Digital Watermark Metadata for Selectable Objects in Captured Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media distribution systems fail to maintain selectable object functionality in captured images or videos, leading to a loss of interactive content and increased computing and networking resource consumption due to separate device usage for supplementary content delivery.

Innovation Solution

Embedding metadata using a digital watermark within images to maintain selectable object interaction, allowing access to supplemental information without separate metadata files, thus conserving resources and providing an integrated user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If metadata is stored in a separate file from media content, then the media distribution system can provide supplemental content, but the selectable object functionality is lost when the media is captured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectable object functionalityVSAvoidseparate metadata file management

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges metadata with media content by embedding it directly into the media file using digital watermarking technology. This integration ensures that when media is captured, the metadata travels with it, preserving selectable object functionality without requiring separate file management systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital watermarking as an intermediary mechanism to embed metadata within the media content. This intermediary technique allows metadata to be hidden within the media file structure, enabling both storage efficiency and preservation of interactive functionality across captured content

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If second screen applications are used to deliver supplemental content, then users can access additional information, but computing and networking resources are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupplemental content deliveryVSAvoidcomputing and networking resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the media content itself to carry its own metadata and supplemental information through embedded digital watermarks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate second screen applications to fetch and deliver metadata, reducing computing and networking resource consumption while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If a digital watermark is embedded in the image, then metadata is preserved in captured content, but the image processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetadata preservationVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies digital watermarking during the original media creation or distribution phase, embedding metadata before the media is captured or shared. This preliminary action ensures metadata is already integrated, reducing the complexity of later processing steps when the media is captured or viewed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260038075A1Systems and methods for extending selectable object capability to a captured image

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 ADEIA GUIDES INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described herein for obtaining an image, wherein the image includes a digital watermark that embeds metadata associated with at least one object in the image, and wherein the metadata comprises an indication of a location of the at least one object in the image. The embedded metadata may be extracted based on the digital watermark. Based on the extracted metadata, a portion of the image corresponding to the location of the at least one object in the image may be caused to be selectable to access supplemental information related to the at least one object.