Camera and method for watermarking film content
First Claim
1. A method of watermarking film content, comprising:
- receiving an optical image;
generating a watermark;
optically applying the watermark to the optical image to generate a watermarked optical image; and
exposing photographic film to the watermarked optical image.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Camera and methods are provided for watermarking film content. A watermark, which can have information, such as a tracking message, is generated. The watermark preferably can be represented as correlated noise that cannot be visually noticed by a casual observer of the film content, but can later be extracted from the film content to obtain the embedded information, e.g., during a forensics study in a piracy investigation, to provide end-to-end asset tracking and management, or to prevent viewing of the film content. The watermark is optically applied to the optical image to generate a watermarked optical image, e.g., by absorbing light from selected regions within the optical image. The optical image may optionally be analyzed, in which case, the watermark can be applied to the optical image based on the analysis. Lastly, the photographic film is exposed to the watermarked optical image, thereby capturing the optical image and watermark on film. Camera and methods are provided for modifying film content. An optical image is temporally dividing into first and second optical image segments. The first optical image segment is analyzed, and the second optical image segment is modulated based on the analysis, e.g., by absorbing light from selected regions within the second optical image segment. A reflective MEMS array can be used to advantageously provide high resolution modulation of the second optical image segment. Photographic film is then exposed to the modulated optical image segment. As a practical example, an optical image can be watermarked, or an optical image can be corrected prior to exposure of the film using this technique.
46 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A method of watermarking film content, comprising:
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receiving an optical image;
generating a watermark;
optically applying the watermark to the optical image to generate a watermarked optical image; and
exposing photographic film to the watermarked optical image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of watermarking film content, comprising:
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receiving an optical image;
temporally dividing the optical image into first and second optical image segments;
analyzing the first optical image segment;
generating a watermark;
optically applying the watermark to the second optical image segment based on the analysis to generate an watermarked optical image; and
exposing photographic film to the watermarked optical image segment. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of incorporating tracking information into film content, comprising:
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receiving an optical image;
generating the tracking information;
modulating the optical image with the tracking information; and
exposing photographic film to the modulated optical image. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A camera for watermarking film content, comprising:
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a lens for receiving an optical image;
a watermarking device configured for generating watermark control signals;
an optical modulator configured for modulating the optical image in response to the watermark control signals; and
a film advancer configured for exposing photographic film to the modulated optical image. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A camera for watermarking film content, comprising:
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a lens for receiving an optical image;
an optical switch configured to be placed in a first state that transmits a first time segment of the optical image along a first optical path, and a second state that transmits a second time segment of the optical image along a second optical path;
a watermarking device configured for analyzing the first time segment of the optical image and generating watermark control signals in response thereto;
an optical modulator configured for modulating the second time segment of the optical image in response to the watermark control signals; and
a film advancer configured for exposing photographic film to the modulated optical image segment. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A camera incorporating tracking information into film content, comprising:
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a lens for receiving an optical image;
a message generator configured for generating the tracking information;
an optical modulator configured for modulating the optical image with the tracking information; and
a film advancer configured for exposing photographic film to the modulated optical image. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
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45-67. -67. (canceled)
Specification