Video Copy Tracking via Subtle Image Alteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production and distribution of counterfeit motion picture copies are difficult to trace and identify, as existing methods for video copy protection are either hardware-intensive or ineffective in detecting the source of counterfeits, particularly in video distribution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves subtly altering images in pre-selected locations within video programs, creating a unique code that is difficult to detect, which is then recorded and used to track the source of counterfeit copies by law enforcement, combining this with additional coding schemes for enhanced detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If noise is embedded in video signals in particular patterns to identify the source, then the ability to trace counterfeit sources is improved, but a substantial amount of extra hardware is required for recording the protected video copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based tracking systems with a software/image processing approach. Instead of using substantial extra hardware to embed and detect noise patterns, the invention uses standard video recording equipment combined with software that subtly alters images in pre-selected places to create identification codes. This substitution of mechanical/hardware systems with software-based solutions resolves the contradiction by maintaining source identification capability while eliminating the need for specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - subtly altered images in pre-selected places - that serves as a mediator between the video content and the identification system. These altered images act as carriers of identification information without requiring direct hardware modification. The alterations are essentially unnoticeable to viewers but provide a robust mechanism for law enforcement to trace counterfeit sources, thus resolving the hardware complexity issue while maintaining identification precision.
2Measurement precision
If images are subtly altered in pre-selected places to create unique codes, then the detectability of counterfeit sources is improved, but the complexity of the encoding process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video content into segments by selecting specific pre-selected places or frames where alterations will be made. Each segment contains subtle image alterations that contribute to the overall identification code. This segmentation approach allows the system to distribute identification information throughout the video content rather than concentrating it in one location, improving detection accuracy while managing encoding complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different alterations to different pre-selected places within the video content. Each location receives a specific type or degree of alteration tailored to that position, creating local variations that collectively form the identification code. This local quality approach ensures that alterations are distributed optimally throughout the content, enhancing detectability while allowing the encoding process to be managed through systematic local modifications rather than global complexity.
3Measurement precision
If substantial noise is embedded in video signals for identification, then source tracking capability is improved, but the quality of the video signal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes parameters of images in pre-selected places rather than embedding substantial noise throughout the entire video signal. The alterations are controlled and subtle, modifying parameters such as pixel values or image properties in specific locations to create identification codes. This selective parameter change approach maintains overall video signal quality while providing sufficient variation for accurate source identification, resolving the contradiction between identification capability and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies identification alterations locally to pre-selected places rather than uniformly throughout the video signal. This localized approach ensures that video quality is maintained in the majority of the content while sufficient identification information is embedded in the selected locations. The local quality principle allows the system to prioritize video quality in non-selected areas while achieving identification capability in selected areas, thus resolving the contradiction.
4Measurement precision
If coded arrays of artifacts are used to uniquely identify each copy, then counterfeit tracking is improved, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based artifact embedding systems with a software-based image alteration approach. Instead of using specialized hardware to create and detect coded arrays of artifacts, the invention uses standard video equipment combined with software that subtly alters images to create identification codes. This substitution maintains copy identification accuracy while eliminating the need for complex hardware systems, directly resolving the contradiction between identification accuracy and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Unique encoding of each of a substantial number of distribution video copies of a program such as a motion picture is produced by altering the images slightly at several pre-selected locations in the program in a uniquely coded pattern. Suspected counterfeits can be compared with an unaltered master video to determine the encoded number for the copy which was counterfeited to enable tracking the source of the counterfeit. Preferably, each frame of several whole scenes is altered at each location by shifting an image so as to make the alterations largely undetectable by counterfeiters but easily detected by comparison with an unaltered master video. Artifacts are inserted in patterns representing a unique number for the program. These supplement the encoding by alteration of images and gives added means to aid in tracing counterfeit copies.