Authorization for media content alteration

• US 20080244755A1
• Filed: 06/26/2007
• Published: 10/02/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Cohen, Alexander J., Mangione-Smith, William Henry, Tegreene, Clarence T., Lord, Robert W., Jung, Edward K.Y., Levien, Royce A., Malamud, Mark A., Rinaldo, John D.
• Application Number:
  US11/823,473
• Publication Number:
  US 20080244755A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/27
• 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 21/440245 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 21/8355 involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/84 Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors systems specially adapted for using meta-information in broadcast systems H04H60/73
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/854 Content authoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal

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 authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. Some embodiment implementations may include a derivative version of the media work wherein substitute content, such as an alterable component element having one or more designated aspects, is associated with a real-world entity or person.

Claims

1. A content substitution method for media works, comprising:

confirming that a composite media work is capable of incorporating altered content, wherein the composite media work includes one or more identifiable component elements having a designated aspect associated with a real-world person or real-world entity; and

maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of such identifiable component element or such designated aspect.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

maintaining an additional record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substituted content, wherein the substituted content includes a substitute component element or a substitute designated aspect incorporated as a content alteration in the composite media work.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of derivative versions of the composite media work;

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.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of media content formats of the composite media work;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, data compression, and streaming format.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of distribution channels for the composite media work;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, Internet, network, television, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, shared, streamed, concurrent, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, and on-demand.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of primary authorization rights;

contractual, proprietary, copyright, patent, trademark, exclusive, non-exclusive, license, consent, governmental, judicial, third party restriction, transfer, exchange, conditional, and jurisdictional.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of person or entity having primary authorization rights;

creator, writer, editor, animator, producer, composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor, sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity, programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual group member.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world entity.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining authorization data applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing content associated with the real-world entity.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to content alteration of 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, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to content alteration of 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, and avatar.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to content alteration of 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.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or more designated aspects associated with the 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.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining specified authorization data regarding possible content alteration of one or more designated aspects in response to a relevant communication from the real-world entity.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world person.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said maintaining particular authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing content associated with the real-world person.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said maintaining particular authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the particular authorization data regarding content alteration of one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, 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.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said maintaining particular authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the particular authorization data regarding content alteration of one or more designated aspects in the event the real-world person has died or retired or otherwise changed status.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein said maintaining particular authorization data applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the particular authorization data regarding content alteration of one or more designated aspects in response to a relevant communication from the real-world person.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes

maintaining authorization data regarding content alteration for one or more of the following specified portions of content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person:

frame, scene, setting, building, house, office, store, room, vehicle, car, boat, train, plane, street, town, and country.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining authorization data regarding content alteration for one or more of the following specified portions of content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person;

landscape, vegetation, packaging, labeling, arrangement, item display, items depicted, signage, informational sign, directional sign, seasonal setting, temporal setting, light intensity, directional lighting, shadow, character statement, and compass orientation.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

identifying a person or group or entity required to approve alteration of the one or more component elements or alteration of the designated aspect.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

providing one or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization rights;

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

24. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining a record of specified primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of content;

a particular person or character portrayed in the composite media work;

a particular actor or actress, a particular depicted object or item, and a particular category of depicted products.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights regarding content alteration of one or more of the following specified portions of content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, and credits.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to one or more of the following targeted categories for the composite media work;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, and demographic distribution.

30. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to one or more of the following type of component elements;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, and animation.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining an accessible record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to content alteration of one or more of the following;

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 1 further comprising:

providing a record of informational data with respect to pending content alterations awaiting consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization rights.

33. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing a record of informational data with respect to approved content alterations of the composite media work.

25-27. -27. (canceled)

34. A computer program product comprising signal-bearing media having one or more computer programs with instructions for executing the following process:

providing access to informational data regarding a designated composite media work capable of incorporating altered content;

facilitating identification of one or more component elements incorporated in the designated composite media work, wherein such component element includes a designated aspect associated with a real-world entity or real-world person; and

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of the component element or the designated aspect.

35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights for addition or deletion or modification or replacement of an alterable component element or a designated aspect which are associated with a real-world entity.

36. The computer program product of claim 35, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to alteration of one or more of the following type of content 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, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

37. The computer program product of claim 35, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to alteration of one or more of the following type of content 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, and avatar.

38. The computer program product of claim 35, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to alteration of one or more of the following type of content 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.

39. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights for addition or deletion or modification or replacement of an alterable component element or a designated aspect which are associated with a real-world person.

40. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining the particular authorization data regarding alteration of one or more of the following type of content associated with the real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, 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.

41. The computer program product of claim 39, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining the particular authorization regarding content alteration of one or more designated aspects in the event the real-world person has died or retired or otherwise changed status.

42. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of possible content alteration;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, and animation.

45. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights that identifies one or more of the following type of targeted categories for a derivative version of the composite media work wherein the derivative version includes capability for incorporating substituted content;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, recipient group, targeted device, time period, and demographic distribution.

46. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of derivative versions of the composite media work capable of incorporating substitute content;

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.

47. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of media content formats of the composite media work capable of incorporating substitute content;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, data compression, and streaming format.

48. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following type of distribution channels for the composite media work capable of incorporating substitute content;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, Internet, network, television, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, shared, streamed, concurrent, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, and on-demand.

49. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of primary authorization rights;

contractual, proprietary, copyright, patent, trademark, exclusive, non-exclusive, license, consent, governmental, judicial, third party restriction, transfer, exchange, conditional, and jurisdictional.

50. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of person or entity having primary authorization rights;

creator, writer, editor, animator, producer, composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor, sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity, programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual group member.

51. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process further includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization rights;

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

52. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following;

particular person or character portrayed in the composite media work;

particular actor of actress appearing in the composite work;

particular object or item depicted in the composite media work;

particular category of products depicted in the composite media work.

53. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights regarding alteration of one or more of the following type of content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, and credits.

54. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to one or more of the following targeted categories for the composite media work;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, and demographic distribution.

55. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining an additional record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute content for the designated composite media work.

56. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein said signal-bearing media further comprises:

signal-bearing storage media or communication media for encoding the instructions for executing the process.

43-44. -44. (canceled)

57. (canceled)

58. A system for media content alteration, comprising:

a data record that includes authorization rights regarding possible content alteration of at least one alterable component element of a composite media work, wherein the alterable component element includes one or more designated aspects associated with a real-world entity or real-world person;

a listing of alterable content subject to the authorization rights;

computerized apparatus operably coupled to the data record and to the listing; and

an access interface to the computerized apparatus.

62. The system of claim 58 wherein said data record further includes:

a data record that includes authorization rights regarding possible content alteration of one or more of the following type of content associated with a 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, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

63. The system of claim 58 wherein said data record further includes:

a data record that includes authorization rights regarding possible content alteration of one or more of the following type of content associated with a real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, 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.

67. The system of claim 58 wherein the computerized apparatus includes:

a management module to coordinate compliance with the authorization rights.

68. The system of claim 58 further comprising:

an additional data record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute content for the composite media work.

70. The system of claim 58 further comprising:

an additional data record identifying a person or group or entity that is an owner of the primary authorization rights.

71. The system of claim 58 further comprising:

an additional data record identifying one or more of the following type of person or entity having primary authorization rights;

creator, writer, editor, animator, producer, composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor, sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity, programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual group member.

59-61. -61. (canceled)

64-66. -66. (canceled)

69. (canceled)