Secure Video Stream Segmentation for Piracy Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for secure distribution of MPEG-type video streams fail to prevent unauthorized copying, as users possess all necessary data for complete decryption, and existing methods either denature the stream format or require proprietary software, compromising security and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A process that analyzes the stream to generate a modified main stream and complementary digital information, which are separately transmitted, allowing reconstruction of the stream in a nominal format on client equipment, while retaining control over usage and rights, and ensuring the stream's integrity and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If decryption keys are transmitted to users for local recording capability, then recording quality and user convenience are improved, but security against unauthorized copying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The video stream is divided into two separate parts: a main stream containing visual data and basic decoding information, and a supplementary stream containing essential decoding configuration data. The main stream can be recorded and played back independently with acceptable quality, while the supplementary stream acts as a security key that prevents high-quality unauthorized copying. This segmentation allows local recording capability while maintaining security through the separable stream structure.
2Reliability
If the stream is separated into two parts to prevent piracy, then security is improved, but the stream format is denatured and compatibility with standard applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The video data is segmented into a main stream conforming to standard MPEG format and a supplementary stream containing additional decoding information. The main stream maintains full compatibility with standard MPEG players and software applications, while the supplementary stream provides enhanced security. This segmentation allows the system to achieve security without denaturing the standard stream format.
Solution Approach 2:
The main stream is designed to be universally compatible with all standard MPEG playback software and hardware, serving both as the primary video content and as a standalone playable stream. The supplementary stream serves multiple functions: it enhances security, enables high-quality reconstruction, and works seamlessly with the main stream. This multi-functionality ensures broad compatibility while achieving security goals.
3Reliability
If proprietary software is used to separate and reconstruct streams, then security control is improved, but device complexity and software requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stream separation and reconstruction process is designed to be automatically performed by standard MPEG decoding software without requiring proprietary applications. The supplementary stream contains metadata that enables automatic identification and processing by conventional decoders. This self-service approach reduces device complexity and eliminates the need for specialized software while maintaining security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the stream metadata to indicate the presence and characteristics of the supplementary stream. Standard MPEG decoders can detect these parameter changes and automatically adjust their processing accordingly. This approach avoids the need for complex proprietary software by using parameter-based control that existing decoders can handle with minimal modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for secure distribution of video sequences coded in accordance with a nominal stream format including visual data and data for configuration of decoding of the stream that does not represent the visual data, wherein, prior to transmission to client equipment, an analysis is made of the stream for generating a modified main stream having a format of the nominal stream and having pictures/images modified by modification of the data for configuration of decoding, and complementary digital information of any format including digital information suitable to permit reconstruction of modified pictures, then, for separately transmitting the modified main stream and complementary digital information generated from a server to the client equipment, and wherein a synthesis of a stream in the nominal format is calculated on the client equipment as a function of the modified main stream and the complementary information.