CA1241736A - Television and market research data collection system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

TELEVISION AND MARKET RESEARCH
DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A remote data collection unit is provided at each of a plurality of panelist locations. The remote unit is adapted to be coupled to one or more television receivers or cable television converters.
The data collection unit monitors and stores infor-mation as to what TV mode is in use, identification of the TV viewing audience and events such as channel changes and the like. The data collection unit further includes means for optically scanning bar codes and the like and storing that information, which can be representative of product purchase information or panelist responses to market research surveys.
Substitute programming information may be supplied to selected panelist locations, as by transmission over an otherwise unused channel in a cable system along with control information. Information stored in data collection unit is periodically collected, either by interrogation of the data collection unit by a central computer, or by manual transfer of information to a portable data collector.

Description

~L~VISlO~ ~D ~ ET R~SEARC~
~T~ COL~ECTION ~ST~ AND ~ET~OD

~AC~GRO~D OF T~æ I~ PTI~N

The present invention relates to data storage and transmission systems and more particularly relates ~o monitoring systems for accumulating data at remote locations and tran~mitting the data to a central location. More particularly, ~he present invention relates to a 10 data collection system and method for collecting at remo~e paneli~t locations data relative to television viewing habits and preferences as well as produc~ purchases and preferences of a plurality of panelists, and transmitting the collected data to a 15 central location. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a data collection system is provided in which individual televi~ion receivers may be controlled from a central location ~o display substitute programming.
The prior art is replete with various systems and arrangements for monitoring viewing habit~ of television viewers. ~he earliest such systems merely collected data on site for eventual manual collection as to the television channels viewed and the times of viewing for various panels of viewers in order to determine market share and rating~ of various television programs. Later, 8ystems came into being for use with cable television ~ystems with two way communications over 30 the cable ~ystem between the head end thereof and variou cable ~ub~cribers. In ~uch a ~ystem ~h~
television ~ets are typically interrogated periodically ~rom this central location over the 73~

cable, with the channel selection and time information being sent back to the central location and logged for statistical compilation. Such systems have also been used in the past in ~o-called 5 pay television systems in which billing information is sent over the cable sy~tem to a central location from ~he various subscribers to the pay television sy~tem. The prior art also includes such systems in which a memory means is provided at the remote 10 location, i.e. at the television receiver, for accumulating data as to the channel being vi@wed and time. The accumulated data is then periodically transmit~ed over conventional telephone lines from the remote locations to the central location, by 15 telephone calls initiated by either the remote stations or the central loca~ion.
Systems for remotely accumulating data regarding the habits of television viewers and their qualitative reaction to material have today become 20 important from the standpoint of market research.
For example, the effectiveness of television commercials can be monitored by correlating viewing of those commercials with subsequent purchase decisions made by panelists whose viewing habits are 25 being monitored. One manner of achieving this which has been util`ized in the past is to ~ave the cooperating panelists keep a diary as to purchase of products. The purchase information recorded in these diaries is then correlated with the 30 commercials viewed by those cooperating panelists.
In an alternative arrangement disclosed in the prior art, in areas where universal product code automated check-outs are available, such as grocery stores nd the like, a panelist makes his or her purchases and 35 at the check-out counter presents a card coded with 3~

a unique scanner panelist identification similar to the universal product code symbcl on the products purchased. The store's computer can automatically retain such purchase data for subsequent transfer to 5 a market research company computer data base for correlation with the data regarding the various panelists viewing of commercials. Such arrangements of course require cooperation of stores within the area of the panelist locations, and are therefore 10 more suited for limited geographic groupings of panelists in a single locale or city, and are not readily applicable to a national assemblage of panelists extending across an entire country.
In market reqearch relating ~o commercials 15 and th~ir effectiveness, it al~o is sometimes important to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative forms of a commercial. One way of achieving this in the context of a cable television system i~ to split the subscribers or panelists into

2~ two or more groups, and then show the alternative forms of commercials to the respective groups of panelists. Correlation of product purchase information regarding those panelists with the forms of ~he commercials they viewed can then be used to ~5 assess the effectiveness of the various alternative forms of the commercial. The prior art also ~ncludes examples of systems wherein certain portions of a viewing audience ~an be selected on a dynamic basis and furnished with substitute 30 programming. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in V.S. Patent No. 3,639,686 to Walker et al. In accordance with that system, an auxiliary television signal is broadcast which contains not only substitute programming, i.e. video signal 35 information, but also control information such as

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pulse code information for remo~ely selecting panelists whi h are to receive the substitute proqrammin~. Digital address information i~
provided for each of the panelists, and ~he portion 5 of the panelists which are to receive ~he sub~ti~u~e programming are selected by the pulse code information. The Walker et al patent notes that in selecting the panelists which are to receive the substitute programming, the number of categories 10 available is dependen~ on the number of digital information bits that are incorporated in the system. A later United ~tates Patent ~o. 4,331,974 to Cogswell et al also disclo es an arrangement for selecting portions of a viewing audience on a 15 dynamic basis and furnishing those portiuns with substitute programming.
The present invention relates to an improved system and method which is of particular utility in market research type applications, but 20 which is not limited thereto.

OBJECTS AND 5~MMARY OF T~E I~VENTIO~

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for collecting at remote panelists locations data relative to those panelists, and transmitting the collected data to a central location.
It is another object of the present invention to provide ~uch a data collection system for collecting data relative to panelists television 3~ viewing habits and preferences as well as market research data regarding panelists product purchases and preferences.

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It is another object of the present invention to provide such a sys~em and method in which the remote lQcations are provided with memory for storing collected data, with collected data 5 being periodically transmitted to a central location over non-dedicated telephone lines.
It is still another object of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, to provide such a system and method in which substitute 10 programming can be provided to selected of the panelists.
~ riefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a remote data collection unit is provided at each of a plurality of panelist 15 locations. ~he remote unit is adapted to be coupled to one or more television receivers at each panelist location, or to one or more cable television converters in the context of a cable teleYision system. The data collection unit includes a memory and means for monitoriny and storing informatior.
regarding which of a pluraiity of television modes are in use, as well as viewer identification data.
Means are provided to monitor and store events concerning television viewing, ~uch as channel 25 changès or the like. Further, the data collection unit includes means for optically scanning bar codes and the like and storing information regarding 3ame. Such bar codes and the like can be representative of product purchase information or 3~ panelist responses to market research surveys and the like. In one embodiment, telephone commun;ca-tion is periodically established between a central location and each of the remote units, and the contents of each data collection unit memory are 35 transmitted to the central location. Alternatively, 7~3~

a portable memory device can be taken to the loca tion of each data ~oll~ction unit to transfer the memory content thereof to a tape or disc or other storage device. In accordance with one embodiment 5 of the invention, during telephone communication between the central location and a remote unit, questionnaires can be downloaded from the central location to the memory of a remote data collection unit. Such questionnaires can be displayed on a 10 television receiver coupled to the remote data collection unit, with means provided for a viewer or panelist registering answers to questions in ~he questionnaire, and the memory of the remote data collection unit storing the answers to the guestions 15 for transmission to the central location at the next telephone communication therewi~h.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a viewer control is associated with each remote data collection unit. The viewer control includes a television channel s~lector, which can be utilized not only in a normal mode for select;ng channels but also to place the unit in a channel lock or a non-channel lock position. When the data collection unit is in the channel lock position, the 25 television set associated therewith stays tuned to whatever channel was previously selected, but subse~uent changes in the channel selector are stored in the data collection unit memory. This feature i5 useful for recording data relating to 30 viewer response, individual viewer identification, responses to questionnaires and the like.
In accordance with one embodiment of the ;nvention, substitute programming information ~ay be supplied to each of the panelist locations, as by 35 transmission over an otherwise unused channel in a cable system. Control information i5 also transmitted along with the substi~ute programming, with the control information being utilized to ~elect on a dynamic basis por~ions of ~he panelists 5 for receipt of 3ubstitute programming. The group~
of panelists which are to receive the substitute programming information can be selected on a demographic bases or the like.
Other object~, advantages, and features of 10 the present invention will appear from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanyiny drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TEIE DRA~ S

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustr3ting an overall system in accordance with the principles of this invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating signal flow in accordance with the present 20 inventiOn.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating modiEication of a cable converter in accordance with the present ir.vention.

Figure 4 illus~rates the mode switches and 25 data wand of a data collection unit in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is a detailed block diagram of a data collection unit in accordance with the present invention.

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Figure 6 is a block diagram of the ~elephone block interface and master/slave coupling in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

~igure 7 is a logic flow diagram of the 5 main loop of a data collection unit in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 8 i5 another logic flow diagram for converter control in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a logic flow diagram of another subroutine in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 10 is a logic flow diagram for the data LED control subroutine of one embodiment of the present invent;on.

Figure 11 is a logic flow diagram of a subroutine also rela~ing to converter control.

Figure 12 is a logic flow diagram related to storing optically scanned data from a bar code reader in accordance with one embodiment o~ the 20 present invention.

~ igure 13 is a logic flow diagram relating to control of a time window for telephone communications in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a logic flow diagram relating to the survey function of one embodiment of the present invention.

~L 2 '~L ~,?~7 36 Figure 15 is a lo~ic flow diagram for a communication subroutine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 i5 a block diagram relating to an 5 aspect of the invention in which viewer identifi-ca~ion prompts are overlayed on the television screen.

Figure 17 is a block diagram of an alter-nat~ embodiment of the present invention in which a 10 portable data collection device is used to retreive data from data collection units instead of telephone links.

DE~TAILE~D DESCRIPTION OF ~E PREFERRED EPlBODIl~aTS

The present invention relates to a data 15 gathering system which includes a plurality of remote units which are controlled from a central location. Each of the remo~e units i5 attached to a television receiver which is generally but not necessarily attached to a cable system. Each of the 20 remote units functions to determine which of several TV modes is in use as well as to store q~ channel selector data and data from an optical input device.
All this data is stored for later transmission by each of the remote units to a central data ~5 collecting point. In accordance with some embodiments of the invent;on, a video message for a TV viewer can ~e tran3mitted from the central location and stored at the remote units, for later display on the TV set associated with the remote 30 units. Further embodiments of the invention allow for sub~titution of alternate programming infor-mation by the central control point on selected of the remote unit~.
Reerring to Fiqure 1, there is ~hown a 5 block diagram of the overall system. In acc~rdance w,~h ~he embodiment shown in Fi~ure 1, ~he system is illustrated in ~he context of a cable TV sys~em; the invention i5 not necessarily limited thereto, however. In ~igure 1 signals on normal television 10 channels are received by head end antennas 11 associated with a CATV head end control system 12.
T~e signals from the normal television channels can be mixed with videotape or film sources from auxiliary sources 13 and 14. In accordance with the 15 invention, a control ~ource 16 is also provided for transmitting digital data from and under the control o~ a microcomputer 17. These will be discussed in more detail later.
All of these various signals are mixed in 20 the CATV head end 12 and transmitted over a cable system, generally indicated by reference numeral 18.
Figure 1 illustrates one of the remote uni~s of this system of this inven~ion, although it should be understood that a plurality of such remote 25 units are provided, suitably situated in homes of panelists or the like who have agreed to serve on panel~. As shown in Figure 1, a cable converter 1 and a d~ta collection unit 21 as provided in accordance with the present invention are both 30 coupled to the cable system 18. A normal television receiver 22 is coupled to the cable converter 19.
There is also interconnection for passage of ~ontrol signals both ways between the data collection unit 21 and the cable converter 19. This is explained in 35 more detail later.

~2~36 In accordance wi~h the invention, the data collection unit 21 contains a memory, and stores data as to which of a plurality of TV modes are in use, which TV channel is being viewed, as well as 5 input from a ~uitable optical scanning devic@, which will be discussed in more detail later. In accordance with some embodiments of the present inven~ion, other data can be collected by ~he data collection unit, such as viewer qualitative ratin~
10 Qf programs and responses to ~urvey questionnaires and the like.
The data collection unit 21 is interconnected to a telephone block ~2, through which incoming and outgoing telephone calls are 15 coupled to the panelist's home with suitable wiring and the like interconnecting telephone receivers 23 in the panelist's home.
A central data collection point is provided for the system in accordance with this invention, 20 which need not be the same central location as the CA~V head end 12. The central location i5 indicated in Figure 1 by the central computer 24. The central location can include an appropriate computer with modems and the like for making connection over the 25 switched telephone network 25 to each of the remote locations. This is illustrated in Figure 1 by the connection between the switched telephone network 25 and the telephone block 22 for the particular remote location shown in ~igure 1. Periodically, the 30 central computer 24 "dials-up" each of the remote locations, establishes appropriate telephone communications with each of the data collection units 21, and the data stored in each of the data collection units 21 is transmitted via the ~witched 35 telephone network 25 to the central computer 24.

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While in telephone communication, in addition to extracting the stored data from the da~a sollection unit 21, ~he central computer 24 can also download via the telephone lines data into each of the data 5 collection units 21, as discussed in more detail hereafter. ~lso as discussed in more detail hereafter, in accordance with one aspect and embodiment of the invention, appropriate interconnections are provided in the telephone block 10 22 so that when a telephone call comes in from the oentral computer 24, the call is routed to ~he data collection unit 21, and does not activate the telephone receivers 23 in the panelist' home.
Referring now to ~igure 2, there is shown lS an additional block diagram illustrating signal paths between the data collection unit 21, the cable converter 19, and a television receiver 22.
Referring ~o Figure 2, the data collection unit 21 includes an electronics portion 26 and a switching 20 portion 27. The switching portion 27 consists of a number of switches, five in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, for s~lecting which of a variety of TV
modes are to be utilized. Thus, for example in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 the inputs to the switching portion 27 are the normal TV ~iqnal from a cable or antenna, along with an interconnection to a computer, i.e. home computer, a VCR, and a game.
Depre~sion of one of the five pushbuttons in the switching portion by a viewer or panelist selects one or the other of these TV modes. A TV mode signal corresponding to and indicative of one of these TV modes is stored in the data collection unit electronics section 26. As was briefly discus~ed in connection with the block diagram of Figure 1, in 35 accordance with one embodiment of the invention text 7~

information, such as survey questionnaires and the like, can be downloaded from a central location over the telephone lines and s~ored in the data collection unit electronics 26. Selection of a 5 "survey" function by the panelists, actuates this TV
mode and video text information is coupled through the corresponding switch in the switching portion 27 and coupled over RF signal line 28 to the input of the cable converter 19. The output of the cable 10 converter 19 is of course suitably connected to the television receiver 22.
In accordance with the present invention, control information is coupled both ways be~ween the cable converter 19 and the data collection unit 15 26. In fact, in accordance with the present invention, and as described more fully hereinafter, it is the data collection unit electronics 26 which controls the television program material displayed on the television receiver 22, rather than the cable 20 converter 19.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a ~ypical example of the way in which cable converters are modified in accordance with the present invention for application of the present invention ~5 thereto. Cable converters typically include a microprocessor section illustrated in Figure 3 by reference numeral 29 and a tuning section illustrated in Figure 3 by reference numeral 31. For example, in an exemplary arrangement, a ribbon cable is 30 normally supplied connecting the microprocessor board 29 to the tuning section 31. Typically, the micro-processor section controls a digital display and television receiver commands are received from a front panel on the cable converter, or a remote 73~

con~rol as well know in the art. The microprocessor section sends commands to the tuning section via the ribbon cable normally connecting the two. In accordance wi th the present invention, the ribbon 5 cable from the microprocessor board or section is interrupted and is connected to the data collection unit 21. The commands and ~he like from the microprocessor section 29 are interpreted by the data colleetion unit 21, which then in turn controls 10 selection of a channel by the tuning section or board 31. ~s discussed more fully hereafter, the data collection unit 21 will normally cause the tuning section 31 to select and display whatever channel was indicated in the command information 15 from the microprocessor section 29. ~owever, when the present invention is in a substitute programming function, the data collection unit 21 will or ~an substitute programming, i.e. select a channel for display other than the channel indicated by the ~o commands from the microprocessor board 29, for display at the television receiver. Also, the interconnection between the data collection unit 21 and the cable converter enables the data collection unit 21 to store information as to the channel being 25 viewed and at what times, etc.
Turning now to ~igure 4, there i5 shown a representation of the physical appearance of the data collection unit 21 in accordance with the present invention. The unit is preferably 30 dimensioned such that a cable converter, such as the ~eknika 6401 converter will sit right on top of the data collection unit. As illustrated in Figure 4, five TV mode selector switches are provided ~n the form of pushbutton switches. These correspond to 35 TV, game, computer, VCR, and survey. As mentioned 3~

previously, in accordance with one aspect of the invention survey questionnaires and the like can be downloadPd from the central location over the telephone lines to memory in the data collec~ion 5 unit. Selection of ~he survey pushbutton BWitCh ;n the data collection unit will then cause the survey questionnaire to be displayed on the television screen at the viewer's or panelist's convenience, for recording of answers to the questionnaire by the 10 panelists. The manner in which these responses to the questionnaires are registered and stored i5 discussed hereinafterO ~owever, as illustrated in Figure 4, a li~ht emitting diode 32 is provided on the front panel of the data collection unit in 15 a~sociation with the survey pushbutton. When survey questionnaires are contained in the memory of the data collection unit and have not been responded to by the panelists, the light emitting diode 32 is lit in a manner discussed hereafter, so as to inform the panelists that there is an unanswexed questionnaire. An additional data light emitting diode 33 is provided on the ront panel of the data collection unit and provides further communication with a panelist, as discussed in detail hereafter.
Also shown in Figure 4 is a receptacle 34 provided in the front panel of the data collection unit. ~he receptacle 34 is adapted to receive a data wand 35, and an additional light emitting diode 36 is provided on the front panel of the data collection unit for displaying indications relative to the data wand. The data wand 35 is an optical ~canning device which contains its own in~ernal memory. The data wand 35 can be used for scanning bar codes, such as the UPC codes found on products, 35 and storing information relative to those bar 731~

codes, The data stored within the da~a wand 35 can be p riodically transmitted ~o memory within the data collection uni~, by inserting the data wand 35 into the receptacle 34.
A suitable example of an optical scanning device 35 for recording bar codes is that manu-factured by MSI Corporation and sold under the trademark "DATA WA~D." The MSI data wand is available with an RS-232C-type standard interface, l~ which is incorporated into the data collection unit 21 in accordance with the present invention. This interface allows connection to the computer and memory provided in the data collection unit, as discussed more fully hereafterO
Referring now to Figure 5, there i5 shown a functional block diagram of a data collection unit in accordance with the present invention. The heart of the data collection unit is a microprocessor 37 and suitable programming for the microprocessor is contained in a ROM 38. Details of the programming are discussed hereafter. A RAM 39 i5 also provided for Rtoring event information such as channel selection, TV mode selection, data read by the optical scanner 35 and ~he like. ~ clock 40 i5 also 25 provided to run the microprocessor 37, with the clock 40 also functioning to maintain a time of day indication for recording times in connection with events in the RAM 39. The ~M 39 typically is provided with 32k bytes storage. ~lso typically, ~k 30 bytes of ROM is provided.
The data collection unit contains a serial line driver 41, which is appropriately select2d to be one of those available which has a programmable baud rate. This serial line driver 41 is connected 35 via a multiplexer 42 to a variety of interfaces.

~irst, a wand interface 43 is provided for accepting data from the op~ical scanner 35. ~s discu3sed previously, the wand interface provided with the MSI
data wand has a standard RS-232 output at a 1200 5 baud rate. Another input ~o the multiplexer 42 is a modem 44 contained within the data collection unit. The modem 44 is a ~ell 202 compatible, half duplex modem with an auto answer capability. This modem 44 is coupled ~o the telephone block interface 10 22, which is described in more detail hereafter.
The data transfer ra~e via the modem 44 is also 1200 baud.
The data collection unit also con~ains a receive only interface, shown as simplex receiver 45 lS in Figure 5 which receives an input from the c~ble system. This simplex channel uses an FM carrier on the cable and originates as a broadcast from the CATV head end. As more fully discussed hereafter in connection with a discussion of the substitute 20 programming aspect of this invention, certain control information is transmitted to the re~ote data collection units via this cable simplex channel. The transmis~ion speed of this channel in accordance with one embodiment is 9600 baud.
2S A master/slave communication block 46 is ~hown in Figure 5 as coupled to the telephone block interface 22. This master/slave communication block is only applicable where a plurality of television 8ets are provided in one panelist's home. The 30 specific functioning of the master/slave relationship is described hereafter in connection with Figure 6.
A parallel interface 47 is provided for providing the interface between the data collection 35 unit and the cable converter. Thus the inputs and 1~

outputs of this parallel interface are from the microproces~or in the cable converter and to the tuning section of the cable converter (see Pigure 3)~
S A parallel in~erface 4~ is also provsded for decoding the mode or function select switches provided on the fron~ panel of ~he data collection unit (see Fiqure 4) and for controlling the three li~ht emitting diodes 32, 33 and 36 on the front 10 panel of the data collection unitO
A video intcrface 49 is provided for providing video output information to the television receiver through the cable converter to display ~urvey ~uestionnaires and the like on the television 15 receiver when the survey mode is selected. ~s mentioned previously, in accordance with on~ aspect of this invention survey questionnaires can be downloaded over the telephone lines from the central location to the remote units while they are in telephone communication. The survey questionnaires are stored in RAM 39 and light emitting diode 32 is lit on the front panel of the data collection unit to inform the p~nelists that there is an unanswered questionnaire. When the panelist selects the su~vey 25 function, the video interface 49 produces a composite video signal for display on the television receiver to display the questions in the guestionnaire.
~ battery 50 is also shown in the 30 functional block diagram of Figure 5. Although normal power connection for powerin~ the daka collection units is via the normal household power supply, a battery backup can be provided to ~n~ure that the data collection unit remains powered up 35 during any temporary power outages at the panelist's 73~

home, so as not to lose current time of day information in the clock 40 or any of the data stored in the RAM 39.
All of the circuitry functionally 5 illustrated in the block diaqram of Figure SD with the exception o~ the master ~lave communications ~6 and the telephone block interface 22, can be any appropriate integrated circuits or the like which are available on the market for the functions 10 indica~ed.
An important aspect of the data collection unit in accordance with the present invention is its interface to the cable converter. Specifically, it is the data collection unit itself which controls 1~ the tuning of the cable converter. The viewer or panelist appears to control the cable converter normally, but the signals are actually intercepted by the data collection unit and it is the data collection Uhit that commands the tuning of the 20 converter, as has been described above in connection with Figures 2 and 3. During most television viewing activity, the data collection unit will command the tuner to select the same channel that the viewer has selected. ~owever, when in ~unctions which are 25 described as "Channel-Lock" and during "Dynamic Allocation", the data collection unit will select channel~ o~her than the one being displayed.
Channel Lock is a data collection unit ~unction in which the cable converter remains locked 30 on one channel regardless of the activity occurring with the converter control and the channel number being digitally displayed on the cable convert~r.
Channel Lock is entered by selecting an unoccupied converter channel, such as channel 35~ ~hen the 35data collection unit decodes channel 35, it will ~2~
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free~e the converter on ~he channel previously selected and illuminate light emi~ting diode 33 on the front panel of the data collection unit (~e Figure 4). The viewer or paneliRt can now use the 5 conYerter control to display any channel number on the conYerter without changing the channel being viewed. The data collection unit will collect events, as in the normal viewing mode, including storing the subsequen~ channels selected during the 10 Channel Lock condition as events. Each time the data collection unit collects events the light emitting diode 33 will be blinked off, corresponding to an indication that an event has been captured by the data collection unit. This Channel Lock feature 15 is useful from a number of standpoints. For example, when in a Channel Lock condition the viewer could select various channels for entry as events with the various channel numbers ~elected correspondinq to the viewers qualitative reaction to 20 progra~ming. As another example~ a particular channel number could be entered while in the Channel L~ck condition which corresponds to the identi~ica-tion of particular individuals who are viewing the program within the household. A particular 25 embodiment of identifying viewers is described herea~ter in connection with Figure 16. Likewise, selection of channel numbers while in a Channel Lock condition is useful in connection with responding to survey questionnaires and the like, which is 30 described more fully later. A key feature of the present invention is that entry of such qualitative viewer reaction data and the like is achieved while being able to use the normal channel selector associated with the cable converter, rather than any 35 kind of separate key pad or other data entry '.'7~J~ ~l73Ç~

device. The "Channel-Lock" condition is exited by selec~ing an unoccupied conver~er channel, ~ueh as 36, a~ which time the ligh~ emitting diode 33 i~
extinguished and normal tuning of the conver~er i~
5 resumed.
As has been previously described, the select switches or mode swi~ches provided on the front panel of ~he data sollection unit (see Figure

4) allows the viewer to select one of a number of 10 alternate signal sources. For example, these possible alternative signal sources are TV (either cable or air), VCR, game, computer and survey. The switches as shown in Fi~ure ~ select one of the signal sources and route it to the input of the 15 cable converter~ ~he data collection unit monitors the switch selection and controls the converter tuning accordingly. If TV viewing is selected r then normal converter operation i~ enabled. If one of the other four sources are selected, the data 20 collection unit will record an event and tune the converter to the appropriate channel to tune the signals which are selected. For example, the game and VCR output may be on channel 3, while the computer output is on channel 10. ~hese are 25 specific parameters that can be adjusted with respect to any particular installation.
Dynamic allocation is a term used to describe the concept of blind or invisible channel substitution. As described earlier, United States ~0 Pa~ent No. 3,639,686 to Walker et al relates to such a dynamic allocation or subRtitute programming kind of system. In accordance with one embodiment of ~he present invention, a ~ubstitute progr~mming arrangement in accordance with the principles of the 35 Walker et al patent i~ incorporated. Basically~ the 36i dynamic allocation process is one in whAch one or more channels in selected households are substituted with another test channel by the da~a collection unit.
The materials substituted usually are commercials, for purposes of market research with respect to the efficacy of commercialsO In practice, a set of substitute commercial cut-ins are scheduled each day. For example, each cut-in can be 10 assigned a two digit number. For each cut-in, a channel remap table is loaded into the data collection unit. The remap tables are simple and consist, for example~ of one or more channel numbers and the channel they are to be remapped to. At any 15 given time, the memory in the data collection unit can hold a number of such remap tables. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, ~he remap tables are downloaded over the cable channel and received by the simplex receiver 45 (Figure 5).
Each data collection unit has an identification number. There can either be unique identification numbers ~or each data collection unit corresponding to each panelist location, or ~anelists can be grouped in accordance with ~5 demographic considerations and assigned a common identification number. Identification numbers for each data control unit can be downloaded to the unit ~r~m the central location during telephone communications between sameO
Since the messages transmitted on the simplex channel over the cable are received by all data collection units, they must be addressed to particular data collection units or groups of data col}ection units and be appropriately formatted with 35 message delimiters and the data collection unit ~ ~L~L 73~

identification numbers. ~s discussed above, the dynamic allocation remap tables are downloaded over the cable channel and received by the simplex receiver ~5 at each of the data collection unitsO

5 These remap tables are -~t~re~ in R~M 39. A remap table is enabled, during the cut-in, by continually transmittinq the cut-in number down the cable to the simplex communication channel. Whenever a data collection unit receives a cut-in number, the 10 particular remap table is enabled Eor ~ome predetermined time, i.e. 0.5 seconds When the remap table is enabled for a particular data collection unit, the data collection unit automatically provides substitute programming as 15 indicated by the remap table to the television receiver of the panelist. This alternate programmin~ is transmitted from the cable head and down channels normally not used for entertainment.
This dynamic allocation feature facilitates 20 market research. By displaying alternate forms of a co~mercial to different groups of panelists, and correlating that display both with the demographic data concerning the panelists and the product purchases by the panelists, the efficacy of the commercials can be evaluated.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention correlation of panelist viewing activity as to commercials and the like with product purchases made by the panelist has been greatly 30 ~acilitated. Ihe earliest market research techniques relied upon a panelist filling out a purchase diary or the like with this information then being manually collected by the market re~earch organization for correlation with viewing activity 35 of that particular panelist. 5ystems have been 7 ;3~

proposed in which viewing activity of a panelist is correlated wi~h product purchase information with respect to ~hat panelist by monitoring at storec within a limited geographic area surrounding the 5 panelists the product purchase information with respect to that panelist. Specifically, each panelist has an identification card presented at a grocery store at the like which uses check out counters having the facility for optically reading 10 universal product codes on products. When the panelist makes purchases, the identification of that panelist is scanned into the computer at the store, along with the product purchase information with respect to ~hat panelist. This information is 15 elther coupled from the store's computers to the market research organization, or collected at a later time from the stores by the market research organization.
For certain market research activities, it 20 might be desirable to have a national grsup of paneli~ts, spread across the geographic extent of the United States or whatever other country that is the subject of the market research. For such an arrangement, it would not really be feasible ~or the 25 market research organization to have arrangements with and be tied into the computers of stores spread all across the country. Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, collection of information regarding product purchases by a 30 paneli~t has been greatly facilitated.
As described in connection with Fiqure 4, the data collection unit in accordance with this one aspect i~ eguipped with an optical scanner, one suitable example of which is a product known as the 35 MSI data wand. This is a hand held device that 3~

contains an internal memory and can be used for scanning bar codes, such as universal product codes, contained on products purchased by a panelist~
Thus, in accordance with this one aspect of the 5 present invention, produc~ purchase information with respect to a particular panelist is easily col~ec~ed by the panelist simply scanning the data wand over the univ2rsal product codes on the products purchased by the panelist~ The MSI data wand has an 10 internal memory which can store approximately 4,000 digits. This memory is of a sufficient extent to store the product code and a price for about 300 items, which should be adequate for recording the daily purchases for a household. After scanning 15 products with the data wand, the data wand can be inserted into the receptacle in the ront panel of the data collection unit and the memory contents of the data wand transferred to memory within the data collection unit. As explained previously, the MSI
20 data wand can be obtained with an RS-232 interface for this purpose r which interface is incorporated within the data collection unit. The procedure for transferring the data wand information into the data collection unit is as follows. The panelist turns ~5 on the cable conver~er, enters the channel lock condition, and then selects an unused channel, such a~ 34, which i5 programmed to instruct the data collection unit to monitor the interface with the data wand. The panelist then scans the data wand 30 ~ver a special code that i5 provided with the data ~and which instructs the data wand to transmit data~
The da~a wand is then in~erted into the holder or receptacle within the data collection unit. A~ter the data has been recei~ed and verified by the data 35 collection unit, the light emitting diode 36 (see ~6 Figure 4) provided on the ~ront panel o~ ~he data collection unit will blink off and on for five seconds, so as to inform the panelist that the operation has been successfully completed. Then, 5 the panelist extracts the wand from the data collection unit, clears the wand memory in accordance with features provided in the data wand, and reinserts the data wand into the data collection unit for storage in the receptacle.
1~ Subsequently, when telephone communication is established between the central location and the individual data collection units at the various panelists homes, the stored product purchase information with respect to the various panelists is 15 transferred from memory of the data collection unit to the central location. This greatly facilitates collection of such product purchase data with respect to individual panelists, and correspondingly facilitates correlation thereof with viewing 20 activity of those panelists. Using such an arrangement, a nationwide ~roup of panelists scattered over a wide geographic area is practical.
As has been previously mentioned, when a particular data collection unit is in contact wi~h 25 the central location, a survey questionnaire or the like may be downloaded over the telephone lines into memory of the data collection unit~ Whenever the data collection unit contains an unanswered questionnaire, the data collection unit will 30 illuminate the survey light emitting diode 32 on the front panel of the data collection unit so a~ to inform a panelist that the data collection unit contains a survey which has not been answered.
Anytime that this light emitting diode 32 is 35 illuminated, the panelist may elect to turn on the ~2~3~

television and depress the survey select mode select switch on the fron~ panel of the data collection unit. ~he data collection unit will detect depression of the survey select switch, illuminate s the da~a light emitting diode 33, tune the cable converter to the appropriate channel, and output the first question to the television through the video interface 49 ~Figure 5). The converter is automatically placed in a channel lock condition at 10 this time by the data collection unit. The viewer can thus use the converter control or channel selector to enter channel numbers to answer whatever questions are presented in the questionnaire. For example, a questionnaire might ask a question and 15 give five possible responses, with a number beside each of the possible responses. The panelist enters a channel number corre~ponding to the number adjacent the answer the panelist is giving to the question. When all the questions have been ans~ered by the panelist, the data light emitting diode 33 on the front panel of the data collection unit will be extinguished. When the panelist then depresses another mode select switch, the survey light emitting diode 32 will also be extinguished.
As has been described previously, the trans~er of data from the remote data collection units to the central location is achieved in one embodiment by telephone communications over the switched telephone network between the central 30location in each of the various remote units. ~lso, situations arise in which there is more than one television receiver w;thin a single panelist's home, and some means is necessary to collect viewer data and the like with respect to each of the television 3ssets, and store and communicate that data to the central location at an appropria~e time. Referring now to Figure S~ ~here is shown one embodiment of the invention which illustrates th~ manner of effecting telephone communications from a re~ote S location or panelist's home to the central location, and also the situation in which there is more than one television receiver in a sinyle panelist's home which have to be monitored.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is 10 illustrated a telephone block generally indicated by reference numeral 55. At each building or house there is a point at which telephone service enters the building which is referred to as the telephone "block." This block includes terminals for the 15 telephone lines 56 and 57 and may also contain several other devices to protect telephone line service, such as lightening arresters and voltage limiters (not shown). Typically, the telephone block also contains a low voltage transformer 20 indicated by reference numeral 58 which is used to ~upply lighting power to the telephone. In accordance with standard color coding r the telephone lines 56 and 57 are respectively green and red and extend to a number of telephone jacks, two of which 25 59 and 60 are illustrated in Figure 6. Two signal lines 61 and 62 from the low voltage transformer 58 also extend to the various telephone jacks and are color coded yellow and black, respectively.
In accordance with the present invention, a 30 telephone block in~erface 22 is provided at the ~oint of the telephone block within a building.
This telephone block 22 is interfaced to the telephone line~ 56 and 57 as well as the low voltage power lines 61 and 62. Low voltage from the 35 transformer 68 is used to supply power via a power ~upply 63 to a tone detector 64. This tone detector 64 is a low energy detect~r used to detect the presence of a control tone, for example a 150R~z signal which can be imposed on the low voltage lines 5 61 and 62t in a manner discussed hereafter. Thus the tone detector 64 is connected to the power lines 61 and 62 via coupling capacitors 65 and 6S. The tone detector 64 is coupled to and controls a relay 67 which is actuated between the position shown in 10 Fi~ure 6, wherein the telephone lines 56 and 57 are not interrupted, to a position where the telephone lines 56 and 57 are coupled through a load resistor 68 and capacitors 69 and 70.
In Figure 6 there is shown a master data 15 collection unit 71 which is typically connected to a television receiver 72. Provided as part of the master data collection unit 71 is a mod2m 73, which as discussed previously can be a standard kind of modem, such as an auto-answer Bell 202 modem. This is a 1200 baud, half~duplex device. The modem 73 in accordance with this invention is also connected to a telephone jack, for connection to the telephone lines 56 and 57.
A tone generator-encoder 74 is coupled to the master data collection unit 71 and through a resistor 75 to one of the power lines 61 and 62.
Similarly, a tone decoder 76 is also coupled ~hrough a load re~istor 77 to one of the signal lines 61 and 62 and through an amplifier 78 to the master data c~llection unit 71.
In operation, the master data collection unit 71 will enable the modem 73 for a limit~d period of time or l'window" each day. Typically, a call-in window of a two hour duration will be opened once per day at a time when the telephone system ;s ~2~3~

normally not in use, i.e. 4-6 a.m. in the mornin~
~uring this time window, ~he master data collection unit 71 will answer each incoming telephone c~ll, and quickly determine if the call originateR from 5 the central location. The manner in which this i3 done is as follows.
During the call in window, a ring signal occurring at the telephone block S5 is a signal of about 45 volts at 25Hz. This is impressed across 10 the telephone signal lines 56 and 57, and would normally cause telephone sets connected to the telephone service to ring. However, the master data collection unit 71 samples the first half cycle o any incoming signal duriny the call in window for 15 voltage and pulse duration. If the microprocessor within the master data collection unit 71 determines the signal is a ring signal, the tone generator encoder 74 is caused by the data collection unit 71 to impress a 150K~z tone on the low voltage lines 61 and 62. In response to this tone, the tone detector 64 actuates ~he relay 67. With the relay 67 actuated, the remainder of the ring signal is absorbed by the load resistor 68. Since load resistor 68 is sufficiently low in value to indicate 25 to the telephone system that a connect has been made, there will be no further rings..
The modem 73 is a standard telephone modem well known to those ~killed in the art. This modem is caused by the microprocessor within the master 30 data collection unit 71 to send a two to four second tone, such as a 380Hz side tone, back to the calling source via the telephone lines 56 and 57 and the coupling capacitors 69 and 70. If the calling source is in fact the computer at the central 35 location, the computer at the central location will ~2~3~

respond with an answering tone, and two way cQmputer-to-computer ~onversation will be established. If, on the other hand, there i~ no answering tone from the source of ~he telephone 5 call~ indicative that the calling party is not the central location computer~ the data collection unit 71 removes the 150K~z carrier tone on the low voltage leads 61 and 62, causing a disconnect.
If the call coming in during the call in 10 window is in fact not the central computer, but a normal telephone caller, the telephone caller would hear the side tone and the disconnect, and a dial tone would be returned. If such a call comes in and a dis~onnect occurs, the data collection unit 71 is 15 programmed to disable the tone generator encoder 74 for a predetermined period of ~ime, such as twenty minutes. Thus, any calls coming in durinq this next predetermined time period of twenty minutes or the like would cause normal telephone ringing. The 20 caller, having been disconnected, would then be able to dial his call again, this time with success.
Inasmuch as the sequence of events occurs outside of normal telephone usage hours, it is not believed that such a sequence of events represent any serious impairment to normal telephone usage~
If it is determined that the calling source is the central computer, RO that computer-to-computer communication is established, upon establishment of that communication the central 30 computer, under appropriate programming, calls on the master data collection unit for ~he information stored during the day. Vpon receiving this information, the central location may cause a new pro~ram to be loaded into the data collection unit 35 71 memory, such as a questionnaire or the like as 9 ~7 3 discussed previously. If the master data collection unit 71 is the only data collecti~n unit to be communicated with by the central location, the central compu~er upon completion of receiving the 5 stored information and loading any new program informatian into the master data collection unit 71 simply disconnects, and all ~ircuits return to normal.
Referring to Figure 6, one embodiment of 10 the invention is also sllustrated in which there are multiple television receivers within a single panelist's home which must be monitored. As illustrated in Figure 6, two additional television receivers 81 and 83 might exist in a panelist's 15 home, and slave data collection units 80 and 82 are associated therewith as illustrated in Figure 6.
These slave data collection uni~s 80 and 82 are coupled to the low voltage lines 61 and 62. Thus, the slave data collection units can be connected to 20 any of the various telephone jacks within the panelist's house, and coupling to the master da~a collection unit and the other circuitry is by means of the existing telephone wiring within the household. In accordance with one embodiment of the 25 invention, all signals received from the cntral location via the modem 73 are sent first to the master data collection unit 71, then echoed via the tone generator 74 to the signal lines ~1 and 62 so that the slave data collection units 80 and 82 30 receive the incoming data~ Tone generator 74 generates a multiplicity of tones to keep the rel2y 67 closed, plus an additional variable frequency tone representing the data being transmitted. ~hese tones range, for example, from a 150K~z to 350R~z 35 and are impressed as carrier currents on the signal 7~

lines ~1 and ~2. Each of the slave data collection units contains a microprocessor and would require a tone generator and tone decoder similar to the tone generator 74 and tone decoder 76, but would not 5 require any separate modem. ~ach of the slave data collection units receives the identical data to the master data collection unit 71. By addressing the data stream, the slave data collection units can be caused to act independently. When a slave data 10 collection unit is called upon to respond, so as to transmit data stored in the slave data collection units the carrier current signal impressed on the low voltage lines 61 and 62 reverses direction, the tone decoder 76 receives the signal from the slave 15 data collection unit, decodes it into standard data which is then echoed by the master data collection unit 71 through the modem 73 to the central location.
In the manner described above, each of the 20 data collection units, which are coupled together via the existing telephone wiring in a panellst'~
home, receives all of the incoming information from the central loca~ion, and can be caused to respond independently to transmit data stored in each of the 25 data collection units back to the telephone lines to the central location. Of course, other variations are pos~ible. For example, at a preset programmed time programmed into the microprocessor of the master data collection unit 71, the master da~a 30 collection unit can poll each of the slave data collection uni~s by carrier current over the low voltage telephone wiring 61 and 62 to collect the available data at each of the slave data collection units, addressing each of th~se slave data 35 collection units ~eriatum by code as necessary.

~,f~7 3~

Thus/ all o~ the data from all of the various data collection units within a panelist~s home would be stored in the master data collection unit. Then, upon contact of the master data collection unit 71 S with the central location, the central location would obtain the data by simply contacting the master data collection unit. Similarly, the central location would load the master data collection unit with any new programs, such as questionnaires and lO the like, which are to be stored in memory at the various data collection units~ Then, when the central location disconnected the telephone connection with the master data collection unit 71, the master data collection unit can then relay the 15 new programs to the slave data collection units, addressing each by code as necessary.
Thus, in accordance with the above described arrangement and as illustrated in Figure

6, a plurality of data collection units can be 2~ provided within a single panelist's home a~sociated with a respective different plurality of television receivers, for monitoring each of the television receivers in the same fashion as a single data co~lection unit is provided to monitor one single 25 television receiver. Although the various slave data collection units have been shown as coupled to the master data collection unit through the exi~ting telephone wiring in a panelist's home, it should be clear that existing power wiring within a panelist's ~o home can al30 be used for the same function. That is, carrier signals can be impressed upon the power wiring within a panelist's home for transferring data to and from various slave data collection units to the master data collection unit. Of course, as a 35 further alternative, dedicated wiring could be ~%~'7~i 3~

installed in a panelist's home for connecting the various slave data collection units ~o the master data collection unit.
Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown a 5 logic flow diagram for the software controlling the main loop (ML~ of the microprocessor within the data control unit. The first decision block is as to whether or not there is a cut-in message pre ent. It will be recalled as di~cussed previously that remap 10 tables for achieving dynamic allocation or substitute programming are stored in the memory of the data collection units and are enabled by transmission of a cut-in number down the cable. If there is a cut-in message present, the cut-in 15 activation event is logged, and all flags in the system are cleared. If there is no cut-in message present, then the logic flow is to the next decision block as to whether or not the channel lock is on.
If the channel look is on, the next decision block ~o is to whether or not a data wand start condition exists. ~f a data wand start condition exists, the logic flow i5 jump subroutine (JSR) to data wand read module. The no conditions to the decision block for the channel lock on and data wand start 25 lead to a decision block as to whPther or not connection to central site is established. If it is, the next block is a jump subroutine (JSR) to communication module. If connection to central cite i~ not established, then the next decision block is 30 to whether or n~t the clock is advanced to the next second. If it is not advanced to the next ~cond, the logic flow is back to the upper portion of the main loop ~ML). If the clock is advanced to the next ~econd, the next decision block is to whether 35 or not the conv~rter is on~ If the converter is on, 73~i ~he logic flow progresses to a main loop 1 (M~l).
If the converter is not on, the next decision block is to whether or not the conver~er was on. If it was not, the logic flow is back through the main S loop ML. If the converter was on, then the next decision block is to log an off event, and turn off the data light emitting diode (light emit~ing diode 33 in Figure 4). The timing of the lower portion of the logic flow diagram indicated in Figure 7 i.e. as 10 to whether the converter is on, is executed once per second in accordance with the progra~ming. Other aspects of subroutines, such as the converter control subroutine discussed hereafter, are interrupt driven and operate asynchronously to the 15 bottom portion of the ML loop in Figure 7.
Components of the data collection unit system which are interrupt driven pass flags and values to this main loop ML for logging and dispatching.
Turning now to Figure 8, there is shown the 20 logic flow diagram for the main loop 1 (Mhl). This loop is entered when the logic flow in Figure 7 has a yes decision as to whether or not the converter is on. The first decision block in the loop MLl is to whether or not the converter was off. If ~he 25 converter was off, an on event is logged, and the blink flag is set (which as discussed later causes ~he data light emitting diode to blink). If there is a no decision to the logic block as to whether the converter was off, the logic flow is to the 30 ~ecision block as to whether or not there i5 a change in the select switches. If there is, an event is logged and the logic flow passes to a decision block as to whether or not a non-TV
position is selected. I the decision is yes~ the appropriate output channel is set on the converter 3~

for whatever position is selected, iOe. computer, VCR, etc. The next decision block is to whethex or not the ~elect switches are in the survey position. If so, ~here is a jump subroutine ~J5R~
5 to the ~urvey module. Next, there is a jump subroutine to data LED control, and following that a jump subroutine to ~est converter channel~
Following that, there i5 a jump subroutine to window control. This window control refers to whether or 10 not the time window permittinq call in from the central location to the remote unit is open or ~losed. As previously discussed, advantageously a two hour window may be employed at a time when it is not expected that the telephone in the panelist's 15 home will be in use, i.e. early in the morning hours.
Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown the main subroutine for clock housekeeping and converter control. The subroutine illustrated in 20 logic flow diagram form in Figure 9 is interrupt driven with the rate thereof se~ ~s a system parameter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the interrupt rate is nominally set for 0~1 second. The flags and values set in the subroutine illustrated in Fi~ure 9 are monitored by the main loop illustrated in Figure 7. Referring now specifically to the subroutine illustrated in Figure 9, the first decision block is to whether or not the converter is on. If the converter is on, 30 the select switches are read and the converter channel is read. The next decision block is ~s to whether or not the channel lock is on. If the channel lock is not on, the next decision block is whether or not the TV is selected. If the TV is 35 selected, the next decision block is whether or not 73~

the channel has been changed. If the channel has been changed, then the subroutine commands the converter to tune to the new channelO
The bottom portion of the logic flow 5 diagram o~ Figure 9 relates to clock house~eeping.
The first decision block is whether or not there is an increment in the second of day. If there is, the subroutine executes an increment to the seconds of day value. The next decision block is as to whether 10 or not there is a day overflow. If there is, the subroutine resets the second of day and sets a midnight flag, indicative that a day has passed.
The block labeled RTl is an exit from this subroutine. As indicated, the subroutine is 15 interrupt driven at a rate system parameter, which in accordance with one embodiment is nominally set for 0.1 second.
Turning now to Figure 10, there is illustrated a logic flow diagram for the data LED
20 control module, referring to the data light emitting diode provided on the front panel of the data collection unit. This is the data LED control block illustrated in Figure 8. In the subroutine o Figure 10, the first decision block is as to whether 25 or not the channel lock is on. If it is, the data LED is turned on. The next decision block is as to whether or not the blink flag is set. If it is, the data LED is tog~led on and off. The next decision block is whether or not the current time is greater 30 than the blink time. If it is ~ot, there is an exit ~rom the subroutine (RTS). If it is, the blink flag is set if the channel lock is off and the ne~t blink time is calculated. The subroutine then loops back to reenter the decision block as to whether or not 35 the current time is greater than the blink time.

73~i Turning now to Fi~ure 11, ~here is illustrated in logic flow diagram form the subroutine relating to the ~est converter channel module referred to in Figure 8. In Figure 11, the 5 first decision block i~ as to whether or not the channel has changed. If it has, an event is logged. Next decision block is as ~o whether or not the channel lock is on. If it is, ~he data LED is 10 turned off (which will appear as a blink when the ~ED is turned on later) and there is an exit from the subroutine i.e. a return to start. If, on the other hand the channel lock is not on, the next decision block is as to whether or not this is a 15 channel lock entry, i.e. has a channel been selected that corresponds to entering channel lock. If it does, the channel lock is set on, the data LE~ is turned on, and the blink flag is turned off and there is a return to start. If, on the other hand, 20 this is not a channel lock entry, the next decision block is as to whether or not the channel entered is a channel lock exi~. If it is, the channel lock is cleared and the data LED is turned off. If it is not a channel lock exi~, there is a return to start 25 for the subroutine.
Turning now to Figure 12, there is shown a logic flow diagram for the data wand read module.
The first step in the lo~ic flow is to initialize memory pointers, so that the data read in from the data wand is placed in the proper portion of the memory of the data collection unit. The next step in the logic flow is to connect the universal asynchronous receiver transmitter to the data ~and interface. Characters are then read out one by one 35 from the data wand interface and stored in memory.

73~i Figure 13 illustrates the logic flow for the window control module. ~s illustratedl the only decisions are whether or not it is time to open the window or close ~he windQw so as to permit 5 establishing telephone communications between ~he data collection unit and the central location.
Referring now to Figure 14, there is shown a logic flow diagram for the survey module the irst step in the subroutine is to retrieve the respondent lO i.d. In connection with the survey function, it is useful to have diferent members of a panelist'~
household separately answer the questions in a survey. For this purpose, each of the members of the household are assigned an iod~ number. When the 15 survey select switch is selected to enter the survey mode, the channel lock condition of the converter is automatically entered and the converter is tuned to the appropriate channel to display ~he survey questions. The first question presented is to ask 20 the person answering the survey to enter his or her i.d. number r which is simply a preassigned channel number which the respondent enters. The next decision block is with respect to whether or not there is an exit code in the information coming from 25 the survey data storage in memory. If there is, the subroutine is exited. The next decision block if there is no exit code is as to whether or not there are questions to ask. If there are, various pointers with respect to memory location and the like are initialized and the next question in the survey data is displayed. The respondent re ponds to the question by entering a channel number that corresponds to one of a plurality of possible answers to the question. This response is retrieved 35 and stored in memory. The next decision block is to 3~
~1 whether or not ~here are any ~uestions remaining for this i.d., i.e. whether or not ~his particular member of the household has fur~her question~ which need ~o be answered. If there are, the next 5 question is displayed, th~ response retrieved and stored, and so on. If there are no questions remaining for this particular respondent, a "questions finished" messaqe is displayed. The next decision block is to whether or not there are 1~ questions remaining for any i.d., that is, whether or not there are further survey questions for any other members of the panelis~'s household. If there are not any further ~uestions remaining for any i.d., the survey light emitting diode is 15 extinguished. As previously di cussed, this survey light emitting diode on the front face of the da~a collection unit is illuminated whenever there are any unanswered survey questions in memory.
Turning now to Figure 15, there is 20 illustrated a logic flow diagram with respect to the communication module. The first step in the subroutine is a fetch command, which is simply a receipt of a character ~tream. The character stream is decoded, and the command diæpatch step involves 25 referencing the place in the memory corresponding to the decoded command, and execution o the relevant ~urther commands stored at that location in memory. The final decision block in this subroutine is as to whether or not there is a bye command. That 30 is, at the end of ~he character stream an entry signaling that it is the eQd of the character ~tream is inserted, and this decision block decides whether or not the communication is ended.
Polling the data collection units from a 35 central location using telephone lines and modems ~2 may not always be the best technique for retrieving stored data from the memorles o~ ~he data collection units. For example, there are marke~s where the incidence of private household telephones is S small. As another example, there may be some applications in which assembled and analy2ed market research data is not needed until a fairly long time interval after the raw data is collec~ed. For these kinds of applications, a different embodiment of the 10 present invention has been developed which uses a portable data collector for collec~ing data from the data collection unit.
This alternate embodiment is illustrated in block diagram form in Figure 17. The system as 15 shown in Figure 17 is somewhat similar to ~he system shown in Figure 1, and like system components in the two drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. The data collection unit 21' shown in Figure 17 can be almost the same data collection 20 unit 21 as referred to previously, with the difference that the modem i9 el;minated ~rom the data collection unit and an external electrical connector (reference numeral 100 in Figure 17) is instead provided. Also, in the system shown in Figure 17 the telephone block and switched telep~one network are not utilized; that is, there are no telephone connections. Instead of daily transfers of data from the RAM memory of the data collection uni~s to a central computer via telephone, data 30 simply accumulates in the RAM. Periodically, such as once every week or every two weeks, a "meter reader" visits each panelist household with a protable~data collector 101. The portable data collector is simply a digital data recorder 35 including a microprocessor with associated operating ROM and }~M and storage medium, such as magnetic cassette tape or disc. The ROM holds all the executablP code required to enable the device to communicate with the data collection unit and 'che RAM is used to buffer data extracted from the data 5 collection units. Such devices are commercially available, and one suitable device is available from Pegasus Data Systems of Middlesex, New 3ersey and identified as Buffered Digital Data Recorder Model PDI-BF. That particular device utilizes a magnetic 10 cassette tape. In operation, the portable data collector is simply connected to the external electrical connector 100 of the da~a collection uni~
29'. The microprocessor in the portable data collector is suitably programmed ~o input the 15 appropriate signals and commands to the data collection unit for transfer of the data stored therein to the portable data collector. These are simply the same commands as would be given the data collection unit by a central computer over telephone 20 lines in the earlier described embodiment and, for example, would include commands of retrieve data collection unit status, retrieve event data, clear data collection unit data area, reset data collection unit clock (if r~quired), and resume 25 normal data collection unit aetivity.
The portable data `collection unit is used ~o pla~ back the recorded data from the data collection units to the central computer 24 as illustrated in Figure 17. The data collection unit 30 serial numbers, which are written ~nto the tæpe or disc of the portable data collector along wi~h ~he data, permit the central computer to identi~y whi~h particular panelist household corresponds to each ~24 ~ ~ 3~

block of data recorded in the portable data collection unit.
Instead of a di~ital da~a recorder ~s referred to above, the por~able data recorder may be 5 a suitable prsgrammed minicomputer or the like~ ~ith data extracted from the data collection unit written onto a floppy disc~
One of the advantageous features of the remote data collection units in accordance with the 10 present invention is the ability to collect data defining the composition of the television viewinq audience in each panelist household. As explained previously, one way of achieving this in the present invention is to use the channel selector to cause ~S the cable converter or tuner to enter a channel-lock condition. ~hen in the channel-lock condition, the data collection unit disables normal channel tuning ~o that the channel selector can be used to enter numbers which are stored in the data collection unit 20 memory. Each member of the panelist household is a~igned a viewer identification number. These viewer identification numbers are entered into the data collection unit via the channel selector to indicate which members of the panelis~ household are 25 in the room. While viewers are allowed to enter viewer identification numbers at any time, in an effort to remind viewers to enter the viewer identification numbers, the data collection unit will periodically i~sue a prompt.
In one version of a data collection unit, a viewer identification prompt is implemented using the liqht emitting diode 33 labeled l'data." When viewer identifications are required, the data collection units flashes the light emitting diode on 35 and off at a rate of once per second. When viewers l73~`~

see the flashing light emitting diode 33, they are expected to enter channel-lock and enter their viewer identifications via the channel selec~or.
Entering channel-lock causes light emi~ting diode 33 S to stop flashing and be illuminated continuously.
Each time a viewer iden~ification number is entered, the light emitting diode 33 will blink off for half a second to indicate to the viewer that the identification number has been accepted by the data 10 collection unit. When all the viewer identification numbers have been entered, the channel-lock mode is exi~ed, and light emitting diode 33 is extinguished.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, viewer identification data i5 lS obtained in a somewhat different manner. ~s has been previously explained , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the data collection unit includes hardware and programming which permits presentation of text and graphics on 20 the television receiver to which it is connected.
This arrangement can be used to implement the Survey function of the data collection unit. In accordance with one arrangement of the present invention, and referrinq to Figure 16, a technique is implemented 25 to have the viewer identification prompt appear on the television screen itself, no matter what channel is selected.
In Figure 16 a video generator 91 is provided which communicates with and reads the 30 contents of a RAM 92 and produces a video output.
~he RAM 9~ can be part of the RAM 39 îllustrated in Figure 5 and the video generatsr 91 can be par~ of the video interface 49 illustrated in Figure 5. In both the Survey mode and the viewer identification 35 sequence, the contents of the video data stored in RAM 92 are read as lines of 8 bit ASCII characters~
The output of video generator 9l is passed through an RF modulator 93 which i5, in effect, a small TV
transmitter that sends a picture displaying the characters stored in the ~AM g2. The carrier 5 frequency for this signal is fixed to be identical to that of the output of the cable converter, which is usually channel 3.
In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention which uses a cable converterf the 10 cable converter converts all incoming television signals to a single output channel, for example, channel 3. A ~mall receiver 94 is used to demodulate this RF signal and extract the vertical sync pulse. This pulse is fed into a synchronizer 15 circuit ~6, which starts the RF modulator 93 and video generator 91. The RF signal from RF modulator 93 is presented to a switch 97. The ~witch 97 is a Quitable electronic ~witch for high speed switching of an RF siqnal. This switch selects the RF signal 20 from either the cable converter or the RF modulator 93 and directs the selected signal ~o the television receiver.
Switch 97 i5 controlled by a switch control circuit 98. This switch control circuit 98 detects 25 the border that appears around the area on the television screen where the text is written. The signal level change that occurs at the left edge of a screen o~ text is a trigger causing the switch control circuit 98 to set the switch 97 to select 30 the output of RF modulator 93. The switch control circuit can also detect the transfer of a byte of data in which all the bits are set ti.e. hexadecimal FF) from the RAM 92 to the video generator 91. The detection of a data byte with all bits set causes 73~
~7 the switch control circuit 98 to reset switch 97 to select the converter output.
The text can appear anywhere on the television screen. Each line of text i~ di~played S until the end Qf the line or until a byte containing hexadecimal FF is read from the RAM ~2. If a ~ext line is not to be displayed, the byte corresponding to the first character of that line is set to hexadecimal ~F. Full lines or por~ions of lines can 10 be switched. The overall effect is that of lines of ~haracters being displayed over the picture from the cable converter.
The microprocessor controls this display via the RAM 92 and an overlay enable line 99. The 15 microprocessor first loads RAM 92 with the characters to be displayed and bytes of hexadecimal FF to define areas of the screen that are to remain unaffected. When the microprocessor sets the overlay enable line 99, the text is displayed over 20 the normal picture. The overlayed text is removed when the microprocessor clears the overlay enable line.
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the viewer identification, 25 prompting signal takes the form of two flashing s~mbols (such as **) in the upper leEt portion of the televi~ion screen. When the data collection unit requests viewer identifications, the two symbols (**) ap~ear on the screen and blink 30 continuously back and forth between two colors at a rate of once per second. These symbols continue to flash until a viewer causes the data collection unit to enter the channel-lock mode. When the data collection unit enters channel-lock, the symbols 4~

stop flashing and the overlay on ~he television screen is the following;

~*`2 4 S 8 1~ 12 14 16 1~ 71 7~
PRESENCE OF GUEST ML FM

Each of the numbers 2 to 18 corresponds to a valid viewer identification for a member of the panelist household. The purpose of the ~pecial identification numbers 71 and 72 is explained hereaf~er~
Each time a viewer identification number is entered; the corresponding number in the display shown above i~ inverted in color to indicate to the person entering the data that the data collection unit has ~ccepted that input. Should a number that is already inverted on the display be entered, that number on the display reverts to its normal color.
Thus, multiplP entries of the same number will cause the number on the display to toggle back and for~h between normal color and inverted color. This 20 allows the person ~ntering the data to change a particular viewer identification entry should that be required, The special viewer identification numbers 71 an~ 72 are used to indicate the presence of male 25 and female guests, respectively. If a 71 is entered as a viewer identification number, the following t~ree line display appears as an overlay on the television ~creen:

~ ML GUEST COUNT BY AGE 2 6:

7-11; 12-17: 18-~4: ~s-34:
35-49: 50-54O 5~4:

This is a re~uest for the number of male guests in each of the age catego~ies that are present in the room. In accordance with a preEerr*d embodiment of the present invention the channel selector includes a scan up and scan down control ordinarily used to scan television programming.
When in ~he viewer identification mode, this scan control can be used to position or move a cursor on the television screen to "jump" among the various 10 categories displayed in response to Pntry of the ~pecial viewer identifications numbers. Entry of a number throuqh the channel selector while the cursor is positioned at one of the categories i5 an indication of the number of guests in the specified lS age categories presented in the room.
In a similar manner, entry of the viewer identification number 72 produces an overlay on the television screen with corresponding age categories and directed to female guests present in the room.
~ When the composition of the complete viewing audience has been specified, the person entering data can exit from the channel-lock condition and the display overlay is removed from the screen.
Upon subsequent entries into the 25 channel-lock condition, the text overlays on the television screen are presented with the audience composition information displayed as it was defined the previous time that viewer identification data was entered. If the audience has not changed, this 30 can be si~nified by merely entering and exiting channel-lock. If the audience has changed, the channel selector and scan control can be used to change any entries that are no longer connected.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment 35 of the invention, the viewer identification prompt 7~6 is first issued when the television set is turned on. The viewer identification prompt is al50 ~resented whenever a 30 minute period passes ~ith no viewer identification data being entered. In thi~
S manner, a complete account of audience composition i3 recorded by the data collection unit on a current basis for the programming being viewed on the television set.
Although the present invention has been 10 described and illustrated with respect to preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be clear that various modifications are within the skill of those in this artr without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A method of collecting data from a plurality of cooperating panelists at a plurality of remote locations comprising the steps of:
providing at each remote location receiving means for receiving a television broadcasting signal for use with an associated television broadcast receiver;
providing at each remote location a viewer control means coupled to the receiving means including at least a channel selector;
monitoring the viewer control means and storing data at each remote location indicative of changes therein;
periodically initiating at each remote location on-screen prompts overlayed on normal programming on the television broadcast receiver inquiring as to the identity of persons in the audience viewing the television broadcast receiver with changes in the viewer control means in response thereto being indicative of the identity of persons in the audience; and periodically establishing telephone communica-tions between a central location and each of the remote locations for transferring data stored at each remote location with respect to the viewer control means.