Visual search methods and systems

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present technology involve automated capture of several image frames (e.g., simultaneously in a single exposure, or in a burst of exposures), and application of a data-extraction process (e.g., watermark decoding) to each such image. Other aspects of the technology involve capturing a single scene at two different resolutions, and submitting imagery at both resolutions for watermark decoding. Still other aspects of the technology involve increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of a watermark signal by subtracting one image from another. Yet other aspects of the technology involve receiving focus distance data from a camera, and employing such data in extracting information from camera imagery. Smartphone camera APIs can be employed to simplify implementation of such methods. A great number of features and arrangements are also detailed. Embodiments of such technology can simplify image processing required for data extraction, with attendant reductions in required program memory and battery power consumption. Moreover, they can enlarge a system's operational envelope—enabling information to be extracted from imagery under conditions that lead to failure in prior art arrangements.