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The present invention relates generally to fingerprinting (i.e., human fingerprints). More specifically the present invention relates to explicitly embedding so-called fingerprint minutiae locations in an identification document via digital watermarking. A relative mapping of the minutiae locations can be transformed, scrambled and combined with a watermark orientation component, and then embedded in a photograph or artwork. The embedded photograph or artwork is printed on, e.g., an identification document. Another aspect of the invention is a matching method used to match a representation of a set of control minutiae locations with a representation of a set of sample minutiae locations.
1. A method of securing an identification document comprising:
receiving information corresponding to fingerprint minutiae locations;
mapping the fingerprint minutiae locations into a minutiae domain, wherein the minutiae domain provides a relative relationship between the minutiae locations;
transforming the minutiae domain;
scrambling or permuting the transformed minutiae domain; and
embedding the scrambled or permuted transformed minutiae domain in artwork carried by or stored in an identification document.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. A method of securing an identification document comprising:
receiving a representation of a human fingerprint minutiae location map, the map representing a plurality of relative human fingerprint minutiae locations;
embedding the human fingerprint minutiae location map as a digital watermark component in artwork; and
printing the artwork.
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. The method of
14. A method of validating an identification document, wherein the identification document includes minutiae information embedded therein in the form of a digital watermark, the minutiae information corresponding to a control minutiae location map, said method comprising:
decoding the digital watermark to obtain the minutiae information, said decoding comprising at least a transform domain analysis of the minutiae information to determine the control minutiae location map;
receiving a sample minutiae location map corresponding to a sample fingerprint;
determining whether the control minutiae location map corresponds to the sample minutiae location map; and
validating the identification document when the control minutiae location map corresponds with the sample minutiae location map.
15. A method of correlating a first sample representing relative locations of minutiae points in a first human fingerprint with a second sample representing relative locations of minutiae points in a second human fingerprint, said method comprising:
determining segment lengths between minutiae points for the first sample;
determining segment lengths between minutiae points for the second sample;
matching segment lengths between the first and second samples;
based on at least matched segment lengths determining which minutiae locations in the first sample correspond to minutiae locations in the second sample.
16. A method of correlating a first sample representing relative locations of minutiae points in a first human fingerprint with a second sample representing relative locations of minutiae points in a second human fingerprint, said method comprising:
providing a first representation of the first sample in terms of length of segments between minutiae points and a relative angle of the segments;
providing a second representation of the second sample in terms of length of segments between minutiae points and a relative angle of the segments; and
correlating the first and second representations to determine whether there exists an angle at which the first representation and the second representation correlate within a predetermined acceptance.
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. A method of validating an identification document comprising:
correlating according to
based on a result of the correlation determining whether the identification document is valid.
20. A method of generating artwork comprising:
providing a transform domain specification including a relative relationship of human fingerprint minutiae locations;
transforming the transform domain specification;
scrambling the transformed specification according to a known key; and
embedding the scrambled specification in artwork in the form of a digital watermark component.
21. The method of
22. The method of
23. The method of
24. The method of
25. The method of
26. The method of
27. A method of producing an photo-identification document comprising:
receiving artwork generated according to
printing the artwork on a surface of the identification document.
28. A method of producing an identification document, the identification document including memory, said method comprising:
receiving artwork generated according to
storing the artwork in the memory.
29. The method of
30. A method of securing an identification document comprising:
receiving information corresponding to a biometric sample;
transforming the biometric sample to yield a transformed representation of the biometric sample; and
steganographically embedding the transformed representation of the biometric sample in artwork carried by or stored in an identification document.
31. The method of
32. The method of
33. The method of
34. The method of
35. The method of clam 33, wherein the transforming step includes an inverse Fast Fourier Transform.
36. The method of
37. A method of generating artwork comprising:
providing a representation of a relative relationship of fingerprint minutiae locations;
transforming the representation into a different domain; and
embedding the transformed representation in artwork in the form of a digital watermark component.
38. The method of
39. The method of
40. The method of
41. The method of
42. The method of
embedding auxiliary information in the form of a digital watermark.
43. The method of
44. The method of
45. The method of
46. The method of
embedding auxiliary information in the form of a digital watermark, wherein the auxiliary information comprises at least one of a permuting key and scrambling key.
47. A method of validating an identification document comprising:
a first step of correlating according to
a second step of correlating, wherein at least some of the minutiae points include a phase associated therewith, the phase being associated with minutiae location directions; and
based on at least a result of the first correlation step and the second correlation step, determining whether the identification document is valid.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/493,687, filed Aug. 7, 2003. This application is also related to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,841,886, 6,343,138 and 6,389,151 and assignee's U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/557,856, filed Mar. 26, 2004. Each of the above patent documents is herein incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates generally to fingerprints (e.g., human fingerprints). One aspect of the invention assesses the quality of fingerprints. Another aspect of the invention embeds so-called fingerprint minutiae with a digital watermark.
Biometrics is a science that can be used to measure and analyze physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, facial patterns and hand geometry. Some biometrics technologies involve measurement and analysis of behavioral characteristics, such as voice patterns, signatures, and typing patterns. Because biometrics, especially physiological-based technologies, measures qualities that an individual usually cannot change, it can be especially effective for authentication and identification purposes.
Fingerprint-based identification is one of the oldest successful biometric-based identification methods. Each person has a set of unique, typically immutable fingerprints. A fingerprint includes a series of ridges and valleys (or �furrows�) on the surface of a finger. The uniqueness of a fingerprint can be determined by a pattern of ridges and furrows, as well as minutiae points. Minutiae points are local ridge characteristics that generally occur at either a ridge bifurcation or at a ridge ending.
Fingerprint matching techniques can be placed into two general categories: minutiae-based and correlation-based matching. Minutiae-based techniques first find minutiae points and then map their relative placement on the finger. Each minutiae point may include a placement location (e.g., an x, y coordinate in an image or spatial domain) and a directional angle. (The curious reader is directed to, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,859,633 and 3,893,080, both to Ho et al., which discuss fingerprint identification based upon fingerprint minutiae matching. Each of these patent documents is herein incorporated by reference.) The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) distributes public domain software for fingerprint analysis. The software is available from the Image Group at NIST under the name NIST FINGERPRINT IMAGE SOFTWARE (NFIS), which includes a minutiae detector called, MINDTCT. MINDTCT automatically locates and records ridge ending and bifurcations in a fingerprint image (e.g., identifies minutiae locations). NFIS also includes a pattern classification module called PCASYS.
Correlation techniques correlate normalized versions of fingerprint images to determine if a first fingerprint image (control) matches a second fingerprint image (sample). (The curious reader is direction to, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,134,340 and 5,067,162, which discuss correlation techniques even further. Each of these patent documents is herein incorporated by reference.).
Other fingerprinting efforts have focused on locating or analyzing the so-called fingerprint �core�. U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,224 to Hara discloses an approach for preprocessing fingerprints to correctly determine a position of a core of each fingerprint image for later matching by minutiae patterns. U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,642 to Hsu et al. is directed to a method for determining the actual position of a core point of a fingerprint based upon finding ridge flows and assigning a direction code, correcting the ridge flows, and allocating the core point based upon the corrected direction codes. Each of these patents is herein incorporated by reference.
Despite the work in the prior art, there are still problems to be solved, and improvements to be made. For example, quality of an original fingerprint image can be poor�due to imaging issues or physical conditions (e.g., wetness, dryness, etc.) when sampling a fingerprint. When fingerprint quality is poor, the print may contain local ridge pattern distortion, which may result in an incorrect analysis of the fingerprint.
Accordingly, one inventive aspect of the invention provides a method to assess the quality of fingerprint images using local statistics of a captured fingerprint. Assessing the quality of a fingerprint is vital, e.g., to determine whether a fingerprint should be recaptured or whether a fingerprint image should be modified or enhanced.
Another inventive aspect of the present invention hides fingerprint minutiae information in a photographic image (e.g., a photograph carried by an ID document). The fingerprint minutiae information is represented as a so-called digital watermark component.
Digital watermarking is a process for modifying physical media or electronic signals to embed a machine-readable code into the media or signals. The media or signals may be modified such that the embedded code is imperceptible or nearly imperceptible to the user, yet may be detected through an automated detection process.
Digital watermarking systems typically have two primary components: an encoder that embeds the watermark in a host signal, and a decoder that detects and reads the embedded watermark from a signal suspected of containing a watermark (a suspect signal). The encoder embeds a watermark by altering the host signal. The reading component analyzes a suspect signal to detect whether a watermark is present. In applications where the watermark encodes information, the reader extracts this information from the detected watermark. Several particular watermarking techniques have been developed. The reader is presumed to be familiar with the literature in this field. Some techniques for embedding and detecting imperceptible watermarks in media signals are detailed in assignee's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,862,260 and 6,614,914. Each of these patent documents is herein incorporated by reference.
Further features and advantages will become even more apparent with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Statistical Quality Assessment of Fingerprints
This section provides methods and systems to assess the quality of a fingerprint image using characteristics associated with the image or with the underlying fingerprint. In one implementation the characteristics include local statistics. By using the term �local statistics� we generally mean those statistics that are attributable to a particular image sub-region, like a 24-by-24 pixel block or 32-by-16 pixel block, etc., or statistics that are attributable to a group of image sub-regions. Determining quality of a fingerprint image is significant for a number of reasons. For example, a reference fingerprint image, e.g., which is stored in a database, may not be readily matched against a sample fingerprint if either have poor quality or distortion. Poor quality or distortion may be caused from a number of problems including, e.g., a fingerprint being too �wet� or too �dry�, image scanner distortion, too much ink, etc.
Fingerprint capture is discussed with reference to
(As an alternative fingerprint image capture method, a human subject inks her finger and then �rolls� her inked finger over a substrate�transferring her fingerprint to the substrate via the ink. An optical reader (e.g., a flatbed scanner) images the inked substrate to capture an image of the rolled fingerprint.).
We assess the quality of a captured fingerprint image. Our preferred method and system analyzes statistical properties in a local fingerprint area, which involves, e.g., the average and spread (i.e., standard deviation) of the thickness of both fingerprint ridges and fingerprint valleys. In
With reference to
We preferably perform a detailed orientation analysis for the selected image block in step 25. This detailed orientation step determines distortion that may be specific to or localized in the selected local image block. For example, a lower left image area may have more distortion than an upper right image area. (The NFIS software provides a detail orientation indication, i.e., the �Dft_dir_powers( )� function in the MINDTCT module. Of course, other techniques can be suitable interchanged with this aspect of the invention to determine a local detail orientation, e.g., area comparison or orientation metrics, etc.) Geometric registration is performed in steps 26. For example, the selected image block is rotated to compensate for the global distortion identified in step 23 and/or adjusted to compensate the localized distortion identified in step 25. Each local block is preferably adjusted or rotated so that lines are scanned about normal to the ridge orientation. (We note that this registration or adjustment step 26 alternatively can be performed in multiple stages, with, e.g., global distortion being compensated for prior to block selection or after block selection but prior to localized block compensation. Alternatively, the global and detail indicators (e.g., rotation angles) can be combined to yield a compensation metric, which is used to adjust a selected image block.)
After image adjustment, we determine ridge and valley characteristics for the selected block in step 27. In one implementation we measure the thickness (or width) of ridges and valleys, e.g., in terms of pixels per horizontal scan line. (We can distinguish between a ridge and valley based on color or grayscale level. For example, in a bitonal image, ridges are black and valleys are white. The number of pixels for a ridge (black pixels) is counted and the numbers of pixels for valleys (white pixels) are counted. In the case of a grayscale image, we threshold the grayscale pixel values so a ridge is identified as a ridge if the ridge includes a grayscale value at or above a predetermined grayscale value (e.g., grayscale value>128). In still another implementation we binarize the grayscale image to classify a ridge or valley. A threshold value for binarization can be an average value in a local block.).
With reference to
Returning to
The local statistics are used to determine a classification for a selected block (step 29). For example, the block can be classified as, e.g., good, marginal and poor. Or the block can be classified as good (or acceptable), wet and dry. A wet fingerprint, where the ridges are dominant, typically includes an average ridge thickness (μb) that is larger than the valley thickness (μw), and vice versa in case of a dry fingerprint. We have found that a good fingerprint image (e.g.,
We cache (or otherwise remember) the quality assessment for the selected block. In some implementations we associate the quality assessment with a spatial image location. For example, we create a spatial map of quality assessments for a fingerprint image.
Steps 25 through 29 are repeated for each block of the fingerprint image. (In an alternative implementation, we repeat the process only for a subset of image blocks, but not for all of the blocks. The predetermined number should be selected to ensure a high level of confidence when making a quality decision for a fingerprint image, or the selected blocks should correspond to a predetermined area like a core of a fingerprint.).
A global assessment regarding the quality of the fingerprint image is made in step 30. The global assessment is the arbitrator of whether the overall quality of the fingerprint image is, e.g., good, bad or poor or otherwise. In a first case, we add up the number low quality blocks (as determined, e.g., in step 29). If the number is over a predetermined threshold, the image is considered low quality. In a related case, we add up the number of acceptable quality blocks, and if the number is above (or below) a predetermined threshold we make a decision regarding the overall quality of the fingerprint image.
In an alternative global quality assessment, population density of poor blocks (or good blocks) is considered. Recall that we discussed above that in some implementations we track or record the spatial location of blocks in terms of their quality. So if the number of poor quality blocks would otherwise disqualify a fingerprint image due to poor quality, but the poor quality blocks are reasonably dispersed throughout the fingerprint image, the image may be otherwise accepted. In this alternative arrangement, taking into consideration both the number of poor block and the density of the poor blocks determines global quality of a fingerprint image. Thus a fingerprint image having poor blocks that are locally condensed may yield a lower global assessment in comparison to an image including poor blocks dispersed throughout the image. To further illustrate,
With reference to
After performing the morphological operation (step 29 a), the image block is preferably reevaluated. For example, flow continues back to step 27 where the ridge and valley characteristics are redetermined. (We optionally place a limiting function in the
In alternative implementations we adaptively select a block size to improve our quality assessment. For example, we examine a neighborhood of blocks or pixels, and based on a neighborhood metric (e.g., general assessment) we adaptively enlarge or decrease block size. Also, in some alternative implementations we determine which blocks correspond to the fingerprint's core, and we weight (or assign more value to) the core's block quality assessments so as to more significantly affect the global assessment. We can also use a frequency-based analysis of block characteristics (e.g., ridges and valleys) to weight or influence the global assessment.
We envision that our quality assessment techniques will be used in combination with identification document issuance, identification documents and biometric capture stations. For example, in identification document issuance processes, biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) are collected and perhaps replicated on the document (e.g., an image of the fingerprint is printed on the document), stored in electronic circuitry or optical memory of the identification document (e.g., smart card), printed in a machine-readable format like a 2D barcode or conveyed through a digital watermark, or stored in a database. Our quality assessment techniques can be used to ensure the quality of fingerprints introduced into such a process.
Even more information regarding some types of identification documents is provided below. Of course, the inventive techniques will improve other types of identification documents as well.
We also envision that our techniques can be used in combination with the minutiae hiding techniques discussed below. For example, we can use our quality assessment techniques as a fingerprint pre-processing step, which ensure the quality of an image prior to minutiae mining and embedding.
Identification Documents
Identification documents (hereafter �ID documents�) play a critical role in today's society. One example of an ID document is an identification card (�ID card�). ID documents are used on a daily basis�to prove identity, to verify age, to access a secure area, to evidence driving privileges, to cash a check, and so on. Airplane passengers are required to show an ID document during check in, security screening, and/or prior to boarding their flight. In addition, because we live in an ever-evolving cashless society, ID documents are used to make payments, access an ATM, debit an account, or make a payment, etc.
Many types of identification cards and documents, such as driving licenses, national or government identification cards, bank cards, credit cards, controlled access cards and smart cards, carry thereon certain items of information which relate to the identity of the bearer. Examples of such information include name, address, birth date, signature and photographic image; the cards or documents may in addition carry other variant data (i.e., data specific to a particular card or document, for example an employee number) and invariant data (i.e., data common to a large number of cards, for example the name of an employer). All of the cards and documents described above will hereinafter be generically referred to as �ID documents� or �identification documents�.
In the production of images useful in the field of identification documentation, it is oftentimes desirable to embody into a document (such as an ID card, drivers license, passport or the like) data or indicia representative of the document issuer (e.g., an official seal, or the name or mark of a company or educational institution) and data or indicia representative of the document bearer (e.g., a photographic likeness, name or address). Typically, a pattern, logo or other distinctive marking representative of the document issuer will serve as a means of verifying the authenticity, genuineness or valid issuance of the document. A photographic likeness or other data or indicia personal to the bearer will validate the right of access to certain facilities or the prior authorization to engage in commercial transactions and activities.
Commercial systems for issuing ID documents are of two main types, namely so-called �central� issue (CI), and so-called �on-the-spot� or �over-the-counter� (OTC) issue.
CI type ID documents are not immediately provided to the bearer, but are later issued to the bearer from a central location. For example, in one type of CI environment, a bearer reports to a document station where data is collected, the data are forwarded to a central location where the card is produced, and the card is forwarded to the bearer, often by mail. Another illustrative example of a CI assembling process occurs in a setting where a driver passes a driving test, but then receives her license in the mail from a CI facility a short time later. Still another illustrative example of a CI assembling process occurs in a setting where a driver renews her license by mail or over the Internet, then receives a drivers license card through the mail.
Centrally issued identification documents can be produced from digitally stored information and generally comprise an opaque core material (also referred to as �substrate�), such as paper or plastic, sandwiched between two layers of clear plastic laminate, such as polyester, to protect the aforementioned items of information from wear, exposure to the elements and tampering. The materials used in such CI identification documents can offer the ultimate in durability. In addition, centrally issued digital identification documents generally offer a higher level of security than OTC identification documents because they offer the ability to pre-print the core of the central issue document with security features such as �micro-printing�, ultra-violet security features, security indicia and other features currently unique to centrally issued identification documents. Another security advantage with centrally issued documents is that the security features and/or secured materials used to make those features are centrally located, reducing the chances of loss or theft (as compared to having secured materials dispersed over a wide number of �on the spot� locations).
In addition, a CI assembling process can be more of a bulk process facility, in which many cards are produced in a centralized facility, one after another. The CI facility may, for example, process thousands of cards in a continuous manner. Because the processing occurs in bulk, CI can have an increase in efficiency as compared to some OTC processes, especially those OTC processes that run intermittently. Thus, CI processes can sometimes have a lower cost per ID document, if a large volume of ID documents is manufactured.
In contrast to CI identification documents, OTC identification documents are issued immediately to a bearer who is present at a document-issuing station. An OTC assembling process provides an ID document �on-the-spot�. (An illustrative example of an OTC assembling process is a Department of Motor Vehicles (�DMV�) setting where a driver's license is issued to person, on the spot, after a successful exam.). In some instances, the very nature of the OTC assembling process results in small, sometimes compact, printing and card assemblers for printing the ID document.
OTC identification documents of the types mentioned above can take a number of forms, depending on cost and desired features. Some OTC ID documents comprise highly plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or have a composite structure with polyester laminated to 0.5-2.0 mil (13-51 .mu.m) PVC film, which provides a suitable receiving layer for heat transferable dyes which form a photographic image, together with any variant or invariant data required for the identification of the bearer. These data are subsequently protected to varying degrees by clear, thin (0.125-0.250 mil, 3-6.mu.m) overlay patches applied at the print head, holographic hot stamp foils (0.125-0.250 mil 3-6.mu.m), or a clear polyester laminate (0.5-10 mil, 13-254 .mu.m) supporting common security features. These last two types of protective foil or laminate sometimes are applied at a laminating station separate from the print head. The choice of laminate dictates the degree of durability and security imparted to the system in protecting the image and other data.
Referring to
To protect the information 56 a-c that is printed, an additional layer of overlaminate 54 can be coupled to the card blank 55 and printing 56 a-c using, for example, 1 mil of adhesive (not shown). The overlaminate 54 can be substantially transparent. Materials suitable for forming such protective layers are known to those skilled in the art of making identification documents and any of the conventional materials may be used provided they have sufficient transparency. Examples of usable materials for overlaminates include biaxially oriented polyester or other optically clear durable plastic film.
Because ID document 40 can be used to enable and facilitate personal identification, it often is desirable to manufacture the ID document 40 in a manner to deter counterfeiting and/or fraudulent alteration. There are a number of known ways to increase the security of ID documents 40, including methods that incorporate additional information or security features and methods that adapt existing information on the card to help prevent or make evident fraud. For example, numerous types of laminations have been employed in which the information-bearing surface is heat or solvent-laminated to a transparent surface. The materials for and the process of lamination are selected such that if an attempt is made to uncover the information-bearing surface for amendment thereof, the surface is destroyed, defaced or otherwise rendered apparent the attempted intrusion.
Conveying Fingerprint Minutiae with Digital Watermarks
We have developed a method and system to improve authentication and validation techniques using fingerprints (i.e., human fingerprints). Our inventive techniques are readily applied to identification documents and biometric systems, e.g., biometric-controlled access, database verification, etc., etc., which use fingerprints for authentication or validation. In one implementation, we validate an identification document such as a drivers license, passport, photo ID, visa, credit or bank card, security card, national identification document, voter registration card or document, immigration document, permit, certificate, employment badge, secure access card or document, etc., etc. Of course, some of these identification documents may also include electronic circuitry, e.g., a smart card. (See, e.g., assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/923,762 (published as US 2002-0080994 A1), Ser. No. 10/282,908 (published as US 20030128862 A1), and Ser No. 10/465,769 (published as US 2003-0210805 A1) for additional examples of how digital watermarks can interact with smart cards. Each of these patent documents is herein incorporated by reference.) Other identification documents include so-called optical memory, e.g., a LaserCard provided by LaserCard Systems Corporation in Mountain View, Calif., or magnetic memory. These types of documents are interchangeably referred to as �ID documents� or �identification documents.� Our techniques can also be used to determine whether a bearer of an ID document is an authorized bearer of the ID document.
Our inventive techniques match fingerprint characteristics between a control fingerprint and a sample fingerprint. A control fingerprint, or data representing a control fingerprint or a subset of the control fingerprint, can be stored or carried by an identification document. For example, a control fingerprint can be printed on an identification document or can be stored in electronic or optical/magnetic memory. In more preferred implementations, we steganographically hide fingerprint data on or in an ID document. Our preferred form of steganography is digital watermarking.
Fingerprint characteristics take many forms, and our comparison between a control and sample fingerprint may use different types of characteristics. To simplify the discussion, however, we focus on fingerprint minutiae. As discussed above, fingerprint minutiae refer to feature points usually identified at ridge endings and bifurcations in a fingerprint. Each minutiae point generally includes a placement location (e.g., an x,y spatial or image placement coordinate) and a directional angle.
One prior work involving human fingerprints and digital watermarks is �Hiding Fingerprint Minutiae in Images,� Jain and Uludag in: Proc. of Third Workshop on Automatic Identification Advanced Technologies(AutoID), pp. 97-102, Tarrytown, N.Y., Mar. 14-15, 2002, which is herein incorporated by reference (hereafter �Jain�). Jain contemplates embedding a minutiae point's x coordinate, y coordinate, and direction as a 9-bit number, for a total of 27 bits per minutiae point. Jain proposes to embed approximately 25 minutiae points in an image (roughly 675 bits), although a typical fingerprint has 100-200 minutiae.
Jain's technique requires a large payload capacity watermark. Such a large payload may impose practicality issues, e.g., resulting in visibility artifacts, given real world constraints when manufacturing ID documents.
Our approach, in contrast to Jain's, embeds fingerprint minutiae data (e.g., minutiae point locations and perhaps a direction indicator) explicitly as a digital watermark component. The minutiae data can be embedded in a photographic image, background, graphic, ghost image, seal, data or biometric data stored in optical or electronic memory. In a preferred implementation the minutiae data is conveyed in a manner similar to a so-called digital watermark orientation component. The explicit mapping of minutiae points, once decoded from the digital watermark, can be compared to a sample fingerprint for authentication or validation.
For more details on embedding an image watermark, and detecting and reading the image watermark from a digitized version of the image after printing and scanning see, e.g., assignee's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,862,260 and 6,614,914, which are each herein incorporated by reference.
In order to make a watermark more robust to geometric distortion (e.g., scaling, rotation, etc.), a watermark may include an orientation watermark signal component. Together, the watermark message signal and the orientation watermark signal form the watermark signal.
One type of watermark orientation signal is an image signal that comprises a set of impulse functions in a transform domain, like a Fourier magnitude domain, e.g., each with pseudorandom phase. To detect rotation and scale of a watermarked image (e.g., after printing and scanning of the watermarked image), a watermark decoder converts the watermarked image to the Fourier magnitude domain and then performs, e.g., a log polar resampling of the Fourier magnitude image. A generalized matched filter correlates a known orientation signal with the re-sampled watermarked signal to find the rotation and scale parameters providing the highest correlation. The watermark decoder performs additional correlation operations between the phase information of the known orientation signal and the watermarked signal to determine translation parameters, which identify the origin of the watermark message signal. Having determined the rotation, scale and translation of the watermark signal, the reader then adjusts the image data to compensate for this distortion, and extracts the watermark message signal, if any.
We combine fingerprint minutiae point locations (e.g., a minutiae mapping or �grid� of such locations) with a watermark orientation signal. This minutiae mapping can be referred to as a �minutiae map� or �minutiae grid,� which are used interchangeably in this patent document. An embedded minutiae grid can be recovered from an image signal. In some cases, a watermark orientation signal, which is also embedded in the image signal, is used to synchronize or register the image signal (e.g., compensate for scaling, rotation, and translation of the image signal). While we discuss, below, adding a minutiae data to an image in a spatial domain, our invention is not so limited. Explicit minutiae grid points can be added to an image signal in a transform domain as well.
Our techniques improve ID document security. With reference to
The minutiae information is mapped or transformed into a minutiae domain (e.g., an intermediate domain which represents minutiae placement or locations). To illustrate, the minutiae information as identified in step 92 may be organized relative to a 512�512 pixel image. A mapping maps the minutiae points to, e g., a 128�128 pixel area or to a location representation. Of course, the minutiae points can be mapped to larger or smaller areas as well. A minutiae map or grid shown in step 94 corresponds to such a mapping. In one implementation, to represent a direction angle of each minutiae point or a subset of minutiae points, a minutiae point's direction angle is encoded or assigned a pseudo-random phase. For example, a minutiae point is represented as a peak signal, with each peak including a pseudo-random phase relative to other peaks. In other implementations minutiae point orientation is disregarded.
A representation corresponding to a minutiae map is to be explicitly embedded via a digital watermark. Remember, above, that some watermark orientation signals include transform domain characteristics. So in one implementation, a minutiae map or minutiae domain is viewed as if it were a representation of (or a corresponding partner to) a transform domain characteristic, e.g., the minutiae domain is viewed as a transform domain specification. The minutiae map or minutiae domain is thus transformed, e.g., by an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) in step 96. (Transforming the minutiae map allows for a single minutiae point to be transformed or spread to a large number, or possibly all, of the points in the transformed minutiae domain. Otherwise, embedding of the actual points as spatial points may result in unwanted visual artifacts and less robust embedding.). The transformed minutiae map is preferably permuted or scrambled (step 98), yielding a final spatial domain representation of the minutiae map 94. For example, the transformed minutiae map is scrambled using a known cryptographic key or algorithm, to provide security and/or interference suppression between the transformed minutiae map and a watermark orientation component. The permuted, transformed minutiae map is combined (step 102) with a watermark orientation component (item 100).
A photographic image corresponding to the human subject is provided (e.g., the unmarked image 104). A digital camera can directly capture the photographic image 104, or, alternatively, the photographic image 104 can be provided from a photographic data repository or from an image scanner, which optically captures an image from a printed photograph. The combined orientation component/minutiae information (sometimes collectively referred to as �watermark minutiae information�) is steganographically embedded or combined 106 in the unmarked photographic image 104 to yield a marked photographic image 108. In some implementations the watermark minutiae information is redundantly embedded across the photographic image 104. In other implementations a transformed permuted minutiae map is tiled or redundantly embedded, with each instance of a transformed permuted minutiae map being represented differently according to a key (e.g., as introduced via block 98). The embedded photograph 108 is then printed on an ID document 110, or in some cases is stored in electronic or optical/magnetic memory of an ID document. The resulting ID document 110 includes information (e.g., watermark minutiae information) for validation.
Instead of embedding the watermark minutiae information in a photographic image, the watermark minutiae information can be embedded in a graphic, background, seal, ghost image (e.g., a faint image), optical variable device, hologram, Kinogram�, IR or UV images, line art, biometric representation (e.g., an image of a fingerprint, iris, etc.), artwork, etc, which are generally referred to as �artwork.� The embedded artwork is printed on an ID document or stored in electronic or optical/magnetic memory of an ID document. In other implementations, the final spatial domain minutiae information (e.g., after step 98 in
An authentication procedure is discussed with reference to
A watermark decoder analyzes the captured image data. If needed to resolve image distortion such as rotation and scale, the watermark detector uses the embedded watermark orientation component to adjust the image data to compensate for such distortion (step 122). The watermark detector then reverses or unfolds the watermark embedding process to recover the minutiae map in a minutiae domain. For example, if the watermark is redundantly embedded in the image data, the watermark detector may accumulate image tiles (or blocks) to help improve a signal-to-noise ratio of the minutiae information (e.g., improving the signal-to-noise relationship of the final spatial domain minutiae information over the image data as in step 124). The accumulated image data is inversely permuted or unscrambled (step 126), according to a key or method corresponding to the permutation used in step 98 (
A bearer (e.g., the human subject) of the ID document 110 presents her fingerprint to be sampled (step 140). This fingerprint is called a �sample fingerprint.� (The sampling preferably uses the same protocol as was used to capture the original fingerprint. Otherwise, the authentication system preferably includes some knowledge of how the original fingerprint capture and the sample fingerprint capture processes differ, and may use this knowledge to compensate for any substantial differences. Knowledge of the original process can be carried, e.g., by a digital watermark component.). The sample fingerprint is analyzed to determine minutiae points (step 142), e.g., using NIST's NFIS software, specifically the MINDTCT minutiae detector. The minutiae points are mapped or transformed into a minutiae domain using the mapping procedure in step 94 (or a known variation of the procedure) as discussed with respect to
To validate the ID document 110, or to validate whether the bearer of the ID document 110 is an authorized bearer of the ID document 110, a generalized matching module 146 (e.g., a pattern matching module, location matching, etc.) determines whether the control minutiae map 132 matches or corresponds within a predetermined tolerance to the sample minutiae map 144. If the control and sample minutiae maps 132 and 144 match or otherwise correspond, the bearer is considered an authorized bearer of the ID document 110. Otherwise, the bearer is not considered an authorized bearer of the ID document 110. A similar determination can be made as to whether the ID document 110 is considered valid or trustworthy. The matching module 146 may output such results, or may output data which is used to determine such results.
Minutiae Location Matching
One inventive method calculates segment lengths between minutiae points and matches segment lengths to determine whether a control and sample minutiae map correspond. An outline of steps follows.
7. A proper orientation is determined by matching or registering corresponding points from within the largest table entry (in the
Optionally, if the control and sample minutiae maps include minutiae orientation information in terms of phase, the correlation angle can be subtracted from the sample map, and steps 2-4 are repeated. As a further optional step, the segments as represented in an angle map are augmented, e.g. rectangles are centered on selected segments. An area defined by a rectangle then represents a particular segment at a given angle. The area defined by a rectangle can be adjusted to provide a more forgiving matching module. A correlation process then correlates areas between the two angle maps. Of course, the area of the rectangles can be adjusted for (or to reflect) predetermined tolerances, e.g., a segment with a short distance can have a relatively shorter horizontal side, while a segment with a longer distance can include a longer rectangle side. Lengthening or shortening a rectangle's vertical edges can similarly adjust for (or reflect an) angular tolerance. An area-based correlation may be even more forgiving of minutiae calculation errors and image distortion.
In an alternative implementation, an ID document photograph includes a so-called fragile watermark, which is designed to degrade when subjected to certain types of signal processing, like scanning and printing. The condition (or absence) of a fragile watermark reveals whether the photograph has been tampered with.
The ID document may alternatively include multiple watermarks, which can be cross-correlated to detect tampering. For example, the photograph includes a first watermark�perhaps a message component that is associated with watermark minutiae information�and another portion of the document includes a second watermark. The first and second watermarks can be cross-correlated to help further authenticate the ID document. (See, e.g., U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/421,254, filed Oct. 25, 2003, for even further details regarding cross-correlation of multiple features or watermarks for validation. This patent application is herein incorporated by reference.). In another implementation the ID document includes two watermarks, one in the image 108 and one in a background, seal, graphic, etc. Each of the watermarks may include the minutiae information. The minutiae information between both watermarks can be compared, if desired, to further enhance security of the ID document.
Still further, a watermark may include an auxiliary data (or an identifier)�perhaps associated with watermark minutiae information�that, once decoded, is used to interrogate a data repository to obtain authenticating information, like a photograph of an authorized bearer of the ID document. The auxiliary data may be used to identify which finger (or thumb) corresponds to the control fingerprint, allowing the bearer of the ID document to present the appropriate finger for fingerprinting. Further still, an ID document may include multiple control minutiae maps, each corresponding to different fingerprints belonging to a bearer of the ID document, or corresponding to different people who are authorized to bear the ID document or who can be validated by the ID document. For example, one ID document can represent a family or group. Each member of the family or group provides a fingerprint from which a control minutiae map is generated. Each control minutiae is permuted differently to avoid interfering with the other maps. Each permuted map is combined, perhaps with an orientation component, and is embedded on/in the same ID document.
Also, instead of explicitly embedding fingerprint minutiae locations, our techniques can be applied to different biometric samples as well. For example, a mapping of predominate iris characteristics, hand geometries, facial patterns, etc., can be explicitly embedded in a photograph or other artwork as well.
Having described and illustrated the principles of the technology with reference to specific implementations, it will be recognized that the technology can be implemented in many other, different, forms. To provide a comprehensive disclosure without unduly lengthening the specification, applicants hereby incorporate by reference each of the U.S. patent documents referenced above.
The methods, processes, and systems described above may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. For example, a digital watermark encoding processes may be implemented in a programmable computer or a special purpose digital circuit. Similarly, data decoding may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or combinations of software, firmware and hardware. The other methods and processes described above may be implemented in programs executed from a system's memory (a computer readable medium, such as an electronic, optical or magnetic storage device or removable or mass memory), or from hardware/software combinations.
The particular combinations of elements and features in the above-detailed embodiments are exemplary only; the interchanging and substitution of these teachings with other teachings in this and the incorporated-by-reference patents/applications are also expressly contemplated.
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Videos in 'Disneyland Park'
Spanish Soundbite-Mickey and the Magical Map, Norma Perez
**FOR NEW USE ONLY**Spanish Soundbite**Norma Perez/Spokesperson, Disneyland Resort
BEHIND THE SCENES: Mickey and the Magical Map Music, BROLL
**FOR NEWS USE ONLY** BEHIND THE SCENES: Mickey and the Magical Map Music, BROLL
B-Roll of Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries at Innoventions
To celebrate the upcoming release of "Iron Man 3," visitors to the Innoventions attraction in Disneyland Park can find the latest Iron Man technology at Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. The exhibit guides guests to an exact replica of the Hall of Armor from Tony Stark's Malibu mansion. The suits on display are […]
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The tall, slim, tanned figure of Sophie moves around naked on the windowsill of a multi-story apartment block. The bright blues of the cold Amsterdam sky wrap around her, highlighting every small detail, from her gorgeously pert breasts to her full bush of thick dark pubic hair.
Playfully shy she elegantly drifts around the space and picking up a poker dot umbrella she teases and flirts. There's something effortlessly seductive about Sophie and i think we're all looking forward to seeing her again soon.
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Real people. HQ Leidsestraat 32D, 1017PB Amsterdam. +31 (0)20 622 7418.
♥ General enquiries: firstname.lastname@example.com;
♥ Owner: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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James Atlas
Amazon has hired James Atlas—who wrote the definitive biography of Saul Bellow—to edit a new series of biographies called Amazon Lives, with titles scheduled to start appearing in June 2013. Amazon has been steadily preparing to become a powerful publishing presence. The company is clearly set up to sell its own titles online, but how do you sell books published by Amazon in the competition's bookstores (in Barnes and Nobles, for example)? You change the publisher's name from Amazon Books to New Harvest Books, and you distribute them through another publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Home Depot has announced that it will stop selling books. The news—for us, at least—was that Home Depot sold books in the first place.
Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Book prize was not awarded this year because none of the one hundred
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Is This The Air Jordan 3Lab4? by Patrick Johnson 0 Comments
Black one of my favorite colors, check three one of my favorite retro.. Check. As for the red.. Well in THESE pics it looks more like fuchsia, there's somethin off maybe the white should be black on the mid sole.. Ether way I'm on board because I love the threes and these pics don't do this shoe ANY justice.


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Cheryl Aischele: Occupy Fights Foreclosures (OFF), a sub-committee of Occupy LA, joined neighbors in the South Adams community to help a widow who fell victim to foreclosure fraud by at least three companies.
Why Guatemalans, Mexicans and other Latin Americans are coming to the United States and the poor are becoming poorer in their countries.
Progressive Media Advocates
Carole Bartolotto: The problem with concluding that GMOs are safe is that the argument for their safety rests solely on animal studies. These studies are offered as evidence that the debate over GMOs is over. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Margo McCall: There's increasing evidence that adopting a plant-based diet is better for human health, the planet, and of course for the more than 9 billion animals that are killed for consumption each year in the U.S alone.
Joe Mathews: Thanks to Xi Jinping, Chinese millionaires have propped up the state's sagging real estate market, universities, and companies.


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Approximately 8.84 acres of C-2 zoned property located just off of Interstate 5 at the Coburg Interchange. 7 separate tax lots. Great development potential
Unique and appealing mixed commercial/residential built in 2000. Five main level retail/office units. Sophisticated high end upper level residence with gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, exquisite detail work, and a lovely courtyard behind the building.
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|Home >NHL >Eastern Playoff Picture >Flyers Playoff Picture >Flyers What If?
|Sun Mar 29 1:45 am
The Flyers What If table presents playoff probabilities depended upon how Flyers play future games. These games include either the next game or all remaining games. Other unplayed future games are assumed won/lost with a probability based upon relative team strengths.
|Flyers Playoff Picture
Flyers Most Important Games
> Flyers What If?
Flyers Clinching Options
Flyers Elimination Options
Eastern Playoff Picture
Eastern Losing Magic Numbers
Eastern Strength of Schedule
Eastern Most Important Games
NHL Home
NHL Schedule
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Next Game - Penguins (41-23-11)
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You can also bask in the presence of a garden at Casa Melissa. If you like water activities, you can take pleasure in the fact that there is an outdoor swimming pool here for guests' use. There is a selection of 33 rooms to choose from.
For your comfort, air-conditioning is provided in the rooms of Casa Melissa. A housekeeping service is just one of the advantages of the rooms here. The hotel offers you rooms with useful facilities such as a radio and a computer. Your morning or evening routine in the bathroom is more comfortable here, as you find a shower/bath combination in the bathroom.
|From 15:00 Check-out: Until 12:00
|Wi-Fi Internet at additional cost in general areas only (lobby/reception etc.)
|Pet policy:
|Pets are not allowed.
|Extra common areas:
|Swimming Facilities:
|Note: It is the responsibility of the hotel chain and/or the individual property to ensure the accuracy of the photos displayed. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies in the photos.
Please provide this reference number to our customer service center representative on request, so we can help you better


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About the contractor
Mark Whitehead Electrical Contractor Inc operates out of Kingsley, PA and holds All Forms Of Residential, Commercial, Industrial Electrical Construction licenses according to the Pennsylvania contractors license board.
Mark Whitehead Electrical Contractor Inc has a BuildZoom score of 98 and is rated in the top 20% of 125,106 contractors in Pennsylvania.
Their license (PEPA059108) was verified as active when we last checked. If you are considering hiring Mark Whitehead Electrical Contractor Inc, we recommend double-checking their license status with the license board and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes.
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Tom Townsand Refrigeration
Installed a gas furnace to a newly installed gas line. Reasonably priced and he spent a good amount of time making sure I understood what was I wa... more Installed a gas furnace to a newly installed gas line. Reasonably priced and he spent a good amount of time making sure I understood what was I was paying for. It would not be fair to review the time it took to complete the project because he was often held up by the gas company- but he was as prompt as he possibly could be. He came with excellent references and I am happy to provide one as well.
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Spa Retreat Bag Gift Set
Item No.1571199075
The perfect year round gift. This collection includes: Body Wash, Body Scrub, Body Butter and Luxury Bath Float.
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Enjoy a full body regime and indulge yourself with luxurious textures, each fragranced with the classic Sanctuary scent.


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Harper vs. Trudeau: The game's the thing
In the media age, leadership is not about wise policy decisions, it's about skill in the game of politics
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A Conservative ad campaign describes Justin Trudeau as ill-prepared to lead the country. The ads contrast Trudeau with Stephen Harper, who is presented as an able and effective leader. The strategy seems like a good one — and is a variation on an approach that has been successful for the Conservatives in the past. The last two Liberal leaders were presented in Conservative ad campaigns as out-of-touch or self-interested. These campaigns were intended to define the Liberal leaders even before they had a chance to define themselves to the Canadian public.
Some commentators, though, have suggested that the Conservative campaign may have overreached this time — that the public may be tired of negative advertising. Yet negative adverting is simply the flip side of the standard form of political advertising, which is leader-focused and image-based. Even if voters are weary of negative ads, the current campaign may nevertheless succeed in constructing the "lens" through which Trudeau and his actions are perceived.
The real problem with these ads is their deceptive character and, in particular, the way they take Trudeau's words and actions out of context to create a misleading impression. Even if they are successful in framing Trudeau as inexperienced, the ads may also reinforce the growing perception of the Conservatives as unprincipled.
The claim that Trudeau is unprepared to lead the country is bound to resonate with some Canadians. But what about the other part of the ads' claim — that Stephen Harper, in contrast to Trudeau, is a capable and tested leader? Harper has lived his entire adult life in politics. Politics is what he knows. He is a skilled political actor. Yet when it comes to anticipating and responding to social, economic, environmental and other challenges, he seems less skilled. As opposition leader he criticized the Liberal government for failing to participate in the U.S. invasion of Iraq. When first elected, his government began to deregulate financial institutions until the economic collapse intervened. As prime minister, he initially failed to grasp the gravity of the economic crisis — as evidenced by his flippant comment that this would be a good time to buy stocks. He has remained entirely silent on the issue of climate change. His government's criminal law policies ignore all available evidence.
Yet Harper is perceived as an able leader because we have come to view good leadership not as effective or prescient policy-making, but as effective political strategizing. And there seems little doubt that Harper has some skill at "politics" — at generating effective ad campaigns, creating wedge issues, and stoking public anxieties and prejudices.
The media is complicit in this distortion of the idea of leadership. In an attempt to remain politically neutral, media outlets often avoid evaluating policy options. Instead they prefer to report politics as a "horse race," to use the metaphor employed by American communications scholar Kathleen Hall Jamieson.
News reports and commentary generally focus on strategy (and often reframe policy in terms of strategy), which is then described as good or bad, effective or weak, based on the imagined public reaction. The consequence of this is that voters may regard a leader as capable and worthy of support, because she is good at "politics" and not because she is principled, wise or publicly interested.
To be a good strategist is to be a good leader. Yet if a leader is too open about her strategy then a negative reaction may follow. The federal Conservatives are praised for their attempts to win the support of new Canadians, while the B.C. Liberal party's campaign plan to target these same groups is criticized as cynical. Part of good strategy, it seems, is discretion about strategy.
Trudeau's political success, like that of Harper, may depend not on his ability to make wise policy judgments but instead on his skill in the game of politics, because that seems to be how we now judge leadership.
Richard Moon is a professor of law at the University of Windsor.
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Warning: The following information is not pretty, but it could be the key to your weight loss success.
Fat Melting Information from the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Quick Weight Loss Centers:
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that rats that were fed either a low-fat or a high-fat diet that was supplemented with the amino acid – arginine – over a 12 week period decreased fat by over 60%.
In addition, similar research conducted on pigs suggested that dietary arginine supplementation reduces fat growth while increasing muscle gain.
Arginine is found in watermelon juice as well as seafood, seeds, algae, meats, rice protein concentrate and soy protein isolate.
Studies have not been conducted on humans, but let's just say that eating watermelon can bring hope and 'lite' to our dining tables.
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Thousands of devotees thronged the Pazhamudhir Cholai Murugan Temple — one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga — at Alagarkoil near here early on Sunday morning to witness 'Kumbabhishekam' of the temple, which was performed after nearly 12 years.
While arrangements had been made for a few devotees to sit near the 'Kalasams' of the temple towers, many others witnessed the proceedings near 'Yagasala'. Pujas began in the temple at 6.30 a.m. ahead of the Kumbabhishekam.
T. Varadarajan, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Executive Officer of Sri Kallazhagar Temple, said 120 Sivachariyars took part in the Yagasala pujas.
Holy water was poured on the Kalasams on the temple tower amidst chanting of hymns at 8.05 a.m. Sprinklers had been attached to poles installed around the temple towers which sprayed water on the devotees after the Kumbabhishekam.
Renovation works have been carried out at the temple at a cost of Rs.4 crore, and the works included construction of a building for preparing temple 'prasadam' and a new door for the sanctum sanctorum.
A 'Sashti' mandapam has also been built, and it will host 'Kandashashti Vizha' and 'Utsava pujas' of the temple.
Feast for devotees
A large number of devotees queued up after the Kumbabhishekam for the 'annadhanam', organised by Pazhamudir Solai Thiru Murugan Bhaktha Sabhai.
According to N. Balaji, secretary of the sabhai, they expected more than 25,000 devotees for the 'annadhanam' after the Kumbabhishekam.
"We have also been distributing food for the devotees who have been attending the various pujas held in the temple for the five days," he added.


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Resul Pukootty is ecstatic as he displays his Oscar and Bafta awards after recieving an award from Amitabh Bachchan for his contribution to sound industry.
Resul Pukootty is ecstatic as he hugs Amitabh Bachchan who later gave him an award for his contribution to sound industry on behalf of Western India Motion Pictures & TV sound engineers association in Mumbai.
Resul Pukootty is ecstatic as he displays his Oscar and Bafta awards after recieving an award from Amitabh Bachchan for his contribution to sound industry.
Singer Rageshwari at the launch of music album "Dancing Flute" in Mumbai.
Results 1 - 51 of about 51 for Kushinagar.
Showing results by relevance, view by Date.
International airport to come up in Kushinagar - 31 May 2009
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), May 31 (ANI): An international airport is soon to come up in Kushinagar, the destination of Buddha 'Parinirvana...," said Manish Mishra, a resident. Kushinagar is a famous destination
Thai dancers perform in Kushinagar's Buddhist museum - 21 Sep 2009
Kushinagar, Sept 21 (ANI): Dancers from Thailand's Mahasarakham University enthralled audiences at a Buddhist museum in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar... from Thailand have come to perform in Kushinagar," said Shanti Singh
Buddhists congregate at Kushinagar to herald New Year - 02 Jan 2009
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 2 (ANI): Hundreds of Buddhists from India... on a positive note. All of us in Kushinagar Vishwa Sangha pray for the Lord...," said Bhante.The religious significance of Kushinagar can be perceived by the fact
Kushinagar monks complain about poor maintenance of old Buddha statue - 03 Mar 2011
Kushinagar , Mar 3 (ANI): Buddhist monks and pilgrims in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, have complained about the poor maintenance of the famous Mahaparinirvana... Geoffery. Kushinagar is the place where the Buddha is said to have
Farmers protest against acquisition of land for international airport in Kushinagar - 05 Jul 2009
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), July 5 (ANI): Farmers in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh have staged a protest against the acquisition of their land for an international airport. The place is connected by road only. Although it has
Diarrhoea claims four lives in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district - 08 Jul 2009
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), July 8 (ANI): Four infants aged between 18 months and five years have died of diarrhoea in Mushar village in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar District. "Four boys have died. Half a dozen children suffering from
Meditation Park in Uttar Pradesh suffers from neglect - 19 Jan 2009
Kushinagar, Jan 19 (ANI): Meditation Park in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh... allocated for the construction of this park. Kushinagar is one of the famous... at this place. Kushinagar is also an eminent tourist spot and many foreign
Financial woes for turmeric farmers of Uttar Pradesh - 18 Feb 2011
Kushinagar, Feb.18 (ANI): Turmeric farmers of Kushinagar, in Uttar Pradesh face huge financial losses due to soaring input cost of their produce. The farmers complained that the input cost of the crop is more than its selling cost
Tuberculosis claims around 36 lives in Uttar Pradesh: Report - 25 Dec 2008
Kushinagar (UP), Dec 25 (ANI): Tuberculosis (TB) has claimed around 36 lives in Kushinagar of Uttar Pradesh, according to a report. It is economically... and come to us on their own," said R.K. Singh, Chief Medical Officer Kushinagar
River breaches embankment affecting hundreds of families in UP - 02 Aug 2009
Kushinagar (UP), Aug 2 (ANI): Hundreds of families have been affected as the rain swollen River Narayani breaches embankments in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar... and the flows towards Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)
Paddy crops affected by delayed monsoon in Uttar Pradesh - 23 Jul 2009
Kushinagar (UP), July 23(ANI): With clouds nowhere to be seen on the horizon, farmers in Kushinagar of Uttar Pradesh are on their knees praying for the mercy of weather gods. Paddy fields here have begun to show signs of cracking
Uttar Pradesh farmer tends to a wounded python - 04 Feb 2009
Kushinagar, Feb 4 (ANI): A farmer in Uttar Pradesh is playing a good Samaritan by tending to a ten foot long wounded python. Gulab Singh, a resident of Kushinagar district took the wounded reptile under his wings when he found
Six killed in Uttar Pradesh village fire
- 08 May 2009
gutted in a fire Friday in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district... village in Kushinagar. While two people died of suffocation, four were burnt... out the blaze, Singh said. Kushinagar is some 300 km from Lucknow
Rahul Gandhi to address rallies in Uttar Pradesh today - 03 Apr 2009
Lucknow, Apr 3 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will address election rallies at Maharajganj, Kushinagar and Robertsganj in Uttar Pradesh today... Robertsganj, Maharajganj and Kushinagar seats respectively. Sitting MP Rajesh
Congress is a pro-poor party, says Rahul Gandhi - 03 Apr 2009
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), Apr 3 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that his party is a pro-poor party. Addressing a public rally at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul highlighted
Living with floods is their destiny - 22 Dec 2008
, Kushinagar and district Gazipur in south-eastern Uttar Pradesh are located
Burmese general visits Gaya, to arrive in Delhi Monday - 25 Jul 2010
New Delhi/ Gaya, July 25 (ANI): Senior General Than Shwe, the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Union of Myanmar, on Sunday visited Gaya's Kushinagar area. Shwe will attend a programme in Gaya/Sarnath on Monday
Uttar Pradesh's premier Agro Institute facing neglect - 16 Oct 2008
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), Oct.16 (ANI): The Genda Singh sugarcane breeding and research institute in Sewari in Uttar Pradesh, which was Asia's second prominent centre for research purposes, has per researchers working there, been
Rahul to open campaign in Uttar Pradesh Friday
- 02 Apr 2009
;'Rahul will tomorrow (Friday) address public meetings in Maharajganj, Kushinagar..., Kushinagar and Chandauli - will go to polls in the first phase April 16.
BSP candidate booked for holding meeting in temple
- 07 Apr 2009
for holding the meeting,' Jayant Dixit, the Kushinagar additional district magistrate, told IANS on telephone. The temple is located in Fazilnagar in Kushinagar
BJP announces four candidates for Uttar Pradesh
- 10 Mar 2009
, Sitapur, Basti and Kushinagar, a party statement said. The five-phase
Sonia, Rahul Gandhi all set to campaign in East UP - 31 Mar 2009
Gandhi will be addressing election rallies at Maharajganj, Kushinagar... Robertsganj, Maharajganj and Kushinagar seats respectively. Sitting MP
Congress candidate from Deoria faces assault charge
- 16 Apr 2009
of killing him in the neighbouring Kushinagar district. Voting is being conducted in Deoria and Kushinagar districts in the first phase of general... Fazilnagar falls in the Kushinagar district, it has become a part of the Deoria
Flood-hit UP villagers forced to fend for themselves - 26 Aug 2009
in Kushinagar district. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless. ... far. "This is Pipraghat village in Kushinagar district, which is very... district in Bihar to Maharajgunj and down Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. Heavy
Uttar Pradesh: Notification for first phase of five LS election to be issued tomorrow - 22 Mar 2009
for poll in first phase are Bansgaon, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar
Rahul Gandhi visits Uttar Pradesh hospital to see flood-hit patients - 01 Jan 2008
on Thursday and visited the flood-affected areas of Deoria, Kushinagar and Gorakhpur
Poll code violation charges against Uttar Pradesh minister
- 08 Apr 2009
meeting 11.30 p.m. Monday in Singapatti village in Kushinagar constituency
Buddha's birthplace facing major environmental threat: Experts - 09 Jun 2009
pivotal places in the life of Buddha, the others being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya
Buddha's birthplace facing major environmental threat: Experts - 09 Jun 2009
pivotal places in the life of Buddha, the others being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya
Rising water level submerge many Uttar Pradesh villages - 21 Aug 2009
in Shrawasti, Sitapur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Maharajganj and Bahraich districts
Vaccination drive to combat Japanese Encephalitis begins in UP - 14 Jun 2010
Lucknow, June 14 (ANI): A special vaccination drive begins on Monday against Japanese Encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh. The vaccination will be conducted in four severely hit districts of Gorakhpur, Deoria, Kushinagar and Maharajganj
Winter attracts tourists and pilgrims to Bodh Gaya - 09 Nov 2008
three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple
Congress party to contest 24 seats in UP - 05 Mar 2009
, Farrukhabad, Pravin Singh Airon, Bareilly, R.P.N. Singh, Kushinagar, Jagdambika
16 BSP nominees in Uttar Pradesh have criminal past
- 24 Mar 2009
Ansari (Barielly), Swami Prasad Maurya (Kushinagar), Rizwan Zaheer (Shravasti
Tight security cover for elections in Uttar Pradesh
- 15 Apr 2009
, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon, Lalganj, Azamgarh, Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia
Uttar Pradesh's Maoist areas record high voter turnout
- 16 Apr 2009
Robertsganj, Kushinagar and Gorakhpur at 49 percent. The lowest polling
Buddhist Circuit to be developed in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar - 19 Aug 2009
to have international airports at Agra and Kushinagar. (ANI)
UP government distributes relief material to flood affected - 23 Aug 2009
of the villages in Gorakhpur, Sitapur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar
Mayawati writes to PM, demands Purvanchal - 13 Dec 2009
, Kushinagar, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau, Maharajganj, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar
Deadly disease infects locals in Gorakhpur - 09 Sep 2011
has affected Gorakhpur, Kushinagar both in Uttar Pradesh, and some areas in Bihar
Gorakhpur's Sun Temple facing neglect - 25 Nov 2008
is about 18 kilometres from Kushinagar. It was built by the local villagers after
BJP hits out at Mayawati for refusing Azamgarh rally venue
- 25 Mar 2009
was scheduled to address election meetings at Kushinagar, Maharajganj and Azamgarh
Uttar Pradesh all set for 'mini elections'
- 18 May 2009
, legislator from the Padrauna assembly seat, won the Kushinagar seat. Kadir
Gursharan Kaur to inaugurate an exhibition entitled "Reflections of Indian Consciousness" - 08 Dec 2008
, while the Mahaparinirvana or the Great Decease of the Buddha at Kushinagar
Mayawati's first poll rally in Uttar Pradesh a big draw
- 22 Mar 2009
and Kushinagar whose respective nominees were dutifully present on the dais, along
'Buddhists not benefiting from India's inclusive growth policy'
- 13 Oct 2008
to visit places like Bodha Gaya, Rajgir, Sarnath and Kushinagar that are associated
Maharashtrians vs others - rift widens with lynching of Uttar Pradesh youth
- 30 Oct 2008
to go to Kalyan from where they had proposed to take the Kushinagar Express
Make-believe parliamentarians raise real issues in Lucknow
- 20 Nov 2008
of female foeticide. Manoj Kumar from Kushinagar spoke of the problem
For the people by the people, finally! - 06 Mar 2009
of supporters from UP and its surrounding states including Kushinagar, Agra, Hardoi
Age triumphs over youth in Manmohan's new ministry
- 27 May 2009
Prakash Patil. R.P.N. Singh represents Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh
Thumbnail sketches of ministers of state
- 28 May 2009
Minister Mayawati, to win from Kushinagar constituency. He has been a legislator


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Bipolar moms in my area?
I am the mother of a 2, 4 and 6 yr old. I am Bipolar 1 and would love to find some friends to feel normal with. Our lives as mothers are more challenging and more riddled with...
Started by Liz on 10/21/2012 in Bipolar Mothers With Children
Last update on 10/28/2012 by Liz


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How Many People In The World Are Infected With Hiv Virus
Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:
Get the Facts
IRIS: A Concern for People Starting HIV Therapy...understood, chronic inflammation is thought to be unhealthy and possibly linked to a number of serious diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer's. What Is IRIS? IRIS is a serious condition that can occur shortly after a person starts HIV therapy for the first time. It can also occur in people who restart their meds after a time being off them. IRIS happens when your immune system recovers too quickly. It can start to "overwork"...
Ask the Experts
Can HIV develop between two persons without HIV +ve?If suppose one woman have unsafe sexual relation with two men and both of the men and woman are free from HIV at the start of the relationship and also neither the two men nor the woman doesn't have any other relation,is there any chance of HIV...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...not "create" HIV! HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (similar to gonorrhea, syphilis, etc.). A person infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can transmit it to an uninfected person via unsafe sex. If, however, one, two, three or more... Read more »
Swine flu and HIV-infected PeopleAny special precautions that people with HIV should take in the face of swine flu?Are there interactions between HIV meds and swine flu meds?should i get a flu vaccine now if I didnt get one before the winter?
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...hopes that you will respond and people will read it. What additional precautions (besides the normal ones) can an HIV positive person take in regards to this swine flu that is one step away from becoming a pandemic? Thanks, Dr. Bob, and God... Read more »
saliva (Facts for Life: What you and the people you care about need to know about HIV/AIDS )can i catch HIV if my partner "sprays" when he talks and his salive gets in my eye? Also can i get HIV from an infected partners saliva on my anus?
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...tested? How can I get tested? Where can I get more information about HIV and AIDS? How can I help fight HIV/AIDS? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS. A member of a group of viruses called retroviruses,... Read more »
HIV+ person wants childrenHey Dr. Bob I have a client who found out recently that his boyfriend is HIV+. He asked me a question about the possibility of his boyfriend having children in the future. I told him that because it would probably be in vitro fertilization and a...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...problem. Good luck! Dr. Bob Resources for Positive Men & Negative Women Who Want a Baby Oct 16, 2004 Response from Dr. Lee Several people have written recently asking for information about sperm washing and their hopes about having a baby when... Read more »
HPV, Anal Cancer and Cervical Cancer in HIV-Infected People...putting effort towards trying to understand how they interact to cause more of a problem than you'd get in an otherwise healthy person. What did you present here at CROI? At CROI, we were dealing with one of the key questions that remains in... Read more »
Older People and HIV... How Many Older People Have AIDS? Why Are Older People Getting Infected? Is HIV Disease Different for Older People? Is HIV the Same in Older People? Read more »
Epidemiology of Anemia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected Persons: Results From the Multistate Adult and Adolescent Spectrum of HIV Disease Surveillance Project...Contents Introduction Methods Results Discussion Appendix References Table 1 . Characteristics of Persons Included and Persons Not Included in Analysis of Anemia Incidence Table 2 . Characteristics of Persons... Read more »
Why We Should Care: A Global Epidemic...any year since the beginning of the epidemic, despite new treatments which are reducing deaths in developed countries. Of the people now infected with HIV, 95% live in the developing world. 47 million people around the world have been infected... Read more »
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for hiv- people with long lasting symptoms
Posted by Jambasher, 4 Replies...them to my family or friends to make em feel bad. Instead if listing them here would help at all, just with the hope that one person get spared from infection or the life long/ years long mental strain of being clearly sick, thinking its hiv and... Read more »
Key facts about HIV/AIDS - Note Last Item
Posted by ScotCharles, 1 Reply...WHAT IS AIDS AND WHAT CAUSES IT? * AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is caused by a virus called HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). INCUBATION PERIOD AND SYMPTOMS: * The HIV virus does not live for long outside the... Read more »
People who do not have HIV
Posted by KayCee, 2 Replies...Is it ok to post in here if you do not have the HIV virus? I don't descriminate against anyone due to any illness. Read more »
Posted by bradford, 2 Replies...UNITED STATES DISCRIMINATES AGAINST HIV+ PEOPLE While nearly a million HIV+ American citizens enjoy the freedom to leave and travel outside their country, the United States Read more »
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