated contact information for the person—contact information that is updated during the day as the person's activities make different contact information appropriate at different times. A great variety of other arrangements, some employing other steganographically encoded objects, are also detailed.

Methods for controlling systems using control signals embedded in empirical data

An embedded multi-bit signal is steganographically detected from empirical data, such as image or audio data, and some aspect of a related system's operation is controlled in accordance therewith. One application of the invention is a video playback or recording device that is controlled in accordance with the embedded multi-bit signal to limit playback or recording operations. Another is a photo-duplication kiosk that recognizes certain steganographic markings in an image being copied and interrupts the copying operation.

Computer system linked by using information in data objects

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.