Video Start Code Suffixes for Selective Watermark Decoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watermarking methods in digital video streams are not robust against attacks and lack flexibility in managing different types of watermarks, particularly in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC compressed video streams, which limits their effectiveness in ensuring content protection and customization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize start code suffixes with reserved values to differentiate between default and alternative video frames with or without watermarks, allowing for selective decoding based on watermark control information and specific receiver information, enabling flexible watermark management and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional watermarking methods are used in digital video streams, then watermarking functionality is provided, but robustness against attacks and flexibility in managing different types of watermarks are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic watermarking by enabling receivers to selectively decode watermarked or non-watermarked alternative versions of video frames based on watermark control information. This allows the watermarking system to adapt to different conditions and requirements, improving both robustness and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of watermark presence by providing alternative versions of video frames - one with watermark and one without. The receiver can dynamically switch between these versions based on control information, thereby changing the watermark state parameter to achieve both robustness and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If start code suffixes with reserved values are used to differentiate between default and alternative video frames, then flexibility in watermark management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the start code suffix universal by using reserved values that serve multiple functions: identifying frame types, indicating watermark presence, and enabling selective decoding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, thereby improving flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The watermark control information embedded in the video stream itself enables the receiver to automatically determine which alternative version to decode. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external complex control systems, balancing flexibility with manageable device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A receiver may be operable to receive a default version for each portion of each of video frames, and an alternative version and corresponding watermark control information for one or more portions of one or more of the video frames, in a compressed video stream. The receiver may be operable to determine one or more of the default versions and/or one or more of the alternative versions for decoding based on the corresponding watermark control information and/or specific information locally associated with the receiver. The receiver may be operable to select the determined one or more of the default versions and/or the determined one or more of the default versions for decoding of the received compressed video stream by modifying one or more start codes. Each of the one or more start codes comprises a start code suffix.