Dynamic Audio Signature Selection for Media Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media monitoring techniques face challenges in accurately identifying media exposure due to varying environmental and content-related circumstances, leading to unreliable signature matching and increased processing requirements.

Innovation Solution

The dynamic selection of a suitable signature scheme based on detected circumstances, such as noise levels and content type, allows for the generation of more reliable signatures that match reference signatures while optimizing processor efficiency by using only one signature scheme at a time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple signature schemes are used to handle varying environmental and content conditions, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignature matching reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects from multiple signature schemes based on detected environmental conditions (noise levels) and content characteristics (frequency ranges). Instead of using all schemes simultaneously, the meter adaptively chooses the most appropriate scheme for current conditions, maintaining reliability while reducing processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters of the signature generation process based on detected conditions. Different signature schemes are selected by adjusting parameters such as frequency weighting, time constants, and spectral analysis methods to match environmental noise levels and content types, optimizing performance without requiring all schemes to run concurrently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If signature schemes are optimized for specific conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to varying circumstances decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignature matching precisionVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The media monitoring meter is designed with multiple signature scheme capabilities, making it a universal device that can handle various environmental conditions and content types. By incorporating multiple schemes within a single device and selecting appropriately based on conditions, the system achieves both precision for specific conditions and adaptability to varying circumstances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple signature schemes are implemented concurrently, then coverage of different content types is improved, but processor efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent type coverageVSAvoidprocessor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic selection to switch between signature schemes based on real-time analysis of environmental noise levels and content frequency characteristics. This approach provides comprehensive content type coverage while maintaining processor efficiency by executing only one appropriate signature scheme at a time rather than running all schemes concurrently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3804346B1Methods and apparatus to dynamically generate audio signatures adaptive to circumstances associated with media being monitored
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 THE NIELSEN CO (US) LLC
  • EP3804346B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3804346B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3804346B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to dynamically generate audio signatures adaptive to circumstances associated with media being monitored are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a signal selector to select a first signature scheme from among a plurality of signature schemes to generate monitored signatures for media being monitored by a meter. The first signature scheme is selected based on a circumstance associated with the media. The apparatus includes a signal generator to generate a first monitored signature from the media based on the first signature scheme. The apparatus further includes a communications interface to transmit the first monitored signature to a data collection facility.