Abstract: A method of providing edited media content is described. The method comprises: generating captured content and a representation of the captured content, the representation of the captured content having a smaller size than the captured content; providing the captured content over a first network path across a network and the representation of the captured content over a second network path across the network, the first network path having a higher latency than the second network path; generating an edited version of the received representation of the captured content; and providing an edited version of the captured content, the editing of the captured content being based on the editing of the representation of the captured content.

Abstract: A method of transitioning between a first virtual reality view and a second virtual reality view within media content of a virtual reality environment is described. The method comprises: sending the first virtual reality view containing the media content to a virtual reality device over a first network path; determining a second, different, virtual reality view containing media content; sending at least a section of the second virtual reality view to the virtual reality device over a second network path, the latency of the second network path being less than the latency of the first network path.

Abstract: A method of providing edited media content is described. The method comprises: generating captured content and a representation of the captured content, the representation of the captured content having a smaller size than the captured content; providing the captured content over a first network path across a network and the representation of the captured content over a second network path across the network, the first network path having a higher latency than the second network path; generating an edited version of the received representation of the captured content; and providing an edited version of the captured content, the editing of the captured content being based on the editing of the representation of the captured content.

Abstract: A method of transitioning between a first virtual reality view and a second virtual reality view within media content of a virtual reality environment is described. The method comprises: sending the first virtual reality view containing the media content to a virtual reality device over a first network path; determining a second, different, virtual reality view containing media content; sending at least a section of the second virtual reality view to the virtual reality device over a second network path, the latency of the second network path being less than the latency of the first network path.

Abstract: An image processing method comprising: receiving a first image signal representing a portion of a captured image with a first dynamic range; generating a second image signal using the first image signal: applying one of: a first gain to the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal having a brightness value less than a first threshold brightness value, the first gain serving to increase the brightness value of each pixel to which it is applied, and a second gain to the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal having a brightness value greater than a second threshold brightness value, the second gain serving to decrease the brightness value of each pixel to which it is applied; and after the application of the one of the first and second gains, performing a conversion process such that the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first im

Abstract: An image processing method comprising: receiving a first image signal representing a portion of a captured image with a first dynamic range, generating a second image signal using the first image signal, applying one of: a first gain to the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal having a brightness value less than a first threshold brightness value, the first gain serving to increase the brightness value of each pixel to which it is applied, and a second gain to the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal having a brightness value greater than a second threshold brightness value, the second gain serving to decrease the brightness value of each pixel to which it is applied; and after the application of the one of the first and second gains, performing a conversion process such that the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first im

Abstract: An encoding data processing apparatus generates a marked version of an audio signal. The marked copy is generated by embedding data representative of a payload data word into the audio signal. A code word generator that generates a water mark code word from the payload data word and reads data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor that generates pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each predetermined period and reads data representing the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the randomly generated address. A data embedding processor that receives the audio signal and embeds the data representing the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store into the audio signal for each predetermined period.

Abstract: An encoding data processing apparatus generates a video material item marked copy by embedding a payload data word into the video material item. The video material item includes plural video frames. A code word generator generates a water mark code word from the payload data word and reads data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor generates pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each video frame and reads data representing part or parts of the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the pseudo randomly generated address. A data embedding processor receives the video material item and embeds the data representing the part or parts of the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store for each frame into a corresponding frame of the video material item.

Abstract: A water marking system generates a water marked image frame for conveying a payload data word by combining at least one image frame with a two-dimensional water mark pattern. The water mark pattern includes plural regions each associated with one of symbols of the payload data word. Each region includes a two dimensional water mark block selected from a predetermined set of possible water mark blocks to represent the value of the payload data symbol associated with that region. A detecting data processing apparatus detects the payload data from a received water marked image frame, which has been encoded by utilizing a block match prior probability calculator operable to correlate each region of the water marked image frame with each of the water mark blocks from the set of water marked blocks) to form for each region a set of probability surfaces.

Abstract: An encoding data processor generates a video material item marked copy by representing a payload data word as a code word and embedding the code word into a copy of the video material item. A preprocessor divides the payload word into plural parts, forms plural initial values from the plural parts, each initial value formed by adding parts of the payload data word to each initial value successively starting with the first part added to the first initial value, and adds the first and second to the second initial value so each subsequent initial value includes all parts of the payload data word of the previous initial values and a new part of the payload data word. An encryption processor receives each initial value and generates an encrypted data stream using a payload encryption key. A combiner combines the encrypted payload data word with the video material item.

Abstract: An encoding data processing apparatus generates a video material item marked copy by embedding a payload data word into the video material item. The video material item includes plural video frames. A code word generator generates a water mark code word from the payload data word and reads data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor generates pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each video frame and reads data representing part or parts of the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the pseudo randomly generated address. A data embedding processor receives the video material item and embeds the data representing the part or parts of the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store for each frame into a corresponding frame of the video material item.

Abstract: A water marking system generates a water marked image frame for conveying a payload data word by combining at least one image frame with a two-dimensional water mark pattern. The water mark pattern includes plural regions each associated with one of symbols of the payload data word. Each region includes a two dimensional water mark block selected from a predetermined set of possible water mark blocks to represent the value of the payload data symbol associated with that region. A detecting data processing apparatus detects the payload data from a received water marked image frame, which has been encoded by utilizing a block match prior probability calculator operable to correlate each region of the water marked image frame with each of the water mark blocks from the set of water marked blocks) to form for each region a set of probability surfaces.

Abstract: A method includes generating, for a signal sample, first and second gaussian likelihood functions describing a likelihood of a watermark codeword coefficient value embedded into the signal sample being, respectively, positive and negative. The first gaussian likelihood function has a mean defined by a sum of a local mean value and a watermark strength value and a standard deviation defined by a local standard deviation. The second gaussian likelihood function has a mean defined by a difference between the local mean value and the watermark strength value and the standard deviation defined by the local standard deviation. The method also includes detecting a watermark in an image signal based on a probability of watermark codeword coefficients added to the signal sample being one of positive or negative, the probability being calculated from the first gaussian likelihood function and the second gaussian likelihood function.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus registers an image encoded with a two-dimensional water mark pattern. The water mark includes for each image frame a water mark frame pattern of water mark blocks. The water mark pattern includes plural regions each including one water mark block selected from a predetermined set of possible water mark blocks based on a key sequence. The key sequence provides a predetermined sequence of selected water mark blocks to form the water mark pattern of each frame to provide a predetermined sequence of water marked frames. The data processing apparatus includes a block match processor generating block match probabilities including for each region of a current frame of the water marked image a probability surface of possible distortion vectors for each possible water mark block of the set of possible water marked blocks that may have been added to that region of the image frame.

Abstract: An encoding data processor generates a video material item marked copy by representing a payload data word as a code word embedded into a copy of the video material item. A preprocessor forms plural initial values having the same predetermined length, by representing one or more parts of the payload data word in one or more of the initial values, each including a field index, and setting remaining parts of the initial value to a predetermined value. An encryption processor receives each initial value and generates an encrypted data stream therefrom using a payload encryption key to provide plural encrypted data streams. The parts of the encrypted data streams are combined with frames of the material item. Plural initial values include the same part of the payload data, and a field index value for the initial value including the same payload data is changed with respect to other initial values.

Abstract: A system for recovering an estimate of a finger print code word from an un-authorised copy of content material includes a content packaging apparatus. The content packaging apparatus includes a secure content production device and a proxy generator. The secure content production device is operable to convert the content material into a content data file for distribution to a reproduction apparatus, the content data file including frames of the content material which are to be reproduced by a reproduction apparatus and to encrypt the content data file using a content encryption key to form a secure content data file for secure distribution to the reproduction apparatus. The proxy generator is operable to generate a proxy version of the content material representing a reduced quality version of the content material, the quality being reduced to discourage unauthorised copying of the content material and including the frames of the content material which are to be reproduced by the reproduction apparatus.

Abstract: An encoding data processing apparatus generates a marked version of an audio signal provided on an audio channel. The marked copy is generated by embedding data representative of a payload data word into the audio signal. The encoding data processing apparatus comprises a code word generator operable to generate a water mark code word from the payload data word and to read data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor is operable to generate pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each predetermined period and to read data representing part or parts of the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the randomly generated address, and a data embedding processor operable to receive the audio signal and to embed the data representing the part or parts of the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store into the audio signal for each predetermined period.

Abstract: A data encryption apparatus operable to apply encryption to input data having at least a format identifying portion and a payload portion comprises means for discriminating between the format identifying portion of the input data and the payload portion of the input data; and means for selectively applying encryption to the input data in dependence upon an output of the discriminating means so as to encrypt at least a part of the payload portion of the input data but not to encrypt the format identifying portion. A corresponding decryption apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A recording system for applying access control processing to input data content and for recording access-controlled data content on a computer readable storage medium. The recording system includes an encryption apparatus for encrypting portions of the input data content and an access control memory device which securely stores information from which a private key of a public key/private key pair associated with a data content recording user or user group is derivable. The encryption apparatus and the access control memory device co-operate to provide access control data including content recorder access control data and default access control data. The default content access control data provides the same level of access to the input data content as the level of access available to the data content recording user/user group. A recorder is provided for recording the encrypted input data content and the content access control data on the computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: Access to a data storage arrangement is provided in dependence upon a public/private key pair, the public key being held by the data storage arrangement and the private key by a removable memory device. The public key is securely held in a user directory of authorized users on the data storage arrangement, and is associated with a local version number. Another copy of the user directory is securely held by the removable memory device and is associated with an external version number. When the removable memory device is connected to the data storage arrangement to enable authentication, these version numbers are compared and the older version of the user directory is replaced with the later version. In this fashion updates to the list of authorized users can be propagated among suitably adapted devices without the use of a network.