Abstract:
A method of printing an interface onto a surface is disclosed. The method starts by providing a printer comprising a data input module for receiving document data from a computer system, a coded data generator for generating coded data using at least some of the document data, the coded data being indicative of an identity of a region of a surface to be printed on and of a plurality of locations on the surface to be printed on, a printhead for printing the interface onto the surface, and an ink supply for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink supply comprising an ink set including at least one visible text/graphics ink and a coded data ink, the coded data ink being absorptive of wavelengths in the near-infrared range. Visible text/graphics and the coded data is then printed onto the surface using the printer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention provides a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.
Abstract:
A method of embedding auxiliary data in coefficients generated for a compressed data stream applies embedding rules to selected coefficients in different blocks to embed the data. The method receives coefficients in a data stream in which the coefficients are divided into blocks. It changes the value of selected coefficients to embed multi-bit message data in the coefficients. The process of changing the coefficients includes controlling changes to the selected coefficients from different blocks so that the relationship of the selected coefficients from the different blocks satisfy an embedding rule. One embedding rule causes the embedded data to form a pattern across the blocks. Another rule causes coefficients of blocks to have a desired phase relationship. Another rule enforces entropy and/or bit rate constraints onto the data stream. These embedding rules facilitate data hiding within bit rate and perceptibility constraints, while increasing robustness.
Abstract:
The presently claimed invention relates generally to digital watermarking and steganographic encoding. One claim recites a method of encoding a watermark in a digital signal. The method includes generating varying key bits; and encoding the varying watermark key bits in the digital signal as a watermark with reference to at least characteristics of the digital signal. The “digital signal” may represent audio, video or imagery. Another claim recites a system for encoding a watermark in a digital signal. The system includes a processor: i) to map pseudo-random key and processing state information to effect an encode/decode map; and ii) to encode a watermark in a digital signal using the encode/decode map and characteristics of the digital signal. Of course other combinations are provided and claimed as well.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed of printing copy of a document previously printed. The method starts by printing a list of documents previously printed by printing a list of history items and coded data associated with respective history items. Each history item corresponds to one of a plurality of documents previously printed. A sensing device then senses the coded data associated with one of the history items, and a computer system receives request data from the sensing device. The request data is dependent upon the coded data sensed by the sensing device. A copy of the document previously printed corresponding to the history item associated with the coded data sensed by the sensing device is retrieved and printed.
Abstract:
The presently claimed invention relates generally to processing data representing video and audio. One claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory to buffer video or audio obtained from storage associated with a publicly accessible internet site; and one or more electronic processors programmed for: processing the obtained video or audio to extract identifying information therefrom, the processing processes data representing picture elements of the obtained video or processes data representing audible portions of the obtained audio; communicating with a data repository using the identifying information to identify the obtained video or audio; obtaining information associated with the identified video or audio, the information including payment information for use of the identified audio or video; and providing a remotely located user access to the payment information. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
Abstract:
A controller for a printhead is provided having an encoder for encoding tags to be printed on a page. The encoder has an input at which to receive a tag structure template having at least one predetermined mark position, an input at which to receive fixed data bits, an input at which to receive variable data bits, and a dot generator which uses the input tag structure template, and fixed and variable data bits for outputting, for at least one mark position of a respective tag, a single bit indicating if a dot is to be provided at the at least one mark position, for the respective tag.
Abstract:
A sensing device for sensing a region provided on or in a surface having at least one region. The at least one region having printed therein or thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the at least one region, and visible information at least some of the information being at least partially related to the at least one region. The sensing device includes a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the at least one region and generating indicating data. The indicating data is at least partially indicative of the identity of the at least one region and at least one of movement and a position of the sensing device relative to the at least one region. The sensing device includes a communicator configured to communicate the indicating data to a computer system.
Abstract:
A camera, of a handheld computing device, is used to capture a picture of an object. At least some image data corresponding to the captured picture is provided to a processor, which returns processed information corresponding to the object. By reference to this processed information, the system automatically identifies a particular one of plural different software application programs—a program that is particularly relevant to the object, rather than being generally relevant to all objects. Output information is then produced using the identified software application program, which is then presented to the user, e.g., on a screen of the handheld computing device. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
Abstract:
A document containing security images which enable original documents to be distinguished from copies of the originals. The document 60 bears an image 63 containing a latent image 68. Latent image 68 may be formed from two or more images 65 and 66. The first image 65 is preferably formed at a high line frequency and at a first angle in one or more colors. The second image 66 is preferably formed at a lower line frequency at the same angle as first image 65 and in one or more colors. The colors in the first image 65 and the second image 66 are preferably chosen so that latent image 68 has substantially the same color as image 63.