Infrared Messaging Device for TV Viewership Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for collecting TV viewership data are expensive and inconvenient, requiring extensive hardware deployment.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a messaging device with processors and memory to receive infrared signals from remote control devices, generate TV operation messages including a household identifier, and transmit these messages to a remote server for recording TV operation data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hardware equipment is deployed to collect TV viewership data, then data collection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection reliabilityVSAvoidhardware deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary messaging device that acts as a mediator between the remote control and the server. This messaging device receives infrared signals from the remote control, processes them into TV operation messages, and transmits them to the server, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining data collection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging device performs multiple functions: it receives infrared signals, decodes TV operation codes, generates structured messages, and communicates with the server. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If expensive hardware equipment is deployed for TV viewership data collection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewership data precisionVSAvoiddata collection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The messaging device automatically captures TV operation messages from the remote control and transmits them to the server without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services the data collection process, eliminating the need for users to manually record viewing data while maintaining precise measurement through automated infrared signal capture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection methods with automated electronic signal capture. The infrared detector and messaging device automatically capture and process TV operation codes, substituting manual recording mechanisms with automated electronic systems that provide both precision and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional hardware is used for TV viewership logging, then data collection accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewership data accuracyVSAvoiddata collection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The messaging device continuously monitors and captures TV operation messages as they are transmitted via infrared signals. This continuous automated capture ensures that no viewing data is lost or delayed, maintaining both accuracy and real-time data collection without time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual data collection processes with automated electronic signal capture and transmission. The infrared detector and messaging device continuously and automatically record TV operations, eliminating the time delay associated with manual observation and recording while maintaining high data accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for efficient and cost-effective collection of TV viewership data by leveraging existing household devices, reducing the need for expensive hardware and enhancing data collection convenience.

Implementation Method 1

receiving an infrared signal from a remote control device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8904418B1Logging TV viewing activities using an infrared detector

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A system for logging the TV viewing activities at a household includes a TV messaging device at the household and a remote TV viewership measurement server communicatively coupled to the messaging device. The TV messaging device receives an infrared signal including a TV operation code from a remote control device within the household. The infrared signal is directed to a particular TV to perform a predefined operation. The TV messaging device generates a TV operation message including the TV operation code and a household identifier associated with the household and transmits the TV operation message to the TV viewership measurement server. Upon receipt of the TV operation message, the TV viewership measurement server tries to identify one of multiple TV devices within the household as being the target of the TV operation code and updates TV viewership data associated with the household in accordance with the TV operation code.