Implementing group content substitution in media works

• US 20070294305A1
• Filed: 05/25/2007
• Published: 12/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Tegreene, Clarence, Rinaldo, John, Mangione-Smith, William, Malamud, Mark, Lord, Robert, Levien, Royce, Jung, Edward, Cohen, Alexander
• Granted Patent: US 8,910,033 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/26 for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus ticket printing or the like apparatus G07F17/42
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/036 Insert-editing
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/28 by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording G11B27/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• 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 21/440245 the reformatting operation being performed only on part of the stream, e.g. a region of the image or a time segment
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4627 Rights management associated to the content security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47205 for manipulating displayed content, e.g. interacting with MPEG-4 objects, editing locally
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8402 involving a version number, e.g. version number of EPG data arrangements for version control in computers G06F8/71
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/1675 Providing digital key or authorisation information for generation or regeneration of the scrambling sequence pseudo-random number generators in general G06F7/58

Abstract

A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Various techniques may be used to incorporate substitute altered content in a derivative version of the media work in accordance with applicable substitution guidelines.

Claims

1. An implementation method for group content alteration in a media work, comprising:

identifying a composite media work having a group of related content elements feasible for alteration, wherein the related content elements form a constituent portion of the composite media work;

obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative version of the composite media work;

establishing confirmation that the specified substitute altered content is deemed to be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines regarding the composite media work; and

implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement of the constituent portion in the derivative version.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing confirmation includes:

concurring with a determination that the specified substitute altered content is in compliance with applicable alteration criteria regarding one or more of the following type of alteration of the group of related content elements;

addition, deletion, modification, and replacement.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

utilizing one or more of the following type of approval techniques to make a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines;

programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing confirmation includes:

concurring with a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with one or more of the following type of pre-approved alteration parameters;

substitute component element, substitute designated aspect, substitution process, alternate media format, and alternate distribution channel.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing confirmation includes:

concurring with a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines that include forbidding or restricting alteration of one or more of following type of component elements;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, distributor, creative credit, production credit, funding credit, and sponsorship.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing confirmation includes:

concurring with a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines forbidding or restricting a substitute component element that includes one or more of following;

profanity, violence, murder, death, disfigurement, sexual behavior, nudity, ethnic slur, criminal activity, drug usage, illegal symbol, proprietary material, discriminatory depiction, defamation, slander, disparagement, dissenting material, specified behavior, specified object, specified item, specified depiction, and specified symbol.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing confirmation includes:

making a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with one or more of the following types of applicable alteration criteria;

automatic, contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, and compensation.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing confirmation includes:

concurring with a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines regarding the group of related content elements feasible for alteration.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

utilizing one or more of the following type of approval techniques to make a determination that the collective replacement in the derivative version is in compliance with the applicable alteration guidelines;

programmed, pre-authorization, delegated agent, derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute content rating, and aggregate content rating.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement includes:

implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement in the derivative version based on a determination that the group of related content feasible for alteration was previously associated with a stated real-world entity having one or more of the following characteristics;

lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct, non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, status change, defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of prerogative, and expired authorization.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement includes:

implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement in the derivative version based on a determination that the group of related content feasible for alteration is associated with a stated real-world person who has died or retired or otherwise changed status.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement includes:

implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement in the derivative version in response to a relevant communication received from a stated real-world entity or from a stated real-world person previously associated with the group of related content feasible for alteration.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in one or more of the following type of derivative versions;

original, derived, archived, stored, master, edited, combined, mixed, merged, integrated, dubbed, captioned, subtitled, expurgated, uncut, preview, pre-release, final, special edition, animated, freeze frame, sequential still, translated, targeted, restricted access, promotional, sponsored, subsidized, contracted release, and specified purpose.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative version having one or more of the following type of media formats;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, upgraded, downgraded, future format standard, video snippet, digitized vignette, data compression, and data decompression.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative version targeted for one or more of the following type of distribution arrangements;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, commercial television, public television, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, and on-demand.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative version to be distributed via one or more of the following type of distribution channels;

Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video, packet switching, and storage media delivery.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative version targeted for one or more of the following;

geographic area, demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, specified devices, group membership, subscriber, distribution channel, distribution time period, and media provider.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content associated with a real-world entity.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content associated with a real-world entity includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content having one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the real-world entity;

brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content associated with a real-world entity includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content having one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the real-world entity;

livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication, document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character, obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content associated with a real-world entity includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content having one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the real-world entity;

product, service, invention, accessory, vehicle, place, address, location, store, building, school, university, hospital, church, club, group, organization, and business.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content associated with a real-world person.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content having one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, occupation, career, role, activity, hobby, rank, medal, badge, award, identification features, biometric attribute, photographic image, voice recording, accent, dialect, recognizable personality trait, gesture, demeanor, mannerism, appearance, clothing, hairstyle, tattoo, accessory, jewelry, piercing, avatar, setting, item possession, and property ownership.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining one or more of the following type of specified substitute altered content;

related set of designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content that includes one or more of the following type of related content elements;

textual, verbal, audio, musical, visual, image, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content that includes one or more of the following type of related content elements;

music, setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animal, food, product, brand, and dialogue.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing incorporation of the specified substitute altered content as a collective replacement includes:

enabling a prospective recipient of the derivative version to implement the collective replacement.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein said enabling a prospective recipient includes:

enabling the prospective recipient to choose between two or more groups of specified substitute altered content.

29. The method of claim 27 further comprising:

requiring a fee or other valuable consideration from the prospective recipient.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein said identifying a composite media work having a group of related content elements includes:

identifying a group of one or more of the following type of related content elements;

textual, verbal, audio, musical, visual image, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein said identifying a composite media work having a group of related content elements includes:

identifying a composite media work having a group of one or more of the following type of related content elements;

related set of designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content suitable for incorporation as an integral component of the derivative version.

33. The method of claim 31 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content that includes a product or service or activity associated with a real-world venture.

34. The method of claim 31 wherein said obtaining specified substitute altered content designated for collective replacement includes:

obtaining specified substitute altered content to publicize or promote a topic related to a real-world venture.

35. An implementation system for content alteration of a media work, comprising:

a composite media work having a group of related component elements that are feasible for alteration and are included in a constituent portion of the composite media work;

a capture module capable of obtaining substitute altered content that is deemed to be in compliance with applicable alteration guidelines; and

computerized apparatus operably coupled to the composite media work and to the capture module, wherein the computerized apparatus includes an editor module to incorporate the substitute altered content as a collective replacement in a derivative version of the composite media work.

36. The system of claim 35 wherein said computerized apparatus includes:

an editor module configured to incorporate in the derivative version one or more of the following categories of substitute altered content;

related set of designated aspects, related set of alterable components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

37. The system of claim 35 wherein said computerized apparatus includes:

an editor module configured to incorporated substitute altered content in the derivative version targeted for one or more of the following;

geographic area, demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, specified devices, group membership, subscriber, distribution channel, distribution time period, and media provider.

38. The system of claim 35 wherein said computerized apparatus includes:

an editor module configured to incorporated substitute altered content in the derivative version targeted for one or more of the following distribution channels;

Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video, packet switching, and storage media delivery.

39. The system of claim 35 wherein said capture module includes:

a capture module capable of obtaining one or more of the following type of substitute altered content;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

43. The system of claim 35 wherein the computerized apparatus includes:

a management module operably coupled to the computer apparatus and configured to coordinate compliance with applicable alteration guidelines regarding the composite media work.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein the management module includes:

a management module operably coupled to the computer apparatus and configured to coordinate compliance with primary authorization rights or alteration criteria regarding the composite media work.

45. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

informational data regarding alteration criteria that identifies one or more alteration limitations applicable to the substitute altered content incorporated in the derivative version of the composite media work.

46. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

informational data regarding alteration criteria that includes a media format limitation for the derivative version that incorporates the substitute altered content.

47. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

information data regarding alteration criteria that includes a limitation allowing or precluding one or more of the following media formats;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, upgraded, downgraded, future format standard, video snippet, digitized vignette, data compression, and data decompression.

48. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

informational data regarding alteration criteria that includes one or more distribution channel limitations for the derivative version that incorporates the substitute altered content.

49. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

informational data regarding alteration criteria that includes a limitation allowing or precluding one or more of the following distribution channels;

Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video, packet switching, and storage media delivery.

50. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

informational data that identifies an entity associated with substituted content incorporated in the derivative version of the composite media work.

51. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

informational data that identifies a person associated with substitute content incorporated in a derivative version of the composite media work.

40-42. -42. (canceled)

52. A computer program product comprising one or more computer programs including instructions encoded on signal-bearing media to execute the following process:

identifying a composite media work having a group of related content elements feasible for alteration, wherein the related content elements form a constituent portion of the composite media work;

obtaining access to substitute altered content designated for collective replacement in a derivative version of the composite media work; and

implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content as a collective replacement of the constituent portion in the derivative version, pursuant to applicable alteration guidelines.

53. The computer program product of claim 52 further comprising:

signal-bearing storage media for encoding the instructions to execute the process.

54. The computer program product of claim 52 further comprising:

signal-bearing communication media for encoding the instructions to execute the process.

55. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process feature implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content in a derivative version includes:

implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content in a derivative version targeted for one or more of the following;

geographic area, demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, specified devices, group membership, subscriber, distribution channel, distribution time period, and media provider.

56. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process includes:

confirming compliance regarding one or more of the following type of limitations for the derivative version incorporating the substitute altered content;

distribution, media format, pre-approved alteration parameter, objectionable alteration, restricted alteration, and forbidden alteration.

57. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process feature implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content in a derivative version includes:

implementing incorporation of one or more of the following type of substitute altered content;

related set of designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, and same object in different settings.

58. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process feature implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content in a derivative version includes:

implementing incorporation of one or more of the following type of substitute altered content;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

59. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process feature implementing incorporation of the substitute altered content in a derivative version includes:

implementing incorporation of one or more of the following type of substitute altered content;

brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

65. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process includes:

maintaining a record of criteria applicable to one or more of the following type of alterable component elements;

music, setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals, food, product, brand, and dialogue.

66. The computer program product of claim 52, wherein said process includes:

maintaining a record of criteria that includes forbidding or restricting a substitute component element that includes one or more of following;

profanity, violence, murder, death, disfigurement, sexual behavior, nudity, ethnic slur, criminal activity, drug usage, illegal symbol, proprietary material, discriminatory depiction, defamation, slander, disparagement, dissenting material, specified behavior, specified object, specified item, specified depiction, and specified symbol.

60-64. -64. (canceled)