Proximity-Based Mobile Offer Synchronization via Audio Watermarking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display screen technologies face limitations in providing seamless and efficient access to supplemental content, such as web sites or QR Codes, due to consumer memory reliance, physical proximity requirements, and impracticality in noisy environments, especially in public spaces, and lack effective analytics for content reach and value.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronizes content on display screens or audio sources with mobile devices based on proximity and time, allowing for passive or active content delivery without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections, using a server to determine the content being displayed and providing relevant offers directly to mobile devices, leveraging GPS, audio tones, or Bluetooth beacons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QR Code or website address is displayed on screen, then consumers can access supplemental content, but consumers must be within very close proximity and at correct angle to scan the code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio watermark as an intermediary that can be detected by mobile devices from a distance. The audio watermark embedded in the audio-visual content serves as a mediator between the display screen and the consumer's mobile device, eliminating the need for close proximity positioning required by QR codes. The mobile device's microphone captures the audio signal containing the watermark, which is then processed to provide access to supplemental content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of QR code scanning (requiring precise physical positioning and camera alignment) with an acoustic field-based system. Instead of using light and camera mechanics, the system uses audio watermarks transmitted through the air via speakers, which can be captured by the mobile device's microphone without requiring precise physical positioning or angle alignment.
2Productivity
If screen content changes frequently, then advertising effectiveness is improved, but consumer time to scan code before content changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous transmission of the audio watermark throughout the duration of the audio-visual content. Unlike QR codes that require a discrete scanning action within a specific time window, the audio watermark is continuously embedded in the audio stream, allowing consumers to access supplemental content at any point during playback without worrying about timing or content changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio watermark is pre-encoded into the audio-visual content during production, preparing the supplemental content delivery mechanism in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the watermark is always present and detectable, eliminating the need for consumers to race against content changes or perform quick scanning actions.
3Measurement precision
If audio fingerprinting is used to identify content, then content recognition is achieved, but it is impractical in noisy public environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specialized audio watermark signal that is designed to be robust and easily detectable, sacrificing some audio quality. This 'disposable' audio component is specifically engineered for detection purposes rather than for high-fidelity audio reproduction, making it resistant to environmental noise interference while maintaining content recognition accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies specific parameters of the audio signal by embedding a watermark with distinct characteristics (frequency, amplitude modulation patterns) that differ from normal audio content. These parameter changes make the watermark detectable through signal processing techniques that can filter out environmental noise, maintaining recognition accuracy in public environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Content which is related to content being provided by a media source is synchronized with content being provided by the media source. A mobile device operates to receive content which is related to the content being provided by the media source. The system operates based on mobile device location, and the media source location. Based on the location, a server can determine what content is being provided by the media source and can therefore serve related content based on that to the mobile device. It works passively with periodic regular updates of the mobile device location or actively through the use of a button (touch screen, keyboard, etc.) on the mobile device to signal the server to check its location and therefore identifying which media source the mobile device is near.