# vfp_search - Video Fragment Search Tool

# Overview

vfp_search is a command-line tool that searches for a video fragment (like a commercial, intro, or specific scene) within a larger video. It uses pre-generated fingerprints to quickly locate where the fragment appears in the main video.

# Features

  • Find video fragments within full-length videos
  • Detect commercials in broadcast recordings
  • Locate specific scenes or clips
  • Fast search without re-processing videos
  • Returns exact timestamps of matches

# Usage 

vfp_search -f "fragment.vsigx" -m "main_video.vsigx" [options]

# Required Parameters

  • -f, --fragment : Path to the fragment fingerprint file (the video segment to search for)
  • -m, --main : Path to the main video fingerprint file (where to search)

# Optional Parameters

  • -d, --md : Maximum acceptable difference (default: 500)
  • -l, --license : VisioForge license key (default: "TRIAL")

# Examples

# Search for a commercial in a TV recording 

vfp_search -f "commercial.vsigx" -m "tv_recording.vsigx"

# Search with stricter matching 

vfp_search -f "intro.vsigx" -m "movie.vsigx" -d 50

# Using license key 

vfp_search -f "scene.vsigx" -m "full_movie.vsigx" -l "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY"

# Output

The tool outputs:

  • Number of matches found
  • Timestamp for each match (format: HH:MM:SS)
  • Difference score for each match
  • Total processing time

Example output:

Starting analyze.
Analyze finished. Elapsed time: 0:00:01.234
Search results: 3
00:05:32
01:23:45
02:15:18

# Workflow Example

  1. Generate fingerprint for the fragment (e.g., 30-second commercial):
vfp_gen -i "commercial.mp4" -o "commercial.vsigx" -t search
  1. Generate fingerprint for the full video:
vfp_gen -i "broadcast.mp4" -o "broadcast.vsigx" -t compare
  1. Search for the commercial in the broadcast:
vfp_search -f "commercial.vsigx" -m "broadcast.vsigx"

# Use Cases

  1. Advertisement Detection: Find and skip commercials in recorded TV shows
  2. Content Monitoring: Detect when specific content appears in broadcasts
  3. Scene Location: Find specific scenes across multiple video files
  4. Intro/Outro Detection: Locate recurring segments in series
  5. Copyright Monitoring: Find unauthorized use of video clips

# Best Practices

  • Use "search" type fingerprints for fragments (-t search in vfp_gen)
  • Use "compare" type fingerprints for main videos (-t compare in vfp_gen)
  • Fragments should be at least 5-10 seconds for reliable detection
  • Lower difference thresholds (< 100) for exact matches
  • Higher thresholds (100-500) for similar content with modifications

# Performance Notes

  • Search speed depends on main video length
  • Memory usage is proportional to fingerprint sizes
  • Typically processes hours of video in seconds

# Error Handling

The tool will exit with an error if:

  • Either fingerprint file doesn't exist
  • Fragment is longer than the main video
  • Fingerprint files are corrupted
  • Incompatible fingerprint types

# Limitations

  • Fragment must be continuous (no cuts or edits)
  • Very short fragments (< 5 seconds) may produce false positives
  • Heavily modified content may not be detected

# Related Tools

  • vfp_gen : Generate fingerprints from video files
  • vfp_compare : Compare two complete videos
  • MMT : GUI tool for media monitoring with fragment search