Controlling use of audio or image content

• US 7,650,009 B2
• Filed: 05/07/2008
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Original Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
• Inventors: Rhoads, Geoffrey B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Couso; Jose L
• Application Number:
  US12/116,645
• Publication Number:
  US 20080273747A1
• Time in Patent Office: 622 Days
• Field of Search: 382/100, 382/232, 382/306, 235/494, 356/71, 340/5.6, 340/5.86, 348/460, 358/3.28, 380/42, 380/51, 380/54, 380/200, 380232-234, 380/247, 380/255, 380275-285, 705/44, 705/58, 704/273, 707/9, 707/101, 713/168
• US Class Current: 382/100
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06037 multi-dimensional coding
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06046 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/14 the marking being sensed by radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 2019/06253 for a specific application
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1417 2D bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1447 extracting optical codes from image or text carrying said optical code
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/306 using TV related infrastructures external card used for payment with client device H04N21/4185
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40145 Biometric identity checks
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0028 Adaptive watermarking, e.g. Human Visual System [HVS]-based watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/005 Robust watermarking, e.g. average attack or collusion attack resistant
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0057 Compression invariant watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0064 Geometric transfor invariant watermarking, e.g. affine transform invariant
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0064 for copy protection or copy management, e.g. CGMS, copy only once, one-time copy
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0065 Extraction of an embedded watermark; Reliable detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2201/0083 whereby only watermarked image required at decoder, e.g. source-based, blind, oblivious
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 30/40 Document-oriented image-based pattern recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/0034 using watermarks
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/004 using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/086 by passive credit-cards adapted therefor, e.g. constructive particularities to avoid counterfeiting, e.g. by inclusion of a physical or chemical security-layer for security documents G07D7/00; for the reading of record-carriers in general G06K7/00; for the design of coded credit-cards G06K19/10
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 : Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 19/018 : Audio watermarking, i.e. embedding inaudible data in the audio signal
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00891 : embedded in audio data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00005 : relating to image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00037 : Detecting, i.e. determining the occurrence of a predetermined state H04N1/00031 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00079 : remotely
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32122 : in a separate device, e.g. in a memory or on a display separate from image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32144 : embedded in the image data, i.e. enclosed or integrated in the image, e.g. watermark, super-imposed logo or stamp
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32149 : Methods relating to embedding, encoding, decoding, detection or retrieval operations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32154 : Transform domain methods H04N1/32309 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/3216 : using Fourier transforms
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32203 : Spatial or amplitude domain methods H04N1/32309 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32208 : involving changing the magnitude of selected pixels, e.g. overlay of information or super-imposition H04N1/32219, H04N1/32224 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32229 : with selective or adaptive application of the additional information, e.g. in selected regions of the image H04N1/32213 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32288 : Multiple embedding, e.g. cocktail embedding, or redundant embedding, e.g. repeating the additional information at a plurality of locations in the image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32299 : using more than one embedding method
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32352 : Controlling detectability or arrangements to facilitate detection or retrieval of the embedded information, e.g. using markers for decoding, detection or retrieval operations H04N1/32149 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/34 : for coin-freed systems ; Pay systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2347 : involving video stream encryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23892 : involving embedding information at multiplex stream level, e.g. embedding a watermark at packet level
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/26613 : for generating or managing keys in general key distribution for secret or secure communication involving central third party, e.g. key distribution center [KDC] or trusted third party [TTP] H04L9/083; network support of key management H04L63/06; key management for network security in communication control or processing H04W12/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 : involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44204 : Monitoring of content usage, e.g. the number of times a movie has been viewed, copied or the amount which has been watched monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; protecting generic digital content where the protection is independent of the precise nature of the content G06F21/10; arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services in broadcast systems H04H60/31
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44236 : Monitoring of piracy processes or activities protecting computer platforms against harmful, malicious or unexpected behaviour or activities using intrusion detection and counter measures G06F21/566; computer virus detection and handling G06F21/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8358 : involving watermark protecting executable software by watermarking G06F21/16; image watermarking in general G06T1/0021; watermarks inserted in still images for transmission purposes H04N1/32144; inserting watermarks during video coding H04N19/467
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3205 : of identification information, e.g. name or ID code H04N2201/3209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3207 : of an address
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3225 : of data relating to an image, a page or a document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3226 : of identification information or the like, e.g. ID code, index, title, part of an image, reduced-size image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/323 : for tracing or tracking, e.g. forensic tracing of unauthorized copies
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3233 : of authentication information, e.g. digital signature, watermark
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3242 : of processing required or performed, e.g. for reproduction or before recording H04N2201/3256 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3246 : of data relating to permitted access or usage, e.g. level of access or usage parameters for digital rights management [DRM] related to still images
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3249 : data relating to a linked page or object, e.g. hyperlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/327 : which are undetectable to the naked eye, e.g. embedded codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3271 : Printing or stamping
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3274 : Storage or retrieval of prestored additional information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/328 : Processing of the additional information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3284 : for error correction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/1675 : Providing digital key or authorisation information for generation or regeneration of the scrambling sequence pseudo-random number generators in general G06F7/58

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to controlling use of audio or image content (e.g., which may comprise video). In one claim, a method is provided including: receiving information, the information having been obtained from analyzing data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive the information there from, accessing a database with the information to obtain permitted usage rights for audio or image content associated with the data; and providing the information to a remote device to allow control of the audio or image content in accordance with the permitted usage rights. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.

Claims

1. A method of controlling audio or image content comprising:

receiving data representing audio elements or image picture elements;

utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing the data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive information there from,

accessing a database or electronic memory with the information to obtain permitted usage rights for audio or image content associated with the data;

providing the information to a device or electronic processor to allow control of the audio or image content in accordance with the permitted usage rights.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the image content comprises video.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said act of analyzing the data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive information there from comprises decoding steganographically hidden information.

4. A computer readable medium comprising instructions to cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 1.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the usage rights comprise license information.

35. A programmed computing device storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed computing device to perform the acts of claim 1.

6. A method of controlling audio or image content comprising:

receiving information, the information having been obtained from analyzing data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive the information there from,

utilizing a programmed electronic processor, accessing a database with the information to obtain permitted usage rights for audio or image content associated with the data;

providing the information to a remote device to allow control of the audio or image content in accordance with the permitted usage rights.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the image content comprises video.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein analyzing the data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive information there from comprises decoding steganographically hidden information.

9. A computer readable medium comprising instructions to cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 6.

36. A programmed computing device storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed computing device to perform the acts of claim 6.

10. A method of controlling audio or image content comprising:

receiving data representing audio elements or image picture elements;

utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing the data to derive information therefrom;

communicating the information to an on-line or remotely located resource that includes usage rights pertaining to audio or image content that is associated with the data;

obtaining the usage rights from the on-line or remotely located resource; and

controlling the audio or image content in accordance with the usage rights.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the image content comprises video.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein analyzing the data to derive information from the audio elements or image picture elements comprises decoding the information from steganographic encoding.

13. A computer readable medium comprising instructions to cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 10.

37. A programmed computing device storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed computing device to perform the acts of claim 10.

14. A method comprising:

receiving an identifier from an electronic processor programmed as a content processor, the content processor derives the identifier from sample values representing an audio or image media object;

providing the identifier to a remote database via the internet;

receiving from the database a profile of a proprietor of the media object, the profile including the proprietor'"'"'s name and contact information.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the content processor comprises a digital watermark decoder.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the content processor derives the identifier using at least pattern matching.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the database allows a proprietor to change information within its profile.

18. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein to cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 14.

38. A programmed computing device storing instructions in memory, said instructions are executable by said programmed computing device to perform the acts of claim 14.

19. An apparatus comprising:

a content processor to derive an identifier from sample values representing an audio or image media object;

an output to communicate the identifier to a remote database via the internet; and

an input to receive from the database a profile of a proprietor of the media object, the profile including the proprietor'"'"'s name and contact information.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the content processor comprises a digital watermark decoder.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the content processor derives the identifier using at least pattern matching.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the database allows a proprietor to change information within its profile.

23. An apparatus comprising:

electronic memory for buffering data representing audio elements or image picture elements;

an electronic processor programmed for;

analyzing buffered data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive information therefrom,

accessing a database or electronic memory with the information to obtain permitted usage rights for audio or image content associated with the data; and

providing the information to a device or electronic processor to allow control of the audio or image content in accordance with the permitted usage rights.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 in which the image picture elements correspond to video.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 in which said analyzing the data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive information therefrom comprises decoding steganographically hidden information.

26. The apparatus of claim 23 in which said electronic processor is operating to perform at least one of the functions recited therein.

27. An apparatus comprising:

electronic memory for buffering information, the information having been obtained from analyzing data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive the information therefrom,

an electronic processor programmed for;

accessing a database with the information to obtain permitted usage rights for audio or image content associated with the data; and

providing the information to a device or programmed electronic processor to allow control of the audio or image content in accordance with the permitted usage rights.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the image picture elements correspond to video.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the analyzing of the data representing audio elements or image picture elements to derive information therefrom comprises decoding steganographically hidden information.

30. The apparatus of claim 27 in which said electronic processor is operating to perform at least one of the functions recited therein.

31. An apparatus comprising:

electronic memory for storing data representing audio elements or image picture elements;

an electronic processor programmed for;

analyzing the data to derive information therefrom;

communicating the information to an on-line or remotely located resource that includes usage rights pertaining to audio or image content that is associated with the data;

obtaining the usage rights from the on-line or remotely located resource; and

controlling the audio or image content in accordance with the usage rights.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the image picture elements correspond to video.

33. The apparatus of claim 31 in which the analyzing of the data to derive information from the audio elements or image picture elements comprises decoding the information from steganographic encoding.

34. The apparatus of claim 31 in which said electronic processor is operating to perform at least one of the functions recited therein.