Forensic Watermarking in MPEG SPTS Using PSI Table Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content protection systems for Multiple System Operators (MSOs) face challenges in inserting forensic watermarks into output media without establishing communication links between devices and the content management system, particularly for Video on Demand (VOD) services, where session information needs to be embedded in Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) Single Program Transport Streams (SPTS).
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a request from a subscriber terminal, initiating a content session, and inserting identifying information into a content data field of the MPEG SPTS, which includes a PSI table with registration or private data indicators, allowing for the extraction and insertion of session-specific information into pre-processed candidate watermark locations within the content asset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If session information is embedded in MPEG SPTS content data field, then watermarking can be performed without communication links between devices and content management system, but this requires modifying existing content stream structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds session information within existing MPEG SPTS structures by nesting it in the PSI table descriptors (Program Map Table or Program Specific Information). This allows the watermarking data to be contained within the already-established content stream framework without requiring external communication links or separate data channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The PSI table acts as an intermediary structure that carries session information from the content management system through the streaming pipeline to the watermarking device. This mediator enables data transfer without requiring direct communication links between all system components.
2Ease of operation
If watermarking is performed in upstream devices rather than local user devices, then processing requirements at user terminals are reduced, but this requires ensuring session information is available throughout the streaming chain
Solution Approach 1:
The session information is embedded in the MPEG SPTS stream at the upstream content management system before distribution. This preliminary action ensures that all downstream devices, including watermarking devices and user terminals, have access to the necessary information without requiring complex real-time communication or local processing at user devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If session information is placed in PSI table descriptors, then existing MPEG SPTS infrastructure can be utilized without additional communication links, but this requires precise integration with existing stream protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing PSI table descriptors in the MPEG SPTS protocol, which are already designed to carry program-specific information. By repurposing these existing structures to carry session information for watermarking, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring new protocol elements or additional communication infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for providing content session information using a content manager, streaming server, and one or more watermarking devices are disclosed. A content asset is also disclosed. The content asset may include content. In addition, the content asset may include a content data field having forensic watermark information, e.g. session or identifying information. In one aspect, the content asset is compressed and the compressed content asset has one or more pre-processed candidate watermark locations. In this aspect, the forensic watermark information may be extracted, e.g. by a watermarking device, from the content data field and included in the one or more pre-processed candidate watermark locations.