Digital Media Modification Control via Signed Certificates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital media licensing schemes do not allow for precise control over the amount and type of changes that can be made to digital content, particularly in cases where deepfake technologies or software licenses are involved.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of systems and methods to specify an allowed amount of change for digital media through the creation of digital certificates that embed rules for modification, which can be verified using protocols and technologies such as blockchain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital media creators allow modifications to their work, then the work can be used as a base for new projects and fostered creativity, but the original creator loses control over how much and what changes can be made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding licensing rules and change thresholds into digital certificates before the content is modified. These pre-defined rules specify the maximum amount of change allowed, and verification is performed automatically when modifications are submitted, preventing loss of control while enabling permitted adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through automated verification protocols that compare modified content against the original and evaluate whether changes exceed the licensed thresholds. This feedback mechanism informs creators and licensees whether modifications are compliant, enabling continuous monitoring while maintaining control over content integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deepfake technologies are allowed to modify digital content, then creative flexibility increases, but the ability to detect and measure unauthorized changes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses detection difficulty by pre-embedding identification information and licensing rules into digital certificates before deepfake modifications occur. This preliminary structuring enables automated verification systems to trace and evaluate changes even when they are complex or subtle, maintaining detection capability despite increased creative flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that acts as a mediator between deepfake modification tools and the original content. This intermediary automatically evaluates whether modifications comply with licensed thresholds, making the detection process more manageable despite the complexity introduced by advanced deepfake technologies.
3Reliability
If traditional licensing schemes are used, then intellectual property rights are protected, but precise control over the amount and type of changes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming traditional binary licensing (allow/disallow modifications) into a nuanced system with quantifiable thresholds. Licensing rules now specify precise parameters such as maximum percentage of change, minimum original content retention, and other measurable constraints, enabling both IP protection and precise control over modification amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual licensing verification with automated computational protocols that precisely measure and evaluate modifications against licensed thresholds. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated measurement systems enables precise control over the amount and type of changes while maintaining intellectual property protection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method comprises generating an original digital content, generating a first set of rules pertaining to permissible changes to the original digital content, generating a cryptographically signed certificate comprising the first set of rules and a hash of the original digital content, and publishing the original digital content and the associated cryptographically signed certificate.