Dynamic Customization and Monetization of Audio-Visual Content

• US 20140068661A1
• Filed: 08/31/2012
• Published: 03/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Elwha LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: John D. Rinaldo Jr, Lowell L. Wood Jr, William H. Gates
• Inventors: Gates, William H. III, Gerrity, Daniel A., Holman, Paul, Hyde, Roderick A., Jung, Edward K.Y., Kare, Jordin T., Levien, Royce A., Lord, Richard T., Lord, Robert W., Malamud, Mark A., Myhrvold, Nathan P., Rinaldo, John D. Jr., Rosema, Keith D., Tegreene, Clarence T., Wood, Lowell L. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 10,455,284 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2668 Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. insertion of targeted commercials based on end-user profiles information retrieval from the Internet by querying with filtering and personalisation G06F16/9535; arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast H04H20/10; push services over packet-switching network H04L12/1859; adaptation of message content in packet-switching networks H04L51/063
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44016 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for substituting a video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/441 Acquiring end-user identification , e.g. using personal code sent by the remote control or by inserting a card
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44218 Detecting physical presence or behaviour of the user, e.g. using sensors to detect if the user is leaving the room or changes his face expression during a TV program methods or arrangements for recognising human body or animal bodies or body parts G06V40/10; methods or arrangements for acquiring or recognising human faces, facial parts, facial sketches, facial expressions G06V40/16; methods or arrangements for recognising movements or behaviour G06V40/20; arrangements for identifying users in broadcast systems H04H60/45
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44226 on social networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4524 involving the geographical location of the client retrieval from the Internet by querying based on geographical locations G06F16/9537; systems specially adapted for using geographical information in broadcast systems H04H60/70; protocols in which the network application is adapted for the location of the user terminal in communication control or processing H04L67/52; services making use of the location of users or terminals in wireless networks H04W4/02; locating users or terminals in wireless networks H04W64/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4542 Blocking scenes or portions of the received content, e.g. censoring scenes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/458 Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules ; time-related management operations arrangements for replacing or switching information during the broadcast or during the distribution H04H20/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6582 Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number arrangements where receivers interact with the broadcast H04H20/38

Abstract

Systems and methods for dynamic customization of audio-visual content are described. In some implementations, a process may include receiving at least one audio-visual core portion, receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference, modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content, outputting the dynamically-customized audio-visual content; and receiving a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.

Claims

1. A method of providing audio-visual content, comprising:

receiving at least one audio-visual core portion;

receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference;

modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content;

outputting the dynamically-customized audio-visual content; and

receiving a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

sensing one or more viewers present within a viewing area; and

determining at least one selection signal based on the one or more viewers sensed within the viewing area.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one supplemental signal from an electronic device associated with a viewer; and

determining at least one selection signal based on the at least one supplemental signal.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

scanning an electronic device associated with a viewer; and

determining at least one selection signal based on the scanning.

35. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least two selection signals; and

between at least two conflicting selection signals, determining which signal to apply based on one or more rules.

40. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing at least one actor of the audio-visual core portion with at least one replacement actor.

41. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing one or more of a facial appearance, a voice, a body appearance, or an apparel with a corresponding one or more of a replacement facial appearance, a replacement voice, a replacement body appearance, or a replacement apparel.

42. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing at least one consumer product depicted in the audio-visual core portion with at least one replacement consumer product.

48. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing at least one of a setting aspect, an environmental aspect, or a background aspect of the audio-visual core portion with a corresponding at least one of a replacement setting aspect, a replacement environmental aspect, or a replacement background aspect.

56. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing at least one name brand depicted in the audio-visual core portion with at least one replacement name brand.

57. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing at least one trade dress depicted in the audio-visual core portion with at least one replacement trade dress.

68. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing one or more audible portions with one or more replacement audible portions; and

modifying one or more body movements corresponding to the one or more audible portions with one or more replacement body movements corresponding to the one or more replacement audible portions.

78. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving a selection signal indicative of a geographic location of at least one viewer;

and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

at least one of replacing a portion considered inappropriate with respect to the geographic location of the at least one viewer with a replacement portion considered appropriate with respect to the geographic location of the at least one viewer, or omitting the inappropriate portion.

79. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving a selection signal indicative of a cultural identity of at least one viewer;

and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

at least one of replacing at least a portion of content inappropriate for the cultural identity of the at least one viewer with an appropriate portion of content, or omitting the inappropriate portion.

102. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

rendering a supplemental video stream;

blocking a portion of the audio-visual core portion;

combining the supplemental video stream with at least an unblocked portion of the audio-visual core portion; and

using an area outside a letterboxed portion to display a supplemental content.

114. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

determining a plurality of pixels of at least one digital image that are to be adjusted based on at least a portion of a speaker changing from speaking a first dialogue portion to a second dialogue portion; and

altering one or more light intensities of at least some of the plurality of pixels to adjust the at least one digital image to depict the at least a portion of the speaker speaking the second dialogue portion.

118. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises:

replacing a portion of the audio-visual core portion with a replacement audio-visual portion based on a selection of at least one of an alternative story line or an alternative plot, the selection being at least partially based on the at least one selection signal.

149. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving an input from a viewer indicative of a desired setting selected from at least one sliding scale of at least one viewing aspect.

151. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

monitoring at least one characteristic of at least one viewer; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

automatically adjusting at least one customization aspect in response to the at least one characteristic of the at least one viewer.

153. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

sensing at least one characteristic of at least one viewer; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

automatically changing a viewing profile associated with the viewer in response to the sensed at least one characteristic of the at least one viewer.

154. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

monitoring a viewing area into which a dynamically-customized audio-visual content is to be displayed; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

automatically adjusting at least one customization aspect in response to a change in at least one characteristic of the viewing area.

155. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

sensing a change in a number of viewers in a viewing area into which a dynamically-customized audio-visual content is to be displayed; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

automatically adjusting at least one customization aspect in response to a change in the number of viewers in the viewing area.

159. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative of one or more other viewer reactions to a portion of audio-visual content; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

adjusting at least one customization aspect in response to the at least one input indicative of one or more other viewer reactions.

160. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative of one or more other parent reactions to a portion of audio-visual content; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

modifying a portion of audio-visual content in response to the at least one input indicative of one or more other parent reactions.

161. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative of a viewing history of at least one viewer within a viewing area into which a dynamically customized audio-visual content is to be displayed; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

modifying a portion of audio-visual content in response to the at least one input indicative of a viewing history.

165. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative that at least one viewer has not viewed one or more prerequisite content portions; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

supplementing at least a portion of audio-visual content with at least some of the one or more prerequisite content portions in response to the at least one input.

166. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative of one or more preferences of at least one viewer based on previous viewing behavior; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

automatically adjusting a plot direction of at least a portion of audio-visual content in response to the at least one input.

167. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative of a preferred point of view of at least one viewer; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

adjusting the point of view of at least a portion of the audio-visual core portion in response to the at least one input.

172. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving from a non-private source of information at least one input indicative of a preference of at least one viewer; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

adjusting at least a portion of the audio-visual core portion in response to the at least one input.

173. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference comprises:

receiving at least one input indicative of a time period available for viewing for at least one viewer; and

wherein modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content comprises;

adjusting at least one a portion of the audio-visual core portion to fit the at least one time period available for viewing.

177. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content comprises:

receiving at least a portion of a consideration based at least partially on at least one of receiving at least one input indicative of a time period available for viewing for at least one viewer, or adjusting at least one a portion of the audio-visual core portion to fit the at least one time period available for viewing.

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182. A system for providing audio-visual content, comprising:

means for receiving at least one audio-visual core portion;

means for receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference;

means for modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content;

means for outputting the dynamically-customized audio-visual content; and

means for receiving a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.

183-362. -362. (canceled)

363. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media bearing instructions that, when executed, perform a method of providing audio-visual content, the method comprising:

receiving at least one audio-visual core portion;

receiving at least one selection signal indicative of a viewer preference;

modifying the audio-visual core portion with at least one revised content portion in accordance with the at least one selection signal to create a dynamically customized audio-visual content;

outputting the dynamically-customized audio-visual content; and

receiving a consideration for the dynamically-customized audio-visual content.

364. (canceled)