Custom Ad Insertion in Encrypted Streams via Key Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media delivery systems face challenges in custom advertisement splicing, particularly with encrypted content, as they require complex video processing and lack efficient methods for signaling and multiplexing keys for different content sources, especially in IP-based networks where legacy devices may not support selective encryption.
Innovation Solution
A method where ad content is sent as a separate stream that is multiplexed with entertainment content, using a cryptographic key source and synchronization unit to identify gaps in the entertainment stream for inserting or substituting ads, allowing for custom ad insertion without expensive video processing, and utilizing Group Domain of Interpretation (GDOI) for key management and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom ads are multiplexed into a program that is scrambled or encrypted using a conditional access system, then ad insertion is enabled, but both the program content and advertising content must be encrypted together which complicates decryption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption approach by applying different encryption treatments to different content types. Program content is encrypted using a first encryption key while advertising content is either left unencrypted or encrypted with a separate second encryption key. This segmentation allows the decryption device to handle different content types differently, reducing overall decryption complexity while maintaining ad insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different encryption properties to different parts of the content stream. Specifically, advertising segments are treated differently from program content segments - they can be unencrypted or use separate encryption keys. This localized differentiation simplifies the decryption process for the majority of content (program material) while still enabling targeted ad insertion.
2Ease of manufacture
If ad content is sent as a separate stream that is multiplexed with entertainment content, then expensive video processing is avoided, but signaling and multiplexing of keys for different content sources becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a conditional access message that carries key information. This message acts as a mediator between the multiplexed content streams and the decryption device, providing a standardized way to signal which encryption key applies to which content segment. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by providing a clear key management protocol despite the complex multiplexed content sources.
3Reliability
If both program content and advertising content are encrypted together, then security is maintained, but decryption becomes more complex and requires both content types to be processed together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption approach by applying different encryption treatments to different content types. Program content is encrypted using a first encryption key while advertising content is either left unencrypted or encrypted with a separate second encryption key. This segmentation allows the decryption device to handle different content types differently, reducing overall decryption complexity while maintaining ad insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different encryption properties to different parts of the content stream. Specifically, advertising segments are treated differently from program content segments - they can be unencrypted or use separate encryption keys. This localized differentiation simplifies the decryption process for the majority of content (program material) while still enabling targeted ad insertion.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving gap information from an entertainment content source configured to provide an entertainment stream associated with a contributing source information providing a source of the entertainment stream and a chronological order to render the entertainment stream, the entertainment stream being encrypted and having an associated first decryption key multiplexed into a key distribution system, the gap information identifying a gap in the entertainment stream where an ad may be one of inserted or substituted, synchronizing a target ad from an advertisement stream to a time base corresponding to the gap, decrypting the entertainment stream using the first decryption key selected from the key distribution system based on the contributing source information, and rendering the entertainment stream and the target ad as a composite stream based on the chronological order, the target ad being rendered during the gap in the entertainment stream.