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Image management system and methods using digital watermarks

a watermark and image technology, applied in the field of image management and processing, can solve the problems of unauthorized individuals not being able to replicate the watermarking process, the security of the watermarking process, and the growing problem of large data sets resulting from the management of images

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-03-08
DIGIMARC CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The quality of the imagery has also constantly improved. Some satellite systems are now capable of acquiring image and topological data having a resolution of less than a meter. Aircraft imagery, collected from lower altitudes, provides still greater resolution.
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a digital watermark-based image management system helps solve these and other problems. A digital watermark is ideally employed as an enabler to access a related family of images, linked in a database (or other data structure) via digital watermark identifiers. Watermark identifiers can also be used to identify the source of an image, track images and documents, document a distribution chain, and identify unlabeled hard copy images. According to another aspect, digital watermarks help to provide security, monitoring and gatekeeper-like functions.

Problems solved by technology

Management of the resulting large data sets is a growing problem.
Management of resulting image ancestry, image derivates and related metadata is increasingly difficult.
Preferably, such watermarking processes are secure and cannot be replicated by unauthorized individuals.

Method used

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  • Image management system and methods using digital watermarks

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Embodiment Construction

[0026] For expository convenience, the following discussion focuses on satellite and other aerial “imagery” to illustrate the principles of the invention. The principles of the invention, however, are equally applicable to other forms of imagery, including non-aerial imagery. Accordingly, the term “image” should be used to encompass other data sets, and the term “pixel” should be construed to encompass component data from such other data sets. The term “image” should also be construed to include both digital and analog data sets.

[0027] Watermarking Images

[0028] With reference to FIG. 1, an image (or image data) 10 is captured from an aerial platform 11, such as an aircraft, satellite, balloon, unmanned aircraft, etc. The image 10 is communicated to a receiving or ground station 12. (In some instances, the image signal may be relayed through various aerial and / or other ground stations before reaching ground station 12.). Ground station 12 preferably includes a watermark embedder 12...

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PUM

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Abstract

Digital watermarking technology is used in an image management system. Images are uniquely identified by digital watermarking. The images are stored so as to be indexed according to unique identifiers. In one embodiment, related images are linked together by a unique watermark identifier. The unique watermark identifier is also used to manage metadata, and provide forensic tracking. Watermark identifiers can be used to carry or access security clearance information associated with an image or other media. Other embodiments are provided as well.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 858,336, filed May 15, 2001 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,931). The U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 858,336 application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 284,163 filed Apr. 16, 2001, entitled “Watermark Systems and Methods,” and 60 / 284,776 filed Apr. 18, 2001, entitled “Using Embedded Identifiers with Images.” The 09 / 858,336 application is also a continuation-in-part of assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 800,093, entitled “Geo-Referencing of Aerial Imagery Using Embedded Image Identifiers and Cross-Referenced Data Sets,” filed Mar. 5, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,061,510). [0002] This patent application is also related to assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 833,013, entitled “Digitally Watermarked Maps and Signs and Related Navigational Tools,” filed Apr. 10, 2001 (published as US 2002-0147910 A1).FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present inventio...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G09G5/00G01C11/00G01C13/00G06T1/00
CPCG01C11/00G06T1/0021G06F21/6209
Inventor PATTERSON, PHILLIP R.CLEMENTS, LORIELOFGREN, NEIL A.RHOADS, GEOFFREY B.
Owner DIGIMARC CORP
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