Program Signature Detection for Accurate Viewer Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating viewer numbers and determining program content presentation in local markets are often inaccurate due to sample size limitations and watermark detection issues, leading to potential financial impacts on content providers and advertisers.
Innovation Solution
A computing system generates program signatures from set-top box tune data, comparing these signatures to determine if program content is presented consistently across different channels and markets, allowing for accurate estimation of viewer numbers and adherence to scheduling agreements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital watermarks or codes are embedded in programs for detection, then program presentation can be detected, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to detection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical watermark detection system with an acoustic detection system using listening receivers that detect acoustic signatures embedded in the program signal. The acoustic signature is detected through acoustic channels rather than digital signal processing, substituting one detection mechanism for another to overcome watermark detection limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic signature as an intermediary element that mediates between the program content and the detection system. Instead of directly detecting watermarks or program content, the system detects acoustic signatures that represent the program, using this intermediary to achieve more reliable and accurate detection.
2Quantity of substance
If a small sample of viewers is used for viewing data collection, then data collection cost is reduced, but viewing estimation accuracy deteriorates due to sample size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic signatures as copies or representations of program content that can be detected without requiring large viewer samples. Instead of relying on statistical extrapolation from small samples, the system detects the actual program signal through acoustic channels, obtaining direct measurement data that is more accurate and does not require large sample sizes for reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system is programmed to detect if program content is presented on a channel. A program signature is determined based on set-top box tune data from set-top boxes in a market in which it is known the program content was presented. The program signature can be compared to program signatures from other local markets or from the same market to determine if the same program content was presented. In some embodiments, the program signature represents the number of set-top boxes simultaneously tuned to the channel on which the program content is presented.