Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a user with a multi-level quality service in a broadcast servicing system. A broadcast servicing system for providing a multi-level quality service according to the present invention comprises a multi-level video encoder, a multi-level audio encoder, a data encoder, a multiplexer, an encryptor, a user quality management system, a user quality authorization system, an encryption key generator, a multi-level video decoder, a multi-level audio decoder, a data decoder, a demultiplexer, a decryptor, an access quality control system, a smartcard, a degrader, and a demultiplexer between channels.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for embedding and associating triggers within a promotion or other similar content element with the event being promoted are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as a digital set-top box is used to interface between the user and an external network (such as an HFC cable network) and facilitate the user selecting and scheduling viewing or recording of a subsequent event (e.g., broadcast movie) via the promotion itself. The trigger(s) within the promotion allow the user to contemporaneously select the promoted event for viewing, recording, etc. without any further action. The trigger(s) then initiates tuning of the user's receiver to the scheduled event at the appropriate date and time. This approach obviates additional actions by the user (such as programming their DVR), and also permits the user to commit to viewing the event when their interest level is highest; i.e., contemporaneous with the promotion.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling video input media is described. The method includes receiving video media via a video media input device. The video media input device is communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a data path within the electronic device associated with the video media. The monitoring is performed by a compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes preventing the video media from reaching a usage mechanism via the data path, the usage mechanism communicatively coupled with the electronic device. The usage mechanism is able to create an environment in which the video media can be used in an unauthorized manner. The preventing performed by the compliance mechanism is done when usage of the video media with the usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to the video media.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling the disclosure time of information by a publisher (10) to one or more recipients (31) is provided. The system includes a trusted body (30) which generates an asyrrunetrical key pair for a specified date and time of disclosure with an encryption key (32) and a decryption key (34). The trusted body (30) provides a digital certificate (20) signed with a private key (26) of the trusted body (30) providing the publisher (10) with the encryption key (32) prior to the specified date and time. The publisher (10) uses the encryption key (32) to encrypt data (15) and a recipient (31) obtains the encrypted data (15) at any time prior to the specified date and time. The trusted body (30) then makes the decryption key (34) available to the recipient (31 ) at or after the specified date and time.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of detecting a boundary of a content item in a digital video stream. The method comprises the steps of determining (130) an average bit rate of the video stream over a period of time, and detecting (140) a change of the average bit rate indicating the boundary of the content item. A moving average of the bit rate may be determined. The method can be used for an encrypted digital video stream. The invention also relates to a device for detecting a boundary of a content item in a digital video stream. The invention further relates to a receiver for receiving at least one content item in a digital broadcast video stream, and a video recorder for recording at least one TV program.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and system which are used for the visual scrambling of a video sequence and for the reconstruction (descrambling) of the original content thereof from a digital video stream obtained from encoding based on a wavelet transform. The method for the secure distribution of video sequences according to a digital stream format stems from wavelet-based coding, said format consisting of frames comprising blocks containing wavelet coefficients which describe visual elements. According to the invention, before transmission to the client equipment, the stream is analysed in order to generate (i) a modified main stream through the removal and replacement of certain pieces of information encoding the original stream and having the same format as said original stream, and (ii) a complementary piece of information with any format, comprising digital information which encode the original stream and which can be used to reconstruct the aforementioned modified frames. The modified main stream and the complementary information thus generated are then transmitted separately from the server to the destination equipment and, subsequently, a synthesis of a stream with the nominal format is calculated on the destination equipment as a function of the modified main stream and the complementary information. The invention also relates to a system comprising at least one multimedia server containing the original video sequences, a video stream analysis device, a device for separating the original video stream into a modified main stream and a complementary piece of information according to the aforementioned analysis and at least one device on the destination equipment for the reconstruction of the video stream as a function of the modified main stream and the complementary information.
Abstract:
An encryption technology uses an encryption map and video graphics processing technology to combine an encryption map with the image data. Video image processing using maps, such as texture maps, bump maps and the like are combined with an encryption map to generate and encrypted image data. The image is subsequently decrypted using encryption keys that are combined with the encrypted image data using video graphics processing technologies. The decryption map is combined with the encrypted signal to generate a viewable image. The encryption keys may be on a per pixel basis with a separate encryption key for each pixel. Alternatively, an encryption key may contain active keys that may be used to decrypt more than one pixel as well as decoy keys that do not decrypt the signal and thus confound unauthorized decryption attempts. Using encryption maps, single video frames or portions of video frames may be encrypted. The encryption maps may be used with scaled image data and with two dimensional or three dimensional graphics processors.
Abstract:
A system and method for providing secure video broadcasting services comprising a video server (15) for storing, administrating and supplying video programs; a telephony server (13) for providing the interface for a telephone network with said video server (15); a video content player (12) located remotely at user premises for receiving transmission of video program from said video server (15), whereby said video content player (12) includes a built-in modem for establishing communications with said video server (15) and said telephony server (13) over said telephone network; characterized in that said video server (15) being programmed to perform the functions of matching authentications and to overlay information in content of the selected video programs to be downloaded.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for the secure distribution of encoded video sequences according to a nominal stream format comprising visual data and stream decoding configuration data which do not represent visual data. The invention is characterised in that, before transmission to the client equipment, the stream is analysed in order to generate (i) a modified main stream having the nominal stream format and comprising images modified through the modification of the aforementioned decoding configuration data, and (ii) complementary digital information having any format and comprising the digital information which can be used to reconstruct the above-mentioned modified images. Subsequently, the modified main stream and the complementary digital information thus generated are transmitted separately from the server to the destination equipment. The invention is further characterised in that a synthesis of a stream with the nominal format is calculated on the destination equipment as a function of the modified main stream and the complementary information.