SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALTERING IMAGES IN A DIGITAL VIDEO

• US 20110170772A1
• Filed: 01/08/2010
• Published: 07/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fatehali T. Dharssi
• Original Assignee: Fatehali T. Dharssi
• Inventors: Dharssi, Fatehali T.
• Granted Patent: US 9,712,852 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/165
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0276 Advertisement creation
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23418 involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics television picture signal circuitry for scene change detection H04N5/147; filtering for image enhancement G06T5/00; methods or arrangements for recognising scenes G06V20/00; arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition of video in broadcast systems H04H60/59
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/234318 by decomposing into objects, e.g. MPEG-4 objects

Abstract

A method of altering a distinctive image within a digital video file is provided, wherein data representing a set of images in the file is selected. The data is then scanned for a pixel having a color associated with the distinctive image. Then additional pixels having the color are located in a plurality of directions relative to the first pixel. A shape is determined based on the location of pixels, and the shape compared to the distinctive image so that a probability can be determined as to whether the shape represents the distinctive image. If the probability exceeds a confidence level, then the distinctive image is altered.

Claims

1. A method of altering a distinctive image within a digital video file, comprising:

a) selecting data representing a set of images within the digital video file;

b) scanning said data for a first pixel having a color associated with the distinctive image;

c) searching for additional pixels having said color in a plurality of directions relative to said first pixel;

d) determining a shape associated with said additional pixels of said color;

e) determining if a plurality of pixels in a relative position to said shape have a color conforming to the distinctive image;

f) calculating a probability that said image is present in said data; and

g) if said probability exceeds a confidence level, altering said distinctive image;

h) repeating steps a) through g) on following data representing subsequent images until said calculated probability does not exceed said confidence level.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the distinctive image is altered by substituting a second distinctive image.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the distinctive image is a trade-mark.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the method further comprises:

g.2) determining an image of a product associated with said trade-mark.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said image of said product is altered.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said image of said product is altered by substitution for a second image of a second product.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein said image of said product is altered by addition of data representing an image of a related product to said data representing a frame.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein said image is altered by removal of said image of said product from said data.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said digital video file is streaming video.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said steps are carried out by a computer displaying the digital video file.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said steps are carried out by a server storing said digital video file.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said steps are carried out by a computer receiving said digital video file from a server and transmitting said digital video file to a second computer.

13. The method of claim 2 wherein said second image is substituted based on the geographical location of said computer requesting said digital video file.

14. The method of claim 2 wherein said second image is substituted based on compensation paid to a provider of said digital video file.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said distinctive image is used to determine a context associated with said digital video file.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein said method is carried out by a software program product.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein said alteration is based on a history of purchase behavior of a user.

18. A system for altering an image of a product within a digital video file, comprising:

a) a first computer requesting the digital video file from a second computer over a network;

b) at least one of said first or second computers configured to;

i) select data representing a set of images within the digital video file;

ii) scan said data for a first pixel having a color associated with an image;

iii) search for additional pixels having said color in a plurality of directions relative to said first pixel;

iv) determine a shape associated with said additional pixels of said color;

v) determine if a plurality of pixels in a relative position to said shape have a color conforming to said image of a product;

vi) calculate a probability that said image is present in said data; and

vii) if said probability exceeds a confidence level, alter said image of a product;

viii) repeat steps a) through g) on data representing following images until said calculated probability does not exceed said confidence level.

19. A method of altering a distinctive image, comprising:

a) receiving a digital video file playable at a computer;

b) locating a distinctive image within said digital video file;

c) altering said distinctive image to an image having a greater value.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said distinctive image is altered to substitute a first trade-mark within said distinctive image with a second trade-mark.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein said distinctive image is altered to add an image of a product to said distinctive image.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein a coupon is provided with said digital video file.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said coupon is selected based on a location of said computer.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said location is determined by a GPS system associated with said computer.

25. A method of determining a context of a distinctive image within a digital video file, comprising:

a) locating said first distinctive image within said digital video file;

b) locating a second distinctive image within said digital video file;

c) using said first and second distinctive images to determine a context of said frame.