Watermark Signal Strength Estimation for Vector-Raster Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital watermarking on product packaging faces challenges in maintaining signal strength, especially when vector images are stacked over raster images, leading to degradation of the embedded watermark signal, which affects detection reliability and efficiency in retail checkout processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for estimating and adjusting the signal strength of embedded watermark signals within media content by transforming the image data to compatible color modes based on reader, printer, or display profiles, allowing for re-embedding to ensure optimal visibility and detection, using hardware and software implementations such as ASICs and digital image editing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If vector images are stacked over raster images in digital watermarking, then the visual quality and appearance of the packaging design is improved, but the signal strength of the embedded watermark deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the host image to identify regions where vector images will be stacked, and pre-adjusts the watermark embedding parameters for those specific regions. This allows the watermark to be embedded at optimal strength before the vector overlay degrades it, rather than trying to compensate after degradation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different watermark embedding strategies to different regions of the image based on their characteristics. Regions that will have vector images stacked over them receive different embedding parameters compared to regions without vector overlays, allowing optimal signal strength to be maintained in areas most susceptible to degradation.
2Reliability
If watermark signal strength is increased to maintain detection reliability, then the detection reliability is improved, but the visibility and aesthetic quality of the watermarked packaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts watermark embedding parameters based on real-time analysis of the host image and detected vector overlay regions. This allows the watermark strength to be optimized for each specific image-watermark combination, achieving maximum detection reliability while maintaining acceptable visual quality through adaptive rather than static embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple embedding parameters simultaneously (such as modulation depth, spread factor, and region-specific weights) to achieve the optimal balance between signal strength and visual imperceptibility. By adjusting multiple parameters rather than a single strength control, the system can optimize detection reliability without excessively degrading visibility.
3Productivity
If traditional watermark embedding methods are used without signal strength estimation, then the embedding process is simpler and faster, but the detection accuracy and reliability in retail checkout processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates signal strength estimation as a feedback mechanism that analyzes the watermarked image and provides information about the actual watermark strength achieved. This feedback is used to adjust future embedding operations, allowing the system to learn from previous results and improve detection accuracy while maintaining efficient processing speeds through iterative optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to image processing and embedding machine-readable codes into image data. One combination estimates embedded signal strength from embedded image data transformed according to anticipated color space, printer data and/or substrate data. Other combinations are also provided.