Digital Video Signal Carrier Encoding for Handheld Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for encoding carrier signals in video signals are not effectively adaptable for digital display devices, as they rely on analog scanning processes and are prone to interference with other signals, limiting the ability to provide promotional opportunities and interactive features on digital hand-held devices.
Innovation Solution
A method of modulating a video signal by selectively encoding a carrier signal within pairs of frames of a digital video signal, using luminance adjustments to create a 15 Hertz signal presence or absence, which can be detected by hand-held devices to trigger promotional opportunities, and using a decoder to determine signal presence or absence for data bit transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carrier signals are encoded in analog video signals using traditional modulation methods, then the carrier signal can be transmitted, but the method is not adaptable to digital display devices and relies on analog scanning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog scanning process with a digital frame-based system. Instead of using analog modulation during scanning, the invention encodes carrier signals by selectively modifying digital video frames at specific time intervals, making the system compatible with digital display devices while eliminating the need for analog scanning hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the encoding parameter from continuous analog modulation to discrete digital frame modification. By altering the luminance or chrominance values of specific frames at predetermined time intervals, the system achieves carrier signal transmission adapted to digital displays without requiring analog scanning processes
2Loss of information
If carrier signals are transmitted by replacing active portions of the video signal with auxiliary data, then the carrier signal can be transmitted, but the visual quality of the video signal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by selectively altering only specific frames at predetermined time intervals rather than replacing entire active portions of the video signal. This localized modification allows carrier signal encoding while preserving the visual quality of the majority of the video content
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic action by encoding carrier signals at specific time intervals between frames. This periodic encoding allows the carrier signal to be transmitted without continuously replacing video data, maintaining visual quality while enabling information transmission
3Loss of information
If carrier signals are transmitted in non-viewable scan lines, then the carrier signal can be transmitted without affecting visual quality, but the scan lines may already contain other carrier signals that are prone to being stripped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by selecting predetermined time intervals between frames that are unlikely to contain other carrier signals. By encoding at these pre-selected times, the system avoids interference with existing signals such as cueing information, timing information, or closed captioning information that may be present in other time slots
4Loss of information
If the luminance of video frames is modified to encode carrier signals, then the carrier signal can be transmitted, but the modification may be imperceptible to human eyes while being detectable by optical detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter modification approach by using subtle luminance or chrominance adjustments that fall below the threshold of human perception. These parameter changes are specifically calibrated to be detectable by optical detectors in hand-held devices while remaining imperceptible to human eyes, thus achieving carrier signal transmission without compromising visual quality
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting a modulated video signal to be presented on a digital display device, the video signal having a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame each comprised of a plurality of pixels, the system comprising a signal source for generating a video signal, an encoder, the encoder comprising a means for receiving the video signal from the signal source, a means for selectively altering luminance of the pixels of the first frame and the second frame of the video signal to represent a signal presence or signal absence and thereby creating a modulated video signal, and a means for providing the modulated video signal to a broadcast source, and the broadcast source for providing the modulated video signal from the encoder to a digital display device.