The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods and systems.
In one embodiment, a handheld device displays a digitally watermarked ticket image
at an event center. At the event center, a watermark decoder extracts the watermark
to determine authorized entry. In another embodiment, a plurality of microlenses
can provide a polarized luminance pattern on a display. The pattern corresponds
to (or conveys) a unique device identifier. In yet another embodiment, monetary
objects are watermarked with payload information to signify currency denomination.
The payload information, once extracted, is used to provide feedback regarding
the currency denomination. An audio signal or Braille output can be provided as
feedback. In still another embodiment, a document management system is based on
watermarks. Embedded watermarks are used to track document history, determine document
version information, and enhance overall security. In still another embodiment,
an inventory system reads watermarks that have been directly applied to inventory
items. Inventory management is greatly enhanced. Handheld computing devices are
advantageously employed with these embodiments.