Set-Top Box Viewing Data Capture via QR Codes Without Return Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
In developing countries, non-connected set-top boxes (STBs) lack a return path for data transmission, making it difficult for broadcasters to collect audience viewing habits and channel popularity data.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast receiver with a processor and memory encodes channel view data into an audio or video signal, which can be captured by viewers using a signal capture device like a mobile phone, allowing data to be transferred without a backchannel connection, using techniques like QR codes or frequency modulation, and utilizing viewing frequency information for efficient data compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-connected STBs are used in developing countries, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but data transmission capability to broadcasters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile phone or camera-equipped device) that captures images of the display screen showing encoded viewing data. This intermediary bridges the gap between the non-connected STB and the broadcaster, enabling data transmission without requiring bidirectional communication capabilities at the STB itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electronic data transmission mechanism (requiring return path communication) with an optical/mechanical system where viewing data is encoded into visual displays (TV screen, projector, or other display devices) that can be captured by external devices. This substitution eliminates the need for complex communication hardware at the STB while preserving data transmission capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If viewing data is encoded into display signals, then data transmission without backchannel is enabled, but data compression efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting encoding parameters based on the specific display device being used. Different encoding schemes are applied for different display types (TV screen, projector, mobile device display), optimizing the balance between data capacity and transmission reliability for each specific parameter set of the display medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional data transmission (electronic signals) to two-dimensional spatial encoding by embedding viewing data within visual patterns displayed on screens. This dimensional change allows data to be embedded within the visual content itself, utilizing the spatial dimension of the display for data encoding without requiring additional communication channels.
3Ease of manufacture
If channel view data is encoded using fixed bit allocation, then encoding simplicity is maintained, but compression efficiency for frequently viewed channels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable bit allocation where the number of bits assigned to encode channel identifiers changes dynamically based on viewing frequency. Frequently viewed channels receive fewer bits in their encoding, while less frequent channels receive more bits, optimizing the overall data compression ratio while maintaining a relatively simple encoding structure.
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
Enables the collection of viewing data from non-connected STBs, facilitating audience measurement and programming popularity assessment without the need for bi-directional data connections, improving data compression efficiency by assigning fewer bits to frequently viewed channels.
Implementation Method 1
The signal may comprise an audio signal, for example encoding the data using frequency modulation
Implementation Method 2
The signal may be a 2-dimensional pattern, such as a QR code, a HCCB code (Microsoft Research, 'High Capacity Color Barcode Technology') or HCC2D code ('High Capacity Colored Two Dimensional code') encoding the channel view data and displayed on a display device
Data Source
AI summary
A television broadcast receiver is provided, for example a set-top box or television set for terrestrial, cable and/or satellite broadcasts, comprising a memory for storing channel view data encoding channel view events and a processor. The processor stores channel view data in the memory and generates a signal encoding the channel view data. The signal is an audio and/or video signal. The processor then causes the signal to be presented to a viewer. Further provided is a method of receiving information about channel view events from a broadcast receiver. A signal encoding channel view data is received. The signal is a still image or video signal and/or an audio signal and the channel view data encodes channel view events. The signal is decoded to obtain the channel view data and the channel view data is decoded to obtain information about channel view events.