Microsoft has filed a patent for technology envisioned to identify video content in a manner akin to the audio identification service Shazam. This development suggests a potential future release of an application designed to verify and manage copyrighted video material. The technology examines conditions to ascertain whether a video is an abridged or shortened form of another, the company's documentation reveals.
The Mechanics of Video Identification
The patented technology evaluates videos based on a set of strict criteria. It not only detects whether the target video lacks some shots present in the reference video but also checks if the shots that are present are in the same sequence, and if groups of shots match those of a reference video. Should all conditions align, the system identifies the video as an edited or condensed version of the original reference. This level of analysis suggests a sophisticated approach to video content verification.
Application Versatility and Integration
While the patent leaves room for this technology to manifest as a standalone product, Microsoft could also integrate this feature into existing applications or services, such as the Microsoft Edge browser. Moreover, there is the potential for this technology to work in conjunction with Copilot, Windows' AI tool, enhancing capabilities such as media content identification and verification, though currently, Copilot is limited to handling images and does not accept video inputs.
The new tool would not rely solely on one database or search engine, but rather use various internet sources, bolstering its accuracy and utility across different platforms. In situations where users cannot provide a reference video, the application could still function effectively by utilizing available data, indicating a blend of user-driven and automated processes.
Microsoft envisions the application to aid content creators and broadcasters, who often need to scour the internet for unauthorized copies of their video content. It serves as a proactive step in protecting intellectual property in a digital ecosystem where such infringements are rampant.
Broadening Microsoft's Copyright Enforcement Suite
The forthcoming feature would extend Microsoft's suite of copyright enforcement tools, previously limited to applications under Microsoft 365. This patent marks an important milestone in Microsoft's commitment to digital rights management and content protection.
This advancement emerges amid growing interest in tools for copyright enforcement and is likely to be welcomed by broadcasting companies, content creators, and rights managers. It is yet to be seen how this new technology will integrate with Microsoft's broader ecosystem or whether it will premiere as part of the company's flagship products.
