Digimarc Corporation

Other

Corbis Corporation

Mark J Nitzberg

Robert D Powell

Patrick J Fitzgerald

David M Sheehan

The present invention relates to hiding codes in input data, e.g., such as still imagery and motion pictures. One claim recites: embedding an N-bit code with a source signal, N being at least one. The embedding proceeds, for each bit of the N-bit code, according to the following: mapping the bit to a portion of the source signal; changing values of at least two data values associated with the portion in accordance with the bit. The act of changing embeds the N-bit code in a manner that is generally imperceptible to a human observer of the source signal. A related claim recites that the portion includes a data value, and the above method further includes changing the value of the data value in accordance with said bit of the code, an amount of the changing being adjusted based on the value. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Hiding codes in input data

The presently claimed invention relates generally to creative works and determining whether two or more creative works correspond. One claim recites a method including the acts of: (a) identifying plural local extrema within a two dimensional array of data signal that corresponds to a first creative work; (b) storing information relating to the plural local extrema identified in act (a) in a computer database for future reference; (c) thereafter, identifying plural local extrema within a two dimensional array of data signal that corresponds to a second creative work; and (d) determining correspondence between information relating to the plural local extrema identified in act (c) with the stored information, to thereby determine whether the first creative work and second creative work correspond. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Determining whether two or more creative works correspond

The present invention relates to hiding codes in input data. In one embodiment, a method is provided including: obtaining input data associated with image or visual information; selecting portions of the input data to hide a plural-bit code based at least in part on predetermined data; and modifying selected portions of the input data to hide the plural-bit code at least in part on changing one or more values of the input data at or around the selected portions. Other embodiments are described and claimed as well.

A digital image is processed to hide information, by generally inconspicuous adjustments thereof. These adjustments can define a pattern that extends across some or all of the image. Desirably, the pattern is adapted to the particular image being encoded, so as to better conceal the encoding.

Image data processing

Encoding hidden data

A digital image in which hidden information has been encoded, is processed to discern the hidden information. This processing can include identifying geometric distortions of the image (e.g., cropping, scaling, rotation), and compensating for such identified distortions.

Decoding hidden data from imagery

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 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.

Protecting images with image markings

A digital image is processed to hide information, by generally inconspicuous adjustments of pixel values. Desirably, the processing is adapted to the particular image being encoded, so as to better conceal the encoding. The method may include determining a relative ability of a pixel to be adjusted inconspicuously, by reference to values of at least two neighboring pixels.

Image marking adapted to the image

Method for encoding auxiliary data within a source signal

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.

Image marking with pixel modification

A digital image is scanned to generate image data, which is processed to steganographically embed plural-bit auxiliary data. The system is useful, e.g., for capturing and marking digital images without noticeably changing their visual appearance.

Image capture and marking

A portable data collection device is provided for diagnostic image and data collection at a remote location. The device is implemented as an otoscope including a speculum and light source for illumination of the ear canal. A digital camera element collects the reflected images and provides the images to a processor. The processor processes the images using pattern matching techniques and displays and/or stores suitable images. The images are transferred to a base station for subsequent transmission to a remote server or computer, where an authorized party may access and examine the images. An authorization or prescription from the remote server or computer may be required to enable data collection and transmission by the otoscope.

Portable data collection device

A method of marking a work of authorship without apparent evidence of data alteration. The work (e.g., an image) is represented by a set of data elements (e.g., pixels). The marking includes providing first plural-bit data, and computing therefrom additional, error correcting data. This composite set of data is used in image marking, permitting at least certain errors to be discerned and corrected when the marking is later discerned from the image.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Mark J Nitzberg