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US 7,249,257 B2Granted
Digitally watermarked maps and signs and related navigational tools
AssigneeDigimarc Corporation
InventorsTrent J. Brundage, Neil Lofgren
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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AssigneeDigimarc Corporation
InventorsTrent J. Brundage, Neil Lofgren
Estimating the term…
Maps and signs are embedded with plural-bit data in the form of digital watermarks. In one embodiment, the plural-bit data includes location information with respect to a map. A handheld reading device extracts the location information from the map. The reading device then compares the location information with a physical location of the device. Feedback is provided to help a device user to correlate the map location with the physical location. In another embodiment, signs are watermarked to provide navigational and informational aids. The watermarks may include unique identifiers, which allow database lookup of related information.
An apparatus to read digital watermarks embedded within a map, the map being divided into a plurality of areas, with each area comprising at least one embedded digital watermark including location information for the respective map area, said apparatus comprising:
A method of providing a representation of a geographical area comprising:
A method of navigating with a map embedded with digital watermarks comprising:
A method of correlating a physical location to a map location, the map being divided into a plurality of areas, with each area comprising at least one embedded digital watermark including location information for the respective area, the method comprising:
An apparatus to read digital watermarks embedded within a map, the map being divided into a plurality of areas, with each area comprising at least one embedded digital watermark including location information for the respective map area, said apparatus comprising:
A method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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Image watermarking: fragile watermarking, e.g. so as to detect tampering
Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules: to a single file or object, e.g. in a secure envelope,…
Robust watermarking, e.g. average attack or collusion attack resistant: using multiple or alternating watermarks
Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids: using electronic means
Term ended 21 Jul 2023 (estimated)
The present invention relates to navigation and map orientation, and is particularly illustrated with reference to maps and signs embedded with digital watermarks.
A map is both a beloved and bewildering companion to those who choose to navigate an unfamiliar city or traverse across country to find a blissful vacation spot. Map navigation becomes even more difficult for those who retreat into the wilderness, some becoming lost, unable to traverse the unfamiliar terrain with a map.
Countless children, stuffed into the backseats of vacation-bound station wagons, sport utility vehicles and Volkswagen bugs, have pleaded to know if “we are there yet.” Befuddled parents search for convincing answers as they unfold yet another map.
FIG. 1 illustrates a map, which is divided into blocks.
FIG. 2 illustrates various components of a watermark reading device.
FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 2 in relation to the map of FIG. 1.
Watermark Embedding
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a map 10 includes plural-bit data steganographically encoded therein. (The term map is used broadly herein and includes, for example, navigational tools and documents, road maps, atlases, wilderness maps, area maps, city maps, tourist maps, location guides, walk or run routes, path-layouts, 3-demensional models, vegetation maps, building maps, structure maps, stadium seating and concert hall locations, park maps, amusement or theme park maps, DEM maps, master maps, topographical maps, globes, relief maps, to name just a few. A map may also include a digitized map for display on a monitor, TV, LCD, etc.). Map 10 can be printed or drawn on any suitable surface including paper, fibers, fabric, wood, plastic, metal, metal-alloys, objects, plaster, laminates, etc., etc. A digitized map image may include plural-bit data steganographically encoded therein.
The encoding of the map can encompass artwork or printing on the map, the map's background, lines on the maps, a laminate layer applied to the map, surface texture, etc. If a photograph, line design, or drawing is present, it too can be encoded. A variety of watermark encoding techniques are detailed in the patent documents discussed herein; artisans in the field know many more.