IP Library Granted Patent US 8,983,885
Granted Patent B1
US 8,983,885 · App. 13/609,141 · Granted Mar 17, 2015

Prospective media content generation using neural network modeling

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,983,885
App. No.
13/609,141
Granted
Mar 17, 2015
Kind
B1
Abstract

A system for prospectively identifying media characteristics for inclusion in media content is disclosed. A neural network database including media characteristic information and feature information may associate relationships among the media characteristic information and feature information. Personal characteristic information associated with target media consumers may be used to select a subset of the neural network database. A first set of nodes, representing selected feature information, may be activated. The node interactions may be calculated to detect the activation of a second set of nodes, the second set of nodes representing media characteristic information. Generally, a node is activated when an activation value of the node exceeds a threshold value. Media characteristic information may be identified for inclusion in media content based on the second set of nodes.

Claims (113)

1. A computer-implemented method of selecting media characteristics for inclusion in a media content, the method comprising:

accessing a neural network database, the neural network database comprising a plurality of media characteristic information and a plurality of feature information;

wherein the neural network database associates relationships among the plurality of media characteristic information and the plurality of feature information;

receiving one or more personal characteristic information associated with one or more target media consumers;

selecting a subset of the neural network database based on the received one or more personal characteristic information;

receiving a selection of one or more feature information of the plurality of feature information;

activating a first set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database, the first set of one or more nodes representing the one or more feature information;

calculating node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database;

detecting the activation of a second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database, the second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating node interactions;

wherein the second set of one or more nodes represents one or more media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information, and wherein a node of the subset of the neural network database is activated when an activation value of the node exceeds a threshold value;

identifying at least one media characteristic information for inclusion in the media content, the at least one media characteristic information represented by at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes;

determining an estimated threshold value, the estimated threshold value determined based on an expected change to the neural network database in response to the one or more target media consumers perceiving the at least one media characteristic information; and

updating the threshold value to the estimated threshold value.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving a request to modify the threshold value;

updating the subset of the neural network database based on the request to modify the threshold value;

calculating updated node interactions based on the updated subset of the neural network database;

detecting the activation of a fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database, the fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating updated node interactions;

wherein the fourth set of one or more nodes represents at least one media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information; and

identifying a media characteristic information of the at least one media characteristic information of the updated subset of the neural network database for inclusion in a revised media content.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the activation of the second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database comprises:

determining at least one threshold value; and

comparing the at least one threshold value to an activation value, the activation value at least partially calculated based on the node interactions calculation.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein the relationships among the plurality of media characteristic information and the plurality of feature information comprise weighted connections for contributing to the activation value of at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein calculating node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database comprises:

calculating the activation value based on a weighted sum of one or more input values received by the at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes, the one or more input values received from a third set of one or more nodes; and

wherein the weighted sum is based on the weighted connections and the third set of one or more nodes is directly connected to the at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , further comprising:

receiving a request to modify a weight value of the weighted connections;

updating the subset of the neural network database based on the request to modify the weight value;

calculating updated node interactions based on the updated subset of the neural network database;

detecting the activation of a fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database, the fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating updated node interactions;

wherein the fourth set of one or more nodes represents at least one media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information; and

identifying a media characteristic information of the at least one media characteristic information of the updated subset of the neural network database for inclusion in a revised media content.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of media characteristic information is selected from the group consisting of attributes of actors, attributes of characters, attributes of music, portrayed activity, landscape, and narrative mode.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more personal characteristic information is selected from the group consisting of age, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and political orientation.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein calculating node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database comprises updating node values asynchronously.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for selecting media characteristics for inclusion in a media content, the computer-executable instructions comprising instructions for:

accessing a neural network database, the neural network database comprising a plurality of media characteristic information and a plurality of feature information;

wherein the neural network database associates relationships among the plurality of media characteristic information and the plurality of feature information;

receiving one or more personal characteristic information associated with one or more target media consumers;

selecting a subset of the neural network database based on the received one or more personal characteristic information;

receiving a selection of one or more feature information of the plurality of feature information;

activating a first set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database, the first set of one or more nodes representing the one or more feature information;

calculating node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database;

detecting the activation of a second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database, the second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating node interactions;

wherein the second set of one or more nodes represents one or more media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information, and wherein a node of the subset of the neural network database is activated when an activation value of the node exceeds a threshold value;

identifying at least one media characteristic information for inclusion in the media content, the at least one media characteristic information represented by at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes;

determining an estimated threshold value, the estimated threshold value determined based on an expected change to the neural network database in response to the one or more target media consumers perceiving the at least one media characteristic information; and

updating the threshold value to the estimated threshold value.

11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , further comprising instructions for:

receiving a request to modify the threshold value;

updating the subset of the neural network database based on the request to modify the threshold value;

calculating updated node interactions based on the updated subset of the neural network database;

detecting the activation of a fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database, the fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating updated node interactions;

wherein the fourth set of one or more nodes represents at least one media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information; and

identifying a media characteristic information of the at least one media characteristic information of the updated subset of the neural network database for inclusion in a revised media content.

12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein detecting the activation of the second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database comprises:

determining at least one threshold value; and

comparing the at least one threshold value to an activation value, the activation value at least partially calculated based on the node interactions calculation.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein the relationships among the plurality of media characteristic information and the plurality of feature information comprise weighted connections for contributing to the activation value of at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes.

14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein calculating node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database comprises:

calculating the activation value based on a weighted sum of one or more input values received by the at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes, the one or more input values received from a third set of one or more nodes; and

wherein the weighted sum is based on the weighted connections and the third set of one or more nodes is directly connected to the at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes.

15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , further comprising instructions for:

receiving a request to modify a weight value of the weighted connections;

updating the subset of the neural network database based on the request to modify the weight value;

calculating updated node interactions based on the updated subset of the neural network database;

detecting the activation of a fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database, the fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating updated node interactions;

wherein the fourth set of one or more nodes represents at least one media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information; and

identifying a media characteristic information of the at least one media characteristic information of the updated subset of the neural network database for inclusion in a revised media content.

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of media characteristic information is selected from the group consisting of attributes of actors, attributes of characters, attributes of music, portrayed activity, landscape, and narrative mode.

17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein the one or more personal characteristic information is selected from the group consisting of age, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and political orientation.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein calculating node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database comprises updating node values asynchronously.

19. An apparatus for selecting media characteristics for inclusion in a media content, the apparatus comprising:

a memory configured to store data; and

a computer processor configured to:

access a neural network database, the neural network database comprising a plurality of media characteristic information and a plurality of feature information;

wherein the neural network database associates relationships among the plurality of media characteristic information and the plurality of feature information;

receive one or more personal characteristic information associated with one or more target media consumers;

select a subset of the neural network database based on the received one or more personal characteristic information;

receive a selection of one or more feature information of the plurality of feature information;

activate a first set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database, the first set of one or more nodes representing the one or more feature information;

calculate node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database;

detect the activation of a second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database, the second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating node interactions;

wherein the second set of one or more nodes represents one or more media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information, and wherein a node of the subset of the neural network database is activated when an activation value of the node exceeds a threshold value;

identify at least one media characteristic information for inclusion in the media content, the at least one media characteristic information represented by at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes;

determine an estimated threshold value, the estimated threshold value determined based on an expected change to the neural network database in response to the one or more target media consumers perceiving the at least one media characteristic information; and

update the threshold value to the estimated threshold value.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the computer processor is further configured to:

receive a request to modify the threshold value;

update the subset of the neural network database based on the request to modify the threshold value;

calculate updated node interactions based on the updated subset of the neural network database;

detect the activation of a fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database, the fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculate updated node interactions;

wherein the fourth set of one or more nodes represents at least one media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information; and

identify a media characteristic information of the at least one media characteristic information of the updated subset of the neural network database for inclusion in a revised media content.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein to detect the activation of the second set of one or more nodes of the subset of the neural network database the computer processor is further configured to:

determine at least one threshold value; and

compare the at least one threshold value to an activation value, the activation value at least partially calculated based on the node interactions calculation.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the relationships among the plurality of media characteristic information and the plurality of feature information comprise weighted connections for contributing to the activation value of at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein to calculate node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database the computer processor is further configured to:

calculate the activation value based on a weighted sum of one or more input values received by the at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes, the one or more input values received from a third set of one or more nodes; and

wherein the weighted sum is based on the weighted connections and the third set of one or more nodes is directly connected to the at least one node of the second set of one or more nodes.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the computer processor is further configured to:

receive a request to modify a weight value of the weighted connections;

update the subset of the neural network database based on the request to modify the weight value;

calculate updated node interactions based on the updated subset of the neural network database;

detect the activation of a fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database, the fourth set of one or more nodes of the updated subset of the neural network database being activated in response to the calculating updated node interactions;

wherein the fourth set of one or more nodes represents at least one media characteristic information of the plurality of media characteristic information; and

identify a media characteristic information of the at least one media characteristic information of the updated subset of the neural network database for inclusion in a revised media content.

25. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the plurality of media characteristic information is selected from the group consisting of attributes of actors, attributes of characters, attributes of music, portrayed activity, landscape, and narrative mode.

26. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the one or more personal characteristic information is selected from the group consisting of age, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and political orientation.

27. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein to calculate node interactions based on the subset of the neural network database the computer processor is further configured to update node values asynchronously.

Assignments (9)
RELEASE (REEL 053473 / FRAME 0001) Recorded May 11, 2023
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063603/0001 →
RELEASE (REEL 054066 / FRAME 0064) Recorded May 11, 2023
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: GRACENOTE, INC.; A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063605/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 063574/0632 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 28, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: CITIBANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 063561/0381 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 31, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Reel/Frame 063560/0547 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PATENTS LISTED ON SCHEDULE 1 RECORDED ON 6-9-2020 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 053473 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SUPPLEMENTAL IP SECURITY AGREEMENT. Recorded Oct 7, 2020
From: A.C. NIELSEN (ARGENTINA) S.A.; A.C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; ACN HOLDINGS INC.; ACNIELSEN CORPORATION; ACNIELSEN ERATINGS.COM; AFFINNOVA, INC.; ART HOLDING, L.L.C.; ATHENIAN LEASING CORPORATION; CZT/ACN TRADEMARKS, L.L.C.; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC; NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER INSIGHTS, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE, INC.; NIELSEN FINANCE CO.; NIELSEN FINANCE LLC; NIELSEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; NIELSEN MOBILE, LLC; NMR INVESTING I, INC.; TCG DIVESTITURE INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; VIZU CORPORATION; VNU MARKETING INFORMATION, INC.; NMR LICENSING ASSOCIATES, L.P.; NIELSEN HOLDING AND FINANCE B.V.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY B.V.; VNU INTERNATIONAL B.V.
To: CITIBANK, N.A
Reel/Frame 054066/0064 →
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 9, 2020
From: A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; ACN HOLDINGS INC.; ACNIELSEN CORPORATION; ACNIELSEN ERATINGS.COM; AFFINNOVA, INC.; ART HOLDING, L.L.C.; ATHENIAN LEASING CORPORATION; CZT/ACN TRADEMARKS, L.L.C.; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC; NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER INSIGHTS, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE, INC.; NIELSEN FINANCE CO.; NIELSEN FINANCE LLC; NIELSEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; NIELSEN MOBILE, LLC; NIELSEN UK FINANCE I, LLC; NMR INVESTING I, INC.; TCG DIVESTITURE INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; VIZU CORPORATION; VNU MARKETING INFORMATION, INC.; NMR LICENSING ASSOCIATES, L.P.; NIELSEN HOLDING AND FINANCE B.V.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY B.V.; VNU INTERNATIONAL B.V.
To: CITIBANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 053473/0001 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 15, 2018
From: FEM, INC.
To: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
Reel/Frame 046097/0665 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 14, 2013
From: BHATT, MEGHANA; PAYNE, RACHEL
To: FEM, INC.
Reel/Frame 029625/0137 →