Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Munro

Thomas A. Munro has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10691830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preserving privacy in distribution of content using private tokens in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of anonymously tracking a digital content and remediating unauthorized distribution includes generating a private token including an identifier distinguishable from tokens generated by other playback devices and the association with the playback device is not shared, receiving a portion of content, embedding a digital watermark in the content, where the digital watermark includes the private token, detecting an unauthorized copy of the content, extracting the digital watermark from the unauthorized copy of the content, broadcasting an enforcement message containing the private token to the playback devices, receiving the enforcement message, and performing an enforcement action on the playback device in response, where only a playback device that generated the private token responds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Verimatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Munro, Niels J. Thorwirth
  • Publication number: 20190012439
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preserving privacy in distribution of content using private tokens in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of anonymously tracking a digital content and remediating unauthorized distribution includes generating a private token including an identifier distinguishable from tokens generated by other playback devices and the association with the playback device is not shared, receiving a portion of content, embedding a digital watermark in the content, where the digital watermark includes the private token, detecting an unauthorized copy of the content, extracting the digital watermark from the unauthorized copy of the content, broadcasting an enforcement message containing the private token to the playback devices, receiving the enforcement message, and performing an enforcement action on the playback device in response, where only a playback device that generated the private token responds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: Verimatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Munro, Niels J. Thorwirth
  • Publication number: 20170094023
    Abstract: Improved photo galleries featuring dynamic and automated photo organization, enhanced photo sharing, and photo backup with privacy features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Cyrus Vimal JACK, Sheila Agoncillo ANDRES, Katharine A. HARE, Thomas A. MUNRO
  • Publication number: 20160105719
    Abstract: System and method for identification of ownership to media objects through analysis of semantic information in the media objects are disclosed. Semantic information is a term that can be used to describe aspects of the content of a media object that are apparent to a human viewing or listening to the content. In many embodiments, the media object is analyzed for semantic information that are indicative of media ownership such as, but not limited to, station identification logos, franchise logos (e.g., the title credits of a popular television series), theme songs, the distinctive voice of a news presenter, the face and/or voice of an actor and/or other characteristics of the media object are used as a basis for determining entities associated with the media object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Niels J. Thorwirth, Thomas A. Munro, Robert T. Kulakowski
  • Patent number: 9226047
    Abstract: System and method for identification of ownership to media objects through analysis of semantic information in the media objects are disclosed Semantic information is a term that can be used to describe aspects of the content of a media object that are apparent to a human viewing or listening to the content One embodiment of the invention includes extracting semantic information from a specified media object, matching said semantic information of the specified media object against known semantic information of known media objects, and taking action based on the result of the companson.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Verimatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels J. Thorwirth, Thomas Munro
  • Publication number: 20150127754
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for collecting photographs, drawings, videos and other media elements from one or more sources. A user on one site can create an album associated with one or more identifiers and the site can search for and retrieve media elements associated with the identifiers on other sites or in other locations. The collection of media elements may then be stored or posted in the album and access given to others for viewing the collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Michael P. Clark, Katharine A. Hare, Thomas A. Munro, Jeffrey Selk
  • Publication number: 20140040712
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for arranging photographs, drawings, videos and other media elements in a logical and visually appealing manner. Media elements may be selected, automatically or manually arranged in a progression to collectively tell a complete narrative. The arrangement for the progression may provide some direction but not limit the creator to sending single elements at a time, or using templates, pages, folders, or albums. Images may be intelligently placed and/or sized. When viewing the story, a viewer can advance through the media and understand the full story or perspective. A user may resize, move, delete or add images to enhance the story. The story may be shared with others, some or all of which may also collaborate to add or change the story progression to provide different perspectives or content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Photobucket Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne C. Chang, Thomas A. Munro, Katharine A. Hare
  • Publication number: 20130097625
    Abstract: System and method for identification of ownership to media objects through analysis of semantic information in the media objects are disclosed Semantic information is a term that can be used to describe aspects of the content of a media object that are apparent to a human viewing or listening to the content One embodiment of the invention includes extracting semantic information from a specified media object, matching said semantic information of the specified media object against known semantic information of known media objects, and taking action based on the result of the companson.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Niels J. Thorwirth, Robert Kulakowski, Thomas Munro
  • Patent number: 8191098
    Abstract: A multi-source bridge content distribution system links multiple content owners with access network operators or content distribution providers leasing space on access networks so that multi-media content can be provided from multiple content owners to consumers through a multi-source bridge or data center. Content files and associated content owner preference settings are provided from a plurality of content sources or providers to the multi-source data center. Files stored at the data center or locally at an access network are provided to subscribers through the local access network Content files are provided if the content owner preference settings are a sufficient match with service provider access network preference settings set up by the service provider using the access network to provide content to subscribers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Verimatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Ross Cooper, Thomas A. Munro
  • Patent number: 8037506
    Abstract: Digital content files containing entertainment media such as movies, TV shows, and the like are distributed from at least one content source primarily responsible for the original creation of the media to subscribers over a network system. The content source is connected over at least one content source network to a plurality of distribution partners, and each distribution partner is connected with a selected group of subscribers over an access network. A requested digital content file is distributed from the content source to a subscriber in a network distribution path comprising at least the content source network, the distribution partner associated with the subscriber, and the second network. A profile information package containing subscriber preferences is transmitted from the subscriber to the content source by way of a proxy over the network distribution path, and the profile information package is stored at the content source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Verimatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Ross Cooper, Thomas A. Munro, Michael R. Beatty
  • Publication number: 20080155614
    Abstract: A multi-source bridge content distribution system links multiple content owners with access network operators or content distribution providers leasing space on access networks so that multi-media content can be provided from multiple content owners to consumers through a multi-source bridge or data center. Content files and associated content owner preference settings are provided from a plurality of content sources or providers to the multi-source data center. Files stored at the data center or locally at an access network are provided to subscribers through the local access network Content files are provided if the content owner preference settings are a sufficient match with service provider access network preference settings set up by the service provider using the access network to provide content to subscribers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Robin Ross Cooper, Thomas A. Munro
  • Publication number: 20080103945
    Abstract: A video shop access system allows consumers to receive information on title inventories available at local video shops in the consumers' geographical area through their home or wireless media servers. A video shop data center receives title information on inventory available at the local video shops and stores the title information in an inventory data base. On receipt of a request from a consumer's media server, a video shop user interface is provided to the media server and displayed on an associated user display device, the user interface providing a link to the stored title inventories. The consumer can select and order titles through the interface, and orders are forwarded by the data center to the appropriate local video shop, which delivers a physical copy of the title to the requesting consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Robin Ross Cooper, Thomas A. Munro
  • Publication number: 20070220575
    Abstract: Digital content files containing entertainment media such as movies, TV shows, and the like are distributed from at least one content source primarily responsible for the original creation of the media to subscribers over a network system. The content source is connected over at least one content source network to a plurality of distribution partners, and each distribution partner is connected with a selected group of subscribers over an access network. A requested digital content file is distributed from the content source to a subscriber in a network distribution path comprising at least the content source network, the distribution partner associated with the subscriber, and the second network. A profile information package containing subscriber preferences is transmitted from the subscriber to the content source by way of a proxy over the network distribution path, and the profile information package is stored at the content source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Robin Ross Cooper, Thomas A. Munro, Michael R. Beatty