Authorization rights for substitute media content

• US 20080270161A1
• Filed: 07/09/2007
• Published: 10/30/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Cohen, Alexander J., Mangione-Smith, William Henry, Tegreene, Clarence T., Lord, Robert W., Jung, Edward K.Y., Levien, Royce A., Malamud, Mark A., Rinaldo, John D.
• Application Number:
  US11/827,140
• Publication Number:
  US 20080270161A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/1
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/036 Insert-editing
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/28 by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording G11B27/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4402 involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display details of conversion of video standards at pixel level H04N7/01; video transcoding H04N19/40; adapting incoming signals to the display format of the display terminal G09G5/005; media handling at the source in data packet switching networks H04L65/764
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/440245 the reformatting operation being performed only on part of the stream, e.g. a region of the image or a time segment
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4627 Rights management associated to the content security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47205 for manipulating displayed content, e.g. interacting with MPEG-4 objects, editing locally
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8402 involving a version number, e.g. version number of EPG data arrangements for version control in computers G06F8/71
• 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

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. Some embodiment implementations may include a derivative version of the media work wherein substitute content, such as an alterable component element having one or more designated aspects, is associated with a real-world entity or person.

Claims

1. An authorization rights method for media works, comprising:

confirming that a composite media work includes a portion of alterable content with one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects;

specifying substitute altered content that includes a substituted component element or a substituted designated aspect for the portion of alterable content in the composite media work; and

determining an ownership status of the substitute altered content that has been incorporated in the derivative version of the composite media work in accordance with applicable alteration criteria and/or applicable authorization rights.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

determining that the substitute altered content is in compliance with alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to the composite media work.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said specifying substitute altered content that includes a substituted component element or a substituted designated aspect further includes:

specifying substitute altered content that includes one or more of the following types of content alteration in the derivative version of the composite media work;

addition, deletion, modification, and replacement.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content that has been incorporated in the derivative version of the composite media work.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in one or more of the following type of derivative versions of the composite media work;

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

6. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in one or more of the following type of media content formats of the derivative version of the composite media work;

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

7. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version to be distributed via one or more of the following type 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, and on-demand.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version to be distributed via one or more of the following type of distribution channels;

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

9. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of secondary authorization rights;

contractual, proprietary, copyright, patent, trademark, exclusive, non-exclusive, license, consent, governmental, judicial, third party restriction, transfer, exchange, conditional, public domain, and jurisdictional.

10. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of person or entity having secondary authorization rights;

creator, writer, editor, animator, producer, composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor, sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity, programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual group member.

11. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered content that includes one or more substituted component elements or substituted designated aspects associated with a real-world entity.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said maintaining secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered content includes:

maintaining specified secondary authorization rights data applicable to one or more of the following type of substitute altered content associated with the 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, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein said maintaining secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered content includes:

maintaining specified secondary authorization rights data applicable to one or more of the following portions of substitute altered content associated with the real-world entity;

livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication, document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character, obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein said maintaining secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered content includes:

maintaining specified secondary authorization rights data applicable to one or more of the following portions of substitute altered content associated with the real-world entity;

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

16. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

implementing content alteration of the portion of alterable content having one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a known real-world entity having one or more of the following characteristics;

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

18. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered content that includes one or more substituted component elements or substituted designated aspects associated with a real-world person.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said maintaining secondary authorization rights data applicable to substitute altered content includes:

maintaining particular secondary authorization rights data regarding one or more of the following type of substitute altered content associated with the real-world person;

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

21. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

implementing content alteration of the portion of alterable content with one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a known real-world person having one or more of the following characteristics;

deceased, retired, disappeared, not locatable, and status change.

22. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

implementing content alteration of the portion of alterable content with one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a known real-world person, in response to a relevant communication from the real-world person.

23. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes

maintaining secondary authorization rights data regarding substitute altered content for one or more of the following specified portions of the composite work:

frame, scene, setting, building, house, office, store, room, vehicle, car, boat, train, plane, street, town, and country.

24. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes

maintaining secondary authorization rights data regarding substitute altered content for one or more of the following specified portions of the composite work:

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, and background.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein said determining an ownership status of the substitute altered content includes:

identifying a person or group or entity having an ownership right respecting substitute altered content that has been incorporated in the derivative version of the composite work.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing one or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group or entity having secondary authorization rights respecting the substitute altered content that has been incorporated in the derivative version of the composite work;

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

31. The method of claim 4 wherein said maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to such substitute altered content includes:

maintaining the record of specified secondary authorization rights regarding substitute altered content included in one or more of the following portions of the derivative version of the composite media work;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, distributor, creative credit, production credit, funding credit, and sponsorship.

34. The method of claim 4 wherein said specifying substitute altered content that includes a substituted component element or a substituted designated aspect, further includes:

specifying substitute altered content that includes one or more of the following;

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

35. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing a record of informational data with respect to pending substitute altered content awaiting consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization rights applicable to the composite media work.

36. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing a record of informational data with respect to substitute altered content approved for incorporation in a derivative version of the composite media work.

12. (canceled)

17. The method of 1 further comprising;

implementing content alteration of the portion of alterable content with one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a known real-world entity, in response to a relevant communication from the real-world entity.

19. (canceled)

27-30. -30. (canceled)

32-33. -33. (canceled)

37. A computer program product comprising signal-bearing media having one or more computer programs with instructions for executing the following process:

providing access to informational data regarding a composite media work having a portion of alterable content with one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects;

identifying substitute altered content that includes a substituted component element or a substituted designated aspect for the portion of alterable content in the composite media work; and

maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to the substitute altered content that has been incorporated as an addition or deletion or modification or replacement in a derivative version of the composite media work.

38. The computer program product of claim 37 wherein the process further includes:

maintaining record of a determination that the substitute altered content is in compliance with alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to the composite media work.

40. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein the process feature identifying substitute altered content further includes:

identifying substitute altered content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person.

41. The computer program product of claim 40, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified secondary authorization data applicable to one or more of the following type of substitute altered content associated with the real-world entity or real-world person;

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, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

42. The computer program product of claim 40, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified secondary authorization data applicable to one or more of the following portions of substitute altered content associated with the real-world entity or real-world person;

livery, color scheme, dress, fabric, jewelry, pattern, design, sculpture, artistic work, musical work, composition, publication, document, event, exhibit, performance, person, animal, mascot, character, obscured attribute, highlighted attribute, and avatar.

43. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein the process further includes:

implementing content alteration of one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a known real-world entity having one or more of the following characteristics;

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

46. The computer program product of claim 40, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to one or more of the following type of substitute altered content associated with a real-world person;

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

47. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein the process further includes:

implementing content alteration of one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects that were associated with a known real-world person having one or more of the following characteristics;

deceased, retired, disappeared, not locatable, and status changed.

48. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content that has been incorporated in one or more of the following portions of a derivative version of the composite media work;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

49. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content that has been incorporated in one or more of the following portions of a derivative version of the composite media work;

music, setting, hero, heroine, villain, clothing, vehicle, company, animals, food, product, brand, and dialogue.

52. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content that has been incorporated in one or more of the following type of derivative versions of the composite media work;

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

53. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content that has been incorporated in one or more of the following type of media content formats of the composite media work;

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

54. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content that has been incorporated in a derivative version for one or more of the following type of distribution arrangements;

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

55. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content that has been incorporated in a derivative version for one or more of the following type of distribution channels;

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

56. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of secondary authorization rights;

contractual, proprietary, copyright, patent, trademark, exclusive, non-exclusive, license, consent, governmental, judicial, third party restriction, transfer, exchange, conditional, public domain, and jurisdictional.

57. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding one or more of the following type of person or entity having secondary authorization rights;

creator, writer, editor, animator, producer, composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor, sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity, programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual group member.

58. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process further includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group or entity having secondary authorization rights;

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

59. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said process feature maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following;

particular person or character portrayed in the substitute altered content;

particular actor of actress appearing in the substitute altered content;

particular object or item depicted in the substitute altered content; and

particular category of products depicted in the substitute altered content.

62. The computer program product of claim 37, wherein said signal-bearing media further comprises:

signal-bearing storage media or signal bearing communication media for encoding the instructions for executing the process.

39. (canceled)

44-45. -45. (canceled)

50-51. -51. (canceled)

60-61. -61. (canceled)

63. (canceled)

64. A system for media content authorization rights, comprising:

a listing that identifies substitute altered content that has been incorporated in a derivative version of a composite media work, wherein the substitute altered content includes one or more identifiable component elements or designated aspects associated with a real-world entity or real-world person;

a data record regarding ownership status of secondary authorization rights applicable to the substitute altered content;

computerized apparatus operably coupled to the data record and the listing; and

an access interface to the computerized apparatus.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein the data record further includes:

a record of compliance by the substitute altered content with alteration criteria or primary authorization rights applicable to the composite media work.

66. The system of claim 64 wherein the data record further includes:

ownership status applicable to the derivative version that has incorporated the substitute altered content.

68. The system of claim 64 wherein said listing includes:

a further listing of the one or more of the following type of substitute altered content to be incorporated in the derivative version;

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

69. The system of claim 64 wherein said listing includes:

a further listing of the one or more of the following type of substitute altered content to be incorporated in the derivative version;

textual, verbal, visual, image, audio, musical, live action, reenactment, simulation, and animation.

70. The system of claim 64 wherein said data record further includes:

a data record that includes secondary authorization rights applicable to one or more of the following targeted categories for the derivative version;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, recipient group targeted device, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, time period, and demographic distribution.

71. The system of claim 64 wherein said data record further includes:

a data record that includes secondary authorization rights regarding one or more of the following type of substitute altered content associated with a 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, MPAA rating, ESRB rating, proprietary rating, government rating, slogan, jingle, animation, animated character, copyrighted item, and personage.

72. The system of claim 64 wherein said data record further includes:

a data record that includes secondary authorization rights regarding one or more of the following type of substitute altered content associated with a real-world person;

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

73. The system of claim 64 further comprising:

another data record that includes informational data regarding one or more of the following type of person or entity having secondary authorization rights;

creator, writer, editor animator, producer, composer, arranger, performer, actor, distributor, agent, investor, sponsor, inventor, animator, depicted person, depicted entity, programmer, copyright owner, subscriber, membership group, and individual group member.

74. The system of claim 73 wherein the another data record includes informational data to identify a specified derivative version having capability to incorporate future substitute content in addition to the substitute altered content.

75. The system of claim 64 wherein the computerized apparatus includes:

a management module to coordinate compliance with the secondary authorization rights.

67. (canceled)