Presentation Stream Filtering Using Signature Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of digital video recorders (DVRs) face inconvenience and inaccuracy when manually fast-forwarding through recorded content, often skipping desired portions or resuming playback at undesired segments, due to the lack of precise control over segment identification and manipulation in presentation streams.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize signature data and metadata to identify locations within a presentation stream, allowing for the filtering, skipping, or replacement of segments, as well as the insertion of supplemental content, by processing the stream to determine boundaries of segments such as commercials or chapters, enabling precise control over playback order and content presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fast forwarding is used to skip content, then the user can control playback, but the user may skip desired portions or resume at undesired segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the user and the playback stream. This system automatically identifies segment boundaries (such as commercial breaks or chapter transitions) using metadata and signature data, allowing the user to skip content precisely without manually searching through each segment. The intermediary handles the complex task of segment detection while the user benefits from accurate, automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the presentation stream to identify and mark segment boundaries before playback begins. By pre-processing the content to detect transitions and structure segments, the system prepares the data in advance so that during playback, users can accurately jump to or skip segments without manual trial-and-error navigation.
2Measurement precision
If automated segment identification is implemented, then playback precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex task of segment identification into separate, manageable components: metadata analysis, signature data comparison, and boundary detection. Each component handles a specific aspect of the problem, making the overall system more modular and maintainable. By segmenting the processing tasks, the system achieves high precision without requiring a monolithic complex architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signature data - compact representations or copies of segment characteristics - to identify boundaries without analyzing the entire presentation stream in detail. By working with these condensed signature copies rather than the full high-resolution data, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining accurate segment detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show and interstitials (e.g., commercials) of the show. The identified portions of a presentation stream may then be utilized for filtering segments of content during presentation. Additionally, supplemental content is identified and inserted into the presentation stream during presentation.