US20110209171A1 - System and method for producing a visual image signal for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display - Google Patents
System and method for producing a visual image signal for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110209171A1 US20110209171A1 US13/099,175 US201113099175A US2011209171A1 US 20110209171 A1 US20110209171 A1 US 20110209171A1 US 201113099175 A US201113099175 A US 201113099175A US 2011209171 A1 US2011209171 A1 US 2011209171A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- visual
- verification code
- content
- signal
- visual display
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 624
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 6
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 294
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 52
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 65
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 44
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 24
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 17
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008713 feedback mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910004441 Ta−Tc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009125 cardiac resynchronization therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021443 coca cola Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H40/00—Arrangements specially adapted for receiving broadcast information
- H04H40/18—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
- H04H40/27—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53 - H04H20/95
- H04H40/90—Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving specially adapted for broadcast systems covered by groups H04H20/53 - H04H20/95 specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
- G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
- G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
- G06Q30/0242—Determining effectiveness of advertisements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
- G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
- G06Q30/0242—Determining effectiveness of advertisements
- G06Q30/0244—Optimization
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
- H04H60/48—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for recognising items expressed in broadcast information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
- H04H60/56—Arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
- H04H60/59—Arrangements characterised by components specially adapted for monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 of video
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S715/00—Data processing: presentation processing of document, operator interface processing, and screen saver display processing
- Y10S715/961—Operator interface with visual structure or function dictated by intended use
- Y10S715/962—Operator interface for marketing or sales
Definitions
- the principles of the present invention generally relate to verification of visual content displayed on an electronic visual display, and, more particularly, to measuring (1) an operational parameter of the electronic visual display and/or (2) a verification code associated with the visual content for verification of the visual content being displayed.
- Advertisers of products and services are acutely concerned that the advertisements placed in various media are properly represented.
- “tear sheets” as understood in the art are utilized to (1) determine that the advertisement was in fact “run” or printed in the periodical, and (2) determine that the advertisement was properly printed.
- factors such as color and registration (i.e., alignment of the colors that form the image) are important to the advertisers as the quality of the advertisements may affect sales opportunities.
- printed advertisements are expensive and, if the quality of the advertisement is incorrect, then the advertiser expects and receives a discount for improper services rendered by the producers of the periodical.
- electronic visual displays have become standardized such that the colors produced by one display is substantially consistent with each other display.
- electronic visual displays as with all electronic devices, deteriorate, fail, or become uncalibrated over time.
- Types of electronic visual displays may include cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), organic LED, and projection screens. As understood in the art these displays are of the flat and non-flat panel display types and are based on either emitted or reflected light to create images.
- Signature analysis is a technique whereby a known test signal (e.g., a particular display color, intensity, or image pattern) is applied to an electronic visual display to cause a known or expected response of one or more operational parameters by the display. By measuring one or more operational parameters resulting from a known test signal, it can be determined whether the electronic visual display is operating properly and remotely adjusted.
- a known test signal e.g., a particular display color, intensity, or image pattern
- one technique has included stationing a remote camera facing the display. Photographs or video images may be taken of the output of the electronic visual display and fed-back via a network to provide the operator of the remotely located electronic visual display with the images to manually determine whether the electronic visual display is operating properly.
- this remote camera technique allows for the operator to determine that the picture tube, elements of an LED display, etc., are operating properly for a billboard located on a building or highway that is remotely located from an operation control center.
- the purpose for performing the feedback is for remotely monitoring and/or controlling operation of the electronic visual display for maintenance purposes.
- the remote camera technique requires the communication of images that may be large so as to be bandwidth and memory intensive. Also, as the number of displays being monitored becomes large, evaluation and management of the images being fed-back becomes impractical and expensive.
- the levels of verification may include monitoring and assessing certain communication and operational parameters to provide the operator and content provider with confidence that the communication equipment and electronic visual displays are operating correctly.
- a visual verification code associated with visual content may be displayed and measured in association with the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display, thereby providing the content provider with verification that the associated visual content was timely and properly displayed.
- a log containing the results of the measurement may be generated to provide notification to an operator of a success or failure of the content being timely and properly displayed based on the verification.
- One embodiment of a method for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include forming a verification code associated with the visual content.
- a visual verification code signal representative of the verification code may be generated.
- the visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal may be generated, where the visual image signal includes the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed.
- the visual image signal may be displayed.
- One embodiment of a system for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include a storage unit configured to store visual content.
- a processing unit may be in communication with the storage unit, and be configured to execute machine readable instructions, that, when executed by the processing unit, causes the processing unit to (i) read the visual content from the storage unit, (ii) display multiple video tracks, a first track including the visual content and a second track including a visual verification code signal, and (iii) in response to a user commanding to form the visual image signal, generate the visual image signal by combining the first and second video tracks to cause the second video track to be in a foreground position with respect to the first video track; and (iv) display the visual image signal.
- Another embodiment for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include generating a visual verification code signal representative of a verification code.
- the visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal may be generated, where the visual image signal includes the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed.
- the visual image signal may be displayed.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for displaying and verifying that visual content is displayed on an electronic visual display
- FIGS. 2A-2C (hereinafter FIG. 2 ) is a more detailed block diagrams of an electronic visual display controller and electronic visual display of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2D is an exemplary interaction diagram for describing a more detailed series of events between the system components of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 3A is an exemplary graph illustrating measured operational parameters of the electronic visual display of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 3B is an exemplary graph providing a more detailed display of the voltage and current operational parameters of the electronic visual display of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow diagram providing verification level 1 of the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow chart of a verification level 2 process that may be executed on the system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 5A-5C provide a number of exemplary embodiments for utilizing an optical sensor for measuring illumination of a verification code on the electronic visual display of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary graph for showing a digital verification code signal representative of a content identifier or verification code associated with a visual content signal of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIGS. 7 A( 1 )- 7 D( 1 ) AND 7 A( 2 )- 7 D( 2 ) are a sequence of images that illustrate the visual verification code signal being displayed as a combination of values on the electronic visual display of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 8A is an exemplary circuit for sensing the visual verification code signals as shown in FIG. 7B and perform color balance measurements in a serial manner;
- FIG. 8B is an exemplary circuit operable to sense the visual verification code signal and provide for color balance measurements of the visual verification code in a parallel manner as displayed on the electronic visual display of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are exemplary timing diagrams for measuring the visual verification code signal 506 of FIGS. 6-7B serially and in parallel, respectively;
- FIG. 10A illustrates a flow chart describing an operation for verification level 3 of the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 10B provides for verification level 4, which indicates that a particular visual content signal is timely and properly displayed on the electronic visual display
- FIG. 11 provides a graphical user interface of an exemplary video production software tool that may be operated on the operation server to apply a verification code to the associated visual content for display by the system of FIG. 1 .
- the principles of the present invention provide an operator of a remotely located electronic visual display with the ability to verify that particular visual content is both timely and properly displayed on the electronic visual display.
- the operator and customers of the operator are able to confidently know that the visual content was indeed displayed at a particular time and that the electronic visual display was operating properly such that viewers of the content were able to view the content as intended.
- the ability to verify the display of the visual content may produce an “electronic tear-sheet”.
- Each of these verification levels provide the operator of the remotely located electronic visual display with higher levels of confidence that the content was timely and properly displayed. However, as the levels of verification increase, so do the levels of technology and, possibly, cost to implement. Additionally, by feeding back the operational parameters, including those produced by measuring the verification code, predictions as to time of failure may be performed, thereby providing for preemptive maintenance to reduce electronic visual display downtime. It should be understood that other levels may be provided by combining or generating fewer or additional operational parameters and/or other relevant information associated with displaying visual content and/or display parameters on a remotely located electronic visual display. Each of the four verification levels are described more fully herein.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a system 100 for displaying and verifying that visual content and/or display parameters are displayed on an electronic visual display.
- the system 100 includes an operation server 102 , electronic visual display controller 104 , and electronic visual display 106 . Accordingly, more or fewer components may be utilized to provide for the display and verification.
- the electronic visual display controller 104 and the electronic visual display 106 may be combined as a single unit.
- the operation server 102 includes a content display manager 108 that is operable to manage the content for display by the electronic visual display 106 .
- the content server 102 may interface and operate many electronic visual display controllers 104 located on a network.
- the managing may include a storage unit 109 operable to store (i) a content database 110 a having the visual content stored therein, (ii) a management database 110 b that maintains information utilized to distribute the visual content to the electronic visual display 106 at specific times and dates, for example, (iii) a log database 110 c operable to maintain information associated with the display of the visual content being fed-back from the electronic visual display 106 , and (iv) an expected operational parameter database 110 d for signature analysis usage.
- an operator of the operation server 102 may utilize input and control devices 111 a and 111 b coupled to the operation server 102 .
- the input and control devices 111 a and 111 b may include a keyboard and computer mouse.
- other input and control devices 111 a and 111 b such as a stylus, operable to interact with the content display manager 108 may be utilized to generate and/or schedule the visual content for distribution and display.
- the electronic visual display controller 104 is operable to receive information from the operation server 102 and drive the electronic visual display 106 . Additionally, the electronic visual display controller 104 may be utilized to interact with and/or control the electronic visual display 106 based on information of operational parameter(s) being fed-back by the electronic visual display 106 . Additional detail for an exemplary embodiment of the electronic visual display controller 104 and electronic visual display 106 is shown further in accordance with FIG. 2 . In another embodiment (not shown), portions of the functions of the operation server 102 may be included into the visual display controller 104 to enable the electronic visual display 106 to operate in a substantially standalone manner (i.e., where no local server exists and without having to operate in a local network).
- the operation server 102 communicates a visual content signal 112 a via line 113 a to the electronic visual display controller 104 , which, in turn, communicates a visual content signal 112 b via line 113 b to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the visual content signals 112 a and 112 b may be identical or the visual content signal 112 b may be a derivative of the visual content signal 112 a .
- the visual content signal 112 may be analog or digital. If the visual content signal 112 is analog, then the electronic visual display controller 104 may convert the visual content signal 112 into a digital signal for communication to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the electronic visual display controller 104 may directly or indirectly communicate the visual content signal 112 as an analog signal for direct display or for analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion and display by the electronic visual display 106 .
- the operation server 102 communicates control signals 114 a via line 115 a to the electronic visual display controller 104 , which, in turn, may communicate the control signals 114 b (hereinafter control signals 114 ) via line 115 b to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the same or derivative control signals 114 a received by the electronic visual display controller 104 may be communicated to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the control signals 114 may be utilized to initiate display of the visual content signal 112 , alter operational parameters of the electronic visual display 106 , or perform some other control function of the electronic visual display controller 104 or electronic visual display 106 .
- the control signals 114 are typically digital signals, however, analog control signals alternatively may be utilized to control the electronic visual display 106 .
- a standard bus architecture and protocol may be utilized for communicating the control signals 114 .
- a non-standard bus architecture and protocol may be utilized. If the visual content signal 112 is digital, then the visual content signal 112 and control signals 114 may be communicated over a single bus as understood in the art.
- the electronic visual display controller 104 processes or conveys the visual content signal 112 and control signals 114 for delivery to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the electronic visual display 106 which may be of any display type, including CRT, LCD, LED, organic LED, plasma, or any other electronic visual display device, may receive the control signals 114 and provide for operational data 116 a to be fed-back from the electronic visual display 106 to the electronic visual display controller 104 via line 117 a and may be analog or digital.
- the operational data 116 may include any operational information of the electronic visual display 106 that can be measured as understood in the art.
- Such operational data 116 may include temperature, voltage, current, frame rate, refresh rate, etc., according to the type of electronic visual display 106 being utilized and sensors operating within the electronic visual display 106 . It should be understood that a variety of voltage and currents may be measured at the electronic visual display 106 . For example, a voltage level from the power supply that sources the electronic visual display 106 may be measured. Alternatively, voltage or current levels being drawn by various components, such as a fluorescent light bulb of a liquid crystal display device or LED of an LED display device, may be measured.
- the electronic visual display controller 104 further may process and/or communicate the operational data 116 a back to the operation server 102 as operational data 116 b (hereinafter operational data 116 ).
- the operation server 102 may apply the operational data 116 of the electronic visual display 106 to the log database 110 c stored by the storage unit 109 .
- data other than the operational data 116 of the electronic visual display 106 may be provided to the operation server 102 .
- information regarding the communication of the visual content signal 112 from the electronic visual display controller 104 to the electronic visual display 106 may be applied to the log database 110 c .
- the communication information may include the existence of date and/or time of the communication of the visual content signal 112 .
- verification levels 1 and 2 may be achieved.
- a verification level 1 may be performed either automatically or manually by determining that (a) the visual content was delivered and (b) the electronic display device was operating properly during the display of the visual content. If the operational data 116 has associated expected operational parameter data stored in the expected operational parameter database 110 d , then verification level 2 may be achieved by comparing the operational parameter data fed-back with the expected operational parameter data.
- FIGS. 2A , 2 B, and 2 C are more detailed block diagrams of the electronic visual display controller 104 and electronic visual display 106 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2A illustrates the electronic visual display controller 104 coupled to a databus 113 a , which may be analog or digital, and is operable to carry the visual content signal 112 .
- a network IP bus 115 a , PCI bus 117 b , and power bus 206 are further coupled to the electronic visual display controller 104 and utilized to communicate general network, control information (e.g., control signals 114 ), and power, respectively, to the electronic visual display controller 104 from the operation server 102 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the electronic visual display controller 104 may include a processor 208 coupled to a memory 210 , and further be coupled to a store 212 and a driver unit 214 .
- the driver unit 214 may include a display driver 216 and driver module 218 .
- the processor 208 is operable to execute software 220 , which may include a local content manager 222 that manages the visual content and other content information received by the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- Rules manager 224 is operable to apply rules for making decisions as to management of the visual content, applying the verification code, monitoring operational parameters, and performing other functional operations in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Control function drivers 226 may be software that operate hardware for controlling the electronic visual display 106 .
- the control function drivers 226 may include multiple drivers for providing interfacing capability with a variety of types and brands of electronic visual displays 106 produced by different manufactures of electronic visual displays 106 .
- a plasma-type electronic visual display 106 utilizes different control function drivers 226 than does an LCD-type electronic visual display 106 .
- different manufacturers of the same type of electronic visual display 106 may utilize different control protocols or commands and therefore require different control function drivers 226 .
- the control function drivers 226 may include various levels of control capability for the electronic visual display 106 .
- a low cost electronic visual display controller 104 may not include various automatic adjustment type drivers, such as intensity or volume, while a more expensive electronic visual display controller 104 may include intensity and volume control function drivers 226 .
- other control function drivers 226 may be included.
- a verification level 1 system may simply measure the existence of a particular operational parameter communicated via the operational data 116
- a verification level 2 system may utilize a control function driver 226 that alters the operational parameters being fed-back by the electronic visual display 106 by comparing the operational data 116 with certain expected operational parameters of the electronic visual display 106 as a result of displaying a particular visual content signal 112 or test signal.
- a limit table manager 228 may be utilized to determine that certain responses of the operational parameters result from displaying a visual content signal 112 on the electronic visual display 106 , thereby providing for verification levels 2 and 4.
- the limit table manager 228 may interact with the expected operational parameter database 110 d stored in the storage unit 109 of the operation server 102 or a corresponding expected operational parameter database 221 d stored in the store 212 of the electronic visual display controller 104 for performing signature analysis based on expected operational parameter feedback. Test or signature patterns may be stored and inserted into the visual content signal 112 to perform signature analysis.
- the measurement functions 230 operate to receive the operational data 116 and determine values associated therewith.
- operational data 116 representative of voltage levels (e.g., power supply or individual components) used by the electronic visual display 106 may be sensed by sensors in the electronic visual display 106 and measured by the measurement functions 230 .
- the measurement function may be performed by the electronic visual display 106 .
- the measurement functions 230 may also interact with the limit table manager 228 in performing the signature analysis by comparing expected operational parameters with the actual measured operational parameters as provided by the operational data 116 .
- a log generator 232 may be utilized to form a log event in the log database 221 b each time the electronic visual display controller 104 communicates the visual content signal 112 to the electronic visual display 106 and/or each time the visual content signal 112 is displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the log generator 232 may receive information via the PCI bus 117 a or as part of the visual content signal 112 or control signals 114 that includes identification data associated with the visual content signal 112 .
- verification levels 1 and 2 of the visual content signal 112 being displayed is enabled.
- the log generator 232 may be located in the operation server 102 , whereby when the operation server 102 communicates the visual content signal 112 to the electronic visual display controller 104 , a log of the communication may be stored in the log database 110 c.
- the driver unit 214 may include a number of components including a clock 234 , test pattern or character generator 236 , network local area network (LAN) driver 238 , local bus/display driver 240 , PCI bus interface 242 , signal measurements unit 244 , and display driver 216 . It should be understood, however, that the functions of the driver unit 214 may additionally and/or alternatively be executed by the processor 208 .
- the clock 234 may be utilized to maintain proper synchronization between the electronic visual display controller 104 and the electronic visual display 106 .
- the test pattern or character generator 236 may be utilized to generate a test pattern to allow the electronic visual display controller 104 to measure operational parameter(s) having an expected operational parameter feedback, thereby providing for test and calibration capabilities.
- the network LAN driver 238 may be utilized in performing communications between the electronic visual display controller 104 and the electronic visual display 106 .
- the network LAN driver 238 may also be utilized in communicating with other remotely located devices as understood in the art.
- the local bus/display driver 240 may additionally provide local communication with the electronic visual display 106 or other remotely located devices.
- the PCI bus interface 242 may be utilized to interface with the processor 208 and the operation server 102 via the PCI bus 117 a as understood in the art.
- a signal measurements unit 244 may be capable of interfacing with analog and/or digital signals from the electronic visual display 106 . Accordingly, the signal measurements unit 244 may include A/D converters (not shown) for sampling analog signals, if the signals received from the electronic visual display 106 are analog. The signal measurements unit 244 may also include a processor (not shown) or other electronic device operable to perform measurements of the operational data 116 . It should be understood that the measurement functions 230 and the signal measurements unit 244 may be combined or operated in conjunction with one another such that the operational data 116 is measured or received in accordance with the types of operational parameters being fed-back by the electronic visual display 106 via PCI bus 117 a.
- the electronic visual display 106 includes a processor 246 coupled to memory 248 and video driver 250 , which is coupled to and operable to drive an electronic display 252 . It should be understood that, depending on the type of electronic visual display 106 , other hardware components may be included or excluded from the electronic visual display 106 as understood in the art. For example, a CRT-type electronic visual display 106 would include a picture tube for displaying the visual content signal 112 and an LCD-type electronic visual display 106 would include LCD drivers and, typically, a florescent light source.
- the processor 246 further may be coupled to conventional sensor(s) 254 that may be utilized to measure operational parameters of the electronic visual display 106 .
- the sensors 254 may sense voltage, current, scan rate, etc.
- the information sensed by the sensor(s) 254 may be received directly by the processor 246 or, in the case of measuring analog signals, be sampled by D/A converters (not shown) located in the electronic visual display 106 or electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the processor executes software 256 that is used to interface with the video driver 250 in order to display the visual content signal 112 by the electronic display 252 .
- the software 256 may also be utilized to form log data in the memory 248 for communication to the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the software 256 may be utilized to interface with a wireless communication device or interface to receive the visual content signal 112 and control signals 114 and communicate the operational data 116 back to the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the electronic visual display 106 may alternatively be a slave device and be fully operated and controlled by the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- FIG. 3A is an exemplary graph illustrating a pair of measured operational parameters of the electronic visual display 106 .
- a voltage axis 302 and the current axis 304 are used to show both voltage (v) and current (i) operational parameters, respectively, of the electronic visual display 106 .
- the voltage operational parameter displayed is the overall voltage supplying the electronic visual display 104 . However, other voltages may be measured for feedback purposes.
- the voltage operational parameter is sampled at discrete points in time, T a -T f , producing samples v a -v f . By sampling the operational parameter(s), an indication of the operation of the electronic visual display 106 is provided at those points in time.
- the voltage operational parameter measured at time points T a -T c and T e -T f is measured at approximately 120 volts. However, at time T d , the voltage v d is indicated as being 0 volts, which may be due to a power interruption of the electronic visual display 106 or by a source power supply. Similarly, the current operational parameter i a -i f is sensed at time points T a -T f . The current operational parameter may be the current drawn by the electronic visual display 106 or current being drawn for a particular component, such as current drawn by one or more LEDs, of the electronic visual display 106 .
- the current operational parameters i a -i c and i e -i f are measured at 50 milliamps (mA). However, at time T d , the current operational parameter i d is measured at 0 amps, which indicates that the electronic visual display 106 is not receiving voltage or that the particular electrical element with which the current operational parameter is associated has failed at time T d .
- verification level 1 indicating that the visual content was likely to have been timely and properly displayed may be achieved.
- FIG. 2D is an exemplary interaction diagram for describing a more detailed series of events between the system components of FIGS. 1 and 2 and in accordance with FIGS. 4A-4B .
- the operation server 102 the electronic visual display controller 104 , and electronic visual display 106 are provided.
- the electronic visual display controller 104 is formed of the components of the software 220 to show communications therebetween to provide for the verification levels 1 and 2.
- the operation server 102 communicates the visual content signal 112 to the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the local content manager 222 receives the visual content signal 112 and stores and/or further communicates the visual content signal 112 to the driver unit 214 at step 260 .
- the operation server 102 communicates the control signals 114 at step 262 to the electronic visual display controller 104 , which utilizes the control function drivers 226 to process the control signals 114 .
- the control signals 114 are communicated to the driver unit 214 .
- the driver unit 214 communicates both the visual content signal 112 and the control signal 114 to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the driver unit 214 provides a notification to the log generator 232 at step 268 .
- the log generator 232 generates a log of the communication of the visual content signal 112 to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the log may include the date, time, name of visual content associated with the visual content signal 112 , and/or other relevant information indicative of the communication of the visual content, signal 112 to the electronic visual display 106 .
- the log of the communication of the visual content, signal 112 to the electronic visual display 106 is communicated from the log generator 232 to the rules manager 224 .
- the rules manager 224 may utilize the log information for performing verification of the visual content signal 112 being displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the electronic visual display 106 displays image content represented by the visual content signal 112 .
- operational parameter(s) of the electronic visual display 106 are sensed. Sensing of the operational parameter(s) at step 276 provides an indication that the electronic visual display 106 is operating and/or operating properly. Alternatively, a test pattern may be provided to the electronic visual display 106 prior to the displaying of the visual content and sensing of operational parameter(s) to provide an indication that at or around the time of the visual content being displayed that the electronic visual display 106 is operating properly.
- the sensed operational parameter(s) are communicated from the electronic visual display 106 to the measurement functions 230 of the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the sensed operational parameter(s) may be communicated via the operational data 116 in an analog and/or digital format.
- the measurement functions 230 generate measurements) at step 280 . It should be understood that if the operational data 116 is in digital format, then the measurement(s) may be generated by the electronic visual display 106 . Alternatively, if the operational data 116 is in analog format, then the measurement functions 230 may perform the measurement(s) (i.e., determine values associated with the sensed operational parameter(s)).
- the measurement functions 230 communicate the measurement(s) to the rules manager 224 .
- verification level 1 is performed by associating the log information from step 272 and the measurement information from step 282 . It should be understood, however, that a variety of verification level 1 determinations may be performed.
- the rules manager 224 may utilize various sensed operational parameters and log data in performing the verification level 1.
- the verification level 1 results are communicated to the operation server 102 by the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the operation server 102 may store the verification level 1 results in the log database 110 c for providing the operator and/or content provider assurance that the image content was displayed on the electronic visual display 106 both timely and properly.
- Verification level 2 of the image content being displayed properly by the electronic visual display 106 starts at step 288 where a request of expected measurement(s) from the rules manager 224 to the limit table manager 228 is performed.
- the limit table manager 228 communicates the expected measurement(s) to the rules manager 224 .
- the rules manager 224 may perform a comparison between the actual measurement(s) of the sensed operational parameter(s) and the expected operational parameter measurement(s) (or range thereabout).
- the log information additionally may be correlated with the results of actual and expected operational parameter measurement(s) comparison in determining the verification level 2 at step 292 .
- the verification level 2 results are communicated from the electronic visual display controller 104 to the operation server 102 .
- the verification level 2 results may be stored in the log database 110 c by the operation server 102 for providing the operator and/or visual content provider assurances that the electronic visual display 106 displays the visual content both timely and properly.
- FIG. 3B is an exemplary graph providing a more detailed display of the voltage and current operational parameters of the electronic visual display 106 .
- the voltage operational parameter v g is shown over time period T g -T l to be a substantially constant 120 volts.
- the current operational parameter i g is shown to be time varying. Between times T g -T h , where the current operational parameter i g varies in response to the visual content signal 112 being displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the current operational parameter i g remains at a substantially constant 50 mA, which is indicative of a constant visual image being displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the current operational parameter i g is measured and compared to a map or range of the expected current operational parameter over time that varies with parameter or image changes on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the current operational parameter i g falls within the range of î h and î i ( ⁇ i) bounding the expected current operational parameter, then it may be determined that a particular visual content signal 112 is displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- Correlating the knowledge that the visual content signal 112 was communicated to the electronic visual display 106 by the log information further provides for the verification that a particular visual content was timely and properly displayed (i.e., verification level 2 was satisfied), assuming that if i g remains within the range over time, the image on the electronic visual display 106 is deemed properly displayed.
- the operator may inferentially determine that a particular visual content signal 112 is timely and properly displayed by the electronic visual display 106 (i.e., slightly less than verification level 2 is satisfied due to not logging proper delivery of the visual content).
- any other operational parameter of the electronic visual display 106 may be measured and compared to an expected operational parameter. For example, color or brightness may be measured, whereby the measurement is utilized to determine whether it is properly displayed. As described with regard to FIG. 2 , the electronic visual display controller 104 may perform the measurement and comparison functionality.
- FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow diagram 400 a providing verification level 1 of the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the process starts at step 402 .
- the visual content signal 112 which may be analog or digital, is communicated via a wired or wireless communication channel to the electronic visual display 106 .
- wireless ethernet using the 802.11b standard may be utilized.
- satellite wireless communication may be utilized either indirectly or directly to the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the fact that the visual content signal 112 is provided to the electronic visual display controller 104 from the operation server 102 may be sufficient to consider that the visual content is displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- a communication from the electronic visual display controller 104 to the electronic visual display 106 may be utilized in verifying that the visual content is displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- a first indicator of the occurrence of the communication of the visual content signal 112 is recorded.
- the first indicator may be established in response to the visual content signal 112 being communicated from the operation server 102 to the electronic visual display controller 104 or from the electronic visual display controller 104 to the electronic visual display 106 depending on the system configuration.
- the first indicator includes a date and time.
- Other indicators may alternatively be recorded, including a flag indicative of the visual content signal 112 being communicated.
- the visual content is displayed on the electronic visual display 106 via the visual content signal 112 .
- At least one operational parameter of the electronic visual display 106 is sensed at step 410 .
- the operational parameter(s) may be any operational parameter that is available to be sensed by a conventional or custom designed sensor 254 for the electronic visual display 106 .
- a second indicator indicative of the sensed operational parameter(s) is recorded.
- the second indicator may be a measured value or an indicator that is indicative of the fact that the operational parameter(s) are operating in a normal range.
- the voltage operational parameter of the electronic visual display 106 may be verified to have been operating at 120 ⁇ 5 volts.
- FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow chart of a verification level 2 process.
- the process starts at step A, which extends from the verification level 1 process of FIG. 4A .
- a value indicative of the sensed operational parameter is determined. In other words, a measurement of the sensed operational parameter produces a measured value corresponding thereto.
- Verification level 2 may additionally measure the time-varying operational parameter at multiple times for determination purposes.
- a determination is made if the measured value is inside an expected measured value range.
- a notification identifier indicative of the measured value being inside or outside the expected measured value range is formed. If the measured value is inside the expected measured value range, then the notification identifier may be set to a value of “1” or logical TRUE.
- the notification identifier may be a “0” or logical FALSE.
- a notification based on the notification identifier is communicated.
- the notification may be communicated from the electronic visual display 106 to the electronic visual display controller 104 .
- the notification may be that from the electronic visual display controller 104 to the operation server 102 .
- the process ends at step 422 . It should be understood that each of the indicators and identifiers may be stored in the log database 110 c of the operation server 102 .
- TABLE 1 is an exemplary log table containing logs for verification levels 1 and 2. As shown, a number of different data elements indicative of the delivery of the visual content signal 112 and measurement of operational parameters are stored. Examples of such data elements are delivery/playtime of the visual content signal 112 , content identifier, content name, operational parameters, and verification identifier.
- the delivery/playtime may include a date and time that the visual content signal 112 is delivered from the operation server 102 to the electronic visual display controller 104 or from the electronic visual display controller 104 to the electronic visual display 106 . Since the delivery of the visual content signal 112 may only be performed once and then the display of the visual content signal 112 be repeated continuously at the electronic visual display 106 , playtime may also be logged.
- the content identifier may be any identifier associated with the content provided by the visual content signal 112 .
- the content identifier may be the uniform product code (UPC) associated therewith.
- the operator may assign a random or non-random alphanumeric value for the content identifier.
- the content name may be an identifier associated with the visual content or a provider of the content, for example.
- the operational parameters may include any operational parameter of the electronic visual display 106 that is measured or derived from the electronic visual display 106 .
- the operational parameters may include temperature, volts, current, light, and refresh rate.
- operational parameters are measured and stored in the log table each time the content is delivered and/or played. For example, on Jun. 14, 2002, at 2:45 p.m., the operating temperature of the electronic visual display 106 is 96 degrees Fahrenheit and the operating voltage is 120 volts with the electronic visual display 106 drawing a current of 0.5 amps (see, for example, FIG. 3A ). As indicated by the verification identifier (right most column) being “L1-PASS”, the delivery of the visual content signal 112 was successful and the electronic visual display 106 is deemed to be operational.
- the running shoe advertisement is displayed at three minute intervals (i.e., 2:45 p.m., 2:48 p.m., and 2:51 p.m.). However, while the electronic visual display 106 at 2:51 p.m. is deemed to be operational at 2:48 p.m., the operational parameters (volts and current) indicate a failure of the verification level 1 of the electronic visual display 106 as identified by the verification identifier (i.e., “L1-FAIL”).
- the log table further includes data associated with a second advertisement.
- a “snacks-chips” advertisement having a content identifier of 28400-07056, representative of the UPC number associated with the snack-chips product, is displayed.
- the operational parameters for the electronic visual display 106 include an additional parameter of light, which is derived from measuring a current operational parameter drawn by the picture tube, for example and utilizing factory setting parameters as understood in the art.
- the light operational parameter may be utilized by the electronic visual display 106 , and more specifically by the limit table manager 228 , to verify that the operational parameter is operating within an expected operational parameter range for the given time sample of the display of the visual content signal 112 .
- the current measured has a corresponding light operational parameter of 1.4 Foot-Lamberts (FL).
- the range of expected light parameters may be set between 1.3 FL and 1.5 FL, so, that the light operational parameter for the visual content displayed at 8:30 a.m. allows the rules manager 224 of the electronic visual display controller 104 to indicate that the display of the visual content signal 112 was acceptable from a verification level 2 standpoint. Accordingly, the verification identifier at 8:30 a.m. receives “L2-PASS”. The carbonated beverage advertisement is displayed every 5 minutes and continues to receive “L2-PASS” indications until 8:50 a.m., where the light operational parameter falls outside the expected light operational parameter range with a value of 1.28 FL. Accordingly, the verification identifier is logged as being “L2-FAIL”, which indicates a verification level 2 failure.
- a third visual content is shown to be communicated to the electronic visual display 106 via the visual content signal 112 on Jun. 28, 2002 at 12:00 p.m.
- the content identifier is alphanumeric and spells the name of the manufacturer “Coca-Cole)” rather than using a uniform product code (UPC) number.
- the content identifier may be utilized as a verification code to be displayed on the electronic visual display 106 to provide for verification levels 3 and 4. The delivery and operational parameters successfully met the verification level 2 conditions and, thus, a verification identifier of “L2-PASS” is logged.
- Verification levels 3 and 4 are based on a sensing technique that extends beyond conventional sensing of operational parameters.
- conventional sensing of operational parameters in non-production operations i.e., beyond factory testing operations
- those parameters that may be measured electronically i.e., voltage or current
- a current measurement is performed and a numerical conversion is performed utilizing factory established parameters as understood in the art to estimate the light produced by the electronic visual display 106 .
- Techniques for performing verification levels 3 and 4 are described hereinafter.
- a verification code may be generated and associated with or descriptive of the visual content that is displayed (see, FIG. 5 ).
- the verification code may be generated automatically or manually. If generated automatically, the verification code may be based on the name of the visual content datafile stored in the content database 110 a . Alternatively, the verification code may be based on another identifier associated with the visual content, such as the UPC number or proprietary barcode number, product or service name, or other related information stored in the content database 110 a.
- the verification code is ultimately a binary word or multiple binary words to represent the information associated with the visual content.
- an ASCII letter “G” may be represented as 7/H (hexadecimal or 01000111 2 binary).
- the verification code may be an alphanumeric identifier generated by the content provider or operator of the operation server 102 .
- the alphanumeric identifiers may be generated over time or for successive image frames, either serially (e.g., C001, C002, C003, etc.) or randomly (e.g., XP483, YN248, 32A3N, etc.), without repeating values, or, alternatively, used on a limited predetermined basis to form the verification code.
- time and date may be included in generating unique verification codes for the associated visual content.
- a verification code may include a product name, date, time, and/or identifier of an electronic visual display 106 . If the verification code is generated manually, the same or similar information utilized to automatically generate the verification code may be used. It should be understood that the verification code may be generated at the operation server 102 , electronic visual display controller 104 , electronic visual display 106 , or a combination thereof.
- FIG. 11 provides a graphical user interface 1100 of an exemplary video production software tool that may be operated on the operation server 102 to apply a verification code to visual content.
- a timeline 1102 provides for synchronization of the verification code with the visual content for display on the electronic visual display 106 .
- a first video track 1104 may contain start and stop signals 1107 a , 1107 b , for the visual content and a second video track 1106 may contain the verification code as established on a third track 1108 , which is not displayed, via a visual verification code signal (see, FIG. 5 ).
- a visual content e.g., video
- a verification code represented by the visual verification code signal 506 (e.g., video clip of a 5 ⁇ 5 pixel image formed of ON and OFF levels, such as black and white colors) may be placed on the second video track 1106 .
- the visual verification code signal 506 may be synchronized in relation to the visual content signal so as to be near the video header 1110 . In other embodiments, the visual verification code signal 506 may start prior to, during, or after the visual content signal 112 . In the case of the visual verification code signal 506 being displayed during the visual content signal 112 , the visual verification code signal 506 may overlay or be placed in the foreground of a portion of the visual content signal being displayed as understood in the art.
- Another embodiment for generating and/or applying the verification code to be displayed via a visual verification code signal 506 includes software or hardware operated by the operation server 102 , electronic visual display controller 104 , electronic visual display 106 , either individual or by a combination thereof.
- the software and/or hardware may apply to visual verification code signal 506 to either an analog or digital video signal containing content.
- the digital video signal may be MPEG-1, -2, or -4, or any other digital video signal format supported by a communication system.
- synchronization pulses indicating the beginning of lines and fields may be utilized to insert the visual verification code signal.
- an on-screen display or video pattern generator such as those used to generate an on-screen menu guide, may be utilized to insert the visual verification code signal onto the visual content signal 112 being displayed by the electronic visual display 106 .
- the visual content signal 112 being delivered to or displayed by the electronic visual display 106 is switched to the visual verification code signal.
- an on-screen display (OSD) chip as understood in the art may be utilized.
- the visual content signal 112 being converted to digital by any of the operation server 102 , electronic visual display controller 104 , or electronic visual display 102 , a variety of techniques may be utilized to display the visual verification code signal in association with the visual content signal 112 .
- Three such techniques include ( 1 ) using the same or similar technique as discussed above with regard to insertion of the visual verification code signal by counting the synchronization pulses in conjunction with a video pattern generator, (2) forming a data stream of images of the visual content in memory and applying or overwriting the visual verification code signal onto the proper locations in the memory such that the verification code is displayed at a desired location on the electronic visual display 106 , or (3) performing real-time insertion of the visual verification code signal 506 into the visual content signal 112 utilizing video mixing equipment as understood in the art.
- verification levels 3 and 4 may be enabled.
- FIG. 5 provides a number of exemplary embodiments for utilizing an optical sensor for measuring illumination of a verification code.
- FIG. 5 A( 1 ) provides an exemplary electronic visual display 106 having an optical sensor 504 coupled thereto for sensing illumination of a display region 505 identified within dashed lines for displaying a visual verification code signal 506 on the screen 507 of the electronic visual display 106 .
- the optical sensor 504 may be electronic or any other type of sensor (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, and solar cell) capable of sensing illumination of the visual verification code signal 506 by the electronic visual display 106 .
- the optical sensor 504 is one produced by Panasonic Corporation and identified as a part number PN335.
- the optical sensor 504 is disposed within the area or region 505 formed to display the visual code verification signal 506 .
- the optical sensor 504 should have a field-of-view no greater than the display region 505 for displaying the visual verification code signal 506 .
- the optical sensor 504 may be coupled to the screen 507 using adhesives or other non-permanent or permanent securing materials.
- FIG. 5 A( 2 ) shows a front isometric view of the electronic visual display 106 having the optical sensor coupled to the screen 507 .
- the optical sensor as shown does not have any wires for communicating the signal sensed by illumination from the visual code signal 506 , but rather utilizes a wireless communication device (not shown) coupled to the optical sensor 504 .
- the wireless communication device is produced by Radiotronix, Inc. and having part number rtc-433-as.
- FIG. 5 B( 1 ) is a front view of the electronic visual display 106 that provides an alternative embodiment for coupling the optical sensor 504 to, the electronic visual display 106 for illumination by the visual verification code signal 506 .
- a bracket member 508 may be coupled to the housing 509 of the electronic visual display 106 using adhesives or other fastening techniques as understood in the art.
- the support member 508 is curved and disposes the optical sensor 504 in a position to be illuminated by display of the visual verification code signal 506 .
- the optical sensor 504 may be mounted to a support member that is not directly coupled to the housing of the electronic visual display 106 .
- a mirror, light pipe, optical fiber, or another light reflection device may be utilized to project the illumination of the visual verification code signal 506 onto the optical sensor 504 that is remotely associated with the electronic visual display 106 .
- the optical sensor 504 may be placed behind the viewing screen.
- the optical sensor 504 may be placed at the display plane (e.g., screen) or within the projector itself.
- FIG. 5 C( 1 ) is a front view of the electronic visual display 106 a showing that the optical sensor 504 is not positioned externally in front of the display region 505 on the screen 507 .
- the optical sensor 504 is disposed within the electronic visual display 106 and behind the screen 507 by coupling the optical sensor 504 by support member 508 , which is further coupled to the housing 509 of the electronic visual display 106 b .
- a mirror 510 reflects the visual code signal 506 onto the optical sensor 504 .
- a beam splitter may alternatively be used to reflect the visual code signal 506 onto the optical sensor 504 so that at least a portion of the visual verification code signal 506 or other visual content signal 112 is displayed on the screen 507 to reduce distraction in viewing of the electronic visual display 106 .
- Outdoor LED displays may utilize LED bulbs, as understood in the art, where the LED bulbs include multiple light emitting diodes to produce multiple colors from a single LED bulb.
- the optical sensor 504 may be coupled to a portion or all of the LED bulbs.
- the optical sensor 504 may be or disposed to receive the illumination from some or all of the LED bulbs. Accordingly, by sensing the illumination being displayed from the LED bulbs, verification of content and/or display parameters (e.g., color, intensity, etc.) of the outdoor display may be performed.
- the optical sensor 504 may be utilized similarly with an LCD display.
- Yet another embodiment for utilizing the principles of the present invention includes a video display wall, where multiple electronic visual displays 106 form a large, single electronic visual display.
- each individual electronic visual display 106 may have the optical sensor 504 or other feedback mechanism(s), as previously discussed, so as to ensure the proper operation of each individual electronic visual display 106 .
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary graph 600 for showing a digital verification code signal 602 representative of a content identifier (TABLE 1), which may be utilized to form a verification code associated with a visual content signal 112 .
- the digital verification code signal 602 is formed of 48 bits having four (4) bits per word.
- the time segments T 0 -T 48 represent the time segments for each bit. For example, bit- 0 extends between times T 0 -T 1 , bit- 1 extends between times T 1 -T 2 , bit- 2 extends between times T 2 -T 3 , and bit- 3 extends between times T 3 -T 4 .
- Word 1 therefore, forms the hexadecimal number 5 H (i.e., binary number 0101 2 ).
- Word 2 forms a hexadecimal number of 6 H (i.e., 0110 2 ) and word 12 forms the hexadecimal number 8 H (i.e., 1000 2 ).
- the digital verification code signal 602 may be formed of words having fewer or more than 4-bits. For example, if alphanumeric or ASCII code values are desired to be utilized for the verification code, then 8-bit words may be utilized, thereby providing a potential of 256 values for each character.
- the bits are displayed in series (i.e., bit- 0 , bit- 1 , bit- 2 , bit- 3 , etc).
- the bits may be synchronized with the visual content signal 112 according to the frame and/or refresh rate of the electronic visual display 106 .
- modulation techniques may be utilized to represent the verification code. For example, pulse width modulation (PWM) may be utilized such that percentage of a word that is HIGH may be utilized in forming different levels or average values that represent characters of the verification code.
- PWM pulse width modulation
- FIGS. 7 A( 1 )- 7 D( 1 ) are a sequence of images that illustrate the digital verification code signal 602 being displayed as a visual verification code signal 506 on the electronic visual display 106 .
- FIGS. 7 A( 1 )- 7 D( 1 ) show a sequence of the 4-bits representative of word 1 of the digital verification code 602 of FIG. 6 . Between times T 0 and T 1 , the visual verification code signal 506 a is highlighted, thereby indicating that the bit between times T 0 and T 1 of the digital verification code signal 602 is HIGH.
- FIG. 7 A( 1 )- 7 D( 1 ) are a sequence of images that illustrate the digital verification code signal 602 being displayed as a visual verification code signal 506 on the electronic visual display 106 .
- FIGS. 7 A( 1 )- 7 D( 1 ) show a sequence of the 4-bits representative of word 1 of the digital verification code 602 of FIG. 6 . Between times T 0 and T 1 , the visual verification code signal
- FIG. 7 B( 1 ) has the visual verification code signal 506 b being unhighlighted, thereby indicating that the second bit (i.e., bit- 1 ) of the digital verification code signal 602 is LOW between times T 1 and T 2 .
- FIG. 7 C( 1 ) again has the visual verification code signal 506 a being indicated as highlighted thereby representing that the third bit of the digital verification code signal 602 is HIGH.
- FIG. 7 D( 1 ) shows the visual verification code signal 506 b as being unhighlighted, thereby indicating that the fourth bit of the digital verification code signal 602 is LOW.
- FIGS. 7 A( 2 )- 7 D( 2 ) are a sequence of images that illustrate the digital verification code signal 602 being displayed as a combination of values (e.g., HIGH and LOW).
- the visual region 505 is formed of a visual verification code signal 506 c having two half-regions being inverse from one another.
- FIG. 7 B( 2 ) shows a low bit of the digital verification code signal 602 , whereby the right half 506 f of, the visual verification code signal 506 d is highlighted and the left half 506 e is unhighlighted.
- optical noise from ambient lighting conditions may be reduced in sensing the visual verification code signal 506 illuminated by the electronic visual display 106 .
- other configurations and/or patterns generated to represent a HIGH value and a LOW value of the digital verification code signal 602 may be utilized for sensing purposes.
- the HIGH and LOW colors may be other than black and white.
- an operator may desire to verify that the colors (i.e., red, green, blue) of the electronic visual display 106 are operating properly.
- the visual verification code signal 506 may be cycled or selectively turned on independent of the other colors to verify that (i) each color is operating and (2) the intensity of each color is balanced with respect to the other colors.
- the visual verification code signal 506 may be formed to appropriately match other colors surrounding the content identification region to minimize distraction for the viewer as the visual verification code signal 506 is being displayed by the electronic visual display 106 .
- Another technique for verifying the colors may include applying the colors simultaneously with the substantially same or different intensities and measured accordingly. Sensing and measuring the visual verification code signal 506 may be performed as discussed with regard to FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- FIG. 8A is an exemplary circuit 800 for sensing the visual verification code signals 506 c and 506 d as shown in FIG. 7B .
- Optical sensors D 1 and D 2 are disposed or positioned to be illuminated by the left-half 506 e and right-half 506 f of visual verification signals 506 c and 506 d , respectively.
- a subtractor circuit may be electrically coupled, directly or indirectly, the output of the optical sensors D 1 and D 2 and utilized to generate a sensed visual verification difference signal 804 .
- an operational amplifier U 1 is configured to have input terminals 802 a and 802 b coupled to the outputs of the optical sensors D 1 and D 2 , respectively, and is operable to form a sensed visual verification difference signal 804 .
- a second operational amplifier U 2 may be utilized to amplify the sensed visual verification difference signal 804 to form a sensed visual verification code signal 806 .
- a single optical sensor D 1 may be utilized to measure a mono-visual verification code signal 506 as provided in FIG. 7A . Accordingly, the use of a single optical sensor D 1 would not utilize a subtractor optical operational amplifier U 1 to form the sensed visual verification code 806 . It should be further understood that rather than using a hardware circuit to perform processing of the visual verification code signal 506 sensed by the optical sensors D 1 and D 2 , that a processor executing software to perform the processing may alternatively be used.
- the differential configuration of the optical sensors D 1 and D 2 may be utilized to detect a difference between the visual verification code signal 506 in a split format as shown in FIG. 7B .
- This configuration may not provide for determining color balance between multiple colors, such as red, green, blue, which are the primary or component colors of the electronic visual display 106 , in a parallel and time-sequential manner.
- a third color maybe displayed for at least one cycle of the visual verification code signal 506 . In other words, color balance may be determined by displaying and measuring multiple colors in a time-sequential manner.
- FIG. 8B is an exemplary circuit 800 b operable to provide for color balance measurements in a parallel manner.
- three optical sensors D 3 , D 4 , and D 5 are utilized to measure independent colors of the visual verification code signal 506 .
- the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 may be configured such that each of the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 is illuminated by the visual verification code signal 506 formed of each of the primary colors (i.e., red, green, blue). If the visual code signal 806 is balanced with each of the primary colors, then each of the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 provides substantially the output voltage or current.
- filters 804 a - 804 c for each color may be utilized for each optical sensor D 3 -D 5 .
- D 3 is configured to sense red light (R)
- optical sensor D 4 is configured to sense green light (G)
- optical sensor D 5 is configured to sense blue light (B).
- each optical sensor D 3 -D 5 senses the respective color or frequency that the filters 804 a - 804 c do not filter out from the visual verification code signal 506 . It should be understood that non-primary colors formed of the primary colors may be displayed and measured utilizing the same or similar technique.
- the processor 246 is electrically coupled to the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 for receiving the outputs of the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 .
- the configuration of the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 is shown to directly couple to the processor 246 , it should be understood that other electrical components, such as D/A converters, may be coupled therebetween such that the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 are still considered to be electrically coupled.
- the use of A/D converters allows the use of optical sensors D 3 -D 5 with analog outputs and the processor 246 to receive the optical sensor output signals 812 a - 812 c . Additionally, coupling between the optical sensors D 3 -D 5 and the processor 246 may be performed wirelessly via a transmitter and a receiver as understood in the art.
- the processor 246 executes the software 256 , which may be utilized to measure or perform other functional operations. For example, the processor 246 may be utilized to verify that the optical sensor output signals 812 a - 812 c from optical sensors D 3 -D 5 are balanced with regard to color and intensity. The processor 246 may form an average intensity value to form a sensed visual verification code signal 806 . Alternatively, three sensed visual verification code signals 806 a - 806 c may be communicated for further processing. The sensed visual verification code signal 806 may be applied to a physical connector 816 for communication to the electronic visual display controller 104 via a wired connection or may be communicated via a transmitter 818 and antenna 820 in a wireless manner as understood in the art.
- the sensed visual verification code signal 806 may be communicated to the electronic visual display controller 104 via the operational data 116 . In another embodiment, the sensed visual verification code signal 806 may be communicated to the operation server 102 directly. It should be understood that the system configuration may be varied, but that the functionality and/or information being communicated remains the same or similar.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are exemplary timing diagrams for measuring the visual verification code signal 506 of FIGS. 6-7B in serial and parallel, respectively, for determining (a) the verification code contained in the visual verification code signal 506 and (b) color displayed of the visual content by the electronic visual display 106 for verification levels 3 and 4.
- FIG. 9A is illustrative of sensing the visual verification code signal 506 as a mono- or multi-region signal (see, FIGS. 7A and 7B ).
- the component colors e.g., red, green, and blue
- the component colors may be cycled for each of the words of the verification code provided by the digital verification code signal 602 .
- Each word of the digital verification code of FIGS. 9A and 9B is eight bits and represents ASCII code character “G” (71 H or 01000111 2 ).
- each word of the visual verification code signal 506 that produce the sensed visual verification code words 804 a , 804 b , and 804 c are repeated in series for each color, red (between times T 0 -T g ), green (between times T 8 -T 16 ), and blue (between times T 16 -T 24 ).
- red between times T 0 -T g
- green between times T 8 -T 16
- blue between times T 16 -T 24
- the entire visual verification code signal 506 may repeat in each of the primary colors.
- FIG. 9B shows the three optical sensors D 3 -D 5 producing outputs of the sensed visual verification code signals 812 a , 812 b , and 812 c , for the component colors red, green, and blue, respectively.
- each of the colors are displayed via the visual verification code signal 506 simultaneously as the configuration of the three optical sensors D 3 -D 5 provides for simultaneous measurement thereof.
- the visual verification code signal 506 may be sensed to produce the sensed visual verification code signals 812 a - 812 c over a shorter period of time than the sequential case of FIG. 9A .
- FIG. 10A illustrates a flow chart 1000 a describing an operation for the verification level 3 of the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the process starts at step 1002 .
- a digital signal representative of a verification code is converted to a visual verification code signal 506 .
- the visual verification code signal 506 is displayed in relation to a visual content signal 112 , where the visual verification code signal 506 may be displayed prior to, in conjunction with, or after the visual content signal 112 .
- knowledge that a particular visual content signal 112 was displayed may be determined by measuring the visual verification code signal 506 .
- the digital verification code signal 602 displayed as a visual verification code signal 506 is read.
- the illumination of the visual verification code signal 506 may be sensed by optical sensors 504 and measured by circuitry and/or software.
- a verification code is determined based on the read visual verification code signal 506 .
- the verification code is the code based on a content identifier and generated to form the digital verification code signal 602 .
- FIG. 10B provides for verification level 4 which indicates that a particular visual content signal 112 is timely and properly displayed on the electronic visual display 106 .
- the process starts at step B, which is an extension of the process of FIG. 10A .
- operational parameter(s) are sensed.
- the optical sensor(s) 254 may be utilized to measure operational parameters of the electronic visual display 106 .
- the process continues at step A of FIG. 4B so as to determine values of the sensed operational parameters and compare the sensed values with expected operational parameter values to determine (1) the quality of the visual content signal being displayed and (2) perform signature analysis of the operational parameter(s).
- signature analysis may be performed by measuring each of the component colors displayed by the visual verification code signal 506 .
- the process ends at step 1014 .
- An interaction diagram similar to that of FIG. 2D may be constructed to provide communication operations between various components for satisfying verification levels 3 and 4. However, as the steps would be similar or substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 2D in providing for the sensing of the visual verification code signal 506 utilizing the optical sensor 504 , an interaction diagram is omitted, as one of ordinary skill in the art could produce such a diagram utilizing similar techniques.
- While the principles of the present invention provide for feedback of parameters associated with the display of the content, it should be understood that feedback of parameters associated with audio may also be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- feedback of parameters associated with audio may also be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- measurements of audio characteristics rather than optical characteristics are performed.
- audio characteristics may include fidelity (e.g., static and interference), volume, range dynamics, etc.
- measurement and knowledge of sensory information, such as audio, being communicated to an electronic device may establish verification that the sensory information (e.g., audio and/or video) is properly communicated and output or played by the electronic device.
- a transducer or microphone may be utilized to sense the audio produced by the electronic visual display 106 or, optionally, a remotely located radio.
- the feedback of the audio measurements may be utilized to verify that the audio is operating properly. The feedback may additionally be fed-back to provide for the volume to automatically be adjusted to a particular level.
- the volume may be adjusted to a predetermined level to enable individuals within a certain distance (e.g., eight feet) to hear the audio being produced by the electronic visual display 106 .
- an audio verification code may cause an audio verification code signal that may or may not be heatable by the human ear (i.e., at a very high or low frequency), but is capable of being produced by a sound system and measured by an audio sensor.
- the measurement of the audio verification code signal may be fed-back to the operation server 102 to verify that a particular audio and/or video content is played by the output device (e.g., radio or electronic visual display 106 ).
- speech recognition may be used to detect key words or phrases embedded into the audio content to “blend” the audio verification code into the content itself.
- An audio selection flag may be established for each electronic visual display 106 at the operation server 102 . If the operator of the electronic visual display 106 does not want to play the audio, the audio selection flag may be set to an OFF state, thereby preventing error conditions from being reported when the measurement of the audio signal from the electronic visual display 106 results in an OFF condition. Otherwise, an error condition may be reported and the operator may correct the audio problem manually, semi-automatically, or automatically.
- the principles of the present invention may be utilized for many different applications. Such applications include, but are not limited to, remote management of electronic visual displays, such as CRTs and electronic billboards, verification of content distributed to electronic visual displays, certification of advertisements displayed on remotely located electronic visual displays, and certification of viewing specific television channels to automatically determine viewing ratings, such as those produced by the Nielsen ratings, to name a few.
- the principles of the present invention may be utilized to eliminate the need to “sample” the public based on a few thousand viewers and measure actual viewers of potentially millions of viewers. In performing such viewing ratings, because the principles of the present invention provide for measuring illumination of the verification code, false readings of measuring a channel box without the television being turned on may be eliminated. It should be understood that many, additional applications that utilize the principles of the present invention may be contemplated.
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Controls And Circuits For Display Device (AREA)
- Testing, Inspecting, Measuring Of Stereoscopic Televisions And Televisions (AREA)
Abstract
A system and method for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include forming a verification code associated with the visual content. A visual verification code signal representative of the verification code may be generated. The visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal may be generated, where the visual image signal includes the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed. The visual image signal may be displayed.
Description
- This Application Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/549,139 filed Aug. 27, 2009, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/265,512 filed on Oct. 3, 2002 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,065, which claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/341,626, filed Dec. 17, 2001, which is now expired; the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- 1. Technical Field of the Invention
- The principles of the present invention generally relate to verification of visual content displayed on an electronic visual display, and, more particularly, to measuring (1) an operational parameter of the electronic visual display and/or (2) a verification code associated with the visual content for verification of the visual content being displayed.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Advertisers of products and services are acutely concerned that the advertisements placed in various media are properly represented. In the case of advertisements being placed in printed periodicals, such as newspapers or magazines, “tear sheets” as understood in the art are utilized to (1) determine that the advertisement was in fact “run” or printed in the periodical, and (2) determine that the advertisement was properly printed. In terms of being properly printed, factors such as color and registration (i.e., alignment of the colors that form the image) are important to the advertisers as the quality of the advertisements may affect sales opportunities. Additionally, printed advertisements are expensive and, if the quality of the advertisement is incorrect, then the advertiser expects and receives a discount for improper services rendered by the producers of the periodical. In fact, there are companies that specialize in tearing out the advertisements from the periodicals and provide the tear sheets to the advertisers for verification that an advertisement in the periodical was timely run, properly placed, and had acceptable quality.
- Since electronic visual technology has evolved dramatically since the advent of the television, advertisers have utilized the technology to reach target audiences. The advertisers, and other information and content providers, have had to trust that the electronic communication and display equipment has been operational from the content distribution point to the electronic visual displays that are remotely located. To address these concerns, electronic visual displays have become standardized such that the colors produced by one display is substantially consistent with each other display. However, the electronic visual displays, as with all electronic devices, deteriorate, fail, or become uncalibrated over time. Types of electronic visual displays may include cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), organic LED, and projection screens. As understood in the art these displays are of the flat and non-flat panel display types and are based on either emitted or reflected light to create images.
- Content providers, including advertisers and information sources and operators of the electronic visual display equipment are interested in knowing that the equipment is working properly to be assured that the content is being properly delivered to and displayed by the electronic visual display. However, to monitor each electronic visual display by having a person constantly checking the operations thereof is not financially attractive to the operator. For example, airport operators charged with displaying airline schedules on remotely located electronic visual displays need to know that the displays are properly working. However, to have an individual continuously monitoring the operation of each electronic visual display by walking to and viewing each may not be feasible or economically advantageous for even for modestly sized airports. Similarly, operators of electronic billboards, which is one form of an electronic visual display, need to know (1) that the electronic billboards are properly working and (2) that the content is being received and properly displayed by the electronic billboards.
- In providing an operator of remotely located electronic visual displays the ability to determine that the displays are operating properly, product developers and/or after-market providers of the electronic visual displays have developed various feedback mechanisms for operational parameters. Depending upon the type of electronic visual display, the operational parameters being sensed and fed-back may vary. However, conventional feedback mechanisms almost completely rely on sensing voltage and current operational parameters of the electronic visual display.
- In early efforts for providing feedback of operational parameters, a simple indication that the electronic visual display was drawing power was monitored. However, more recently, additional operational and functional parameters have been monitored to improve knowledge of the specific operations of the remotely located display. Such operational and functional parameter monitoring may include temperature, voltage, current, light (as a function of current being drawn by a light source), frame rate, and refresh rate. It should be understood, however, that these operational parameters may not be reasonably available for certain electronic visual displays. In general, the operational parameters being fed-back by conventional electronic visual displays are utilized to merely provide an indication of the operation of the electronic visual display for maintenance or remote adjustment purposes.
- Still yet, the use of signature analysis has been utilized for testing and remote adjustment purposes. Signature analysis is a technique whereby a known test signal (e.g., a particular display color, intensity, or image pattern) is applied to an electronic visual display to cause a known or expected response of one or more operational parameters by the display. By measuring one or more operational parameters resulting from a known test signal, it can be determined whether the electronic visual display is operating properly and remotely adjusted.
- To further provide feedback as to the operation of an electronic visual display, one technique has included stationing a remote camera facing the display. Photographs or video images may be taken of the output of the electronic visual display and fed-back via a network to provide the operator of the remotely located electronic visual display with the images to manually determine whether the electronic visual display is operating properly. For example, this remote camera technique allows for the operator to determine that the picture tube, elements of an LED display, etc., are operating properly for a billboard located on a building or highway that is remotely located from an operation control center. However, similar to the previously described operational parameter feedback techniques, the purpose for performing the feedback is for remotely monitoring and/or controlling operation of the electronic visual display for maintenance purposes. The remote camera technique requires the communication of images that may be large so as to be bandwidth and memory intensive. Also, as the number of displays being monitored becomes large, evaluation and management of the images being fed-back becomes impractical and expensive.
- To improve the informational feedback for operators of remotely located electronic visual displays, multiple levels of verification techniques for verifying timely and proper display of visual content have been developed. The levels of verification may include monitoring and assessing certain communication and operational parameters to provide the operator and content provider with confidence that the communication equipment and electronic visual displays are operating correctly. Further, depending upon the particular level of verification being utilized, a visual verification code associated with visual content may be displayed and measured in association with the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display, thereby providing the content provider with verification that the associated visual content was timely and properly displayed. A log containing the results of the measurement may be generated to provide notification to an operator of a success or failure of the content being timely and properly displayed based on the verification.
- One embodiment of a method for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include forming a verification code associated with the visual content. A visual verification code signal representative of the verification code may be generated. The visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal may be generated, where the visual image signal includes the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed. The visual image signal may be displayed.
- One embodiment of a system for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include a storage unit configured to store visual content. A processing unit may be in communication with the storage unit, and be configured to execute machine readable instructions, that, when executed by the processing unit, causes the processing unit to (i) read the visual content from the storage unit, (ii) display multiple video tracks, a first track including the visual content and a second track including a visual verification code signal, and (iii) in response to a user commanding to form the visual image signal, generate the visual image signal by combining the first and second video tracks to cause the second video track to be in a foreground position with respect to the first video track; and (iv) display the visual image signal.
- Another embodiment for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display may include generating a visual verification code signal representative of a verification code. The visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal may be generated, where the visual image signal includes the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed. The visual image signal may be displayed.
- A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the principles of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for displaying and verifying that visual content is displayed on an electronic visual display; -
FIGS. 2A-2C (hereinafterFIG. 2 ) is a more detailed block diagrams of an electronic visual display controller and electronic visual display ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2D is an exemplary interaction diagram for describing a more detailed series of events between the system components ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 3A is an exemplary graph illustrating measured operational parameters of the electronic visual display ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 3B is an exemplary graph providing a more detailed display of the voltage and current operational parameters of the electronic visual display ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow diagram providingverification level 1 of the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow chart of averification level 2 process that may be executed on the system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 5A-5C (collectivelyFIG. 5 ) provide a number of exemplary embodiments for utilizing an optical sensor for measuring illumination of a verification code on the electronic visual display ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an exemplary graph for showing a digital verification code signal representative of a content identifier or verification code associated with a visual content signal ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; - FIGS. 7A(1)-7D(1) AND 7A(2)-7D(2) (collectively
FIG. 7 ) are a sequence of images that illustrate the visual verification code signal being displayed as a combination of values on the electronic visual display ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 8A is an exemplary circuit for sensing the visual verification code signals as shown inFIG. 7B and perform color balance measurements in a serial manner; -
FIG. 8B is an exemplary circuit operable to sense the visual verification code signal and provide for color balance measurements of the visual verification code in a parallel manner as displayed on the electronic visual display ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are exemplary timing diagrams for measuring the visualverification code signal 506 ofFIGS. 6-7B serially and in parallel, respectively; -
FIG. 10A illustrates a flow chart describing an operation forverification level 3 of the visual content being displayed on the electronic visual display ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 10B provides for verification level 4, which indicates that a particular visual content signal is timely and properly displayed on the electronic visual display; and -
FIG. 11 provides a graphical user interface of an exemplary video production software tool that may be operated on the operation server to apply a verification code to the associated visual content for display by the system ofFIG. 1 . - The principles of the present invention provide an operator of a remotely located electronic visual display with the ability to verify that particular visual content is both timely and properly displayed on the electronic visual display. By being able to verify that the visual content is timely and properly displayed, the operator and customers of the operator are able to confidently know that the visual content was indeed displayed at a particular time and that the electronic visual display was operating properly such that viewers of the content were able to view the content as intended. The ability to verify the display of the visual content may produce an “electronic tear-sheet”.
- To provide for the verification of the content being displayed, four basic levels of verification are provided by the principles of the present invention. These levels include:
-
- (1) a combination of (a) confirmation of content delivery to an electronic visual display and (b) operational parameter feedback;
- (2) a combination of (a)
verification level 1 and (b) expected operational parameter feedback analysis (i.e., signature analysis); - (3) displayed and read verification code feedback; and
- (4)
level 3 verification plus signature analysis.
- Each of these verification levels provide the operator of the remotely located electronic visual display with higher levels of confidence that the content was timely and properly displayed. However, as the levels of verification increase, so do the levels of technology and, possibly, cost to implement. Additionally, by feeding back the operational parameters, including those produced by measuring the verification code, predictions as to time of failure may be performed, thereby providing for preemptive maintenance to reduce electronic visual display downtime. It should be understood that other levels may be provided by combining or generating fewer or additional operational parameters and/or other relevant information associated with displaying visual content and/or display parameters on a remotely located electronic visual display. Each of the four verification levels are described more fully herein.
-
FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of asystem 100 for displaying and verifying that visual content and/or display parameters are displayed on an electronic visual display. As shown, thesystem 100 includes anoperation server 102, electronicvisual display controller 104, and electronicvisual display 106. Accordingly, more or fewer components may be utilized to provide for the display and verification. In one embodiment, the electronicvisual display controller 104 and the electronicvisual display 106 may be combined as a single unit. - The
operation server 102 includes acontent display manager 108 that is operable to manage the content for display by the electronicvisual display 106. As understood in the art, thecontent server 102 may interface and operate many electronicvisual display controllers 104 located on a network. The managing may include astorage unit 109 operable to store (i) a content database 110 a having the visual content stored therein, (ii) amanagement database 110 b that maintains information utilized to distribute the visual content to the electronicvisual display 106 at specific times and dates, for example, (iii) alog database 110 c operable to maintain information associated with the display of the visual content being fed-back from the electronicvisual display 106, and (iv) an expectedoperational parameter database 110 d for signature analysis usage. In managing the visual content, an operator of theoperation server 102 may utilize input andcontrol devices 111 a and 111 b coupled to theoperation server 102. The input andcontrol devices 111 a and 111 b may include a keyboard and computer mouse. Alternatively, other input andcontrol devices 111 a and 111 b, such as a stylus, operable to interact with thecontent display manager 108 may be utilized to generate and/or schedule the visual content for distribution and display. - The electronic
visual display controller 104 is operable to receive information from theoperation server 102 and drive the electronicvisual display 106. Additionally, the electronicvisual display controller 104 may be utilized to interact with and/or control the electronicvisual display 106 based on information of operational parameter(s) being fed-back by the electronicvisual display 106. Additional detail for an exemplary embodiment of the electronicvisual display controller 104 and electronicvisual display 106 is shown further in accordance withFIG. 2 . In another embodiment (not shown), portions of the functions of theoperation server 102 may be included into thevisual display controller 104 to enable the electronicvisual display 106 to operate in a substantially standalone manner (i.e., where no local server exists and without having to operate in a local network). - In operation, the
operation server 102 communicates a visual content signal 112 a via line 113 a to the electronicvisual display controller 104, which, in turn, communicates a visual content signal 112 b vialine 113 b to the electronicvisual display 106. The visual content signals 112 a and 112 b (hereinafter 112) may be identical or the visual content signal 112 b may be a derivative of the visual content signal 112 a. Thevisual content signal 112 may be analog or digital. If thevisual content signal 112 is analog, then the electronicvisual display controller 104 may convert thevisual content signal 112 into a digital signal for communication to the electronicvisual display 106. Alternatively, the electronicvisual display controller 104 may directly or indirectly communicate thevisual content signal 112 as an analog signal for direct display or for analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion and display by the electronicvisual display 106. Additionally, theoperation server 102 communicates control signals 114 a via line 115 a to the electronicvisual display controller 104, which, in turn, may communicate the control signals 114 b (hereinafter control signals 114) vialine 115 b to the electronicvisual display 106. The same or derivative control signals 114 a received by the electronicvisual display controller 104 may be communicated to the electronicvisual display 106. - The control signals 114 may be utilized to initiate display of the
visual content signal 112, alter operational parameters of the electronicvisual display 106, or perform some other control function of the electronicvisual display controller 104 or electronicvisual display 106. The control signals 114 are typically digital signals, however, analog control signals alternatively may be utilized to control the electronicvisual display 106. A standard bus architecture and protocol may be utilized for communicating the control signals 114. Alternatively, a non-standard bus architecture and protocol may be utilized. If thevisual content signal 112 is digital, then thevisual content signal 112 andcontrol signals 114 may be communicated over a single bus as understood in the art. The electronicvisual display controller 104 processes or conveys thevisual content signal 112 andcontrol signals 114 for delivery to the electronicvisual display 106. - The electronic
visual display 106, which may be of any display type, including CRT, LCD, LED, organic LED, plasma, or any other electronic visual display device, may receive the control signals 114 and provide for operational data 116 a to be fed-back from the electronicvisual display 106 to the electronicvisual display controller 104 via line 117 a and may be analog or digital. Theoperational data 116 may include any operational information of the electronicvisual display 106 that can be measured as understood in the art. Suchoperational data 116 may include temperature, voltage, current, frame rate, refresh rate, etc., according to the type of electronicvisual display 106 being utilized and sensors operating within the electronicvisual display 106. It should be understood that a variety of voltage and currents may be measured at the electronicvisual display 106. For example, a voltage level from the power supply that sources the electronicvisual display 106 may be measured. Alternatively, voltage or current levels being drawn by various components, such as a fluorescent light bulb of a liquid crystal display device or LED of an LED display device, may be measured. - The electronic
visual display controller 104 further may process and/or communicate the operational data 116 a back to theoperation server 102 asoperational data 116 b (hereinafter operational data 116). Theoperation server 102 may apply theoperational data 116 of the electronicvisual display 106 to thelog database 110 c stored by thestorage unit 109. Additionally, data other than theoperational data 116 of the electronicvisual display 106 may be provided to theoperation server 102. For example, information regarding the communication of thevisual content signal 112 from the electronicvisual display controller 104 to the electronicvisual display 106 may be applied to thelog database 110 c. The communication information may include the existence of date and/or time of the communication of thevisual content signal 112. - By feeding-back the
operational data 116 and data associated with the communication of thevisual content signal 112 to theoperation server 102,verification levels visual display 106 and recording the operational parameter(s) of the electronicvisual display 106 at the time of the display of that visual content, averification level 1 may be performed either automatically or manually by determining that (a) the visual content was delivered and (b) the electronic display device was operating properly during the display of the visual content. If theoperational data 116 has associated expected operational parameter data stored in the expectedoperational parameter database 110 d, thenverification level 2 may be achieved by comparing the operational parameter data fed-back with the expected operational parameter data. -
FIGS. 2A , 2B, and 2C (FIG. 2 ) are more detailed block diagrams of the electronicvisual display controller 104 and electronicvisual display 106 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 2A illustrates the electronicvisual display controller 104 coupled to a databus 113 a, which may be analog or digital, and is operable to carry thevisual content signal 112. A network IP bus 115 a,PCI bus 117 b, andpower bus 206 are further coupled to the electronicvisual display controller 104 and utilized to communicate general network, control information (e.g., control signals 114), and power, respectively, to the electronicvisual display controller 104 from the operation server 102 (FIG. 1 ). - It should be understood that the
content signal 112 may be communicated across thePCI bus 117 b rather than the databus 113 a. It should further be understood that thecontent signal 112 andcontrol signals 114 are not dependent on the protocol or architecture of the associated buses. For example, rather than utilizingmultiple buses 113 a, 115 a, and 117 b, a single bus may be used to provide for communication. The electronicvisual display controller 104 may include aprocessor 208 coupled to amemory 210, and further be coupled to astore 212 and adriver unit 214. Thedriver unit 214 may include adisplay driver 216 anddriver module 218. - As shown in
FIG. 2B , theprocessor 208 is operable to executesoftware 220, which may include alocal content manager 222 that manages the visual content and other content information received by the electronicvisual display controller 104.Rules manager 224 is operable to apply rules for making decisions as to management of the visual content, applying the verification code, monitoring operational parameters, and performing other functional operations in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
Control function drivers 226 may be software that operate hardware for controlling the electronicvisual display 106. Thecontrol function drivers 226 may include multiple drivers for providing interfacing capability with a variety of types and brands of electronicvisual displays 106 produced by different manufactures of electronicvisual displays 106. For example, a plasma-type electronicvisual display 106 utilizes differentcontrol function drivers 226 than does an LCD-type electronicvisual display 106. And, different manufacturers of the same type of electronicvisual display 106 may utilize different control protocols or commands and therefore require differentcontrol function drivers 226. - The
control function drivers 226 may include various levels of control capability for the electronicvisual display 106. For example, a low cost electronicvisual display controller 104 may not include various automatic adjustment type drivers, such as intensity or volume, while a more expensive electronicvisual display controller 104 may include intensity and volumecontrol function drivers 226. Additionally, depending upon the verification level being utilized, othercontrol function drivers 226 may be included. For example, while averification level 1 system may simply measure the existence of a particular operational parameter communicated via theoperational data 116, averification level 2 system may utilize acontrol function driver 226 that alters the operational parameters being fed-back by the electronicvisual display 106 by comparing theoperational data 116 with certain expected operational parameters of the electronicvisual display 106 as a result of displaying a particularvisual content signal 112 or test signal. - A
limit table manager 228 may be utilized to determine that certain responses of the operational parameters result from displaying avisual content signal 112 on the electronicvisual display 106, thereby providing forverification levels 2 and 4. For example, thelimit table manager 228 may interact with the expectedoperational parameter database 110 d stored in thestorage unit 109 of theoperation server 102 or a corresponding expectedoperational parameter database 221 d stored in thestore 212 of the electronicvisual display controller 104 for performing signature analysis based on expected operational parameter feedback. Test or signature patterns may be stored and inserted into thevisual content signal 112 to perform signature analysis. - Further included in the
software 220 of the electronicvisual display controller 104 aremeasurement functions 230 as understood in the art. The measurement functions 230 operate to receive theoperational data 116 and determine values associated therewith. For example,operational data 116 representative of voltage levels (e.g., power supply or individual components) used by the electronicvisual display 106 may be sensed by sensors in the electronicvisual display 106 and measured by the measurement functions 230. Alternatively, the measurement function may be performed by the electronicvisual display 106. The measurement functions 230 may also interact with thelimit table manager 228 in performing the signature analysis by comparing expected operational parameters with the actual measured operational parameters as provided by theoperational data 116. - A
log generator 232 may be utilized to form a log event in the log database 221 b each time the electronicvisual display controller 104 communicates thevisual content signal 112 to the electronicvisual display 106 and/or each time thevisual content signal 112 is displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. Thelog generator 232 may receive information via the PCI bus 117 a or as part of thevisual content signal 112 orcontrol signals 114 that includes identification data associated with thevisual content signal 112. By having thelog generator 232 form a log event,verification levels visual content signal 112 being displayed is enabled. However, it should be understood that thelog generator 232 may be located in theoperation server 102, whereby when theoperation server 102 communicates thevisual content signal 112 to the electronicvisual display controller 104, a log of the communication may be stored in thelog database 110 c. - As shown in
FIG. 2C , thedriver unit 214 may include a number of components including aclock 234, test pattern orcharacter generator 236, network local area network (LAN)driver 238, local bus/display driver 240,PCI bus interface 242,signal measurements unit 244, anddisplay driver 216. It should be understood, however, that the functions of thedriver unit 214 may additionally and/or alternatively be executed by theprocessor 208. Theclock 234 may be utilized to maintain proper synchronization between the electronicvisual display controller 104 and the electronicvisual display 106. The test pattern orcharacter generator 236 may be utilized to generate a test pattern to allow the electronicvisual display controller 104 to measure operational parameter(s) having an expected operational parameter feedback, thereby providing for test and calibration capabilities. - The
network LAN driver 238 may be utilized in performing communications between the electronicvisual display controller 104 and the electronicvisual display 106. Thenetwork LAN driver 238 may also be utilized in communicating with other remotely located devices as understood in the art. The local bus/display driver 240 may additionally provide local communication with the electronicvisual display 106 or other remotely located devices. ThePCI bus interface 242 may be utilized to interface with theprocessor 208 and theoperation server 102 via the PCI bus 117 a as understood in the art. - A
signal measurements unit 244 may be capable of interfacing with analog and/or digital signals from the electronicvisual display 106. Accordingly, thesignal measurements unit 244 may include A/D converters (not shown) for sampling analog signals, if the signals received from the electronicvisual display 106 are analog. Thesignal measurements unit 244 may also include a processor (not shown) or other electronic device operable to perform measurements of theoperational data 116. It should be understood that the measurement functions 230 and thesignal measurements unit 244 may be combined or operated in conjunction with one another such that theoperational data 116 is measured or received in accordance with the types of operational parameters being fed-back by the electronicvisual display 106 via PCI bus 117 a. - The electronic
visual display 106 includes aprocessor 246 coupled tomemory 248 andvideo driver 250, which is coupled to and operable to drive anelectronic display 252. It should be understood that, depending on the type of electronicvisual display 106, other hardware components may be included or excluded from the electronicvisual display 106 as understood in the art. For example, a CRT-type electronicvisual display 106 would include a picture tube for displaying thevisual content signal 112 and an LCD-type electronicvisual display 106 would include LCD drivers and, typically, a florescent light source. - The
processor 246 further may be coupled to conventional sensor(s) 254 that may be utilized to measure operational parameters of the electronicvisual display 106. For example, thesensors 254 may sense voltage, current, scan rate, etc. The information sensed by the sensor(s) 254 may be received directly by theprocessor 246 or, in the case of measuring analog signals, be sampled by D/A converters (not shown) located in the electronicvisual display 106 or electronicvisual display controller 104. The processor executessoftware 256 that is used to interface with thevideo driver 250 in order to display thevisual content signal 112 by theelectronic display 252. Thesoftware 256 may also be utilized to form log data in thememory 248 for communication to the electronicvisual display controller 104. - Other functionality may be performed by the
software 256. For example, thesoftware 256 may be utilized to interface with a wireless communication device or interface to receive thevisual content signal 112 andcontrol signals 114 and communicate theoperational data 116 back to the electronicvisual display controller 104. It should be understood that the electronicvisual display 106 may alternatively be a slave device and be fully operated and controlled by the electronicvisual display controller 104. -
FIG. 3A is an exemplary graph illustrating a pair of measured operational parameters of the electronicvisual display 106. As shown, avoltage axis 302 and thecurrent axis 304 are used to show both voltage (v) and current (i) operational parameters, respectively, of the electronicvisual display 106. The voltage operational parameter displayed is the overall voltage supplying the electronicvisual display 104. However, other voltages may be measured for feedback purposes. As shown, the voltage operational parameter is sampled at discrete points in time, Ta-Tf, producing samples va-vf. By sampling the operational parameter(s), an indication of the operation of the electronicvisual display 106 is provided at those points in time. - As shown, the voltage operational parameter measured at time points Ta-Tc and Te-Tf is measured at approximately 120 volts. However, at time Td, the voltage vd is indicated as being 0 volts, which may be due to a power interruption of the electronic
visual display 106 or by a source power supply. Similarly, the current operational parameter ia-if is sensed at time points Ta-Tf. The current operational parameter may be the current drawn by the electronicvisual display 106 or current being drawn for a particular component, such as current drawn by one or more LEDs, of the electronicvisual display 106. As shown, the current operational parameters ia-ic and ie-if are measured at 50 milliamps (mA). However, at time Td, the current operational parameter id is measured at 0 amps, which indicates that the electronicvisual display 106 is not receiving voltage or that the particular electrical element with which the current operational parameter is associated has failed at time Td. By combining the log from thevisual content signal 112 being delivered to or displayed by the electronicvisual display 106 with the measurements of the operational parameters,verification level 1 indicating that the visual content was likely to have been timely and properly displayed may be achieved. -
FIG. 2D is an exemplary interaction diagram for describing a more detailed series of events between the system components ofFIGS. 1 and 2 and in accordance withFIGS. 4A-4B . As shown, theoperation server 102, electronicvisual display controller 104, and electronicvisual display 106 are provided. The electronicvisual display controller 104, however, is formed of the components of thesoftware 220 to show communications therebetween to provide for theverification levels step 258, theoperation server 102 communicates thevisual content signal 112 to the electronicvisual display controller 104. At the electronicvisual display controller 104, thelocal content manager 222 receives thevisual content signal 112 and stores and/or further communicates thevisual content signal 112 to thedriver unit 214 atstep 260. Additionally and/or simultaneously, theoperation server 102 communicates the control signals 114 atstep 262 to the electronicvisual display controller 104, which utilizes thecontrol function drivers 226 to process the control signals 114. Atstep 264, the control signals 114 are communicated to thedriver unit 214. - At
step 266, thedriver unit 214 communicates both thevisual content signal 112 and thecontrol signal 114 to the electronicvisual display 106. In response to thevisual content signal 112 being communicated to the electronicvisual display 106, thedriver unit 214 provides a notification to thelog generator 232 atstep 268. Atstep 270, thelog generator 232 generates a log of the communication of thevisual content signal 112 to the electronicvisual display 106. The log may include the date, time, name of visual content associated with thevisual content signal 112, and/or other relevant information indicative of the communication of the visual content, signal 112 to the electronicvisual display 106. Atstep 272, the log of the communication of the visual content, signal 112 to the electronicvisual display 106 is communicated from thelog generator 232 to therules manager 224. Therules manager 224 may utilize the log information for performing verification of thevisual content signal 112 being displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. - At
step 274, the electronicvisual display 106 displays image content represented by thevisual content signal 112. Atstep 276, operational parameter(s) of the electronicvisual display 106 are sensed. Sensing of the operational parameter(s) atstep 276 provides an indication that the electronicvisual display 106 is operating and/or operating properly. Alternatively, a test pattern may be provided to the electronicvisual display 106 prior to the displaying of the visual content and sensing of operational parameter(s) to provide an indication that at or around the time of the visual content being displayed that the electronicvisual display 106 is operating properly. - At
step 278, the sensed operational parameter(s) are communicated from the electronicvisual display 106 to the measurement functions 230 of the electronicvisual display controller 104. The sensed operational parameter(s) may be communicated via theoperational data 116 in an analog and/or digital format. The measurement functions 230 generate measurements) atstep 280. It should be understood that if theoperational data 116 is in digital format, then the measurement(s) may be generated by the electronicvisual display 106. Alternatively, if theoperational data 116 is in analog format, then the measurement functions 230 may perform the measurement(s) (i.e., determine values associated with the sensed operational parameter(s)). - At
step 282, the measurement functions 230 communicate the measurement(s) to therules manager 224. Atstep 284,verification level 1 is performed by associating the log information fromstep 272 and the measurement information fromstep 282. It should be understood, however, that a variety ofverification level 1 determinations may be performed. For example, therules manager 224 may utilize various sensed operational parameters and log data in performing theverification level 1. Atstep 286, theverification level 1 results are communicated to theoperation server 102 by the electronicvisual display controller 104. Theoperation server 102 may store theverification level 1 results in thelog database 110 c for providing the operator and/or content provider assurance that the image content was displayed on the electronicvisual display 106 both timely and properly. -
Verification level 2 of the image content being displayed properly by the electronicvisual display 106 starts atstep 288 where a request of expected measurement(s) from therules manager 224 to thelimit table manager 228 is performed. At step 290, thelimit table manager 228 communicates the expected measurement(s) to therules manager 224. Therules manager 224 may perform a comparison between the actual measurement(s) of the sensed operational parameter(s) and the expected operational parameter measurement(s) (or range thereabout). The log information additionally may be correlated with the results of actual and expected operational parameter measurement(s) comparison in determining theverification level 2 atstep 292. Atstep 294, theverification level 2 results are communicated from the electronicvisual display controller 104 to theoperation server 102. Theverification level 2 results may be stored in thelog database 110 c by theoperation server 102 for providing the operator and/or visual content provider assurances that the electronicvisual display 106 displays the visual content both timely and properly. -
FIG. 3B is an exemplary graph providing a more detailed display of the voltage and current operational parameters of the electronicvisual display 106. As shown, the voltage operational parameter vg is shown over time period Tg-Tl to be a substantially constant 120 volts. However, the current operational parameter ig is shown to be time varying. Between times Tg-Th, where the current operational parameter ig varies in response to thevisual content signal 112 being displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. During time period Th-Ti, the current operational parameter ig remains at a substantially constant 50 mA, which is indicative of a constant visual image being displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. The current operational parameter ig is measured and compared to a map or range of the expected current operational parameter over time that varies with parameter or image changes on the electronicvisual display 106. - If the current operational parameter ig falls within the range of îh and îi (Δi) bounding the expected current operational parameter, then it may be determined that a particular
visual content signal 112 is displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. Correlating the knowledge that thevisual content signal 112 was communicated to the electronicvisual display 106 by the log information further provides for the verification that a particular visual content was timely and properly displayed (i.e.,verification level 2 was satisfied), assuming that if ig remains within the range over time, the image on the electronicvisual display 106 is deemed properly displayed. Alternatively, matching the current operational parameter ig to an expected current operational parameter range (e.g., îh-îi and time stamping the matching, the operator may inferentially determine that a particularvisual content signal 112 is timely and properly displayed by the electronic visual display 106 (i.e., slightly less thanverification level 2 is satisfied due to not logging proper delivery of the visual content). - Although the current operational parameter ig is provided on the
graph 300 b, it should be understood that any other operational parameter of the electronicvisual display 106 may be measured and compared to an expected operational parameter. For example, color or brightness may be measured, whereby the measurement is utilized to determine whether it is properly displayed. As described with regard toFIG. 2 , the electronicvisual display controller 104 may perform the measurement and comparison functionality. -
FIG. 4A is an exemplary flow diagram 400 a providingverification level 1 of the visual content being displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. The process starts atstep 402. Atstep 404, thevisual content signal 112, which may be analog or digital, is communicated via a wired or wireless communication channel to the electronicvisual display 106. In one embodiment, wireless ethernet using the 802.11b standard may be utilized. Alternatively, satellite wireless communication may be utilized either indirectly or directly to the electronicvisual display controller 104. Depending upon the configuration of the system, the fact that thevisual content signal 112 is provided to the electronicvisual display controller 104 from theoperation server 102 may be sufficient to consider that the visual content is displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. Alternatively, a communication from the electronicvisual display controller 104 to the electronicvisual display 106 may be utilized in verifying that the visual content is displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. - At
step 406, a first indicator of the occurrence of the communication of thevisual content signal 112 is recorded. The first indicator may be established in response to thevisual content signal 112 being communicated from theoperation server 102 to the electronicvisual display controller 104 or from the electronicvisual display controller 104 to the electronicvisual display 106 depending on the system configuration. In one embodiment, the first indicator includes a date and time. Other indicators may alternatively be recorded, including a flag indicative of thevisual content signal 112 being communicated. - At
step 408, the visual content is displayed on the electronicvisual display 106 via thevisual content signal 112. At least one operational parameter of the electronicvisual display 106 is sensed atstep 410. The operational parameter(s) may be any operational parameter that is available to be sensed by a conventional or custom designedsensor 254 for the electronicvisual display 106. Atstep 412, a second indicator indicative of the sensed operational parameter(s) is recorded. The second indicator may be a measured value or an indicator that is indicative of the fact that the operational parameter(s) are operating in a normal range. For example, the voltage operational parameter of the electronicvisual display 106 may be verified to have been operating at 120±5 volts. By associating or combining the knowledge that the first and second indicators are valid,verification level 1 may be satisfied for the operator of the electronicvisual display 106 and/or the provider of the visual content. Theverification level 1 process ends at step A. -
FIG. 4B is an exemplary flow chart of averification level 2 process. The process starts at step A, which extends from theverification level 1 process ofFIG. 4A . Atstep 414, a value indicative of the sensed operational parameter is determined. In other words, a measurement of the sensed operational parameter produces a measured value corresponding thereto.Verification level 2 may additionally measure the time-varying operational parameter at multiple times for determination purposes. Atstep 416, a determination is made if the measured value is inside an expected measured value range. Atstep 418, a notification identifier indicative of the measured value being inside or outside the expected measured value range is formed. If the measured value is inside the expected measured value range, then the notification identifier may be set to a value of “1” or logical TRUE. If the measured value is outside the expected measured value range, the notification identifier may be a “0” or logical FALSE. Atstep 420, a notification based on the notification identifier is communicated. In one embodiment, the notification may be communicated from the electronicvisual display 106 to the electronicvisual display controller 104. Alternatively, the notification may be that from the electronicvisual display controller 104 to theoperation server 102. The process ends atstep 422. It should be understood that each of the indicators and identifiers may be stored in thelog database 110 c of theoperation server 102. - TABLE 1 is an exemplary log table containing logs for
verification levels visual content signal 112 and measurement of operational parameters are stored. Examples of such data elements are delivery/playtime of thevisual content signal 112, content identifier, content name, operational parameters, and verification identifier. The delivery/playtime may include a date and time that thevisual content signal 112 is delivered from theoperation server 102 to the electronicvisual display controller 104 or from the electronicvisual display controller 104 to the electronicvisual display 106. Since the delivery of thevisual content signal 112 may only be performed once and then the display of thevisual content signal 112 be repeated continuously at the electronicvisual display 106, playtime may also be logged. -
TABLE 1 LOG DATABASE DELIVERY/PLAYTIME CONTENT CONTENT OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS VERIFICATION DATE TIME IDENTIFIER NAME TEMP VOLTS CURRENT LIGHT REFRESH IDENTIFIER Jun. 14, 2002 2:45 p.m. 50286-03471 Running Shoe 96 120 .5 — — L1-PASS Jun. 14, 2002 2:48 p.m. 50286-03471 Running Shoe 98 122 .58 — — L1-PASS Jun. 14, 2002 2:51 p.m. 50286-03471 Running Shoe 110 32 .01 — — L1-FAIL . . . Jun. 21, 2002 8:30 a.m. 28400-07056 Snacks-Chips 95 120 .5 1.4 60 L2-PASS Jun. 21, 2002 8:35 a.m. 28400-07056 Snacks-Chips 95 120 .52 1.4 60 L2-PASS Jun. 21, 2002 8:40 a.m. 28400-07056 Snacks-Chips 95 120 .52 1.4 60 L2-PASS Jun. 21, 2002 8:45 a.m. 28400-07056 Snacks-Chips 95 120 .51 1.32 60 L2-PASS Jun. 21, 2002 8:50 a.m. 28400-07056 Snacks-Chips 95 120 .5 1.28 60 L2-FAIL . . . Jun. 28, 2002 12:00 p.m. Coca-Cola ® Carbonated 95 120 .5 1.4 60 L2-PASS Beverage - The content identifier may be any identifier associated with the content provided by the
visual content signal 112. For example, if the content is an advertisement that shows a running shoe, then the content identifier may be the uniform product code (UPC) associated therewith. Alternatively, the operator may assign a random or non-random alphanumeric value for the content identifier. The content name may be an identifier associated with the visual content or a provider of the content, for example. The operational parameters may include any operational parameter of the electronicvisual display 106 that is measured or derived from the electronicvisual display 106. - As shown, the operational parameters may include temperature, volts, current, light, and refresh rate. For the running shoe visual content, operational parameters are measured and stored in the log table each time the content is delivered and/or played. For example, on Jun. 14, 2002, at 2:45 p.m., the operating temperature of the electronic
visual display 106 is 96 degrees Fahrenheit and the operating voltage is 120 volts with the electronicvisual display 106 drawing a current of 0.5 amps (see, for example,FIG. 3A ). As indicated by the verification identifier (right most column) being “L1-PASS”, the delivery of thevisual content signal 112 was successful and the electronicvisual display 106 is deemed to be operational. The running shoe advertisement is displayed at three minute intervals (i.e., 2:45 p.m., 2:48 p.m., and 2:51 p.m.). However, while the electronicvisual display 106 at 2:51 p.m. is deemed to be operational at 2:48 p.m., the operational parameters (volts and current) indicate a failure of theverification level 1 of the electronicvisual display 106 as identified by the verification identifier (i.e., “L1-FAIL”). - The log table further includes data associated with a second advertisement. As shown, on Jun. 21, 2002, at 8:00 a.m., a “snacks-chips” advertisement having a content identifier of 28400-07056, representative of the UPC number associated with the snack-chips product, is displayed. The operational parameters for the electronic
visual display 106 include an additional parameter of light, which is derived from measuring a current operational parameter drawn by the picture tube, for example and utilizing factory setting parameters as understood in the art. The light operational parameter may be utilized by the electronicvisual display 106, and more specifically by thelimit table manager 228, to verify that the operational parameter is operating within an expected operational parameter range for the given time sample of the display of thevisual content signal 112. In this case, the current measured has a corresponding light operational parameter of 1.4 Foot-Lamberts (FL). The range of expected light parameters may be set between 1.3 FL and 1.5 FL, so, that the light operational parameter for the visual content displayed at 8:30 a.m. allows therules manager 224 of the electronicvisual display controller 104 to indicate that the display of thevisual content signal 112 was acceptable from averification level 2 standpoint. Accordingly, the verification identifier at 8:30 a.m. receives “L2-PASS”. The carbonated beverage advertisement is displayed every 5 minutes and continues to receive “L2-PASS” indications until 8:50 a.m., where the light operational parameter falls outside the expected light operational parameter range with a value of 1.28 FL. Accordingly, the verification identifier is logged as being “L2-FAIL”, which indicates averification level 2 failure. - A third visual content is shown to be communicated to the electronic
visual display 106 via thevisual content signal 112 on Jun. 28, 2002 at 12:00 p.m. The content identifier is alphanumeric and spells the name of the manufacturer “Coca-Cole)” rather than using a uniform product code (UPC) number. As described in relation toFIG. 6 , the content identifier may be utilized as a verification code to be displayed on the electronicvisual display 106 to provide forverification levels 3 and 4. The delivery and operational parameters successfully met theverification level 2 conditions and, thus, a verification identifier of “L2-PASS” is logged. - It should be understood that rather than using a single log table to record both levels of verification that separate tables may be utilized to support each verification level. Additionally, it should be understood that one or more tables may be organized to record visual content being displayed on each electronic
visual display 106, thereby providing the operator of theoperations server 102 easier log manageability. It should also be understood that there may be more or fewer operational parameters than those shown in TABLE 1. While the operational parameters are shown to be static, the operational parameters may be provided in a more detailed or time-varying format, such as that shown inFIG. 3B . Datafile(s) containing expected time-varying recordation of operational parameter measurements that provides for signature analysis may be stored by theoperation server 102 expectedoperational parameter database 110 d. Thesoftware 220 may store the datafiles for lookup by the parametric limit table forcontrol functions manager 228 andrules manager 224 for performing the verification process ofverification level 2. -
Verification levels 3 and 4 are based on a sensing technique that extends beyond conventional sensing of operational parameters. As understood in the art, conventional sensing of operational parameters in non-production operations (i.e., beyond factory testing operations) are limited to those parameters that may be measured electronically (i.e., voltage or current) within the electronicvisual display 106. Again, in the case of determining the color or intensity of light for conventional systems, a current measurement is performed and a numerical conversion is performed utilizing factory established parameters as understood in the art to estimate the light produced by the electronicvisual display 106. Techniques for performingverification levels 3 and 4 are described hereinafter. - To provide for
content verification levels 3 and 4, a verification code (see,FIG. 6 ) may be generated and associated with or descriptive of the visual content that is displayed (see,FIG. 5 ). The verification code may be generated automatically or manually. If generated automatically, the verification code may be based on the name of the visual content datafile stored in the content database 110 a. Alternatively, the verification code may be based on another identifier associated with the visual content, such as the UPC number or proprietary barcode number, product or service name, or other related information stored in the content database 110 a. - The verification code is ultimately a binary word or multiple binary words to represent the information associated with the visual content. For example, an ASCII letter “G” may be represented as 7/H (hexadecimal or 010001112 binary). Alternatively, the verification code may be an alphanumeric identifier generated by the content provider or operator of the
operation server 102. For example, the alphanumeric identifiers may be generated over time or for successive image frames, either serially (e.g., C001, C002, C003, etc.) or randomly (e.g., XP483, YN248, 32A3N, etc.), without repeating values, or, alternatively, used on a limited predetermined basis to form the verification code. Still yet, time and date may be included in generating unique verification codes for the associated visual content. For example, a verification code may include a product name, date, time, and/or identifier of an electronicvisual display 106. If the verification code is generated manually, the same or similar information utilized to automatically generate the verification code may be used. It should be understood that the verification code may be generated at theoperation server 102, electronicvisual display controller 104, electronicvisual display 106, or a combination thereof. - In practice, a number of techniques may be utilized to generate and apply the verification code to be displayed on the electronic
visual display 106. One embodiment includes utilizing a software tool for producing video content. One such software tool is Macromedia Director™FIG. 11 provides agraphical user interface 1100 of an exemplary video production software tool that may be operated on theoperation server 102 to apply a verification code to visual content. As shown, atimeline 1102 provides for synchronization of the verification code with the visual content for display on the electronicvisual display 106. Afirst video track 1104 may contain start and stopsignals 1107 a, 1107 b, for the visual content and asecond video track 1106 may contain the verification code as established on athird track 1108, which is not displayed, via a visual verification code signal (see,FIG. 5 ). For example, a visual content (e.g., video) containing an advertisement for a pair of running shoes may be set on thefirst video track 1104 and a verification code, represented by the visual verification code signal 506 (e.g., video clip of a 5×5 pixel image formed of ON and OFF levels, such as black and white colors) may be placed on thesecond video track 1106. The visualverification code signal 506 may be synchronized in relation to the visual content signal so as to be near thevideo header 1110. In other embodiments, the visualverification code signal 506 may start prior to, during, or after thevisual content signal 112. In the case of the visualverification code signal 506 being displayed during thevisual content signal 112, the visualverification code signal 506 may overlay or be placed in the foreground of a portion of the visual content signal being displayed as understood in the art. - Another embodiment for generating and/or applying the verification code to be displayed via a visual
verification code signal 506 includes software or hardware operated by theoperation server 102, electronicvisual display controller 104, electronicvisual display 106, either individual or by a combination thereof. The software and/or hardware may apply to visualverification code signal 506 to either an analog or digital video signal containing content. The digital video signal may be MPEG-1, -2, or -4, or any other digital video signal format supported by a communication system. - In the case of the visual content signal being analog, synchronization pulses indicating the beginning of lines and fields (i.e., horizontal and vertical synchronization) as understood in the art may be utilized to insert the visual verification code signal. In one embodiment, an on-screen display or video pattern generator, such as those used to generate an on-screen menu guide, may be utilized to insert the visual verification code signal onto the
visual content signal 112 being displayed by the electronicvisual display 106. For example, at a specific line and column based on the synchronization pulses, thevisual content signal 112 being delivered to or displayed by the electronicvisual display 106 is switched to the visual verification code signal. To accomplish the switching of the signals, an on-screen display (OSD) chip as understood in the art may be utilized. - In the case of the
visual content signal 112 being converted to digital by any of theoperation server 102, electronicvisual display controller 104, or electronicvisual display 102, a variety of techniques may be utilized to display the visual verification code signal in association with thevisual content signal 112. Three such techniques include (1) using the same or similar technique as discussed above with regard to insertion of the visual verification code signal by counting the synchronization pulses in conjunction with a video pattern generator, (2) forming a data stream of images of the visual content in memory and applying or overwriting the visual verification code signal onto the proper locations in the memory such that the verification code is displayed at a desired location on the electronicvisual display 106, or (3) performing real-time insertion of the visualverification code signal 506 into thevisual content signal 112 utilizing video mixing equipment as understood in the art. Again, by displaying the verification code,verification levels 3 and 4 may be enabled. -
FIG. 5 provides a number of exemplary embodiments for utilizing an optical sensor for measuring illumination of a verification code. FIG. 5A(1) provides an exemplary electronicvisual display 106 having anoptical sensor 504 coupled thereto for sensing illumination of adisplay region 505 identified within dashed lines for displaying a visualverification code signal 506 on thescreen 507 of the electronicvisual display 106. Theoptical sensor 504 may be electronic or any other type of sensor (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, and solar cell) capable of sensing illumination of the visualverification code signal 506 by the electronicvisual display 106. In one embodiment, theoptical sensor 504 is one produced by Panasonic Corporation and identified as a part number PN335. - As can be seen on the front view of the electronic visual display 106 a of FIG. 5A(1), the
optical sensor 504 is disposed within the area orregion 505 formed to display the visualcode verification signal 506. To reduce optical noise during sensing by theoptical sensor 504, including simultaneous display of the visual content and ambient lighting conditions, theoptical sensor 504 should have a field-of-view no greater than thedisplay region 505 for displaying the visualverification code signal 506. - The
optical sensor 504 may be coupled to thescreen 507 using adhesives or other non-permanent or permanent securing materials. FIG. 5A(2) shows a front isometric view of the electronicvisual display 106 having the optical sensor coupled to thescreen 507. The optical sensor as shown does not have any wires for communicating the signal sensed by illumination from thevisual code signal 506, but rather utilizes a wireless communication device (not shown) coupled to theoptical sensor 504. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device is produced by Radiotronix, Inc. and having part number rtc-433-as. - FIG. 5B(1) is a front view of the electronic
visual display 106 that provides an alternative embodiment for coupling theoptical sensor 504 to, the electronicvisual display 106 for illumination by the visualverification code signal 506. In this embodiment, abracket member 508 may be coupled to thehousing 509 of the electronicvisual display 106 using adhesives or other fastening techniques as understood in the art. As shown in FIG. 5B(2), thesupport member 508 is curved and disposes theoptical sensor 504 in a position to be illuminated by display of the visualverification code signal 506. Alternatively, theoptical sensor 504 may be mounted to a support member that is not directly coupled to the housing of the electronicvisual display 106. In another embodiment, a mirror, light pipe, optical fiber, or another light reflection device may be utilized to project the illumination of the visualverification code signal 506 onto theoptical sensor 504 that is remotely associated with the electronicvisual display 106. For some display types having rear projection systems, theoptical sensor 504 may be placed behind the viewing screen. For a front projection system, theoptical sensor 504 may be placed at the display plane (e.g., screen) or within the projector itself. - FIG. 5C(1) is a front view of the electronic visual display 106 a showing that the
optical sensor 504 is not positioned externally in front of thedisplay region 505 on thescreen 507. As shown on FIG. 5C(2), theoptical sensor 504 is disposed within the electronicvisual display 106 and behind thescreen 507 by coupling theoptical sensor 504 bysupport member 508, which is further coupled to thehousing 509 of the electronicvisual display 106 b. To illuminate the optical sensor with the visualverification code signal 506, amirror 510 reflects thevisual code signal 506 onto theoptical sensor 504. It should be understood that a beam splitter may alternatively be used to reflect thevisual code signal 506 onto theoptical sensor 504 so that at least a portion of the visualverification code signal 506 or othervisual content signal 112 is displayed on thescreen 507 to reduce distraction in viewing of the electronicvisual display 106. - Another embodiment for utilizing the
optical sensor 504 is an outdoor display utilizing LED and LCD devices (e.g., electronic billboard). Outdoor LED displays may utilize LED bulbs, as understood in the art, where the LED bulbs include multiple light emitting diodes to produce multiple colors from a single LED bulb. To ensure that the electronic billboard is operating properly, theoptical sensor 504 may be coupled to a portion or all of the LED bulbs. Alternatively, theoptical sensor 504 may be or disposed to receive the illumination from some or all of the LED bulbs. Accordingly, by sensing the illumination being displayed from the LED bulbs, verification of content and/or display parameters (e.g., color, intensity, etc.) of the outdoor display may be performed. Theoptical sensor 504 may be utilized similarly with an LCD display. - Yet another embodiment for utilizing the principles of the present invention includes a video display wall, where multiple electronic
visual displays 106 form a large, single electronic visual display. In such a case, each individual electronicvisual display 106 may have theoptical sensor 504 or other feedback mechanism(s), as previously discussed, so as to ensure the proper operation of each individual electronicvisual display 106. -
FIG. 6 is anexemplary graph 600 for showing a digitalverification code signal 602 representative of a content identifier (TABLE 1), which may be utilized to form a verification code associated with avisual content signal 112. The digitalverification code signal 602 is formed of 48 bits having four (4) bits per word. The time segments T0-T48 represent the time segments for each bit. For example, bit-0 extends between times T0-T1, bit-1 extends between times T1-T2, bit-2 extends between times T2-T3, and bit-3 extends between times T3-T4. Word 1, therefore, forms the hexadecimal number 5H (i.e., binary number 01012).Word 2, forms a hexadecimal number of 6H (i.e., 01102) andword 12 forms the hexadecimal number 8H (i.e., 10002). It should be understood that the digitalverification code signal 602 may be formed of words having fewer or more than 4-bits. For example, if alphanumeric or ASCII code values are desired to be utilized for the verification code, then 8-bit words may be utilized, thereby providing a potential of 256 values for each character. - In displaying the digital
verification code signal 602 as a visualverification code signal 506, the bits are displayed in series (i.e., bit-0, bit-1, bit-2, bit-3, etc). The bits may be synchronized with thevisual content signal 112 according to the frame and/or refresh rate of the electronicvisual display 106. It should be further understood that other modulation techniques may be utilized to represent the verification code. For example, pulse width modulation (PWM) may be utilized such that percentage of a word that is HIGH may be utilized in forming different levels or average values that represent characters of the verification code. - FIGS. 7A(1)-7D(1) are a sequence of images that illustrate the digital
verification code signal 602 being displayed as a visualverification code signal 506 on the electronicvisual display 106. FIGS. 7A(1)-7D(1) show a sequence of the 4-bits representative ofword 1 of thedigital verification code 602 ofFIG. 6 . Between times T0 and T1, the visual verification code signal 506 a is highlighted, thereby indicating that the bit between times T0 and T1 of the digitalverification code signal 602 is HIGH. FIG. 7B(1) has the visualverification code signal 506 b being unhighlighted, thereby indicating that the second bit (i.e., bit-1) of the digitalverification code signal 602 is LOW between times T1 and T2. FIG. 7C(1) again has the visual verification code signal 506 a being indicated as highlighted thereby representing that the third bit of the digitalverification code signal 602 is HIGH. FIG. 7D(1) shows the visualverification code signal 506 b as being unhighlighted, thereby indicating that the fourth bit of the digitalverification code signal 602 is LOW. By sensing the illumination of the visualverification code signal 506 from each frame provided by FIGS. 7A(1)-7D(1), a determination may be made that the verification code being represented by the digitalverification code signal 602 and displayed by the visualverification code signal 506 is a hexadecimal number 5H (i.e., 01012). - FIGS. 7A(2)-7D(2) are a sequence of images that illustrate the digital
verification code signal 602 being displayed as a combination of values (e.g., HIGH and LOW). Thevisual region 505 is formed of a visualverification code signal 506 c having two half-regions being inverse from one another. In other words, to represent a HIGH value, shown on FIG. 7A(2), theleft half 506 e of the visualverification code signal 506 c is highlighted and theright half 506 f is unhighlighted. FIG. 7B(2) shows a low bit of the digitalverification code signal 602, whereby theright half 506 f of, the visualverification code signal 506 d is highlighted and theleft half 506 e is unhighlighted. By using a pair of sensors (see,FIG. 8A ) being configured electronically as a differential pair, optical noise from ambient lighting conditions may be reduced in sensing the visualverification code signal 506 illuminated by the electronicvisual display 106. It should be understood that other configurations and/or patterns generated to represent a HIGH value and a LOW value of the digitalverification code signal 602 may be utilized for sensing purposes. - Further, the HIGH and LOW colors may be other than black and white. For example, an operator may desire to verify that the colors (i.e., red, green, blue) of the electronic
visual display 106 are operating properly. To verify the colors, the visualverification code signal 506 may be cycled or selectively turned on independent of the other colors to verify that (i) each color is operating and (2) the intensity of each color is balanced with respect to the other colors. Still yet, the visualverification code signal 506 may be formed to appropriately match other colors surrounding the content identification region to minimize distraction for the viewer as the visualverification code signal 506 is being displayed by the electronicvisual display 106. Another technique for verifying the colors may include applying the colors simultaneously with the substantially same or different intensities and measured accordingly. Sensing and measuring the visualverification code signal 506 may be performed as discussed with regard toFIGS. 8A and 8B . -
FIG. 8A is an exemplary circuit 800 for sensing the visual verification code signals 506 c and 506 d as shown inFIG. 7B . Optical sensors D1 and D2 are disposed or positioned to be illuminated by the left-half 506 e and right-half 506 f of visual verification signals 506 c and 506 d, respectively. A subtractor circuit may be electrically coupled, directly or indirectly, the output of the optical sensors D1 and D2 and utilized to generate a sensed visual verification difference signal 804. More specifically, an operational amplifier U1 is configured to have input terminals 802 a and 802 b coupled to the outputs of the optical sensors D1 and D2, respectively, and is operable to form a sensed visual verification difference signal 804. A second operational amplifier U2 may be utilized to amplify the sensed visual verification difference signal 804 to form a sensed visual verification code signal 806. As understood in the art, a single optical sensor D1 may be utilized to measure a mono-visualverification code signal 506 as provided inFIG. 7A . Accordingly, the use of a single optical sensor D1 would not utilize a subtractor optical operational amplifier U1 to form the sensed visual verification code 806. It should be further understood that rather than using a hardware circuit to perform processing of the visualverification code signal 506 sensed by the optical sensors D1 and D2, that a processor executing software to perform the processing may alternatively be used. - The differential configuration of the optical sensors D1 and D2 may be utilized to detect a difference between the visual
verification code signal 506 in a split format as shown inFIG. 7B . This configuration, however, may not provide for determining color balance between multiple colors, such as red, green, blue, which are the primary or component colors of the electronicvisual display 106, in a parallel and time-sequential manner. To determine the color balance of more than two colors in this dual-sensor configuration, a third color maybe displayed for at least one cycle of the visualverification code signal 506. In other words, color balance may be determined by displaying and measuring multiple colors in a time-sequential manner. -
FIG. 8B is an exemplary circuit 800 b operable to provide for color balance measurements in a parallel manner. As shown, three optical sensors D3, D4, and D5 are utilized to measure independent colors of the visualverification code signal 506. The optical sensors D3-D5 may be configured such that each of the optical sensors D3-D5 is illuminated by the visualverification code signal 506 formed of each of the primary colors (i.e., red, green, blue). If the visual code signal 806 is balanced with each of the primary colors, then each of the optical sensors D3-D5 provides substantially the output voltage or current. To ensure that each of the optical sensors D3-D5 measures only specific colors, filters 804 a-804 c for each color may be utilized for each optical sensor D3-D5. As shown, D3 is configured to sense red light (R), optical sensor D4 is configured to sense green light (G), and optical sensor D5 is configured to sense blue light (B). In other words, by utilizing the filters 804 a-804 c, each optical sensor D3-D5 senses the respective color or frequency that the filters 804 a-804 c do not filter out from the visualverification code signal 506. It should be understood that non-primary colors formed of the primary colors may be displayed and measured utilizing the same or similar technique. - The
processor 246 is electrically coupled to the optical sensors D3-D5 for receiving the outputs of the optical sensors D3-D5. Although the configuration of the optical sensors D3-D5 is shown to directly couple to theprocessor 246, it should be understood that other electrical components, such as D/A converters, may be coupled therebetween such that the optical sensors D3-D5 are still considered to be electrically coupled. The use of A/D converters allows the use of optical sensors D3-D5 with analog outputs and theprocessor 246 to receive the optical sensor output signals 812 a-812 c. Additionally, coupling between the optical sensors D3-D5 and theprocessor 246 may be performed wirelessly via a transmitter and a receiver as understood in the art. - The
processor 246 executes thesoftware 256, which may be utilized to measure or perform other functional operations. For example, theprocessor 246 may be utilized to verify that the optical sensor output signals 812 a-812 c from optical sensors D3-D5 are balanced with regard to color and intensity. Theprocessor 246 may form an average intensity value to form a sensed visual verification code signal 806. Alternatively, three sensed visual verification code signals 806 a-806 c may be communicated for further processing. The sensed visual verification code signal 806 may be applied to a physical connector 816 for communication to the electronicvisual display controller 104 via a wired connection or may be communicated via a transmitter 818 and antenna 820 in a wireless manner as understood in the art. In one embodiment, the sensed visual verification code signal 806 may be communicated to the electronicvisual display controller 104 via theoperational data 116. In another embodiment, the sensed visual verification code signal 806 may be communicated to theoperation server 102 directly. It should be understood that the system configuration may be varied, but that the functionality and/or information being communicated remains the same or similar. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are exemplary timing diagrams for measuring the visualverification code signal 506 ofFIGS. 6-7B in serial and parallel, respectively, for determining (a) the verification code contained in the visualverification code signal 506 and (b) color displayed of the visual content by the electronicvisual display 106 forverification levels 3 and 4.FIG. 9A is illustrative of sensing the visualverification code signal 506 as a mono- or multi-region signal (see,FIGS. 7A and 7B ). Because the use of a single optical sensor or differential pair of optical sensors D1 and D2 provides the ability to measure one or two colors simultaneously, to determine that the full range of colors of the electronicvisual display 106 are being properly displayed and are balanced, the component colors (e.g., red, green, and blue) may be cycled for each of the words of the verification code provided by the digitalverification code signal 602. - Each word of the digital verification code of
FIGS. 9A and 9B is eight bits and represents ASCII code character “G” (71H or 010001112). InFIG. 9A , each word of the visualverification code signal 506 that produce the sensed visualverification code words 804 a, 804 b, and 804 c, are repeated in series for each color, red (between times T0-Tg), green (between times T8-T16), and blue (between times T16-T24). However, it should be understood that there may be a variety of techniques for displaying the visualverification code signal 506 with different colors so as to be able to sense and measure the component or primary colors produced by the electronicvisual display 106. For example, rather than repeating each word of the visualverification code signal 506 in a different color, the entire visualverification code signal 506 may repeat in each of the primary colors. -
FIG. 9B shows the three optical sensors D3-D5 producing outputs of the sensed visual verification code signals 812 a, 812 b, and 812 c, for the component colors red, green, and blue, respectively. As indicated, each of the colors are displayed via the visualverification code signal 506 simultaneously as the configuration of the three optical sensors D3-D5 provides for simultaneous measurement thereof. By performing a simultaneous measurement, the visualverification code signal 506 may be sensed to produce the sensed visual verification code signals 812 a-812 c over a shorter period of time than the sequential case ofFIG. 9A . And, by being able to display the three component colors simultaneously, it may be possible to “blend” the colors to minimize distraction for the viewer. -
FIG. 10A illustrates a flow chart 1000 a describing an operation for theverification level 3 of the visual content being displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. The process starts atstep 1002. Atstep 1004, a digital signal representative of a verification code is converted to a visualverification code signal 506. The visualverification code signal 506 is displayed in relation to avisual content signal 112, where the visualverification code signal 506 may be displayed prior to, in conjunction with, or after thevisual content signal 112. By displaying the visualverification code signal 506 in relation to the visual content signal, knowledge that a particularvisual content signal 112 was displayed may be determined by measuring the visualverification code signal 506. - At
step 1008, the digitalverification code signal 602 displayed as a visualverification code signal 506 is read. In reading the visualverification code signal 506, the illumination of the visualverification code signal 506 may be sensed byoptical sensors 504 and measured by circuitry and/or software. Atstep 1010, a verification code is determined based on the read visualverification code signal 506. The verification code is the code based on a content identifier and generated to form the digitalverification code signal 602. By determining the verification code as represented by the visualverification code signal 506, a high level of certainty as to whichvisual content signal 112 displayed can be made for successfully providingverification level 3. The process forverification level 3 ends at step B. -
FIG. 10B provides for verification level 4 which indicates that a particularvisual content signal 112 is timely and properly displayed on the electronicvisual display 106. The process starts at step B, which is an extension of the process ofFIG. 10A . Atstep 1012, operational parameter(s) are sensed. In sensing the operational parameters, the optical sensor(s) 254 may be utilized to measure operational parameters of the electronicvisual display 106. The process continues at step A ofFIG. 4B so as to determine values of the sensed operational parameters and compare the sensed values with expected operational parameter values to determine (1) the quality of the visual content signal being displayed and (2) perform signature analysis of the operational parameter(s). In one embodiment, signature analysis may be performed by measuring each of the component colors displayed by the visualverification code signal 506. The process ends atstep 1014. - An interaction diagram similar to that of
FIG. 2D may be constructed to provide communication operations between various components forsatisfying verification levels 3 and 4. However, as the steps would be similar or substantially the same as those shown inFIG. 2D in providing for the sensing of the visualverification code signal 506 utilizing theoptical sensor 504, an interaction diagram is omitted, as one of ordinary skill in the art could produce such a diagram utilizing similar techniques. - While the principles of the present invention provide for feedback of parameters associated with the display of the content, it should be understood that feedback of parameters associated with audio may also be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In the case of feeding back audio parameters, measurements of audio characteristics rather than optical characteristics are performed. Such audio characteristics may include fidelity (e.g., static and interference), volume, range dynamics, etc.
- In accordance with verification levels (1) and (2), measurement and knowledge of sensory information, such as audio, being communicated to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic visual display 106) may establish verification that the sensory information (e.g., audio and/or video) is properly communicated and output or played by the electronic device. A transducer or microphone (not shown) may be utilized to sense the audio produced by the electronic
visual display 106 or, optionally, a remotely located radio. In one embodiment, the feedback of the audio measurements may be utilized to verify that the audio is operating properly. The feedback may additionally be fed-back to provide for the volume to automatically be adjusted to a particular level. For example, in the case of the electronicvisual display 106 being located in an aisle of a grocery store, the volume may be adjusted to a predetermined level to enable individuals within a certain distance (e.g., eight feet) to hear the audio being produced by the electronicvisual display 106. - In accordance with verification levels (3) and (4), an audio verification code may cause an audio verification code signal that may or may not be heatable by the human ear (i.e., at a very high or low frequency), but is capable of being produced by a sound system and measured by an audio sensor. The measurement of the audio verification code signal may be fed-back to the
operation server 102 to verify that a particular audio and/or video content is played by the output device (e.g., radio or electronic visual display 106). To further improve the audio verification, speech recognition may be used to detect key words or phrases embedded into the audio content to “blend” the audio verification code into the content itself. - An audio selection flag may be established for each electronic
visual display 106 at theoperation server 102. If the operator of the electronicvisual display 106 does not want to play the audio, the audio selection flag may be set to an OFF state, thereby preventing error conditions from being reported when the measurement of the audio signal from the electronicvisual display 106 results in an OFF condition. Otherwise, an error condition may be reported and the operator may correct the audio problem manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. - The principles of the present invention may be utilized for many different applications. Such applications include, but are not limited to, remote management of electronic visual displays, such as CRTs and electronic billboards, verification of content distributed to electronic visual displays, certification of advertisements displayed on remotely located electronic visual displays, and certification of viewing specific television channels to automatically determine viewing ratings, such as those produced by the Nielsen ratings, to name a few. In the case of producing viewing ratings, the principles of the present invention may be utilized to eliminate the need to “sample” the public based on a few thousand viewers and measure actual viewers of potentially millions of viewers. In performing such viewing ratings, because the principles of the present invention provide for measuring illumination of the verification code, false readings of measuring a channel box without the television being turned on may be eliminated. It should be understood that many, additional applications that utilize the principles of the present invention may be contemplated.
- The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display, said method comprising:
forming a verification code associated with the visual content;
generating a visual verification code signal representative of the verification code;
generating the visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal, the visual image signal including the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed; and
displaying the visual image signal.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming the verification code is performed automatically.
3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising applying the visual verification code signal to the visual content signal for simultaneous display.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein generating the visual image signal includes:
placing the visual content onto a first video track using video editing software;
placing the visual verification code signal onto a second video track using the video editing software; and
creating the visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and visual verification code signal, the visual verification code signal being in a foreground position with respect to the visual content when displayed on the electronic display.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the visual verification code signal is synchronized with a header or starting point of the visual content.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein generating the visual verification code signal includes repeating data representative of the verification code.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein generating the visual verification code signal includes repeating the data representative of the verification code in successive different colors.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein verification code is a content identifier having at least a portion of a name of a data file in which the visual content is stored.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the visual verification code signal includes information in addition to the content identifier.
10. A system for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display, said system comprising:
a storage unit configured to store visual content; and
a processing unit in communication with said storage unit, and configured to execute machine readable instructions, that, when executed by said processing unit, causes said processing unit to:
read the visual content from the storage unit;
display a plurality of video tracks, a first track including the visual content and a second track including a visual verification code signal;
in response to a user commanding to form the visual image signal, generate the visual image signal by combining the first and second video tracks to cause the second video track to be in a foreground position with respect to the first video track; and
display the visual image signal.
11. The system according to claim 10 , wherein when the machine readable instructions are executed by said processing unit, causes said processing unit to generate the visual verification code signal inclusive of data representative of a verification code that includes a content identifier of the visual content.
12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein when the machine readable instructions are executed by said processing unit, causes said processing unit to generate the visual verification code signal with repeating verification codes, wherein each successively repeating data representative of the verification code has a different color than the previous data representative of the verification code.
13. The system according to claim 11 , wherein when the machine readable instructions are executed by said processing unit, causes said processing unit to generate the visual verification code signal inclusive the content identifier and additional information.
14. A method for producing a visual image signal for verification of visual content contained in the visual image signal being displayed on an electronic display, said method comprising:
generating a visual verification code signal representative of a verification code;
generating the visual image signal inclusive of the visual content and the visual verification code signal, the visual image signal includes the visual verification code signal so as to be visible to a human eye when displayed; and
displaying the visual image signal.
15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein generating the visual image signal includes:
placing the visual content onto a first video track using video editing software;
placing visual verification code signal onto a second video track using the video editing software; and
causing the visual verification code signal on the second video track to be displayed in a foreground position with respect to the visual content.
16. The method according to claim 14 , further comprising generating the verification code inclusive of a content identifier.
17. The method according to claim 16 , wherein generating the visual verification code signal includes repeating data representative of the verification code.
18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein generating the visual verification code signal includes repeating the data representative of the verification code in successive different colors.
19. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the content identifier is an identifier of a product being displayed in the visual content.
20. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the verification code includes the content identifier and additional information.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/099,175 US20110209171A1 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2011-05-02 | System and method for producing a visual image signal for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US34162601P | 2001-12-17 | 2001-12-17 | |
US10/265,512 US7614065B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2002-10-03 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
US12/549,139 US7937723B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2009-08-27 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display by measuring an operational parameter of the electronic visual display while displaying the content |
US13/099,175 US20110209171A1 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2011-05-02 | System and method for producing a visual image signal for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/549,139 Continuation US7937723B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2009-08-27 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display by measuring an operational parameter of the electronic visual display while displaying the content |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110209171A1 true US20110209171A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 |
Family
ID=26951249
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/265,512 Expired - Fee Related US7614065B2 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2002-10-03 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
US12/549,139 Expired - Lifetime US7937723B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2009-08-27 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display by measuring an operational parameter of the electronic visual display while displaying the content |
US13/099,175 Abandoned US20110209171A1 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2011-05-02 | System and method for producing a visual image signal for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/265,512 Expired - Fee Related US7614065B2 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2002-10-03 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
US12/549,139 Expired - Lifetime US7937723B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2009-08-27 | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display by measuring an operational parameter of the electronic visual display while displaying the content |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US7614065B2 (en) |
AR (1) | AR037861A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002361766A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2510642A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW200403940A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003052734A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110023691A1 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2011-02-03 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance-related information output device, system including musical performance-related information output device, and electronic musical instrument |
US20110033061A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2011-02-10 | Yamaha Corporation | Audio signal processing device, audio signal processing system, and audio signal processing method |
US20130347019A1 (en) * | 2011-03-30 | 2013-12-26 | Thomson Licensing | Method for image playback verification |
US9029676B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2015-05-12 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical score device that identifies and displays a musical score from emitted sound and a method thereof |
US9040801B2 (en) | 2011-09-25 | 2015-05-26 | Yamaha Corporation | Displaying content in relation to music reproduction by means of information processing apparatus independent of music reproduction apparatus |
US9082382B2 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2015-07-14 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance apparatus and musical performance program |
CN105183299A (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2015-12-23 | 珠海许继芝电网自动化有限公司 | Human-computer interface service processing system and method |
WO2019045543A1 (en) * | 2017-09-04 | 2019-03-07 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Display apparatus, content managing apparatus, content managing system, and content managing method |
Families Citing this family (91)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030229549A1 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2003-12-11 | Automated Media Services, Inc. | System and method for providing for out-of-home advertising utilizing a satellite network |
US7614065B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2009-11-03 | Automated Media Services, Inc. | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
US7039931B2 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2006-05-02 | Nielsen Media Research, Inc. | Multi-market broadcast tracking, management and reporting method and system |
US7624409B2 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2009-11-24 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Multi-market broadcast tracking, management and reporting method and system |
JP4096906B2 (en) * | 2003-05-14 | 2008-06-04 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Failure prediction notification printer, printer management server, failure prediction notification system, failure prediction notification program and failure prediction notification method using them |
US9027043B2 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2015-05-05 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to detect an operating state of a display |
US7786987B2 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2010-08-31 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to detect an operating state of a display based on visible light |
ATE331396T1 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2006-07-15 | Cit Alcatel | METHOD OF DISPLAYING CONTENT |
US8938396B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2015-01-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | System for inventory management |
US9818148B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2017-11-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | In-store item alert architecture |
US10339495B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2019-07-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | System for inventory management |
US9898712B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2018-02-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Continuous display shelf edge label device |
US8027458B1 (en) | 2004-04-06 | 2011-09-27 | Tuvox, Inc. | Voice response system with live agent assisted information selection and machine playback |
US20050267932A1 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2005-12-01 | Joshua Paul | Verification system determining whether a predefined segment within a media program has been displayed |
KR101248577B1 (en) * | 2004-08-09 | 2013-03-28 | 닐슨 미디어 리서치 인코퍼레이티드 | Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources |
CN101278568B (en) | 2005-08-16 | 2010-12-15 | 尼尔森(美国)有限公司 | Display device on/off detection methods and apparatus |
US8966517B2 (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2015-02-24 | Forefront Assets Limited Liability Company | Method, system and program product for broadcast operations utilizing internet protocol and digital artifacts |
US7412355B2 (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2008-08-12 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | Analog display of signal swing and logic analyzer thresholds |
US8466859B1 (en) * | 2005-12-06 | 2013-06-18 | Nvidia Corporation | Display illumination response time compensation system and method |
FR2906667B1 (en) * | 2006-10-02 | 2009-01-16 | Eastman Kodak Co | PRODUCTION OF VISUAL CODES FOR THE MATCHING OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. |
US8924992B2 (en) * | 2007-12-05 | 2014-12-30 | Ds-Iq, Inc. | System and method for independent media auditing and media serving for marketing campaigns presented via media devices in public places |
US8027999B2 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2011-09-27 | International Business Machines Corporation | Systems, methods and computer program products for indexing, searching and visualizing media content |
US8438268B2 (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2013-05-07 | Ca, Inc. | Method and apparatus for alert prioritization on high value end points |
EP2308019A4 (en) * | 2008-06-12 | 2012-01-11 | Ryan Steelberg | Barcode advertising |
ES2363020B1 (en) * | 2008-08-07 | 2012-05-25 | Bkb Electronica, S.A. | SYSTEM FOR VISUALIZATION OF INFORMATION GENERATED BY A FLEET CONTROL SERVICE IN A NETWORK OF INFORMATIVE POSTS. |
US8180712B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2012-05-15 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus for determining whether a media presentation device is in an on state or an off state |
EP2335206A1 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2011-06-22 | Ryan Steelberg | On-site barcode advertising |
US8793717B2 (en) | 2008-10-31 | 2014-07-29 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Probabilistic methods and apparatus to determine the state of a media device |
US20100169908A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-01 | Nielsen Christen V | Methods and apparatus to enforce a power off state of an audience measurement device during shipping |
US8375404B2 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2013-02-12 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to enforce a power off state of an audience measurement device during shipping |
US8156517B2 (en) | 2008-12-30 | 2012-04-10 | The Nielsen Company (U.S.), Llc | Methods and apparatus to enforce a power off state of an audience measurement device during shipping |
US9812047B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2017-11-07 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for remotely monitoring the operating life of electronic displays |
EP2396964A4 (en) * | 2009-02-16 | 2013-02-20 | Mri Inc | Display characteristic feedback loop |
US8296657B2 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2012-10-23 | Sony Corporation | Random image selection without viewing duplication |
US8849612B2 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2014-09-30 | Fourthwall Media, Inc. | System and method of substituting parameter sets in self-contained mini-applications |
US20110188582A1 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2011-08-04 | VIZIO Inc. | Pixel based three-dimensional encoding method |
KR20110092411A (en) * | 2010-02-09 | 2011-08-18 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Apparatus and method for providing extended network community service |
EP2439943A1 (en) * | 2010-10-07 | 2012-04-11 | Nagravision S.A. | System and method to prevent manipulation of transmitted video data |
US20120023516A1 (en) * | 2010-07-21 | 2012-01-26 | Robert Wolinsky | System and method for verifying home television audience viewership via a set-top box |
JP4969705B1 (en) * | 2011-03-18 | 2012-07-04 | 三菱電機株式会社 | In-train information display device, in-train information display system, and advertisement display result determination method |
US8751318B2 (en) * | 2011-05-30 | 2014-06-10 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Method for managing and/or controlling store and system for the same |
US8650588B2 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2014-02-11 | International Business Machines Corporation | End-to end proof of display |
AU2012327192C1 (en) | 2011-12-19 | 2016-07-07 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus for crediting a media presentation device |
US9692535B2 (en) | 2012-02-20 | 2017-06-27 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus for automatic TV on/off detection |
US8928607B1 (en) * | 2012-05-29 | 2015-01-06 | Google Inc. | Handheld input device for a computer |
DE102012105639A1 (en) * | 2012-06-27 | 2014-01-02 | Wachendorff Elektronik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method for verifying display given on electronic display device of electronic display system, involves transmitting reference signals for display on evaluation unit from display control unit which generates display information |
US20140032686A1 (en) * | 2012-07-25 | 2014-01-30 | Todd Lindsay Wirth | System and methods for a remotely changeable non-virtual personal message board for an unknown audience |
US9959548B2 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2018-05-01 | Sprinklr, Inc. | Method and system for generating social signal vocabularies |
US9742576B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2017-08-22 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Method for proof of play (PoP) of digital signage content |
US9025015B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2015-05-05 | Convergent Media Systems Corporation | Verification of playout of signage |
US8813154B1 (en) * | 2012-12-07 | 2014-08-19 | American Megatrends, Inc. | Injecting a code into video data without or with limited human perception by flashing the code |
ITRM20120630A1 (en) * | 2012-12-11 | 2014-06-12 | Taggalo S R L | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE DISPLAY OF VIDEO CONTENTS |
US20140193084A1 (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2014-07-10 | Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. | Content validation analysis method and apparatus |
US10357118B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2019-07-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Systems and methods for merchandizing electronic displays |
US10235596B2 (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2019-03-19 | Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University | System and method for transferring data using image code, outputting image code on display device, and decoding image code |
US10839020B2 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2020-11-17 | Netspective Communications Llc | Multi-source user generated electronic data integration in a blockchain-based transactional system |
US11182738B2 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2021-11-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | System for inventory management |
US11109692B2 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2021-09-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Systems and methods for merchandizing electronic displays |
US10319408B2 (en) | 2015-03-30 | 2019-06-11 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Monolithic display with separately controllable sections |
US9924224B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2018-03-20 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device |
US10922736B2 (en) | 2015-05-15 | 2021-02-16 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Smart electronic display for restaurants |
US10269156B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2019-04-23 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for blending order confirmation over menu board background |
US10147098B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2018-12-04 | Chromera, Inc. | Symbol verification for an intelligent label device |
AU2016321400B2 (en) | 2015-09-10 | 2019-05-30 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for systemic detection of display errors |
US20170150140A1 (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2017-05-25 | Rohde & Schwarz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Measuring media stream switching based on barcode images |
US10097819B2 (en) | 2015-11-23 | 2018-10-09 | Rohde & Schwarz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Testing system, testing method, computer program product, and non-transitory computer readable data carrier |
US10599631B2 (en) | 2015-11-23 | 2020-03-24 | Rohde & Schwarz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Logging system and method for logging |
US10021455B2 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2018-07-10 | Sir Koko, LLC | System for identifying content and determining viewership thereof and associated methods |
US10319271B2 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2019-06-11 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Cyclic redundancy check for electronic displays |
WO2017205501A1 (en) * | 2016-05-26 | 2017-11-30 | Chromera, Inc. | Symbol verification for an intelligent label device |
KR102204132B1 (en) | 2016-05-31 | 2021-01-18 | 매뉴팩처링 리소시스 인터내셔널 인코포레이티드 | Electronic display remote image verification system and method |
US10510304B2 (en) | 2016-08-10 | 2019-12-17 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Dynamic dimming LED backlight for LCD array |
US11042155B2 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2021-06-22 | Plusai Limited | Method and system for closed loop perception in autonomous driving vehicles |
US11392133B2 (en) | 2017-06-06 | 2022-07-19 | Plusai, Inc. | Method and system for object centric stereo in autonomous driving vehicles |
US10397617B2 (en) | 2017-11-16 | 2019-08-27 | Nxp Usa, Inc. | Graphical display content monitor |
DE102017220571A1 (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2019-05-23 | Siemens Mobility GmbH | Arrangement and method for checking the function of a display device |
FR3078849B1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2020-03-27 | Jcdecaux Sa | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING A LIGHT-CODE MESSAGE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF VERIFYING THE POSTER OF A CONTENT BY AN ELECTRONIC SCREEN |
TWI675590B (en) * | 2018-04-09 | 2019-10-21 | 緯創資通股份有限公司 | System and method for proof of play |
US10908863B2 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2021-02-02 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for providing access to co-located operations data for an electronic display |
US11645029B2 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2023-05-09 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Systems and methods for remotely monitoring electronic displays |
FR3082644B1 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-26 | Jcdecaux Sa | METHOD FOR VERIFYING THE DISPLAY OF CONTENT BY A DIGITAL DISPLAY DEVICE AND DIGITAL DISPLAY SYSTEM. |
KR20200079835A (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2020-07-06 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Display system for calculating advertising costs |
WO2020154662A1 (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2020-07-30 | Outdoorlink, Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring electronic displays |
US11670202B2 (en) | 2019-01-24 | 2023-06-06 | Outdoorlink, Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring electronic displays |
US11402940B2 (en) | 2019-02-25 | 2022-08-02 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Monitoring the status of a touchscreen |
US11137847B2 (en) | 2019-02-25 | 2021-10-05 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Monitoring the status of a touchscreen |
GB2583366B (en) * | 2019-04-25 | 2023-05-24 | Vojo Ip Ltd | System and method of verifying display of visual information |
US11921010B2 (en) | 2021-07-28 | 2024-03-05 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Display assemblies with differential pressure sensors |
US11965804B2 (en) | 2021-07-28 | 2024-04-23 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Display assemblies with differential pressure sensors |
US11895362B2 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2024-02-06 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Proof of play for images displayed at electronic displays |
US11972672B1 (en) | 2022-10-26 | 2024-04-30 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Display assemblies providing open and unlatched alerts, systems and methods for the same |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6173317B1 (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 2001-01-09 | Microsoft Corporation | Streaming and displaying a video stream with synchronized annotations over a computer network |
US20020190972A1 (en) * | 2001-05-17 | 2002-12-19 | Ven De Van Antony | Display screen performance or content verification methods and apparatus |
Family Cites Families (183)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2626301A (en) | 1949-01-29 | 1953-01-20 | Gen Electric | Bus duct system of power distribution |
US2969438A (en) | 1957-06-17 | 1961-01-24 | Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd | Busway system including roller hangers |
US3210716A (en) | 1962-08-16 | 1965-10-05 | Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd | Bus structure |
US3159937A (en) | 1962-09-27 | 1964-12-08 | L P T Systems Inc | Advertising device |
US3504172A (en) | 1967-06-15 | 1970-03-31 | Milton Liberman | Lighting fixture supporting and wiring channels |
US3680030A (en) | 1971-03-30 | 1972-07-25 | Ernest E Johnson | Electrical outlet trolley |
US4245874A (en) | 1979-03-05 | 1981-01-20 | Mcgraw-Edison | Flexible connector assembly for track lighting system |
US4489995A (en) | 1981-08-14 | 1984-12-25 | Tyler Refrigeration Corporation | Adjustable electrical outlet assembly |
US4472707A (en) | 1982-06-18 | 1984-09-18 | Allied Corporation | Display processor digital automatic gain control providing enhanced resolution and accuracy |
US4775857A (en) * | 1985-05-17 | 1988-10-04 | Honeywell Inc. | On-line verification of video display generator |
US4747025A (en) | 1986-09-30 | 1988-05-24 | Barton Daniel W | Low voltage lighting fixture with track electrodes |
DE8707756U1 (en) | 1987-05-30 | 1987-08-20 | Schladitz, Klaus, 8201 Prutting | Low-voltage rail with attachable spotlight |
FR2621158B1 (en) | 1987-09-28 | 1993-03-19 | Thomson Semiconducteurs | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE CONTENT AND / OR DURATION OF THE DISPLAY OF ADVERTISING MESSAGES |
US5309174A (en) | 1987-10-13 | 1994-05-03 | Motorola, Inc. | Electronic display system |
US4887401A (en) | 1988-04-18 | 1989-12-19 | Gioscia Thomas J | Knock down partition wall assembly |
FR2639410A1 (en) | 1988-11-23 | 1990-05-25 | Etudes Realis Qualite Habitat | Assembly for fixing an operational member on to any support structure whatsoever |
US4891922A (en) | 1988-12-23 | 1990-01-09 | Haworth, Inc. | Top cap for panel |
US5572653A (en) | 1989-05-16 | 1996-11-05 | Rest Manufacturing, Inc. | Remote electronic information display system for retail facility |
US4961533A (en) | 1989-09-27 | 1990-10-09 | Viac Inc. | Inventory control system |
US6202334B1 (en) | 1999-01-28 | 2001-03-20 | Randy Reynolds | Point-of-purchase advertising by a cantilevered display mechanism and related methods |
US20020073588A1 (en) | 1990-06-11 | 2002-06-20 | Reynolds Randy B. | Point-of-purchase advertising by a cantilevered display mechanism and related methods |
US6438882B1 (en) | 1990-06-11 | 2002-08-27 | Randy B. Reynolds | Lighted flexible display device having a battery supply mount |
US6829854B2 (en) | 1990-06-11 | 2004-12-14 | Randy B. Reynolds | Lighted flexible display device having a battery supply mount |
US5061997A (en) | 1990-06-21 | 1991-10-29 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Control of visible conditions in a spatial environment |
US5070666A (en) | 1990-09-18 | 1991-12-10 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Top cap insert for a wall panel in a space divider system |
US5172314A (en) | 1991-05-03 | 1992-12-15 | Electronic Retailing Systems International | Apparatus for communicating price changes including printer and display devices |
US5321579A (en) | 1991-07-19 | 1994-06-14 | Teknion Furniture Systems | Office panelling system with a monitor screen mounted on a cantilevered adjustable arm |
US5245534A (en) | 1991-09-10 | 1993-09-14 | Ers Associates Limited Partnership | Electronic tag location systems |
US5461561A (en) | 1991-09-10 | 1995-10-24 | Electronic Retailing Systems International Inc. | System for recognizing display devices |
US5734823A (en) | 1991-11-04 | 1998-03-31 | Microtome, Inc. | Systems and apparatus for electronic communication and storage of information |
US5241467A (en) | 1992-04-30 | 1993-08-31 | Ers Associates Limited Partnership | Space management system |
US5412416A (en) | 1992-08-07 | 1995-05-02 | Nbl Communications, Inc. | Video media distribution network apparatus and method |
US5473832A (en) | 1992-10-23 | 1995-12-12 | Electronic Retailing Information Systems Int'l Inc. | Non-slidable display label |
US5396027A (en) | 1992-11-12 | 1995-03-07 | Dekko Engineering, Inc. | Strip electrical system |
US5632010A (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1997-05-20 | Electronic Retailing Systems, Inc. | Technique for communicating with electronic labels in an electronic price display system |
US5704049A (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1997-12-30 | Electronic Retailing Systems International Inc. | Subglobal area addressing for electronic price displays |
US5306165A (en) | 1993-01-27 | 1994-04-26 | Jacques Nadeau | Electric distributing system |
JP3334211B2 (en) | 1993-02-10 | 2002-10-15 | 株式会社日立製作所 | display |
US5532465A (en) | 1993-03-15 | 1996-07-02 | Electronic Retailing Systems International, Inc. | Technique for locating electronic labels in an electronic price display system |
US5374815A (en) | 1993-03-15 | 1994-12-20 | Electronic Retailing Systems Int'l Inc. | Technique for locating electronic labels in an electronic price display system |
US5553412A (en) | 1993-03-25 | 1996-09-10 | Electronic Retailing Systems International, Inc. | Information display rail system |
US5348485A (en) | 1993-04-12 | 1994-09-20 | Electronic Retailing Systems Int'l Inc. | Electronic price display system with vertical rail |
US5636750A (en) | 1993-05-10 | 1997-06-10 | Richards-Wilcox, Inc. | Method and apparatus for automatically locating an item in a movable storage system |
CA2096663A1 (en) | 1993-05-20 | 1994-11-21 | Stephen Brnjac | Advertising display system |
US6061039A (en) | 1993-06-21 | 2000-05-09 | Ryan; Paul | Globally-addressable matrix of electronic circuit elements |
US5555405A (en) | 1993-07-06 | 1996-09-10 | Digital Equipment Corporation | Method and apparatus for free space management in a forwarding database having forwarding entry sets and multiple free space segment queues |
US5761601A (en) | 1993-08-09 | 1998-06-02 | Nemirofsky; Frank R. | Video distribution of advertisements to businesses |
US5736967A (en) | 1993-09-03 | 1998-04-07 | Kayser Ventures, Ltd. | Article-information display system using electronically controlled tags |
US6181299B1 (en) | 1993-09-03 | 2001-01-30 | Display Edge Technology, Ltd. | Power and communication system for electronic display tags |
US5420606A (en) | 1993-09-20 | 1995-05-30 | Begum; Paul G. | Instant electronic coupon verification system |
ATE164717T1 (en) | 1993-10-27 | 1998-04-15 | Princeton Video Image Inc | DOWNWARD CONTROL OF AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY PANEL |
US5448226A (en) | 1994-02-24 | 1995-09-05 | Electronic Retailing Systems International, Inc. | Shelf talker management system |
US5642484A (en) | 1994-05-13 | 1997-06-24 | Captive Communications, Inc. | Pump top advertisement distribution and display system with performance and sales information feedback |
US6130603A (en) | 1994-06-13 | 2000-10-10 | Ers International, Inc. | Low-powered RF-linked price display system |
US5499040A (en) | 1994-06-27 | 1996-03-12 | Radius Inc. | Method and apparatus for display calibration and control |
US5566353A (en) | 1994-09-06 | 1996-10-15 | Bylon Company Limited | Point of purchase video distribution system |
US5828318A (en) | 1996-05-08 | 1998-10-27 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for selecting a subset of autonomous and independent slave entities |
US5673037A (en) | 1994-09-09 | 1997-09-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for radio frequency tag group select |
US6812852B1 (en) | 1994-09-09 | 2004-11-02 | Intermac Ip Corp. | System and method for selecting a subset of autonomous and independent slave entities |
US5760838A (en) | 1994-09-30 | 1998-06-02 | Intel Corporation | Method and system for configuring a display |
JPH08107389A (en) | 1994-10-04 | 1996-04-23 | Hitachi Ltd | Video information toll charging system |
DE4439074C2 (en) | 1994-11-02 | 1998-09-17 | Pricer Ab | System for electronic price display |
CA2210237A1 (en) | 1995-01-13 | 1996-07-18 | Gary R. Cantu | Solar powered price display system |
EP0813777A1 (en) | 1995-03-06 | 1997-12-29 | Electronic Retailing Systems International, Inc. | Low-power two-way wireless communication system for electronic shelf labels |
US5913040A (en) | 1995-08-22 | 1999-06-15 | Backweb Ltd. | Method and apparatus for transmitting and displaying information between a remote network and a local computer |
US5703564A (en) | 1995-11-21 | 1997-12-30 | Klever-Kart, Inc. | Mobile advertising device with electronic transmission capabilities |
EP0864232A4 (en) | 1995-11-30 | 2002-02-20 | Tagnology Inc | Electronic retail price tag system |
US5818346A (en) | 1996-02-16 | 1998-10-06 | Ncr Corporation | Method of locating electronic price labels in transaction establishments |
US5758064A (en) | 1996-03-26 | 1998-05-26 | Ncr Corporation | Method of diagnosing communication problems of electronic price labels |
US5999912A (en) | 1996-05-01 | 1999-12-07 | Wodarz; Dennis | Dynamic advertising scheduling, display, and tracking |
KR100274434B1 (en) | 1996-07-05 | 2000-12-15 | 모리시타 요이찌 | Method for display time stamping and synchronization of multiple video object planes |
US6108637A (en) | 1996-09-03 | 2000-08-22 | Nielsen Media Research, Inc. | Content display monitor |
US6236335B1 (en) | 1996-09-17 | 2001-05-22 | Ncr Corporation | System and method of tracking short range transmitters |
US5845074A (en) | 1996-11-22 | 1998-12-01 | E-Parcel, Llc | Smart internet information delivery system having a server automatically detects and schedules data transmission based on status of clients CPU |
US5930771A (en) | 1996-12-20 | 1999-07-27 | Stapp; Dennis Stephen | Inventory control and remote monitoring apparatus and method for coin-operable vending machines |
US6300980B1 (en) | 1997-02-19 | 2001-10-09 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Computer system design for distance viewing of information and media and extensions to display data channel for control panel interface |
US6377938B1 (en) | 1997-02-27 | 2002-04-23 | Real-Time Billing, Inc. | Real time subscriber billing system and method |
CA2412347C (en) | 1997-03-12 | 2008-08-05 | Verticore Communications Ltd. | Information display system |
US6038545A (en) | 1997-03-17 | 2000-03-14 | Frankel & Company | Systems, methods and computer program products for generating digital multimedia store displays and menu boards |
US6144944A (en) | 1997-04-24 | 2000-11-07 | Imgis, Inc. | Computer system for efficiently selecting and providing information |
FR2765018B1 (en) | 1997-06-18 | 1999-10-01 | Rasec Communication Sa | ELECTRONIC DISPLAY LABEL SYSTEM |
US6292827B1 (en) | 1997-06-20 | 2001-09-18 | Shore Technologies (1999) Inc. | Information transfer systems and method with dynamic distribution of data, control and management of information |
US5963133A (en) | 1997-07-18 | 1999-10-05 | Monjo; Nicolas | Electronic tag |
US6107936A (en) | 1997-07-29 | 2000-08-22 | Ncr Corporation | Electronic price label system including an electronic price label for attracting customers |
WO1999008216A1 (en) | 1997-08-08 | 1999-02-18 | Pics Previews, Inc. | Method and apparatus for distributing audiovisual content |
US6046682A (en) | 1997-09-29 | 2000-04-04 | Ncr Corporation | Electronic price label including noisemaker and method of locating electronic price labels |
US6594311B1 (en) | 1997-10-20 | 2003-07-15 | Hitachi America, Ltd. | Methods for reduced cost insertion of video subwindows into compressed video |
CN1281606A (en) | 1997-11-14 | 2001-01-24 | 世界空间管理公司 | Signaling protocol for satellite direct radio broadcast system |
US6035437A (en) | 1997-12-17 | 2000-03-07 | Ncr Corporation | Communication device and method for electronic price label systems |
JPH11191894A (en) * | 1997-12-25 | 1999-07-13 | Toshiba Corp | Automatic luminance correction device |
US5955710A (en) | 1998-01-20 | 1999-09-21 | Captivate Network, Inc. | Information distribution system for use in an elevator |
US6148291A (en) | 1998-01-26 | 2000-11-14 | K & T Of Lorain, Ltd. | Container and inventory monitoring methods and systems |
US6112232A (en) | 1998-01-27 | 2000-08-29 | Phasecom Ltd. | Data communication device for CATV networks |
JP3936481B2 (en) | 1998-01-31 | 2007-06-27 | 株式会社リコー | Content distribution apparatus and content distribution method |
US6038594A (en) | 1998-02-02 | 2000-03-14 | Loral Cyberstar, Inc. | Internet communication system and method with asymmetric terrestrial and satellite links |
BE1011839A3 (en) | 1998-03-17 | 2000-02-01 | Bakkioui Habiba | Method and device for displaying prices of merchandise in shops, supermarkets and the like |
US6330976B1 (en) | 1998-04-01 | 2001-12-18 | Xerox Corporation | Marking medium area with encoded identifier for producing action through network |
CA2243064A1 (en) | 1998-04-24 | 1999-10-24 | Angelo Lighting Co., Inc. | Lighting fixture display |
US6384736B1 (en) | 1998-04-30 | 2002-05-07 | Dave Gothard | Remote control electronic display system |
DE69942598D1 (en) | 1998-04-30 | 2010-09-02 | David Gothard | Remote-controlled electronic display system |
WO1999060504A1 (en) | 1998-05-15 | 1999-11-25 | Unicast Communications Corporation | A technique for implementing browser-initiated network-distributed advertising and for interstitially displaying an advertisement |
US6892223B1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2005-05-10 | Bandai Co., Ltd. | System and method of displaying information on desktop |
US6142322A (en) | 1998-05-26 | 2000-11-07 | Ers International, Inc. | Plastic shelf rails for electronic shelf labels and locking clips for attaching same to metal shelves |
US6947987B2 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 2005-09-20 | Ncr Corporation | Method and apparatus for allocating network resources and changing the allocation based on dynamic workload changes |
US6288688B1 (en) | 1998-06-25 | 2001-09-11 | Elevating Communications, Inc. | System for distribution and display of advertisements within elevator cars |
US6076071A (en) | 1998-07-06 | 2000-06-13 | Automated Business Companies | Automated synchronous product pricing and advertising system |
US6263440B1 (en) | 1998-07-10 | 2001-07-17 | International Business Machines Corporation | Tracking and protection of display monitors by reporting their identity |
IT244498Y1 (en) | 1998-08-05 | 2002-03-12 | Ciesse Sistemi Srl | COLOR ELECTRONIC BOARD, CAN BE USED ON THE NET, WITH TRANSMISSION AND / OR SATELLITE OF ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC VARIABLE MESSAGES |
US6146158A (en) | 1998-09-14 | 2000-11-14 | Tagnology, Inc. | Self-adjusting shelf mounted interconnect for a digital display |
US6311213B2 (en) | 1998-10-27 | 2001-10-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method for server-to-server data storage in a network environment |
US6892650B2 (en) | 2001-06-22 | 2005-05-17 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Movable display support system |
US6060993A (en) | 1998-11-03 | 2000-05-09 | Adapt Media, Inc. | Mobile display system |
US6236330B1 (en) | 1998-11-03 | 2001-05-22 | Adapt Media, Inc. | Mobile display system |
US6408278B1 (en) | 1998-11-10 | 2002-06-18 | I-Open.Com, Llc | System and method for delivering out-of-home programming |
CN1245291C (en) | 1998-11-14 | 2006-03-15 | 萨尔技术有限公司 | Droplet deposition apparatus |
US6233536B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2001-05-15 | General Electric Company | Remote lifecycle monitoring of electronic boards/software routines |
US6208977B1 (en) | 1998-12-04 | 2001-03-27 | Apogee Networks, Inc. | Accounting and billing based on network use |
US6160477A (en) | 1999-01-09 | 2000-12-12 | Heat-Timer Corp. | Electronic message delivery system utilizable in the monitoring of remote equipment and method of same |
US6662483B2 (en) | 1999-01-28 | 2003-12-16 | Randy B. Reynolds | Point-of-purchase advertising by a cantilevered display mechanism with an under-the-shelf battery and related methods |
US6598056B1 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2003-07-22 | Honeywell International Inc. | Remotely accessible building information system |
US6381626B1 (en) | 1999-04-22 | 2002-04-30 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | ATM video advertising |
US6424998B2 (en) | 1999-04-28 | 2002-07-23 | World Theatre, Inc. | System permitting the display of video or still image content on selected displays of an electronic display network according to customer dictates |
US6792615B1 (en) | 1999-05-19 | 2004-09-14 | New Horizons Telecasting, Inc. | Encapsulated, streaming media automation and distribution system |
US6502076B1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2002-12-31 | Ncr Corporation | System and methods for determining and displaying product promotions |
US6353398B1 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 2002-03-05 | Himanshu S. Amin | System for dynamically pushing information to a user utilizing global positioning system |
IT249928Y1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2003-06-09 | Ciesse Sistemi Srl | MONOBLOCK COLOR ELECTRONIC BOARD, USABLE INDIVIDUALLY OR NETWORK, FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF ADVERTISING AND VARIABLE MESSAGES |
US6351776B1 (en) | 1999-11-04 | 2002-02-26 | Xdrive, Inc. | Shared internet storage resource, user interface system, and method |
JP2001229283A (en) | 2000-02-16 | 2001-08-24 | Internatl Business Mach Corp <Ibm> | Network system, auction server, digital content distribution system, and digital content distribution method |
DE20004924U1 (en) | 2000-02-28 | 2000-07-06 | Brief, Jakob, Dr., 60435 Frankfurt | Digital advertising poster |
KR100307723B1 (en) | 2000-03-21 | 2001-11-03 | 이재원 | An Advertiser Driven Advertising Method and the Operating System on both the Wireless Internet and the Internet |
US6438368B1 (en) | 2000-03-30 | 2002-08-20 | Ikadega, Inc. | Information distribution system and method |
EP1281252A4 (en) | 2000-04-07 | 2007-07-04 | Clarity Visual Systems Inc | System for electronically distributing, displaying and controlling advertising and other communicative media |
US7136906B2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2006-11-14 | Clarity Visual Systems, Inc. | System for electronically distributing, displaying and controlling the play scheduling of advertising and other communicative media |
EP1152614A2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2001-11-07 | Hughes Electronics Corporation | Digital over-the-air entertainment and information |
JP4567153B2 (en) | 2000-07-07 | 2010-10-20 | 株式会社アイオイ・システム | Two-wire remote control system and two-wire display device |
US6279278B1 (en) | 2000-09-01 | 2001-08-28 | Anderson Hickey Company | Top cap arrangement for upright wall panel |
US6749116B2 (en) | 2000-09-19 | 2004-06-15 | Michael J. Massaro | Display system for store shelves |
US6648153B2 (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2003-11-18 | Supplypro, Inc. | Supply cabinet |
US8032542B2 (en) | 2000-10-26 | 2011-10-04 | Reynolds Mark L | Creating, verifying, managing, and using original digital files |
IL146597A0 (en) | 2001-11-20 | 2002-08-14 | Gordon Goren | Method and system for creating meaningful summaries from interrelated sets of information |
US6715676B1 (en) | 2000-11-28 | 2004-04-06 | Ncr Corporation | Methods and apparatus for an electronic price label system |
US20020077909A1 (en) * | 2000-11-28 | 2002-06-20 | Navic Systems, Inc. | Precasting promotions in a multimedia network |
US20020109729A1 (en) | 2000-12-14 | 2002-08-15 | Rabindranath Dutta | Integrating content with virtual advertisements using vector graphics images obtainable on the web |
US20020077896A1 (en) | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-20 | Te-Kai Liu | Method and apparatus for an electronic billboard system |
US20020087401A1 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2002-07-04 | Gateway, Inc. | System and method for targeted advertising |
US20020085300A1 (en) | 2001-01-04 | 2002-07-04 | Bracken Allen T. | Information storage device with a removable cartridge, and a method of operating it |
US6920727B2 (en) | 2001-02-14 | 2005-07-26 | Haworth, Inc. | Wall panel arrangement with accessory-supporting top cap |
WO2002076097A1 (en) | 2001-03-20 | 2002-09-26 | Intellocity Usa, Inc. | Video combiner |
US20020178445A1 (en) | 2001-04-03 | 2002-11-28 | Charles Eldering | Subscriber selected advertisement display and scheduling |
WO2002095600A1 (en) | 2001-05-24 | 2002-11-28 | Electronic Advertising Solutions Innovators, Inc. Dba Easi, Inc. | System and method for managing in-theater display advertisements |
US6988667B2 (en) | 2001-05-31 | 2006-01-24 | Alien Technology Corporation | Methods and apparatuses to identify devices |
US20020180588A1 (en) | 2001-06-05 | 2002-12-05 | Erickson David P. | Radio frequency identification in document management |
US20030051415A1 (en) | 2001-06-16 | 2003-03-20 | Matt Remelts | Accessories for a workspace |
US7098870B2 (en) | 2001-06-29 | 2006-08-29 | Novus Partners Llc | Advertising method for dynamic billboards |
US6535119B1 (en) | 2001-06-29 | 2003-03-18 | Ncr Corporation | System and method of managing failure of an electronic shelf label to respond to a message |
US7084765B2 (en) | 2001-07-12 | 2006-08-01 | Intel Corporation | Processor-based positioning system |
US7457359B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2008-11-25 | Mabey Danny L | Systems, devices and methods for securely distributing highly-compressed multimedia content |
US7302102B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2007-11-27 | Reynolds Jodie L | System and method for dynamically switching quality settings of a codec to maintain a target data rate |
US7457358B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2008-11-25 | Interact Devices, Inc. | Polymorphic codec system and method |
US7599434B2 (en) | 2001-09-26 | 2009-10-06 | Reynolds Jodie L | System and method for compressing portions of a media signal using different codecs |
US7193504B2 (en) | 2001-10-09 | 2007-03-20 | Alien Technology Corporation | Methods and apparatuses for identification |
US20030229549A1 (en) | 2001-10-17 | 2003-12-11 | Automated Media Services, Inc. | System and method for providing for out-of-home advertising utilizing a satellite network |
US7614065B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2009-11-03 | Automated Media Services, Inc. | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display |
WO2003048948A1 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2003-06-12 | Yahoo!Inc. | Method and system for providing listener-requested music over a network |
US20030115096A1 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2003-06-19 | Reynolds Randy B. | Computer-controlled, remotely programmed at-shelf advertising system |
US6748710B2 (en) | 2002-03-29 | 2004-06-15 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Partition trim having functional aspects |
US20040073484A1 (en) | 2002-04-06 | 2004-04-15 | Marc Camporeale | Electronic display advertising method and apparatus |
US7175034B2 (en) | 2002-06-14 | 2007-02-13 | Harbor Industries, Inc. | Modular, adjustable display rack |
US6716042B2 (en) | 2002-07-05 | 2004-04-06 | Michael Lin | Track system of projector lamp and electrical connection device assembly thereof |
US7613630B2 (en) | 2002-10-17 | 2009-11-03 | Automated Media Services, Inc. | System and method for editing existing footage to generate and distribute advertising content to retail locations |
WO2004036425A1 (en) | 2002-10-17 | 2004-04-29 | Simplima Ltd. | System and method for secure usage right management of digital products |
US20040116183A1 (en) | 2002-12-16 | 2004-06-17 | Prindle Joseph Charles | Digital advertisement insertion system and method for video games |
US8214256B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2012-07-03 | Time Warner Cable Inc. | System and method for advertisement delivery within a video time shifting architecture |
US7066435B2 (en) | 2003-12-04 | 2006-06-27 | Innovation Office Products, Inc. | Universal wall mounting bracket |
US20050171843A1 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Robert Brazell | Systems and methods for optimizing advertising |
US20050216339A1 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2005-09-29 | Robert Brazell | Systems and methods for optimizing advertising |
US20050279257A1 (en) | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-22 | Bettinger David S | Wiring and Accessory Management Furniture |
WO2006014666A2 (en) | 2004-07-20 | 2006-02-09 | Visible Assets, Inc. | Rf-enablement of products and receptacles therefor |
US7925549B2 (en) | 2004-09-17 | 2011-04-12 | Accenture Global Services Limited | Personalized marketing architecture |
US20060230416A1 (en) | 2005-03-02 | 2006-10-12 | Robert Brazell | Systems and methods for event triggered advertising |
US20060212346A1 (en) | 2005-03-21 | 2006-09-21 | Robert Brazell | Systems and methods for message media content synchronization |
US7249872B2 (en) | 2005-10-06 | 2007-07-31 | Catalina Lighting Inc. | Method and system for displaying lighting fixtures |
US20070219866A1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Robert Wolf | Passive Shopper Identification Systems Utilized to Optimize Advertising |
-
2002
- 2002-10-03 US US10/265,512 patent/US7614065B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-12-16 TW TW091136261A patent/TW200403940A/en unknown
- 2002-12-16 CA CA002510642A patent/CA2510642A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-12-16 AU AU2002361766A patent/AU2002361766A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-12-16 WO PCT/US2002/040474 patent/WO2003052734A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-12-16 AR ARP020104891A patent/AR037861A1/en unknown
-
2009
- 2009-08-27 US US12/549,139 patent/US7937723B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2011
- 2011-05-02 US US13/099,175 patent/US20110209171A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6173317B1 (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 2001-01-09 | Microsoft Corporation | Streaming and displaying a video stream with synchronized annotations over a computer network |
US20020190972A1 (en) * | 2001-05-17 | 2002-12-19 | Ven De Van Antony | Display screen performance or content verification methods and apparatus |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130305908A1 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2013-11-21 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance-related information output device, system including musical performance-related information output device, and electronic musical instrument |
US20110023691A1 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2011-02-03 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance-related information output device, system including musical performance-related information output device, and electronic musical instrument |
US8697975B2 (en) | 2008-07-29 | 2014-04-15 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance-related information output device, system including musical performance-related information output device, and electronic musical instrument |
US9006551B2 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2015-04-14 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance-related information output device, system including musical performance-related information output device, and electronic musical instrument |
US20110033061A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2011-02-10 | Yamaha Corporation | Audio signal processing device, audio signal processing system, and audio signal processing method |
US8737638B2 (en) | 2008-07-30 | 2014-05-27 | Yamaha Corporation | Audio signal processing device, audio signal processing system, and audio signal processing method |
US9029676B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2015-05-12 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical score device that identifies and displays a musical score from emitted sound and a method thereof |
US20130347019A1 (en) * | 2011-03-30 | 2013-12-26 | Thomson Licensing | Method for image playback verification |
US9040801B2 (en) | 2011-09-25 | 2015-05-26 | Yamaha Corporation | Displaying content in relation to music reproduction by means of information processing apparatus independent of music reproduction apparatus |
US9524706B2 (en) | 2011-09-25 | 2016-12-20 | Yamaha Corporation | Displaying content in relation to music reproduction by means of information processing apparatus independent of music reproduction apparatus |
US9082382B2 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2015-07-14 | Yamaha Corporation | Musical performance apparatus and musical performance program |
CN105183299A (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2015-12-23 | 珠海许继芝电网自动化有限公司 | Human-computer interface service processing system and method |
WO2019045543A1 (en) * | 2017-09-04 | 2019-03-07 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Display apparatus, content managing apparatus, content managing system, and content managing method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030115591A1 (en) | 2003-06-19 |
CA2510642A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
TW200403940A (en) | 2004-03-01 |
US20100045681A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
US7937723B2 (en) | 2011-05-03 |
AR037861A1 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
AU2002361766A1 (en) | 2003-06-30 |
WO2003052734A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
US7614065B2 (en) | 2009-11-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7937723B2 (en) | System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display by measuring an operational parameter of the electronic visual display while displaying the content | |
US20100231563A1 (en) | Display Characteristic Feedback Loop | |
US20110289184A1 (en) | System and method for determining physical location of electronic display devices in a retail establishment | |
US8441574B2 (en) | Visual identifier for images on an electronic display | |
US6430603B2 (en) | System for direct placement of commercial advertising, public service announcements and other content on electronic billboard displays | |
US20090167782A1 (en) | Correction of color differences in multi-screen displays | |
US7023470B2 (en) | Self-testing video display devices and method of use thereof | |
JP2008252515A (en) | Video signal processor, video display system, and video signal processing method | |
KR101695931B1 (en) | Image apparatus for multi-screens | |
CN101110940A (en) | Image display apparatus, image display method, and program product therefor | |
CN110910805A (en) | Compensation adjusting device and compensation adjusting method of display screen | |
US20070195209A1 (en) | Color calibrating device and associated system and method | |
JP4648832B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for simulating a scene of an image signal | |
AU2015200641A1 (en) | Method and device for verifying a display of images on an electronic screen | |
US20190075370A1 (en) | Display apparatus, content managing apparatus, content managing system, and content managing method | |
CN114339413A (en) | Method and system for monitoring screen playing content | |
CN109302625B (en) | Display screen playing system and playing control method | |
KR20090058363A (en) | Display apparatus for compensating optical parameters using forward voltage of led and method thereof | |
EP3800895B1 (en) | Video monitoring method, video monitoring device, and video monitoring system | |
US20100157152A1 (en) | Display device with feedback elements and method for monitoring | |
WO2003043204A2 (en) | System and method for providing for out-of-home advertising utilizing a satellite network | |
JPH07231394A (en) | Generating method for color correction signal, color picture display method using the same and device therefor and color picture colorimetry method and device thereof | |
KR200290659Y1 (en) | Electric bulletin board system for providing reliable standard time | |
CN110010045A (en) | It is a kind of to show the detection method of equipment, apparatus and system | |
US7286175B1 (en) | Bias control circuitry for cathode ray tube beam currents |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NEXT SOLUTIONS LLC, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AUTOMATED MEDIA SERVICES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:030874/0110 Effective date: 20130703 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |