Signal Watermarking via Functional Operator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watermarking techniques for processing modules are vulnerable to attacks, as the link between the watermark and the processing module is easily identifiable, and can be compromised using debuggers or reverse-engineering, especially during public lawsuits.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first functional operator that significantly alters the processed signal, embedded within the processing module, and a second functional operator that cooperates to cancel this alteration, serving as an extractable identifier, making the procedural link non-obvious and robust against attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a serial number or simple identifier is used as a watermark in the processing module, then the watermarking is easy to implement, but the protection is vulnerable to debugger attacks and reverse-engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The watermarking system is divided into two separate functional operators: a first functional operator embedded in the processing module that alters the processed signal, and a second functional operator that cancels the alteration. This segmentation prevents attackers from easily identifying and removing the watermark, as the protective mechanism is distributed across multiple components rather than a single identifiable serial number check.
Solution Approach 2:
The first functional operator acts as an intermediary that introduces a significant alteration to the processed signal. This intermediary element obscures the direct link between the watermark and the processing module functionality, making it difficult for attackers to identify and remove the watermark using traditional debugger techniques.
2Loss of information
If the watermarking technique is disclosed during public lawsuit, then transparency is improved, but the protection becomes vulnerable to future attacks through reverse-engineering
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the watermarking mechanism into two functional operators where the first operator is embedded in the processing module and the second operator cancels the alteration, the system maintains protection even when disclosed. The segmented structure prevents attackers from reverse-engineering a simple removal method, as they would need to understand and modify both operators simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The first functional operator causes a significant alteration to the processed signal, changing the parameters of the output. This parameter change makes the watermarking mechanism robust against disclosure, as the altered signal characteristics do not reveal the underlying watermarking technique through traditional reverse-engineering methods.
3Ease of operation
If a clear procedural link between serial number and software is maintained, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to debugger attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first functional operator serves as an intermediary that obscures the procedural link between the watermark and software operation. Instead of a direct serial number check, the system uses signal alteration and cancellation mechanisms that maintain operational simplicity while preventing debugger attacks by hiding the watermark verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first functional operator significantly alters the processed signal parameters, making the operational process appear different from traditional serial number verification. This parameter change confuses debugger attacks while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users, as the alteration is automatically applied and reversed by the functional operators.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for watermarking a processing module. The processing module is designed to process an electronic signal and form a processed signal involving steps of applying a first functional operator to cause a significant alteration to the processed signal. The first operator is embedded in the processing module. Additionally, a second functional operator is provided to co-operate with the first operator-so the alteration is essentially cancelled. The second operator-is adapted to act as an extractable identifier serving as a watermark for the processing module. An advantage with the method is the fact that since the first and the second operators are implemented as functional processing blocks, conventional debugging tools cannot be used to attack the processing module.