Watermark Symbol Swapping for Extended Timestamp Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media watermarking techniques struggle to support extended timestamp ranges without increasing the number of symbols or redesigning the watermark structure, especially in the context of time-shifted media presentations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves swapping data symbols of the watermark according to different symbol swapping configurations to represent different timestamp cycles, extending the timestamp range without increasing the number of symbols, and a watermark decoder determines the applied swapping configuration to associate the correct timestamp cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the number of symbols in the watermark is increased to extend the timestamp range, then the timestamp range is extended, but the watermark structure becomes more complex and the data payload capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the watermark structure adjustable through symbol swapping configurations. Instead of a fixed structure, the system dynamically reconfigures symbol positions based on the timestamp cycle being represented. This allows the same physical watermark structure to adapt to different timestamp ranges without actually changing the number of symbols or the fundamental structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of interpretation by mapping multiple timestamp cycles to different symbol swapping configurations. Rather than extending time by adding temporal dimensions to the timestamp field, the system uses a dimensional transformation in the symbol arrangement space, where different permutations of symbols represent different time periods.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the number of data symbols is reduced to accommodate extended timestamp ranges, then the timestamp range is extended, but the media identification information capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the data symbols serve multiple functions. The same set of data symbols is used for both media identification and timestamp representation, with their roles switched through symbol swapping configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain full data payload capacity while representing extended timestamp ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of symbol arrangement rather than the number of symbols. By modifying the positional parameters of existing symbols through swapping configurations, the system achieves extended timestamp representation without altering the quantity of data symbols or their individual information content.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the watermark structure is redesigned to support extended timestamps, then the timestamp range is extended, but the compatibility with existing watermark detection systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains compatibility through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static structural changes. Existing detection systems that can handle the basic watermark structure remain compatible, while the system dynamically adapts the symbol arrangements to represent different timestamp cycles. This preserves backward compatibility while enabling extended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the timestamp representation into discrete cycles, where each cycle is represented by a specific symbol swapping configuration. This segmentation allows detection systems to process timestamps in manageable units and facilitates incremental adoption, as systems can be updated to recognize different cycles without requiring complete structural redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to extend a time range supported by a watermark are disclosed. Example watermark encoding apparatus disclosed herein include a timestamp cycle evaluator to determine which one of a plurality of timestamp cycles is to be represented by a timestamp of a watermark. Disclosed example watermark encoding apparatus also include a symbol swapper to swap at least two symbols of the watermark when the timestamp is to represent a second one of the timestamp cycles but not to swap the at least two symbols of the watermark when the timestamp is to represent a first one of the timestamp cycles. Disclosed example watermark encoding apparatus further include a watermark embedder to embed the watermark in a first piece of media.