Personalized Content Embedding for Audiovisual Copy Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting audiovisual products from copying are ineffective when the product is replayed, as authorized users can easily copy the content during playback using devices like video cassette recorders or personal digital recorders, despite copy prevention features on optical discs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recording personalized playback content unique to each user on an audiovisual product, which is then replayed with user-specific content displayed, ensuring that any copy made includes identifiable information tracing back to the user, thereby acting as a strong deterrent against unauthorized copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copy prevention features are implemented on optical discs, then direct copying from disc to disc is prevented, but copying during playback remains easy and effective
Solution Approach 1:
The system embeds personalized identification information into the audiovisual content before distribution. Each authorized user receives content containing their unique identifier, so that any copy made during playback automatically includes traceable information linking back to the original user. This preliminary embedding of identification data prevents anonymous copying even though the copying act itself remains technically easy.
2Reliability
If personalized playback content is embedded in the audiovisual product, then copies become traceable to specific users, but the product complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the identification information directly into the audiovisual content itself, combining the traceable identifier with the media content in a single integrated product. Rather than adding separate tracking devices or complex authentication systems, the user identification is embedded within the content structure, allowing copy tracing without significantly increasing overall product complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If authorized users are given access to the audiovisual product, then distribution to selected audience is enabled, but the risk of illegal copying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of copying into a beneficial tracing mechanism. By embedding personalized identification information that makes copies traceable to specific users, the system transforms the copying act from a harmful anonymous activity into a traceable event that can be monitored and deterred. The same mechanism that enables distribution to multiple authorized users also provides the means to identify and trace any unauthorized copies.
Data Source
AI summary
A copy deterrent is provided for an audiovisual product (400) such as a DVD-video format optical disk. User identities are allocated to each of a plurality of users. The audiovisual product (400) is then recorded including, for each allocated user identity, a section of playback content (421) unique to that allocated user identity, e.g. a video object (VOB) which prominently displays personal data of the user (such as their name) or which contains a discrete digital watermark. The user enters a user identity code (80) upon playback and the recorded audiovisual product (400) is reproduced including selecting a corresponding section of the unique playback content according to the received user identity. A single version of the disk is recorded and sent to all users, but playback is personalised to each of the users individually. This is a strong deterrent against copying of the audio and video playback e.g. with a VCR or other recording device.