Abstract:
An MPF (Multi Function Peripheral) obtains a BD address and a device name from a communication partner search response when it receives the communication partner search response from a cellular phone. When the MFP successfully obtains the BD address and the BD address is stored in a device management database in a RAM of the MFP, the MFP obtains a user name corresponding to the BD address from the device management database. The MFP obtains settings associated with the user name from an environment database in the RAM of the MFP and stores the same in an environment storage area in the RAM. A display process, etc. in the MFP are performed according to the settings stored in the environment storage area.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to obtaining information from a profile associated with a proprietor of a media object (e.g., video, images and/or audio), where the proprietor may change information within the profile from time to time. One claim recites a method including: receiving an identifier via the internet from a device including or communicating with a content processor that derives the identifier from sample values representing audio portions of a media object or from sample values representing picture portions of the media object; utilizing the identifier to interrogate a database; obtaining from the database at least some information from a profile associated with a proprietor of the media object, wherein the database is configured to allow a proprietor to change information within the profile; and providing the at least some information from the profile associated with the proprietor of the media object to a remote location. Other combinations are provided and claimed as well.
Abstract:
A FAX transmission system is composed of: a plurality of first FAX gateways having a function of receiving FAX data from a sending FAX machine over a telephone network and forwarding the FAX data over a communication network other than the telephone network; and a plurality of second FAX gateways having a function of receiving FAX data over the communication network and forwarding the FAX data to a receiving FAX machine over the telephone network. A first FAX gateway in the FAX transmission system acquires, for each second FAX gateway, device information that includes (i) an address on the communication network of the second FAX gateway and (ii) an address on the telephone network of the second FAX gateway or information for acquiring the telephone network address, and transmits the acquired device information to at least one other of the first FAX gateways.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to interacting with audio and ambient music, e.g., as obtained by a handheld device such as a cell phone. One combination includes: receiving electronic signals representing ambient music captured with a microphone in a user device; transferring the electronic signals representing the ambient music to a processor; receiving from the processor data derived from the electronic signals; using said data to obtain information from a database, said information relating to the ambient music; and providing at least textual information to a user about the ambient music, said provided textual information being based at least in part on information obtained from the database. This combination may also provide to the user a pointer to an online site, the online site including third-party reviews of content. A related combination may provide to the user a pointer to an online site that provides streaming media content associated with the ambient music. Still another related combination may provide to the user a pointer to dynamic user metadata associated with the ambient music. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.
Abstract:
A copier includes a scanner for obtaining a digital image of a printed document and a printer for producing a copy of the scanned document. The copier is configured to identify coded data incorporated in the scanned document, the coded data indicating an identity of the scanned document. The printer reproduces the scanned document including second coded data indicative of an identity of the copy of the document. The copier has a network interface for transmitting and receiving the identity data from a server on a network where the identity data is stored.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. One claimed combination recites an apparatus including circuitry having measurable performance or operating characteristics, and steganographic indicia including or linking to plural-bit data pertaining to the performance or operating characteristics. Other combinations are described and claimed as well.
Abstract:
Predetermined indicia are detected in a digital image that is formed by optical scanning. Alternatively, or in addition, a digital image can have a predefined insertion field. Input and/or an optically scanned image is substituted in the digital image for the predetermined indicia and/or for the predefined insertion field. The digital image having the substitution is rendered.
Abstract:
The presently claimed invention relates generally to digital watermarking and steganographic data hiding for audio and video. One claim recites a user computing device including: a. an input device configured to obtain an index from an audio signal, the index being steganographically hidden in the audio signal through alterations to data representing the audio signal; and b. processing circuitry to: utilize the index to access a database comprising a plurality of records that link an index to a pointer which identifies a remote computer; retrieve from the database a pointer with at least reference to the index; and use the pointer to establish communication with the remote computer identified thereby to obtain information associated with the audio signal. Of course, additional claims and combinations are provided as well.
Abstract:
Methods and arrangements for identifying content, and employing such identification, are detailed. One method embeds a plural-bit digital watermark into content, but first checks to see if the content is previously watermarked. Another method applies a digital watermark detection procedure to only a sub-portion of a digital content item. Yet another arrangement involves plural-portion content, where one portion is watermarked with first data governing its rights management, and another portion is watermarked with second data governing its rights management. Still another method concerns distribution of content items, where each is watermarked with a unique ID as part of the distribution process. Yet another method concerns deriving an identifier from content, and using the content to access related metadata from a remote computer system. A variety of other technologies and improvements are also detailed.
Abstract:
A multifunction printer enables the printing of time-based media and is operated via a user interface. The user interface includes a touch screen for accepting command inputs and providing information to a user. Time-based media data is received by the printer from a media source specified via the user interface. A user specifies one or more multimedia processing functions for the printer to apply to the data. The printer performs the specified functions, and previews the output to the user via a display of the user interface. If the user decides to print the previewed output, the user specifies one or more output devices, such that the printer can print conventional printed output and/or to a specified electronic output.