Watermark reading kiosks

• US 20020176003A1
• Filed: 04/11/2002
• Published: 11/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Original Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Inventors: Rhoads, Geoffrey B., Seder, Phillip Andrew, Hein, William C. III, Maclntosh, Brian T.
• Application Number:
  US10/121,433
• Publication Number:
  US 20020176003A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.1
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/00 Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators see also B65D5/4212, B65D33/004
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3876 insulating sleeves or jackets for cans, bottles, barrels, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0021 Image watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/06 by returnable containers , i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles

Abstract

A kiosk for reading a digital watermark from a physical object (e.g., a printed document) can be used in various contexts, including retail systems designed to provide customers with product information; corporate greeting systems used to register or direct a visitor; computer terminals in public environments—such as cyber cafés—which can be used to access the Internet; and registration terminals at service centers, such as a copy center, that are used to request services or provide information. An illustrative kiosk may include a housing with a computer concealed inside. On the outside of the kiosk is an illuminated stage on which the user can place the object to be read. An image sensor (e.g., a webcam) captures an image of the object placed on the stage, and the computer processes the image to decode the watermark payload. The computer than responds to the user (e.g., via a display screen or audio transducer) with responsive information.

Claims

1. A kiosk for reading a digital watermark from a physical object, the kiosk comprising:

a housing;

a computer concealed within the housing;

a stage on which the user is directed to place the object;

a light source illuminating the stage; and

a camera including a 2D optical sensor, the camera having an output coupled to the computer and having a lens directed at the stage;

wherein the computer operates to receive image data from the camera, decode a watermark therefrom, and provide a response thereto.

2. The kiosk of claim 1 further including a display screen, the computer presenting at least a portion of said response on said display screen.

3. The kiosk of claim 1 in which the light source provides illumination of about 105 to 115 lux onto objects placed on the stage.

4. The kiosk of claim 1 in which the light source provides substantially full-spectrum illumination.

5. The kiosk of claim 1 in which the camera is mounted on a platform providing plural degrees of freedom.

6. The kiosk of claim 1 further including a display screen on which a camera view is displayed.

7. The kiosk of claim 1, including instructions thereon for instructing users as to placement of objects on the stage.