Content Objects with Computer Instructions Steganographically Encoded Therein, and Associated Methods
First Claim
1. In a method of steganographically encoding content object data to include auxiliary information, the content object data representing visual information or audio information to be rendered to a user, the encoding comprising using a first hardware processor to alter samples of the content object data in accordance with a representation of the auxiliary information so that the encoding is imperceptible when the encoded content object data is rendered, an improvement wherein the auxiliary information comprises computer instructions, the computer instructions causing a system including a second hardware processor programmed by said instructions to take an action.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various improvements to digital watermarking are disclosed. For example, a digitally watermarked object can steganographically convey a payload that includes computer instructions (e.g., JAVA, ActiveX, or HTML) that—when decoded—control some manner of operation of an associated instruction processor. One application is a digital movie that, when double-clicked, automatically executes a watermark-embedded Java applet which links through a browser to the movie'"'"'s distributor. The user is then prompted to input a credit card number. After the number has been verified and a charge made, the applet releases the content of the file to the computer'"'"'s viewer for viewing of the movie.
106 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. In a method of steganographically encoding content object data to include auxiliary information, the content object data representing visual information or audio information to be rendered to a user, the encoding comprising using a first hardware processor to alter samples of the content object data in accordance with a representation of the auxiliary information so that the encoding is imperceptible when the encoded content object data is rendered, an improvement wherein the auxiliary information comprises computer instructions, the computer instructions causing a system including a second hardware processor programmed by said instructions to take an action.
- 6. In a method of processing content object data that is to be rendered for sensing by a human, to decode auxiliary information steganographically encoded therein, an improvement wherein the auxiliary information comprises computer instructions, and the method includes using an instruction processor to execute said computer instructions, to thereby cause a system including the instruction processor to take an action.
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15. A method comprising:
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receiving digital data, the data comprising plural-bit values representing video media content to be rendered; altering the plural-bit values to steganographically encode auxiliary data therein, yielding encoded video media content; and delivering the encoded video media content to a recipient; wherein the auxiliary data comprises computer instructions for controlling an operational aspect of a recipient device.
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- 16. In a method of steganographically encoding content object data to include auxiliary information, the content object data representing video information to be rendered to a user, the encoding comprising using a first hardware processor to alter samples of the content object data in accordance with a representation of the auxiliary information so that the encoding is imperceptible when the encoded content object data is rendered, an improvement wherein the auxiliary information comprises computer instructions for controlling a second hardware processor.
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18. A method of controlling an aspect of operation of a user device, comprising:
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receiving a video data object at the user device, video information of said video data object being represented by plural-bit values; analyzing the plural-bit values to decode computer instructions steganographically encoded therein; and executing the computer instructions using a hardware processor; wherein the computer instructions control an aspect of operation of said user device. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification