Reza Rassool

Embodiments are directed towards metadata service for video enhancement. An example method includes receiving a request for metadata applicable to instruct a display device to transform low dynamic range (LDR) video content to high dynamic range (HDR) video content, determining availability of candidate metadata, and responsive to determining that no candidate metadata is available, providing options for generating the metadata applicable to instruct the display device. The example method can… Show more

Embodiments are directed towards metadata service for video enhancement. An example method includes receiving a request for metadata applicable to instruct a display device to transform low dynamic range (LDR) video content to high dynamic range (HDR) video content, determining availability of candidate metadata, and responsive to determining that no candidate metadata is available, providing options for generating the metadata applicable to instruct the display device. The example method can also include causing generation of the metadata based at least one of the options, and providing the generated metadata to the display device. Show less

Embodiments are directed towards hue-based video enhancement. An example method includes processing low dynamic range (LDR) video content to generate an inverse tone map (ITM) for transforming the LDR video content to high dynamic range (HDR) video content, converting the LDR video content into Hue, Saturation and Lightness (HSY) color space to produce H-channel data, S-channel data, and Y-channel data, de-noising the H-channel data, remapping the de-noised H-channel data, the S-channel data… Show more

Embodiments are directed towards hue-based video enhancement. An example method includes processing low dynamic range (LDR) video content to generate an inverse tone map (ITM) for transforming the LDR video content to high dynamic range (HDR) video content, converting the LDR video content into Hue, Saturation and Lightness (HSY) color space to produce H-channel data, S-channel data, and Y-channel data, de-noising the H-channel data, remapping the de-noised H-channel data, the S-channel data, and the Y-channel data based on the ITM; and rendering the HDR video content based thereon. Show less

Systems and methods are provided for determining a candidate identity of a person in video data based on a biometric motion signature corresponding to motion of a face of the person in the video data. Motion information is obtained corresponding to motion of the face in the video data. The motion information is provided as input to a neural network and the neural network generates the biometric motion signature in response. The biometric motion signature is compared with a plurality of… Show more

Systems and methods are provided for determining a candidate identity of a person in video data based on a biometric motion signature corresponding to motion of a face of the person in the video data. Motion information is obtained corresponding to motion of the face in the video data. The motion information is provided as input to a neural network and the neural network generates the biometric motion signature in response. The biometric motion signature is compared with a plurality of biometric signatures stored in data storage. The candidate identity of the person is determined as a result of a correspondence between the biometric motion signature and a stored biometric signature of the plurality of biometric signatures. Show less

Systems and methods for enabling a video capture/encoding device to capture frames of a video sequence; obtain feedback from a video decoding/rendering device; divide each frame into an array of patches; select one or more patches of each frame for supplemental processing; cause the frames of the video sequence to be encoded by a video encoding module and cause the selected patches to be processed by one or more supplemental processing module(s); and assemble a multi-layer video transport… Show more

Systems and methods for enabling a video capture/encoding device to capture frames of a video sequence; obtain feedback from a video decoding/rendering device; divide each frame into an array of patches; select one or more patches of each frame for supplemental processing; cause the frames of the video sequence to be encoded by a video encoding module and cause the selected patches to be processed by one or more supplemental processing module(s); and assemble a multi-layer video transport stream wherein, for each frame of the video sequence, a base layer of the transport stream includes data corresponding to an encoded version of the current frame and one or more supplemental layers of the transport stream include meta-data corresponding to the division of the current frame into patches and data corresponding to the output of the supplemental processing of the selected patches of the current frame. Show less

An apparatus for creating a musical composition comprising an audio interface, an audio converter and a live looping recording session is disclosed. The audio interface operably receives audio from an input device and outputs audio to an audio output device. The audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track. The recording session module is configured to repeatedly playback a live loop that includes at… Show more

An apparatus for creating a musical composition comprising an audio interface, an audio converter and a live looping recording session is disclosed. The audio interface operably receives audio from an input device and outputs audio to an audio output device. The audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track. The recording session module is configured to repeatedly playback a live loop that includes at least a portion of a first audio track, and to add at least a portion of a second audio track to the live loop during repeated playback. The first audio track may be a pre-existing track stored in a data storage medium. The recording session module may be configured to add at least a portion of a third audio track to the live loop during playback, which may be automatically generated based on one or more musical criteria of the first or second tracks. The apparatus may include a user interface coupled to the recording session module to provide a visual representation illustrating the portion of the live loop that is being played. The audio converter module may include a track partitioner to divide at least one of the first and second audio tracks into one or more partitions, a quantizer that aligns audio with a predetermined beat, and a frequency detector to identify the pitch of one or more sounds leading to their storage as a morphology. A method is also provided. Show less

A method for providing audio data corresponding to a requested musical note is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) providing a render cache having a plurality of cache entries, each of the cache entries corresponding to a different note; (b) receiving a request for a first note from a client; (c) identifying a first cache entry corresponding to the first note; (d) determining that a first audio segment corresponding to the first cache entry is not available; (e) identifying a second audio… Show more

A method for providing audio data corresponding to a requested musical note is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) providing a render cache having a plurality of cache entries, each of the cache entries corresponding to a different note; (b) receiving a request for a first note from a client; (c) identifying a first cache entry corresponding to the first note; (d) determining that a first audio segment corresponding to the first cache entry is not available; (e) identifying a second audio segment corresponding to a near-hit cache entry in the render cache; and (f) processing the second audio segment into a third audio segment that is substantially similar to the first audio segment. Show less

A method for applying audio effects to one or more tracks off musical compilation is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a first virtual musician to be associated with a first instrument track; identifying a first virtual producer to be associated with the first instrument track; applying a first series of effects to the first instrument track, the first series of effects being dependent upon the first virtual musician; and applying a second series of effects to the first instrument… Show more

A method for applying audio effects to one or more tracks off musical compilation is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a first virtual musician to be associated with a first instrument track; identifying a first virtual producer to be associated with the first instrument track; applying a first series of effects to the first instrument track, the first series of effects being dependent upon the first virtual musician; and applying a second series of effects to the first instrument track, the second series of effects being dependent upon the first virtual producer. Show less

A system and process for producing a more harmonious musical accompaniment for a musical compilation, the process comprising determining a plurality of probable key signatures for the musical compilation, creating an interval profiling matrix for each of the probable key signatures, finding products of a major key interval profile matrix with each of the interval profiling matrices, summing each of the major key interval products into a running major key sum, finding a product of a minor key… Show more

A system and process for producing a more harmonious musical accompaniment for a musical compilation, the process comprising determining a plurality of probable key signatures for the musical compilation, creating an interval profiling matrix for each of the probable key signatures, finding products of a major key interval profile matrix with each of the interval profiling matrices, summing each of the major key interval products into a running major key sum, finding a product of a minor key interval profile with each of the interval profiling matrices, summing each of the minor key interval products into a running minor key sum, and selecting the most probable key signature from the plurality of probable key signatures by comparing the minor key sum and the major key sum. Show less

The invention is directed to marking audio/video (A/V) signals for use in tracing content to a source. An ID controller captures an A/V synchronization fingerprint from a master A/V signal, stores the fingerprint in a data store, and provides signals to an ID encoder to have encoded an identifier into a copy of the master A/V signal. The identifier is encoded to be persistent through actions such as capture, compression, and/or transcoding. In one embodiment, the identifier is encoded as a bit… Show more

The invention is directed to marking audio/video (A/V) signals for use in tracing content to a source. An ID controller captures an A/V synchronization fingerprint from a master A/V signal, stores the fingerprint in a data store, and provides signals to an ID encoder to have encoded an identifier into a copy of the master A/V signal. The identifier is encoded to be persistent through actions such as capture, compression, and/or transcoding. In one embodiment, the identifier is encoded as a bit sequence, where each bit is encoded using an encoding technique that is hereinafter called a Mississippi encoding technique. The encoded identifier within the copied A/V signal may later be determined by extracting the fingerprint and comparing it to the stored fingerprint to determine the identifier. The identifier may then be used to trace a source of the copied A/V signal. Show less

An apparatus for creating a musical composition comprising an audio interface, and audio converter module, and a multi-track compositor module is disclosed. The audio interface operably receives audio from an audio input device and outputting audio to an audio output device. The audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track having one or more partitions. The multi-track compositor module is configured to… Show more

An apparatus for creating a musical composition comprising an audio interface, and audio converter module, and a multi-track compositor module is disclosed. The audio interface operably receives audio from an audio input device and outputting audio to an audio output device. The audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track having one or more partitions. The multi-track compositor module is configured to receive a first audio track and a second audio track and automatically score each partition of the first and second audio tracks based on one or more criteria. The multi-track compositor module is then configured to construct a third audio track from the partitions of the first and second audio tracks based on the scores for each partition. A method is also provided. Show less

An apparatus for enhancing audio comprising a first interface and a harmonizing module is disclosed. The first interface receive a first audio segment from a first source. The harmonizing module is coupled to the first interface. The harmonizing module is configured to identify at least one musical property of the first audio segment; calculate a subset of notes that are harmonious with the first audio segment based on the at least one musical property; and select from the subset of notes to… Show more

An apparatus for enhancing audio comprising a first interface and a harmonizing module is disclosed. The first interface receive a first audio segment from a first source. The harmonizing module is coupled to the first interface. The harmonizing module is configured to identify at least one musical property of the first audio segment; calculate a subset of notes that are harmonious with the first audio segment based on the at least one musical property; and select from the subset of notes to generate an audio track to be played substantially synchronously with the first audio segment. A second interface may also be provided to receive a second audio segment from a second source. In this case, the harmonizing module may be configured to generate the audio track by transforming one or more notes of the second audio segment. A method is also provided. Show less

A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards employing transferable entitlements using EMMs for enabling a purchase of content using a mobile device, and redeeming for access the content using a different network device. An existing billing infrastructure may be used during a purchase transaction to identify the purchasing device. Upon billing authorization, a transferable EMM (XEMM) may be sent to the purchasing device. The purchasing device may then provide the XEMM to another network… Show more

A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards employing transferable entitlements using EMMs for enabling a purchase of content using a mobile device, and redeeming for access the content using a different network device. An existing billing infrastructure may be used during a purchase transaction to identify the purchasing device. Upon billing authorization, a transferable EMM (XEMM) may be sent to the purchasing device. The purchasing device may then provide the XEMM to another network device. The other network device may send the XEMM to a redeeming service when requesting access to the content. Upon authorization, an EMM with an access key to the content may be sent to the other network device. Show less

A system and method for providing end-to-end security of content over a heterogeneous distribution chain is provided. A content owner provides content to an aggregator that receives the content and processes the content. The processing may involve decrypting the content and associating at least one of a unique fingerprint and a watermark to the decrypted content. The unique fingerprint and a watermark to the decrypted content provide identifying characteristics to the content. Additional… Show more

A system and method for providing end-to-end security of content over a heterogeneous distribution chain is provided. A content owner provides content to an aggregator that receives the content and processes the content. The processing may involve decrypting the content and associating at least one of a unique fingerprint and a watermark to the decrypted content. The unique fingerprint and a watermark to the decrypted content provide identifying characteristics to the content. Additional content-based fingerprints may be used to monitor quality of consumer experience for Video and Audio. The content may be sent in a decrypted state to a client or in an encrypted state. When the content is encrypted the aggregator wraps and encrypts the content with a signature such that an end-to-end flow of the content may be determined. Application Level encryption is used to provide network/distribution medium transparency as well as persistent encryption. When the content is transmitted from a... Show less

An apparatus, system, and method is directed to transcoding broadcast content, such as in a DVB, ATSC, and MPEG based network, to secure content suitable for an Internet Protocol (IP) based network. In one embodiment, a single multifunctional convergence appliance is employed to enable such transcoding actions as encryption, encoding, and/or encapsulation. For example, in one embodiment, an MPEG transport stream associated with the broadcast content may be transcoded to an IP-based transport… Show more

An apparatus, system, and method is directed to transcoding broadcast content, such as in a DVB, ATSC, and MPEG based network, to secure content suitable for an Internet Protocol (IP) based network. In one embodiment, a single multifunctional convergence appliance is employed to enable such transcoding actions as encryption, encoding, and/or encapsulation. For example, in one embodiment, an MPEG transport stream associated with the broadcast content may be transcoded to an IP-based transport stream. In addition, the transport stream may be decrypted, transrated to another rate, and re-encrypted using a different control word for re-encrypting, but a same service key to encrypt the different control word. The system is also enabled to transcode content formatted for the IP-based network to a content format suitable for the broadcast network. Show less

A method for identifying a media file transmitted over a network includes creating a plurality of known media file identifiers, each for a respective one of a plurality of known media files, using an identifier generating algorithm, storing the known media file identifiers in a database, creating a media file identifier for an unknown media file with the identifier generating algorithm and comparing the media file identifier for the unknown media file with known media file identifiers in order… Show more

A method for identifying a media file transmitted over a network includes creating a plurality of known media file identifiers, each for a respective one of a plurality of known media files, using an identifier generating algorithm, storing the known media file identifiers in a database, creating a media file identifier for an unknown media file with the identifier generating algorithm and comparing the media file identifier for the unknown media file with known media file identifiers in order to produce an identification of the unknown media file. Show less

A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards generating chains of encrypted decryption keys for content in a highly distributed environment. In one embodiment, the key chain may be provided within an Entitlement Control Message (ECM). An access key that enables decryption of a current link within the chain of decryption keys may be provided to a downstream recipient using an out-of-band mechanism. Alternatively, the access key may be provided through an in-band mechanism, such as… Show more

A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards generating chains of encrypted decryption keys for content in a highly distributed environment. In one embodiment, the key chain may be provided within an Entitlement Control Message (ECM). An access key that enables decryption of a current link within the chain of decryption keys may be provided to a downstream recipient using an out-of-band mechanism. Alternatively, the access key may be provided through an in-band mechanism, such as through the use of Entitlement Management Message (EMM), or the like. In one embodiment, the access key within the EMM may be further encrypted by another encryption key that may be unique to the downstream recipient. Show less

A method and apparatus for improving visual acuity when providing a visual image from a “high” resolution input device to a “low” resolution output device. The described invention is of particular use when the output device is an array of electrodes as part of a retinal prosthesis used to restore vision to a visually-impaired patient. In that various limitations may, within the foreseeable future, limit the density of such an electrode array (and thus the resolution of the output image), the… Show more

A method and apparatus for improving visual acuity when providing a visual image from a “high” resolution input device to a “low” resolution output device. The described invention is of particular use when the output device is an array of electrodes as part of a retinal prosthesis used to restore vision to a visually-impaired patient. In that various limitations may, within the foreseeable future, limit the density of such an electrode array (and thus the resolution of the output image), the present invention teaches techniques to assign processed pixel subsets of a higher resolution image to a single electrode. By varying the pixel subsets, e.g., by jittering, and/or altering the processing criteria, the perceived visual acuity may be further improved. Alternatively and additionally, such processing may be further extended to drive neighboring electrodes in combination to thus stimulate virtual electrode sites and thus further enhance visual acuity. Show less

A system and method for locating objects such as people, pets, and personal articles is described. A transceiver is attached to the person, animal, or item to be tracked and a handheld locator device is employed to transmit a locator signal containing an address code to the transceiver. Upon receipt of a signal, the transceiver compares the address code contained in the locator signal with an address code stored in the transceiver. If the two codes are same, the transceiver sends a return… Show more

A system and method for locating objects such as people, pets, and personal articles is described. A transceiver is attached to the person, animal, or item to be tracked and a handheld locator device is employed to transmit a locator signal containing an address code to the transceiver. Upon receipt of a signal, the transceiver compares the address code contained in the locator signal with an address code stored in the transceiver. If the two codes are same, the transceiver sends a return signal back to the locator device. The locator device uses this return signal to determine the distance and/or direction of the transceiver from the user's location. The system allows a user to select from a multiple number of items to locate and allows multiple users to search for different articles within the same general area without interference. Show less

A method of pre-caching data using thread lists, and a multi-media editing system using such a pre-caching method, are disclosed. A list of data which will be required by a host application is passed to a data storage device such as a hard disk drive, CDROM drive, or other data storage device. The data storage device locates the data and stores it in its own storage device buffer. Thus, the data is immediately available when requested by the host. The pre-caching method may be used in a… Show more

A method of pre-caching data using thread lists, and a multi-media editing system using such a pre-caching method, are disclosed. A list of data which will be required by a host application is passed to a data storage device such as a hard disk drive, CDROM drive, or other data storage device. The data storage device locates the data and stores it in its own storage device buffer. Thus, the data is immediately available when requested by the host. The pre-caching method may be used in a multimedia or video editing system to quickly retrieve data from storage devices. The thread list may include a video thread, an audio thread and a data access parameter reflecting host data application requirements. The data access parameter may include at least one of data prioritization, cache management, error processing including resend capability, and data supply rate. The thread list may also include data specifying a percentage of the storage device buffer to be reserved for read ahead data... Show less

Apparatus for generating a composite image from a plurality of subsidiary images comprises first stores for storing signals representing at least two subsidiary images. Second stores store at least two arrays of mask data, each array having a mask pixel corresponding to each pixel of the composite image. A control system is responsive to each array of mask data to generate for the pixels of the composite image signals defining a weighted sum of the subsidiary images.

Embodiments are directed towards video enhancement in accordance with time constraint. An example method includes determining a time constraint for transforming low dynamic range (LDR) video content to high dynamic range (HDR) video content, processing the LDR video content to generate instructions for transforming to HDR video content in accordance with the time constraint, rendering the HDR video content based on executing the generated instructions; and producing metadata including the… Show more

Embodiments are directed towards video enhancement in accordance with time constraint. An example method includes determining a time constraint for transforming low dynamic range (LDR) video content to high dynamic range (HDR) video content, processing the LDR video content to generate instructions for transforming to HDR video content in accordance with the time constraint, rendering the HDR video content based on executing the generated instructions; and producing metadata including the generated instructions for sharing. Show less

An apparatus for creating a musical composition is disclosed. The apparatus includes an audio interface that operably receives audio from an input device and outputs audio to an audio output device, and an audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track. A recording session module may be provided to repeatedly playback a live loop that includes at least a portion of a first audio track, and to add at least… Show more

An apparatus for creating a musical composition is disclosed. The apparatus includes an audio interface that operably receives audio from an input device and outputs audio to an audio output device, and an audio converter module is operably connected to the audio interface to convert audio received via the audio interface into an audio track. A recording session module may be provided to repeatedly playback a live loop that includes at least a portion of a first audio track, and to add at least a portion of a second audio track to the live loop during repeated playback. A multi-track compositor module may also be configured to receive a first audio track and a second audio track, automatically score each partition of the first and second audio tracks, and construct a third audio track based on the scores for each partition. Show less

A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards managing motion picture film print marking and tracking using a reel changeover marking (RCM) to encode a unique identifier. In one embodiment, an Encoded RCM (ERCM) is located within a print during a print duplication process. The ERCM is arranged to persist through a variety of transformations, including camming, compression, and so forth. In one embodiment, an identification extraction component is configured to analyze a digital copy… Show more

A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards managing motion picture film print marking and tracking using a reel changeover marking (RCM) to encode a unique identifier. In one embodiment, an Encoded RCM (ERCM) is located within a print during a print duplication process. The ERCM is arranged to persist through a variety of transformations, including camming, compression, and so forth. In one embodiment, an identification extraction component is configured to analyze a digital copy print to extract the unique identifier from within an ERCM. A print tracking component may then search a data store to determine a corresponding source print to the digital copy print based on the extracted unique identifier. A source of piracy may be determined, at least in part, by identifying possible security weaknesses in a distribution chain that may be associated with unauthorized duplication of the film print, and so forth.
Show less

System, apparatus, and methods are directed to preventing a media player from playing a pirated media file, such as a pre-release motion picture. The invention treats the pirated media file as an infection and develops an immune system for the media player. The invention may be taught how to recognize an infection by using an immunization record for each media file that is to be treated as an infection. As the media file is played in real-time, a fingerprint is determined. A comparison is… Show more

System, apparatus, and methods are directed to preventing a media player from playing a pirated media file, such as a pre-release motion picture. The invention treats the pirated media file as an infection and develops an immune system for the media player. The invention may be taught how to recognize an infection by using an immunization record for each media file that is to be treated as an infection. As the media file is played in real-time, a fingerprint is determined. A comparison is performed between the immunization records and the determined fingerprint. If a match is determined, then an alert may be provided. The alert may be employed to perform any of a variety of actions, including disabling the media player, sending a message to an owner of a digital right for the media file, and the like. Show less

Method and devices are directed to uniquely identifying content in a highly distributed content delivery system such that an origin of unauthorized content use may be more accurately determined. Content received from a content owner is distributed to a persistent security database and a key manager, which manages encryption and decryption keys for content that may be already encrypted. Decrypted content is fingerprinted or watermarked by a fingerprinter/watermarker module such that a recipient… Show more

Method and devices are directed to uniquely identifying content in a highly distributed content delivery system such that an origin of unauthorized content use may be more accurately determined. Content received from a content owner is distributed to a persistent security database and a key manager, which manages encryption and decryption keys for content that may be already encrypted. Decrypted content is fingerprinted or watermarked by a fingerprinter/watermarker module such that a recipient of content is identifiable, and saved in a separate database. Information about fingerprinted/watermarked content may be reported back to content owner for tracking purposes. A key wrap module wraps and attaches aggregator's encryption key to the content before it is transmitted to downstream service operators or users. Show less