Methods for estimating watermark signal strength, an embedding process using the same, and related arrangements

A method comprising:

• obtaining image data representing imagery;
• steganographically embedding a watermark signal into the image data, thereby generating watermarked image data;
• obtaining printer data representing an output color mode of a printer configured to print the watermarked image data;
• transforming the watermarked image data to the output color mode;
• obtaining reader data representing an input color mode of a reader configured to detect or decode printed watermarked image data, wherein the input color mode is different from the output color mode;
• transforming the watermarked image data from the output color mode to the input color mode;
• estimating a signal strength of the watermark signal within the transformed watermark image data;
• and
• visually displaying the estimated signal strength.

An apparatus comprising:

• means for obtaining image data representing imagery in a first color mode;
• means for steganographically embedding a watermark signal into the image data, thereby generating watermarked image data;
• means for obtaining reader data representing an input color mode of a reader configured to detect or decode the watermarked image data, wherein the input color mode is different from the first color mode;
• means for transforming the watermarked image data from the first color mode to the input color mode;
• means for estimating a signal strength of the watermark signal within the transformed watermark image data;
• and
• means for visually displaying the estimated signal strength.

An apparatus comprising:

• means for obtaining image data representing imagery;
• means for steganographically embedding a watermark signal into the image data, thereby generating watermarked image data;
• means for obtaining printer data representing an output color mode of a printer configured to print the watermarked image data;
• means for transforming the watermarked image data to the output color mode;
• means for obtaining reader data representing an input color mode of a reader configured to detect or decode printed watermarked image data, wherein the input color mode is different from the output color mode;
• means for transforming the watermarked image data from the output color mode to the input color mode;
• means for estimating a signal strength of the watermark signal within the transformed watermark image data;
• and
• means for visually displaying the estimated signal strength.