Two dimensional information symbol

Disclosed is a method ( 500 ) of encoding a message ( 501 ) into a target area of an original image by determining a set of data items into which the message can be partitioned, partitioning the message into the data items, encoding ( 580 ) a first mark into the target area at a location determined by applying ( 550 ) a hash function ( 505 ) to a first data item, and encoding ( 580 ) a second mark into the target area at a location dependent upon (a) a hash value determined by applying ( 550 ) the hash function ( 505 ) to the first data item and a second data item, (b) the location of the encoded first mark, and (c) a predetermined constraint ( 504 ), wherein the first and second marks form at least part of a pattern of marks in the target area of the encoded image, the pattern having a visual characteristic defined by the predetermined constraint.

Method and apparatus for hiding data for halftone images

We propose methods for generating a halftone image, in which each pixel takes one of two tone values. The generated image contains hidden data, which is present at data storage pixels chosen using a pseudo-random number generator. In a first case, the data is hidden within an existing halftone image by reversing the tone value at certain of the data storage pixels, and at pixels neighbouring the data storage pixels. In a second case, the halftone image is generated from a grey-scale image, and data is hidden during this conversion process.

Method for protecting the authenticity of an object, item, document, packaging and/or a label from imitation, forgery and theft

The invention describes a method for protecting the authenticity of an object, item, document, packaging and/or a label from imitation, forgery and theft, whereas during such marking by means of graphic halftone visually encoded image keeping qualitative-quantitative data of an subject and containing a hidden verification hash code in the form of a digital watermark (DWM), square data cells of the cross-linked structure of the graphic halftone image with identical brightness values are revealed in the entire area inside the revealed square data cell, thereafter a square-cross-linked mask is formed to store the base of the revealed readable data cells, the applied digital watermark (DWM) is read and opposed by means of comparison of the brightness of color components of the central of the revealed readable data cell against the arithmetic mean value of the brightness of the components of the eight neighbor squares surrounding the revealed readable data cell.

Data hiding for spot colors on substrates

The present disclosure relates generally to data hiding for retail product packaging and other printed objects such as substrates. One embodiment embeds an information signal in a spot color for printing on various substrates. The spot color is screened, and overprinted with process color tint. The tint is modulated prior to overprinting with optimized signal tweaks. The optimization can include consideration of a detector spectral dependency (e.g., red and/or green illumination). Many other embodiments and combinations are described in the subject patent document.

Security Element and Method to Inspect Authenticity of a Print

The invention relates to a security element applied onto printing substrates (bank-notes, securities, product packagings, identity cards/labels or other similar documents) by printing, comprising a unique identifier as primary information visible to the naked eye and secondary information protecting against copying non-visible to the naked eye. The unique identifier is typically a point code. Said secondary information is represented by a structure with the largest dimension of 2 to 40 microns, and due to printing distortions arising when the security element is applied onto a printing substrate, said secondary information is non-reconstructable from the print of the security element and a statistically analyzable inherent feature is associated to it. The invention also relates to a printed matter with such an inventive security element and to a method to check authenticity of a printed matter with the inventive security element in visible light (380-750 nm). 1. Security element comprising a code carrying primary information and detectable to the naked eye in visible light within the wavelength range of 380 to 750 nm , as well as a code carrying secondary information and undetectable in the naked eye , characterized in that when the security element is applied on a printing substrate as a print , the largest dimension of the code carrying secondary information in at least one planar direction is 2 to 40 microns , the code carrying secondary information is non-reconstructable from the print and attributes the security element with a statistically analyzable feature.2. The security element according to claim 1 , characterized in that the statistically analyzable feature is the grayscale value of portions of digital representation of the image of the print of said security element taken in visible light within the wavelength range of 380 to 450 nm claim 1 , said portions being selected according to a preset coding concept.3. The security element according to claim 1 , ...

Image Processing Apparatus, Image Processing Method and Computer Readable Medium

An image processing apparatus including: a pattern detecting section which detects a specific pattern in an image; an image holding section which holds the image; an image conversion section which converts a pattern in the image into a pattern different from the specific pattern; and an output switching section which outputs an image having the pattern converted by the image conversion section for a region where the specific pattern is detected by the pattern detecting section, and outputs the image held by the image holding section for a region where the specific pattern is not detected.

Digital watermarking in data representing color channels

The present disclosure relates to digital watermarking. One claim recites a method to detect two or more different digital watermarks in media. The method includes: receiving captured imagery of the media, the captured imagery comprising a plurality of image frames; for a first image frame applying a first watermark detector to search for a first digital watermark hidden within the first image frame, in which an electronic processor is programmed as the first watermark detector; and for a second image frame applying a second, different watermark detector to search for a second, different watermark hidden within the second image frame, in which an electronic processor is programmed as the second watermark detector. Other claims and combinations are provided too.

Digital verification of modified documents

A document verification system may verify modification to a physical document through digital image processing. Imaging sensors capture images of a modified physical document. A digital image processing circuit measures pixel parameters for a plurality of regions of the digital images for comparison to a verification pattern to verify the document.

ENCODING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A DATA-BEARING HALFTONE IMAGE, AND DECODING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DECODING THE DATA-BEARING IMAGE

An encoding system is for generating a data-bearing halftone image. The encoding system is configured to: convert a grayscale image into a halftone image having a plurality of image cells ; select, from the halftone image, at least one of the image cells to be a carrier cell according to a set of reference dot patterns, the carrier cell having a dot pattern identical to one of the reference dot patterns ; and generate a data-bearing halftone image by replacing the dot pattern of the carrier cell by a specified one of multiple encoding dot patterns of one of a plurality of the sets of encoding dot patterns each being associated with a code. The data-bearing halftone image is encoded with a code associated with the one of the sets of the encoding dot patterns. 1. An encoding system for generating a data-bearing halftone image , said encoding system comprising:a halftoning module configured to convert a grayscale image into a halftone image by screening the grayscale image using a predetermined clustered-dot threshold matrix that includes a plurality of grayscale threshold values, the halftone image having a plurality of image cells each corresponding to the predetermined clustered-dot threshold matrix in size;a selecting module configured for selecting, from the halftone image, at least one of the image cells to be a carrier cell according to a set of reference dot patterns that corresponds with the predetermined clustered-dot threshold matrix, the carrier cell having a dot pattern identical to one of the reference dot patterns; andan encoding module storing a plurality of sets of encoding dot patterns, each of the sets being associated with a code;wherein said encoding module is configured to generate a data-bearing halftone image that is encoded with a code associated with one of the sets of the encoding dot patterns by replacing the dot pattern of the carrier cell by a specified one of the encoding dot patterns of said one of the sets of the encoding dot patterns; ...

Method of Printing Authentication Indicators with Amplitude Modulated Halftone Printing

A method of printing authentication indicia by applying an at least amplitude-modulated halftone print in a detection zone to an object uses adjoining halftone cells, in each of which a halftone dot is printed from a matrix of printable halftone elements, individual tone values of the halftone print corresponding in each case to a halftone plane of a halftone mountain for a halftone dot. In this process, the assigned screen plane of the screen mountain is modified in the detection zone in a predetermined manner for a plurality of tone values of screen dots to be printed, so that a predetermined matrix image of the screen elements to be printed is assigned to it while the tone value of the print remains constant. 111-. (canceled)12. A method of printing authentication indicators by applying an at least amplitude-modulated halftone print in a detection zone to an object , comprising:providing a halftone mountain having a plurality of halftone planes, wherein individual tone values of the halftone print are associated to the halftone planes for a halftone dot to be printed,providing adjoining halftone cells in the detection zone, wherein each halftone cell comprises a plurality of printable halftone elements, which halftone elements are arranged in a matrix,printing a halftone dot in each halftone cell from the matrix of printable halftone elements,wherein the associated halftone plane of the halftone mountain is modified in the detection zone in a predetermined manner for a plurality of tone values of halftone dots to be printed, andwherein a predetermined matrix image of the halftone elements to be printed is assigned to it while the tone value of the print remains constant.13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the halftone planes for a plurality of tone values deviate from 0% and 100% with respect to the dot symmetry of the tone values.14. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the distribution of the halftone elements for a predetermined tone value in ...

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS

An image processing apparatus includes a filtering processing unit that executes a filtering process to suppress background noise of input image data; a threshold setting unit that sets a binarization threshold for the input image data; a background noise determination threshold setting unit that determines that a tone value at which the number of pixels of background noise of the input image data reaches a peak is a background peak tone value and that sets, as a background noise determination threshold, a tone value having a density higher than a density of the background peak tone value and having a number of pixels within a specific range of percentages, of the number of pixels at the peak; a background noise reduction processing unit that executes a background noise reduction process on the input image data and a binarization processing unit that executes a binarization process on the input image data. 1. An image processing apparatus comprising:a filtering processing unit that executes a filtering process to suppress a background noise of input image data;a threshold setting unit that sets a binarization threshold for the input image data having undergone the filtering process;a background noise determination threshold setting unit that determines that a tone value at which a number of pixels of a background noise of the input image data having undergone the filtering process reaches a peak is a background peak tone value and that sets, as a background noise determination threshold, a tone value having a density higher than a density of the background peak tone value and having a number of pixels within a specific range of percentages of the number of pixels at the peak;a background noise reduction processing unit that executes a background noise reduction process on the input image data having undergone the filtering process in accordance with the binarization threshold and the background noise determination threshold; anda binarization processing unit that ...

Method and system for visualizing a correlation mark using an electronic device

A mobile electronic device is used to decode a printed correlation mark. The device receives an image of a printed correlation mark, identifies a decoding template, applies the template to detect hidden content within the printed correlation mark, and outputs an image of the detected hidden content on the display. The device may enhance the image before presenting it on the display.

Colorimetric value acquisition method, image forming device, and colorimetric value acquisition control program

A colorimetric value acquisition method in a system including a printing unit, a scanner, and a colorimetric unit, wherein the system executes: first processing to cause the printing unit to print a first chart, to cause the scanner to measure all the patches to acquire RGB values, to cause the colorimetric unit to measure all the patches to acquire colorimetric values, and to create a scanner profile; second processing to cause the printing unit to print a second chart, to cause the scanner to measure all the patches to acquire RGB values, and to cause the colorimetric unit to measure a part of the patches; third processing to specify an RGB value; fourth processing to calculate a difference between the RGB value and an RGB value; fifth processing to calculate a corrected RGB value; and sixth processing to acquire an estimated colorimetric value and output the estimated colorimetric value.

EMBEDDING A PATTERN IN OUTPUT CONTENT

Certain examples described herein relate to the embedding a pattern in an output content having at least two-dimensions, for example a printed output. Content data having at least two dimensions is processed to generate an array of spatial elements, each spatial element corresponding to a respective location in the output content and comprising a probabilistic distribution for a set of output material compositions. A threshold matrix is generated using pattern data corresponding to a pattern, and the array of spatial elements is halftoned using the threshold matrix. The threshold matrix is generated such that the pattern is embedded in the output content. 1. A method of embedding a pattern in output content having at least two-dimensions comprising:obtaining content data;generating an array of spatial elements associated with the content data, each spatial element corresponding to a respective location and comprising a probabilistic distribution for a set of output material compositions;obtaining pattern data corresponding to a pattern for embedding in the output content;generating a threshold matrix; andhalftoning the array of spatial elements using the threshold matrix to generate control data for the output content,wherein the generation of the threshold matrix uses the pattern data to embed the pattern in the output content.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating the threshold matrix comprises combining the pattern matrix and a halftone matrix.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein generating the threshold matrix comprises:forming a pattern matrix from the pattern data, the pattern matrix having a size and a scale matching a size and a scale of the halftone matrix; andintersecting the pattern matrix and the halftone matrix such that values of the pattern matrix take precedence when larger than the corresponding values of the halftone matrix.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising rebalancing the matrix resulting from the intersection of the pattern ...

Encoding printed grayscale images

In an example method, a dot pattern of pixels including information to be encoded across an image is mapped to a corresponding subset of the grayscale source pixels corresponding to the image to be printed. A value of a grayscale pixel in the subset of the grayscale source pixels is modified based on based on a predetermined threshold pixel value. The value of the grayscale pixel is decreased in response to detecting that the predetermined threshold pixel value is exceeded. The clipping channel color is used to detect the dot pattern of pixels. The image including the subset of pixels with modified values is printed.

DATA HIDING FOR SPOT COLORS IN PRODUCT PACKAGING

The present disclosure relates generally to data hiding for product packaging and other printed objects. One embodiment embeds an information signal in a spot color for product packaging. The spot color is screened, and overprinted with process color tint. The tint is modulated prior to overprinting with optimized signal tweaks. The optimization can include consideration of a detector spectral dependency (e.g., red and/or green illumination). Other embodiments and combinations are described in the subject patent document. 1. An apparatus comprising:memory storing data representing a spot color (SC1) and data representing C, M & Y colors data;one or more processors for transforming the spot color SC1 data and the data representing C, M & Y color data to carry an information signal therein, said one or more processors configured for:screening back the spot color SC1 to yield a screened spot color SC2;determining color value percentages for the data representing C, M & Y color data such that when overlaid with one another the screened back spot color SC2 and the C, M & Y at the determined color value percentages approximate the spot color S1; andmodulating at least some of the C, M & Y color value percentages with signal tweaks to convey the information signal so as to be detectable under red illumination.2. The apparatus of in which said one or more processors configured for determining the watermark tweaks under the constraints of: i) minimizing luminance attributable to the watermark tweaks claim 1 , and ii) maximizing tweak difference between at least Cyan and Magenta at or around 660 nm and 530 nm.3. A system for transforming color data to include an information signal embedded therein claim 1 , comprising: memory storing spot color data, and system constraint information, the system constraint information including at least one spectral dependency; and', 'one or more processors configured as a optimizer bounded by the system constraint information, the optimizer ...

Computer implemented system and method for steganography

A computer implemented system for steganography comprises an encoding machine for encoding secret data into a cover image to generate the steganography image, and a decoding machine for extracting the secret data from the steganography image. The encoding machine comprises a first memory, a first processor, an input module and an encoder module. The decoding machine comprises a second memory, a second processor, a receiver module, and a decoder module. The system has a comparatively lower error rate (approx. 19.5-21.5 percent) than the conventional steganography method Optimal Pixel Adjustment Procedure (OPAP).

SERIALIZED DIGITAL WATERMARKING FOR VARIABLE DATA PRINTING

Variable data printing workflows are enhanced for use with content that includes 2D code patterns, such as digital watermark data. One arrangement includes applying a filter to a content stream within a PDF document to extract both first variable pattern data for a first watermark pattern and second variable pattern data for a second watermark pattern. A first composite watermark pattern is then defined based on the extracted first variable watermark pattern data in conjunction with static watermark pattern data, and a second composite watermark pattern is defined based on the extracted second variable watermark pattern data in conjunction with the static watermark pattern data. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. 116-. (canceled)17. A method comprising the acts:from a first content stream in a portable document format data structure, applying a filter to extract both first variable pattern data for a first watermark pattern and second variable pattern data for a second watermark pattern;defining a first composite watermark pattern based on the first variable watermark pattern data and static watermark pattern data;defining a second composite watermark pattern, different than the first composite watermark pattern, based on the second variable watermark pattern data and said static watermark pattern data; andrendering both the first and second composite watermark patterns on a common substrate.18. The method of in which said filter is a run length decoding filter claim 17 , a CCITT FAX decoding filter claim 17 , or a JBIG2 decoding filter.19. The method of that further includes applying a filter to obtain said static watermark pattern data using a second content stream in said portable document format data structure.20. The method of that includes extracting a batch identifier from the second content stream claim 19 , and accessing a data structure with said batch identifier to obtain said static watermark pattern data.21. The method of in ...

GRAPHICAL INDICATOR

A graphical indicator comprising a plurality of first header blocks, a plurality of second header blocks and a plurality of data blocks for forming an indicator matrix is provided. Each of the first and second header blocks has a header graphical micro-unit, and each of the data blocks has a data graphical micro-unit. An array area is formed by the second header blocks and the data blocks. A first virtual line and a second virtual line are respectively formed by virtual centers of the first and second header blocks, and an included angle between the first and second virtual lines is less than 90 degrees. 1. A graphical indicator , having orientation and positioning functions to an electronic device when an image recognition is performed thereon , comprising:an indicator matrix comprising:a plurality of first header blocks and a plurality of second header blocks, each having a header graphical micro-unit representing header information that provides a reference in determining orientation and position of the indicator matrix; anda plurality of data blocks having a data graphical micro-unit representing data different from the header information,wherein an array area is formed by the second header blocks and the data blocks, a first virtual line is formed by virtual centers of the first header blocks, a second virtual line is formed by the virtual centers of the second header blocks, and an included angle between the first virtual line and the second virtual line is less than 90 degrees.2. The graphical indicator of claim 1 , wherein the second header blocks are obliquely arranged in the array area.3. The graphical indicator of claim 1 , wherein the first header blocks are disposed at one side of the array area to form the indicator matrix together with the array area.4. The graphical indicator of claim 1 , wherein one of the header graphical micro-units in the second header blocks is selectively disposed at the virtual center of the corresponding second header block ...

WATERMARKING DIGITAL IMAGES TO INCREASE BIT DEPTH

Watermark data is converted to watermark coefficients, which may be embedded in an image by converting the image to a frequency domain, embedding the watermark in image coefficients corresponding to medium-frequency components, and converting the modified coefficients to the spatial domain. The watermark data is extracted from the modified image by converting the modified image to a frequency domain, extracting the watermark coefficients from the image coefficients, and determining the watermark data from the watermark coefficients. The watermark data may be truncated image data bits such as truncated least significant data bits. After extraction from the watermark, the truncated image data bits may be combined with data bits representing the original image to increase the bit depth of the image. Watermark data may include audio data portions corresponding to a video frame, reference frames temporally proximate to a video frame, high-frequency content, sensor calibration information, or other image data. 1. A computer-implemented method for compressing an image , the method comprising:accessing an image comprising an array of pixels, each pixel comprising image data represented by a plurality of image data bits;truncating, for each pixel, a subset of least significant image data bits to produce an array of truncated pixels, each truncated subset of least significant image data bits collectively comprising a set of truncated image data bits;generating, by a processor, a watermark comprising a set of watermark coefficients representative of the set of truncated image data bits;generating a transformed image by converting the array of truncated pixels into a set of image coefficients in a frequency domain;embedding the watermark in the transformed image by modifying a subset of the image coefficients with the set of watermark coefficients to form a modified set of coefficients;generating a modified image by converting the modified set of coefficients into a spatial ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIGITAL DIRECT IMAGING, IMAGE GENERATING METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

A method and a system for digital direct imaging, an image generating method and an electronic device are provided. The method for digital direct imaging includes: obtaining a first image of a first format; converting the first image into a second image of a second format, wherein the second image includes a contour description; generating a correction parameter according to at least one mark on a substrate; correcting the second image according to the contour description and the correction parameter; and performing a rasterization operation on the corrected second image and imaging the second image processed by the rasterization operation on the substrate by an exposure device. 1. A method for digital direct imaging , comprising:obtaining a first image of a first format;converting the first image into a second image of a second format, wherein the second image comprises a contour description;generating a correction parameter according to at least one mark on a substrate;correcting the second image according to the contour description and the correction parameter; andperforming a rasterization operation on the corrected second image and imaging the second image processed by the rasterization operation on the substrate by an exposure device2. The method for digital direct imaging as recited in claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , before generating the correction parameter according to the at least one mark on the substrate claim 1 , the method comprises:obtaining a plurality of first geometric shapes in the second image from the contour description; andperforming partition on the plurality of first geometric shapes to generate a plurality of second geometric shapes, and storing at least one reference point on a contour of the plurality of second geometric shapes.3. The method for digital direct imaging as recited in claim 2 , wherein generating the correction parameter according to the at least one mark on the substrate comprises:obtaining a third image of the substrate, and ...

SELECTION OF MACHINE-READABLE LINK TYPE

Examples disclosed herein relate to selection of machine-readable link type. Examples include acquisition of an electronic document, selection of a machine-readable link type for evaluation, and a decision of whether at least one characteristic of the document satisfies at least one evaluation metric for use of the selected type of machine-readable link. 1. An article comprising at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processing resource of a computing device to:acquire, via a network interface device, a document in an electronic format;select, based whether the document is a textual-type or an image-type document, one of an overt type and a covert type of machine-readable link for evaluation;determine, with the computing device, characteristics of the content of the document, including a tonal distribution for the content when the selected type is a digital watermark;decide whether the characteristics satisfy an evaluation metric for use of the selected type of machine-readable link;based on satisfaction of the evaluation metric, determine to produce a first linked version of the document using a machine-readable link of the selected type embodied in the first linked version; andbased at least in part on non-satisfaction of the least one evaluation metric, determine to produce a second linked version of the document using a machine-readable link of the non-selected type embodied in the second linked version.2. The storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions to select comprise instructions to:select the overt type of machine-readable link for evaluation based on the document being a textual-type document.3. The storage medium of claim 2 , wherein:the instructions to decide comprise instructions to determine whether dimensions of an area of white space in a margin of the content of the document are at least as large as target dimensions for a barcode, when the selected type is a barcode; andthe ...

DOCUMENT PRINTING USING HARDWARE-INDEPENDENT PATTERN INK CELLS

A system prints a document using a device-independent pattern ink cell that is appropriate for the print device. The system does this by identifying an object in a print job corresponding to a security element that identifies a pattern ink cell for a color parameter. The system then defines a device-independent pattern ink cell for rendering the identified object. The definition of the device-independent pattern ink cell includes at least one scaling routine for adjusting a parameter of the device-independent pattern ink cell based on a resolution of a print device that will be used for printing the document. The system then queries and receives from a print system a device resolution of the print device, executes the at least one scaling routine to transform the device-independent pattern ink cell to yield a device-dependent pattern ink cell, and generates a print using the device-dependent pattern ink cell. 18.-. (canceled)9. A method of printing a document using a device-independent pattern ink cell , the method comprising , by a processor:receiving a print job for printing a document that includes one or more security elements;identifying an object corresponding to a security element in the print job that identifies a pattern ink cell for a color parameter;defining a device-independent pattern ink cell for rendering the identified object, wherein the definition of the device-independent pattern ink cell comprises at least one scaling routine for adjusting a parameter of the device-independent pattern ink cell based on a resolution of a print device that will be used for printing the document;querying a print system to return a device resolution and a current page location for a print device of the print system that will be used for printing the document;receiving, from the print system, the device resolution and the current page location;executing the at least one scaling routine to transform the device-independent pattern ink cell to yield a device-dependent ...

PATTERN AND SPECTRUM SECURITY ONE-TIME PRINTING OF PACKAGING VERIFICATION METHOD

A pattern and spectrum security one-time printing of packaging verification method for verifying the authenticity of an external packing container of a commodity, which external packing container is printed with a security pattern on the surface using a specific spectrum of tangible fluorescent ink. The user checks the location of the security pattern by visualizing the tangible fluorescent ink on the external packing container, and then uses image capturing device to shoot the security pattern through a filter to capture the pattern image of the tangible fluorescent ink, a processor of the identification system loads in the captured pattern image, a software program in the processor matches the spectral band and shape of the captured pattern image with storage data in the database to verify the authenticity of the security pattern. The user can identify the authenticity of the commodity, enhancing commodity security and reducing the risk of being forged. 1. A pattern and spectrum security one-time printing of packaging verification method for verifying the authenticity of an external packing container of a commodity , said external packing container being printed with a security pattern on the surface thereof using a specific spectrum of tangible fluorescent ink , the pattern and spectrum security one-time printing of packaging verification method comprising the steps of:(a) the user visually checking the location of said security pattern by visualizing said tangible fluorescent ink on the surface of said external packing container;(b) the user using an image capturing device of said identification system to shoot said security pattern through a filter of said image capturing device so as to capture the pattern image of said tangible fluorescent ink of said security pattern; and(c) enabling a processor of said identification system to load in the captured pattern image being transmitted by said image capturing device, and then enabling a software program in said ...

Method for Checking the Authenticity of Products and Printed Image

A method for checking the authenticity of products, by checking an image (A) of a product. The proof of authenticity is not visible to the human eye and cannot be copied. This is characterized in that a code stored in a halftone image by manipulation of dots and/or a manipulated field bounded in the halftone image can be read by means of an optical device and compared with a retrievable value in at least one database. In at least one field (F to F) a part of a serial number is determined which describes the structure of the serial number and a hash function used for transmitting the serial number to the database, and this is also characterized in that the serial number is subsequently assembled and encrypted with the corresponding hash function. 115. A method for checking the authenticity of products , by checking an image (A) of a product , wherein the proof of authenticity is not visible to the human eye and cannot be copied , characterized in that a code stored in a halftone image by manipulation of dots and/or a manipulated field bounded in the halftone image can be read by means of an optical device and compared with a retrievable value in at least one database , wherein in at least one field (F to F) a part of a serial number is determined which describes the structure of the serial number and a hash function used for transmitting the serial number to the database , and in that the serial number is subsequently assembled and encrypted with the corresponding hash function.2. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the proof of authenticity in the form of a security element is recorded with a camera using a mobile device and processed further in terms of data technology by means of an application which is installed and/or integrated in the firmware.3. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that after the recognition of the security element claim 1 , the recording is present in an RGB format and is further processed in terms of data ...

IMAGE REPRODUCING METHOD AND DIGITAL PROCESSING MACHINE USING SUCH METHOD

An image reproducing method for a digital processing machine is provided. The image reproducing method includes the following steps: scanning an original to generate image data; analyzing the image data to generate an analysis result; designating M proper user setting items among N user setting items according to the analysis result, wherein N and M are positive integers, and M is less than N; providing only the M proper user setting items on a human-machine interface; and outputting a copy of the original according to a user input received through the human-machine interface. In addition, a digital processing machine providing an intelligent human-machine interface is also provided. 1. An image reproducing method for a digital processing machine , comprising:scanning an original to generate image data;analyzing the image data to generate an analysis result;designating M proper user setting items among N user setting items according to the analysis result, wherein N and M are positive integers, and M is less than N;providing only the M proper user setting items on a human-machine interface; andoutputting a copy of the original according to a user input received through the human-machine interface.2. The image reproducing method of claim 1 , wherein when the analysis result indicates that the image data comprises two valid page images claim 1 , the M proper user setting items comprise at least one of a page layout setting item and a duplex printing setting item.3. The image reproducing method of claim 1 , wherein when the analysis result indicates that an image page size included in the image data conforms to a specific size claim 1 , the M proper user setting items comprises at least one of a page layout setting item claim 1 , a picture editing setting item and an automatic object recognition setting item.4. The image reproducing method of claim 1 , wherein when the analysis result indicates that the image data comprises a blank image claim 1 , the M proper user ...

SPARSE MODULATION FOR ROBUST SIGNALING AND SYNCHRONIZATION

Sparse signal modulation schemes encode a data channel on a substrate in a manner that is robust, flexible to achieve perceptual quality constraints, and provides improved data capacity. The substrate is printed by any of a variety of means to apply the image, with sparse signal, to an object. After image capture of the object, a decoder processes the captured image to detect and extract data modulated into the sparse signal. The sparse signal may incorporate implicit or explicit synchronization components, which are either formed from the data signal or are complementary to it. 1. An image processing method for generating a design for a retail product package or for a product label , said image processing method comprising:obtaining a design comprising a first area and a second area, the first area comprising area that is devoid of image or color variability, the second area comprising text;generating a sparse pattern of elements at coordinates within the first area, the sparse pattern of elements conveying a machine-readable variable data signal, the sparse pattern of elements comprising a plurality of binary one and binary zero elements, which correspond to ink elements and no-ink elements of the sparse pattern of elements;selecting an ink color to use for the ink elements through a perceptual analysis that minimizes a visual difference between the ink color and the first area, in which said selecting yield a selected ink color; andproviding the sparse pattern of elements and the selected ink color for use with the design.2. The image processing method of in which said generating comprises transforming a signal component to carry the variable data signal claim 1 , in which the signal component comprises synchronization information.3. The image processing method of in which the signal component is converted to the sparse pattern of elements by removing signal elements of the signal component at coordinates where the signal component does not coincide with ...

Forensic Verification Utilizing Halftone Boundaries

A forensic verification system () extracts a print signature via print signature extractor from the boundary of a halftone contained in an image. The system () compares the print signature to a reference signature stored in a registry via comparator to determine differences between the print signature and the reference signature. The system performs a forensic-level statistical image analysis via forensic analyzer on the print signature and the reference signature based on the comparison to authenticate the printed media. 1. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions that when executed cause a processor to:extract a print signature from a boundary of a halftone of an image of printed media;compare the print signature to a reference signature stored in a registry to determine differences between the print signature and the reference signature; andperform a forensic-level statistical image analysis on the print signature and the reference signature based on the comparison to authenticate the printed media.2. The computer readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the halftone is encoded with payload information.3. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the halftone is encoded with payload information to form a stegatone.4. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the halftone is generated with a unique payload to form a one-to-one mapping between the print signature and the payload information.5. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the halftone is generated with a common payload to form a many-to-one mapping between the print signature and the payload information.6. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the stegatone is generated with edge refinement that does not encode information in boundary cells of the stegatone.7. The computer readable medium of claim 6 , further comprising computer executable instructions that when executed cause the processor to generate a reference model to be employed in a ...

Forensic Verification Utilizing Forensic Markings Inside Halftones

A forensic verification system () extracts a print signature via a print signature extractor () from an interior of a halftone contained in an image. The system () utilizes a comparator () to compare the print signature to a reference signature stored in a registry to determine differences between the print signature and the reference signature. The system () utilizes a forensic analyzer () to perform a forensic analysis on the signatures based on the comparison to authenticate the image. 1. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions that when executed cause a processor to:extract a print signature from an interior of a halftone of an image of printed media, wherein the halftone is encoded with payload information;compare the print signature to a reference signature stored in a registry to determine differences between the print signature and the reference signature; andperform a forensic-level statistical image analysis on the print signature and the reference signature based on the comparison to authenticate the printed media.2. The computer readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the payload is employed to index the print signature.3. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the halftone is encoded with payload information to form a stegatone.4. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the halftone is generated with a unique payload to form a one-to-one mapping between the print signature and the payload information.5. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , wherein the halftone is generated with a common payload to form a many-to-one mapping between the print signature and the payload information.6. The computer readable medium of claim 2 , further comprising a preprocessor to preprocess the halftone via a bandpass filter to mitigate low and high frequencies within a captured image.7. The computer readable medium of claim 6 , wherein the preprocessor employs a difference analyzer that subtracts an image from an ...

DARK TO LIGHT WATERMARK WITHOUT SPECIAL MATERIALS

Methods and systems rasterize a document to produce a bitmap having first pixels of a first color as background uniformly located across a watermark region and second pixels of a second color located in a pattern forming foreground items within the watermark region. The rasterization causes the first pixels to deposit a first marking material (forming the first color) to a first height on the print media, and the rasterization causes the second pixels to deposit a second marking material (forming the second color) to a second height (different from the first height) on the print media. In the printed document, by having the first color be different from the second color and the second height be different from the first height, this causes the relative darkness between the background and the foreground items to reverse when the printed document is viewed from different angles (relative to a light source). 1. A method comprising:receiving a document to be printed into a computerized device, said document including a designation of a watermark region within said document, said designation of said watermark identifying a first color and a second color different from said first color for use in said watermark region;automatically, using said computerized device, processing said document into a print ready format document to produce said first color as background uniformly located across said watermark region and said second color located in a pattern forming foreground items within said watermark region, said first color being deposited to a first height on a print media, and said second color being deposited to a second height on said print media different from said first height in said print ready format document; andprinting said print ready format document to produce a printed document, using a printing device operatively connected to said computerized device.2. The method according to claim 1 , said first color being different from said second color and said second ...

WATERMARK AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR

A watermark and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. The watermark has a first region comprising amplitude modulation (AM) halftone dots and a second region comprising frequency modulation (FM) halftone dots, and each of the amplitude modulation halftone dots has ink portions and blank portions, each of which is located between the two ink portions in the same amplitude modulation halftone dot. The ink area percentage of the amplitude modulation halftone dots are dispersed by filling the blank portions into each of the amplitude modulation halftone dots, so that the density calibration of the amplitude modulation halftone dots and frequency modulation halftone dots can be omitted. 1. A manufacturing method for a watermark , comprising steps of:providing amplitude modulation halftone dots to form a first region of a personalized pattern, wherein each of the amplitude modulation halftone dots has ink portions and blank portions, and each of the blank portions are located between two of the adjacent ink portions in the same amplitude modulation halftone dot;providing frequency modulation halftone dots to form a second region of the personalized pattern; andprinting the personalized pattern onto a paper by digital halftoning technique to form a watermark pattern that can appear after being copied, wherein an interval of each of the blank portions between any two of the adjacent ink portions in each of the AM halftone dots is smaller than an interval between any two of the adjacent AM halftone dots.2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 , wherein the first region is at least one pattern area of the personalized pattern claim 1 , and the second region is at least one background area of the personalized pattern.3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 , wherein an inking area percentage of the first region is 2% to 8%.4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 , wherein an inking area percentage of the second region is 2% to 8%.5. The ...

SERIALIZED DIGITAL WATERMARKING FOR VARIABLE DATA PRINTING

Digital watermarking is adapted for the variable data printing. A reference signal serves as a proxy for optimizing the embedding a watermark in a host image to be printed. Using the reference signal, embedding parameters are generated, which are a function of constraints such as visual quality and robustness of the machine readable data. Adjustments needed to embed a unique payload in each printed piece are generated using the embedding parameters. These adjustments are stored in a manner that enables them to be efficiently obtained and applied within the RIP or press during operation of the press. Various other methods, system configurations and applications are also detailed. 116-. (canceled)17. A method for producing unique instances of a marked object , each unique instance having a unique digital payload , the method comprising:generating a first signal tile of a tint comprised of two or more inks by combining images in the two or more inks of a reference signal and an encoded variable payload;repeating the generating to produce unique signal tiles, each with a distinct variable payload by combining images in the two or more inks of the reference signal and an encoded variable payload;generating a template for application of a unique signal tile to a substrate, wherein the template repeats the unique signal tile to fit an area on an object;producing uniquely marked images by repeating each unique signal tile to fit an area on a corresponding marked object according to the template; andmarking objects with the uniquely marked images within the area identified by the template.18. The method of wherein the generating comprises forming tint images in each of two or more process ink colors claim 17 , each tint image including a combination of images of the reference signal and an image comprising the variable payload.19. The method of comprising:generating unique signal tiles prior to a print job and storing the unique signal tiles in a database;rasterizing an ...

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

An image processing apparatus includes: an embed-data generating unit configured to generate embed-data, which is to be embedded in input-image-data, the input-image-data representing an image including a first color, the embed-data representing an image including a second color; an inverting unit configured to invert the image represented by the embed-data, in response to meeting a predetermined condition relating to the first color and the second color; and an output-image-data generating unit configured to embed, in the input-image-data, embed-data representing the image that is inverted by the inverting unit, in order to generate output-image-data in a case where the predetermined condition is met, and configured to embed, in the input-image-data, embed-data representing the image that is not inverted by the inverting unit, in order to generate output-image-data in a case where the predetermined condition is not met. 1. An image processing apparatus comprising:an embed-data generating unit configured to generate embed-data, which is to be embedded in input-image-data, the input-image-data representing an image including a first color, the embed-data representing an image including a second color;an inverting unit configured to invert the image represented by the embed-data, in response to meeting a predetermined condition relating to the first color and the second color; andan output-image-data generating unit configured to embed, in the input-image-data, embed-data representing the image that is inverted by the inverting unit, in order to generate output-image-data in a case where the predetermined condition is met, and configured to embed, in the input-image-data, embed-data representing the image that is not inverted by the inverting unit, in order to generate output-image-data in a case where the predetermined condition is not met.2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the first color is either one of black or white and the second ...

SERIALIZED DIGITAL WATERMARKING FOR VARIABLE DATA PRINTING

Digital watermarking is adapted for the variable data printing. A reference signal serves as a proxy for optimizing the embedding a watermark in a host image to be printed. Using the reference signal, embedding parameters are generated, which are a function of constraints such as visual quality and robustness of the machine readable data. Adjustments needed to embed a unique payload in each printed piece are generated using the embedding parameters. These adjustments are stored in a manner that enables them to be efficiently obtained and applied within the RIP or press during operation of the press. Various other methods, system configurations and applications are also detailed. 116-. (canceled)17. A method for producing unique instances of a marked object , each unique instance having a unique digital payload , the method comprising:generating a first sparse signal tile by combining a sparse image of a reference signal with a sparse image of a variable payload, the first sparse image tile comprising dots covering less than 50 percent of an area of the first sparse signal tile;repeating the generating to produce unique sparse signal tiles, each with a distinct variable payload by combining the sparse image of the reference signal with a sparse image of a variable payload;generating a template for application of a unique sparse signal tile to a substrate, wherein the template repeats the unique signal tile to fit an area on an object;producing uniquely marked images by repeating each unique signal tile to fit an area on a corresponding marked object according to the template; andmarking objects with the uniquely marked images within the area identified by the template.18. The method of wherein the combining comprises a logical AND operation between a binary image of the reference signal and a binary image of a unique payload.19. The method of comprising:generating unique sparse signal tiles prior to a print job and storing the unique sparse signal tiles in a database ...

FORENSIC VERIFICATION UTILIZING FORENSIC MARKINGS INSIDE HALFTONES

A forensic verification system extracts a print signature via a print signature extractor from an interior of a halftone contained in an image. The system utilizes a comparator to compare the print signature to a reference signature stored in a registry to determine differences between the print signature and the reference signature. The system utilizes a forensic analyzer to perform a forensic analysis on the signatures based on the comparison to authenticate the image. 1. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions that when executed cause at least one processor to:extract an interior of a halftone of an image of printed media, wherein at least a portion of the interior of the halftone is encoded with a print signature;access a reference signature stored in a registry, wherein the reference signature includes encoded payload information; andverify that the printed media is authentic based on a comparison of the print signature and the payload information.2. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 , and further comprising computer executable instructions that when executed cause the at least one processor to:employ the payload information to index the print signature.3. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 , and further comprising computer executable instructions that when executed cause the at least one processor to:encode the halftone with the payload information to form a stegatone.4. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 3 , wherein the halftone is encoded with a unique payload to form a one-to-one mapping between the print signature and the payload information.5. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 3 , wherein the halftone is encoded with a common payload to form a many-to-one mapping between the print signature and the payload information.6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1 , and further comprising computer executable instructions ...

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An information processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided. The image processing apparatus detects character data from image data, executes edge enhancement processing, using a first filter, on an edge portion of a region, out of the detected character data, that includes a region whose frequency of points or lines is greater than a predetermined frequency, and executes edge enhancement processing, using a second filter, on an edge portion of a region, out of the detected character data, that does not include a region of a spatial frequency higher than the predetermined frequency. The first filter has, in comparison to the second filter, a larger degree for edge enhancement with respect to a region having a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency. 1. An information processing apparatus comprising:a controller, having at least one processor which executes instructions stored in a memory, one or more circuitry, or, a combination of the at least one processor and the one or more circuitry, being configured to:detect character data from image data;execute edge enhancement processing, using a first filter, on an edge portion of a region, out of the detected character data, that includes a region whose frequency of points or lines is greater than a predetermined frequency; andexecute edge enhancement processing, using a second filter, on an edge portion of a region, out of the detected character data, that does not include a region of a spatial frequency higher than the predetermined frequency,wherein the first filter has, in comparison to the second filter, a larger degree for edge enhancement with respect to a region having a frequency higher than the predetermined frequency.2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to:execute edge enhancement processing, using the first filter, on an edge portion of a region, out of the detected character data, that includes a spatial frequency greater ...

Systems and methods for digital watermark localization based upon background foreground estimation

A system and method for localizing an area of interest likely containing a digital watermark is disclosed. Image frames may be segmented into multiple tiles. A pixel having the maximum grayscale or other value and a pixel having the minimum grayscale or other value in each tile may be identified. Maximum and minimum image maps may be generated from the image frame by replacing each tile with the respective maximum and minimum grayscale or other value pixels. A background map may be generated based on a moving average of the grayscale values of the pixels in the image maps. Foreground map(s) may be generated based on the difference of the values from the image maps to the background map. A region of interest may be determined based on the background and foreground maps and provided to a watermark decoder. Content contained in the digital watermark may be read.

Semi-Transparent Embedded Watermarks

A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image. 120-. (canceled)21. A method , comprising:receiving an encoded image at a computing system, wherein the encoded image includes a set of encoded pixels, and each encoded pixel is associated with a respective set of one or more non-encoded pixels located at pre-defined positions of the encoded image relative to the encoded pixel;for each encoded pixel in the set of encoded pixels, decoding a value represented by the encoded pixel by comparing a color of the encoded pixel to colors of the respective set of non-encoded pixels located in the pre-defined positions relative to the encoded pixel; andusing the values decoded from the set of encoded pixels to recover a message that was encoded in the encoded image.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the encoded image results from blending a semi-transparent watermark image over a background source image claim 21 , wherein the semi-transparent watermark image contains an initial set of encoded pixels and an initial set of non-encoded pixels.23. The method of claim 22 , wherein:the initial set of encoded pixels in the semi-transparent watermark image each encodes one of a first value or a second value;pixels from the initial set of encoded pixels that ...

Method and apparatus for generating a multi-layer correlation mark via a monochrome printer

A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for generating a multi-layer correlation mark via a monochrome printer are disclosed. For example, the method includes setting a first scalar value of a channel of the monochrome printer, setting a second scalar value of the channel of the monochrome printer, generating a first layer of the multi-layer correlation mark at the first scalar value of the channel, generating a second layer of the multi-layer correlation mark at the second scalar value of the channel and printing the multi-layer correlation mark comprising the first layer at the first scalar value of the channel and the second layer at the second scalar value of the channel.

GRAPHICAL INDICATOR

A graphical indicator comprising a plurality of first header blocks, a plurality of second header blocks and a plurality of data blocks for forming an indicator matrix is provided. Each of the first and second header blocks has a header graphical micro-unit, and each of the data blocks has a data graphical micro-unit. An array area is formed by the second header blocks and the data blocks. A first virtual line and a second virtual line are respectively formed by virtual centers of the first and second header blocks, and an included angle between the first and second virtual lines is less than 90 degrees. 1. A physical object comprising a graphical indicator , wherein the graphical indicator is for storage of information and is disposed as part of and visible on the object , the graphical indicator comprising: a plurality of first header blocks;', 'a plurality of second header blocks, wherein the second header blocks are arranged oblique relative to the first header blocks, and wherein each header block of the first and second header blocks represents header information that provides a reference for determining an orientation and a position of the indicator matrix; and', 'plurality of data blocks representing data different from the header information., 'an indicator matrix comprising2. The object of claim 1 , wherein a first virtual line is formed by virtual centers of the first header blocks claim 1 , a second virtual line is formed by the second header blocks claim 1 , and an included angle between the first virtual line and the second virtual line is less than 90 degrees.3. The object of claim 1 , wherein the first header blocks are along a row or a column of the indicator matrix.4. The object of claim 3 , wherein a first of the first header blocks is adjacent to one of the second header blocks.5. The object of claim 4 , wherein the first of the first header blocks is at a corner of the indicator matrix claim 4 , and wherein the one of the second header blocks is ...

DIGITAL SIGNATURE AUTHENTICATION

Digital signature authentication systems and methods are disclosed. An example method of authenticating a digital signature extracted from a high resolution image includes comparing an extracted signature from an image to a reference signature. The example method also includes authenticating the extracted signature against the reference signature according to one of a plurality of different authentication protocols. 1. A method of digital signature authentication , comprising:comparing an extracted signature from an image to a reference signature; andauthenticating the extracted signature against the reference signature according to one of a plurality of different authentication protocols including at least a hierarchical signatures protocol, a revisable selection of signatures protocol, a multiple agents protocol, and a multiple modalities protocol.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:a recruitment stage, wherein the reference signature is added to a database for future reference; andan authentication stage, wherein the extracted signature is compared with the reference signature stored during the recruitment stage.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein during the hierarchical signatures protocol claim 1 , a first order signature is compared during an authentication stage claim 1 , and if the first order signature does not provide sufficient confidence in authenticity claim 1 , then a higher order signature is compared.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the first order signature provides faster authentication than the higher order signature claim 3 , and wherein the higher order signature provides greater confidence in authentication than the first order signature.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein during the revisable selection of signatures protocol claim 1 , a plurality of signatures evolve over time.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising selecting the extracted signature from the plurality of signatures based on time at which the reference signature ...

SPOT COLOR SUBSTITUTION FOR ENCODED SIGNALS

The present disclosure relates generally to encoding signals for spot colors. In one implementation a substitute spot color+CMY tint is selected to replace an original spot color. The CMY tint can be transformed to carry an encoded signal. Of course, other features, combinations and technology are described herein. 1. A digital watermark embedding method comprising:{'sub': a', 'a, 'obtaining data associated with a spot color S, the spot color Scomprising a component of a color design;'}{'sub': s', 'a, 'using one or more configured processors, determining a screen Sof the spot color S;'}{'sub': b1', 'b1', 's', 'b1', 's, 'selecting a substitute spot color candidate Sby: i) evaluating color distance or color error between the substitute spot color candidate Sand the screen S, and ii) evaluating brightness of the substitute spot color candidate Sand the screen S;'}{'sub': b1', 'a, 'using one or more configured processors, determining a Cyan (C), Magenta (M) and Yellow (Y) process color tint that when combined with the substitute spot color candidate Sapproximates the spot color S;'}transforming a determined CMY process color tint with a digital watermark signal to embed the digital watermark signal in the CMY process color tint, said transforming yielding a watermarked CMY process color tint; and{'sub': 'b1', 'combining the watermarked CMY process color tint and the substitute spot color candidate S, said combining yielding a digital watermarked substitute spot color.'}2. The method of in which said selecting a substitute spot color candidate Sfurther evaluates the brightness of the spot color S.3. The method of in which said determining a CMY process color tint determines by minimizing color error or color distance between i) a combination of a CMY color tint and the substitute spot color candidate S claim 1 , and ii) the spot color S claim 1 , in which the substitute spot color candidate Sand the spot color Sremain constant during the minimization.4. The method of in ...

DATA HIDING FOR SPOT COLORS ON SUBSTRATES

The present document provides image processing methods and apparatus. One claim recites: obtaining a signal to be encoded in color image data, the signal comprising a plural-bit payload; predicting a resulting color of overprinting several inks on a substrate, the overprinting representing the color image data encoded with the signal; using the resulting color for both i) visibility evaluation of the overprinting, and ii) signal robustness evaluation of the overprinting as seen by an imaging device. Other claims and combinations are provided. 112-. (canceled)13. An image processing method comprising:obtaining color data representing a spot color ink;obtaining data representing a process color ink tint, the process color ink tint including at least a Cyan (C) component, a Magenta (M) component and a Yellow component (Y);determining an overprinting of the process ink tint with the color data;decomposing the process ink tint into a maximum signal tweak and a minimum signal tweak, each of the maximum signal tweak and the minimum signal tweak having a Cyan (C) component, a Magenta (M) component and a Yellow component (Y);minimizing a color error metric of the overprinting relative to the data representing the spot color ink;determining color weights and a global signal strength to optimize the maximum signal tweak and the minimum signal tweak according to at least a spectral dependency;transforming the process color ink tint with the maximum signal tweak and the minimum signal tweak to represent an information signal, the color weights for application to the process color tint, and the global signal strength for application to the maximum signal tweak and the minimum signal tweak, said transforming yielding a transformed process color ink tint;determining a robustness associated with the transformed process color ink tint;outputting the transformed process color ink tint for overprinting with the color data.14. The image processing method of in which the spectral ...

Information detecting device, information detecting system, and information detecting method

A memory stores video information obtained by photographing an object that reflects light in which embedded information is superimposed onto a plurality of components in a color space. A processor emphasizes a signal obtained from an image included in the video information on the basis of a result of emphasizing a first color component more than a second color component according to a spectral reflection characteristic in a range including the object, and detects the embedded information from the emphasized signal, the first color component and the second color component being from among a plurality of color components that correspond to a plurality of wavelengths, the first color component having a reflectance higher than a reflectance of the second color component. A display device outputs information on the basis of the embedded information detected by the processor.

Predicting Detectability and Grading prior to Printing

The present disclosure relates generally to image signal processing, including encoding signals for image data or artwork. A color blend/print model is used to predict signal detectability and visibility as is printed on a particular substrate, which facilitates object grading prior to print runs.

GRAPHICAL INDICATOR

A graphical indicator comprising a plurality of first header blocks, a plurality of second header blocks and a plurality of data blocks for forming an indicator matrix is provided. Each of the first and second header blocks has a header graphical micro-unit, and each of the data blocks has a data graphical micro-unit. An array area is formed by the second header blocks and the data blocks. A first virtual line and a second virtual line are respectively formed by virtual centers of the first and second header blocks, and an included angle between the first and second virtual lines is less than 90 degrees. 1. A graphical indicator , comprising a plurality of first header blocks , a plurality of second header blocks and a plurality of data blocks for forming an indicator matrix , each of the first header blocks and the second header blocks having a header graphical micro-unit , and each of the data blocks having a data graphical micro-unit , wherein an array area is formed by the second header blocks and the data blocks , a first virtual line is formed by virtual centers of the first header blocks , a second virtual line is formed by the virtual centers of the second header blocks , and an included angle between the first virtual line and the second virtual line is less than 90 degrees.2. The graphical indicator of claim 1 , wherein the second header blocks are obliquely arranged in the array area.3. The graphical indicator of claim 1 , wherein the first header blocks are disposed at one side of the array area to form the indicator matrix together with the array area.4. The graphical indicator of claim 1 , wherein one of the header graphical micro-units in the second header blocks is selectively disposed at the virtual center of the corresponding second header block or deviated from the virtual center of the second header block claim 1 , and the rest of the header graphical micro-units are located at the virtual centers of the corresponding second header blocks.5. The ...

Predicting Detectability and Grading prior to Printing

The present disclosure relates generally to image signal processing, including encoding signals for image data or artwork. A color blend/print model is used to predict signal detectability and visibility as is printed on a particular substrate, which facilitates object grading prior to print runs.

SPOT COLOR SUBSTITUTION FOR ENCODED SIGNALS

The present disclosure relates generally to encoding signals for spot colors. In one implementation a substitute spot color+CMY tint is selected to replace an original spot color. The CMY tint can be transformed to carry an encoded signal. Of course, other features, combinations and technology are described herein. 1. A digital watermark embedding method comprising:{'sub': a', 'a, 'obtaining data associated with a spot color S, the spot color Scomprising a component of a color design;'}{'sub': s', 'a, 'using one or more configured processors, determining a screen Sof the spot color S;'}{'sub': b1', 'b1', 's', 'b1', 's, 'selecting a substitute spot color candidate Sby: i) evaluating color distance or color error between the substitute spot color candidate Sand the screen S, and ii) evaluating brightness of the substitute spot color candidate Sand the screen S;'}{'sub': b1', 'a, 'using one or more configured processors, determining a Cyan (C), Magenta (M) and Yellow (Y) process color tint that when combined with the substitute spot color candidate Sapproximates the spot color S;'}transforming a determined CMY process color tint with a digital watermark signal to embed the digital watermark signal in the CMY process color tint, said transforming yielding a watermarked CMY process color tint; and{'sub': 'b1', 'combining the watermarked CMY process color tint and the substitute spot color candidate S, said combining yielding a digital watermarked substitute spot color.'}2. The method of in which said selecting a substitute spot color candidate Sfurther evaluates the brightness of the spot color S.3. The method of in which said determining a CMY process color tint determines by minimizing color error or color distance between i) a combination of a CMY color tint and the substitute spot color candidate S claim 1 , and ii) the spot color S claim 1 , in which the substitute spot color candidate Sand the spot color Sremain constant during the minimization.4. The method of in ...

Data encoding and workpiece authentication using halftone onformatin

An encoding system (100) includes data in an underlying image by controlling or modifying halftone settings, which are used in the associated printing color process to produce a hard-copy document or an on screen image. The system (100) uses a halftone encoder (104) to encode the data into the image by selectively varying, in accordance with the data, the order of various color channels, and/or the screen angles using an angle table (105o) and/or spatial frequencies, or scales using a scale table (105r), of associated halftone screens. The system (100) encodes an N-bit payload in the image at the halftone encoder (104) by modifying the halftone settings of certain or all of the color channels in accordance with the data, thus using the color channels also as 'data channels.' The system (100) prints the encode image at a printer (108) by incorporating the modified halftone settings into the respective halftone screens, and applying the inks in a conventional manner.

Identification documents containing an identification photograph secured by means of patterns

The method involves collecting alphanumeric information from alphanumeric entries (4) to be appeared on an identity document (1). The information is encoded by properties of patterns to be appeared in preset areas of an identity photograph (3), where the patterns reveal a possible corruption of the photograph. The document is produced such that it comprises the entries and the photograph whereon the patterns visibly appear. The patterns are formed of lines (6) superimposed with the photograph. The information is encoded based on presence or absence of intersections of lines in the areas. The alphanumeric entries include name and forename of an identity document holder, birth date of the holder or number of the identity document. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for testing authenticity of an identity document, comprising a processing module (2) an identity document comprising a chip.

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.

Printed materials and method for checking the authenticity of the print using the security element

본 발명은 프린팅에 의해 프린팅 기재(지폐, 증권, 제품 포장, 식별 카드/라벨 또는 다른 유사 문서들)에 적용된 보안 요소와 관련이 있고, 이는 육안으로 볼 수 있는 주 정보인 고유의 식별자와 육안으로 볼 수 없는 복제 방지를 위한 이차 정보 보호를 포함한다. 고유의 식별자는 보통 포인트 코드다. 이 이차 정보가 가장 크게는 2 내지 40 미크론의 구조로 나타나며, 보안 요소가 프린팅 기재 상에 적용될 때 발생하는 프린팅 왜곡 때문에, 이 이차 정보는 보안 요소의 프린트로부터 복원 불가능하고 통계적으로 분석 가능한 고유의 특징과 관련이 있다. 본 발명은 이러한 독창적 보안 요소 등의 인쇄물 및 가시광(380-750㎚) 내 독창적 보안 요소의 인쇄물 진위를 조사하는 방법과 관련이 있다. The present invention relates to a security element applied to a printing substrate (banknotes, securities, product packaging, identification cards / labels or other similar documents) by printing, which includes a unique identifier, which is the main information visible to the naked eye, And secondary information protection for invisible copy protection. The unique identifier is usually a point code. This secondary information appears in the largest 2 to 40 micron structure, and because of the printing distortion that occurs when the security element is applied on the printing substrate, this secondary information is unrecoverable from the print of the security element and has inherent characteristics . The present invention relates to a method for investigating the authenticity of prints of such unique security elements and of authentic security elements in visible light (380-750 nm).

프린트의 진위를 검사하기 위한 보안 요소 및 방법

본 발명은 프린팅에 의해 프린팅 기재(지폐, 증권, 제품 포장, 식별 카드/라벨 또는 다른 유사 문서들)에 적용된 보안 요소와 관련이 있고, 이는 육안으로 볼 수 있는 주 정보인 고유의 식별자와 육안으로 볼 수 없는 복제 방지를 위한 이차 정보 보호를 포함한다. 고유의 식별자는 보통 포인트 코드다. 이 이차 정보가 가장 크게는 2 내지 40 미크론의 구조로 나타나며, 보안 요소가 프린팅 기재 상에 적용될 때 발생하는 프린팅 왜곡 때문에, 이 이차 정보는 보안 요소의 프린트로부터 복원 불가능하고 통계적으로 분석 가능한 고유의 특징과 관련이 있다. 본 발명은 이러한 독창적 보안 요소 등의 인쇄물 및 가시광(380-750㎚) 내 독창적 보안 요소의 인쇄물 진위를 조사하는 방법과 관련이 있다.

图像处理设备和图像处理方法

执行在图像中嵌入信息的处理的图像处理设备。该图像处理设备包括：选择单元，选择图像的像素，处理单元，按照待嵌入信息对选择单元选定的像素执行处理，使得利用图像的相关性可再现该像素。根据上述处理，待嵌入信息就被嵌入到了该像素之中。

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.

Printing matter with for preventing counterfeit and manufacturing method thereof

본 발명은 위조방지용 인쇄물 및 그 제조 방법에 관한 것이다. 본 발명은 육안상으로 보안 패턴의 잠상부를 식별하기 어려울 뿐만 아니라 복사 또는 스캔을 통해서도 잠상부가 식별되지 않는 인쇄 패턴이 인쇄된 위조 방지용 인쇄물을 제공하고자 한다. 또한, 본 발명은 복사나 스캔이 아닌, 인쇄물 원본에 위조 방지를 위해 인쇄된 인쇄 패턴을 인식하고 그 인식된 인쇄 패턴으로부터 보안 패턴의 잠상부를 도출하여 그 도출된 잠상부 형상을 화면에 표시 가능한 스마트 기기용 어플리케이션(앱)을 통하여 위조 여부를 확인할 수 있는 위조 방지용 인쇄물을 제공하고자 한다. 본 발명은 CMYK 잉크만을 이용한 위조 방지용 인쇄물을 제공하고자 한다. 본 발명은 CMYK 잉크만을 이용하여 인쇄하는 것에 의해 공정을 단축하여 인쇄물의 제조 시간을 단축하고, 인쇄물 제조 비용이 절감되는 효과가 있다. 또한, 본 발명은 색분해된 CMYK 중 분포도의 합이 기 설정된 값 이상인 2가지 또는 3가지 색을 2:1.6 ~ 1.8의 비율로 인쇄하고, 나머지 색을 1:1로 인쇄하는 것에 의해 잠상 이미지의 은폐력 상승 및 복사나 스캔 시 잠상 이미지가 현출되는 것을 방지하고, 스마트 기기용 어플리케이션(앱)을 통해서만 위조 여부를 확인할 수 있는 효과가 있다. 또한, 본 발명은 잠상부의 글자 또는 이미지 크기를 기 설정된 값만큼 크게 인쇄하는 것에 의해 육안상의 잠상 이미지 은폐력을 상승시키는 효과가 있다.

Automatic adjustment of image watermark strength based on computed image texture

A system and method of automatically adjusts watermark strength of a watermarked image based on the content of the image. The described system includes a process by which the correct watermark strength is estimated with a model of preferred watermark strength based upon human perception as measured with a test group. Preferred watermark strength of a watermark within a watermarked reference image is determined and parameter constants associated with measured image texture values for the reference image are then determined. Image texture values are measured for a particular image to be watermarked, and these determined parameter constants are used to predict the strength of the watermark for the particular image. Images are watermarked by modifying the luminance of those pixels that fall within a mask specifying the watermark design. In this way, the chromaticity of the pixel remains constant but the luminance changes. The amount by which the luminance is changed is dependent on the desired strength of the watermark: a stronger watermark demands a larger change in the luminance.

Image processing apparatus, image data output processing apparatus, and image processing method

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.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program and computer readable storage medium

There is provided a message processing apparatus including an image inputting unit for inputting a document image, an extracting unit for extracting a character image from the input document image, and an embedding unit for embedding watermark message by correcting a density value of the extracted character image.

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.

Arrangement of objects in images or graphics to convey a machine-readable signal

The disclosure provides apparatus related to arranging objects (e.g., circles, dots and other shapes) in images and graphics to convey a machine-readable signal. One claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory for storing image or graphic data; and an electronic processor programmed for: integrating a plurality of objects in stored image or graphic data, the objects being arranged in a pattern that is machine-readable, the plurality of objects being integrated in the image or graphic so that the pattern is hidden in the image or graphic through cooperation with design elements of the image or graphic; and providing a visible structure for aiding in machine-reading of the pattern. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.

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.

Protection of an electronically stored image in a first color space by the alteration of a digital component in a second color space

Digitized images are associated with English language captions and other data, collectively known as the metadata associated with the images. A natural language processing database removes ambiguities from the metadata, and the images and the metadata are stored in databases. A user formulates a search query, and natural language processing is used to determine matches between the query and the stored metadata. Images corresponding to the matches are then viewed, and desired images are selected for licensing. The license terms for selected images are displayed, and a subset of the selected images are ordered as desired by the user.

Method and system for digital image signatures

A method and system for embedding signatures within visual images in both digital representation and print or film. A signature is inseparably embedded within the visible image, the signature persisting through image transforms that include resizing as well as conversion to print or film and back to digital form. Signature points are selected from among the pixels of an original image. The pixel values of the signature points and surrounding pixels are adjusted by an amount detectable by a digital scanner. The adjusted signature points form a digital signature which is stored for future identification of subject images derived from the image. In one embodiment, a signature is embedded within an image by locating relative extrema in the continuous space of pixel values and selecting the signature points from among the extrema. Preferably, the signature is redundantly embedded in the image such that any of the redundant representations can be used to identify the signature. Identification of a subject image includes ensuring that the subject image is normalized with respect to the original image or the signed image. Preferably, the normalized subject image is compared with the stored digital signature.

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.

Method for embedding digital information in an image

A method of embedding digital data in a source image includes the steps of: a) generating a multi-level data image representing the digital data; b) convolving the multi-level data image with an encoding carrier image to produce a frequency dispersed data image; and c) adding the frequency dispersed data image to the source image to produce a source image containing embedded data. The data is recovered from the image by: a) cross correlating the source image containing embedded data with a decoding carrier image to recover the data image; and b) extracting the digital data from the recovered data image.

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.

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.

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).

Secure document design carrying auxiliary machine readable information

A two dimensional pattern design for secure documents serves as both a machine readable code and an aesthetic part of the documents' design. A method for generating the design generates a variable auxiliary message comprising message values and maps the message values to a two dimensional pattern of areas on the document. The areas each comprise an arrangement of pixels on the printed document. Depending on a value of the message mapped to a corresponding area, the method assigns a visible structure to the corresponding area. Different visible structures are assignable to a single value of the message to create a visible design having a desired aesthetic appearance.

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.