Managing Models Representing Different Expected Distortions Associated with a Plurality of Data Captures

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to managing models representing different expected distortions associated with a plurality of data captures. One claim recites a method comprising: obtaining a plurality of models each representing a different expected distortion associated with a plurality of data captures, the plurality of data captures each resulting in distortion of a machine-readable signal; indexing the plurality of models; upon receiving a request, selecting a model associated with the request; and providing the selected model. Of course, other methods and combinations are provided as well.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 109,573, filed Apr. 25, 2008 (published as US 2008-0298632 A1), which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 913,987, filed Apr. 25, 2007. Each of the above applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to data hiding and digital watermarking. In some implementations the present disclosure relates to correcting optical scan or other capture distortion, e.g., such as lens blurring, focus errors and other scanning anomalies. In other implementations the present disclosure relates to managing models representing different expected distortions associated with a plurality of data captures.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0003]Digital watermarking—a form of steganography—is a process for modifying media content to embed a machine-readable code into the content. The content may be modified such that the embe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method for improving the detection of machine-readable codes embedded in media content, such as images and videos, despite distortion caused by optical lens capture or other factors. The method involves altering the digital watermark or watermarking process to pre-distort the watermark signal to compensate for expected distortion. This allows for accurate detection of the embedded watermark despite the distortion. The method can be applied to different types of data captures, such as barcodes and data glyphs, and can be used in handheld cameras or other mobile devices.

Problems solved by technology

One challenge is providing handheld cameras (e.g., in a cell phone or other mobile device) to an army of users, with nearly each user having a different idea on proper focal length for image and video capture.

In some cases a user may want to be close to a marked image or video to, e.g., capture high spatial frequency content (see FIG. 1); but the close positioning often results in a captured image that is slightly out of focus (or blurred)—which may hamper detection of a machine-readable code contained or represented in the image.

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