JPH11284833A - Device and method for imbedding information in image, device and method detecting information imbedded in image, information recording medium imbedding information in image and recording medium stored with computer program imbedding information in image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To encrypt information even in the case of sending information by using a medium such as paper. SOLUTION: A rectangular or square area 3 is assigned on an image 2 printed on a recording medium 1, the area 3 is divided into three or more longitudinally and laterally to form at least 9 pixels or over, at least two pixels 4 as 4a, 4a, 4a, 4a are painted in a 1st direction 5a to set a 1st bit '0' and, at least two pixels 4 as 4b, 4b, 4b, 4b are painted in a 2nd direction 5b to set a 2nd bit '1'.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for embedding information in an image, an apparatus for detecting information embedded in an image, a method for the same, and an information record carrier having information embedded in an image. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique of printing an image such as a picture on paper and embedding other information such as character information in the image at the same time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of transmitting information, necessary information has been written on paper and passed to a person who wants to transmit the information, thereby transmitting the necessary information. However, when such a method is used, there is a problem that the information content is easily leaked to others.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular to make it possible to conceal information even when transmitting information using a medium such as paper. A new information record carrier is provided. Or,
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for embedding information in an image for producing the information record carrier. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for detecting information embedded in the information record carrier.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention basically employs the following technical configuration to achieve the above object. That is, a first aspect of the method of embedding information in an image according to the present invention is to allocate a square or rectangular area on an image printed on a record carrier, and divide this area into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions, A first bit is recorded by forming at least nine or more partitioned pixels, filling at least two or more of the pixels in a first direction, and recording at least two or more of the pixels at a second one. The second bit is recorded by painting in such a manner as to be arranged in the direction, and in the second mode, the first direction and the second direction are substantially 90 degrees. In a third aspect, the first direction and the second direction are diagonal directions of the square or rectangular area, respectively. Yes, and the fourth aspect is that A plurality of rectangular or rectangular areas are arranged, and each of the plurality of areas has the same bit. In a fifth aspect, at least two or more pixels are filled. In the sixth aspect, the brightness of the image of the square or rectangular area is recorded, and in the sixth aspect, the brightness is at least 3
In a seventh aspect, the bit is character information, and in an eighth aspect, the bit is an image. According to a ninth aspect, the bits are audio information.

In a first aspect of the information record carrier according to the present invention, a square or rectangular area is allocated on an image printed on the record carrier, and this area is divided into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions. A first bit is recorded by forming nine or more partitioned pixels, filling at least two or more of the pixels in a first direction, and recording at least two or more of the pixels in a second direction. The second bit is recorded by painting in such a manner that the first direction and the second direction are substantially 90 degrees. In a third aspect, the first direction and the second direction are diagonal directions of the square or rectangular area, respectively. , Or fourth
According to an aspect, a plurality of the square or rectangular areas are arranged, and each of the plurality of areas has the same bit. In a fifth aspect, at least two pixels are provided. The method described above is characterized in that the brightness of the image of the square or the rectangular area is recorded by painting a plurality of areas, and the sixth mode is characterized in that the brightness is recorded in at least three levels. The seventh aspect is characterized in that the bits are character information, and the eighth aspect is characterized in that the bits are image information. In a ninth aspect, the bit is audio information.

According to a first aspect of the device for embedding information in an image according to the present invention, a square or rectangular area is allocated on an image printed on a record carrier, and this area is divided into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions. To form at least nine or more partitioned pixels, at least two of which pixels
At least one of them in the first direction.
And recording the second bit by painting at least two or more of the pixels so as to be arranged in a second direction, wherein the square or rectangular area is vertically and horizontally three or more. Means for dividing to form at least 9 or more partitioned pixels; means for extracting the brightness of the image of each pixel in the square or rectangular area; means for averaging the extracted brightness; Means for converting the converted lightness into a predetermined lightness,
Means for selecting a pattern corresponding to the brightness from a predetermined pattern to record the first bit or the second bit, and means for recording the selected pattern in the square or rectangular area. In a second aspect, the recording means includes:
In a third mode, the first direction and the second direction are substantially 90 degrees, and The fourth aspect is:
The first direction and the second direction are characterized by being diagonal directions of the square or rectangular area, and the fifth mode is characterized in that a plurality of the square or rectangular areas are provided. Along with the arrangement, each of the plurality of regions is the same bit, and the sixth mode is that at least two or more of the pixels are filled to form the square or rectangular region. The seventh aspect is characterized in that the brightness is recorded in at least three levels or more, and the eighth aspect is characterized in that the brightness is recorded in at least three levels. Is characterized in that the bits are character information,
A ninth aspect is characterized in that the bits are image information, and a tenth aspect is that the bits are audio information.

Another aspect of the apparatus for detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention is an apparatus in which information is embedded in an image printed on a record carrier and the information is detected. First means for allocating a square or rectangular area on the carrier, dividing the area into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels, and the square in which the same data is recorded Or, a second means for cutting out and blocking a rectangular area, a third means for detecting the brightness of pixels in each of the square or rectangular areas, and eliminating a feature of an image in the cut and blocked part. Therefore, fourth means for averaging the brightness of each pixel in the square or rectangular area, and brightness data detected by the third means and brightness data detected by the fourth means Means for calculating the difference between the data and the detection data, and whether the bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular areas obtained in the fifth means step is "0" or "1". And a sixth means.

An aspect of the method of detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention is a method of detecting information by embedding information in an image printed on a record carrier. A first step of allocating a square or rectangular area on the upper side and dividing the area into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels; A second step of cutting out a rectangular area into blocks,
A third step of detecting the brightness of each pixel of the square or rectangular area; and averaging the brightness of each pixel of the square or rectangular area to eliminate the image feature in the cut and blocked portion. A fourth step of calculating the difference between the brightness data obtained in the third step and the brightness data obtained in the fourth step to obtain data for detection; A sixth step of identifying whether the bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular areas obtained in step 5 is “0” or “1”.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The information record carrier according to the present invention allocates a square or rectangular area on an image printed on the record carrier, and divides this area into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions.
A first bit is recorded by forming at least nine or more partitioned pixels, filling at least two or more of the pixels in a first direction, and recording at least two or more of the pixels in a second direction. Since the second bit is recorded by painting in such a way that the colors are lined up in the direction, an image such as a picture on paper can be recognized, but information embedded in this image is Not recognizable by human eyes. Moreover, since it is not possible to recognize that information is embedded, it is possible to conceal information in a natural state.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for embedding information in an image according to the present invention, an apparatus for detecting information embedded in an image, a method thereof, and a specific example of an information record carrier having information embedded in the image will be described. Will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method of embedding information in an image according to the present invention and a specific example of an information recording medium. In these figures, a square or a rectangle is shown on an image 2 printed on a record carrier 1. Area 3 is assigned, and this area 3 is
Into four or more divided pixels 4 to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels 4, and fill at least two or more of the pixels 4 so as to be aligned in the first direction 5 a in the first direction 5 a. Is recorded, and at least two or more of the pixels 4 4b, 4b, 4b, 4b
Are painted in the second direction 5b so as to embed information in the image 2 in which the second bit “1” is recorded, and the first direction 5a, the second direction 5b and Shows a method of embedding information in an image characterized by forming an angle of about 90 degrees, and the first direction 5a and the second direction 5b correspond to the square or rectangular area 3 respectively. A method of embedding information in an image, characterized by the diagonal directions 7a and 7b of the square, and arranging a plurality of the square or rectangular areas 3 and each of the plurality of areas 3 is the same. A method for embedding information in an image characterized by the fact that the number of bits is at least two, and at least two or more of the pixels are painted to record the brightness of the image 2 in the square or rectangular area 3. Embed information inside Law indicated, or, the brightness has been shown to record at least three steps or more brightness.

Further, a square or rectangular area 3 is allocated on the image 2 printed on the record carrier 1, and this area 3 is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, and at least nine or more partitioned pixels 4 are formed. The first bit “0” is recorded by forming and filling at least two or more of the pixels 4 4a, 4a, 4a, and 4a so as to be aligned in the first direction 5a, and recording at least two or more of the pixels 4 4b, 4b,
4b, 4b are painted so as to be arranged in the second direction 5b to indicate an information record carrier that records the second bit “1”. The first direction 5a and the second direction 5b are: An information record carrier characterized by being substantially 90 degrees is shown, and the first direction 5a and the second direction 5b are
Diagonal direction 7 of the square or rectangular area 3 respectively
a, 7b, wherein a plurality of the square or rectangular areas 3 are arranged, and each of the plurality of areas 3 has the same bit. An information record carrier that records the brightness of the image 2 in the square or rectangular area 3 by filling at least two or more of the pixels is shown, and the brightness is at least An information record carrier recording three or more levels of brightness is shown.

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail. The present invention, for example, is to confidentially record data such as text in a picture drawn on paper, so that one area shows data bits and furthermore, an image in that area is displayed. By expressing the brightness, data such as text is recorded in the image. For this reason, a pattern in which the bits of the area are identifiable as 0 or 1 is prepared in advance, and a pattern indicating the brightness of the image of the area to which each pattern is assigned is prepared. FIG. 4A shows a pattern indicating a bit “0”. In this specific example, the inside of the square area 3 is equally divided into 16 equal parts, and
Six pixels 4 are formed, and the pixels 3 are painted two by two so that the brightness of the region 3 is expressed in seven levels of brightness. Then, the filling direction is set to the diagonal line 7a so that all the patterns in FIG. 4A represent all the bits “0”. Similarly, FIG.
Is a pattern indicating a bit “1”. In this specific example, at least two pixels 4 are filled, so that the brightness of the image of the area 3 is expressed in seven levels of brightness. Then, the filling direction is set to the diagonal line 7b so that all the patterns in FIG. 4B represent the same bit “1”. Then, in order to facilitate detection, a plurality of, for example, four areas 3 are arranged so that each of the plurality of areas 3 records the same bit. FIG. 3 shows a specific example.
In each of the three areas 3, a bit "1" is recorded, and a recording pattern in which the brightness of the picture, that is, the brightness decreases from the upper left to the lower right is shown.

Next, the procedure of embedding the pattern thus configured will be described. First, a square or rectangular area 3 is arranged on the image 3 to be embedded, and the brightness data of 16 partitioned pixels 4 is obtained.
Methods for obtaining brightness data include R (red), G (green),
G (green) data among the three primary color data of B (blue) is preferably used as brightness data. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, after detecting the data of each pixel 4, all of them are averaged to make the brightness of the region 3. In the case of FIG. 5, the average value of the brightness of the area 3 shown in this figure is 162. Then, the data is converted into a predetermined brightness. In the case of FIG. 5, this value 162 corresponds to the brightness of the average value 160 to 219 from FIG. If the bit "1" is to be recorded in this area, the corresponding pattern P in FIG. 4B is selected, and this pattern is recorded. As described above, four bits “1” are arranged in order to facilitate detection. As described above, a pattern P corresponding to the brightness of each area is selected, and the pattern P is arranged at a pre-allocated location. I do. By performing this process four times, for example,
One bit as shown in FIG. 3 can be recorded. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an apparatus for embedding information in an image. As described above, the square or rectangular area 3 is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels 4. After arranging this area at a predetermined place (step S1), the brightness of each pixel 4 of the square or rectangular area 3 is extracted (step S2),
After averaging the brightness of the extracted area 3 (step S3), the averaged brightness is converted into a predetermined brightness (step S4).

Next, in order to record the first bit or the second bit, after selecting a pattern corresponding to the brightness from a predetermined pattern (step S5), the selected pattern is converted into the square or rectangle. Recording is performed in the arranged area 3 (step S6). FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a device for embedding information in an image. The device for embedding information in an image according to the present invention divides the square or rectangular area 3 into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions. Means 11 for forming at least 9 or more partitioned pixels 4 and arranging this area 3 in a predetermined place; means 12 for extracting the brightness of each pixel 4 of said square or rectangular area 3; Means 13 for averaging the brightness of the area, and means 14 for converting the averaged brightness to a predetermined brightness
Means for selecting a pattern corresponding to the brightness from a predetermined pattern to record the first bit or the second bit, and recording the selected pattern in an area where the squares or rectangles are arranged And means 16 for performing the operations.

Next, a method of detecting a bit pattern according to the present invention will be described. When detecting a bit pattern according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, a case where a black image from the upper left to the lower right as if a bit pattern "0" is overlapped with an area indicating a bit pattern "1" There is. In such a case, a pattern from the upper left to the lower right is detected, and an erroneous detection of detecting the bit pattern of this area as “0” despite the bit pattern “1” is avoided. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the influence of the black pattern from the upper left to the lower right. Because of this,
In order to eliminate the influence of the image while leaving the image of the bit pattern, the brightness of each pixel is moving averaged, and the moving averaged data is subtracted from the original data to remove the effect of the image at the time of reading. , Enabling accurate bit pattern detection.

As a concrete method, as shown in FIG. 9, the average value of the pixels A, B, and C is set to the brightness of the pixel of B, and similarly, the average value of the pixels B, C, and D is set to The brightness of the pixels is used, and the brightness of the pixels A and D is used as it is as the brightness of the pixels A and D. Such processing is performed on other pixels to obtain the data of FIG. 9B. Next, by subtracting the moving averaged brightness data of FIG. 9B from the original brightness data of FIG. 9A, FIG.
Get the data conversion. Next, the bit data shown in FIG. 9C is detected. In this case, it is only necessary to detect the direction of the filled pixel. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the brightness data of each pixel is
First, B * E + C * F + F * I + D * G + G * J + J *
M + H * K + K * N + L * O ... Calculate the value of (1),
Next, C * H + B * G + G * L + A * F + F * K + K *
By calculating the value of (P + E * J + J * O + I * N) (2), it is possible to identify whether the direction of the black-painted pattern is lower left or lower right. Then, it is determined whether the bit pattern is “0” or “1”. In the case of FIG. 10, the value of equation (1) is -132.
07, and the value of equation (2) is 89516, so that the bit data in this area is determined to be “1”.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for detecting information according to the present invention. A square or rectangular area is allocated on a record carrier, and this area is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, and at least nine or more sections are defined. After the formed pixels are formed (step S11), the square or rectangular area in which the same data is recorded is cut out and formed into blocks (step S12).

Next, after detecting the brightness of each pixel in the square or the rectangle (step S13), in order to eliminate the feature of the image in each of the cut out and blocked regions, each of the square or the rectangle is removed. The brightness of each pixel is averaged (step S14), and the difference between the brightness data of step S13 and the brightness data obtained in step S14 is calculated to obtain detection data (step S15). Finally, it is determined whether the bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular regions obtained in step S15 is "0" or "1" (step S16). The bit pattern detected as described above may be guided to a predetermined device and converted into, for example, voice, or may be printed and output on a printer. Therefore, the information embedded in the image may be character data, audio information, or image information.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a device for detecting information embedded in an image. The device for detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention is a square or a square on a record carrier. Means 21 for allocating a rectangular area and dividing the area into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels, and a plurality of the square or rectangular areas in which the same data is recorded A cutout and blocking unit 22; a unit 23 for detecting the brightness of each pixel in the square or rectangle; and the square or rectangle in order to eliminate the features of the image in each of the cutout and blocked regions. Means 24 for averaging the brightness of each pixel, and detection data by calculating the difference between the brightness data obtained by the means 23 and the brightness data obtained by the means 24, respectively. A means 25 for determining the bit pattern of the detection data is constituted by the identifying means 26 which calculates the whether it is "0", "1". Note that the above-described means may be configured by hardware or software.

Further, in the above example, when the bit patterns are put in the square or rectangular area 3, the bit patterns are arranged in a direction parallel to the diagonal line. However, the bit patterns may be arranged so as to be parallel to each side. . Also, the area 3 is 16 in the above example.
Although the configuration is made such that the pixel is divided into 9, or 25 or more pixels. Further, in the above description, the brightness level is set to 7
The number of stages is set, but three or more stages are sufficient.
In the above description, a moving average is taken to make it easier to detect the bit pattern. However, any method may be used as long as the influence of the image can be eliminated.

[0021]

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus and method for embedding information in an image, an apparatus and method for detecting information embedded in an image, and an information record carrier having information embedded in a printed image. With the configuration described above, an image such as a picture on paper can be recognized, but information embedded in this image cannot be recognized by human eyes.
Moreover, since it is not possible to recognize that information is embedded, it is possible to conceal information in a natural state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one specific example of an information recording carrier according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bit pattern.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a bit pattern on an image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pattern in which bit patterns “0” and “1” are made to correspond to respective lightness levels.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a bit pattern is selected from the average brightness of each area.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the apparatus for embedding information in an image according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus for embedding information in an image according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the detection of a bit pattern by the device for detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining processing for eliminating the influence of an image when detecting a bit pattern.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for detecting a bit pattern.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the apparatus for detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus for detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 information record carrier 2 picture 3 square or rectangular area 4 pixel 5a, 5b direction 7a, 7b diagonal 8 block

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 8, 1998

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Apparatus and method for embedding information in an image, apparatus and method for detecting information embedded in an image, information record carrier having information embedded in an image, and computer program for embedding information in an image Recording medium that records

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 26

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 27

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 28

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for embedding information in an image, an apparatus and method for detecting information embedded in an image, an information record carrier having information embedded in an image, and an image recording method. Computer with information embedded in it
More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for printing an image such as a picture on paper and embedding other information such as character information in the image at the same time.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

An aspect of the method of detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention is a method of detecting information by embedding information in an image printed on a record carrier. A first step of allocating a square or rectangular area on the upper side and dividing the area into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels; A second step of cutting out a rectangular area into blocks,
A third step of detecting the brightness of each pixel of the square or rectangular area; and averaging the brightness of each pixel of the square or rectangular area to eliminate the image feature in the cut and blocked portion. A fourth step of calculating the difference between the brightness data obtained in the third step and the brightness data obtained in the fourth step to obtain data for detection; A sixth step of identifying whether the bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular areas obtained in step 5 is “0” or “1”. In addition,
Computer program that embeds information in an image
The first aspect of the recording medium on which the medium is recorded is a method for printing on a record carrier.
Allocate a square or rectangular area on the
Area is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions.
Also form 9 or more partitioned pixels, this pixel
Paint at least two or more of them in a line in the first direction
To record the first bit,
Fill at least two so that they line up in the second direction
Computer program that records the second bit
A recording medium on which a square or a rectangle is recorded.
Area is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions,
Form the upper segmented pixel and place this area in place
A first step of placing the square or rectangle
A second step of extracting the brightness of each pixel of the region;
A third step of averaging the brightness of the extracted area
And converting the averaged brightness into a predetermined brightness.
A fourth step, the first bit or the second bit
To record the brightness from a predetermined pattern.
A fifth step of selecting a corresponding pattern;
Record a pattern in the area where the square or rectangle is arranged
A series of processes consisting of a sixth step
Records each of the above steps so that
And a square or a square on the record carrier.
Allocate a rectangular area, and divide this area by 3 or more
Divided into at least 9 or more partitioned pixels
The seventh step to form and before the same data is recorded
Cut out a square or rectangular area and block it
Eighth step and each pixel in the square or rectangle
A ninth step of detecting the brightness of the image;
In order to eliminate the characteristics of the image in each
Averages the brightness of each pixel in each square or rectangular area
The tenth step, and the brightness data of the ninth step
The difference between the brightness data obtained in the tenth step and
An eleventh step of calculating data for detection by calculation;
Each of the squares or rectangles determined in the eleventh step
Whether the bit pattern of the area is “0” or “1”
A twelfth step of identifying
Things.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a device for detecting information embedded in an image. The device for detecting information embedded in an image according to the present invention is a square or a square on a record carrier. Means 21 for allocating a rectangular area and dividing the area into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels, and a plurality of the square or rectangular areas in which the same data is recorded A cutout and blocking unit 22; a unit 23 for detecting the brightness of each pixel in the square or rectangle; and the square or rectangle in order to eliminate the features of the image in each of the cutout and blocked regions. Means 24 for averaging the brightness of each pixel, and detection data by calculating the difference between the brightness data obtained by the means 23 and the brightness data obtained by the means 24, respectively. A means 25 for determining the bit pattern of the detection data is constituted by the identifying means 26 which calculates the whether it is "0", "1". Note that the above-described means may be configured by hardware or software. Also, in the image according to the present invention,
A record of a computer program that embeds information
The medium may be square or long on the image printed on the record carrier.
Allocate a rectangular area, and divide this area into three or more
Divide and at least 9 or more partitioned pixels
At least two or more of the pixels
The first bit is written by filling in the direction of
And record at least two or more of these pixels in the second
The second bit is recorded by filling in
Storage medium that stores the computer program
The square or rectangular area into three or more each
Divide to form at least 9 or more partitioned pixels
A first step of arranging this area in a predetermined place
And the brightness of each pixel in the square or rectangular area
A second step of retrieving and illuminating the retrieved area.
A third step of averaging intensity, said averaged brightness
Converting to a predetermined brightness, and
To record 1 bit or 2nd bit,
A pattern corresponding to the brightness from the selected patterns
Fifth step, changing the selected pattern to the square or
The sixth step of recording in the area where the rectangle is located,
Before the computer executes a series of processes consisting of
Each step is recorded, characterized in that,
Assigning a square or rectangular area on the record carrier,
This area is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, and at least 9
A seventh step of forming the above partitioned pixels;
The square or rectangular area where the same data is recorded
An eighth step of extracting and blocking the
Ninth step for detecting the brightness of each pixel in the shape or rectangle
And the image in each area cut out and blocked
In order to eliminate the characteristic of
A tenth step of averaging the brightness of each pixel;
The brightness data obtained in the ninth step and the brightness data obtained in the tenth step are obtained.
Calculate the difference with the brightness data to obtain the detection data.
Eleventh step and the eleventh step
The bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular areas is
A twelfth step for identifying whether it is “0” or “1”
And a loop.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (54) [Title of the invention] Apparatus and method for embedding information in an image, apparatus for detecting information embedded in an image, method and information embedded in an image Record carrier and recording medium recording computer program for embedding information in images

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A square or rectangular area is allocated on an image printed on a record carrier, and this area is divided into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form at least nine or more partitioned pixels. At least two of the first
The first bit is recorded by painting in such a way that the pixels are arranged in the direction of. The second bit is recorded by painting such that at least two or more of the pixels are arranged in the second direction. How to embed information in 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially nine.
2. The method for embedding information in an image according to claim 1, wherein the angle is 0 degrees. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are diagonal directions of the square or rectangular area, respectively. . 4. The information in an image according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the square or rectangular areas are arranged, and each of the plurality of areas has the same bit. How to embed. 5. The information in an image according to claim 1, wherein the brightness of the image in the square or rectangular area is recorded by filling at least two or more of the pixels. How to embed. 6. The method for embedding information in an image according to claim 1, wherein at least three levels of brightness are recorded as the brightness. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bits are character information. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said bits are image information. 9. The method for embedding information in an image according to claim 1, wherein the bits are audio information. 10. A square or rectangular area is allocated on an image printed on a record carrier, and the area is defined as three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions.
The first bit is recorded by forming at least 9 or more partitioned pixels, filling at least two or more of the pixels in a first direction, and recording at least one of the pixels. An information recording carrier, wherein a second bit is recorded by painting two or more cells so as to be arranged in a second direction. 11. The information recording carrier according to claim 10, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially 90 degrees. 12. The information recording carrier according to claim 10, wherein the first direction and the second direction are diagonal directions of the square or rectangular area, respectively. 13. The information recording carrier according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of the square or rectangular areas are arranged, and each of the plurality of areas has the same bit. 14. The brightness of an image of the square or rectangular area is recorded by filling a plurality of pixels with at least two or more pixels.
3. The information recording carrier according to any one of 3. 15. The information recording carrier according to claim 10, wherein the brightness is recorded in at least three levels of brightness. 16. The information record carrier according to claim 10, wherein said bits are character information. 17. The information record carrier according to claim 10, wherein said bits are image information. 18. The information record carrier according to claim 10, wherein said bits are audio information. 19. A square or rectangular area is allocated on an image printed on a record carrier, and the area is defined as three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions.
The first bit is recorded by forming at least 9 or more partitioned pixels into at least 9 divided pixels, and filling at least two or more of the pixels so as to be arranged in a first direction. A device for recording a second bit by painting at least two or more of them in a line in a second direction, wherein the square or rectangular area is divided into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions, and Means for forming partitioned pixels; means for extracting the brightness of the image of each pixel in the square or rectangular area; means for averaging the extracted brightness; and brightness in which the averaged brightness is predetermined. Means for converting the first bit or the second bit into a pattern corresponding to the lightness from a predetermined pattern for recording the first bit or the second bit; Apparatus for embedding means for recording the selected pattern to the square or rectangular area, in the information in the image, characterized by being configured. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said recording means is printing. 21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially 90 degrees.
A device for embedding information in an image described in “0”. 22. The information in an image according to claim 19, wherein the first direction and the second direction are diagonal directions of the square or rectangular area. The embedding device. 23. Information in an image according to claim 19, wherein a plurality of the square or rectangular areas are arranged, and each of the plurality of areas has the same bit. The embedding device. 24. The brightness of an image of the square or rectangular area is recorded by filling a plurality of pixels with at least two or more pixels.
3. An apparatus for embedding information in an image according to any one of 3. 25. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the lightness is recorded in at least three levels of lightness. 26. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the bits are character information. 27. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the bits are image information. 28. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the bits are audio information. 29. A device for embedding information in an image printed on a record carrier and detecting the information, wherein a square or rectangular area is allocated on the record carrier, and the area is divided into three or more in each of vertical and horizontal directions. First means for forming at least 9 or more partitioned pixels; second means for cutting out the square or rectangular area in which the same data is recorded to form a block; A third means for detecting the brightness of the pixels in each rectangular area; and a fourth means for averaging the brightness of each pixel in the square or rectangular area in order to eliminate the features of the image in the cut-out and blocked portions. Means for calculating the difference between the brightness data detected by the third means and the brightness data detected by the fourth means to obtain detection data; and the fifth means Information embedded in an image, comprising: a sixth means for identifying whether the bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular areas obtained in the means step is “0” or “1”. Device to detect. 30. A method for embedding information in an image printed on a record carrier and detecting the information, comprising allocating a square or rectangular area on the record carrier, and dividing the area into three or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions. A first step of forming at least nine or more partitioned pixels; a second step of cutting out the square or rectangular area in which the same data is recorded to form a block; and A third step of detecting the brightness of each pixel of the rectangular area; and a fourth step of averaging the brightness of each pixel of the square or rectangular area in order to eliminate the features of the image in the cut and blocked portion. And calculating a difference between the brightness data obtained in the third step and the brightness data obtained in the fourth step to obtain detection data. Embedded in an image, comprising: a step; and a sixth step of identifying whether the bit pattern of each of the square or rectangular areas obtained in the fifth step is “0” or “1”. How to detect the information that was sent.