US6330673B1
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Determination of a best offset to detect an embedded pattern
Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
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Filing: 1998-10-14
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Granted: 2001-12-11
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Expires: 2018-10-14
Abstract
Abstract Watermark data is encoded in a digitized signal by forming a noise threshold spectrum which represents a maximum amount of imperceptible noise, spread-spectrum chipping the noise threshold spectrum with a relatively endless stream of pseudo-random bits to form a basis signal, dividing the basis signal into segments, and filtering the segments to smooth segment boundaries. The data encoded in the watermark signal is precoded to make the watermark data inversion robust and is convolutional encoded to further increase the likelihood that the watermark data will subsequently be retrievable notwithstanding lossy processing of the watermarked signal. A watermark alignment module determines which of a large number of offsets of the watermarked data is most likely to correspond to a recognizable watermark. The watermark alignment module uses a single basis signal to evaluate a number of offsets over a relatively narrow range of offsets. In addition, offsets which differ by an integer multiple of a spatial/temporal granularity of respective noise threshold spectra are recognized as corresponding to equivalent noise threshold spectra. Accordingly, a previously generated noise threshold spectrum for one offset is reused for a second offset which differs by an integer multiple of the spatial/temporal granularity.
Inventors
- 👤 Earl Levine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:38
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10L; G10L19/00; G10L19/018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for determining a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal, the method comprising: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal: (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein the selected offset is a central offset of the range of offsets.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for determining a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal, the method comprising: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal: (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein the selected offset is a central offset of the range of offsets.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for determining a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal, the method comprising: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein forming a candidate basis signal comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits; and further wherein performing spread-spectrum chipping comprises mixing the sequence of pseudo-random bits with a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-sensory model.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for determining a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal, the method comprising: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein forming a candidate basis signal comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits; and further wherein performing spread-spectrum chipping comprises mixing the sequence of pseudo-random bits with a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-sensory model.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for determining a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal, the method comprising: deriving first spectral data from the digitized analog signal according to a first offset, wherein the first spectral data associate data according to groups of a predetermined number of samples of the digitized analog signal; forming a first candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the first offset to form a first shifted signal; comparing the first candidate signal to the shifted signal to provide a first correlation signal; selecting a second offset which is separated from the first offset by an integer multiple of the predetermined number of samples; forming a second candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the second offset to form a second shifted signal; comparing the second candidate signal to the second shifted signal to provide a second correlation signal; and selecting the best offset by comparison of two or more correlation signals which include the first and second correlation signals.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for determining a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal, the method comprising: deriving first spectral data from the digitized analog signal according to a first offset, wherein the first spectral data associate data according to groups of a predetermined number of samples of the digitized analog signal; forming a first candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the first offset to form a first shifted signal; comparing the first candidate signal to the shifted signal to provide a first correlation signal; selecting a second offset which is separated from the first offset by an integer multiple of the predetermined number of samples; forming a second candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the second offset to form a second shifted signal; comparing the second candidate signal to the second shifted signal to provide a second correlation signal; and selecting the best offset by comparison of two or more correlation signals which include the first and second correlation signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 3 wherein forming a first candidate signal comprises: combining the first spectral data with a first sequence of pseudo-random bits which are aligned with the first offset; and further wherein the step of forming a second candidate signal comprises: combining the first spectral data with a second sequence of pseudo-random bits which are aligned with the second offset.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 3 wherein forming the second candidate signal comprises: shifting the first spectral signal to form a second spectral signal; and forming the second candidate signal from the second spectral signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 5 wherein shifting the first spectral data comprises shifting the first spectral data by an amount corresponding to a difference between the first and second offsets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the digitized analog signal is an audio signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the digitized analog signal is a video signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 wherein forming the first and second candidate signals each comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the first spectral data includes a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-acoustic model.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
162 words
A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein the selected offset is a central offset of the range of offsets.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
162 words
A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein the selected offset is a central offset of the range of offsets.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
194 words
A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein form ing a candidate basis signal c omprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits; and further wherein performing spread-spectrum chi pping comprises mixing the sequence of pseudo-random bits with a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-sensory model.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
194 words
A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein form ing a candidate basis signal c omprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits; and further wherein performing spread-spectrum chi pping comprises mixing the sequence of pseudo-random bits with a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-sensory model.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: deriving first spectral data from the digitized analog signal according to a first offset, wherein the first spectral data associate data according to groups of a predetermined number of samples of the digitized analog signal; forming a first candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the first offset to form a first shifted signal; comparing the first candidate signal to the shifted signal to provide a first correlation signal; selecting a second offset which is separated from the first offset by an integer multiple of the predetermined number of samples; forming a second candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the second offset to form a second shifted signal; comparing the second candidate signal to the second shifted signal to provide a second correlation signal; and selecting the best offset by comparison of two or more correlation signals which include the first and second correlation signals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer readable medium useful in association with a computer which includes a processor and a memory, the computer readable medium including computer instructions which are configured to cause the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: deriving first spectral data from the digitized analog signal according to a first offset, wherein the first spectral data associate data according to groups of a predetermined number of samples of the digitized analog signal; forming a first candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the first offset to form a first shifted signal; comparing the first candidate signal to the shifted signal to provide a first correlation signal; selecting a second offset which is separated from the first offset by an integer multiple of the predetermined number of samples; forming a second candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the second offset to form a second shifted signal; comparing the second candidate signal to the second shifted signal to provide a second correlation signal; and selecting the best offset by comparison of two or more correlation signals which include the first and second correlation signals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
64 words
The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein forming a first candidate signal comprises: combining the first spectral data with a first sequence of pseudo-random bits which are aligned with the first offset; and further wherein the step of forming a second candidate signal comprises: combining the first spectral data with a second sequence of pseudo-random bits which are aligned with the second offset.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein forming the second candidate signal comprises: shifting the first spectral signal to form a second spectral signal; and forming the second candidate signal from the second spectral signal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer readable medium of claim 15 wherein shifting the first spectral data comprises shifting the first spectral data by an amount corresponding to a difference between the first and second offsets.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein the digitized analog signal is an audio signal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein the digitized analog signal is a video signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein forming the first and second candidate signals each comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein the first spectral data includes a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-acoustic model.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
170 words
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and an alignment module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, c auses the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) select ing a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein the selected offset is a central offset of the range of offsets.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
170 words
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and an alignment module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, c auses the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) select ing a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein the selected offset is a central offset of the range of offsets.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
197 words
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and an alignment module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, causes the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein forming a candidate basis signal comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits; and further wherein performing spread-spectrum chipping comprises mixing the sequence of pseudo-random bits with a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-sensory model.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
197 words
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and an alignment module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, causes the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: (a) selecting a range of two or more offsets of the digitized analog signal; (b) selecting a selected offset of the range of offsets; (c) forming a candidate basis signal in accordance with the selected offset of the digitized analog signal; (d) for each offset of the range of offsets: (i) shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the offset to form a shifted signal; and (ii) comparing the candidate basis signal to the shifted signal to provide a respective correlation signal; and (e) selecting the best offset of the range of offsets according to the respective correlation signals; wherein forming a candidate basis signal comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits; and further wherein performing spread-spectrum chipping comprises mixing the sequence of pseudo-random bits with a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-sensory model.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
217 words
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and an alignment module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, causes the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: deriving first spectral data from the digitized analog signal according to a first offset, wherein the first spectral data associate data according to groups of a predetermined number of samples of the digitized analog signal; forming a first candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the first offset to form a first shifted signal; comparing the first candidate signal to the shifted signal to provide a first correlation signal; selecting a second offset which is separated from the first offset by an integer multiple of the predetermined number of samples; forming a second candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the second offset to form a second shifted signal; comparing the second candidate signal to the second shifted signal to provide a second correlation signal; and selecting the best offset by comparison of two or more correlation signals which include the first and second correlation signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
217 words
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and an alignment module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, causes the computer to determine a best offset with which to detect an embedded pattern in a digitized analog signal by: deriving first spectral data from the digitized analog signal according to a first offset, wherein the first spectral data associate data according to groups of a predetermined number of samples of the digitized analog signal; forming a first candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the first offset to form a first shifted signal; comparing the first candidate signal to the shifted signal to provide a first correlation signal; selecting a second offset which is separated from the first offset by an integer multiple of the predetermined number of samples; forming a second candidate signal from the first spectral data; shifting the digitized analog signal in accordance with the second offset to form a second shifted signal; comparing the second candidate signal to the second shifted signal to provide a second correlation signal; and selecting the best offset by comparison of two or more correlation signals which include the first and second correlation signals.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
63 words
The computer system of claim 23 wherein forming a first candidate signal comprises: combining the first spectral data with a first sequence of pseudo-random bits which are aligned with the first offset; and further wherein the step of forming a second candidate signal comprises: combining the first spectral data with a second sequence of pseudo-random bits which are aligned with the second offset.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer system of claim 23 wherein forming the second candidate signal comprises: shifting the first spectral signal to form a second spectral signal; and forming the second candidate signal from the second spectral signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system of claim 25 wherein shifting the first spectral data comprises shifting the first spectral data by an amount corresponding to a difference between the first and second offsets.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system of claim 23 wherein the digitized analog signal is an audio signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system of claim 23 wherein the digitized analog signal is a video signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer system of claim 23 wherein forming the first and second candidate signals each comprises performing spread-spectrum chipping using a sequence of pseudo-random bits.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer system of claim 23 wherein the first spectral data includes a spectrum of noise thresholds formed according to a constant-quality psycho-acoustic model.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-12-10 | 2005-06-11 | 2005-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-12-10 | 2009-06-11 | 2009-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-12-10 | 2013-06-11 | 2013-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |