Ancillary Data Video Validator Using Emulated Broadcast Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadcast signal transmission systems fail to reliably verify the correct transmission of ancillary data, such as program IDs, through broadcast networks, which can lead to errors and user frustration, especially when relying on hardware and software components that may alter the data.
Innovation Solution
An emulated broadcast network is created to simulate the actual broadcast network, allowing for the conversion of baseband signals into network signals, with optical character recognition (OCR) techniques used to identify and verify the ancillary data, ensuring it matches the expected data by comparing the identified program IDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ancillary data is transmitted through broadcast networks using hardware and software components, then the data can be delivered to end users, but the data may be altered or corrupted by these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an emulated broadcast network that is a copy of the actual broadcast network. This emulated network includes emulated hardware and software components that replicate the actual network's behavior. By transmitting ancillary data through this emulated network and verifying it reaches the end user correctly, the system can detect and prevent data alteration by the actual network's hardware and software components without disrupting real broadcast service.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulated broadcast network acts as an intermediary between the data source and the actual broadcast network. It allows for testing and verification of ancillary data transmission by simulating the actual network conditions. The emulated network includes an emulated set top box and emulated broadcast infrastructure that can be controlled to verify data integrity before it enters the actual broadcast network.
2Measurement precision
If an emulated broadcast network is created to verify ancillary data transmission, then data accuracy can be ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emulated broadcast network is segmented into distinct functional components: an emulated broadcast network infrastructure, an emulated set top box, and a verification system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured, tested, and maintained. The verification system separately captures video frames, extracts ancillary data, and compares it against expected values, providing precise measurement without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a fully functional duplicate of the entire broadcast infrastructure, the system creates a simplified emulated network that copies only the essential components needed for verification: the broadcast signal transmission path, the set top box processing, and the display output. This selective copying reduces system complexity while maintaining sufficient fidelity to verify ancillary data transmission accuracy.
3Extent of automation
If OCR techniques are used to identify program IDs in video frames, then ancillary data can be automatically verified, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing video frames at specific intervals during broadcast transmission and extracting ancillary data from those frames before final verification is needed. The OCR (optical character recognition) technology automatically identifies program IDs and other ancillary data from the video frames, enabling automated verification without requiring manual intervention. This preliminary extraction and automated recognition process reduces the time needed for complete verification while maintaining high accuracy.
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 method ensures accurate transmission of ancillary data, acting as a proof of concept to guarantee that ancillary data, like program IDs, reaches the end user correctly, reducing errors and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
performing textual recognition to identify the program ID in a first one of the plurality of display frames
Data Source
AI summary
Network signals in a broadcast network can include ancillary data as well as audio and visual of a media presentation. Typically, the ancillary data is not displayed by the television when outputting the audio and visual data although it may be in some cases. To ensure the network signal is compatible with the components in the broadcast network, the embodiments herein test the network signal use an emulated version of the broadcast network. For example, the content provider can set up a local version of broadcast network using the hardware components of the broadcast network (e.g., a cable head end, network modulators, set top boxes, receivers, etc.). By transmitting the network signal through the emulated broadcast network, the content provider can verify that the ancillary data will be correctly transmitted through the actual broadcast network.