Watermarking Unicast Streams via Packet Quality Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for watermarking audio/video content for unicast streams are resource-intensive and difficult to implement, especially when applied at the head-end, and require secure user devices, while methods that apply watermarks at the reception are processing-heavy and may be audible or sensitive to re-sampling.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a unique watermark based on user unit identifiers by mapping different packet qualities to specific values, allowing for the creation and transmission of watermarked content without modifying the data quality or speed, and enables detection without comparing the watermarked signal to the original.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If watermark is applied at the head-end by modifying the stream for each user, then unique watermarking per user is achieved, but resource consumption increases and implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the watermark information from the content stream itself and embeds it in the packet structure (specifically in the adaptation field of MPEG-TS packets). This separates the watermarking function from content modification, allowing unique per-user watermarking without complex stream processing at the head-end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses packet quality parameters as an intermediary to carry watermark information. Instead of directly modifying the content stream, the system embeds watermark data in packet quality fields, which then convey the unique user identifier throughout the transmission chain without requiring complex processing at each stage.
2Reliability
If watermark is applied at the reception device, then unique watermarking per user is achieved, but processing load increases and secure devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies watermarking in advance at the head-end or content preparation stage, embedding the unique user identifier in the packet structure before distribution. This preliminary action eliminates the need for heavy processing at the reception device, as the watermark is already embedded and can be detected with minimal processing.
3Reliability
If traditional watermarking methods are used, then content protection is achieved, but the watermark may be audible or visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses packet quality parameters as an intermediary carrier for watermark information. This indirect embedding method allows watermark data to be conveyed through legitimate quality variations in the stream without creating audible or visible artifacts, as the watermark is embedded in structural parameters rather than the content itself.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for building a watermarked content for sending to at least one user unit having a user unit identifier, the watermarked content comprising a first series of packets, at least some from the first series of packets being available in at least two different qualities, wherein said method comprises the steps of:generating a watermark based on at least the user unit identifier, the watermark being formed by a first series of values from a predetermined set of values;mapping each of the at least two different qualities to one from the predetermined set of values;building the watermarked content by sequentially selecting from the first series of packets, a packet having a quality corresponding to each value from the first series of values forming the watermark.It further concerns a method for transmitting such a watermarked content.