Method and devices for video processing rights enforcement

A device for modifying digital content, the device comprising:

• at least one input interface adapted to receive:
• the digital content,
• a first fingerprint calculated from the digital content using a fingerprint calculation method, and
• at least one modification limit value for the digital content;
• wherein the at least one modification limit value has been calculated from the digital content, the first fingerprint and at least one modification rule that expresses a tolerance for modification to the digital content for a factor of the digital content;
• and
• a processor adapted to:
• modify the digital content to obtain modified digital content;
• calculate a second fingerprint from the modified digital content using the fingerprint calculation method;
• compare a difference between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint with the at least one modification limit value;
• and
• export the modified digital content only upon determination that the compared difference is within the bounds of at least one modification limit value.

A device for sending digital content, comprising:

• a processor adapted to:
• calculate a fingerprint from the digital content, and at least one modification limit value expressing the limit of allowed modifications to the digital content, the at least one modification limit value being calculated from the digital content, the first digital fingerprint, and at least one modification rule that expresses a tolerance for modification to the digital content for a factor of the digital content;
• and
• at least one interface adapted to output the digital content, the fingerprint from the digital content, and the at least one modification limit value.

A method for rendering digital content, the method comprising at a content rendering device:

• receiving the digital content,
• receiving a first fingerprint calculated from the digital content using a fingerprint calculation method, and
• receiving at least one modification limit value for the digital content;
• wherein the at least one modification limit value has been calculated from the digital content, the first digital fingerprint, and at least one modification rule that expresses a tolerance for modification to the digital content for a factor of the digital content;
• calculating a second fingerprint from the received digital content using the fingerprint calculation method;
• comparing a difference between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint with the at least one modification limit value;
• and
• rendering the digital content only upon determination that the compared difference is within the bounds of at least one modification limit value.

A device for rendering digital content, the device comprising:

• at least one input interface adapted to receive:
• the digital content,
• a first fingerprint calculated from the digital content using a fingerprint calculation method, and
• at least one modification limit value for the digital content;
• wherein the at least one modification limit value has been calculated from the digital content, the first digital fingerprint, and at least one modification rule that expresses a tolerance for modification to the digital content for a factor of the digital content;
• and
• a processor adapted to:
• calculate a second fingerprint from the received digital content using the fingerprint calculation method;
• compare a difference between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint with the at least one modification limit value;
• and
• render the digital content only upon determination that the compared difference is within the bounds of at least one modification limit value.