Difficulty
An information-encoding technology that could transmit signals at frequencies below the 20 Hz threshold for human hearing, capture and decode the signals at the recipient’s end was the brainchild of a media and entertainment startup. The company had this in mind when it designed a complete set of tools that could create an Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) string that contained data and insert it into an audio or video file. The embedded information would then be extracted by a personal decoder app from the video or audio that was playing, if applicable, and displayed to the user.
Two SDK solutions were built by a vendor that the startup hired. AAC codes were to be composed using one SDK library, while the extracted data was to be decoded and processed using the other. Because these parts were developed in C++, the SDKs could not communicate with other programs.
The firm intended to expand its software’s capabilities and enhance its security, performance, and scalability in order to open up new funding prospects. They started looking for a reputable software development business for media and entertainment, and they discovered one in ITRex.
The Client Requested That Our Group Construct The Following:
- A desktop program for Windows and Mac that lets users create AAC codes, provide all the necessary information, specify the call to action that goes along with the code, and plan the exact moment the code starts playing in the chosen audio or video file.
- An online tool that administrators can utilize to create AAC codes that meet the required standards.
- Native wrappers for iOS and Android that would encapsulate the client’s initial AAC decoding SDK.
- An administration panel for managing user accounts, interpreting AAC codes, coordinating all of these applications, and more.
Outcomes
The client used this encoding/decoding solution for multiple business applications. Using the toolbox for targeted marketing at malls and other public places is one of them. This is how it would proceed.
Sellers wishing to promote their goods could create a custom signal string with text and images related to their campaign. A song or any other audio or video playing at a mall would contain this code.
A user of the client’s app will only hear the song and not the advertisement when they are in the transmission range. However, the application will identify the AAC code, decode the encoded campaign data using various back-end services, and present it to the user according to their choices. For instance, the app will show any Thai cuisine-related advertising if someone says they enjoy Thai food. In this manner, businesses could market their goods to their intended market without upsetting the wider public.
We will use the aforementioned example to explain our accomplishments.
We created and put into use a desktop Mac and Windows application. This program allows different manufacturers to create AAC codes that correspond to their campaigns. They will arrange where to insert the AAC code within a given audio file and configure the call to action, which entails selecting whatever text, graphics, links, or metadata to display when the signal is decoded. Additionally, they can arrange for the AAC string to play repeatedly while the audio is being played.
Our engineering team created a web application that enables the generation of AAC codes according to vendor-specified specifications. After that, these codes are incorporated into the audio in accordance with the predetermined timeline, creating a new file that is prepared for playback.
This web interface can also be used by regular users to log in and set their viewing settings.
We created two native test apps that encapsulate the client’s decoding SDK and native Android and iOS wrappers (mobile SDKs). With the help of the test apps’ straightforward user interface, both vendors and regular users could log in and modify their viewing and setting preferences.
When a native test app detects an AAC code, the AAC resolution service is triggered to decode the signal on the back end. To determine whether to act on the decoded data, this service interacts with the policy resolution service. In response, the policy service ascertains whether the decoded material is appropriate for the particular user by looking up their age and preferences.
The mobile app is ultimately in charge of deciding whether or not to act on the signal (such as displaying campaign information) after this series of approvals.
We put in place the back end that handles analytics, statistics, user account management, and AAC resolution. Along with checking for compliance with COPPA, ESRB (for age-based watching), DMCA (for content ownership), managing consents and device opt-in/opt-out, and other regulations, the solution also carries out checks depending on user preferences.
It was difficult to build these components because the client’s SDK libraries were not well documented and they lacked a clear vision for their desired design.
Impact
In order to make the client’s AAC encoder/decoder solutions secure, dependable, and scalable for use in corporate settings, our team assisted them in building them.
The client started looking at new business applications and investment options when the software was updated. They initiated talks with a top entertainment company that wanted to use the technology for review and assessment of television shows. This new use, which differs greatly from the initial use at the mall, demonstrates the solution’s and business concept’s versatility and potential.