# vfp_gen - Video Fingerprint Generator

# Overview

vfp_gen is a command-line tool that generates video fingerprints (signatures) from video files. These fingerprints can be used for video comparison, duplicate detection, or fragment searching.

# Features

  • Generate fingerprints optimized for either comparison or search operations
  • Process full videos or specific durations
  • Support for all major video formats (MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, etc.)
  • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows x64)

# Usage 

vfp_gen -i "input_video.mp4" -o "output.vsigx" [options]

# Required Parameters

  • -i, --input : Path to the input video file
  • -o, --output : Path where the fingerprint file will be saved (typically with .vsigx extension)

# Optional Parameters

  • -t, --type : Fingerprint type (default: "search")
    • search : Optimized for finding this video as a fragment within other videos
    • compare : Optimized for comparing entire videos
  • -d, --duration : Duration to analyze in milliseconds (default: 0 = full file)
  • -l, --license : VisioForge license key (default: "TRIAL")

# Examples

# Generate a search fingerprint for the entire video 

vfp_gen -i "commercial.mp4" -o "commercial.vsigx"

# Generate a comparison fingerprint 

vfp_gen -i "movie.mp4" -o "movie_compare.vsigx" -t compare

# Generate fingerprint for first 30 seconds only 

vfp_gen -i "video.mp4" -o "video_30s.vsigx" -d 30000

# Use with license key 

vfp_gen -i "video.mp4" -o "output.vsigx" -l "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY"

# Output

The tool generates a binary fingerprint file (.vsigx) containing:

  • Fingerprint data
  • Video metadata (duration, dimensions, frame rate)
  • Source filename reference
  • Unique identifier

# Use Cases

  1. Content Identification: Generate fingerprints for a video library to identify duplicates
  2. Advertisement Detection: Create fingerprints of commercials to find them in broadcasts
  3. Scene Detection: Generate fingerprints of specific scenes to locate them in full movies
  4. Copyright Protection: Create fingerprints of copyrighted content for monitoring

# Performance Notes

  • Fingerprint generation is CPU-intensive
  • Processing time depends on video duration and resolution
  • Generated fingerprint files are typically small (KB to MB range)
  • The tool shows progress percentage during processing

# Error Handling

The tool will exit with an error message if:

  • Input file doesn't exist
  • Output file cannot be created/overwritten
  • Video format is not supported
  • Insufficient memory for processing

# Related Tools

  • vfp_compare : Compare two fingerprint files
  • vfp_search : Search for a fingerprint within another fingerprint