Encoding and decoding methods for secure scalable streaming and related systems

• US 7,184,548 B2
• Filed: 05/04/2001
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Wee, Susie J., Apostolopoulos, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sheikh; Ayaz
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOFFMAN, BRANDON S
• Application Number:
  US09/849,794
• Publication Number:
  US 20020164018A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,125 Days
• Field of Search: 380/212, 380/37, 380/269
• US Class Current: 380/37
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/70 Media network packetisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/234363 by altering the spatial resolution, e.g. for clients with a lower screen resolution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23476 by partially encrypting, e.g. encrypting the ending portion of a movie
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44012 involving rendering scenes according to scene graphs, e.g. MPEG-4 scene graphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/167 Systems rendering the television signal unintelligible and subsequently intelligible

Abstract

A method and system for securely and scalably encoding data are described. A method and system for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoding are also described. In one encoding method embodiment, the present invention recites receiving data. The present method then segments the data into corresponding regions. The regions are then scalably encoded into scalable data. The present embodiment then progressively encrypts the scalable data to generate progressively encrypted scalable data. Next, the present embodiment packetizes the progressively encrypted scalable data.

Claims

1. A method for securely and scalably encoding data, said method comprising:

a) receiving data;

b) segmenting said data into corresponding regions;

c) scalably encoding data for at least one of said regions into scalable data;

d) progressively encrypting said scalable data to generate progressively encrypted scalable data; and

e) packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data.

2. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 wherein said step a) comprises:

receiving video frame data.

3. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 wherein said step a) comprises:

receiving prediction error data generated by a video prediction unit.

4. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 wherein said step c) further comprises:

scalably encoding said at least one of said regions into said scalable data and into header data wherein said header data provides information corresponding to said scalable data.

5. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 4 wherein said step d) further comprises:

encrypting said header data to provide encrypted header data.

6. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 4 wherein said step e) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data and said header data.

7. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 5 wherein said step e) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data and said encrypted header data.

8. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 5 wherein said data is selected from the group consisting of:

video data, audio data, image data, graphic data, and web page data.

9. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 wherein said step b) comprises:

segmenting said data into corresponding rectangular regions.

10. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 wherein said step b) comprises:

segmenting said data into corresponding non-rectangular regions.

11. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 wherein said step b) comprises:

segmenting said data into corresponding overlapping regions.

12. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 1 comprises performing steps b) through e) for only a portion of said data received at step a).

13. A secure and scalable encoding system for encoding data, said secure and scalable encoding system comprised of:

a segmenter, said segmenter adapted to receive data and segment said data into corresponding regions;

a scalable encoder coupled to said segmenter, said scalable encoder adapted to encode data for at least one of said regions into scalable data;

a progressive encrypter coupled to said scalable encoder, said progressive encrypter adapted to progressively encrypt said scalable data to generate progressively encrypted scalable data; and

a packetizer coupled to said progressive encrypter, said packetizer adapted to packetize said progressively encrypted scalable data.

14. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 13 wherein said data is comprised of video frame data.

15. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 13 wherein said segmenter is adapted to receive prediction error video data generated by a video prediction unit.

16. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 13 further comprising a video prediction unit coupled to said segmenter, said video prediction unit adapted to generate prediction error video data and provide said prediction error data to said segmenter.

17. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 13 wherein said scalable encoder is further adapted to encode said at least one of said regions into said scalable data and into header data wherein said header data provides information corresponding to said scalable data.

18. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 17 wherein said progressive encrypter is further adapted to encrypt said header data to provide encrypted header data.

19. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 17 wherein said packetizer is further adapted to packetize said progressively encrypted scalable data and said header data.

20. The secure and scalable encoding system of claim 18 wherein said packetizer is further adapted to packetize said progressively encrypted scalable data and said encrypted header data.

21. A computer readable medium having computer readable code stored thereon for causing a device to perform the secure and scalable encoding steps of:

a) receiving data;

b) segmenting said data into corresponding regions;

c) scalably encoding data for at least one of said regions into scalable data;

d) progressively encrypting said scalable data to generate progressively encrypted scalable data; and

e) packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data.

22. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step a) to receive video frame data.

23. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step a) to receive prediction error video data generated by a video prediction unit.

24. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step c) to scalably encode said at least one of said regions into said scalable data and into header data wherein said header data provides information corresponding to said scalable data.

25. The method as recited in claim 24 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step d) to encrypt said header data to provide encrypted header data.

26. The method as recited in claim 24 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step e) to packetize said progressively encrypted scalable data and said header data.

27. The method as recited in claim 25 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step e) to packetize said progressively encrypted scalable data and said encrypted header data.

28. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 25 wherein said data is selected from the group consisting of:

video data, audio data, image data, graphic data, and web page data.

29. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 21 wherein said step b) comprises:

segmenting said data into corresponding rectangular regions.

30. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 21 wherein said step b) comprises:

segmenting said data into corresponding non-rectangular regions.

31. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 21 wherein said step b) comprises:

segmenting said data into corresponding overlapping regions.

32. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 21 comprises performing steps b) through e) for only a portion of said data received at step a).

33. A method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, said method comprising:

a) receiving a packet containing progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data;

b) decrypting said packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data to generate scalably encoded regions;

c) decoding said scalably encoded regions to provide decoded regions; and

d) assembling said decoded regions to provide data.

34. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 33 wherein said step a) comprises:

receiving said packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data, said packet also including header data wherein said header data provides information corresponding to said scalably encoded data.

35. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 33 wherein said step a) further comprises:

receiving said packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data, said packet also including encrypted header data wherein said encrypted header data provides information corresponding to said scalably encoded data.

36. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 35 wherein step b) further comprises:

decrypting said encrypted header data.

37. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 33 wherein step d) further comprises:

assembling said decoded regions to provide video frame data.

38. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 33 wherein step d) further comprises:

assembling said decoded regions to provide prediction error video data for use by a video prediction unit.

39. A decoding system for decoding data encoded using a secure and scalable encoding system, said decoding system comprised of:

a decrypter, said decrypter adapted to receive a packet containing progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data and decrypt said packet to provide scalably encoded regions;

a decoder coupled to said decrypter, said decoder adapted to decode said scalably encoded regions to provide decoded regions; and

an assembler coupled to said decoder said assembler adapted to assemble said decoded regions to provide data.

40. The decoding system of claim 39 for decoding data encoded using a secure and scalable encoding system wherein said decrypter is further adapted to receive a packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data and also including unencrypted header data wherein said unencrypted header data provides information corresponding to said scalably encoded data.

41. The decoding system of claim 39 for decoding data encoded using a secure and scalable encoding system wherein said decrypter is further adapted to receive a packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data and also including encrypted header data wherein said encrypted header data provides information corresponding to said scalably encoded data, said decrypter further adapted to decrypt said encrypted header.

42. The decoding system of claim 39 for decoding data encoded using a secure and scalable encoding system wherein said assembler is further adapted to assemble said decoded regions to provide video frame data.

43. The decoding system of claim 39 for decoding data encoded using a secure and scalable encoding system wherein said assembler is further adapted to assemble said decoded regions to provide prediction error video data for use by a video prediction unit.

44. A computer readable medium having computer readable code stored thereon for causing a device to decode data which has been securely and scalably encoded, said method comprising:

a) receiving a packet containing progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data;

b) decrypting said packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data to generate scalably encoded regions;

c) decoding said scalably encoded regions to provide decoded regions; and

d) assembling said decoded regions to provide data.

45. The method as recited in claim 44 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step a) to receive said packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data wherein said packet also includes header data, said header data providing information corresponding to said scalably encoded data.

46. The method as recited in claim 44 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step a) to receive said packet containing said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data, wherein said packet also includes encrypted header data, said encrypted header data providing information corresponding to said scalably encoded data.

47. The method as recited in claim 46 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step b) to decrypt said encrypted header data.

48. The method as recited in claim 44 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step d) to assemble said decoded regions to provide video frame data.

49. The method as recited in claim 44 wherein said computer readable medium further includes computer readable code stored thereon for causing said device performing said step d) to assemble said decoded regions to provide prediction error video data for use by a video prediction unit.

50. A method for securely and scalably encoding data, said method comprising:

a) scalably encoding data into scalable data;

b) progressively encrypting said scalable data to generate progressively encrypted scalable data, wherein said progressively encrypted scalable data is transcodable while said progressively encrypted scalable data remains encrypted; and

c) packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data.

51. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 50 further comprising:

generating header data that provides information corresponding to said scalable data.

52. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 51 further comprising:

encrypting said header data to provide encrypted header data.

53. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 52 wherein said step c) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data and said encrypted header data.

54. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 51 wherein said step c) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data and said header data.

55. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 50 wherein said data is selected from the group consisting of:

video data, audio data, image data, graphic data, and web page data.

56. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 50 further comprising:

segmenting said data into corresponding regions.

57. A method for securely and scalably encoding data, said method comprising:

a) scalably encoding data into scalable data comprising a plurality of blocks of data;

b) progressively encrypting said scalable data to generate progressively encrypted scalable data, wherein said progressively encrypting comprises sequentially encrypting said scalable data such that a first portion of said scalable data is independently encrypted and a second portion of said scalable data is encrypted based on said first portion; and

c) packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data.

58. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 57 further comprising:

generating header data that provides information corresponding to said scalable data.

59. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 58 further comprising:

encrypting said header data to provide encrypted header data.

60. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 59 wherein said step c) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data and said encrypted header data.

61. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 58 wherein said step c) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalable data and said header data.

62. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 57 wherein said data is selected from the group consisting of:

video data, audio data, image data, graphic data, and web page data.

63. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 57 further comprising:

segmenting said data into corresponding regions.

64. A method for securely and scalably encoding data, said method comprising:

a) scalably encoding original data as blocks of scalably encoded data, said blocks comprising a first block of scalably encoded data that when decoded reconstructs a first version of said original data, said blocks also comprising a second block of scalably encoded data that when decoded in combination with data from said first block reconstructs a second version of said original data;

b) progressively encrypting said first block to generate a first progressively encrypted scalably encoded block;

c) progressively encrypting said second block in combination with said first block or in combination with said first progressively encrypted scalably encoded block to generate a second progressively encrypted scalably encoded block; and

d) packetizing said second progressively encrypted scalably encoded block.

65. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 64 further comprising:

generating header data that provides information corresponding to said scalably encoded data.

66. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 65 further comprising:

encrypting said header data to provide encrypted header data.

67. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 66 wherein said step d) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalably encoded data and said encrypted header data.

68. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 65 wherein said step d) further comprises:

packetizing said progressively encrypted scalably encoded data and said header data.

69. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 64 wherein said original data is selected from the group consisting of:

video data, audio data, image data, graphic data, and web page data.

70. The method for securely and scalably encoding data as recited in claim 64 further comprising:

segmenting said original data into corresponding regions.

71. A method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, said method comprising:

a) receiving a first version of progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data;

b) transcoding said first version while said progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data remains encrypted to provide a second version of progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data;

c) decrypting said second version to generate a decrypted second version; and

d) decoding said decrypted second version to produce a decoded second version.

72. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 71 further comprising:

assembling said decoded second version to provide video frame data.

73. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 71 further comprising:

assembling said decoded second version to provide prediction error video data.

74. A method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, said method comprising:

a) receiving progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data comprising first progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data and second progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data;

b) decrypting said first progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data independently of said second progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data to produce first scalably encoded data;

c) decrypting said second progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data using said first progressively encrypted and scalably encoded data or using said first scalably encoded data to produce second scalably encoded data; and

d) decoding said first scalably encoded data and said second scalably encoded data to produce first decoded data and second decoded data.

75. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 74 further comprising:

assembling said first decoded data and said second decoded data to provide video frame data.

76. The method for decoding data which has been securely and scalably encoded, as recited in claim 74 further comprising:

assembling said first decoded data and said second decoded data to provide prediction error video data.