System for filtering content from videos
First Claim
1. A method for reducing the level of objectionable content in a video presented to a viewer wherein the video includes video and audio content, comprising:
- identifying objectionable words in the video using information that is embedded in the video in addition to the video and audio content of the video; and
substituting corresponding alternate words for each of the objectionable words as the video is presented to the viewer.
15 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system is provided for filtering out potentially objectionable content from a video. The system is preferably implemented with user equipment such as a set-top box, a dedicated stand-alone box, a videocassette recorder, or circuitry in other television equipment. Videos to be filtered have embedded information that identifies potentially objectionable substitution events. The system determines which substitution events are to be filtered out based on selectable ratings settings. If desired, filtered video images may be replaced with blank video images and filtered audio signals may by replaced with silence or a tone. Filtering may also be accomplished by disrupting the event to be filtered (e.g., by garbling the event). Filtering may involve making substitutions of audio or video information. For example, audio information in a substitution event may be replaced by appropriate audio segments. Video information in a substitution event may be replaced by a video still or by a video clip.
172 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for reducing the level of objectionable content in a video presented to a viewer wherein the video includes video and audio content, comprising:
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identifying objectionable words in the video using information that is embedded in the video in addition to the video and audio content of the video; and
substituting corresponding alternate words for each of the objectionable words as the video is presented to the viewer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
receiving the video with a set-top box;
using the set-top box to substitute the alternate words for the objectionable words; and
presenting the video to the viewer on a television connected to the set-top box.
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7. The method defined in claim 6 further comprising using the set-top box to receive the video from a broadcast television source.
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8. The method defined in claim 6 further comprising using the set-top box to receive the video from a cable television source.
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9. The method defined in claim 6 further comprising using the set-top box to receive the video from a satellite television source.
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10. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising:
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receiving the video with user equipment;
using the user equipment to substitute the alternate words for the objectionable words; and
presenting the video to the viewer on a monitor connected to the user equipment.
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11. The method defined in claim 1 wherein substituting comprises providing alternate words from a storage of words available for substitution.
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12. The method defined in claim 1 comprising using at least some muting in substituting.
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13. Apparatus for reducing the level of objectionable content in a video presented to a viewer wherein the video includes video and audio content, comprising control circuitry configured to:
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identify objectionable words in the video using information that is embedded in the video in addition to the video and audio content of the video; and
substitute corresponding less-objectionable words for each of the objectionable words as the video is presented to the viewer. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification