An integrated circuit (IC) structure includes a device layer including a security-critical wire and a metal layer disposed over the device layer. The metal layer includes at least one wire and an IC porthole. The IC porthole has a perimeter that defines a shape such that, when the perimeter of the IC porthole is projected onto the device layer, the projection of the IC porthole perimeter includes at least a segment of the security-critical wire, and the at least one wire in the metal layer does not overlap the security-critical wire within the projection of the IC porthole perimeter to thereby allow post-fabrication optical inspection of the security-critical wire through the IC porthole.

Systems and methods for enabling the download of a set of media files with a specific order and specific contents and, more particularly, to enabling a download manager to automatically receive the information it requires to retrieve those elements required to replicate a streaming edit through local playback after the downloads complete.

Systems and methods for replacing original media bookmarks of at least a portion of a digital media file with replacement bookmarks is described. A media fingerprint engine detects the location of the original fingerprints associated with the portion of the digital media file and a region analysis algorithm characterizes regions of media file spanning the location of the original bookmarks by data class types. The replacement bookmarks are associated with the data class types and are overwritten or otherwise are substituted for the original bookmarks. The replacement bookmarks then are subjected to a fingerprint matching algorithm that incorporates media timeline and media related metadata.

There is described a method of controlling access to IP streaming content by a plurality of receivers. The method comprises the steps of (a) for each receiver in the plurality of receivers, providing that receiver with access to first control information for that receiver to enable that receiver to access a first portion of the content; (b) identifying a receiver from the plurality of receivers as an identified receiver; (c) updating the first control information so as to provide updated control information for each receiver, the updated control information being associated with a second portion of the content; and (d) configuring each receiver to fetch the updated control information for that receiver. For the identified receiver, the updated control information is invalid such that the identified receiver is unable to fully access the second portion of the content. A server configured to carry out the method is also described.

A method (1) of and a device for rendering content data of a content data stream. From content data identified in the content data stream, a level of toxicity is determined (4). The level of toxicity represents a measure of authenticity of the received content data stream. Content data of the received content data stream is rendered (6) based on an aggregated level of toxicity.

Described herein are systems and methods for hardware enforcement of hardware functionality in a television receiver. An activation message containing an activation code for a specific hardware component within the television receiver can be transmitted from a television service provider system to a television receiver having an associated smart card. The smart card can decrypt the activation message, security check the activation message, confirm the activation message is intended for the television receiver, encrypt the activation message with a local key, and transmit the activation message to a security processor on the television receiver. The security processor can decrypt the activation message, security check the activation message to ensure it is from the smart card and has not been tampered with, and enable the hardware component within the television receiver based on the activation code within the activation message.

A system for facilitating a virtual screening is disclosed. The system identifies a user for participating in a virtual screening of media content. The system generates a unique link for the user to facilitate access to the media content. When the user interacts with the link, the system prompts the user to authenticate with the system and determines whether the authentication was successful. If authentication is successful, the link is associated with an identifier of the user and/or a user device. A request for a key for decrypting the media content and a request for a digitally signed file accessing the media content pursuant to parameters are made. If the digitally signed file is valid, the system applies a watermark to the media content to track the use of the media content and streams the media content to the user. Feedback on the media content is obtained from the user.

Systems and methods for replacing original media bookmarks of at least a portion of a digital media file with replacement bookmarks is described. A media fingerprint engine detects the location of the original fingerprints associated with the portion of the digital media file and a region analysis algorithm characterizes regions of media file spanning the location of the original bookmarks by data class types. The replacement bookmarks are associated with the data class types and are overwritten or otherwise are substituted for the original bookmarks. The replacement bookmarks then are subjected to a fingerprint matching algorithm that incorporates media timeline and media related metadata.

Methods and apparatus to identify media based on watermarks across different audio streams and/or different watermarking techniques are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a watermark detector to detect a first watermark embedded in a first audio stream associated with media and to detect a second watermark embedded in a second audio stream associated with the media. The second audio stream is different than the first audio stream. The example apparatus includes a watermark analyzer to compare first media identifying information in the first watermark with second media identifying information in the second watermark. The example apparatus also includes a media detection event controller to associate the first and second watermarks with a media detection event when the first media identifying information is consistent with the second media identifying information. The example apparatus further includes a transmitter to transmit the media detection event to a data collection facility.

Controlling or limiting visibility into particular metadata associated with the transfer of media content from a source device or system to a receiving device or system.