Video Data Synchronization via Watermark Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synchronizing video and data are insufficient for precise frame-by-frame synchronization and do not guarantee the integrity of the data and video signal against manipulation or degradation during transmission, especially in degraded communication paths.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates a marked video signal by embedding a watermark with encoded synchronization information and includes reconstruction information in the data signal, allowing the receiver to reconstruct the original frame from incomplete frames, ensuring synchronization and integrity through independent communication paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If watermark information is embedded in video frames using imperceptible techniques, then the watermark remains hidden, but the robustness of the watermark against degradation and manipulation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimperceptibility of watermarkVSAvoidrobustness of watermark
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The video signal is divided into multiple frames, and the watermark is embedded in specific regions of specific frames according to a segmentation pattern. This segmentation allows the watermark to be distributed across multiple frames, improving robustness while maintaining imperceptibility through careful region selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by encoding both the watermark information and reconstruction information into the video signal before transmission. The receiver uses these pre-encoded elements to verify integrity and reconstruct the original video, ensuring robustness against degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the communication path degrades the video signal quality, then transmission is achieved, but the ability to recover watermark information or reconstruct the video signal is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidrecoverability of signal
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter embeds reconstruction information in specific frames before transmission. This preliminary action ensures that even if degradation occurs during high-speed transmission, the receiver has the necessary elements to reconstruct the original video signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver verifies the received signal against the embedded watermark and reconstruction information, then requests retransmission or performs correction if degradation is detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If frame-by-frame synchronization precision is required, then accurate alignment is achieved, but the complexity of the synchronization system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter embeds precise timing and synchronization markers in specific frames before transmission. This preliminary action provides the receiver with all necessary synchronization data, achieving frame-by-frame precision without requiring complex real-time synchronization systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The watermark and reconstruction information act as intermediaries that carry synchronization data between transmitter and receiver, enabling precise frame-by-frame alignment through simple extraction and comparison operations at the receiver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the watermark is made more robust through invasive techniques, then the watermark survives degradation, but the imperceptibility of the watermark is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness of watermarkVSAvoidimperceptibility of watermark
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying strong invasive watermarking to the entire video, the system segments the watermark into multiple subtle modifications distributed across specific regions of specific frames, achieving robustness through distribution rather than intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different watermarking strengths to different frames and regions based on local characteristics. Some frames receive stronger watermarking while others receive weaker or no watermarking, optimizing the balance between robustness and imperceptibility for each local region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3414912B1Method and system for synchronising video and data
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 MOLINAS LOMBART ELOI
  • EP3414912B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3414912B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The method comprises: - generating a marked video signal by extracting an image fragment (V) from a region (R) of an original frame (F), and arranging a watermark (M) thereon; and - generating a data signal, including therein the extracted image fragment extracted (V) and/or reconstruction information; - performing an additional synchronisation step, which comprises: - obtaining, from the data signal, the image fragment (V) and/or the reconstruction information, - obtaining, from the marked video signal, an incomplete frame (Fr), and - attempting to reconstruct the original frame (F) from the information obtained from the data signal and the marked video signal, and, if the reconstruction is successful, determining that the synchronisation is correct. The system is adapted to implement the method of the invention.