Detection of encoded signals and icons

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to signal decoding and icon (e.g., a logo, shape, icon, etc.) detection. In some implementations, a first response is provided upon signal decoding but no icon detection within first captured image data, and a second response is provided upon signal decoding and icon detection within the first captured image data. Other aspects, combinations and implementations are described as well.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 receiving image data associated with one or more plural image frames, the one or more image frames depicting a physical object, the plural image frames captured with a camera;   using one or more multi-core processors, first analyzing the image data, in which said first analyzing analyzes image data to detect presence of an icon;   and once the icon is detected, and using the one or more processors, second analyzing the image data at or around a spatial location associated with the icon to decode a signal encoded within the image data;   outputting a first response when the presence of the icon is not detected but the signal is not decoded; and   outputting a second, different response when the icon is detected and the signal is decoded.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the signal is encoded with digital watermarking. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and the signal is encoded within or on the icon. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and wherein the second, different response comprises providing access to remotely located information associated with the icon, while preventing access to the plural-bit payload by a smartphone operation not associated with the providing access. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and the signal is encoded in an area surrounding or neighboring the icon, the area comprising 1/300 to 2 inches on all sides of the icon. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  in which the second analyzing comprises analyzing a subset of the image data at or around a spatial location associated with the icon to decode the signal encoded within the image data. 
     
     
         7 . A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform:
 receiving image data associated with one or more plural image frames, the one or more image frames depicting a physical object, the plural image frames captured with a camera;   first analyzing the image data, in which said first analyzing analyzes image data to detect presence or absence of an icon;   and once the icon is detected, second analyzing the image data at or around a spatial location associated with the icon to decode a signal encoded within the image data;   outputting a first response when the presence of the icon is not detected but the signal is not decoded; and   outputting a second, different response when the icon is detected and the signal is decoded.   
     
     
         8 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 7  wherein the signal is encoded with digital watermarking. 
     
     
         9 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 7  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and the signal is encoded within or on the icon. 
     
     
         10 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 7  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and wherein the second, different response comprises providing access to remotely located information associated with the icon, while preventing access to the plural-bit payload by a smartphone operation not associated with the providing access. 
     
     
         11 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 7  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and the signal is encoded in an area surrounding or neighboring the icon, the area comprising 1/300 to 2 inches on all sides of the icon. 
     
     
         12 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 7  in which the second analyzing comprises analyzing a subset of the image data at or around a spatial location associated with the icon to decode the signal encoded within the image data. 
     
     
         13 . A smartphone comprising
 a camera;   memory storing image data associated with one or more plural image frames, the one or more image frames depicting a physical object, the plural image frames captured with said camera;   means for detecting presence of an icon within the image data;   means for searching around a spatial location associated with the icon to decode a signal encoded within the image data;   means for generating a first response when the presence of the icon is not detected but the signal is not decoded; and   means for generating a second, different response when the icon is detected and the signal is decoded.   
     
     
         14 . The smartphone of  claim 13  wherein the signal is encoded with digital watermarking. 
     
     
         15 . The smartphone of  claim 13  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and the signal is encoded within or on the icon. 
     
     
         16 . The smartphone of  claim 13  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and wherein the second, different response comprises providing access to remotely located information associated with the icon, while preventing access to the plural-bit payload by a smartphone operation not associated with the providing access. 
     
     
         17 . The smartphone of  claim 13  wherein the signal carries a plural-bit payload, and the signal is encoded in an area surrounding or neighboring the icon, the area comprising 1/300 to 2 inches on all sides of the icon. 
     
     
         18 . The smartphone of  claim 13  in which the second analyzing comprises analyzing a subset of the image data at or around a spatial location associated with the icon to decode the signal encoded within the image data.