Implementation of media content alteration

• US 9,215,512 B2
• Filed: 06/06/2011
• Issued: 12/15/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Jung, Edward K. Y., Lord, Robert W., Levien, Royce A., Mangione-Smith, William H., Malamud, Mark A., Rinaldo, Jr., John D., Tegreene, Clarence T., Cohen, Alexander J.
• Primary Examiner(s): FLYNN, RANDY A
• Application Number:
  US13/134,389
• Publication Number:
  US 20120090000A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,653 Days
• Field of Search: 725/28, 725/32, 725 34- 36
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed

Abstract

A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Various techniques may be used to incorporate substitute altered content in a derivative version of the media work in accordance with applicable substitution guidelines.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

circuitry for identifying at least one media asset, the at least one media asset having one or more component elements feasible for alteration;

circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for determining at least one person associated with the one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for sending at least one request for authorization to the determined at least one person, the at least one request related to the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for receiving at least one authorization related to at least one determined restricted component element of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset; and

circuitry for implementing, in the at least one derivative version, at least one modification of at least one determined restricted component element based at least partially on at least some obtained substitute content.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

circuitry for determining that the at least some substitute content is in compliance with at least some applicable modification guidelines that include at least alteration criteria and primary and secondary authorization rights regarding one or more types of alteration of the one or more component elements, the one or more types of alteration including at least addition, modification, or replacement.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising:

circuitry for utilizing one or more of the following types of approval techniques to make a determination that the at least some substitute content is in compliance with the at least some applicable modification guidelines including at least one of;

programmed, pre-authorization, derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute content rating, or aggregate content rating.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

circuitry for concurring with a determination that the at least some substitute content is in compliance with one or more of the following types of pre-approved alteration parameters;

substitute component element, substitute designated aspect, alternate media format, or alternate distribution channel.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

circuitry for making a determination that the at least some substitute content is in compliance with one or more of the following types of applicable modification guidelines including at least primary and secondary authorization rights;

automatic, contingent, negotiable, tentative, recommended, required, or compensation.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

circuitry for utilizing one or more of the following types of approval techniques to make a determination that the at least some substitute content is in compliance with certain primary and secondary authorization rights;

programmed, pre-authorization, derivative version review, substitute content review, alteration review, summary characterization, substitute content rating, or aggregate content rating.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for implementing, in the at least one derivative version, at least one modification of at least one determined restricted component element based at least partially on at least some substitute content comprises:

circuitry for implementing incorporation of the at least some substitute content based on at least one determination that the one or more restricted component elements were previously associated with at least one stated real-world entity having one or more of the following characteristics;

lost, dissolved, bankrupt, insolvent, defunct, non-operative, disqualified, in default of obligation, defective right, relinquished right, faulty claim, non-renewal of prerogative, or expired authorization.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for implementing, in the at least one derivative version, at least one modification of at least one determined restricted component element based at least partially on at least some substitute content comprises:

circuitry for implementing incorporation of the at least some substitute content based on at least one determination that the one or more restricted component elements were previously associated with at least one stated real-world person who has died or retired or otherwise changed status.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for implementing, in the at least one derivative version, at least one modification of at least one determined restricted component element based at least partially on at least some substitute content comprises:

circuitry for implementing incorporation of the at least some substitute content in response to at least one relevant communication received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more restricted component elements, the one or more restricted component elements including at least one of images or dialogue of the at least one stated real-world person.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some specified substitute content for incorporation in one or more of the following types of derivative versions;

original, derived, archived, stored, master, edited, combined, mixed, merged, integrated, dubbed, captioned, subtitled, expurgated, uncut, preview, pre-release, final, special edition, animated, translated, targeted, restricted access, promotional, sponsored, subsidized, contracted release, or specified purpose.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version having one or more of the following types of media formats;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, upgraded, downgraded, video snippet, digitized vignette, data compression, or data decompression.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version targeted for one or more of the following types of distribution arrangements;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, commercial television, public television, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, or on-demand.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version to be distributed via one or more of the following types of distribution channels;

Internet, network, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, upload, shared, concurrent, streaming audio, streaming video, packet switching, or storage media delivery.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version targeted for one or more of the following;

geographic area, demographic category, ethnic group, restricted audience, group membership, or subscriber.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects associated with at least one real-world entity.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects associated with at least one real-world entity comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more of the following types of designated aspects associated with the at least one real-world entity;

brand, trademark, service mark, copyrighted work, name, company name, identity, symbol, commercial symbol, icon, logotype, trade logo, trade dress, packaging, label, emblem, insignia, acronym, abbreviation, certification, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, or personage.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein the circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects associated with at least one real-world entity comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more of the following types of designated aspects associated with the at least one real-world entity;

livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, person, animal, mascot, character, obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, or avatar.

18. The system of claim 15 wherein the circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects associated with at least one real-world entity comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more of the following types of designated aspects associated with the at least one real-world entity;

product, service, invention, accessory, vehicle, place, address, location, store, building, school, university, hospital, church, club, group, organization, or business.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects associated with at least one real-world entity comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more of the following types of designated aspects associated with the at least one real-world entity;

MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, or government rating.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects associated with at least one real-world entity comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more of the following types of designated aspects associated with the at least one real-world entity;

musical work, composition, publication, document, event, exhibit, or performance.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects that are associated with at least one real-world person.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more designated aspects that are associated with at least one real-world person comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content having one or more of the following types of designated aspects associated with the at least one real-world person;

name, face, personal characteristics, identity, residence, title, achievement, occupation, career, role, activity, hobby, rank, identification features, biometric attribute, photographic image, voice recording, accent, dialect, recognizable personality trait, gesture, demeanor, mannerism, appearance, clothing, hairstyle, tattoo, piercing, avatar, item possession, or property ownership.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for identifying at least one media asset, the at least one media asset having one or more component elements feasible for alteration comprises:

circuitry for identifying at least one media asset having one or more of the following specified portions feasible for alteration;

building, house, office, store, room, vehicle, car, boat, train, plane, street, town, or country.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for identifying at least one media asset, the at least one media asset having one or more component elements feasible for alteration comprises:

circuitry for identifying at least one media asset having one or more of the following specified portions feasible for alteration;

landscape, vegetation, packaging, labeling, arrangement, item display, items depicted, signage, informational sign, directional sign, seasonal setting, temporal setting, light intensity, directional lighting, shadow, character statement, compass orientation, foreground, or background.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining substitute content for modification of the determined one or more component elements of the at least one media asset for alteration to create a derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining one or more of the following types of substitute content;

related set of designated aspects, related set of designated components, identical objects, same object in different scenes, or same object in different settings.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining substitute content for modification of the determined one or more component elements of the at least one media asset for alteration to create a derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining one or more of the following types of substitute content;

textual, verbal, audio, musical, visual, image, simulation, or animation.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining substitute content for modification of the determined one or more component elements of the at least one media asset for alteration to create a derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for one or more of the following types of component elements feasible for alteration;

music, setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animal, food, product, brand, or dialogue.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for decoding at least some encoded metadata corresponding to at least one closed-captioning stream associated with the at least one media asset to extract at least one copyright date, the at least one copyright date embedded in the at least one closed-captioning stream, associated with the at least one media asset, the encoded metadata not being viewable to a user;

circuitry for confirming, based at least in part on the at least one copyright date extracted from the at least one closed captioning stream, whether one or more primary authorizations associated with one or more component elements is an expired authorization; and

circuitry for, if one or more primary authorizations associated with one or more component elements is an expired authorization, signaling to alter the one or more component elements.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for receiving one or more identities of one or more component elements based at least in part on decoding at least some encoded metadata corresponding to at least one closed-captioning stream associated with the at least one media asset to identify component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for confirming, based at least in part on at least one received identity, whether one or more component elements are in compliance with one or more primary authorization rights regarding the one or more component elements; and

circuitry for, if the one or more component elements are in not compliance with one or more primary authorization rights regarding the one or more component elements, signaling to alter the one or more component elements.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the circuitry for confirming, based at least in part on at least one received identity, whether one or more component elements are in compliance with one or more primary authorization rights regarding the one or more component elements comprises:

circuitry for sending at least one request to confirm one or more primary authorization rights to at least one processing service, the at least one request including at least one received identity.

31. The system of claim 30, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more component elements including one or more images of the at least one stated real-world person.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more component elements including one or more images of the at least one stated real-world person comprises:

circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more relevant communications including a revocation of one or more primary authorization rights related to one or more images of the at least one stated real-world person.

33. The system of claim 31, wherein the circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more component elements including at least one of one or more images or at least some dialogue of the at least one stated real-world person comprises:

circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more relevant communications including a revocation of one or more primary authorization rights related to at least some dialogue of the at least one stated real-world person.

34. The system of claim 30, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more component elements including at least one of one or more images or at least some dialogue of the at least one stated real-world person, and the one or more relevant communications having been received from the at least one stated real-world person via one or more of at least one website, at least one email request, at least one telephonic request, or at least one postal mail request.

35. The system of claim 30, further comprising:

circuitry for receiving at least one answer from the at least one processing service, the at least one answer responsive to at least one check by the at least one processing service for one or more relevant communications received from at least one stated real-world person that was previously associated with the one or more component elements, the one or more component elements including at least some dialogue of the at least one stated real-world person.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for receiving at least one identity of one or more dialogue component elements based at least in part on decoding at least some encoded metadata corresponding to at least one closed-captioning stream associated with the at least one media asset to identify one or more dialogue component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for confirming, based at least in part on at least one received identity, whether one or more words extracted from the at least one closed-captioning stream are profanity; and

circuitry for, if one or more words extracted from the at least one closed-captioning stream are profanity, signaling to alter the one or more dialogue component elements.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for receiving at least one identity of one or more dialogue component elements based at least in part on decoding at least some encoded metadata corresponding to at least one closed-captioning stream associated with the at least one media asset to identify one or more dialogue component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for confirming, based at least in part on at least one received identity, whether the one or more dialogue component elements contains profanity;

circuitry for determining whether at least one audience associated with the at least one media asset is a restricted audience; and

circuitry for, if the one or more dialogue component elements contains profanity and the at least one audience associated with the at least one media asset is a restricted audience, signaling to alter the one or more dialogue component elements.

38. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for decoding at least some encoded metadata corresponding to at least one closed-captioning stream associated with the at least one media asset to determine one or more component elements of the at least one media asset for alteration, the encoded metadata not being visible to a user.

39. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset and the circuitry for sending at least one request for authorization to the determined at least one person, the at least one request related to the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprise:

circuitry for determining one or more images of at least one person in the at least one media asset, the at least one person associated with a preference to remain anonymous, and sending at least one request for authorization related to the at least one media asset to the at least one person.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for receiving at least one identity of one or more dialogue component elements based at least in part on decoding at least some encoded metadata corresponding to at least one closed-captioning stream associated with the at least one media asset to identify one or more dialogue component elements of the at least one media asset;

circuitry for confirming, based at least in part on at least one received identity, whether the one or more dialogue component elements contains profanity;

circuitry for determining whether at least one audience associated with the at least one media asset is a restricted audience; and

circuitry for, if the one or more dialogue component elements contains profanity and the at least one audience associated with the at least one media asset is a restricted audience, signaling to replace the one or more dialogue component elements with an alternative one or more dialogue component elements that do not include profanity.

41. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version targeted for one or more specified devices.

42. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version targeted for at least one distribution channel.

43. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version targeted for at least one distribution time period.

44. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of the determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset comprises:

circuitry for obtaining at least some substitute content for incorporation in at least one derivative version targeted for at least one media provider.

45. An article of manufacture, comprising:

means for identifying at least one media asset, the at least one media asset having one or more component elements feasible for alteration;

means for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

means for determining at least one person associated with the one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

means for sending at least one request for authorization to the determined at least one person, the at least one request related to a determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

means for receiving at least one authorization related to at least one determined restricted component element of at least one media asset;

means for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of a determined one or more restricted component elements of at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset; and

means for implementing, in at least one derivative version, at least one modification of at least one determined restricted component element based at least partially on at least some obtained substitute content.

46. An article of manufacture, comprising:

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for identifying at least one media asset, the at least one media asset having one or more component elements feasible for alteration;

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for determining one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for determining at least one person associated with the one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for sending at least one request for authorization to the determined at least one person, the at least one request related to a determined one or more restricted component elements of the at least one media asset;

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for receiving at least one authorization related to at least one determined restricted component element of at least one media asset;

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for obtaining, in response to at least one received authorization, at least some substitute content for modification of a determined one or more restricted component elements of at least one media asset for creating at least one derivative version of the at least one media asset; and

at least one time-sequenced array of logic gates configured for implementing, in at least one derivative version, at least one modification of at least one determined restricted component element based at least partially on at least some obtained substitute content.