Concealed metadata transmission system

Abstract

System and method for embedding and concealing data within a video signal such that the embedded data is displayed within an unused portion of a video display area such that the embedded data is not visually offensive. In one embodiment the encoding of metadata may be executed by translating or adjusting pixel values of the video signal within the secondary image area, such that the pixel values are repurposed to contain the metadata and wherein the metadata is visually imperceptible.

1 . A method comprising:
 receiving a broadcast media signal comprising video content and embedded data; and   decoding the media signal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the embedded data is concealed within a plurality of pixels. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the embedded data is characterized by a plurality of pixel intensity differences. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the embedded data is concealed within a scrolling varying intensity graphic. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the embedded data comprises at least one of: guide data, program related information, network messages, audience measurement data, forensic markers, closed captioning, data for device operation, and content advisory data. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the embedded data is embedded in audio data. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising displaying the embedded data simultaneously with the video content on a display device, wherein the embedded data is concealed and visually imperceptible. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the embedded data is displayed in at least one display edge area less than three pixels in thickness. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the embedded data is displayed in a secondary image area outside a primary viewing area where the video content is displayed. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the secondary image area comprises a letterbox less than three pixels high. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the secondary image area comprises a pillarbox less than three pixels wide. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus comprising:
 a network interface that receives a broadcast media signal comprising video content and embedded data; and   a processor coupled to the network interface and configured to decode the media signal.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the processor is further configured to display the embedded data within a plurality of pixels. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the processor is further configured to display the embedded data as a plurality of pixel intensity differences. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the processor is further configured to display the embedded data as a scrolling varying intensity graphic. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the embedded data comprises at least one of: guide data, program related information, network messages, audience measurement data, forensic markers, closed captioning, data for device operation, and content advisory data. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the embedded data is embedded in audio data. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the processor is further configured to display the embedded data simultaneously with the video content on a display device, wherein the embedded data is concealed and visually imperceptible when decoded and displayed. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the embedded data is displayed in at least one display edge area less than three pixels in thickness. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the embedded data is displayed in a secondary image area outside a primary viewing area where the video content is displayed. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the secondary image area comprises a letterbox less than three pixels high. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the secondary image area comprises a pillarbox less than three pixels wide. 
     
     
         23 . A computer program product comprising a non-transitory processor-readable medium tangibly embodying non-transitory program instructions thereon that when executed cause a processor to:
 receive a broadcast media signal comprising video content and embedded data; and   decode the media signal.   
     
     
         24 . A system comprising:
 means for receiving a broadcast media signal comprising video content and embedded data; and   means for decoding the media signal.   
     
     
         25 . An apparatus comprising:
 a video content input;   a metadata input; and   an encoder coupled to the video content and the metadata, the encoder to execute one or more actions to translate pixel values of the video signal, such that those pixel values are repurposed to contain the metadata, and wherein the metadata is concealed and visually imperceptible when decoded and displayed.   
     
     
         26 . A method comprising:
 inputting video content;   inputting metadata; and   encoding the video content and the metadata by translating pixel values of the video signal, such that those pixel values are repurposed to contain the metadata, and wherein the metadata is concealed and visually imperceptible when decoded and displayed.   
     
     
         27 . A computer program product comprising a non-transitory processor-readable medium tangibly embodying non-transitory program instructions thereon that when executed cause a processor to:
 input video content;   input metadata; and   encode the video content and metadata by translating pixel values of the video signal, such that those pixel values are repurposed to contain the metadata and wherein the metadata is concealed and visually imperceptible when decoded and displayed.   
     
     
         28 . A system comprising:
 means for inputting video content;   means for inputting metadata; and   means for encoding the video content and metadata by translating pixel values of the video signal, such that those pixel values are repurposed to contain the metadata and wherein the metadata is concealed and visually imperceptible when decoded and displayed.