Virtual Encryption Sessions for Low-Latency Video Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current video on demand (VOD) system experiences poor response times due to the encryption session with an ECMG not being initiated until the arrival of the requested content stream at the edge device, requiring the discarding of unencrypted video packets, which leads to unacceptable playback delays.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to create a virtual encryption session prior to receiving the clear content at the edge device, using control words (CWs) and entitlement control messages (ECMs) that are not tied to specific content, and managing multiple virtual encryption sessions to maintain a minimum number of sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the encryption session is initiated only after the content stream arrives at the edge device, then the encryption process is simple and straightforward, but the response time for video playback becomes poor and unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing encryption sessions and storing encryption keys before the actual content streaming begins. The edge device maintains a pool of pre-configured encryption sessions with stored control words and entitlement control messages, allowing immediate encryption of incoming content without waiting for session establishment. This eliminates the time loss associated with initiating encryption sessions after content arrival.
2Productivity
If the encryption session is initiated before receiving the clear content at the edge device, then playback delays are reduced, but the system complexity increases due to virtual encryption sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption session management into virtual encryption sessions that are independent of specific content streams. Each virtual session maintains its own encryption state and can be assigned to different content streams. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple concurrent encryption operations efficiently without creating complex dependencies between content streams and encryption sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating virtual encryption sessions that can serve multiple content streams. A single virtual encryption session with stored control words and entitlement control messages can be assigned to different content items, making the encryption infrastructure multi-functional and resource-efficient. This reduces the overall system complexity compared to dedicated encryption sessions for each content stream.
3Reliability
If unencrypted video packets are discarded until encryption is ready, then the encryption process is simplified, but the video playback quality deteriorates due to packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing encryption sessions and storing all necessary encryption material (control words and entitlement control messages) before content delivery. This ensures that when content packets arrive, encryption is immediately ready without requiring any packets to be discarded or retransmitted, maintaining reliable video playback quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for creating a virtual encryption session prior to video streaming content being requested to reduce or eliminate delay in initialization of the encryption session and content delivery to the customer. A virtual session has control word(s) (CW) and virtual entitlement control message(s) (ECM) that are devoid of content specific information. One or more virtual sessions may be stored at an edge device and may be used to encrypt the first portion of a content stream while a content-specific encryption session is being initiated. An edge device may store at least a certain quantity of virtual encryption sessions in anticipation of, for example, receiving multiple content streams.