Ambient Audio Detection for Content Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking exposure to secondary content, such as advertisements, are inaccurate due to cookie blocking, expiration, and privacy concerns, and fail to provide cross-device tracking and precise data collection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an ambient listening device that activates only during specific intervals to detect audio associated with video content, using timing information from manifest files to verify and track content, thereby enhancing privacy and reducing system resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cookie-based tracking methods are used, then implementation is simple and widely supported, but accuracy and reliability of tracking data deteriorates due to cookie blocking, expiration, and privacy concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/web-based cookie tracking system with an acoustic field-based system. Instead of relying on text-based cookies that can be blocked or expired, the system uses audio signals transmitted through the air to carry tracking information. The mobile device captures these audio signals using its microphone, processes them to extract tracking data, and transmits this data to the server. This substitution of the tracking medium from digital text (cookies) to acoustic waves resolves the reliability issues while maintaining ease of implementation through the mobile device's existing audio capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If ambient listening device is activated continuously, then content tracking accuracy is improved, but system resource usage and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the ambient listening device based on the content schedule. Instead of continuous operation, the device is activated only at predetermined intervals when content is expected to be played. The system determines activation timing from schedule information received from the content delivery network, activating the microphone and audio processing only during these specific periods. This periodic action maintains accurate content tracking while significantly reducing energy consumption and system resource usage compared to continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate and privacy-enhanced tracking of content exposure across devices, overcoming limitations of traditional cookie-based methods and ensuring precise data collection.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient listening device may use the timing information to turn on, in a synchronized manner, to determine whether particular audio and associated video are being presented
Data Source
AI summary
Content may be sent to a premises. One or more devices at the premises may be activated to detect audio associated with the content. The one or more devices at the premises may be activated based on timing data associated with the content. The detected audio may be used to determine that the content was output. One or more actions may be taken based on the determination that the content was output.