Watermarking to control video recording
First Claim
1. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:
- monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and
when the desired video program is identified, recording said incoming video;
wherein said watermark information is repeated throughout said program to thereby identify same, rather than just being encoded at selected points of potential interest therein.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Video programs are identified by watermark data subliminally conveyed within the picture data. By reference to such program identification data, video recording devices can automatically identify desired programs, and respond accordingly. For example, if a desired television program is originally scheduled to air at 5:00 p.m., but is delayed until 5:10 due to a sporting event that exceeded its broadcast slot, a video recorder equipped with the disclosed technology can sense the delayed start, commence recording at 5:10, and continue recording until the (delayed) end of the program. The program identification can also identify the program'"'"'s subject matter, allowing automated recording of programs that match a viewer'"'"'s profile.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:
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monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and when the desired video program is identified, recording said incoming video; wherein said watermark information is repeated throughout said program to thereby identify same, rather than just being encoded at selected points of potential interest therein. - View Dependent Claims (3)
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2. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:
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monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and when the desired video program is identified, recording said incoming video; the method further including terminating the recording of said incoming video after watermark information identifying the program is not detected for an interval.
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4. A consumer video appliance for recording a desired video program, comprising:
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a watermark detector for monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and a storage writer operative to record the desired video program when the watermark detector identifies the desired program; wherein said watermark information is repeated throughout said program to thereby identify same, rather than just being encoded at selected points of potential interest therein.
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5. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:
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at an expected commencement time of said video program, starting recording; monitoring an in-band video watermark in the video program being recorded; and if a video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is not sensed within an initial interval, discontinuing said recording. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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6. The method of claini 5 that includes:
after said discontinuation of said recording, continuing to monitor the in-band video watermark, and resuming said recording if a video watermark corresponding to the desired program is detected. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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9. A method of ending the recording of a desired video program, comprising:
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monitoring an in-band video watermark throughout the video program being recorded, said watermark being repeated throughout said program to thereby identify same, rather than just being present at selected points of potential interest therein; and at an expected termination time of said video program, stopping said recording, unless an in-band video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is sensed, indicating that the program is continuing beyond the expected termination time, in which case the recording is permitted to continue. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A method of ending the recording of a desired video program, comprising:
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monitoring an in-band video watermark in the video program being recorded; and ending said recording when an in-band video watermark corresponding to the desired video program is no longer detected.
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12. A method of operating a video recording device, comprising:
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storing data indicating one or more subjects of interest to a user; monitoring in-band video watermark data conveyed by incoming video; and recording incoming video determined to be of potential interest to the user by reference to the in-band video watermark data therein, and the stored data. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27)
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22. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:
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decoding video watermark information from picture data that forms part of the desired video program, to thereby identify the program; and when the desired video program is identified, recording said incoming video. - View Dependent Claims (31)
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23. A method of controlling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, comprising:
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detecting in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video; when watermark information corresponding to the desired program is first detected, commencing recording of said program; wherein encoded video watermark information identifying said program is present throughout said program, so that if watermark information conveyed at a start of the program is for some reason not detected, the program will nonetheless be recorded, commencing at whatever subsequent point in said program where said watermark information is first detected. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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24. A consumer video appliance for recording a desired video program, comprising:
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a watermark detector for monitoring in-band video watermark information from picture data that forms part of the desired video program, to thereby identify the program; and a storage writer operative to record the desired video program when the watermark detector identifies the desired program.
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25. A consumer video appliance for recording a desired video program, comprising:
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a watermark detector for monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; and a storage writer operative to record the desired video program when watermark information corresponding to the desired program is first detected; wherein encoded video watermark information identifying said program is present throughout said program, so that if watermark information conveyed at a start of the program is for some reason not detected, the program will nonetheless be recorded, commencing at whatever subsequent point in said program where said watermark information is first detected. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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26. A method of controling operation of a video recording device to record a desired video program, the desired video program having a nominal duration, known in advance, the method comprising:
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monitoring in-band video watermark information conveyed with incoming video to identify a program; when the desired video program is identified, recording said incoming video; and continuing said recording for said known duration, commencing once said desired video program has been identified, and ending after said known duration has elapsed. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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Specification