Patents Assigned to Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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Publication number: 20100214450Abstract: Techniques are described for detecting a vertical line artifact in an image captured with a digital camera. The vertical line artifact may be caused by a defect in the digital camera. Techniques also are described for correcting a vertical line artifact in an image captured with a digital camera. It may be determined that the vertical line artifact includes at least one pixel in the vertical line having a non-zero suppressed signal. A value for the pixel having the non-zero suppressed signal may be determined. A statistically-based correction may be applied to the pixel having the non-zero suppressed signal based on the determination that the pixel has a non-zero suppressed signal and the determined value of the pixel. The image may be a portion of a movie stored on a DVD.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.Inventor: Daniel Scott Rosen
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Patent number: 7747875Abstract: An apparatus for processing data and content includes at least one drive and a player (that may be implemented by software). At least some of the content is protected using a content scrambling scheme such as audio or video watermarking. The drive and player cooperate to operate in a lockable mode wherein if protected content is provided to the drive, the drive and player are interlocked so that the content is presented by the player only in accordance with consistent with protection scheme being used, and cannot be presented by any other player. Moreover, in the locked mode, protected content may not be accepted from any other drive. The drive and player are switched to an unlockded mode by presenting to the drive unprotected content.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Cookson, Spencer Stephens
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Publication number: 20100150469Abstract: Separations or images relating to film or other fields may be registered using a variety of features, such as, for example: (1) correcting one or more film distortions; (2) automatically determining a transformation to reduce a film distortion; (3) applying multiple criteria of merit to a set of features to determine a set of features to use in determining a transformation; (4) determining transformations for areas in an image or a separation in a radial order; (5) comparing areas in images or separations by weighting feature pixels differently than non-feature pixels; (6) determining distortion values for transformations by applying a partial distortion measure and/or using a spiral search configuration; (7) determining transformations by using different sets of features to determine corresponding transformation parameters in an iterative manner; and (8) applying a feathering technique to neighboring areas within an image or separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicants: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.Inventors: Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter, Eric Wang, Paul R. Klamer, Christopher J. Cookson, Massimiliano Gasparri
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Patent number: 7724946Abstract: Blotches may be identified and processed to reduce or eliminate the blotch. The blotch may be in just one of several separations and multiple separations may be used, for example, to identify the blotch. An implementation (i) compares a first component image of an image with a first component image of a reference image, (ii) compares a second component image of the image with a second component image of the reference image, and (iii) determines based on these comparisons whether the first component image of the image includes a blotch. Multiple image separations also, or alternatively, may be used, for example, to modify the blotch, as well as to evaluate whether a modification is beneficial.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter
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Patent number: 7720224Abstract: A method for processing an analog video signal that represents a work for which rights information is asserted. The signal includes a rights assertion mark (RAM) in the video portion of the signal within the visible picture such that capture of the picture will include the mark. The signal also includes copy control information (CCI) bits in the vertical blanking interval of the signal for representing copying and redistribution rules. If the RAM is present and the CCI bits are present, then the copying and redistribution rules represented by the CCI bits are applied. If the RAM is present but the CCI bits are not, then the most restrictive copying and redistribution rules that can be represented by the CCI bits are applied.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Cookson, Dean S. Marks, Spencer Stephens
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Patent number: 7715655Abstract: Images may be registered using temporal (time-based) and spatial information. In a film implementation, because film is a sequence of frames, using information from neighboring frames may enable a temporally smoother visual experience. In addition, it may be beneficial to take advantage of the fact that consecutive frames are often shifted similarly during the photographic process. Distortion measures may be used that discount candidate transformations that are considered to be too far from one or more preferred transformations, such as, for example, an optimal transformation from another frame or block or a currently-optimal transformation from the same frame/block. Composite color images may be processed to provide registration of underlying components.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignees: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., AOL LLCInventors: Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter, Eric Wang, Paul R. Klamer, Leng Chua, Christopher J. Cookson, Massimiliano Gasparri
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Patent number: 7710472Abstract: Techniques are described for detecting a vertical line artifact in an image captured with a digital camera. The vertical line artifact may be caused by a defect in the digital camera. Techniques also are described for correcting a vertical line artifact in an image captured with a digital camera. It may be determined that the vertical line artifact includes at least one pixel in the vertical line having a non-zero suppressed signal. A value for the pixel having the non-zero suppressed signal may be determined. A statistically-based correction may be applied to the pixel having the non-zero suppressed signal based on the determination that the pixel has a non-zero suppressed signal and the determined value of the pixel. The image may be a portion of a movie stored on a DVD.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Daniel Scott Rosen
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Patent number: 7689036Abstract: Blotches may be identified and processed to reduce or eliminate the blotch. The blotch may be in just one of several separations and multiple separations may be used, for example, to identify the blotch. An implementation (i) compares a first component image of an image with a first component image of a reference image, (ii) compares a second component image of the image with a second component image of the reference image, and (iii) determines based on these comparisons whether the first component image of the image includes a blotch. Multiple image separations also, or alternatively, may be used, for example, to modify the blotch, as well as to evaluate whether a modification is beneficial.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignees: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., AOL LLCInventors: Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter
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Patent number: 7672541Abstract: Separations or images relating to film or other fields may be registered using a variety of features, such as, for example: (1) correcting one or more film distortions; (2) automatically determining a transformation to reduce a film distortion; (3) applying multiple criteria of merit to a set of features to determine a set of features to use in determining a transformation; (4) determining transformations for areas in an image or a separation in, a radial order; (5) comparing areas in images or separations by weighting feature pixels differently than non-feature pixels; (6) determining, distortion values for transformations by applying a partial distortion measure and/or using a spiral search configuration; (7) determining transformations by using different sets of features to determine corresponding transformation parameters in an iterative manner; and (8) applying a feathering technique to neighboring areas within an image or separation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignees: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., AOL LLCInventors: Massimiliano Gasparri, Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter, Eric Wang, Paul R. Klamer, Christopher J. Cookson
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Patent number: 7639740Abstract: Post-production processing may be performed by receiving a film-processing order, determining a process useful in fulfilling film-processing order, identifying one or more resources available to perform the process useful in fulfilling the film-processing order, and scheduling with at least one of the identified resources to perform the process.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignees: AOL LLC, Time Warner, Inc., Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Gilbert G. Weigand, Paul R. Klamer, Christopher J. Cookson
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Patent number: 7536047Abstract: A computationally efficient method for rendering skin tissue to achieve lifelike results includes application of a blurring algorithm to a two-dimensional light map. The algorithm is compact and is not derived from complex mathematical models of subsurface scattering in translucent materials, and yet achieves results similar to more complex models. The method includes receiving three-dimensional surface geometry relating to a digital object and other information for defining modeled light reflected from the surface, generating a two-dimensional matrix of light intensity values mapped to the surface geometry, blurring the matrix using a compact algorithm, and rendering the object using the blurred light intensity values.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: George Borshukov, John P. Lewis
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Patent number: 7533027Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating many uniquely identifiable media copies from a few uniquely marked masters to reduce the expense of subjecting each media copy to a marking process while maintaining the ability to trace unauthorized copies back to an authorized source. A number of masters of a film or media presentation are digitally or optically marked with identifiers to distinguish each master from each other master. The identifiers provide the ability to distinguish corresponding partitions or segments among masters. The masters with their identifiers are then duplicated. Final media prints are then assembled by combining segments with the duplicated identifiers from various masters in a manner to form segments with unique identifier sequences. Thus, each final print may be distinguished from each other final print by their identifier sequences.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Chris R. Odgers, Alan Bell
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Patent number: 7512048Abstract: A player is provided that is capable of playing discs of either a first or a second configuration. Both types of discs can be double-sided optical discs formed with data tracks. In one configuration, the tracks on one side follow one spiral while the tracks on the other side follow a second spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides, and therefore being mirror images of each other. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from both sides of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc. In the other configuration, the tracks follow identical spirals. The disc is then rotated in one direction for one side and the other direction for the other side.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Cookson, Lewis S. Ostrover
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Patent number: 7486842Abstract: Separations or images relating to film or other fields may be registered using a variety of features, such as, for example: (1) correcting one or more film distortions; (2) automatically determining a transformation to reduce a film distortion; (3) applying multiple criteria of merit to a set of features to determine a set of features to use in determining a transformation; (4) determining transformations for areas in an image or a separation in a radial order; (5) comparing areas in images or separations by weighting feature pixels differently than non-feature pixels; (6) determining distortion values for transformations by applying a partial distortion measure and/or using a spiral search configuration; (7) determining transformations by using different sets of features to determine corresponding transformation parameters in an iterative manner; and (8) applying a feathering technique to neighboring areas within an image or separation.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignees: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., AOL LLCInventors: Massimiliano Gasparri, Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter, Eric Wang, Paul R. Klamer, Christopher J. Cookson
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Patent number: 7454078Abstract: A method for removing flicker in a sequence of images, wherein each image in the sequence of images includes a plurality of pixels. The method includes providing a sequence of images including a source image and a target image, defining a plurality of regions of interest in the source image and a plurality of spatially counterpart regions of interest in the target image, measuring an image quality for all of the pixels in each of the regions of interest in the source image, measuring an image quality for all of the pixels in each of the spatially counterpart regions of interest in the target image, and generating a corrected source image on a region of interest basis depending on the image quality for the pixels in each of the plurality of regions of interest in the source image and the spatially counterpart regions of interest in the target image.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Arjun Ramamurthy
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Patent number: 7450826Abstract: A media program for play on a media player to produce an audio-visual stream perceivable by a user is disclosed. The media program comprises a primary program configured for streaming play on the media player. The primary program is divisible into a continuous sequence of segments defining a timeline. The media program also includes a plurality of sub-segments separate from the primary program. Each of the sub-segments is configured for streaming play on the media player. The media program also includes a plurality of links (indicators or signals) in the primary program. Each link is configured to be played for a predetermined period of the timeline and not at other periods of the timeline.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Matt Lasorsa, Michael Mulvihill, Steve Einhorn
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Patent number: 7417713Abstract: An optical disc used for storing content includes a theft control area selected to render the disc unreadable. The disc must be exposed to radiation of a specific wavelength before it can be read by a regular device. The theft control area may include an area that contains data that instructs the device not to read the disc. This area includes a coating that changes its optical characteristics when exposed to the radiation. The material could be radiochromic or thermochromic. Alternatively, the theft control area includes an RFID device that includes an element that is radiation sensitive. In this embodiment, when the disc is irradiated, the element changes its electrical characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Wayne M Smith, Christopher J Cookson, Lewis S Ostrover, Alan E Bell
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Publication number: 20080137979Abstract: Separations or images relating to film or other fields may be registered using a variety of features, such as, for example: (1) correcting one or more film distortions; (2) automatically determining a transformation to reduce a film distortion; (3) applying multiple criteria of merit to a set of features to determine a set of features to use in determining a transformation; (4) determining transformations for areas in an image or a separation in; a radial order; (5) comparing areas in images or separations by weighting feature pixels differently than non-feature pixels; (6) determining, distortion values for transformations by applying a partial distortion measure and/or using a spiral search configuration; (7) determining transformations by using different sets of features to determine corresponding transformation parameters in an iterative manner; and (8) applying a feathering technique to neighboring areas within an image or separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicants: WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC., AOL LLCInventors: Keren O. Perlmutter, Sharon M. Perlmutter, Eric Wang, Paul R. Klamer, Christopher J. Cookson, Massimiliano Gasparri
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Patent number: 7385603Abstract: A method for simulating motion of cloth or other flexible membranes corrects surface-to-surface intersection involving a membrane. The method may be applied at time intervals of a conventional motion simulation for computer-generated animation. When a collision is detected, a function for a line of intersection between intersecting surfaces is parameterized in terms of vertices of the membrane model. The function is differentiated, and a correction factor is applied to the dynamic simulation in proportion to the value of the partial derivative for respected ones of the intersected vertices. The correction factor may be smoothed over a number of vertices in the vicinity of the intersected vertices.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: Daniele Paolo David Piponi
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Patent number: 7379215Abstract: Film may be scanned by routing a film from a reel through two or more scanning systems, scanning the film in parallel using the scanning systems, and creating a scanning operation dataset from the output of the scanning systems. A film scanner may include a multiple image scanning platform that creates a scanning operation dataset based on a single concurrent scanning operation of multiple images in a reel of film, and a scanning controller structured and arranged to control scanning operations, where each scanning operation involves at least one image and at least one multiple image scanning platform.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.Inventors: Gilbert G. Weigand, Paul R. Klamer, Christopher J. Cookson