Claims:CLAIMS
1. A verification system (100), comprising:
a control device (102) that is communicatively coupled to a plurality of display devices (104) distributed at different remote locations in a geographical area, and at least a client device (108), wherein the control device (102) is owned and managed by a first entity (110) that is different from a second entity (112) associated with the client device (108), and wherein each display device is electronically coupled to an image-capture device configured to record media content played on a corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices (104);
the control device (102) comprises a storage unit (118) configured to store a plurality of media assets (126) that belongs to the second entity (112);
the control device (102) further comprises a controller (124) configured to:
communicate a first media asset (126A) to a first display device (104A) at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration;
control display of the first media asset (126A) on the first display device (104A) such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset (126A) when played on the first display device (104A), based on a defined second user-configuration;
receive a verification request from the client device (108) to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset (126A), wherein the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity (110);
update display of the first media asset (126A) with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device (104A) such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset (126A) in a real-time or near real-time;
obtain a first recorded asset being played on the first display device (104A) from a first image-capture device (114A) electronically coupled to the first display device (104A);
verify whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device (104A) comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter; and
communicate a verification result to the client device (108), wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset (126A).
2. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the defined first user-configuration comprises one or more of: a specific location, a city name, a time slot, a count that a given media asset is expected to be played in a day or month.
3. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of unique identification parameters comprises two or more of: a unique identifier of the first display device (104A), a serial number of the first image-capture device (114A), a media player serial number through which the first media asset (126A) is played on the first display device (104A).
4. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the defined second user-configuration comprises a specified requirement of a presence of unique identification information to identify:
one or more display devices from the plurality of display devices (104) on which a specified media asset is to be played;
one or more image-capture devices that are configured to record a field-of-view comprising a corresponding display screen of the one or more display devices;
a type of media player and an identity of the media player that is configured to play the specified media asset;
a current timestamp indicating a local time and a date in accordance with a location of each of the one or more display devices; and
a live feed from a predefined source, wherein the live feed is indicative of an authentic and verifiable activity occurring in synchronization with the current timestamp.
5. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the random user-defined feed is at least one of: a user-input of an alphanumeric string of text as per a user-choice of a user operating the client device (108A), a live social media feed selected randomly by the user operating the client device (108A) for an automatic tamper-proof verification of the proof-of-play of the first media asset (126A) in a real-time or near real-time independent of a third entity.
6. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the update of the display of the first media asset (126A) further comprises:
determining a specific portion on the first display device (104A) at which the first media asset (126A) is played such that a plurality of object-of-interests in the first media asset (126A) is not obscured; and
automatically adjusting display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset (126A) at the determined specific portion of the first display device (104A), wherein the determined specific portion corresponds to the new portion.
7. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the automatic adjusting of the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset (126A) at the determined specific portion of the first display device (104A) is based on a screen dimension and a screen resolution of the first display device (104A).
8. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the automatic adjusting of the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset (126A) at the determined specific portion of the first display device (104A) is based on a height of installation of the first display device (104A) from a ground plane.
9. The verification system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the verification of the first recorded asset being played on the first display device (104A) comprises at least a machine-based comparison of the first recorded asset with the first media asset (126A) prestored at the storage unit (118).
10. A method (200) for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play, the method (100) comprising:
communicating, by a control device (102), a first media asset (126A) to a first display device (104A) at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration;
controlling, by the control device (102), display of the first media asset (126A) on the first display device (104A) at the first remote location such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset (126A) when played on the first display device (104A), based on a defined second user-configuration;
receiving, by the control device (102), a verification request from a client device (108) to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset (126A), wherein the control device (102) is owned and managed by a first entity (110) that is different from a second entity (112) associated with the client device (108), and wherein the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity (110);
updating, by the control device (102), display of the first media asset (126A) with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device (104A) such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset (126A) in a real-time or a near real-time;
obtaining, by the control device (102), a first recorded asset being played on the first display device (104A) from a first image-capture device (114A) electronically coupled to the first display device (104A);
verifying, by the control device (102), whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device (104A) comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter; and
communicating, by the control device (102), a verification result to the client device (108), wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset (126A).
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TAMPER-PROOF VERIFICATION OF PROOF-OF-PLAY

2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :ADONMO PRIVATE LIMITED
b) Nationality :India
c) Address :Aparna Cyberzon, AB 104, Near Citizen Hospital, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, Rangareddi, India

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of verification systems, more specifically, to a verification system and a method for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play of media assets, such as videos, for example, for use in digital outdoor advertising display systems.
BACKGROUND
Nowadays, technology related to digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is rapidly changing. In comparison to traditional printed media used for advertising, digital display screens are dynamic, reason being the digital display screens can be used to display a media to a right target audience. Moreover, by use of the DOOH advertising, any public service announcement, traffic condition, or Ads can be displayed. Currently, it is technically challenging for an entity in terms of using standard and existing infrastructure to remotely track and ensure if all its media assets, such as videos, are played as per its needs in real time. The entity generally depends on passive reports from another entities (e.g., service providers) for confirmation whether such media assets were played or not, and if played, if they were as per desired needs. In practice, there may be ten to hundreds of entities and thousand to millions of media assets that needs to be tracked and verified to ascertain proof-of-play in real time instead of passive reports without any tampering, which is very technically challenging with existing systems and technology.
Currently, certain attempts have been made for verification of the media assets delivery (e.g., digital Ad delivery). For example, in some conventional systems, photos of the digital screens displaying the advertisement can be used as a proof of authenticity provided that the photos of the digital screens are taken with the same day’s newspaper included in the photos. In another conventional system and method, a time log of a media asset played on a digital screen is analysed by a third party (i.e., someone other than the owner entity that owns media asset and another entity responsible to assist the owner entity in managing, tracking, and playing media assets as per needs) for a trusted proof of play. However, there are certain technical limitations associated with verification of the media delivery by use of the third party. For instance, existing systems use the digital display screens for media delivery but proof-of-play is provided based on an offline data or post-delivery analysis, which is not tamper proof. Additionally, the conventional digital display screens used for media delivery have higher chances of tampering due to lack of easily perceivable data, like huge time logs (may not be authentic), which are made available at a later date time in reports. Thus, there exists a technical problem of error prone and unreliable verification mechanism, where it is technically challenging to ensure proof-of-play of media assets displayed on digital display screens as per desired needs from any remote location.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional methods of verification or authentication of proof-of-play of media assets displayed on remote digital display screens.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides a verification system and a method for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play of media assets displayed on remote display devices. The present disclosure provides a solution to the existing problem of error prone and unreliable verification mechanism, where it is technically challenging to ensure proof-of-play of media assets displayed on remote digital display screens as per desired needs from any remote location in real-time or near real time. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an improved verification system and method for tamper-proof verification of proof-of-play of various media assets that can be conducted remotely in real time or near real time with certainty and accuracy.
One or more objectives of the present disclosure are achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a verification system, comprising a control device that is communicatively coupled to a plurality of display devices distributed at different remote locations in a geographical area, and at least a client device, wherein the control device is owned and managed by a first entity that is different from a second entity associated with the client device, and wherein each display device is electronically coupled to an image-capture device configured to record media content played on a corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices. The control device comprises a storage unit configured to store a plurality of media assets that belongs to the second entity. The control device further comprises a controller configured to communicate a first media asset to a first display device at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration. The controller is further configured to control display of the first media asset on the first display device such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset when played on the first display device, based on a defined second user-configuration. The controller is further configured to receive a verification request from the client device to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset, wherein the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity and update display of the first media asset with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset in a real-time or near real-time. The controller is further configured to obtain a first recorded asset being played on the first display device from a first image-capture device electronically coupled to the first display device. The controller is further configured to verify whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter and communicate a verification result to the client device, wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset.
The disclosed verification system provides an efficient, effective, and tamer-proof verification of the first media asset when played on the first display device, where the verification can be conducted in real-time or near real-time. Moreover, each of the plurality of display devices (or digital display screens) is configured to operate in real-time or near real-time which further enables the verification system not to depend on an offline data or post-delivery analysis. Additionally, the second entity which is associated with the client device is able to communicate the verification request to the control device to ascertain the proof-of-play of the first media asset when played on the first display device. The communication of the verification request from the client device to the control device enables the verification system for random checking of the first media asset. This further eliminates the dependence of the verification system on a third party and provides a good substitute for newspaper as a proof-of-date which is used typically. Conventionally, the third party is required to ascertain a proof-of play of a media content, reason being the typical display devices are unable to operate in real time, especially in terms of random verification of proof-of-play. Furthermore, the verification system provides a way for a user to remotely conduct a random check by use of the random user-defined feed, which is easy to use and perceive as authentic verifiable data. Therefore, the verification system significantly reduces chances of tampering of the plurality of display devices, media assets, or reports. The verification system finds many practical applications, such as in digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising systems, or other verification and authentication systems for video timestamp tagging and an anomaly detection in the plurality of display devices (or digital displays) by auto referencing with an expected content.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play. The method comprises communicating, by a control device, a first media asset to a first display device at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration. The method further comprises controlling, by the control device, display of the first media asset on the first display device at the first remote location such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset when played on the first display device, based on a defined second user-configuration. The method further comprises receiving, by the control device, a verification request from a client device to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset, wherein the control device is owned and managed by a first entity that is different from a second entity associated with the client device, and wherein the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity. The method further comprises updating, by the control device, display of the first media asset with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset in a real-time or a near real-time. The method further comprises obtaining, by the control device, a first recorded asset being played on the first display device from a first image-capture device electronically coupled to the first display device and verifying, by the control device, whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter. The method further comprises communicating, by the control device, a verification result to the client device, wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset.
The disclosed method achieves all the advantages and technical features of the verification system of the present disclosure.
It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined. It has to be noted that all devices, elements, circuitry, units, and means described in the present application could be implemented in hardware elements or any kind of embedded systems or combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application, as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities, are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity that performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements, or any kind of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1A is an illustration of a network environment diagram of a verification system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of various components of a control device of a verification system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIGs. 2A and 2B collectively is a flowchart of a method for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
FIG. 1A is an illustration a network environment diagram of a verification system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1A, there is shown a network environment of a verification system 100 that includes a control device 102 and a plurality of display devices 104. The plurality of display devices 104 includes a first display device 104A, a second display device 104B, and up to a Nth display device 104N. There is further shown a communication network 106. The control device 102 is owned, managed, and controlled by a first entity 110.
The verification system 100 further includes a client device 108. The client device 108 is operated or owned by a second entity 112. A user interface (UI) 108A may be rendered at the client device 108. Furthermore, each of the plurality of display devices 104 is electronically connected to an image-capture device. For example, the first display device 104A is electronically connected to a first image-capture device 114A, the second display device 104B is electronically connected to a second image-capture device 114B and the Nth display device 104N is electronically connected to a Nth image-capture device 114N.
The control device 102 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces that is communicatively coupled to the plurality of display devices 104 distributed at different remote locations in a geographical area (e.g., a city or a country) through the communication network 106. Examples of the control device 102 includes, but are not limited to a special purpose control device for proof-of-play verification, a cloud server implemented and adapted for proof-of-play verification, an application server implemented and adapted for proof-of-play verification, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the control device 102 may be implemented as a single hardware device and/or a plurality of hardware devices operating in a parallel or distributed architecture adapted to provide a proof-of-play of various media assets (e.g., advertisement videos) displayed on remote digital display screen, such as the plurality of display devices 104.
Each of the plurality of display devices 104 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces that is configured to display one or more media assets that belongs to the second entity 112. The second entity 112 refers to a client entity that wants the first entity 110 who owns and controls the control device 102 of the verification system 100 to provide a tamper-proof mechanism so that a use of the second entity 112 can verify with certainty in real time, the proof-of-play of the one or more media assets as per its needs. In an example, the second entity 112 corresponds to an advertiser, or a verifying party or an owner of a departmental store or a retail store, or a company who wants to advertise its products through the first entity 110. Each of the plurality of display devices 104 may be distributed at different remote locations in a geographical area. The geographical area may be a city or a country. In an implementation, each of the plurality of display devices 104 may be a digital Ad screen which is remotely controlled by the control device 102. The plurality of display devices 104 may range from hundreds to thousands in the geographical region depending on use cases. In an implementation, one or more of the first display device 104A, the second display device 104B and the Nth display device 104N may be installed on shopping-malls, retail outlets, food courts, metro stations, train and bus stations, high rise buildings, community halls, and the like. Examples of the plurality of display devices 104 include, but are not limited to, digital screens, digital billboards, smart outdoor television, or custom display devices, for example, installed on vehicles, and the like.
The communication network 106 includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that is configured to connect each of the plurality of display devices 104 to the control device 102. The communication network 106 may be a wired or wireless communication network. Examples of the communication network 106 may include, but are not limited to, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cloud network, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a plain old telephone service (POTS), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and/or the Internet. The control device 102 and the plurality of display devices 104 are potentially configured to connect to the communication network 106, in accordance with various wired and wireless communication protocols. Examples of such wired and wireless communication protocols may include, but are not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), ZigBee, EDGE, infrared (IR), IEEE 802.11, 802.16, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), and/or other cellular communication protocols or Bluetooth (BT) communication protocols, including variants thereof.
The client device 108 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces configured to communicatively coupled to the control device 102 through the communication network 106. Examples of the client device 108 may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a laptop, a hand-held device, an electronic device or a special-purpose device, and the like. In an implementation, the client device 108 may render the UI 108A to remotely share the media content to be displayed on the plurality of display devices 104 and verify the media content for proof-of-play as per needs.
Each of the plurality of image-capture devices, such as the first image-capture device 114A, the second image-capture device 114B and the Nth image-capture device 114N includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that is configured to record a media content played on a corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices 104. Examples of the plurality of image-capture devices include, but are not limited to, a camera, a portable electronic device, or a video recording device that is mounted in such a way to capture a field-of-view of the corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices 104.
FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of various components of a control device of the verification system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1B, there is shown a block diagram of the control device 102 that is communicatively coupled to the plurality of display devices 104. The control device 102 includes a storage unit 118, a network interface 120, a verification unit 122, and a controller 124. Each of the storage unit 118, the network interface 120, and the verification unit 122 is electronically coupled to the controller 124. The storage unit 118 includes a plurality of media assets 126, such as a first media asset 126A, a second media asset 126B and a Nth media asset 126N.
The storage unit 118 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces that is configured to store the plurality of media assets 126 that belongs to the second entity 112. The storage unit 118 may also be referred to as a cloud storage or a hardware storage.
The network interface 120 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces configured to communicate with the plurality of display devices 104, the plurality of image-capture devices 114A, 114B, …, 114N, and the client device 108. Examples of the network interface 120 may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, a telematics unit, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more amplifiers, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a coder-decoder (CODEC) chipset, and/or a subscriber identity module (SIM) card.
The verification unit 122 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces configured to verify one or more recorded assets recorded by one or more image-capture devices, such as the first image-capture device 114A. Examples of the verification unit 122 may include, but are not limited to, special-purpose circuitry, or a verification module used for verification of the first recorded asset
The controller 124 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and interfaces configured to communicate one or more media assets, such as a first media asset 126A to the first display device 104A at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration. Examples of implementation of the controller 124 may include, but is not limited to a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a processor, a data processing unit, or control circuitry. Moreover, the controller 124 may refer to one or more individual controllers, controlling devices, a controlling unit that is part of a machine, such as the control device 102.
With reference to FIGs. 1A and 1B, the verification system 100 comprises the control device 102 that is communicatively coupled to the plurality of display devices 104 distributed at different remote locations in a geographical area. The control device 102 may be further communicatively coupled to at least the client device 108. The control device 102 is owned and managed by the first entity 110 that is different from the second entity 112 associated with the client device 108. The control device 102 (e.g., a cloud server) is communicatively (either wirelessly or wired) coupled to the plurality of display devices 104 via the communication network 106. The plurality of display devices 104 may be located on different locations, such as shopping-malls, retail outlets, food courts, metro stations, train and bus stations, high rise buildings, on roadside arranged on top of poles, community halls, and the like. Alternatively stated, each of the plurality of display devices 104 is distributed at different remote location in the geographical area. Furthermore, the control device 102 is communicatively (either wirelessly or wired) coupled to the client device 108 (e.g., a smart phone). The control device 102 is owned and managed by the first entity 110. Additionally, the first entity 110 is different from the second entity 112 (e.g., an advertiser).
Each display device is electronically coupled to an image-capture device configured to record media content played on a corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices 104. Each of the plurality of display devices 104 is electronically (e.g., wireless or wired) coupled to the image-capture device, such as the first display device 104A is coupled to the first image-capture device 114A, the second display device 104B is coupled to the second image-capture device 114B and the Nth display device 104N is coupled to the Nth image-capture device 114N. Each of the plurality of image-capture devices is mounted in such a way to capture a field-of-view of the corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices 104. Indeed, each image-capture device is configured to record the media content (e.g., a video, images) played on the corresponding display device of the plurality of display devices 104. The control device 102 comprises the storage unit 118 configured to store the plurality of media assets 126 that belongs to the second entity 112.
In operation, the controller 124 of the control device 102 is configured to communicate the first media asset 126A to the first display device 104A at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration. The storage unit 118 of the control device 102 is configured to store the plurality of media assets 126 and each of the plurality of media assets 126 belongs to the second entity 112 (i.e., the advertiser). The plurality of media assets 126 may be videos (e.g., promotional videos) or other form of audio-visual or visual only representation. The control device 102 further comprises the controller 124 that is configured to communicate the first media asset 126A (e.g., a video) to the first display device 104A of the plurality of display devices 104 through the network interface 120. In an implementation, the first display device 104A is located at the first remote location (e.g., a city different from the city where the control device 102 may be located) based on the defined first-user configuration.
In accordance with an embodiment, the defined first user-configuration comprises one or more of a specific location, a city name, a time slot, a count that a given media asset is expected to be played in a day or month. In an implementation, the controller 124 is configured to communicate the first media asset 126A to the first display device 104A which is located at the first remote location based on the defined first-user configuration. The defined first-user configuration includes one or more of: the specific location (e.g., a particular area or a colony or a society), the city name (e.g., Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, etc.), the time slot (e.g., a prime-time slot in the morning as well as in the evening or other time slots), the count that the given media asset (or the first media asset 126A) is expected to be played in a single day or a month.
The controller 124 is further configured to control display of the first media asset 126A on the first display device 104A such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A, based on a defined second user-configuration. The controller 124 is further configured to control display of the first media asset 126A on the first display device 104A such that the plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp (or a current timestamp, e.g., current system time and date) is overlaid (e.g., either in a top corner or a bottom corner) on the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A, based on the defined second user-configuration.
In accordance with an embodiment, the plurality of unique identification parameters comprises two or more of an unique identifier of the first display device 104A, a serial number of the first image-capture device 114A, a media player serial number through which the first media asset 126A is played on the first display device 104A. The controller 124 is further configured to control display of the first media asset 126A in order to overlay the plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on (either a top corner or a bottom corner or a top middle point or at any point on the first media asset 126A without affecting the quality of the first media asset 126A) the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A. The plurality of unique identification parameters comprises two or more of: the unique identifier (or a serial number) of the first display device 104A, the serial number of the first image-capture device 114A, and the serial number of the media player (e.g., a Video LAN Client (VLC) media player, Pot player, KM player, or other custom media player etc.) through which the first media asset 126A is played on the first display device 104A.
In accordance with an embodiment, the defined second user-configuration comprises a specified requirement of a presence of unique identification information to identify: one or more display devices from the plurality of display devices 104 on which a specified media asset is to be played, one or more image-capture devices that are configured to record a field-of-view comprising a corresponding display screen of the one or more display devices, a type of media player and an identity of the media player that is configured to play the specified media asset, a current timestamp indicating a local time and a date in accordance with a location of each of the one or more display devices, and a live feed from a predefined source, where the live feed is indicative of an authentic and verifiable activity occurring in synchronization with the current timestamp. The controller 124 is further configured to overlay the plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A, based on the defined second user-configuration. The defined second user-configuration includes the specified requirement of the presence of unique identification information in order to identify the one or more display devices selected from the plurality of display devices 104 on which the specified media asset, such as the first media asset 126A, the second media asset 126B and the Nth media asset 126N of the plurality of media assets 126 is played. The unique identification information is further used to identify the one or more image-capture devices (i.e., the first image-capture device 114A, the second image-capture device 114B and the Nth image-capture device 114N) based on their respective serial number which are configured to record the field-of-view of the corresponding display screen (e.g., the first display device 104A) of the one or more display devices displaying the specified media asset. The unique identification information is further used to identify the type of media player (i.e., the VLC media player, Pot player, KM player, etc.) and the identity (or the serial number) of the media player that is configured to play the specified media asset. The unique identification information is further used to identify the current timestamp that indicates the local time and the date in accordance with the location of each of the one or more display devices. The unique identification information is further used to identify the live feed (e.g., a live stream of a cricket match or its sports parameters like score etc., or an authentic social media activity) from the predefined source (e.g., a predefined social media platform), the live feed is indicative of the authentic and verifiable activity occurring in synchronization with the current timestamp. The control device 102 is configured to trim a portion of the media content from the predefined source (e.g., predefined social media account) and overlay remotely as video-in-video, for example, on the first display device 104A.
The controller 124 is further configured to receive a verification request from the client device 108 to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A, where the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity 110. The controller 124 of the control device 102 is further configured to receive the verification request from the client device 108 via the user interface 108A of the client device 108) to verify that the first media asset 126A is displayed on the first display device 104A as per desire of a user operating the client device 108. For example, the first media asset 126A is displayed at a determined specific location, exact number of times and the exact time slot. Indeed, the verification request comprises the random user-defined feed (e.g., a random string or a phrase) that is unknown to the first entity 110.
In accordance with an embodiment, the random user-defined feed is at least one of: a user-input of an alphanumeric string of text as per a user-choice of the user operating the client device 108, a live social media feed selected randomly by the user operating the client device 108 for an automatic tamper-proof verification of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A in a real-time or near real-time independent of a third entity. In an implementation, the random user-defined feed may be the alphanumeric string of text as per the user choice of the user operating the client device 108. In another implementation, the random user-defined feed may be the live social media feed (e.g., a live sports match or its score, or an authentic social media activity) selected randomly by the user operating the client device 108 for the automatic tamper-proof verification of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A in the real-time or near real-time independent of the third entity. The use of the random user-defined feed in terms of the alphanumeric string or the live social media feed enables the second entity 112 to perform a random check of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A when played in the real-time or near real-time on the first display device 104A and independent of the third entity. This further results into low turn-around time, reason being the random user-defined feed is used as a part of check of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A which is tamper-proof and an effective way of random as well as real time verification and authentication.
The controller 124 is further configured to update display of the first media asset 126A with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device 104A such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset 126A in a real-time or near real-time. The controller 124 updates the display of the first media asset 126A with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device 104A such that the random user-defined feed (i.e., the random string or the phrase) is further overlaid on the new portion of the first media asset 126A in the real-time or near real-time. The new portion of the first media asset 126A for overlaying the random user-defined feed is selected based on various parameters of the first media asset 126A as well as the first display device 104A.
In accordance with an embodiment, the update of the display of the first media asset 126A further comprises determining a specific portion on the first display device 104A at which the first media asset 126A is played such that a plurality of object-of-interests in the first media asset 126A is not obscured, and automatically adjusting display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A at the determined specific portion of the first display device 104A, wherein the determined specific portion corresponds to the new portion. The update of the display of the first media asset 126A (for overlaying the plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first media asset 126A) includes determining the specific portion (e.g., wherever the plurality of object of interests are not present)) of the first display device 104A at which the first media asset 126A is played in such a way that the plurality of objects-of interests (e.g., product items or promotional items ) in the first media asset 126A is not obscured (or faded). The update of the display of the first media asset 126A further includes an automatic adjustment of the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A at the determined specific portion of the first display device 104A. Indeed, the determined specific portion corresponds to the new portion.
In accordance with an embodiment, the automatic adjusting of the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A at the determined specific portion of the first display device 104A is based on a screen dimension and a screen resolution of the first display device 104A. For example, in a case, if background of the first media asset 126A displayed on the first display device 104A is a combination of black and blue in color then, in that case, the display of the random user-defined feed is displayed in a color that is distinct from the background color and also takes into account the position of the object-of-interest so that such objects in the first media asset 126A are not obscured. Therefore, the automatic adjustment of the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A also includes selection of suitable colors or a suitable color contrast ratio of the random user-defined feed and the first media asset 126A. Similar to the color contrast ratio, the screen dimension and the screen resolution are also taken into account to adjust displaying of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A at the determined specific portion of the first display device 104A.
In accordance with an embodiment, the automatic adjusting of the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A at the determined specific portion of the first display device 104A is based on a height of installation of the first display device 104A from a ground plane. Different display devices may be installed at different heights from the ground plane. For example, one display device may be installed on a roadside at a height of 50 meters, whereas other display device may be installed at the height of 5 meters, or just 2 meters. There may be thus a steep variation in the height of installation of different display device. Thus, if no automatic adjustment is done, then it may be difficult for an audience, such a person viewing a display device that is installed at the height of 50 meters, standing on the ground if the font size or other display parameters selected not commensurate to the height of installation so that viewing is effective and the objective of the display of the first media asset 126A is meet. For example, the height of installation of the first display device 104A may be checked from prestored information at the control device 102, and accordingly the display of the random user-defined feed on the first media asset 126A at the determined specific portion of the first display device 104A is automatically adjusted. For example, if the height is 50 meters, the Font size, the contrast, the color, the format, the pixel resolution, window size of the displayed random user-defined feed may be adjusted with respect to background played media asset, such as the first media asset 126A such that the audience, such as the person, standing and viewing the first display device 104A is able to clearly visualize the played first media asset 126A as well as the display of the random user-defined feed.
The controller 124 is further configured to obtain a first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A from a first image-capture device 114A electronically coupled to the first display device 104A. In order to ascertain the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A displayed on the first display device 104A, the controller 124 is configured to obtain the first recorded asset of the first media asset 126A that is displayed on the first display device 104A. The first recorded asset is recorded by the first image-capture device 114A which is electronically (either wireless or wired) coupled to the first display device 104A.
The controller 124 is further configured to verify whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter and communicate a verification result to the client device 108, wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A. The controller 124 is further configured to verify that the first recorded asset of the first media asset 126A played on the first display device 104A comprises the random user-defined feed and is in-line with the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration and the defined visual quality parameter. By use of the first recorded asset, the controller 124 is configured to verify that the first media asset 126A is displayed at the specified location, the time slot and with the count which is specified in a day or a month to display the first media asset 126A. Additionally, the controller 124 is configured to verify that the first media asset 126A is displayed on the specified display device (i.e., the first display device 104A) and with the specified media player as well. After verification, the controller 124 is further configured to communicate the verification result to the client device 108. Indeed, the verification result indicates either the success state or the failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A. The verification of the first recorded asset can be done by use of the verification unit 122. In an implementation, the verification unit 122 is configured to match an expected advertisement content with the first recorded asset to determine a score of the match. A low score implies either a wrong content is displayed or bad screen quality is used for displaying the advertisement content.
In accordance with an embodiment, the verification of the first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A comprises at least a machine-based comparison of the first recorded asset with the first media asset 126A prestored at the storage unit 118. The verification unit 122 is configured for verification of the first recorded asset that is recorded by the first image-capture device 114A electronically coupled to the first display device 104A. The verification unit 122 is configured to compare the first recorded asset with the first media asset 126A that is prestored at the storage unit 118 of the control device 102. Upon verification, the verification unit 122 is configured to generate a matching score. A low matching score implies either a wrong content is being displayed or a bad screen quality is used for displaying the advertisement content.
Thus, the verification system 100 provides an efficient, effective, and tamper-proof verification of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A, where the verification can be conducted in real-time or near real-time. Moreover, each of the plurality of display devices 104 (or digital display screens) is configured to operate in real-time or near real-time which further enables the verification system 100 not to depend on an offline data or post-delivery analysis. Additionally, the second entity 112 which is associated with the client device 108 is configured to communicate the verification request to the control device 102 to ascertain the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A. The communication of the verification request from the client device 108 to the control device 102 enables the verification system 100 for random checking of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A. This further eliminates the dependence of the verification system 100 on a third party and provides a good substitute for newspaper as a proof-of-date which is used typically. Conventionally, the third party is required to ascertain a proof-of play of a media content, reason being the typical display devices are unable to operate in real time, especially in terms of random verification of proof-of-play. Furthermore, the verification system 100 provides a way for a user to remotely conduct a random check by use of the random user-defined feed, which is easy to use and perceive as authentic verifiable data. Therefore, the verification system 100 significantly reduces chances of tampering of the plurality of display devices 104, the plurality of media assets 126 (or reports). The verification system 100 finds many practical applications, such as in digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising systems, or other verification and authentication systems for video timestamp tagging and an anomaly detection in the plurality of display devices 104 (or digital displays) by auto referencing with an expected content.
FIGs. 2A and 2B collectively is a flowchart of a method for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 2A and 2B are described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A and 1B. With reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B, there is shown a method 200 for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play. The method 200 includes steps 202 to 214 (steps 202-208 of the method 200 are shown in FIG. 2A and steps 210-214 are shown in FIG. 2B). The method 200 is executed by the controller 124 of the control device 102, described in detail, for example, in FIGs. 1A and 1B.
The present disclosure provides a method 200 for tamper-proof verification of a proof-of-play, the method 200 comprising:
communicating, by a control device 102, a first media asset 126A to a first display device 104A at a first remote location based on a defined first user-configuration;
controlling, by the control device 102, display of the first media asset 126A on the first display device 104A at the first remote location such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A, based on a defined second user-configuration;
receiving, by the control device 102, a verification request from a client device 108 to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A, wherein the control device 102 is owned and managed by a first entity 110 that is different from a second entity 112 associated with the client device 108, and wherein the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity 110;
updating, by the control device 102, display of the first media asset 126A with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device 104A such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset 126A in a real-time or a near real-time;
obtaining, by the control device 102, a first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A from a first image-capture device 114A electronically coupled to the first display device 104A;
verifying, by the control device 102, whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter; and
communicating, by the control device 102, a verification result to the client device 108, wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A.
With reference to FIG. 2A, at step 202, the method 200 comprises communicating, by the control device 102, the first media asset 126A to the first display device 104A at the first remote location based on the defined first user-configuration. The controller 124 of the control device 102 is configured to communicate the first media asset 126A (e.g., a video) to the first display device 104A through the network interface 120. The first display device 104A is located at the first remote location (e.g., a shopping mall) based on the defined first-user configuration, such as a specific location, a city name or a time slot and the like, have been described in detail, for example, in FIGs. 1A and 1B.
At step 204, the method 200 further comprises controlling, by the control device 102, display of the first media asset 126A on the first display device 104A at the first remote location such that a plurality of unique identification parameters and a timestamp is overlaid on the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A, based on a defined second user-configuration. The controller 124 of the control device 102 is further configured to control display of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A in such a way that the plurality of unique identification parameters (e.g., a serial number of the first display device 104A, a serial number of a media player, and the like) and the timestamp (a current system time and date) is overlaid on the first media asset 126A, based on the defined second user-configuration.
At step 206, the method 200 further comprises receiving, by the control device 102, a verification request from a client device 108 to ascertain a proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A, wherein the control device 102 is owned and managed by a first entity 110 that is different from a second entity 112 associated with the client device 108, and wherein the verification request comprises a random user-defined feed unknown to the first entity 110. The network interface 120 of the control device 102 is configured to receive the verification request from the client device 108. The verification request is received in order to ascertain the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A. The control device 102 is owned and managed by the first entity 110 which is different from the second entity 112. The second entity 112 is associated with the client device 108. Moreover, the verification request includes the random user-defined feed (e.g., a live social media feed) that is unknown to the first entity 110.
At step 208, the method 200 further comprises updating, by the control device 102, display of the first media asset 126A with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device 104A such that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset 126A in a real-time or a near real-time. The controller 124 of the control device 102 is configured to update display of the first media asset 126A with overlaid plurality of unique identification parameters and the timestamp on the first display device 104A in such a way that the random user-defined feed is further overlaid on the new portion (described earlier in FIGs. 1A and 1B) of the first media asset 126A in the real-time or the near real-time.
Now referring to FIG. 2B, at step 210, the method 200 further comprises obtaining, by the control device 102, a first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A from a first image-capture device 114A electronically coupled to the first display device 104A. The first image-capture device 114A is configured to record the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A and provide the first recorded asset to the control device 102.
At step 212, the method 200 further comprises verifying, by the control device 102, whether the first recorded asset being played on the first display device 104A comprises the random user-defined feed and meets the defined first user-configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and a defined visual quality parameter. The controller 124 of the control device 102 is configured to verify that the first recorded asset obtained by the first image-capture device 114A includes the random user-defined feed (i.e., the live social media feed) and meets the defined first-user configuration, the defined second user-configuration, and the defined visual quality parameter. For example, if the background of the first media asset 126A is black in color then, in such a case, the random user-defined feed may be displayed in a white color (or any color other than the black color) in order to meet the defined visual quality parameter.
At step 214, the method 200 further comprises communicating, by the control device 102, a verification result to the client device 108, wherein the verification result indicates with certainty a success state or a failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A. The network interface 120 of the control device 102 is configured to communicate the verification result to the client device 108. The verification result indicates either the success state or the failure state of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A with certainty.
Thus, the method 200 provides an efficient and real-time verification of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A. The method 200 eliminates the dependence on the third party which is used typically for verification of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A. The method 200 enables the client device 108 associated with the second entity 112 and the control device 102 managed by the first entity 110 for random verification of the proof-of-play of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A and in real-time as well. Thus, the method 200 enables the second entity 112 (or an advertiser) to verify that a campaign which is made live by the second entity 112 is playing on the plurality of display device 104 at the determined specific location or in the city or at the preferred time slot. The acceptance of the method 200 in various industries results in an enhanced growth of the digital-out-of-home (DOOH) advertising system. Moreover, the method 200 can be used for any general video tagging while ensuring proof-of-date to prove that the first media asset 126A is real and captured in the preferred time slot as shown in video time stamp. The method 200 can further be used with blockchain technology to obtain an enhanced degree of trusted tech implementation.
The steps 202 to 214 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
The disclosed verification system 100, such as the control device 102, and the disclosed method 200 have many practical applications. In one practical application, the verification system 100 and the method 200 may be implemented to significantly improve the way current verification is done in terms of proof-of-play, especially, for digital outdoor advertising display systems. The method 200 does not require use of any third entity or any third party to be involved for verification purpose, which is cost effective. For instance, there may be two entities, such as the second entity 112 (e.g., an advertising seeking entity who want to promote its products, where product videos as media assets may be required to be promoted and advertised but with a technical need of tamper-proof verification of the proof-of-play of the media assets). There is another entity, such as the first entity 110, for example, the advertisement providing entity that provides a technical infrastructure and systems, such as the control device 102, to make the tamper-proof verification of the proof-of-play of the media assets technically possible with certainty and improved accuracy even in real time and near real time by a user that belongs to the second entity 112, as described in FIG. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, such as videos, for example, for use in digital outdoor advertising display systems. For example, the second entity 112 may require to display ten to hundreds of media assets on thousands of display devices located at two different cities, such as Delhi, and Bengaluru. Moreover, it may be required that some media assets are played in a morning prime time slot (e.g., 8a.m.-9a.m.) in Delhi. Similarly, some other media assets may be played in certain types of display devices, for example, only on car-mounted large format display screens, in an evening prime time slot (e.g., 8p.m.-9p.m.) in Bengaluru. Thereafter, the control device 102 is configured to control display such media assets on such thousands of display devices in different cities as per required needs by the second entity 112. For example, the first media asset 126A may be displayed on the first display device 104A in such a way that the city name (i.e., Delhi) and the time slot (i.e., 8a.m.-9a.m.) is overlaid on a top middle point of the first media asset 126A. Along with this information, a unique identifier (e.g., A100001) of the first display device 104A, a serial number (e.g., B100001) of the first image-capture device 114A and a serial number (e.g., C100001) of the media player is also displayed on the top middle point of the first media asset 126A when played on the first display device 104A. Similarly, the control device 102 is configured to control display of the second media asset 126B on the second display device 104B in order to overlay the city name (i.e., Bengaluru) and the time slot (i.e., 8p.m.-9p.m.), a unique identifier (e.g., A200002) of the second display device 104B, a serial number (e.g., B200004) of the second image-capture device 114B and a serial number (e.g., C250006) of the media player in top middle point of the second media asset 126B.
At a time, the second entity 112 desires to verify that the first media asset 126A is being displayed in Delhi and at the preferred time slot in the morning. Therefore, the client device 108 to which the second entity 112 is associated, is configured to send a verification request comprising a live social media feed to the control device 102. Upon receiving the verification request from the client device 108, the control device 102 is configured to automatically update display of the first media asset 126A in such a way that the live social media feed is further overlaid on a new portion of the first media asset 126A in a real-time or near real-time. Thereafter, the first image-capture device 114A electronically coupled to the first display device 104A is configured to record the first media asset 126A and provide the first recorded asset to the control device 102. The control device 102 is further configured to verify that the first recorded asset includes the live social media feed. In an implementation, such a clip of the live social media feed overlaid on the first media asset 126A may be communicated to the client device 108 for authentic verification and confirmation. By using the first recorded asset, a verification module (such as the verification unit 122) of the control device 102 further automatically verifies the city name (i.e., Delhi), the preferred time slot (i.e., 8a.m.-9a.m.) as well as the unique identifier (i.e., A100001) of the first display device 104A, the serial number (i.e., B100001) of the first image-capture device 114A and the serial number (i.e., C100001) of the media player. The control device 102 further automatically verifies visibility parameter, so as to ascertain the recorded asset satisfies the visibility of played media asset as per need. After verification, the control device 102 generates a match score (e.g., 100%) and communicates the verification results to the client device 108, thereby enabling random verification of proof-of-play with certainty. Similarly, the second entity 112 verifies that the second media asset 126B is being displayed in Bengaluru and at the preferred time slot in the evening as per defined needs in real time. The aforementioned exemplary scenario is applicable on hundreds to thousands of display devices located at different geographical locations to verify that millions of media assets are being displayed with an improved reliability and with authenticity.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.