Media Device State Detection Using Fuzzy Logic Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audience measurement systems face challenges in accurately determining the on or off state of media presentation devices, particularly with complex modern devices, leading to inaccurate media ratings due to the need for additional sensors and processing power, and are not compatible with newer TV technologies that do not emit flyback converter noise.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use existing data collected by audience measurement devices to identify the on or off state of media presentation devices through signature analysis, microphone gain, and remote control hints, processed using a fuzzy logic engine, without requiring additional sensors or memory, allowing for accurate media content crediting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors and processing power are added to determine device on/off state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by having the media presentation device determine its own on/off state using data it already collects during normal operation. The device analyzes its own operational data (audio signatures, remote control signals, power consumption patterns) without requiring external sensors or additional processing hardware, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical sensors with signal analysis methods. Instead of using additional hardware sensors to detect device state, the system substitutes mechanical/direct detection with electronic signal processing of existing operational data, such as analyzing audio signatures from the device or patterns in remote control communications to infer on/off state
2Measurement precision
If traditional flyback converter noise detection is used, then measurement precision is improved for older devices, but adaptability deteriorates for newer TV technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional detection system that can identify device on/off states through multiple different data sources and methods. The system can analyze audio signatures, remote control signal patterns, power consumption data, and other operational characteristics, making it universally applicable to various TV technologies including newer models that lack flyback converter noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by shifting from detecting a single physical parameter (flyback converter noise) to analyzing multiple operational parameters (audio signatures, remote control patterns, power consumption). This allows the system to adapt to different device types by changing which parameters are monitored and how they are interpreted
3Reliability
If more sensors and processing components are added, then reliability of media ratings is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system leverages data that the media presentation device already collects and processes during its normal operation. By reusing existing operational data for the purpose of determining device state, the system improves measurement reliability without adding energy-consuming sensors or processing components
Data Source
AI summary
Example apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus is to determine contribution values from at least one of a signal measured from a sensing device or an output signal accessed from the presentation device, the contribution values indicative of a state of a presentation device. The disclosed example apparatus is also to sum a first plurality of the contribution values corresponding to a first measurement cycle to generate a first intermediate fuzzy score for the first measurement cycle, store the first intermediate fuzzy score in a buffer, the buffer including a plurality of intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to respective measurement cycles, combine the intermediate fuzzy scores corresponding to a first time period to form a final fuzzy score, and when the final fuzzy score satisfies a threshold, set the state of the presentation device as on and enable crediting of media.