Secure Graphics Watermark Blending for Video Copy Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing video content against illegal copying, such as encryption and watermarking, face challenges including hardware and software complexity, key distribution, and watermark modification, especially when applied at the point of production or distribution.
Innovation Solution
A secure graphics watermarking system that applies watermarks at the point of consumption using a secure processor to generate and store watermarks in a restricted memory, blending them with video frames after final processing to minimize interference, with adjustable intensity based on frame content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If watermark is applied over entire frames of video content, then identification security is improved, but video quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies watermarking selectively to specific regions of video frames rather than entire frames. The system identifies regions containing important visual information and applies watermarking only to regions with less critical content, thereby maintaining video quality in important areas while still providing identification security through localized watermarking.
2Reliability
If encryption is applied to video content, then security against illegal copying is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable, easily generated watermark patterns that are applied to video content instead of complex encryption schemes. These watermarks can be quickly generated and applied without requiring sophisticated hardware or software infrastructure, reducing system complexity while still providing security against illegal copying through identification and traceability.
3Reliability
If watermark is applied at point of production, then security is improved, but adaptability to different consumers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic watermarking where watermark parameters such as position, opacity, and pattern can be adjusted based on the specific consumer or viewing context. The system adapts watermark characteristics in real-time according to consumer preferences and viewing conditions, maintaining security while providing flexibility for different consumers.
4Reliability
If third-party watermark modification is prevented, then identification reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted intermediary component that manages watermark generation and application. This intermediary securely handles watermark creation and applies them to video content without allowing direct third-party modification, thereby maintaining identification reliability while simplifying operation through centralized, secure management.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method is provided that includes selecting, by a hardware module, a current parameter set from one or more parameter sets; reading, by the hardware module, a watermark graphic from a location in memory indicated by a parameter in the current parameter set, wherein access to the location in memory is restricted to the hardware module and one or more first trusted applications; blending, by the hardware module, the watermark graphic with a frame of video content; and providing, by the hardware module, the blended frame to a video output.