Composite image selectivity

• US 20070109411A1
• Filed: 10/31/2006
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Jung, Edward, Malamud, Mark, Lord, Robert, Levien, Royce, Rinaldo, John
• Application Number:
  US11/591,435
• Publication Number:
  US 20070109411A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00132 in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00137 Transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00148 Storage information retrieval G06F16/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00161 Viewing or previewing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00167 Processing or editing H04N1/00196 - H04N1/00201 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00169 Digital image input
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00196 Creation of a photo-montage, e.g. photoalbum H04N1/0019 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2747 Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4184 providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4402 involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display details of conversion of video standards at pixel level H04N7/01; video transcoding H04N19/40; adapting incoming signals to the display format of the display terminal G09G5/005; media handling at the source in data packet switching networks H04L65/764
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/440263 by altering the spatial resolution, e.g. for displaying on a connected PDA
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/45 for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/262 Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects ; Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/2621 Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects during image pickup, e.g. digital cameras, camcorders, video cameras having integrated special effects capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/907 using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories H04N5/91 takes precedence

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

Claims

1-36. -36. (canceled)

37. A method of selectivity for a composite visual work comprising:

identifying a collection of captured images;

associating rights-related information with one or more component elements of the captured images;

presenting a representation of one or more of the captured images to be accessible for viewing by a user; and

enabling compliance with the rights-related information in connection with a selection of a specified component element of the captured images as a possible component element for future incorporation in a composite work.

38. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

confirming the selection of the specified component element of the captured images for incorporation in a composite work.

39. The method of claim 38 further comprising:

making a record to identify the specified component element confirmed as the selection for incorporation in a the composite work.

40. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

providing a cross-reference between the rights-related information and its associated component element of the captured images.

41. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

providing user accessibility to the rights-related information in connection with the selection of the specified component element as the possible component element for future incorporation in the composite work.

42. The method of claim 38 further comprising:

incorporating in the composite work the specified component element of the captured images which is confirmed as the selection.

43. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

making a record that identifies the rights-related information associated with the selected specified component element, which record is operatively coupled with the composite work that incorporates the selection.

44. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

incorporating an identifier tag with the associated component element of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following type of accessibility;

view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

71. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

creating a stored version of the specified component element of the captured images.

72. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

enabling access and retrieval of the specified component element of the captured images.

73. The method of claim 72 wherein said enabling access and retrieval of the specified component element includes:

enabling access and retrieval of the specified component element for incorporation in a composite still image frame.

74. The method of claim 72 wherein said enabling access and retrieval of the specified component element includes:

enabling access and retrieval of the specified component element for incorporation in a composite video image frame.

75. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

providing one or more of the following techniques via a user interface to facilitate selection of the specified component element for possible future incorporation in the composite work;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

76. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference; and

providing a cross-reference association between stored versions that include multiple exposures having different quality characteristics of related visual objects.

77. The method of claim 76 wherein said retaining the stored version of the one or more captured images includes:

retaining the stored version of one or more captured still image frames for future reference.

78. The method of claim 76 wherein said retaining the stored version of the one or more captured images includes:

retaining the stored version of one or more captured video image frames for future reference.

79. The method of claim 76 wherein said providing the cross-reference association between multiple exposures includes:

providing one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of the related visual objects;

time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.

80. The method of claim 37 wherein said associating rights-related information with the one or more component elements includes:

associating one or more of the following different quality characteristics with the one or more component elements of the captured images;

privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.

81. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

creating a modified version of the specified component element as a possible component element for future incorporation in the composite work.

82. The method of claim 81 wherein said creating the modified version of the specified component element includes:

implementing one or more of the following alteration techniques for creating the modified version;

data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.

83. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

retaining a stored version of the captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes a cross-reference association between different original or altered versions of related visual objects.

84. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

retaining a stored version of the captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes multiple exposures of one or more of the following type of visual objects;

same objects, related objects, unrelated objects, and specified visual elements.

85. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

implementing one or more of the following techniques to facilitate a user'"'"'s selection of the specified component element;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

86. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

providing an identifier tag associated with the specified component element of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following;

view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

87. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

implementing a user-accessible display of a tentative assembly of the composite work that includes the specified component element.

88. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

implementing a user-accessible display of a completed assembly of the composite work that includes the specified component element.

89. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

retaining a stored version of the composite work that includes the specified component element.

45. A computer program product having one or more computer programs on carrier media bearing instructions for executing the following process;

displaying a representation of one or more captured images;

providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation of the captured images in order to facilitate a user'"'"'s selection of a specified visual component as a possible component element to be incorporated in a future composite work;

providing an input technique that enables identification of the user'"'"'s selection of the specified visual component;

providing user accessibility to rights-related information that includes usage rights for the specified visual component, and

establishing a record of the user'"'"'s selection of the specified visual component as the possible component element to be incorporated in the future composite work.

46. The computer program product of claim 45 wherein said process component establishing the record of the user'"'"'s selection includes:

creating a stored version of the specified visual component of the captured images.

47. The computer program product of claim 45, wherein the process further includes:

enabling access and retrieval of the stored version of the specified visual component for incorporation in a composite work in compliance with the rights-related information associated with the specified visual component.

48. The computer program product of claim 45 wherein said process component providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation of the captured images includes:

providing one or more of the following techniques via the user interface to facilitate the user'"'"'s selection of a the specified visual component as the possible component element to be incorporated in a the future composite work;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

49. The computer program product of claim 45 further comprising:

storage media and/or signal communication media for encoding bearing encoded instructions for executing the process.

90. The computer program product of claim 45 wherein said process further includes:

associating one or more of the following different quality characteristics with the specified visual component;

privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.

91. The computer program product of claim 45 wherein said process further includes:

providing an identifier tag associated with the specified visual component of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following;

view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

92. The computer program product of claim 45 wherein said process feature displaying the representation of one or more captured images includes:

displaying multiple exposures of one or more of the following type of visual objects;

same objects, related objects, unrelated objects, and specified visual elements.

50. An image access system comprising:

a computerized user-interface for facilitating selection of one or more visual components to be considered for future availability to be incorporated in a composite work;

a data record that includes an identification of one or more captured images having a possible visual component that is accessible for display and retrieval;

a further data record that includes rights-related information associated with the one or more captured images;

a display module operatively coupled with the computerized user-interface to enable viewing of a representation of the possible visual component; and

a processing module for accomplishing retrieval of `an original or altered version of the possible visual component to be available for incorporation in the composite work.

51. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes a cross-reference association between multiple exposures having different quality characteristics of related visual objects.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the stored version of the one or more captured images includes the cross-reference association between the multiple exposures having one or more of the following different quality characteristics:

privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.

53. The system of claim 51 wherein the stored version of the one or more captured images include one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of the related visual objects:

time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.

54. The system of claim 51 wherein said processing module includes an access link to the storage media to enable access and retrieval of one or more possible visual components incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures for incorporation in a composite still image frame or a composite video image frame.

55. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

an alteration module for creating a modified version of the possible visual component available for incorporation in the composite work.

56. The system of claim 55 wherein said alteration module includes:

a processing configuration for implementing one or more of the following alteration techniques;

data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.

57. The system of claim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface includes:

an interface configuration that provides one or more of the following techniques to facilitate the user'"'"'s selection of one or more possible visual components to be incorporated in a tentative or final composite work;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

58. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes a cross-reference association between different original or altered versions of related visual objects.

59. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes multiple still exposures of related visual objects.

60. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes multiple video exposures of related visual objects.

61. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes multiple exposures of one or more of the following type of visual objects;

same objects, related objects, unrelated objects, and specified visual elements.

62. The system of claim 50 wherein said further data record includes one or more of the following type of rights-related information for the one or more captured images:

privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.

63. The system of claim 50 wherein said data record and/or said further data record include a cross-reference between the rights-related information and its associated captured image.

64. The system of claim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface includes;

an interface configuration that provides accessibility to an identifier tag associated with the possible visual component of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following;

view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

65. The system of claim 50 wherein said display module includes:

a display module that is capable of implementing viewing access to a representation of the captured images having one or more of the following type of different quality attributes;

aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation.

66. The system of claim 50 wherein said display module includes:

a display module that is capable of implementing viewing access to a representation of two or more captured still images frames or captured video images having related fields of view of one or more various visual elements.

67. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

an alteration module capable of implementing one or more of the following type of alteration techniques;

data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and gray-scale implementation.

68. The system of claim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface is operatively coupled with the display module to implement a user-accessible display of a tentative assembly of the composite work.

69. The system of claim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface is operatively coupled with the display module to implement a user-accessible display of a completed assembly of the composite work.

70. The system of claim 50 further comprising:

a storage module for retaining a stored version of the composite work.