STATISTICAL METERING AND FILTERING OF CONTENT VIA PIXEL-BASED METADATA

An apparatus for using metadata to more precisely process displayed content may include a processor executing stored instructions, which causes the apparatus to at least receive an image data frame including pixels having a visual object(s), wherein bits in the image data frame includes pixel data for a single pixel. The pixel data includes content and metadata fields. The metadata field includes a value. The metadata value indicates that the single pixel is part of a visual object in a category. The execution of the stored instructions may also cause the apparatus to identify pixels including a visual object by their metadata fields. The pixels include a visual object identifiable within the image data frame such that certain operations are performed on the pixels forming an individual visual object separate from pixels forming remaining visual objects in the visual field. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.