US Patent 8116516 Controlling use of audio or image content

The present invention relates generally to controlling use of audio (e.g., ambient or digital audio) or image content (e.g., the image content may comprise video). One claim recites a method comprising: receiving data representing audio elements or image picture elements, the audio elements or image picture elements being captured using a sensor; using a programmed electronic processor, analyzing the data representing audio elements or image picture elements to extract identifying information therefrom; communicating extracted identifying information to a database; receiving control information from the database; carrying out an action based at least in part on the control information. Of course, other claims are provided as well.