Content objects with computer instructions steganographically encoded therein, and associated methods

Abstract

Various improvements to digital watermarking are disclosed. For example, a digitally watermarked object can steganographically convey a payload that includes computer instructions (e.g., JAVA, ActiveX, or HTML) that—when decoded—control some manner of operation of an associated instruction processor. One application is a digital movie that, when double-clicked, automatically executes a watermark-embedded Java applet which links through a browser to the movie's distributor. The user is then prompted to input a credit card number. After the number has been verified and a charge made, the applet releases the content of the file to the computer's viewer for viewing of the movie.

I claim:  
     
         1 . In a method of steganographically encoding a content object to include auxiliary information, an improvement wherein the auxiliary information comprises computer instructions.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said computer instructions cause a processor acting thereon to establish an internet link.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer instructions comprise JAVA instructions.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer instructions comprise ActiveX instructions.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer instructions comprise HTML rendering instructions.  
     
     
         6 . In a method of processing a content object to decode auxiliary information steganographically encoded therein, an improvement wherein the auxiliary information comprises computer instructions, and the method includes providing said computer instructions to an instruction processor, and performing said instructions using said processor.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  in which said instructions cause the processor to establish an internet link.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  that includes logging information at a remote site using data transmitted using said link.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  that includes presenting to a user a graphical interface soliciting a payment associated with the content object.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  that includes rendering the content object for the user after the user has effected said payment.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said computer instructions are not performed by the processor until after the user has performed a user's double-click action related to the content object.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the computer instructions comprise JAVA instructions.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the computer instructions comprise ActiveX instructions.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the computer instructions comprise HTML rendering instructions.  
     
     
         15 . A storage medium having stored thereon a content object having computer instructions steganographically encoded therein.  
     
     
         16 . The storage medium of  claim 15  wherein said content object comprises image data.  
     
     
         17 . The storage medium of  claim 16  wherein said content object comprises video data.  
     
     
         18 . The storage medium of  claim 15  wherein said content object comprises a collection of individual objects, and the computer instructions specify how the individual objects are to be collectively rendered.  
     
     
         19 . The storage medium of  claim 18  wherein the individual objects comprise images, and the computer instructions include layout instructions and text with which the images are to be collectively rendered.