IP Library Granted Patent US 10,945,009
Granted Patent B2
US 10,945,009 · App. 16/595,345 · Granted Mar 9, 2021

Methods and apparatus to perform media device asset qualification

Inventors: Daniel Nelson (Tampa, FL); James Petro (Dunedin, FL); Albert T. Borawski (Oldsmar, FL)
Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
H04N21/2407G06F16/2255H04N21/254H04N21/25891H04N21/4394H04N21/44008H04N21/44222H04N21/6543H04N21/812H04N21/4113H04N21/4126
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,945,009
App. No.
16/595,345
Granted
Mar 9, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to perform media device asset qualification are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an asset quality evaluator to identify candidate media device assets obtained from a media device that identify media. The example apparatus further includes an asset grader to grade the candidate media device assets based on calculating a valid hash count corresponding to a number of matches between a first one of the candidate media device assets compared to a second one of the candidate media device assets using a hash table, and identify the first one of the candidate media device assets as a reference media device asset, the first one having a higher grade compared to grades of other candidate media device assets. The example apparatus further includes an asset loader to generate a validation report including the identification of the reference media device asset.

Claims (83)

1. An apparatus comprising:

means for generating a hash table using candidate media device assets generated by media devices in response to respective presentations of media by the media devices, the candidate media device assets including A) a signature and B) a media identifier that identifies the media, wherein the media does not have a reference signature in a reference database;

means for calculating one or more counts of matches between C) a first signature and a first media identifier of a first candidate media device asset of the candidate media device assets and D) respective signatures and media identifiers of multiple ones of the candidate media device assets using the hash table, the multiple ones of the candidate media device assets not including the first candidate media device asset;

means for identifying the first signature as the reference signature based on the one or more counts of the matches; and

in response to identifying the first signature as the reference signature, means for loading the reference signature into the reference database.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for disqualifying one or more of the candidate media device assets in responding to identifying a jump in a respective timestamp.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for disqualifying one or more of the candidate media device assets in response to identifying an incorrect language in a corresponding media identifier.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for disqualifying one or more of the candidate media device assets in response to determining that the one or more of the candidate media device assets do not satisfy a minimum duration threshold.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for disqualifying one or more of the candidate media device assets in response to determining that the one or more of the candidate media device assets are missing one or more timestamps.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including means for grading the candidate media device assets based on a difference between an expected duration of the media and a matched duration of the media, the matched duration corresponding to a number of signatures in the first candidate media device asset that matches one of the respective signatures in at least one other candidate media device asset.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the means for identifying is first means for identifying, and further including second means for identifying the candidate media device assets by:

obtaining database candidates, the database candidates including first database candidates having the media identifier;

storing the first database candidates in a database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

in response to storing each of the first database candidates in the database, incrementing a counter; and

in response to the counter satisfying a threshold, identifying the first database candidates as the candidate media device assets.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , further including means for obtaining the database candidates from the media devices via a network.

9. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

memory including instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to at least:

generate a hash table using candidate media device assets generated by media devices in response to respective presentations of media by the media devices, the candidate media device assets including A) a signature and B) a media identifier that identifies the media, wherein the media does not have a reference signature in a reference database;

calculate one or more counts of matches between C) a first signature and a first media identifier of a first candidate media device asset of the candidate media device assets and D) respective signatures and media identifiers of multiple ones of the candidate media device assets using the hash table, the multiple ones of the candidate media device assets not including the first candidate media device asset;

identify the first signature as the reference signature based on the one or more counts of the matches; and

in response to identifying the first signature as the reference signature, load the reference signature into the reference database.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the at least one processor is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

compare the first database candidate to one or more syndicated media device assets in a second database different from the first database and the reference database;

identify the first database candidate as a duplicate syndicated media device asset based on the comparison; and

remove the first database candidate from the first database based on the identification, the first database candidate to not be included in the candidate media device assets.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the at least one processor is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

compare the first database candidate to one or more proprietary media assets in a second database different from the first database and the reference database;

identify the first database candidate as a duplicate proprietary media asset based on the comparison; and

remove the first database candidate from the first database based on the identification, the first database candidate to not be included in the candidate media device assets.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the at least one processor is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

compare the first database candidate to one or more proprietary media assets in a second database different from the first database and the reference database;

identify the first database candidate as a syndicated duplicate of a first proprietary media asset of the one or more proprietary media assets based on the comparison; and

replace the first proprietary media asset with the first database candidate based on the identification.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the database candidates include a second database candidate, and the at least one processor is to:

compare the second database candidate to the one or more proprietary media assets;

identify the second database candidate as a duplicate proprietary media asset in response to determining that the second database candidate matches the first database candidate; and

remove the second database candidate from the first database based on the identification, the first database candidate to not be included in the candidate media device assets.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the at least one processor is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database; and

in response to determining that the first database candidate is not one of a duplicate syndicated media device asset, a duplicate proprietary media asset, or a syndicated duplicate of a proprietary media asset, identify the first database candidate as one of the candidate media device assets.

15. A system comprising:

a plurality of media devices to generate candidate media device assets in response to respective presentations of media, the candidate media device assets including A) a signature and B) a media identifier that identifies the media; and

at least one server to:

in response to obtaining the candidate media device assets from the plurality of media devices via a network, determine that the media does not have a reference signature in a reference database;

generate a hash table based on the candidate media device assets;

calculate, using the hash table, one or more counts of matches between C) a first signature and a first media identifier of a first candidate media device asset of the candidate media device assets and D) respective signatures and media identifiers of multiple ones of the candidate media device assets, the multiple ones of the candidate media device assets not including the first candidate media device asset;

identify the first signature as the reference signature based on the one or more counts of the matches; and

in response to identifying the first signature as the reference signature, load the reference signature into the reference database.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the at least one server is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

compare the first database candidate to one or more syndicated media device assets in a second database different from the first database and the reference database;

identify the first database candidate as a duplicate syndicated media device asset based on the comparison; and

remove the first database candidate from the first database based on the identification, the first database candidate to not be included in the candidate media device assets.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the at least one server is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

compare the first database candidate to one or more proprietary media assets in a second database different from the first database and the reference database;

identify the first database candidate as a duplicate proprietary media asset based on the comparison; and

remove the first database candidate from the first database based on the identification, the first database candidate to not be included in the candidate media device assets.

18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the at least one server is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database;

compare the first database candidate to one or more proprietary media assets in a second database different from the first database and the reference database;

identify the first database candidate as a syndicated duplicate of a first proprietary media asset of the one or more proprietary media assets based on the comparison; and

replace the first proprietary media asset with the first database candidate based on the identification.

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the database candidates include a second database candidate, and the at least one server is to:

compare the second database candidate to the one or more proprietary media assets;

identify the second database candidate as a duplicate proprietary media asset in response to determining that the second database candidate matches the first database candidate; and

remove the second database candidate from the first database based on the identification, the first database candidate to not be included in the candidate media device assets.

20. The system of claim 15 , wherein the at least one server is to:

obtain database candidates, the database candidates including a first database candidate having the media identifier;

store the database candidates in a first database different from the reference database in response to determining that the media identified by the media identifier does not have the reference signature in the reference database; and

in response to determining that the first database candidate is not one of a duplicate syndicated media device asset, a duplicate proprietary media asset, or a syndicated duplicate of a proprietary media asset, identify the first database candidate as one of the candidate media device assets.

Assignments (8)
RELEASE (REEL 054066 / FRAME 0064) Recorded May 11, 2023
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: GRACENOTE, INC.; A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063605/0001 →
RELEASE (REEL 053473 / FRAME 0001) Recorded May 11, 2023
From: CITIBANK, N.A.
To: A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 063603/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 063574/0632 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 28, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: CITIBANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 063561/0381 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 31, 2023
From: GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; GRACENOTE, INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Reel/Frame 063560/0547 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PATENTS LISTED ON SCHEDULE 1 RECORDED ON 6-9-2020 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 053473 FRAME 0001. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SUPPLEMENTAL IP SECURITY AGREEMENT. Recorded Oct 7, 2020
From: A.C. NIELSEN (ARGENTINA) S.A.; A.C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; ACN HOLDINGS INC.; ACNIELSEN CORPORATION; ACNIELSEN ERATINGS.COM; AFFINNOVA, INC.; ART HOLDING, L.L.C.; ATHENIAN LEASING CORPORATION; CZT/ACN TRADEMARKS, L.L.C.; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC; NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER INSIGHTS, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE, INC.; NIELSEN FINANCE CO.; NIELSEN FINANCE LLC; NIELSEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; NIELSEN MOBILE, LLC; NMR INVESTING I, INC.; TCG DIVESTITURE INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; VIZU CORPORATION; VNU MARKETING INFORMATION, INC.; NMR LICENSING ASSOCIATES, L.P.; NIELSEN HOLDING AND FINANCE B.V.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY B.V.; VNU INTERNATIONAL B.V.
To: CITIBANK, N.A
Reel/Frame 054066/0064 →
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 9, 2020
From: A. C. NIELSEN COMPANY, LLC; ACN HOLDINGS INC.; ACNIELSEN CORPORATION; ACNIELSEN ERATINGS.COM; AFFINNOVA, INC.; ART HOLDING, L.L.C.; ATHENIAN LEASING CORPORATION; CZT/ACN TRADEMARKS, L.L.C.; EXELATE, INC.; GRACENOTE, INC.; GRACENOTE DIGITAL VENTURES, LLC; GRACENOTE MEDIA SERVICES, LLC; NETRATINGS, LLC; NIELSEN AUDIO, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER INSIGHTS, INC.; NIELSEN CONSUMER NEUROSCIENCE, INC.; NIELSEN FINANCE CO.; NIELSEN FINANCE LLC; NIELSEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; NIELSEN MOBILE, LLC; NIELSEN UK FINANCE I, LLC; NMR INVESTING I, INC.; TCG DIVESTITURE INC.; TNC (US) HOLDINGS, INC.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC; VIZU CORPORATION; VNU MARKETING INFORMATION, INC.; NMR LICENSING ASSOCIATES, L.P.; NIELSEN HOLDING AND FINANCE B.V.; THE NIELSEN COMPANY B.V.; VNU INTERNATIONAL B.V.
To: CITIBANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 053473/0001 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 15, 2020
From: NELSON, DANIEL; PETRO, JAMES; BORAWSKI, ALBERT T.
To: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
Reel/Frame 051526/0834 →