For Immediate Release
June 27, 1997
NTT Develops Image Distribution Method with Embedded Identifier Scheme for Copyright Protection
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) has developed "InfoProtect", a system for the secure distribution of digital images over the Internet.Using an Image Semi-Disclosure Method, an image is scrambled to provide a deteriorated version of the original image, and anyone requiring the full original image purchases a descrambling key from the image provider. The key delivery and payment transaction for the descrambling key is conducted using the NTT-developed informationdistribution platform "Infoket" (Information Market), which delivers the descrambling key safely, correctly charges the user for the purchased contents and ensures security in the payment.
Once an image is purchased and descrambled, "InfoProtect" instantly embeds user identification into the digital image, thereby giving providers a way to prove copyright violation.
NTT plans to use "InfoProtect" as a part of its "Infoket" platform for information distribution and will continue its research and development of the system to find applications in electronic commerce.
Background
The advent of personal computers and the Internet has made it possible for anyone to distribute digital information easily and economically.
In this new environment, methods for the commercial transmission of information are being widely studied.
There are several problems associated with the transmission of digital images over an open network. Users need to see a sample of the image prior to its purchase. On the other hand, because the product is digital information, a perfect copy can easily be made from the sample without paying for it. One way to solve this would be to differentiate the quality of the sample and the purchased product; however, the sample would serve no purpose if its poor quality fails to generate a desire to purchase the original. Also, there is the possibility of the original product being illegally copied once it is purchased.
Moreover, because the product is sent over an open network, there is the danger of it being intercepted or changed during the transmission.
Against this background, NTT has continued its research and development of a system that would solve such problems and expand the possibilities of telecommunications service by ensuring the safe and secure transmission of digital images over open networks.
Technical points
"InfoProtect" is the world's first system for the transmission of digital images that takes into account copyright protection after a digital image is purchased.
1. Image Semi-Disclosure Method
This technology enables providers of the sample image to control its level of distortion. Providers can select which parts of the image to scramble as well as the level of distortion. This function allows the sample image to retain its most important function of providing potential buyers with a glimpse of what the product has to offer.
2. Use of "Infoket" (Information market)
"Infoket" is an NTT-developed platform to ensure the safe and secure distribution of digital information. It encodes product information and transmits it to the buyer, who then receives a decoding key via Internet. This platform is already employed in software distribution services (miTa KaTTa) and electronic publishing services.
* "Infoket" is a registered trademark of NTT.
3. Digital Watermark Technology
Digital watermark technology has been developed for copyright protection and serves two purposes. First, by embedding a common watermark in all copies of the same image, the technology allows copyright ownership to be verified. Second, once the product is purchased, the technology enables the buyer's ID to be instantly embedded in the product. This watermark technology is very durable; even if the image is compressed through such software as JPEG, or if the image is printed out and re-read using a scanner, the embedded information will still be able to be read provided the product maintains a certain level of visual quality.
Future developments
"InfoProtect" is the first system in the world to be developed for the commercial transmission of digital images over open networks. NTT will continue its research to tailor this system to meet more detailed service needs and plans to implement it in its ECN electronic publishing pilot services.
