VOD Watermarking via Duplicate Audio Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video on demand (VOD) architectures face challenges in efficiently creating and distributing VOD files, particularly in managing the extended broadcast audience measurement window and differentiating VOD consumption from digital video recorder (DVR) use cases, which leads to delayed distribution and increased processing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for efficiently creating and incorporating a watermark into local VOD files in real-time or near real-time during broadcast, using a duplicate audio stream with a VOD watermark, allowing for immediate availability of VOD content without requiring additional processing power, and distinguishing between broadcast and VOD viewing through separate watermarks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If VOD versioned files are made or marked centrally to segment VOD viewing, then viewing differentiation is achieved, but distribution of material to MVPD's VOD servers is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the watermarking process by creating separate audio streams with different watermarks for broadcast and VOD content. This allows local MVPD servers to independently create VOD files with appropriate watermarks without waiting for centralized processing, thus resolving the contradiction between viewing differentiation and distribution speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies watermarks to audio streams in advance during the broadcast process itself. By embedding VOD watermarks in the audio stream as it is being broadcast, the system prepares the material for immediate VOD distribution without requiring subsequent centralized processing, eliminating distribution delays while maintaining viewing differentiation
2Ease of manufacture
If VOD files are made available well in advance to MVPD's VOD servers, then distribution management is facilitated, but availability lag after broadcast occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous creation of VOD files from the broadcast stream itself. As the broadcast proceeds, the system continuously captures and processes the audio stream with appropriate watermarks, making VOD content available immediately without interruption or delay. This continuous process eliminates the need for advance file preparation while maintaining distribution capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
By embedding watermarks during the broadcast process rather than after, the system performs the necessary preparation work in advance of actual VOD delivery. This preliminary watermarking during broadcast eliminates subsequent processing delays and makes content immediately available upon broadcast completion
3Productivity
If local processing power is increased to manage watermarking VOD files, then immediate VOD availability is achieved, but processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the broadcast audio stream serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same audio stream is used for both broadcast transmission and VOD file creation, with different watermarks applied to each destination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing infrastructure, achieving immediate VOD availability without additional processing power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the broadcast and VOD distribution processes by using the same audio stream for both purposes. By combining these functions and applying different watermarks to the same source material, the system achieves immediate VOD availability without requiring separate processing resources, thus avoiding increased processing costs
4Productivity
If broadcast streams are recorded locally and made instantly available on VOD, then distribution delays are avoided, but centralized file making and distribution processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the watermarking and file creation process to occur locally at each MVPD server rather than centrally. Each server independently processes the broadcast stream and creates VOD files with appropriate watermarks, eliminating the need for centralized file making and distribution while maintaining instant availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables local MVPD servers to independently create and manage their own VOD files from the broadcast stream. By making the system self-sufficient at each location with local watermarking capabilities, the need for centralized processing is eliminated, achieving instant availability without increased system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches for creating video on demand (VOD) assets with a VOD watermark. For a digital stream yet to be broadcast, a duplicate version of an accompanying audio stream comprised within the digital stream is created. A video on demand (VOD) watermark is inserted into or affixed within the duplicate version of the accompanying audio stream. Thereafter, the digital broadcast stream which comprises the original audio stream and the duplicate version is transmitted to an integrated receiver-decoder. The integrated receiver-decoder creates a broadcast version of the digital broadcast stream which comprises a broadcast watermark and a video on demand (VOD) version of the digital broadcast stream which comprises a VOD watermark. The integrated receiver-decoder may align the broadcast video with the VOD watermarked audio to ensure proper local storage and subsequent VOD distribution.