Watermark Multiplexing for Precise Dynamic Ad Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dynamic ad insertion (DAI) is not available in broadcast channels or multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) channels, leading to issues like default ad bleeding, timing challenges, and unauthorized ad replacement, which affect user experience and revenue distribution.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing ATSC watermarks to embed identifying numbers for default ads, enabling precise ad replacement timing and secure delivery of replacement ads, even in live broadcasts, through a combination of audio and video watermarks with error correction and encryption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If watermark-based dynamic ad insertion is implemented in broadcast channels, then ad replacement precision and revenue integrity are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvead replacement timing precisionVSAvoidsystem implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces watermark signals as an intermediary carrier that conveys ad identification information through the broadcast content. The watermark acts as a mediator between the broadcast signal and the ad insertion system, enabling precise ad replacement without direct complex communication between all system components. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high timing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/timing-based ad insertion methods with an information-based watermark detection system. Instead of relying on complex timing synchronization and mechanical ad switching, the system uses digital watermark detection and processing to achieve precise ad replacement, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If watermark embedding is used for ad identification, then ad replacement accuracy is improved, but content quality and user experience may deteriorate due to potential watermark visibility or audio interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvead insertion accuracyVSAvoidcontent quality degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter optimization in watermark embedding, adjusting watermark strength, frequency, and modulation parameters to achieve the minimum necessary watermark intensity for reliable detection. This ensures ad insertion accuracy while keeping watermark imperceptibility high, thus avoiding content quality degradation and maintaining user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If real-time watermark detection is implemented in live broadcasts, then ad insertion timeliness is improved, but processing time and system resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvead insertion delayVSAvoidprocessing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary watermark detection and ad decision-making processes before the actual ad insertion point in live broadcasts. By detecting watermarks and making ad selection decisions in advance, the system minimizes real-time processing requirements and reduces both ad insertion delay and instantaneous resource consumption, achieving timely ad insertion with optimized resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260025551A1Watermark-based dynamic ad insertion

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 VERANCE ACQUISITION CORP

AI summary

A watermark-based dynamic ad insertion (DAI) technique for presenting different users of content different advertisements based on the user's profile for content viewed on broadcast channels or in multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) channels. A number of solutions issues with watermark-based DAI are presented. Interoperability is addressed by providing a multiplexing technique so that the DAI watermarks do not interfere with other watermarks, such as ATSC 3.0 watermarks. Reliability is addressed by providing a matched filtering technique. Security is addressed by providing a mutual authentication technique.