Dual Forensic Markers for Video Leak Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video management systems face challenges in preventing unauthorized viewing or downloading of video footage, and tracing the source of leaks when such incidents occur.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented video processing method that embeds dual digital forensic markers, a hidden and a visible marker, into a stream of original images. The hidden marker encodes information related to a video access event and remains imperceptible, while the visible marker serves as a deterrent and encodes similar information, allowing for tracing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital access control is implemented to limit users having access to video, then access security is improved, but once video is retrieved, further actions by the user may compromise security and the source of leak cannot be traced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding forensic markers into video frames before the video is accessed or leaked. The marker is inserted in advance during video processing, so that when unauthorized access or leakage occurs, the marker is already present to identify the source. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring traceability capability exists before any potential leak event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a forensic marker as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between video content and user identification. The marker acts as a mediator that carries identifying information (such as user credentials, timestamp, device ID) within the video stream itself, enabling traceability without requiring additional external tracking systems.
2Reliability
If software control is applied to prevent unauthorized export of video, then export security is improved, but this does not prevent recording of the scene being viewed and the recorder remains anonymous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by embedding a visible or semi-visible forensic marker that serves as a deterrent before unauthorized recording occurs. The marker warns potential recorders that their identity will be captured, creating a preventive effect against anonymous recording while maintaining the integrity of the video export control measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual changes by incorporating a forensic marker that may appear as a visible overlay, watermark, or semi-transparent element within the video frame. This visual element changes the appearance of the video content to include identifying information, making anonymous recording ineffective while not significantly impacting the viewing experience.
3Loss of information
If forensic marker is embedded in all video frames, then traceability is improved, but processing complexity and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by embedding the forensic marker only in specific key frames or at strategic intervals rather than in every single video frame. This reduces the computational burden of marker insertion and processing while maintaining adequate traceability capability, as the marker appears frequently enough to identify the source if leakage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the video stream into discrete frames and applies the forensic marker embedding process selectively to certain frames. This segmentation approach allows for optimized processing where the marker is inserted only when necessary, reducing overall computational complexity while preserving traceability functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a computer-implemented video processing method. The method comprises receiving a stream of original images related to a video access event and creating a stream of output images corresponding to the original images. The output images include first images comprising a hidden digital forensic marker and second images comprising a visible digital forensic marker. The hidden marker and the visible marker each encode information related to the video access event. The stream of output images is output onto a network or caused to be displayed on a screen. The visible marker serves as a deterrent for distribution or recording, and if an attempt is made to remove it, the hidden marker remains in the image, allowing the information relevant to the video access event to be recovered. Also provided are a method of integrity detection for a stream of images containing markers, and a method of embedding a dynamic marker.