Watermark Payload Synchronization for Second Screen Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for synchronizing digital content between a main screen and a second screen, such as metadata, fingerprinting, and watermarking, face drawbacks like the need for connections, complex architectures, and modifications to content workflows, which are costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A user device generates and inserts a watermark payload into the content data stream, comprising parameters like channel, broadcaster ID, and user information, allowing the second screen to capture and extract these parameters to generate requests for synchronized content, enabling precise synchronization without requiring continuous connections or content modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metadata technique is used for synchronization, then synchronization between main screen and second screen is achieved, but a connection between the metadata-separating device and the second screen is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization information (watermark) directly from the content data stream itself, rather than requiring a separate metadata connection. The watermark is embedded in the audio portion of the content stream and can be captured by the second screen's microphone, eliminating the need for a dedicated connection between the STB and second screen.
2Reliability
If fingerprinting technique is used for synchronization, then synchronization is achieved, but the architecture becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the watermark in the content data stream at the source (STB or broadcaster) before the content reaches the main screen. This pre-embedded watermark is then directly captureable by the second screen, eliminating the need for complex real-time fingerprinting computations and server-based matching processes.
3Reliability
If watermarking technique is used for synchronization, then synchronization is achieved, but the broadcaster must modify the content workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the watermarking function into two parts: the STB can generate and embed the watermark locally in the content stream it processes, or the broadcaster can embed it during content preparation. This segmentation allows flexibility where the STB approach requires no broadcaster workflow changes, while the broadcaster approach enables more sophisticated watermarking strategies.
4Reliability
If traditional synchronization techniques are used, then synchronization is achieved, but additional connections and infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the content data stream itself multi-functional by embedding synchronization information (watermark) within the audio portion of the content. This allows the content stream to simultaneously serve its primary function of content delivery and the secondary function of providing synchronization data, eliminating the need for separate metadata streams or connection infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Rendering second screen information on a second screen device. A user device receives information characterizing the source of a content data stream and the content data stream; generates a watermark payload using a plurality of parameters comprising the information and a time of the user device; and inserts a watermark comprising the watermark payload into the content data stream that is rendered. The second screen device captures the watermark and extracts the watermark payload and then at least one of the plurality of parameters; generates, using the at least one extracted parameter, a request that is sent the request to a server; receives information from the server in response to the request; and displays the received information on a screen of the second screen.