Dynamic Reconfigurable Decoder for Secure Scalable Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scalable content processing systems lack enhanced security measures to prevent unauthorized decoding of enhancement layers, as they often include dedicated circuitry for all layers, impacting security.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using static logic with a base layer processor and system monitor logic, along with programmable reconfigurable slots, dynamically reconfigures enhancement blocks for processing authorized enhancement layers in a scalable content processing system, ensuring only authorized layers are decoded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated circuitry is provided for processing all layers (base layer and enhancement layers), then the decoder can process all layers of scalable content, but security is compromised because unauthorized decoding of enhancement layers becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to process all layersVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the decoder's processing capability changeable through runtime reconfiguration. The system transitions from a static dedicated circuitry approach to a dynamic reconfigurable architecture where enhancement layer processing blocks can be dynamically added or removed based on authorization status. This allows the decoder to adapt its functionality according to user permissions while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the decoder into a base layer processor that is always present and enhancement layer processing blocks that can be conditionally added. This segmentation allows the base layer to be universally accessible while enhancement layers require additional authorized components, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated circuitry is provided for processing enhancement layers, then the decoder can process scalable content with multiple layers, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate circuitry for each layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalable content processing capabilityVSAvoiddecoder circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a single reconfigurable enhancement layer processing block that can handle different enhancement layers through runtime reconfiguration. Instead of requiring separate dedicated circuitry for each enhancement layer type, the system uses one universal block that can be dynamically configured to process different layers based on authorization, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic reconfiguration to allow a single enhancement layer processing block to serve multiple purposes by being reconfigured at runtime. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for static dedicated circuitry for each layer, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to process various enhancement layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the decoder includes enhancement layer circuitry even when not authorized to process certain layers, then the decoder can process all layers of scalable content, but security is impacted due to potential unauthorized decoding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent processing capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized decoding risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by checking authorization status before enabling enhancement layer processing. The reconfiguration mechanism only activates enhancement layer blocks when the user is authorized, preventing unauthorized decoding attempts before they can occur. This preliminary authorization check ensures security while maintaining productivity for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7933277B1Method and apparatus for processing scalable content

Publication Date: 2011.04.26 XILINX INC

AI summary

Method and apparatus for processing scalable content having a base layer and at least one enhancement layer is described. In one example, static logic having decoder logic and system monitor logic is provided. Programmable logic having a plurality of reconfigurable slots is also provided. The decoder logic includes a base layer processor for processing the base layer of the scalable content. The system monitor logic is configured to dynamically reconfigure at least one of the plurality of reconfigurable slots with at least one enhancement block for processing the at least one enhancement layer of the scalable content.