초록 ▼

An encoding operation encodes binary data that is then embedded in an iconic, or size-reduced, version of an original text image, in a position in the iconic image that replaces a text portion in the original text image. The encoding operation produces rectangular blocks that have a foreground color

An encoding operation encodes binary data that is then embedded in an iconic, or size-reduced, version of an original text image, in a position in the iconic image that replaces a text portion in the original text image. The encoding operation produces rectangular blocks that have a foreground color and size dimensions proportional to the iconic image so that when placed in the iconic image in horizontal lines, the blocks appear to a viewer to be representative of the text portion of the original image that they replace. Exemplary encoding operations are described, including operations based on run-length limited encoding. A second message may be encoded in the background color regions that separate the blocks. The message carried by the binary data may be any information suitable for a particular application, and need not be restricted to information about or related to the original image. The encoding operation is designed to be robust for decoding purposes regardless of the resolution at which a copy of the iconic image is subsequently rendered. The iconic image may be printed in a suitable place (e.g., the margin or other background region) in the original text image so that a text image so annotated will then always carry the embedded data in subsequent copies made from the annotated original. The iconic image alone may also be used in printed form or as part of a graphical user interface as a surrogate for the original text image in a variety of applications.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for operating a processor-controlled machine to encode binary data in an iconic version of an input text image; the machine including a signal source for receiving data; memory for storing data; and a processor connected for accessing instruction data stored in t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for operating a processor-controlled machine to encode binary data in an iconic version of an input text image; the machine including a signal source for receiving data; memory for storing data; and a processor connected for accessing instruction data stored in the memory for operating the machine; the processor being further connected for receiving data from the signal source; and connected for storing data in the memory; the method comprising:receiving image definition data defining an input text image from the signal source; the input text image having a characteristic page layout appearance perceptible to a human viewer of the input text image when rendered and displayed for viewing; the input text image including at least one image region including image definition data defining text, referred to as an original text region;receiving, from the signal source, binary data indicating a message to be encoded;receiving image position input data from the signal source;performing an encoding operation using the binary data and using the image position input data to produce image definition data defining a plurality of rectangular blocks each having a foreground color; the encoding operation mapping a portion of the binary data to a respective rectangular block referred to as an encoded data block;performing an image reduction operation using the input text image to produce image definition data defining a reduced version of the input text image, referred to as an iconic image; the iconic image having the characteristic page layout appearance of the input text image when rendered for display and viewed by the user; andproducing the iconic image including the encoded data blocks; the encoded data blocks being positioned in place of a reduced version of the original text region in the iconic image version of the input text image; the encoded data blocks each having size dimensions suitable for inclusion in the iconic image, and being arranged in horizontal lines separated vertically by image regions of a background color.