Digital watermarking of physical objects

• US 6,724,912 B1
• Filed: 05/01/2000
• Issued: 04/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Original Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Inventors: Rhoads, Geoffrey B., Carr, J. Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Johns, Andrew W.
• Application Number:
  US09/562,524
• Time in Patent Office: 1,450 Days
• Field of Search: 382/100, 382/135, 382/232, 713/176, 380/51, 380/54, 283/72, 283/74, 283/85, 283/93, 283/94, 283/107, 283/109, 283/110, 283/111, 283/113, 428/195, 428/201, 428/203, 428/204, 428/206, 428/207, 428/211, 428/916, 428/919, 428/195.1, 428/211.1, 430/9, 430/10, 430/11, 430/13, 430/14, 430/15, 430/18, 503/227
• US Class Current: 382/100
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/1418 the inserts being deformed or preformed, e.g. by the injection pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/29 Securities; Bank notes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40145 Biometric identity checks
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0064 Geometric transfor invariant watermarking, e.g. affine transform invariant
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0051 Embedding of the watermark in the spatial domain
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0052 Embedding of the watermark in the frequency domain
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0061 Embedding of the watermark in each block of the image, e.g. segmented watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0065 Extraction of an embedded watermark; Reliable detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 30/40 Document-oriented image-based pattern recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/253 visually
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/0032 using holograms
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/0034 using watermarks
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/004 using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/16 for devices exhibiting advertisements, announcements, pictures or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/08 by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means without personal verification means G07F7/02
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/086 by passive credit-cards adapted therefor, e.g. constructive particularities to avoid counterfeiting, e.g. by inclusion of a physical or chemical security-layer for security documents G07D7/00; for the reading of record-carriers in general G06K7/00; for the design of coded credit-cards G06K19/10
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1016 Devices or methods for securing the PIN and other transaction-data, e.g. by encryption arrangements for secret communication, see H04L9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/12 Card verification
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 19/018 : Audio watermarking, i.e. embedding inaudible data in the audio signal
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00086 : Circuits for prevention of unauthorised reproduction or copying, e.g. piracy indicating unauthorised use of record carriers in general G11B23/28; scrambling for television signal recording H04N5/913; network architectures or network protocols for network security H04L63/00; cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communication H04L9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00094 : involving measures which result in a restriction to authorised record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00166 : involving measures which result in a restriction to authorised contents recorded on or reproduced from a record carrier, e.g. music or software
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/0021 : involving encryption or decryption of contents recorded on or reproduced from a record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00224 : wherein the key is obtained from a remote server
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00557 : wherein further management data is encrypted, e.g. sector headers, TOC or the lead-in or lead-out areas
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00855 : involving a step of exchanging information with a remote server
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00876 : wherein physical copy protection means are attached to the medium, e.g. holograms, sensors, or additional semiconductor circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00884 : involving a watermark, i.e. a barely perceptible transformation of the original data which can nevertheless be recognised by an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00891 : embedded in audio data
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/665 : using psychoacoustic properties of the ear, e.g. masking effect
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00005 : relating to image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00037 : Detecting, i.e. determining the occurrence of a predetermined state H04N1/00031 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00079 : remotely
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00843 : based on recognising a copy prohibited original, e.g. a banknote pattern authentication and markers therefor, forgery detection G06V20/95; character recognition G06V30/10; document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/40; testing paper currency or similar valuable papers for genuineness G07D7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00846 : based on detection of a dedicated indication, e.g. marks or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00867 : with additional data, e.g. by adding a warning message details of embedding additional information in an image H04N1/32144
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0087 : with hidden additional data, e.g. data invisible to the human eye
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00875 : Inhibiting reproduction, e.g. by disabling reading or reproduction apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32122 : in a separate device, e.g. in a memory or on a display separate from image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32144 : embedded in the image data, i.e. enclosed or integrated in the image, e.g. watermark, super-imposed logo or stamp
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32149 : Methods relating to embedding, encoding, decoding, detection or retrieval operations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32203 : Spatial or amplitude domain methods H04N1/32309 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32208 : involving changing the magnitude of selected pixels, e.g. overlay of information or super-imposition H04N1/32219, H04N1/32224 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32219 : involving changing the position of selected pixels, e.g. word shifting, or involving modulating the size of image components, e.g. of characters H04N1/32224 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32251 : in multilevel data, e.g. greyscale or continuous tone data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32261 : in binary data H04N1/32256 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32288 : Multiple embedding, e.g. cocktail embedding, or redundant embedding, e.g. repeating the additional information at a plurality of locations in the image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32304 : Embedding different sets of additional information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32352 : Controlling detectability or arrangements to facilitate detection or retrieval of the embedded information, e.g. using markers for decoding, detection or retrieval operations H04N1/32149 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2005/91321 : the copy protection signal being a copy protection control signal, e.g. a record inhibit signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2005/91335 : the copy protection signal being a watermark
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23892 : involving embedding information at multiplex stream level, e.g. embedding a watermark at packet level
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8358 : involving watermark protecting executable software by watermarking G06F21/16; image watermarking in general G06T1/0021; watermarks inserted in still images for transmission purposes H04N1/32144; inserting watermarks during video coding H04N19/467
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3205 : of identification information, e.g. name or ID code H04N2201/3209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3207 : of an address
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3225 : of data relating to an image, a page or a document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3226 : of identification information or the like, e.g. ID code, index, title, part of an image, reduced-size image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3233 : of authentication information, e.g. digital signature, watermark
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3239 : using a plurality of different authentication information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/327 : which are undetectable to the naked eye, e.g. embedded codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3271 : Printing or stamping
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3274 : Storage or retrieval of prestored additional information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/328 : Processing of the additional information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/913 : for scrambling ; for copy protection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/916 : Fraud or tamper detecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24802 : Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]

Abstract

A machine readable indicia is formed in a blank printable medium. The indicia may be formed in an opacification layer applied to a translucent substrate, or may be formed in a laminate layer. The indicia is optically detectable from the exterior of the medium, even if the indicia is not formed on the medium'"'"'s exterior surface. One particular indicia is a seemingly-random weave-like pattern of lines defined in response to (1) a first user control that determines a degree of randomness of the line(s), (2) a second user control that determines a modulation effect to be applied to the line(s), and (3) the bits to be represented thereby. Many other indicia, including checkerboards, barcodes, data glyphs, etc., can also be used.

Claims

1. In a method of forming a printable substrate that includes applying plural layers to a film substrate, an improvement comprising providing a two dimensional pattern earlier defined by a process including applying an algorithmic transformation to a plural bit payload, and from which pattern plural bit payload can be subsequently decoded by applying an inverse transformation process, and tailoring the tone or density of at least one of said layers so as to form said pattern thereby, encoding the substrate with plural bits of digital data.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the pattern comprises a steganographic digital watermark pattern.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the film substrate is translucent, and the layers are opacification layers.

4. The method of claim 1 comprising tailoring the tone or density of at least one internal layer to form said pattern.

5. The method of claim 4 in which the tailoring comprises applying ink to an internal layer by an inkjet printing process.

6. The method of claim 1 in which the tailoring comprises applying ink with a gravure printing plate having grooves of non-uniform thickness formed therein.

7. The method of claim 1 in which the tailoring comprises applying ink with a gravure printing plate having non-uniformly distributed grooves formed therein.

8. The method of claim 1 in which the in pattern is coextensive with the substrate.

9. A printable substrate formed according to the method of claim 1.

10. A banknote printed on the substrate of claim 9.

11. The method of claim 1 in which the method includes said algorithmically transforming of a plural bit payload to define said two dimensional pattern.

12. A printable substrate comprising a laminate structure including at least one internal layer, characterized in that said internal layer is formed with a machine readable indicia encoding plural binary bits, said indicia being optically detectable from outside said substrate, said indicia corresponding to a pattern formed by a process including apply an algorithmic transformation to said plural binary bits, said pattern being subsequently decodable to read the plural binary bits therefrom by application of an inverse transformation.

13. The substrate of claim 12 in which the machine readable indicia is a digital watermark pattern.

14. The substrate of claim 12 in which the machine readable indicia is coextensive with the substrate.

15. The substrate of claim 12 in which at least one internal layer is formed of paper.

16. The substrate of claim 12 in which at least one internal layer is formed of a polymer.

17. The substrate of claim 12 in which at least one external layer is formed of paper.

18. The substrate of claim 12 in which at least one external layer is formed of a polymer.

19. The substrate of claim 12 in which the internal layer has gaps defined therein.

20. The substrate of claim 12 in which the internal layer is printed by an inkjet printing process.

21. The substrate of claim 12 in which the indicia encodes a calibration signal.

22. A method of forming a document, comprising:

providing a two dimensional pattern earlier defined by a process including applying an algorithmic transformation to a first set of plural digital bits, and from which pattern said first set of digital bits can be subsequently decoded by applying an inverse transformation process;

providing a substrate having a face;

forming a first patterned layer over the substrate face, said first layer being formed to include said two dimensional pattern;

inking over the first patterned layer to form a second patterned layer, the patterning of said second layer providing visible artwork or printing associated with said document.

23. The method of claim 22 that includes applying the first patterned layer directly to the substrate face.

24. The method of claim 22 in which the first patterned layer is formed of ink.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the first patterned layer is formed by applying plural layers of ink to the substrate.

26. The method of claim 22 in which the first patterned layer obscures the transparency of the substrate.

27. The method of claim 22 that comprises applying the first patterned layer by a gravure process using a gravure member having groove sizes that change on a localized basis to deposit more ink at some locations than others.

28. The method of claim 22 that comprises applying the first patterned layer by a gravure process using a gravure member having groove spacings that change on a localized basis to deposit more ink at some locations than others.

29. The method of claim 22 that includes forming voids in a material to define the patterning of the first patterned layer.

30. The method of claim 22 that includes inking said second patterned layer directly on said first patterned layer.

31. The method of claim 22 that includes applying said first patterned layer directly to the face of the substrate, and wherein the second patterned layer also defines a machine readable indicia.

32. The method of claim 22 wherein the substrate is substantially transparent.

33. The method of claim 22 wherein the layers applied over said substrate make the composite document generally opaque.

34. The method of claim 22 that includes forming said first patterned layer using an ink which produces a reflective effect.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein the ink has a composition including copper.

36. The method of claim 34 wherein the ink has a composition including aluminum.

37. The method of claim 22 that includes forming the first patterned layer comprises a reflective foil.

38. The method of claim 22 wherein the first patterned layer is applied by a hot stamping process.

39. The method of claim 22 wherein the patterning of the first layer comprises a steganographic digital watermark pattern.

40. A banknote produced according to the method of claim 22.

41. An identification document produced according to the method of claim 22.

42. The method of claim 22 in which the method includes said algorithmically transforming of a first plural bit payload to define said two dimensional pattern.

43. A method of forming a document, comprising:

providing a substrate having a face;

forming a first patterned layer over the substrate face by laser ablating portions of a layer applied over the substrate, the patterning of said first layer defining a machine readable indicia encoding plural first bits of digital data; and

inking over the first patterned layer to form a second patterned layer, the patterning of said second layer providing visible artwork or printing associated with said document.

44. A method of forming a document, comprising:

providing a substrate having a face;

forming a first patterned layer over the substrate face, the patterning of said first layer defining a machine readable indicia encoding plural first bits of digital data; and

inking over the first patterned layer to form a second patterned layer, the patterning of said second layer providing visible artwork or printing associated with said document;

wherein defining the machine readable indicia comprises patterning in two or more layers over the substrate.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein said patterning in two or more layers cooperate to define a single machine-readable lidicia encoding said plural first bits of digital data.

46. A method of forming a document, comprising:

providing a substrate having a face;

forming a first patterned layer over the substrate face, the patterning of said first layer defining a machine readable indicia encoding plural first bits of digital data;

inking over the first patterned layer to form a second patterned layer, the patterning of said second layer providing visible artwork or printing associated with said document;

the method further including forming a further patterned layer, the patterning of said further layer defining a second machine readable indicia encoding plural second bits of digital data different from said plural first bits.

47. The method of forming a document, comprising:

providing a substrate having a face;

forming a first patterned layer over the substrate face, the patterning of said first layer comprising forming voids therein and defining a machine readable indicia encoding plural first bits of digital data;

inking over the first patterned layer to form a second patterned layer, the patterning of said second layer providing visible artwork or printing associated with said document;

wherein said voids are formed by laser cutting.

48. A method of forming a document, comprising:

providing a substrate having a face;

forming a first patterned layer over the substrate face, the patterning of said first layer defining a machine readable indicia encoding plural first bits of digital data;

inking over the first patterned layer to form a second patterned layer, the patterning of said second layer providing visible artwork or printing associated with said document;

wherein the substrate comprises plural layers of polypropylene.