Proof of Play Verification via Display Surface Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for proof of play (POP) in digital signage lack reliability and efficiency, as they either only verify hardware operation or require extensive data processing and manual verification, failing to confirm if advertisements are actually displayed.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a video playing device with a display, sensor, transceiver, and processing unit that senses and transmits the displaying situation of specific frames on the display surface, allowing for real-time verification of video playback by comparing collected data with pre-stored information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a video camera is used to capture entire images of the display for image analysis, then the advertisement display can be verified, but the data processing requirement increases significantly and manual verification is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadvertisement display verificationVSAvoiddata processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) and only captures images from these specific regions rather than the entire display. This segmentation approach reduces the amount of data that needs to be processed while still providing sufficient verification of advertisement playback, thereby resolving the contradiction between verification reliability and data processing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for verification by focusing on specific key frames and regions of interest rather than processing complete video frames. This extraction method maintains verification reliability while significantly reducing data processing requirements and eliminating the need for manual verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If hardware monitoring of voltage and current is used, then hardware operation normality can be proven, but direct proof of advertisement broadcast cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware operation verificationVSAvoidadvertisement playback confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using image capture and analysis as a mediator between hardware operation monitoring and advertisement playback confirmation. Instead of directly monitoring hardware parameters, the system captures images of the actual display output, providing direct evidence of advertisement playback while still benefiting from hardware status information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If complex software framework and reliable playing mechanism are used, then advertisement broadcast can be proven, but display damage detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadvertisement broadcast proofVSAvoiddisplay damage detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex software framework mechanisms with a simpler image-based verification system. By substituting the mechanical/software-based proof mechanism with optical image capture and analysis, the system achieves both advertisement broadcast proof and display damage detection capabilities, resolving the contradiction between reliability and detectability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides a low-cost, high-reliability solution for confirming video playback, ensuring accurate verification of advertisement display and detecting potential display failures.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor senses a displaying situation of the at least one frame at a specific location of the display surface as the display displays the video

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3553687B1System and method for proof of play
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 WISTRON CORP
  • EP3553687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553687B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3553687B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A system and method for proof of play are provided. The system includes a video playing device that includes a display, a sensor, a transceiver and a processing unit. The display displays a video on a display surface, where the video displayed on the display surface has at least one frame. The sensor senses a displaying situation of the at least one frame on a specific location of the display surface as the display displays the video. The processing unit collects the displaying situation and controls the transceiver to send the displaying situation to a target device to determine whether the display has indeed displayed the video.