GB2417351A - Audience surveying - Google Patents

Abstract

A pre-selected panel of volunteers simultaneously watching the same television programme is invited to press specific telephone keypads of their tone generating digital push button telephones to correspond with their various ongoing positive and negative reactions to the television programme, changing second by second. Their various button presses generate identifiable digital telephone tones which are instantly collated centrally and instantly made available as a graphical display, usually for a live television audience. Viewers can see the ongoing responses of the entire panel changing second by second. The value of each individual vote decays from its full value to zero over a period of seconds in order to make an instant event (pressing a button) remain visible for a period of time.

Description

INVENT ION: THE DEBATOR

DESCRIPTION

1 The intention The intention is to enable a pre-selected sample of television viewers to input their emotional response into a telephone keypad while watching a programme transmission, so that accurate market research information may be gathered about what a pre-selected cross section of the general public think of what they are watching, whether that be a TV advert or a politician's speech or anything else one might see on the television. Secondly, if required, this information can be projected onto the TV screen within half a second of the telephone keypad being pressed. This differs from existing methods of sampling television viewer reaction both in that (a) the viewers are a pre-selected group rather than self-selecting and therefore has statistical significance to a market researcher and (b) if desired the information can be projected to the television screen instantaneously. See figure 1 of Drawings 2 The method (a) The pre-selected panel of voting viewers (Hereafter VVs) is assembled by a market research company, who provide their demographic information and telephone number to the OPERATOR of the machine, along with security pin numbers for each VV, which will ensure that no-one else attempts to impersonate a VV in the course of the voting.

(b) The OPERATOR enters this information into the CENTRAL COMPUTER, using specifically designed spreadsheet formats.

(c) The CENTRAL COMPUTER has telephone lines attached to it and is capable of being on the phone simultaneously to as many VVs as there are telephone lines attached. The CENTRAL COMPUTER telephones each W with pre- recorded announcements created by the OPERATOR on a number of occasions before the programme or item in question, reminding them to watch television at the appropriate moment. The VV enters their pin number on each occasion contacted. The computer reports back to the OPERATOR which VVs from the list provided by the market research company are prepared to take part.

(d) The OPERATOR adjusts the list to bring in spare Ws so that the overall VV sample represents the desired balance. During the vote, the mathematical significance of the vote of certain categories of person may be increased or decreased if those categories of person are not present in sufficient numbers or over-represented. This is a process called weighting which is standard practice in the market research industry but has never been done instantaneously before.

(e) At the appropriate moment, the Ws are contacted and they watch the item in question on television. They vote according to their instructions (e,g strongly approve, approve, disapprove, strongly disapprove) by pressing the associated keypads on their telephones (probably I, 4, 6 and 3. See figure 2 of Drawings) This is MODE 1 (f) Alternatively, the TV presenter asks them a question directly and they vote their replies by pressing the associated keypads on their telephones. This is MODE 2 (g) The infommation is collated by the CENTRAL COMPUTER either instantly or not, depending on requirement. The CENTRAL COMPUTER then generates the required overall data and graphics and, if required, projects them onto the television screen. If the CENTRAL COMPUTER is not located near the television studio, this graphical display can be transmitted via video link, satellite link, microwave link, ISDN link or intemet connection. A smaller computer may be used at the television studio to help receive and interpret the data sent by the CENTRAL COMPUTER.

3 Technical detail The technology has the following abilities o Ability to receive in real time (within 0.5 seconds) the keypad inputs of the viewer to screen o Technical ability to use the system as and when required by the programme within a short notice period (24 hours) o Ability to scale the service up to 1000 Ws and beyond 4 The TECHNICAL OPERATOR and the WEB INTERFACE There will be a remote internet facility enabling the OPERATOR to alter at any time the content of the various telephone messages going out to the Ws.

The OPERATOR will operate the Debator primarily through a web interface. The web interface should enable the OPERATOR to do the following: To examine the response rate from the pre-dial contact sessions with the Ws at any time.

To remotely alter the VV active database so that fresh Ws can be contacted and existing ones excluded in order to balance the sample at any time. The computers need to be able to hold the following conversation, according to standard computer protocol.

To enter and adjust the weighting values expected from the sample. This will normally be done by entering the number of each particular demographic group required within the overall sample of VVs.

To inform the system that the session has ended so that the machine knows it is time to present the overview graphic (go to MODE 3) To access the individual votmg data of each VV in a mutually acceptable format (see below) in such a way that demographic trends within the VV sample can be spread- sheeted by the OPERATOR on behalf of the programme as soon as the session ends.

Additional possible sequencing of events: (a) Spreadsheet provides telephone numbers, identification references, and pin codes for each W. which can be uploaded into the system. It doesn't provide actual names these remain confidential.

(b) When a voting session is commissioned, Spreadsheet provides list of identification codes of initial VV panel required for that particular session.

(c) Central computer contacts as many of the required VVs as it can get in touch with at a pre-agreed point within 24 hours of the event.

(d) Central computer reports back to operator via spreadsheet actual VV panel availability.

(e) OPERATOR spreadsheet examines demographics now on offer and amends VV panel request.

(f) Central computer contacts additional VVs and removes others as required by operator amendment.

Process repeats from (d) to (f) as many times as is necessary.

(g) OPERATOR enters and adjusts the weighting values expected from the sample.

This will normally be done by entering the number of each particular demographic group required within the overall sample of VVs.

(h) OPERATOR informs the system that the session has ended so that the machine knows it is time to present the overview graphic (go to MODE 3) (i) OPERATOR access the individual voting data of each VV from the CENTRAL COMPUTER in such a way that demographic trends within the VV sample can be spread-sheeted by the OPERATOR on behalf of the prograrnme as soon as the session ends.

The Web Interface is designed with compatibility with csv format spreadsheets in mind. It should be capable of receiving information over the Internet from the OPERATOR reflecting 5 pieces of data: (a) an individual code designating a particular W (VV Designation) (b) his or her pin number which will be required to confirm their identity (c) his or her phone number in order to contact him or her.

(d) It shall be able to upload from the OPERATOR at least five mono WAV files individually designated to be used as automated pre-recorded announcements (e) The nature of the call i.e. the recorded message associated with each call, and whether it is a preparatory phone call or a prelude to a vote.

The individual code designations of each VV will be determined by the OPERATOR and will correspond to column or row designations on a CSV format spreadsheet.

Those designations will remain constant throughout the process.

The intended process is as follows The OPERATOR will upload a database of Ws, with designation, pin and telephone number.

At various pre-determined stages the OPERATOR will enter a series of designations, and thereby tell the CENTRAL COMPUTER system which VVs are to be initially contacted. The data input will be a series of VV Designations and a designation of which pre-recorded wav to play in the contact session. The call will be triggered manually by the OPERATOR. The nature of this call will be to inform the VV that they will be needed later on. The CENTRAL COMPUTER system will report back to the OPERATOR which VVs were unobtainable/unavailable by providing a list of their designations. The OPERATOR will remove and/or redesignate substitute VVs by uploading new VV designation strings and the process will be repeated after a set time period has elapsed. The CENTRAL COMPUTER system will be able to receive and relay strings of VV designations to facilitate the handling of large numbers of VVs.

When this process has been repeated an appropriate number of times and the sample is prepared as it can be, the CENTRAL COMPUTER system will contact the finalised list of VVs shortly before the actual poll. The call will be triggered manually by the OPERATOR.

The actual poll will commence immediately after the final telephone message and pin test. The OPERATOR will be able to trigger the end of the poll, which will trigger the sending of the results by e-mail. The OPERATOR will also be able to trigger a pause in the poll and the playing of an interim audio message, to relay such information as, for example, a change in the voting criteria After the poll an e-mail will immediately be sent to the OPERATOR from the CENTRAL COMPUTER charting the responses of each W in spreadsheet rows or columns, keeping the original W designations. In this way the OPERATOR will be able to determine the exact voting behaviour of each VV. This response data records only which individual W voted, how he or she voted, and when he or she voted. No cumulative results are required.

The polled results must be time coded using a clock, which must be accurate to within one tenth of a second and synchronised using a source, which the OPERATOR can synchronise his own clock to.

CENTRAL COMPUTER will provide one additional voting line above and beyond that requested for the polling sample, which will be used by the OPERATOR as a test that the overall process is occurring at the correct times and to specification.

A survey which requires only the final e-mail report may be required from CENTRAL COMPUTER on its own, without a requirement to provide any live graphics for broadcast.

The system will be able to service 5 clients simultaneously so long as there is a 3() minute gap between any client preparation and service routines that require access to the active components of the system.

The system will display the number of VVs online during the main voting session.

Additional Modes of data collection MODE 2 (SEE ABOVE) This mode will clear all current voting values and then collect the information from the data gathering section of the CENTRAL COMPUTER for a predetermined period of time (either entered in via the website or pre-set). Once this period has elapsed, the voters key presses will be shown as a percentage number on screen. This will operate on a onetime, one vote mechanism where only the last vote counts. The website can be used to reset the values to allow other opinions to be sought. The website can be used to set the number of voting options and their corresponding keys on the telephone.

MODE 3 At the end of the session a bar or line of all the votes recorded during the interview will be required. The purpose of this graph will be to show viewers how reactions changed in the course of the interview just witnessed.

MODE 4 The system will enable the W to upload a pre-recorded set of questions, no more than in number. The system will telephone VV participants, ask these questions which require answers in the forms of telephone pad indents, and record the answers and the identity of the answerers according to their database designation. The results of this survey will be sent to the OPERATOR via e mail.

The system will have the capacity to switch between Modes 1, 2, and 3 during a session.

Technical information The data input by the home viewer will most likely be transferred via an ISDN data link to a second computer in the TV studios, which will generate the actual broadcast graphic.

Receiving data This section details how the central database will be sent data, and the information it will require in order to receive and process that data. This section does not refer to the separate communications occurring between the OPERATOR and CENTRAL COMPUTER (see above) o Data sources The central database will be housed at CENTRAL COMPUTER and will receive data from the following sources: - CENTRAL COMPUTER data gathering - Internet o Upload format CENTRAL COMPUTER will usually pass the required information to the host application via ISDN. The host application and associated hardware will be provided and supported by CENTRAL COMPUTER o Upload frequency The data will be loaded to the application within ().5Seconds of user input o Upload structure Full and detailed data can be passed from CENTRAL COMPUTER shortly after the close of the program using CSV format via web, EMAIL or t 1 if.

This will contain the number of 'votes' throughout the progra.nme or item with a resolution of no less than 1 second and can be one file per W or as a single file containing a VV identifier.

Processing data o Graphics output o MODE I See figure 2 of D - wings The data will be measured on one or two moving bar charts, probably in the bottom third of the screen. Assuming here tow bars, zero will represent a point at the bottom of the screen. Every negative reaction will extend a blue or grey bar up from zero. Simultaneously every positive response will extend a bar with two bright colours up from zero on the other side of the screen.

The bars will need to refresh the data at least every half a second. But they should move in a smooth constant manner pleasing to the eye, not jerkily, nor simply repaint every half second. CENTRAL COMPUTER must make it possible for the colours to be changeable to and from those requested by Newsnight with a minimum of effort.

o Video specification

The video provided to the TV studio should have the following characteristics.

It should be PAL, 25 Hertz, 25 frames per second. It should be generated by a card providing Serial Digital Interface (SDI) output (doesn't need input) that is gen-lockable.

o Mathematical relationship Mathematically the relationship between the data and the bar colours is proposed as follows: Strongly approve' and 'mildly approve' are both worth one but will be represented in different colours on the same bar (probably in orange and yellow) Strongly disapprove' and 'mildly disapprove' are both worth one but will be represented in different colours on the same bar (probably in blue and grey)

THE ON SCREEN VALUE OF EVERY VOTE REGISTERED WILL FADE

AWAY TO ZERO OVER THE COURSE OF 10 SECONDS. In other words, rather than a recorded vote disappearing from the screen as soon as it has been recorded, or staying on screen till a new vote is registered, it will drop away at a constant rate over the course of 10 seconds. This is intended to reflect the gradual fading away of an emotional response.

No individual will ever be able to register on screen more than a total of one vote maximum on his or her own account. If a person votes, his or her vote will fade away from one to zero over 10 seconds unless that person votes again, when the value of his or her value will return to one and begin to fade away anew.

INVENTION: THE DEBATOR

KEY TO DRAWINGS

Figure 1 Layout of machinery Data travels from Telephones to IVR Server to IVR database to Central Database to Central Computer Graphics programme to Tv' set.

Figure 2 Graphics layout This shows three examples of what the approve/strong approve bar situated on the TV screen might look like. The first bar shows 10 approves. The second bar shows 10 strong approves. The third bar shows 20 approves and 10 strong approves.

The disapprove/strong disapprove bar would be in a darker colour elsewhere on the screen. Both bars would constantly refresh on the screen providing the audience with an ongoing constant update of what me voting viewers think of the broadcast. . .

Figure 3 .

. . Typical telephone keypad layout matches the orientation of the two bars seen on the TV screen. Pressing 1 or 4 on the keypad would translate into increasing the height of the strongly approve or approve bars on the TV screen (figure 2) Pressing 3 or 6 on the keypad would translate into increasing the height of the strongly . disapprove or disapprove bars (not shown).

. ' . 4 = approve 1 = strong approve 6 = disapprove 3 = strong disapprove g

Claims (3)

1 A system of telephony that contacts a pre- selected group of simultaneous viewers of the same television programme at remote locations by telephone, assuming they possess standard tone generating push button digital telephones, where those viewers then instantly and simultaneously return their differing and various responses to the same television programme by pressing the various tone generating buttons on those same telephones, where those responses are recorded and collated centrally second by second so that the collated responses of that group may be monitored simultaneous to the television programme itself.

2 A system of telephony as claimed in claim 1 where each individual vote counts for a specified value at the moment it is cast but, rather than remaining on the collated display permanently or disappearing from the collated display within an instant of being cast, deteriorates in value back to zero over a period of seconds in order to allow the voting event, which is instant by nature, to remain visible over a period of seconds.

3 A system of voting via telephone keypad where each individual vote counts for a specified value at the moment it is cast but, rather than either remaining on a collated ongoing graphical display permanently or disappearing from the collated graphical display within an instant of being cast, the vote deteriorates in value from its full value back to zero gradually over a period of seconds, in order to allow the voting event, which would otherwise by its nature be displayed graphically as an instant event, to remain visible graphically for a short time period longer before gradually deteriorating to zero. )

3 A system of telephony as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 where the collated results may be presented graphically at a remote location within half a second of voting. q

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1 A system of telephony that communicates with a group of simultaneous viewers of a particular television programme at remote locations by telephone, where the viewers employ standard tone generating push button digital telephones, where those viewers then individually return their changing and ongoing responses to the same television programme by pressing the various tone generating buttons on their telephones according to a pre-arranged correspondence between the buttons pressed and the responses the viewer seeks to communicate, where those ongoing responses are recorded and collated centrally so that collated ongoing and changing responses in time may be monitored in synchronized or near synchronized display with the television programme itself.

2 A system of telephony as claimed in claim 1 where each individual vote counts for a specified value at the moment it is cast but, rather than either remaining on the collated ongoing graphical display permanently or disappearing from the collated graphical display within an instant of being cast, the vote deteriorates in value from its full value back to zero gradually over a period of seconds, in order to allow the voting event, which would otherwise by its nature be displayed graphically as an instant event, to remain visible graphically for a short time period longer before gradually deteriorating to zero.