Watermarking to control video recording

• US 20030039464A1
• Filed: 06/13/2002
• Published: 02/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Original Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Inventors: Rodriguez, Tony F., Davis, Bruce L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,263,202 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 386/16
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0021 Image watermarking

Abstract

Video programs are identified by watermark data subliminally conveyed within the picture data. By reference to such program identification data, video recording devices can automatically identify desired programs, and respond accordingly. For example, if a desired television program is originally scheduled to air at 5:00 p.m., but is delayed until 5:10 due to a sporting event that exceeded its broadcast slot, a video recorder equipped with the disclosed technology can sense the delayed start, commence recording at 5:10, and continue recording until the (delayed) end of the program. The program identification can also identify the program'"'"'s subject matter, allowing automated recording of programs that match a viewer'"'"'s profile.

Claims

1. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:

monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and

when the desired video program is identified, recording said incoming video.

2. The method of claim 1 that includes terminating the recording of said incoming video after watermark information identifying the program is not detected for an interval.

3. The method of claim 1 that includes buffering the incoming video prior to said recording, and including at least a portion of said buffered video with the recorded video so that an initial portion of the video program is not lost.

4. A consumer video appliance for recording a desired video program, comprising:

a watermark detector for monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and

a storage writer operative to record the desired video program when the watermark detector identifies the desired program.

5. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:

at an expected commencement time of said video program, starting recording;

monitoring an in-band video watermark in the video program being recorded; and

if a video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is not sensed within an initial interval, discontinuing said recording.

6. The method of claim 5 that includes:

after said discontinuation of said recording, continuing to monitor the in-band video watermark, and resuming said recording if a video watermark corresponding to the desired program is detected.

7. The method of claim 6 that includes continuing said resumed recording for an interval approximately equal to an expected duration of said video program.

8. The method of claim 5 that includes, after said discontinuation of said recording, resuming said recording at a next half-hourly interval.

9. A method of ending the recording of a desired video program, comprising:

monitoring an in-band video watermark in the video program being recorded; and

at an expected termination time of said video program, stopping said recording, unless an in-band video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is sensed, indicating that the program is continuing beyond the expected termination time, in which case the recording is permitted to continue.

10. The method of claim 9 that includes continuing said recording until an in-band video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is no longer detected.

11. A method of ending the recording of a desired video program, comprising:

monitoring an in-band video watermark in the video program being recorded; and

ending said recording when an in-band video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is no longer detected.

12. A method of operating a video recording device, comprising:

storing data indicating viewing interests of a user;

monitoring in-band video watermark data conveyed by incoming video; and

recording incoming video determined to be of potential interest to the user by reference to the in-band video watermark data therein, and the stored data.

13. The method of claim 12 that includes adding information about a video thus-recorded to an electronic table of contents of programming recorded by the video recording device.

14. The method of claim 12 that includes scanning through plural sources of incoming video and monitoring same.

15. The method of claim 12 in which the video watermark data includes at least one subject matter code relating to said incoming video.

16. The method of claim 12 in which the video watermark data includes index data that is used to access a corresponding store of information that includes subject matter information about the incoming video.

17. The method of claim 16 in which the store is maintained at a user premises.

18. The method of claim 16 in which the store is maintained remote from a user premises.

19. The method of claim 12 in which said data is stored at a location remote from the user premises.

20. The method of claim 12 in which said monitoring occurs in a device at the user premises.

21. The method of claim 12 in which said monitoring occurs remote from the user premises.