Authorization for media content alteration

• US 8,732,087 B2
• Filed: 03/30/2007
• Issued: 05/20/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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: Levien, Royce A., Mangione-Smith, William H., Lord, Robert W., Malamud, Mark A., Rinaldo, Jr., John D., Tegreene, Clarence T., Cohen, Alexander J., Jung, Edward K. Y.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nigh, James D
• Application Number:
  US11/731,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20070274519A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,608 Days
• Field of Search: 705 50- 59
• US Class Current: 705/51
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/00 Payment architectures, schemes or protocols apparatus for performing or posting payment transactions G07F7/08, G07F19/00; electronic cash registers G07G1/12
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 2220/10 Usage protection of distributed data files
• 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 1/00864 Modifying the reproduction, e.g. outputting a modified copy of a scanned original details of composing or otherwise geometrically modifying originals H04N1/387
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4426 involving separate means, e.g. a server, a magnetic card
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/444 to a particular document or image or part thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23418 involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics television picture signal circuitry for scene change detection H04N5/147; filtering for image enhancement G06T5/00; methods or arrangements for recognising scenes G06V20/00; arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition of video in broadcast systems H04H60/59
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23424 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for inserting or substituting an advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2343 involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements video transcoding H04N19/40; media packet handling at the source H04L65/762
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44008 involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics in the video stream arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition of video in broadcast systems H04H60/59
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44016 involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for substituting a video clip
• 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 21/4627 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 21/8355 involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/173 with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal

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 authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. 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. A content substitution method for a composite media work, the composite media work including media content including at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content, the content substitution method comprising:

recognizing with a computing device one or more designated aspects of one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content;

confirming that the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content includes at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements having the one or more designated aspects, wherein at least one of the one or more designated aspects is associated with one or more rights indicating one or more alterable aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements;

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content; and

altering using a computing device the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

maintaining an additional record of secondary authorization rights applicable to altered media content, wherein the altered media content includes a substitute component element or a substitute designated aspect incorporated as an audio or a video content alteration in the media content included in the composite media work.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of derivative versions of the media content included in 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, or specified purpose.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of media content formats of the media content included in the composite media work;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, data compression, or streaming format.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of distribution channels for the media content included in the composite media work;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, Internet, network, television, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, shared, streamed, concurrent, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, or on-demand.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding at least one of one or more of the following type of primary authorization rights;

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

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining informational data regarding at least one of one or more of the following type of person or entity having primary 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, or individual group member.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world entity of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world entity of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to content alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the real-world entity of the identifiable component elements;

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.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world entity of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to content alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of designated aspects of the identifiable component elements;

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

11. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world entity of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to content alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of designated aspects associated with the identifiable component elements;

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

12. The method of claim 8 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing one or more designated aspects that are associated with a real-world entity of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to adding or deleting or modifying or replacing content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes maintaining a record of primary authorization rights regarding content alteration for at least one of one or more of the following specified portions of the media content included in the composite work:

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

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes maintaining a record of primary authorization rights regarding content alteration for at least one of one or more of the following specified portions of the media content included in 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, or compass orientation.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

identifying a person or group or entity required to approve alteration of the one or more component elements or alteration of the designated aspect.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

providing at least one of one or more of the following type of approval techniques for obtaining consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization rights;

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

17. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining a record of specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular person or character portrayed in the media content included in the composite media work.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular actor or actress appearing in the media content included in the composite media work.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular object or item depicted in the media content included in the composite media work.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights applicable to a particular category of products depicted in the media content included in the composite media work.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights regarding content alteration of at least one of one or more of the following component elements of the media content included in the composite media work;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, or credits.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following targeted categories for the media content included in the composite media work;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, or demographic distribution.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

accessing or acquiring a record of primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more designated aspects of the at least one of textual content, video content, audiovideo content, verbal content, visual content, image content, audio content, musical content, or animation content.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein said maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to content alteration of at least one of one or more of the following;

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

25. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing a record of informational data with respect to pending content alterations awaiting consent from a person or group or entity having primary authorization rights.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing a record of informational data with respect to approved content alterations of the media content included in the composite media work.

27. The content substitution method for a composite media work of claim 1, wherein altering using a computing device the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content media content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights comprises:

obscuring or removing the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content media content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights.

28. The content substitution method for a composite media work of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more designated aspects is an identity of a subject, wherein altering at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content media content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights comprises:

obscuring the identity of the subject without obscuring non-subject aspects in the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content media content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights.

29. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory recordable media having one or more computer programs with instructions for executing the following process:

providing access to informational data regarding a designated composite media work including at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content;

facilitating identification of one or more component elements incorporated in a designated composite media work, wherein such one or more component elements include one or more designated aspects, wherein at least one of the one or more designated aspects is associated with one or more rights indicating one or more alterable aspects of the at least one of the one or more component elements; and

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of the at least one of the one or more component elements, or the at least one of the one or more designated aspects.

30. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights for addition or deletion or modification or replacement of an alterable component element or at least one of the one or more designated aspects which are associated with the designated composite media work.

31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of content associated with the real-world entity of the designated composite media work;

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.

32. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of content associated with the real-world entity of the designated composite media work;

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

33. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining specified authorization data applicable to alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of content associated with the real-world entity of the composite media work;

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

34. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights for addition or deletion or modification or replacement of content associated with a real-world entity or real-world person.

35. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of possible content alteration;

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

36. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of alterable component elements;

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

37. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to possible content alteration of at least one of one or more of the following;

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

38. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights that identifies at least one of one or more of the following type of targeted categories for a derivative version of the designated composite media work, wherein the derivative version includes capability for incorporating substituted content;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, recipient group, targeted device, time period, or demographic distribution.

39. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of derivative versions of the designated composite media work capable of incorporating substitute content;

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, or specified purpose.

40. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding the primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of media content formats of the designated composite media work capable of incorporating substitute content;

analog, digital, VHS, CD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, HD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, MPEG, MP3, reformatted, data compression, or streaming format.

41. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following type of distribution channels for the designated composite media work capable of incorporating substitute content;

fund-raising, non-profit, theater, airplane viewing, Internet, network, television, cable, satellite, wireless, broadcast, narrowcast, download, pay-per-view, rental, lease, sale, domestic distribution, foreign distribution, exclusive distribution, non-exclusive distribution, shared, streamed, concurrent, foreign language, infomercial, live, real-time, delayed, or on-demand.

42. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding at least one of one or more of the following type of primary authorization rights;

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

43. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining informational data regarding at least one of one or more of the following type of person or entity having primary 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, or individual group member.

44. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein said process further includes:

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

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

45. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining a record of primary authorization rights applicable to at least one of one or more of the following;

particular person or character portrayed in the designated composite media work, particular actor of actress appearing in the composite work, particular object or item depicted in the designated composite media work, or particular category of products depicted in the designated composite media work.

46. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining the record of specified primary authorization rights regarding alteration of at least one of one or more of the following type of content in the designated composite media work;

plot, story, animation, text, narration, dialog, color, actor, character, clothing, product, sound, music, musical lyrics, product, object, item, title, or credits.

47. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein maintaining a record of primary authorization rights includes:

maintaining particular authorization data applicable to at least one of one or more of the following targeted categories for the designated composite media work;

geographic distribution, distribution channel, audience, time period, or demographic distribution.

48. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein said process further includes:

maintaining an additional record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute content for the designated composite media work.

49. A content substitution method for video content comprising:

receiving the video content;

determining with a computing device that the video content includes one or more identifiable component elements having one or more designated aspects, wherein at least one of the one or more designated aspects is associated with one or more rights indicating one or more alterable aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements;

receiving from a data store a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of the at least one of the one or more designated aspect of the video content; and

altering using a computing device the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the video content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights.

50. The content substitution method for a video content of claim 49, wherein altering using a computing device the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the video content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights comprises:

obscuring or removing the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the video content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights.

51. The content substitution method for video content of claim 49, wherein altering using a computing device the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the video content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights comprises:

altering the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the video content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights and not altering another of the at least one of the one or more designated aspects of the video content.

52. The content substitution method for video content of claim 49, wherein recognizing at least one of the one or more designated aspects of component elements within the video content comprises:

recognizing a body part, a body shape, a shared facial feature, a skin tone, a gender, a race, a hair color or a body physique of component elements within the video content.

53. A content substitution method for a composite media work, the composite media work including media content including at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content, the content substitution method comprising:

recognizing with a computing device one or more designated aspects of one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content;

confirming that the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content includes at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements having the one or more designated aspects, wherein at least one of the one or more designated aspects is associated with one or more rights indicating one or more alterable aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements;

receiving a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a content alteration of the at least one of the one or more designated aspects associated with one or more rights indicating one or more alterable aspects of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content; and

altering using a computing device the at least one of the one or more designated aspects associated with one or more rights indicating one or more alterable aspects of the at least one of the one or more identifiable component elements of the at least one of audio content, video content, audiovideo content, or animation content in accordance with the record of primary authorization rights.