Methods for controlling rendering of images and video

• US 7,787,653 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2007
• Issued: 08/31/2010
• 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): SMITHERS, MATTHEW
• Application Number:
  US11/876,583
• Publication Number:
  US 20080134232A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,044 Days
• Field of Search: 380/51
• 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 rendering of video to particular audiences, e.g., children. For example, one claim recites a method including: obtaining video or image data, the video or image data comprising information steganographically hidden in data representing perceptual portions of the video or image data; analyzing the video or image data to obtain the hidden information, the information comprising data associated with suitability for viewing of the video or image data for a particular demographic; comparing the data to predetermined information; and based at least on said act of comparing, determining whether to render the video or image data for display. Of course, other claims are provided too.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

detecting digital watermarking integrated within a received video or image data, the received video or image data representing content for display, the digital watermarking being integrated through alterations to data representing the video or image data;

decoding the digital watermarking to obtain content classification information; and

controlling display or rendering of the video or image data in response to the content classification information obtained from the digital watermarking.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said act of controlling display or rendering of the video or image data includes comparing the content classification information with codes stored at a programmed device performing said method, the codes representing classes of video or image data which are not to be displayed or rendered.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising receiving user input representing a user selection of one or more codes to prevent display or rendering of video or image data.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the device cooperates with a television receiver or internet surfing software.

17. The method of claim 2 wherein said act of controlling display of the video or image data further includes preventing display or rendering of the video or image data in a viewable form in response to identifying a correspondence between the content classification information and one of the stored codes.

18. The method of claim 1 in which said act of detecting utilizes an electronic processor programmed as a digital watermarking detector.

19. A programmed computing device comprising instructions stored in memory, said instructions cause said programmed computing device to perform the method of claim 1.

20. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, said instructions cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 1.

5. A method comprising:

providing video or image data as an input to a controller in response to video or image data being transmitted to a data receiver from a data transmitter, the video or image data representing content for display, the video or image data having been encoded with a steganographic marking integrated within the video or image data through alterations to data representing the video or image data, the steganographic marking including a content classification for the video or image data;

decoding the steganographic marking from the video or image data to obtain the content classification;

comparing the content classification to stored classification information identifying classes of video or image data which are not to be displayed; and

providing the video or image data for display in accordance with a result of said act of comparing.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein said act of providing the video or image data for display in accordance with a result of said act of comparing prevents display of the video or image data.

21. The method of claim 5 in which said act of decoding utilizes an electronic processor programmed as a steganographic marking decoder.

22. A programmed computing device comprising instructions stored in memory, said instructions cause said programmed computing device to perform the method of claim 5.

23. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, said instructions cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 5.

7. A method of encoding video or image material with content appropriateness information comprising:

obtaining an appropriateness indication for video or image material;

encoding steganographic information within one or more picture elements of the video or image material by altering data representing the one or more picture elements, the information representing the appropriateness indication,

the information being for use by a video or image display device including a detector or reader to obtain the information encoded within the video or image material, the device further including a controller to control display or rendering of the video or image material in response to the obtained appropriateness information.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the information comprises an appropriateness for children indication.

9. A method comprising:

obtaining video or image data, the video or image data comprising information steganographically hidden in data representing perceptual portions of the video or image data;

analyzing the video or image data to obtain the hidden information, the information comprising data associated with suitability for viewing of the video or image data for a particular demographic;

comparing the data to predetermined information;

based at least on said act of comparing, determining whether to render the video or image data for display.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the predetermined information comprises user preferences.

11. The method of claim 9 where said act of analyzing the video or image data comprises error correction of the information.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said data comprises multi-bit information.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the predetermined information is stored locally with respect to a television receiver, said method being carried out locally with respect to said television receiver.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein said act of determining determines whether to render the video or image data for display on a television or via internet surfing software.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein the demographic comprises children.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein the hidden information comprises one or more control flags.

24. The method of claim 9 in which said act of analyzing utilizes an electronic processor that is programmed to obtain the hidden information.

25. A programmed computing device comprising instructions stored in memory, said instructions cause said programmed computing device to perform the method of claim 9.

26. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, said instructions cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 9.

27. An apparatus comprising:

electronic memory for buffering video or image data, the video or image data comprising information steganographically hidden in data representing perceptual portions of the video or image data; and

an electronic processor programmed for;

analyzing the video or image data to obtain the hidden information, the information comprising data associated with suitability for viewing of the video or image data for a particular demographic;

comparing the data to predetermined information;

based at least on said comparing, determining whether to render the video or image data for display.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the predetermined information comprises user preferences.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 in which said analyzing the video or image data comprises error correction of the information.

30. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the data comprises multi-bit information.

31. A television receiver comprising the apparatus of claim 27, in which the predetermined information is stored locally with respect to the television receiver.

32. The apparatus of claim 27 in which said determining determines whether to render the video or image data for display on a television or via internet software.

33. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the demographic comprises children.

34. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the hidden information comprises one or more control flags.

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

36. A method comprising:

obtaining data representing video picture elements or representing audible elements that are associated with the video picture elements, the data comprising information steganographically hidden therein;

using at least a programmed electronic processor, analyzing the data to obtain the information, the information comprising data associated with suitability for viewing of the video picture elements by a particular audience;

comparing the information to predetermined information, in which the predetermined information corresponds to user preferences; and

based at least on said act of comparing, determining whether to allow rendering or display of the video picture elements.

37. The method of claim 36 in which the predetermined information is stored locally with respect to a television receiver, and said method is carried out locally with respect to said television receiver.

38. The method of claim 36 in which said act of determining determines whether to allow rendering or display of the video picture elements via a television or via internet software.

39. The method of claim 36 in which the particular audience comprises children.

40. A programmed computing device comprising instructions stored in memory, said instructions cause said programmed computing device to perform the method of claim 36.

41. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, said instructions cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 36.

42. A programmed computing device comprising instructions stored in memory, said instructions cause said programmed computing device to perform the method of claim 38.

43. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, said instructions cause an electronic processor to perform the method of claim 38.

44. An apparatus comprising:

electronic memory for buffering data representing video picture elements or representing audible elements that are associated with the video picture elements, the data comprising information steganographically hidden therein;

an electronic processor programmed for;

analyzing the data to obtain the information, the information comprising data associated with suitability for viewing of the video picture elements by a particular audience; and

comparing the information to predetermined information, in which the predetermined information corresponds to user preferences; and

based at least on said comparing, determining whether to allow rendering or display of the video picture elements.

45. A television receiver including the apparatus of claim 44 in which the predetermined information is stored locally with respect to a television receiver.

46. The apparatus of claim 44 in which said determining determines whether to allow rendering or display of the video picture elements via a television or via internet software.

47. The apparatus of claim 44 in which the particular audience comprises children.

48. The apparatus of claim 44 in which the electronic processor is operating to perform at least one of the functions recited therein.

49. The apparatus of claim 46 in which the electronic processor is operating to perform at least one of the functions recited therein.