Deterring theft of media recording devices by encrypting recorded media files
US7418599B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B20/00826
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for deterring theft of media recording devices. Input received from a sensor, or some portion of the input, is encrypted prior to storing a media file. A decryption key must be provided when the media file is to be played back. If the key is not provided, then the file is preferably still played back, but is played back in a degraded manner. For example, a background color or other filler may be rendered in place of the encrypted portion. Additional parts of the file may also be degraded during playback. By making the playback unpleasant for the listener/viewer, theft of the recording device will be much less desirable—yet recording can continue uninterrupted, thereby minimizing disruption to legitimate users. The disclosed techniques may also be used to deter theft of the recorded media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.