Digital Token for Analog Reconversion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital copy-protection schemes are ineffective against analog reconversion, as reconverted digital copies can be difficult to detect without access to the original bit pattern, limiting their detection and management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a noise-free, unobtrusive digital token, such as a flat field, into video files that can be detected through spectral analysis, even after analog reconversion, to distinguish original from reconverted copies, and using secure databases to record token locations and configurations for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital copy-protection schemes are used, then unauthorized copying is protected against, but analog reconversion makes the protection ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a digital token embedded in the video signal - that acts as a mediator between the digital source and the analog output. This token survives the analog reconversion process and can be detected in the reconverted copy, allowing identification of piracy attempts without requiring access to the original digital bit pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/bit-level comparison method with a spectral analysis approach. Instead of directly comparing bit patterns (which requires access to the original), the system uses spectral fingerprinting of the digital token to detect its presence and identify reconversion, substituting a different detection mechanism that works on the transformed signal.
2Measurement precision
If bit comparison method is used to detect reconverted copies, then detection accuracy is improved, but access to original bit pattern is required which is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The digital token performs self-identification through its spectral characteristics. The token embedded in the video signal carries inherent spectral fingerprints that allow it to reveal its own presence and state (original vs. reconverted) without requiring external reference to the original bit pattern. The system uses the token's own spectral properties for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies spectral analysis to detect changes in the frequency domain characteristics of the digital token. By analyzing spectral fingerprints and detecting noise patterns introduced during analog reconversion, the system identifies reconverted copies through changes in the spectral domain rather than requiring direct bit pattern comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital media with encoded audio-visual content includes an encoded token. The token comprises visual data having defined characteristics, which are designed such that when the audio-visual content is output as analog output and then re-recorded as digital data, the resulting digital data includes an altered token. Digital data may be processed to detect altered tokens indicating that the data was recorded from an analog output. When an altered token is detected, the copy may be considered to be an unauthorized copy and handled accordingly.