Infrasound Audio Signature Encoding for Video Creator Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital rights management technologies cannot identify the creator of a video file, especially when the file is created in a format that does not support digital rights management, and the encoded data is often lost during video compression on platforms like YouTube.
Innovation Solution
A method to encode a unique user signature in a video file by dividing it into groups, representing each bit with a specific sine wave frequency and amplitude, and embedding these signals in the infrasound range of the audio track, allowing the signature to survive compression without requiring the video format to support digital rights management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known DRM technology is used to prevent unauthorized copies, then copying protection is improved, but it cannot identify the creator of the video
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the creator identification function from traditional DRM copying protection. It embeds a unique signature (separate from copy prevention mechanisms) into the video file metadata or audio track, allowing creator identification to function independently while copying protection operates through separate DRM protocols. This segmentation enables both functions to coexist without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the video file format universal by implementing a solution that works across multiple video formats and platforms. The unique signature embedding method is designed to be format-agnostic, compatible with various compression standards (including YouTube's compression), and applicable to different video containers. This multi-functionality allows the same approach to serve both creator identification and cross-platform compatibility needs.
2Productivity
If video files are compressed on platforms like YouTube, then video distribution is improved, but encoded data is lost during compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds redundant copies of the unique signature at multiple locations within the video file structure. Rather than relying on a single encoded instance that might be compressed away, the signature is duplicated across different segments or layers of the video data. This copying strategy ensures that even if compression removes some instances, others remain intact for creator identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the unique signature into a format with altered parameters that are more resistant to compression. This may involve encoding the signature in the audio frequency domain (using inaudible high-frequency components) or converting it to a format with higher redundancy. By changing the parameter representation of the signature data, it becomes more resilient to the lossy compression applied by platforms like YouTube.
3Reliability
If video format specifically supports DRM, then digital rights management is improved, but compatibility with lay person created videos is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the video content and DRM protection mechanisms. Instead of requiring the video format itself to support DRM natively, the system uses a separate intermediary component (such as embedded metadata, watermarking, or sidecar files) that carries the unique signature and DRM information. This intermediary approach allows DRM functionality to be added to any video format without requiring format-specific support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the identification of the video creator by decoding the unique signature from the video file, ensuring the signature remains intact through compression and transcoding, even if the original format does not support digital rights management.
Implementation Method 1
For each group, a different sine wave is created for each bit in the group. Each of the sine waves has a frequency that represents whether the bit is a sequence number bit or a data bit, and, if there is more than one sequence number bit or data bit in the group, which sequence number or data bit. The amplitude of a sine wave represents the value of the bit to which the sine wave corresponds.
Implementation Method 2
The frequency of each group signal is below a predefined limit and is in a range that is inaudible to humans (i.e., the infrasound range). Because the frequencies of the group signals are below the human auditory range, group signals are not detectable to a person during play of the video file.
Implementation Method 3
Each group signal is deconstructed into individual sine waves. In certain embodiments, a Fast Fourier transform is used to deconstruct each group signal with buckets wide enough to distinguish between the frequencies used in the encoding process. Those sine waves having frequencies corresponding to the frequencies of the sine waves used in the encoding step are identified.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a system, method, and computer program for encoding and decoding a unique signature for a user in a video file, wherein the video file was created using a video format that does not specifically support embedding a unique signature in the video file. A unique signature, comprising a plurality of data bits, is associated with a user and divided into groups. For each group, a different sine wave is created for each bit in the group. The frequencies of the sine waves correspond to the types of bits, and the amplitudes of the sine waves indicate the values of the bits. Group signals are overdubbed on the infrasound range of the audio track of the video file. The unique signature is decoded from the video file by analyzing the frequencies and amplitudes of sine waves in the infrasound range of the audio track.