Multi-Engine Meter for Audio Video Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid development of diverse audio/video content delivery platforms complicates the task of generating accurate viewing records, especially with digital broadcast systems where the local oscillator frequency does not uniquely identify the channel or program, and incorporating multiple content sources into a single household viewing area makes monitoring complex and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A multi-engine meter system that processes audio and video inputs to determine the A/V content source and identification information using audio engines, video engines, and metadata engines, along with a decision processor, to identify the source and content without requiring after-market modifications to the content sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional frequency detector attachments are used to identify channel information, then the system can determine which channel the television is tuned to, but this method becomes unreliable in digital broadcast systems where local oscillator frequency does not uniquely identify the channel or program
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio/video signature generator and comparator as intermediary components between the television and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring frequency, the system captures audio and video signals, generates signatures from these signals, and compares them against a database to identify content. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing reliable identification in digital systems where direct frequency measurement fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical frequency detection system with an audio-visual signal processing system. Instead of using frequency detectors that measure local oscillator frequencies, the system uses audio engines to analyze sound signals and video engines to analyze visual signals, substituting the old measurement mechanism with a more robust signal-based identification approach that works reliably with digital broadcast systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple content sources are incorporated into a single household viewing area, then the system can monitor diverse content delivery platforms, but the complexity and cumbersomeness of monitoring increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized detection devices into a single integrated measurement device. The home unit combines audio engine, video engine, metadata engine, and decision processor into one unified system that can handle multiple content sources (broadcast television, cable, satellite, DVD, DVR, VCR) through a single interface, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement device that performs multiple functions: it can identify content from different sources (television, cable, satellite, DVD, DVR, VCR), generate audio and video signatures, compare signatures against databases, and determine viewing information. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to adapt to various content delivery platforms without requiring separate specialized equipment for each source type.
3Measurement precision
If after-market modifications are made to content sources to enable monitoring, then content identification can be achieved, but the system requires complex modifications to the content sources themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to extract content identification information from the audio and video signals themselves without requiring modifications to the content sources. The audio engine and video engine process signals directly from the television output, and the decision processor uses this information to identify content. This self-service approach allows the system to obtain necessary data from the signals already present in the household, eliminating the need for after-market modifications to content sources.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. An example method to monitor media content provided by a selected one of a plurality of media content sources for presentation by an information presenting device disclosed herein comprises determining first information based on a video signal corresponding to the monitored media content, determining second information based on an audio signal corresponding to the monitored media content, identifying the selected one of the plurality of media content sources based on a first classification decision resulting from one of the first information and the second information and a second classification decision resulting from the other of the first information and the second information, and identifying the monitored media content based on identification information associated with at least one of the video signal or the audio signal.