Abstract: System, device, and method for improved image encoding that non-iteratively targets and achieves a visual-quality threshold and a compression efficiency threshold. A system receives an input image intended for compression; and applies a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Engine to predict what would be (i) compression ratio values and (ii) visual-quality score values, for a resulting compressed image that would be encoded or transcoded from said input image, if said input image would be compressed via a particular Image Encoder from a pool of available Image Encoders by using a particular Encoder Settings from a pool of Image Encoder Settings. Based on CNN-based predictions generated by the pre-trained CNN Engine, the system selects a single combination of Image Encoder with Encoder Setting, and performs a single compression of said input image using said single combination of Image Encoder with Encoder Setting to generate an optimally compressed image.

Abstract: System, device, and method for improved encoding and enhanced compression of images, videos, and media content. A method includes: (a) receiving a source image, and analyzing its content on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and classifying each pixel as either (I) a pixel associated with Photographic content, or (II) a pixel associated with Non-Photographic content; (c) generating a pixel-clusters map that indicates (i) clusters of pixels that were classified as Photographic content, and (ii) clusters of pixels that were classified as Non-Photographic content; (d) generating a composed image, by: (d1) applying a first encoding technique, particularly lossy encoding, to encode pixel-clusters that were classified as Photographic content; (d2) applying a second, different, encoding technique, particularly lossless encoding, to encode pixel-clusters that were classified as Non-Photographic content.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining color ambiguity of images or videos. A system includes a color ambiguity score generator, which analyzes an image and determines a color ambiguity score that quantitively indicates a level of color ambiguity that the image is estimated to cause when viewed by a user having color vision deficiency. A local color ambiguity score is generated to quantitively indicate a level of local color ambiguity between (i) an in-image object and (ii) an in-image foreground of that in-image object. A global color ambiguity score is generated to quantitively indicate a level of global color ambiguity between (I) a first in-image object within the image and (II) a second in-image object within that image. The color ambiguity score generator generates the color ambiguity score by utilizing a formula that uses both (A) the local color ambiguity score and (B) the global color ambiguity score.

Abstract: System, device, and method for generating and utilizing content-aware metadata, particularly for playback of video and other content items. A method includes: receiving a video file, and receiving content-aware metadata about visual objects that are depicted in said video file; and dynamically adjusting or modifying playback of that video file, on a video playback device, based on the content-aware metadata. The modifications include content-aware cropping, summarizing, watermarking, overlaying of other content elements, modifying playback speed, adding user-selectable indicators or areas around or near visual objects to cause a pre-defined action upon user selection, or other adjustments or modification. Optionally, a modified and content-aware version of the video file is automatically generated or stored. Optionally, the content-aware metadata is stored internally or integrally within the video file, in its header or as a private channel; or is stored in an accompanying file.

Abstract: System, device, and method of providing authenticity and rights verification mechanism for media content and for its derived versions. A media authenticity server is configured to receive a content item, and to generate for it a record having a unique content identifier and indications of permitted modifications, and optionally also copyright information usage restrictions. The media authenticity server authorizes or blocks modifications requests regarding the content item. The media authenticity server tracks and logs the permitted modifications performed on the content item, and makes this log available for inspection to end-user devices via a web browser or via a content consumption application. Optionally, playback or consumption of a modified version of the content item is blocked, or is accompanied by a warning message, if the modified version is not associated with an authenticated log of permitted modifications.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein computer implemented methods of cache key generation including receiving from a user a request for content; wherein the request comprises one or more of opening a browser software tab or window, launching a software application, activating a hyperlink; wherein the request causes an electronic communications network connection to be established and/or an HTTP request made; and wherein, the surrogate passes the request to an origin.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of encoding an image file, the method comprising inputting dimension, channel, bit depth and color model data of the image file; forward transforming the image file; entropy coding the image file; inverse transforming the image file; and, reconstructing the image file.

Abstract: System, device, and method for determining predicted annoyance level of multimedia content. A Predicted Annoyance Level (PAL) management unit processes content of frames of an endless-loop cinemagraph content-item, and determines a PAL score that indicates a predicted level of annoyance that the content-item is predicted to cause viewers due to motion of content in its content-item. The determining of the PAL score is based on comparison of content of pairs of frames of the endless-loop cinemagraph content-item; content of each frame of is compared to content of its immediately preceding frame, except for the first frame of the endless-loop cinemagraph content item which is compared to the last frame thereof. The PAL score is adjusted based on time-length and frame rate of the content item. Analysis of the PAL score triggers one or more notifications, alerts, or mitigation operations.