Motion Sensor Data Resolving Media Source Detection Ambiguities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media monitoring systems face challenges in accurately detecting media sources and resolving simulcast monitoring ambiguities, particularly when audio correlation is insufficient or not feasible, leading to incorrect crediting of media consumption and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of Bluetooth accelerometer tags affixed to handheld devices to obtain motion data, which serves as hints for resolving source detection and channel change ambiguities, allowing for accurate identification of media sources and crediting without relying on specific remote control technologies or complex audio signal acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If audio correlation is used for media source detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to complex audio signal acquisition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic field-based audio correlation system with a motion sensor-based detection system. Instead of using microphones and audio signal processing to identify media sources, the system uses accelerometers and other motion sensors to detect physical movements associated with media source changes, thereby substituting a complex acoustic measurement system with a simpler motion detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion sensor data as an intermediary indicator that indirectly reflects media source changes. Rather than directly measuring audio signals from multiple sources, the system uses motion sensors on remote controls or other devices as mediators to infer which media source is active, based on the physical interactions users have with control devices when changing sources.
2Measurement precision
If audio correlation is used for simulcast monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended training and database maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically differentiate between simulcast sources through motion sensor patterns without requiring manual training or database maintenance. The motion sensors naturally capture unique interaction patterns for each source, and the system self-adapts to these patterns, eliminating the time-consuming training and maintenance processes associated with audio correlation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from audio signal characteristics to motion sensor data characteristics. This parameter change fundamentally alters how simulcast monitoring works, allowing the system to differentiate between simultaneous broadcasts based on physical motion patterns rather than audio fingerprinting, thereby eliminating the need for extensive training databases.
3Measurement precision
If specific remote control technologies are used for source detection, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases due to technology-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal motion sensor-based detection system that works across all remote control technologies. Instead of requiring specific technologies like infrared or Bluetooth, the system uses accelerometers and motion sensors that can detect physical movements regardless of the remote control's communication method, thereby achieving universal compatibility while maintaining detection 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 approach enhances the accuracy of media source detection and simulcast monitoring, reduces system complexity and cost, and supports all types of remote control technologies, providing reliable media consumption crediting without the need for extensive training or database maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Some example techniques disclosed herein use accelerometer tags affixed to handheld devices, such as remote control devices, to obtain motion data that can be used as hints for resolving source detection ambiguities.
Data Source
AI summary
Example apparatus disclosed herein determine that an output media signal from a monitored media device corresponds to at least a first media signal from a first source device in communication with the monitored media device, and a second media signal from a second source device in communication with the monitored media device. Disclosed example apparatus also access motion data reported by one or more of a first accelerometer associated with a first remote control device, a second accelerometer associated with a second remote control device, a third accelerometer associated with a third remote control device, the first remote control device associated with the first source device, the second remote control device associated with the second source device, the third remote control device associated with the monitored media device. Disclosed example apparatus also identify, based on the motion data, a source of the output media signal from the monitored media device.