CN1882961A - Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system - Google Patents
Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system Download PDFInfo
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- CN1882961A CN1882961A CNA2004800337927A CN200480033792A CN1882961A CN 1882961 A CN1882961 A CN 1882961A CN A2004800337927 A CNA2004800337927 A CN A2004800337927A CN 200480033792 A CN200480033792 A CN 200480033792A CN 1882961 A CN1882961 A CN 1882961A
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Abstract
A metering system (1200) may include a network (1207) to provide wireless network access to the portable unit (1204) and a download station (1208) that is coupled to the portable unit (1204).
Description
Technical field
Present invention relates in general to audience measurement, more specifically, relate to a kind of portable multi-purpose audience measurement system.
Background technology
Quantity and the demographics (demographics) of determining the televiewer help television program designing person to improve their TV programme and the advertising rates during definite this program.In addition, accurately the TV watching demographics can to make advertiser can be target with the spectators of particular type and quantity.
In order to collect these demographics, audience measurement companies can be called up a plurality of televiewers and be cooperated the audience measurement research of being scheduled to the long time.Collect these and call up watching custom and calling up the relevant consensus data of spectators of spectators, and be used to determine televiewer's quantity and demographics with adding up with these.In some cases, can replenish the investigation information that manually writes down by spectators member to automatic measurement system.
The process of calling up and engaging the participant that with the audience measurement is purpose may be the difficulty and an expensive aspect of audience measurement process.For example, must and screen the participant at the careful selection of concrete feature so that the whole colony of watching of representative of participant's colony.In addition, the participant must be ready to carry out the particular task that makes it possible to collect data, and ideally, selected participant must carry out these particular tasks diligently, so that audience measurement data reflects their custom of watching exactly.
For example, audience measurement system usually need be from a certain amount of instant (on-going) input that participates in spectators member.A kind of method of the spectator's of collection input relates to the use of personnel's measuring instrument.Personnel's measuring instrument is such electronic installation, and it is arranged on usually watches in the district and close one or more spectators.Personnel's measuring instrument is suitable for communicating with television measurement, TV measurement instrument (television meter), this television measurement, TV measurement instrument for example is arranged in the set-top box, and for the multiple purpose measurement various signals relevant with TV, described multiple purpose includes, but are not limited to determine the duty (being that TV is opened or closed) of TV, and discerns the program that TV is showing.Based on the trigger of any amount (for example comprise channel changes or through a time period), personnel's measuring instrument prompting spectator of family comes input information by of organizing by next in button (each button all is designated as and represents different kinsfolks).For example, personnel's measuring instrument can point out the spectator to register (that is, login), perhaps can point out the spectator to represent that they still are present among the spectators.Although need one hour, one day or even a week or two time-of-weeks in what burden input information may not be in response to prompting termly, some participants find that prompting in a long time and data incoming task can be saddled with a difficult task and are irksome.
Except carrying out and watching the related task that the participant also must be ready to revise their media system, so that can measure their custom of watching, this requirement is usually directed to the field staff and visits their family.The people who allows visit man often to be wanted to become the participant is considered as invading and harassing, and need want the people who becomes the participant to arrange the time, so that can carry out this visit.Want the people who becomes the participant also may be unwilling to bear the risk that may be damaged owing to allow the field staff to revise expensive home media system.
In addition, there be the expense relevant with employing and train the field staff, the field staff not only installs this audience measurement system in participant's family, but also no longer be ready to have participated in, removed family or participant when agreeing that at first the time limit that participates in expires the participant, turn back to as required and come maintenance of equipment in the participant family and remove equipment.
To call up and engage the participant and employ and train required expense of field staff and resource in order to reduce, audience measurement companies is being studied the method that makes the participant participate in as far as possible easily and make installation/maintenance capacity minimum in the required family of audience measurement among the Zhi Chijia.
Not only the relating on the other hand of audience measurement, attempt to measure watching (be called in the family and watch) of taking place at home, and relate to and attempt to measure outer the watching (be called family is outer watches) of taking place of being in.In the world today, general spectator contacts the outer source of media of family continually.Particularly, can run into TV and display monitor in place (only having listed several places) such as airport, shopping center, retail location, restaurant and bar.Watch in order to measure the outer TV of family, developed mancarried device with audio frequency acquiring sign indicating number from the sound signal of sending by televisor.Send these sign indicating numbers to central data processing facility then, the program that this central data processing facility uses these yards to discern to be watched is also correctly watched this and is belonged to suitable program.Because this device is of portable form, so they can be used for measuring outer the watching of taking place of neutralization man of family.Unfortunately, there is inherent limitation in these portable audio sign indicating number pick-up units.
Particularly, these mancarried devices can not be distinguished yard sign indicating number of gathering with being in outer watching of watching and gathering at home.And there is the possible interested property difference of user of audience measurement data between watching in the outer TV of TV watching and family in the family.Particularly, the spectator often concentrates on its most of or whole notices on the TV programme of watching in the family.On the contrary, the outer TV of family watches and may relate to focusing one's attention on of spectator, perhaps may relate to as the spectator TV screen being taken a glance at hurriedly when for example being arranged on the TV in the airport.In addition; TV watching is carried out based on selecting usually in the family; promptly; the spectator can control the selection of program shown on the TV in the family; watch that the possibility of carrying out based on selection is less and family is outer; that is, the outer spectator of family possibility that the selection of program shown on the TV outside the family is controlled separately is less.
Therefore, audience measurement companies studying distinguish the data relevant with TV watching in the family and with family outside TV watch the method for relevant data.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of expression example television systems.
Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the exemplary fundamental measurement device of expression.
Fig. 3 is the block diagram of expression illustrative portable measurement mechanism.
Fig. 4 is the block diagram of the exemplary identification label of expression.
Fig. 5 is that the process flow diagram that presents the illustrative methods of relevant audient's information with medium is collected in expression.
Fig. 6 is that the process flow diagram that presents another illustrative methods of relevant audient's information with medium is collected in expression.
Fig. 7 is that the process flow diagram that presents another illustrative methods of relevant audient's information with medium is collected in expression.
Fig. 8 is that the process flow diagram that presents another illustrative methods of relevant audient's information with medium is collected in expression.
Fig. 9 is the block diagram of another example television systems of expression.
Figure 10 is the process flow diagram of one group of alternative of expression machine readable instructions, can carry out these instructions and present relevant audient's information to collect with medium.
Figure 11 is the process flow diagram of one group of alternative of expression machine readable instructions, can carry out these instructions and present relevant audient's information to collect with medium.
Figure 12 is the block diagram of measuring system.
Figure 13 is the process flow diagram of example software download process.
Figure 14 to Figure 21 is the potential respondent (panelist) of contact, downloads Survey Software to the mancarried device of this respondent's use, and disposes this Survey Software to carry out the process flow diagram of the exemplary process that realizes portable surveying instrument.
Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B constitute the process flow diagram that portable surveying instrument is handled.
Embodiment
Although hereinafter disclose the example system that between other assemblies, is included in the software of carrying out on the hardware, it should be noted that these systems only are illustrative and should be considered as restrictive.For example, can be understood as disclosed any or all hardware and software ingredient can be embodied as fully specialized hardware, fully be embodied as software, be embodied as firmware or be embodied as certain combination of hardware, firmware and/or software fully.
In addition, although carried out following discloses for example television systems, what it should be understood that is that disclosed system is easy to be applied to many other media systems.Therefore, although example system and processing are described below, it is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art that disclosed example is not to implement the sole mode of these systems.
In the example of Fig. 1, use 18 pairs of audience measurement systems to comprise that the example television systems 10 of TV service supplier 12, TV 14 and remote control 16 measures with fundamental measurement device 20, portable type measuring device 22, identification label 24, spectators' change detector 26 and personnel's measuring instrument 28.The assembly of television system 10 can connect according to any known manner (mode for example shown in Figure 1).TV 14 is held in place watching in the district 30 in the occupied room of one or more individuals (being called kinsfolk 34) 32, and all kinsfolks have agreed to participate in the audience measurement investigation.Watch that district 30 comprises the zone at TV 14 places, being arranged in one or more kinsfolk 34 who watches district 30 can teleview 14 by this zone.
Can use any TV service supplier 12 (for example but be not limited to CATV (cable television) service supplier 36, radio frequency (RF) television provider 38 and/or satellite television service provider 40) to realize TV service supplier 12.TV 14 receives by a plurality of TV signal of TV service supplier 12 by a plurality of channel transmission, and can be suitable for processing and the TV signal that provides with any form (for example, national television standards committee (NTSC) television format signal, high-definition television (HDTV) signal format, advanced television system committee (ATSC) television format signal, line-by-line inversion (PAL) television format signal, digital video broadcasting (DVB) television format signal, wireless industrial and commercial guild (ARIB) television format signal etc.) is provided.The remote control 16 of user's operation makes the user TV 14 can be transferred to desired channel and is received in the signal of transmission on it, and can make TV 14 handle and be presented on the programme content that is comprised in the signal that transmits on this desired channel.The processing of being carried out by TV 14 for example can comprise: extract the audio component that video component that passes through the signal transmission that received and the signal that passes through to be received are transmitted; Video component is presented on the screen/display that is associated with TV 14; And send audio component by the loudspeaker that is associated with TV.Be included in programme content in the TV signal and for example can comprise that TV programme, film, advertisement, video-game and/or TV service supplier 12 are now or the preview of other programs that provide in the future.
Portable type measuring device 22 is suitable for using known audio code acquisition technique and/or audio signature (signature) acquisition technique to carry out television measurement, TV measurement.Portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for gathering simultaneously yard information and signing messages.Alternatively, portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for using the sign indicating number technology as main measuring method, and uses the signature measuring method as householder method, that is, the measurement of using the sign indicating number technology to carry out is replenished.Particularly, if portable type measuring device 22 detects one or more audio code, then need not to carry out endorsement method.On the contrary, if do not detect audio code, then portable type measuring device 22 can be carried out the known method that one or more kinds are used to gather the signing messages of programme content shown on the TV 14, to measure watching.Portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for the sign indicating number that uses coding techniques (for example, disclosed technology in unsettled U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09/543,480) to be embedded in the programme content is gathered and handled.Preferably, can distribute different portable type measuring devices 22 for each kinsfolk 34 who lives in the family 32, and each kinsfolk 34 carries suitable portable type measuring device 22 all the time.
Still with reference to Fig. 1, fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for communicating by network 44 and the central data collection equipment 42 that is positioned at the distant place.Can use the common network of any kind or private (for example but be not limited to internet, telephone network, Local Area Network, cable system and/or wireless network) to realize network 44.In order to make it possible to communicate by network 44, fundamental measurement device 20 can comprise the communication interface that makes it possible to be connected to Ethernet, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), telephone wire, concentric cable or any wireless connections etc.Similarly, portable type measuring device 22 can comprise the interface that makes that portable type measuring device 22 can communicate by network 44.As skilled in the art to understand, any in fundamental measurement device 20 and the portable type measuring device 22 or both can be suitable for sending to central data collection equipment 42 and watch data.In fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22, only there is one can send under the data conditions to central data collection equipment 42, fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for communicating with one another, thereby there is following device, can will send central data collection equipment 42 to from the data that all measurement mechanisms (that is, fundamental measurement device 20 and/or portable type measuring device 22) are collected by this device.Central data collection equipment 42 can comprise server 46 and database 48.In addition, central data collection equipment 42 can be suitable for handling and store the data that receive from fundamental measurement device 20 and/or portable type measuring device 22.
Portable type measuring device 22 can also use the Docking station (not shown) with carriage (cradle) to communicate by network 44, portable type measuring device 22 can be placed in this Docking station, so that can and make it possible to the battery (not shown) that is arranged in the portable type measuring device 22 is charged by network 44 transmission data.This Docking station can may be operably coupled to network 44 by for example Ethernet connection, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), telephone wire, concentric cable etc.
In the example shown, portable type measuring device 22 is portable electron devices, for example but be not limited to portable phone, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) and/or handheld computer.Because its portability, portable type measuring device 22 can be used in the family, watching of taking place of office and/or any other place measure.For example, portable type measuring device 22 can be configured to detect at the cinema film and/or movie preview.Certainly, portable type measuring device 22 also comprises and is used for battery (not shown) that the circuit that is arranged on is wherein powered.
Be used to realize that the portable phone 22 of portable type measuring device 22 can be configured to carry out work according to any wireless communication protocol, described wireless communication protocol for example is but is not limited to communication protocol based on CDMA (CDMA), communication protocol based on time division multiple access (TDMA) (TDMA), communication protocol based on global system for mobile communications (GSM), communication protocol based on GPRS (GPRS), based on the communication protocol that strengthens data gsm environments (EDGE), communication protocol or any other suitable wireless communication protocol based on universal mobile telephone service (UMTS).As will be understood by the skilled person in the art, the communication capacity of portable phone can be used for making it possible to transmitting data from portable type measuring device 22 to central data collection equipment 42 by network 44.Use portable phone to realize that portable type measuring device 22 makes kinsfolk 34 to satisfy investigation in accordance with requiring easier and more easily.Therefore particularly, kinsfolk 34 may carry portable phone routinely, portably uses cellular phone and any added burden that the portable type measuring device 22 realized can not bring kinsfolk 34 also not carry out to kinsfolk 34.
Be used to realize that the PDA of portable type measuring device 22 or handheld computer can be configured to communicate according to short range wireless communication protocol and access point (not shown), described short range wireless communication protocol for example be but be not limited to based on Bluetooth communication protocol, defer among Institute of Electrical and Electric Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11a, 802.11b or the 802.11g any communication protocol or any other suitable short range wireless communication protocol.And then access point can may be operably coupled to network 44 by for example Ethernet connection, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), telephone wire, concentric cable, wireless telephone connection etc.Can detect audio code in order to ensure PDA, PDA preferably includes the microphone that has automatic gain control, as commercially available a large amount of PDA in the market.
In another embodiment, if fundamental measurement device 20 is watching that the district detects portable type measuring device 22 in 30, then can suspend monitoring and begin to send can be by any portable type measuring device 22 detected signals of watching in the district 30 for fundamental measurement device 20.Portable type measuring device 22 can respond by making subsequently the data of collecting be identified as the signal of watching data in the family and fundamental measurement device 20 being sent, can distinguish thus by with family in watch data that relevant portable type measuring device 22 is collected and by with family outside watch the data that relevant portable type measuring device 22 is collected.It is to watch data in the family that portable type measuring device 22 can continue collected data identification, no longer detects described signal up to portable type measuring device 22, promptly from watching district 30 one of having removed the portable type measuring device 22.Perhaps, fundamental measurement device 20 can only periodically send described signal, portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for a data identification of will collect in the section at the fixed time subsequently for family in watch relevantly, wherein said predetermined amount of time is relevant with the cycle of the described signal of fundamental measurement device 20 transmissions.
In another embodiment, fundamental measurement device 20 can be replaced by as lower device, and this device is not carried out any measurement function, and only can produce the signal for the treatment of by being arranged in portable type measuring device 22 receptions of watching district 30.These signal generation devices can be suitable for producing by being arranged in the signal that the portable type measuring device 22 of watching district 30 is gathered, and portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for using these signals discern with family in watch the data of collecting relatively.Certainly, in this embodiment, portable type measuring device 22 is unique measurement mechanisms, so the kinsfolk is most important for the accuracy and the integrality of the data of collecting thus to the wish of carrying the mancarried device of distributing to them.
In another embodiment, audience measurement system 18 can be suitable for comprising spectators' change detector 26, for example disclosed detecting device in PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/39619 (incorporating into by reference at this) is used to discern the quantity that is positioned at the kinsfolk 34 who watches district 30.Spectators' change detector 26 can send this quantity to fundamental measurement device 20, and fundamental measurement device 20 can compare the quantity of this quantity and fundamental measurement device 20 detected portable type measuring devices 22 then.If the quantity of detected portable type measuring device 22 is complementary with the quantity that is positioned at the kinsfolk 34 who watches district 30, then because will gather this by portable type measuring device 22 watches, so fundamental measurement device 20 need not to measure watching.On the contrary, if quantity and inconsistent, then one or more kinsfolk 34 may not carry their portable type measuring device 22 that is distributed, thereby fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for measuring to guarantee to watch the collection of data watching.
Use can be by fundamental measurement device 20 detected identification labels 24 and portable type measuring device 22 both make kinsfolk 34 observe the dirigibility that can have aspect the requiring of audience measurement research firm in a big way.In addition, also can discern these members more accurately even use detectable identification label 24 and portable type measuring device 22 to make audience measurement system 18 not observe investigation when requiring spectators member.For example, in another embodiment, audience measurement system 18 can be constructed such that fundamental measurement device 20 be suitable for using from be positioned at the identification label 24 of watching district 30, from being positioned at the portable type measuring device 22 of watching district 30 and from the information of spectators' change detector 26 collections, watch and distinguish 30 do not carry portable type measuring device 22 and do not wear the kinsfolk's 34 of identification label 24 identity to derive to be positioned at.In this embodiment, fundamental measurement device 20 can relatively use spectators' change detector 26 quantity of detected kinsfolk 34 in watching district 30, and can with this quantity with by comparing from identification label 24 and the number discerned from the signal of portable type measuring device 22 receptions.If these quantity are identical, then, therefore need not to derive because the signal that fundamental measurement device 20 can use identification label 24 and portable type measuring device 22 to be produced is discerned each kinsfolk 34.
On the contrary, if the kinsfolk's 34 that spectators' change detector 26 recognizes in watching district 30 quantity is greater than using the signal that is produced by identification label 24 and portable type measuring device 22 watching the kinsfolk's 34 who recognizes in the district 30 quantity, then fundamental measurement device 20 can determine to be present in watch the district in 30 with the quantity irrelevant kinsfolk 34 of identification label 24 or portable type measuring device 22, and can use total tabulation (master list) of kinsfolk 34 to discern following kinsfolk 34, this kinsfolk's 34 identification label 24 signals or portable type measuring device 22 signals also are not received.For example, if two adults and children are arranged in the room 32, then spectators' change detector 26 is identified as and watches in the district 30 that three people are arranged, and it is the adult that the signal indicating that is derived from identification label 24 is arranged in two of watching district 30 spectator, so fundamental measurement device 20 is identified as the children that live in the room 32 with Unidentified kinsfolk 34.And if two adults and two children live in the measured room 32, if and the signal indicating that is derived from identification label 24 to be arranged in two of watching district 30 kinsfolk 34 be the adult, then fundamental measurement device 20 is identified as Unidentified kinsfolk 34 and lives in one of two children in the room 32.If spectators' change detector 26 detects four people in the district of watching in the room 32 that three members 34 are only arranged in 30, then fundamental measurement device 20 can be supposed that this is watched in the district 30 and has the visitor.
In another embodiment, audience measurement system 18 can comprise being arranged on watches the personnel measuring instruments 28 of district in 30, preferably be arranged in the scope that kinsfolk 34 can cosily get at, and it is provided with one group of button (not shown).Each button can designatedly be used for representing to live in the different single member among the kinsfolk 34 in the room 32.Personnel's measuring instrument 28 can be suitable for by one group of LED, display screen and/or audible sound point out termly kinsfolk 34 by the specified button of pressing them show they be present in watch the district 30 in.For the number of times that reduces prompting and reduce the number of times of bothering thus to kinsfolk 34 TV watching, fundamental measurement device 20 can be adapted such that personnel's measuring instrument 28 only is positioned at Unidentified kinsfolk 34 and watch that the district just pointed out at 30 o'clock, and/or the Unidentified spectator 34 of prompting only by get rid of to handle determining, it is to be used from being positioned at the identification label 24 of watching district 30 and/or the information of portable type measuring device 22 receptions by fundamental measurement device 20 to carry out that described eliminating is handled.For example, be positioned at and watch district 30 if fundamental measurement device 20 uses spectators' change detectors 26 to detect two kinsfolks 34, but only receive identification signal from the identification label 24 of distributing to the adult kinsfolk 34 of the male sex, then fundamental measurement device 20 can make personnel's measuring instrument 28 only point out adult kinsfolk 34 of women and children kinsfolk 34 to attempt to discern Unidentified kinsfolk 34.If receive the response to this prompting, then fundamental measurement device 20 can use this to respond to discern other spectator and this identity is associated with the collected data of watching.If do not receive response, then fundamental measurement device 20 can suppose to watch that existing the visitor also can correspondingly watch this in the district 30 charges to (credit).
Personnel's measuring instrument 28 can be implemented as the integration section that can be connected to the autonomous device of fundamental measurement device 20 communicatedly or be embodied as fundamental measurement device 20.In one embodiment, personnel's measuring instrument 28 can be implemented as the integration section of telechiric device 16.In another embodiment, can use and be held in place in watching that PDA or cellular phone that the spectator of district in 30 can comfortablely touch in the scope realize personnel's measuring instrument 28.In this embodiment, PDA or portable phone can be suitable for comprising and be arranged in the portable type measuring device 22 or relative all component except TV audience measurement circuit.In addition, can point out in the routine any one to carry out multiple known personnel to programming based on PDA or based on personnel's measuring instrument 28 of portable phone.Because personnel's measuring instrument is commonly known in the art and can uses in the multiple known structure any one to realize, so the further details relevant with the realization of personnel's measuring instrument 28 is not provided here.
Referring now to Fig. 2, in one embodiment, fundamental measurement device 20 can be equipped with processor 50, thereby this processor 50 is carried out fundamental measurement device 20 is controlled in the one group of instruction 52 that is stored in the storer 54 in the mode that can realize function described herein operation.Program or operational order group 52 can be included in the computer-readable medium, for example the medium of programmable gate array, special IC (ASIC), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory EPROM (EPROM), ROM (read-only memory) (ROM), random-access memory (ram), magnetic medium, light medium and/or any other suitable type.Fundamental measurement device 20 can also be equipped with: first communication interface 56, and it makes it possible to communicate at fundamental measurement device 20 and between central data collection equipment 42 at a distance by network 44; Second communication interface 58, it makes it possible to transmit between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 watches data; Third communication interface 60, it makes it possible to transmit identifying information between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22; One or more sensor 62 is used to detect the signal that is sent by TV 14; And carry out one or more and plant the required any circuit 64 of TV audience measurement method.Certainly, communication interface 56,58 and 60 is actually optional.
As the skilled person will appreciate, there are multiple known structure sensor 62 and circuit 64 so that can carry out the mode of TV audience measurement.Any given structure all depends on the TV audience measurement method that is adopted.Therefore, do not provide further details here about this circuit.In addition, although the stand-alone assembly that TV audience measurement circuit 64 is represented as for fundamental measurement device 20 in Fig. 2, circuit 64 can be integrated with any other fundamental measurement device 20 assemblies (for example, processor 50 and storer 54).Can use and to realize first communication interface 56 by any traditional communication interface (for example comprising Ethernet card, Digital Subscriber Line, concentric cable or any wireless connections) that network 44 and central data collection equipment 42 communicate.Second communication interface 58 and third communication interface 60 make it possible to communicate between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22, and in one embodiment, they may be implemented as single communication interface.Second communication interface 58 makes it possible to transmit between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 watches data.As a rule, can and fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 between degree of closeness irrespectively carry out data and transmit, thereby second communication interface 58 can allow relative to each other carrying out radio communication between device 20,22 at a distance.Between device 20,22, transmit and watch that the main cause of data is, family watched data transmission incorporates this data into before giving central data collection equipment 42.If desired, then each fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 all can be suitable for watching data to central data collection equipment 42 independent transmission, so that needn't between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22, watch the data transmission, thereby needs have been eliminated to second communication interface 58.Third communication interface 60 makes it possible to carry out junction service between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22, and only is configured to just to allow when fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 are positioned to each other preset distance this communication.By with the communication restriction of identification signal at preset distance, third communication interface 60 only makes it possible to be positioned at portable type measuring device 22 that ability detects portable type measuring device 22 by fundamental measurement device 20 when watching the district, certainly, suppose that this preset distance can be short but still be positioned at and watch district 30 apart from fundamental measurement device 20 distance farthest than kinsfolk 34.As a result, when in fact the member of family 34 is positioned at when watching beyond the district 30, fundamental measurement device 20 can be mistakenly be the spectator with this kinsfolk's counting, promptly is arranged in and watches district 30.Fundamental measurement device 20 can also comprise user interface 66 in addition, kinsfolk 34 can notify their identity by this user interface to fundamental measurement device 20, and kinsfolk 34 can import demographic information about them by this user interface, comprises for example age, race, sex, family income etc.Processor 50 makes each kinsfolk's 34 identity and is stored in the storer 54 with corresponding each kinsfolk 34 of demographic information.Can send this information to central data collection equipment 42 by fundamental measurement device 20 subsequently.Alternatively, remote control 16 can be suitable for receiving this identity and demographic information's input, and sends this information to fundamental measurement device 20 to be stored in wherein.In another embodiment, portable type measuring device 22 can comprise user interface, and as below describing in detail, the user can import this identity and demographic information at this user interface.Can send this information to fundamental measurement device 20 by portable type measuring device 22 subsequently, perhaps send it to central data collection equipment 42 by portable type measuring device 22.
Referring now to Fig. 3, in one embodiment, portable type measuring device 22 can be equipped with processor 70, thereby this processor 70 is carried out one group of instruction being stored in the storer 74 72 and controlled the operation of portable type measuring device 22 so that can realize the mode of function described herein.Program or operational order group 72 can be included in the computer-readable medium, for example the medium of programmable gate array, special IC (ASIC), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory EPROM (EPROM), ROM (read-only memory) (ROM), random-access memory (ram), magnetic medium, light medium and/or any other suitable type.Preferably, processor 70 can carry out handling rather than the floating-point processing based on the numerical value of integer.
Portable type measuring device 22 can also comprise: first communication interface 76, and it makes it possible to communicate at portable type measuring device 22 and between central data collection equipment 42 at a distance; Second communication interface 78, it makes it possible to transmit between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22 watches data; Third communication interface 80, it makes it possible to transmit identifying information between fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22; Display 86; User interface 88; One or more sensor 90 is used to detect the signal that is sent by TV 14; And carry out the required any circuit 92 of any one TV audience measurement method, described TV audience measurement method relates to from the sound signal of being sent by TV 14 audio frequency acquiring sign indicating number and/or audio signature and handles.In the communication interface 76,78 and 80 one or more is optional.
As the skilled person will appreciate, there is the mode of multiple known structure circuit 92 so that can realize relating to the TV audience measurement method of collection and processing audio sign indicating number and/or audio signature.Therefore, do not provide further details here about this circuit.In addition, storer 74 can be supplemented with one or more storage card (not shown), wherein can before by one or more transmission data in communication interface 76,78 and 80, store or buffer memory temporarily, thereby any bandwidth constraints relevant with the communication capacity of portable type measuring device 22 compensated these data.
Kinsfolk 34 can use user interface 88 to processor 70 input data and orders.For example, can use keyboard, mouse, track pad, trace ball and/or speech recognition system to realize user interface 88.Although display 86 and user interface 88 are represented as independently assembly, but display 86 and user interface 88 also can be integrated into single component, for example but be not limited to be constructed such that and can carry out mutual touch-sensitive display between kinsfolk 34 and portable type measuring device 22.
Certainly, if use the portable cellular phone to realize portable type measuring device 22, then portable type measuring device 22 also will comprise the assembly relevant with the conventional cellular phone in addition.In addition, one or more plant conventional cellular Telephone Packages can be suitable for carrying out one or more function of being carried out by processor 70, instruction 72, storer 74 and/or first, second or third communication interface 76,78,80, thereby can remove in the aforementioned components one or more from portable type measuring device 22.Similarly, if use PDA or handheld computer to realize portable type measuring device 22, then portable type measuring device 22 also will comprise and traditional PD A or the relevant assembly of handheld computer in addition.In addition, one or more assembly of traditional PD A and/or handheld computer can be suitable for carrying out one or more function of being carried out by processor 70, instruction 72, storer 74, first, second or third communication interface 76,78,80, thereby can remove in the aforementioned components one or more from portable type measuring device 22.
Portable type measuring device 22 can also comprise the electronic compass (not shown) in addition, and this electronic compass is configured to indicate the direction that is produced by portable type measuring device 22 to change.If the electronic compass indication does not have direction to change, then portable type measuring device 22 is carried by the kinsfolk as follows: stop portable type measuring device 22 and fundamental measurement device 20 to communicate.In order to point out the kinsfolk 34 who carries portable type measuring device 22 to change the mode or the position of carrying portable type measuring device 22, portable type measuring device 22 can send sound signal, display of visually signal and/or produce vibration, kinsfolk 34 can watch the existence of distinguishing the portable type measuring device 22 in 30 thereby fundamental measurement device 20 can for example detect by coming positions portable formula measurement mechanism 22 in the mode that allows to communicate with fundamental measurement device 20 and this being responded.
Alternatively, one in the sensor 62,90 in fundamental measurement device 20 and/or the portable type measuring device 22 can be used the microphone that is connected to the speech recognition system (not shown) to realize, this speech recognition system is installed in the measurement mechanism and is used for discerning one or more kinsfolk's 34 voice by training.When talking in the sensing range of the member of family 34 at microphone, microphone is collected speech data.Fundamental measurement device 20 can use this speech data that the kinsfolk 34 who talks is identified as to be positioned at and watch district 30.Portable type measuring device 22 can use this speech data to verify/confirm that the distance of the designated kinsfolk who carries portable type measuring device 22 34 and portable type measuring device 22 is at least in the distance of the pickup scope that equals microphone.
According to disclosed system in the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 10/125,577, be arranged on one of sensor 90 in the portable type measuring device 22 and can be suitable for carrying out sensing during near the TV (TV of promptly turning on 14) of working at portable type measuring device 22.For example, can use audio sensor (for example capacitance microphone, piezoelectric microphones, or be configured to sound wave is converted to any other suitable transducer of electric signal) to realize sensor 90.In addition, sensor 90 can be configured to the horizontal scanning kickback transformer swept-frequency signal of 15.75 kilo hertzs (kHz) is detected, whether opened to determine traditional tv 14, whether perhaps can be configured to frequency be that the swept-frequency signal of 31.50kHz detects to sensor 90, opened to detect high-definition television (or other times row TV).When detecting this frequency signal, sensor 90 provides indication to processor 70, and processor 70 can watch that data come this signal is responded by making circuit 92.Under not about the situation of portable type measuring device 22 near the indication of the TV 14 of working, portable type measuring device 22 can make circuit 92 stop to watch data.Portable type measuring device 22 comprises that the reason of this sensor 90 is, even do not watch the district 30 the time when portable type measuring device 22 is positioned at, audio code also can be passed wall and also can be detected by other sensors 90 relevant with audience measurement circuit 92.Thus, the indication that is provided by sensor 90 has prevented the following audio code of portable type measuring device 22 collections, this audio code is that the TV 14 by the different room of the kinsfolk that is positioned at and carries portable type measuring device 22 34 produces, and therefore irrelevant with watching of being carried out of the kinsfolk 34 who carries portable type measuring device 22.
Referring now to Fig. 4, identification label 24 comprises communication interface 96, and this communication interface 96 is suitable for communicating with the third communication interface 60 that is arranged in the fundamental measurement device 20, and by controller 98 controls.In addition, communication interface 96 is connected to memory storage 100.When identification label 24 entered in the scope of the third communication interface 60 that is arranged in the fundamental measurement device 20, the third communication interface 60 of identification label 24 from be arranged on fundamental measurement device 20 received the signal of request identifying informations.In response to this request, controller 98 makes and sends identification signal to fundamental measurement device 20 by communication interface 96.As mentioned above, this identification signal can be discerned designated carrying/wear the kinsfolk 34 of identification label 24, and can further this signal be identified as by identification label 24 and produce (opposite with portable type measuring device 22).Alternatively, identification label 24 can be suitable for producing continuously or periodically signal, thereby when identification label 24 entered in the scope of fundamental measurement device 20, fundamental measurement device 20 detected this signal and by the request that sends for identifying information this signal is responded.Perhaps, identification label 24 signals continuous or that periodically send can comprise identifying information, need not to carry out the request for additional information thereby 20 in fundamental measurement device needs to receive this signal.In one embodiment, communication interface 96 can be suitable for sending and receiving information, so communication interface 96 comprises receiver and transmitter.In another embodiment, identification label 24 can only be suitable for transmission information, so communication interface 96 can only comprise transmitter.Be used to realize that the device of controller 98 and memory storage 100 will depend on the type of communicating by letter that identification label 24 will be carried out.Particularly, if identification label 24 only sends information, then the complicacy of controller 98 will reduce.Similarly, the quantity of information in memory storage 100 to be stored will still be that dynamic storage exerts an influence to the needs static memory.Although regardless of the functional class that is embedded in the identification label 24, can realize the multiple structure of controller 98 and memory storage 100 by those skilled in the art, the further details about these structures is not provided here.Like this, the kinsfolk 34 that identification label 24 makes fundamental measurement device 20 can carry/wear identification label 24 detects this kinsfolk's 34 existence when entering in the communication range of fundamental measurement device 20, described communication range preferably only extends to the border of watching district 30.
Referring now to Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, as mentioned above, portable type measuring device 22 can be used as the main source of watching data, and fundamental measurement device 20 can be as the supplementary source of watching data.In this embodiment, portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for carrying out the method by a chunk 102 (it can use to be stored in the storer 74 and by the software instruction 72 that processor 70 is carried out and realize) expression.Similarly, fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for carrying out the method by a chunk 104 (it can use to be stored in the storer 54 and by the software instruction 52 that processor 50 is carried out and realize) expression.When portable type measuring device 22 be positioned at the TV 14 of working arbitrarily watch district 30 time, method 102 makes portable type measuring device 22 enable the operation of audience measurement circuit 92 (piece 106 and 108) and whether is positioned at the room regardless of the TV 14 of working, and do not watch the district 30 the time when what portable type measuring device 22 was positioned at any TV of working, method 102 makes portable measuring apparatus 22 forbidden energy audience measurement circuit 92 (piece 106 and 110).When audience measurement circuit 92 was enabled, portable type measuring device 22 was watched data, and when audience measurement circuit 92 is not enabled, does not collect and watch data.Like this, according to this chunk 102, portable type measuring device 22 is collected the data of watching at watching of being undertaken by any TV of working, and no matter this watch with family in watch relevant still be with family outside watch relevant.
On the contrary, method 104 makes fundamental measurement device 20 only work and fundamental measurement device 20 is just collected when watching that the district does not detect portable type measuring device 22 in 30 and watched data at the TV 14 that is associated with fundamental measurement device 20.Fundamental measurement device 20 detects the TV 14 that is associated whether work (piece 112), if and TV 14 working, then fundamental measurement device 20 determines whether to detect to be illustrated in and watches any signal (piece 114) that has portable type measuring device 22 in the district 30.If in watching district 30, detected portable type measuring device 22, then fundamental measurement device 20 is determined the kinsfolks' 34 that are associated with detected portable type measuring device 22 identity (piece 116), makes personnel's measuring instrument 28 every other kinsfolks 34 of prompting represent by the specified button of for example pressing them that among these members 34 whether any is present in then and watches district 30 interior (pieces 118).If one or more among the kinsfolk 34 is to this prompting respond (piece 120), represent that thus one or more member 34 is televiewing 14, then fundamental measurement device 20 enables audience measurement circuit 64, thereby makes its collection watch data (piece 122).Fundamental measurement device 20 can continue to watch data subsequently, up to watch the district do not carry the kinsfolk 34 of portable type measuring device 22 in 30 till or till TV is closed.Fundamental measurement device 20 can be by making personnel's measuring instrument 28 measure the prompting scheme (promptly according to the personnel of any known, periodically, after channel changes etc.) continue periodically to point out kinsfolk 34, detect and watch existing of kinsfolk 34 that district 30 is interior.On the contrary, if there are not 34 pairs of these promptings of kinsfolk to respond, then fundamental measurement device 20 need not to watch data, because watch that only kinsfolk 34 has carried the portable type measuring device 22 of watching data according to method 102 in collection in the district 30.May enter other kinsfolks 34 that watch district 30 subsequently and method 102 circulations turn back to piece 118 and continue prompting, suppose that certainly TV 14 is still carrying out work (piece 124).If TV quits work, then method 102 turns back to piece 112.If 114 places do not detect portable type measuring device 22 at piece, then this method skip piece 116 and execution block 118 to point out all kinsfolks.Like this, this chunk 104 makes fundamental measurement device 20 only be positioned under the situation of watching district 30 but not carrying portable type measuring device 22 one or more kinsfolk and just watches data.As the skilled person will appreciate, method 102 and 104 is carried out independently; Yet allow to use fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22, thereby collect all outer watching of neutralization man of family in the mode that makes things convenient for kinsfolk 34 in the mode of complementation.Method 102 and 104 is intended to by the audience measurement system 18 that does not have identification label 24
Embodiment uses.
The method of Fig. 5 can be modified to and make fundamental measurement device 20 periodically or send continuously by the signal that is positioned at portable type measuring device 22 receptions of watching district 30.Preferably, this signal is discerned the fundamental measurement device 20 that sends this signal uniquely.For example, the piece 116 of Fig. 5 can be modified to and make and to watch and distinguish the kinsfolk 34 that 30 portable type measuring device 22 is associated with being positioned at except identification, fundamental measurement device 20 also sends following signal, this signal is being positioned at when watching that the portable type measuring device 22 of district in 30 detects, make portable type measuring device 22 will be arranged in watch the district 30 o'clock collected data identification be that data are watched by family, that is the data of collecting relatively of watching, to carry out at home.The piece 108 of method 102 can be modified to and make portable type measuring device 22 will watch that data identification is to watch data in the family.Like this, as mentioned above the method 102 of Xiu Gaiing and 104 make by with family in watch that relevant portable type measuring device 22 collects watch that data are so discerned.When receiving these data, central data collection equipment 42 can distinguish with family in watch relatively collect watch data and with family outside watch the data of watching of collecting relatively.
Referring now to Fig. 6, portable type measuring device 22 can be watched unique source of data as measurement, and fundamental measurement device 20 can be replaced by signal generation device.In this embodiment, portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for carrying out the method by a chunk 126 expressions, and this chunk 126 can use to be stored in the storer 74 and by the software instruction 72 that processor 70 is carried out and realize.Similarly, modified fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for carrying out the method by a chunk 128 expressions, and this chunk 128 can use to be stored in the storer 54 and by the software instruction 52 that processor 50 is carried out and realize.Method 128 can start from piece 130, and at these piece 130 places, modified fundamental measurement device 20 sends the signal that is received by any portable type measuring device of watching district 30 22 that is positioned at TV 14 continuously or periodically.In another embodiment, modified fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for only sending and watching signal in the family in response to sense one or more portable type measuring device 22 in watching district 30.Certainly, in this embodiment, modified fundamental measurement device 20 will comprise that signal sensing ability and signal produce ability.As the skilled person will appreciate, among these embodiment of modified fundamental measurement device 20 any all need not to comprise processor and instruction, and the simple logic circuit that can use for example sender unit and receiver, data register (being used to preserve the data of discerning this modified fundamental measurement device 20 uniquely) and make this device operate according to method 128 is realized.
Method 126 can start from piece 132, and at these piece 132 places, portable type measuring device 22 determines whether it is positioned at the watching of TV of working and distinguishes 30.This can use the information that is for example provided by one of following a plurality of sensors 90 to carry out, and these sensors 90 are suitable for the frequency signal that sensing is generated by the aforesaid kickback transformer that is associated with TV.If portable type measuring device 22 is positioned at the district of watching of the TV of working, then audience measurement circuit 92 is enabled and begins to watch data (piece 134).Except enabling audience measurement circuit 92, portable type measuring device 22 also determines whether to have detected the signal that is produced by this modified fundamental measurement device 20, distinguishes 30 thereby expression portable type measuring device 22 is arranged in watching of family 32.If detected this signal, be to watch data (piece 138) in the family then with the portable type measuring device 22 collected data identification of watching.If do not detect this signal, be the outer data (piece 140) of watching of family then with the portable type measuring device 22 collected data identification of watching.
In another embodiment, audience measurement system 18 can comprise and is suitable for collecting the fundamental measurement device of watching in all families 20 of watching data and is suitable for collecting and watches in all families and the outer portable type measuring devices 22 of watching data watched of all families.In this embodiment, portable type measuring device 22 can be suitable for carrying out the method by a chunk 142 expressions, and this chunk 142 can use to be stored in the storer 74 and by the software instruction 72 that processor 70 is carried out and realize.Similarly, fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for carrying out the method by a chunk 144 expressions, and this chunk can use to be stored in the storer 54 and by the software instruction 52 that processor 50 is carried out and realize.According to the method shown in Fig. 7 142, as long as being positioned at the watching of TV 14 of working, portable type measuring device 22 distinguishes 30, portable type measuring device 22 is just watched data (piece 146,148).By using method 144, as long as the TV 14 that is associated with fundamental measurement device 20 is being worked, fundamental measurement device 20 is just watched data (piece 156,160).In addition, fundamental measurement device 20 makes personnel's measuring instrument 28 carry out any in the multiple reminding method, and described multiple reminding method is used to make kinsfolk 34 to provide about their identity and about kinsfolk 34 whether be positioned at 30 the information (piece 158) of distinguishing of watching.By being adapted such that in the communication interface 56,76 that can communicate with central data collection equipment 42 any will all send central data collection equipment 42 (piece 152,162) to by the data set of watching that portable type measuring device 22 and fundamental measurement device 20 are collected.At central data collection equipment 42 places, watch data set and compare what provide, and it is identified as the single incident of carrying out with single people of watching be associated (piece 166,168) by the data set of watching that fundamental measurement device 20 provides by portable type measuring device 22.Also can compare these data sets with the possible errors in the recognition data (piece 170).
Alternatively, can carry out said method 144 and discern kinsfolk 34, rather than rely on and make personnel's measuring instrument 28 devices point out the fundamental measurement device 20 of acquired information to kinsfolk 34 so that this method 144 can rely on by the signal that is arranged in identification label 24 that the kinsfolk 34 that watches the district carries and provides.In this embodiment, fundamental measurement device 20 is from being positioned at all identification label 24 reception information of watching district 30.This information is used by fundamental measurement device 20 storage and by fundamental measurement device 20 then, so that the collected data of watching are associated with suitable one or more kinsfolk.
Referring now to Fig. 8, fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for determining when that one or more kinsfolk 34 is positioned at watches district 30 but do not carry portable type measuring device 22 or identification label 24.Before carrying out described method, fundamental measurement device 20 is from spectators' change detector 26 picked up signal, and fundamental measurement device 20 determines to be positioned at the kinsfolk's 34 who watches district 30 quantity by this signal.In addition, 20 detections of fundamental measurement device are positioned at the quantity of the portable type measuring device 22 of watching district 30 and the quantity of identification label 24.This information that is obtained by fundamental measurement device 20 is used as the input to method 172, this method 172 can start from piece 174, at these piece 174 places, fundamental measurement device 20 will be positioned at the sum and the total addition that is positioned at the identification label 24 of watching district 30 of the portable type measuring device 22 of watching district 30, to obtain to be positioned at the sum of discerning the kinsfolk (piece 174) of watching the district.Then from according to the information that provides by spectators' change detector 26 and definite being arranged in watched that the kinsfolk's in district 30 quantity deducts to be positioned at and watched and distinguish 30 the total quantity of discerning the kinsfolk, thereby obtain being arranged in the Unidentified kinsfolk's who watches the district sum (piece 176).If determine that at piece 178 places unidentified kinsfolk's sum equals zero, then fundamental measurement device 20 need not to carry out any additional treatments relevant with definite spectator's identity, because the signal that is received according to fundamental measurement device 20, portable type measuring device 22 and identification label 24 all spectator's identity of cicada.And if unidentified kinsfolk's sum is greater than zero, then fundamental measurement device 20 can be suitable for to central data collection equipment 42 notice: quantity, the unidentified kinsfolk who is positioned at the unidentified kinsfolk who watches district 30 is positioned at the time of watching district 30, the program that is shown by TV 14 in the above-mentioned time, and the identity (by being discerned from one of identification signal of being positioned at the reception of one of the portable type measuring device 22 of watching district 30 and/or identification label 24 by fundamental measurement device 20) (piece 180) that is not included in any kinsfolk of kinsfolk in the middle of tabulating.
In another embodiment, the interaction feedback that provides the spectator that presents from medium to collect to central data collection equipment 42 can be provided for fundamental measurement device 20 and portable type measuring device 22.For example, product and/or service company can provide the inquiry that is associated with the advertisement of this product and/or service company (polling query) to central data collection equipment 42, this central data collection equipment 42 and then this inquiry can be sent to measurement mechanism (that is, fundamental measurement device 20 and/or portable type measuring device 22).Product and/or service company can and/or upload this inquiry to central network by the internet any other suitable connection.In response to detecting the source sign (SID) that is associated with product and/or service company, measurement mechanism can produce inquiry on display.The information that offers central data collection equipment 42 by measurement mechanism can comprise that the spectator is used for changing the information of the setting of measurement mechanism to response, the spectator of the inquiry that measurement mechanism produced, and perhaps the medium of the spectator being consumed in response to the inquiry that presents the source from medium present the expression of liking or disliking.That is, the spectator of TV programme can provide the suggestion relevant with this content of TV program.As a result, measurement mechanism can present the information that is associated with spectator and medium to 42 transmission of central data collection equipment, and by presenting the interaction feedback that the spectator that is associated carries out with medium, to handle these data.
With reference to Fig. 9, above-mentioned measurement mechanism can carry out work each other in combination, presents the spectators' information that is associated to collect with medium.The example television systems 500 of Fig. 9 comprises television provider 510, TV 520, fundamental measurement device 530 and portable type measuring device 535.TV service supplier 510 can be any TV service supplier, for example but be not limited to CATV (cable television) service supplier 512, radio frequency (RF) television provider 514 and/or satellite television service provider 516.TV 520 can be configured for and send the audio component that medium present and any suitable TV of video component, and described medium present and for example are but are not limited to program, advertisement, video-game and/or movie preview.Fundamental measurement device 530 can be the measurement mechanism 20 shown in Fig. 2, and portable type measuring device 535 can be the measurement mechanism 22 shown in Fig. 3 (that is in cellular phone, PDA or the handheld computer).Fundamental measurement device 530 and portable type measuring device 535 can pass through first communication link 570 (for example, hard wired links and/or Radio Link) and communicate with one another.For example, Docking station 572 can be configured to keep also can communicatedly portable type measuring device 535 being connected to fundamental measurement device 530 via USB (universal serial bus) (USB) port.Therefore, fundamental measurement device 530 and portable type measuring device 535 can communicate with one another.In addition, fundamental measurement device 530 can pass through second communication link 575 (for example, hard wired links and/or Radio Link) and central data collection equipment 560 communicates.Central data collection equipment 560 can comprise server 580 and database 590.
The flow process of Figure 10 there is shown can be by the example machine readable of fundamental measurement device 530 and 535 execution of portable type measuring device.In the example shown, fundamental measurement device 530 at first from portable type measuring device 535, tuner or telechiric device (for example, be expressed as 16 device among Fig. 1) and/or optionally recognition device 544 (for example, ID label or cellular phone) detect the registration (piece 610) that comprises the information relevant with spectator 540.For example, spectator 540 can use portable type measuring device 535 or tuner manually to register to fundamental measurement device 530.Alternatively, spectator 540 can automatically register to measurement mechanism 535 by recognition device 544.
Receiving when registration, fundamental measurement device 530 is attempted to detect and is aforesaidly presented relevant content designator 550 (piece 620) with medium, and discerns this content designator 550 (piece 625).Detect and the identification content designator after, fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 are reminded 540 pairs of inquiries of spectators respond (piece 630).For example, fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 can utilize audible alarm, visual alarm and/or vibration alarm to attract spectator 540 attention.Visual alarm can be the LED of green, red, blue or any other appropriate color.Visual alarm can also be to produce any proper device of visual signal to attract spectator 540 to note.Audible alarm can be piezo-electric device, loudspeaker or produce voice signal any other proper device to attract spectator 540 to note.Vibration alarm can be implemented as any known vibrating device, for example, and the device that in conventional cellular phone and/or pager, uses.Fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 can use any one in audible alarm, visual alarm and the vibration alarm or all attract spectator 540 attention.For example present when needing user interactions when medium, fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 can point out spectator 540 that portable type measuring device 535 and Docking station 572 are disconnected.Spectator 540 can remove portable type measuring device 535 from Docking station 572 then, so that inquiry is responded.Therefore, fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 in being arranged on fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 or with display that it is associated on produce inquiry (piece 640).Portable type measuring device 535 can receive input (piece 650) by user interface (for example, be expressed as among Fig. 3 88 interface) in response to this inquiry.
Portable type measuring device 535 transmits spectator 540 the response data (piece 660) relevant with this inquiry to fundamental measurement device 530 by second communication link 575.After receiving this response data, fundamental measurement device 530 will present relevant information with spectator and medium by first communication link 570 and send central data collection equipment 560 to, to collect these data (piece 670).
The flow process of Figure 11 there is shown can be by another group example machine readable of fundamental measurement device 530 and 535 execution of portable type measuring device.In the example shown, TV 520 is to the advertisement (piece 710) of users broadcasting product and/or service company, tissue and/or any other entity.TV 520 is also broadcasted ad identifier (piece 720) such as above-mentioned SID by each advertisement.For this example, soft drink company can embed corresponding SID in the advertisement of the soft drink that the said firm produces.In addition, the said firm can upload inquiry to central data collection equipment 560 by the internet, for example but be not limited to investigate a matter relevant with advertisement.Then, ad identifier and inquiry are downloaded to fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 (piece 730).Alternatively, fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 can be retrieved these data from central data collection facility 560.Fundamental measurement device 530 attempts to detect ad identifier (piece 740).Based on this ad identifier, at least one relevant with this advertisement of fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 identifications investigates a matter (piece 750), and with described at least one investigate a matter and present to user's (piece 760).Certainly, in this embodiment, be used for making ad identifier fundamental measurement device 530 and/or portable type measuring device 535 to be programmed with one or more suitable information that is associated that investigates a matter by each measurement mechanism.For example can provide this information with database format.In addition, fundamental measurement device 530 can be suitable for using one or more in the suitable communication interface that is installed in each device, via Docking station 572 or wireless communication link, receive database 590 and send database 590 to portable type measuring device 535 from central data collection facility 560.
Multiple structure has been described in the front, wherein (a plurality of) portable type measuring device can with (a plurality of) the optionally fundamental measurement device use that combine.Although these fundamental measurement devices can have said structure, one or more portable type measuring device can be constructed to carry out work as the fundamental measurement device.For example, portable type measuring device (for example can be waited by cellular phone, PDA and realize) can be programmed to carry out work as the fundamental measurement device, it remains in the family that aforementioned fundamental measurement device can be set, in enterprise or any other place in can be portable.Use the portable type measuring device to realize that the fundamental measurement device is favourable, because the portable type measuring device is compact and be easy to be transported in the respondent family.In addition, because their profiles are little, so the portable type measuring device can easily be placed near the place the main TV of for example being watched in the room.
In order to use the portable type measuring device to realize the fundamental measurement device, can indicate the respondent to power to this device from sustainable power supply (for example, the socket on the wall) by transformer.Also can indicate the physical location of this device to the respondent, to guarantee using correct received signal to measure medium contact rate (media exposure).For example, can indicate the respondent that this device is positioned to receive audio frequency from televisor.Before or after placing this device, can indicate the respondent to start this device.
The startup of portable type measuring device can comprise carries out a plurality of routines, the medium monitoring routine of downloading before these routines can comprise.Alternatively, before first this device being used as the fundamental measurement device, device starts can comprise that downloaded software/firmware is to realize measurement function.As described in detail later, downloaded software/firmware can include, but are not limited to by wired or wireless network download software.In addition, download can relate to required software download to the middle device such as personal computer, and subsequently by wired connection (USB (universal serial bus), parallel bus and/or Ethernet) or wireless connections (for example Bluetooth, 802.11x etc.) with this software transplanting to the portable type measuring device.Except can easily downloading to software/firmware (directly or indirectly) on the portable type measuring device, also software upgrade package, patch and/or repair procedure (fix) can be downloaded on the portable type measuring device.
After placing, start the portable type measuring device and being equipped with Survey Software, the portable type measuring device can send audible sound and/or vibration and/or visual alarm etc., with expression portable type measuring device from for example near the television reception of the position that is placed with this portable type measuring device to effective audio code.These indications that provide affirmation to receive the feedback of audio code for the respondent show has suitably placed this portable type measuring device with respect to the TV of being monitored (or other media apparatus).
As mentioned above, the portable type measuring device can be configured to be used as the fundamental measurement device, to provide the fundamental measurement function in little, the set of equipments (package) that is easy to distribute, be easy to locate of portable type measuring device.As the portable type measuring device construction is the part as the processing of fundamental measurement device, the respondent with software or firmware downloads in the portable type measuring device.Except the measurement function that this firmware/software provided, the earpiece speaker that this firmware/software can forbidden energy portable type measuring device is to prevent the making data of this device obtain the audible feedback of makeing mistakes.In addition, this firmware/software can enable the high gain mode of microphone, enabling speakerphone formula microphone characteristics, rather than the common directional pattern microphone that uses such as tradition on the device of cellular phone.
Can be configured to all comprise the interface (I/O (I/O) port) that data are passed through as the many devices that as the portable type measuring device of fundamental measurement device, carry out work.For example, cellular phone comprises basic plug (plug) I/O port, data serially by this port to provide programme information to cellular phone.In addition, the device such as PDA etc. also comprises this interface.In one example, the software/firmware that downloads on the portable type measuring device can be with the I/O port arrangement in the portable type measuring device for directly receiving measurement data.For example, cellular phone can be configured to receive " original (raw) " the pulse code modulation (pcm) data of input and provide it to Survey Software/firmware by the I/O port, thereby provides the hardwired alternative arrangement that detects for ANTENN AUDIO by microphone.
As shown in figure 12, usually, measuring system 1200 can comprise measuring instrument supplier 1202, portable unit 1204 and content provider 1206.As Figure 12 further shown in, measuring system 1200 can comprise Network Provider 1207, inserts to provide for portable unit 1204 and/or the wireless network that is connected to the download website 1208 of portable unit 1204.Usually, 1202 pairs of portable units 1204 of measuring instrument supplier are given measurement function, and are as described below, and portable unit 1204 can use cellular phone, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant), pager or any other mancarried device to realize.Portable unit 1204 can be measured the information that content provider provides then.As the skilled person will readily understand, the information that provides of content provider can be TV and/or radio signal and/or the signal that provides by any other communication network such as the internet.More generally be that this information can be audio frequency, video or data message.For example, when TV is handled TV programme, can produce the audio code that is embedded in this TV programme by this TV.These sign indicating numbers can be gathered by portable unit 1204.Alternatively, portable unit 1204 itself can be used for tuning and TV reception, and have monitoring the ability of tuning TV programme.
Measuring instrument supplier 1202 for example can be the website of being sponsored by information gathering mechanism (service) (for example, Nielsen Media Research) or any other similar means.The mechanism relevant with measuring instrument supplier 1202 gets in touch potential respondent, for example the owner of portable unit 1204.This mechanism can utilize Network Provider 1207 to send the request that adds respondent's group (panel) to potential respondent, and receives the correspondence response that wherein potential respondent might accept or refuse this request.If potential respondent selects to add respondent's group, then as described below, Network Provider 1207 can automatically download suitable Survey Software (for example, " pushing (push) ") from the website of for example being sponsored by measuring instrument supplier 1202 to portable unit 1204.Alternatively, Network Provider 1207 can provide for example software download menu option, as described below, the respondent can use portable unit 1204 to ask Survey Software downloaded on the portable unit 1204 and by it by this menu option and carry out (for example, " pulling (pull) ").
As mentioned above, can use PDA, cellular phone, pager or any other known devices to realize portable unit 1204.This device can be owned by the respondent, perhaps can offer the respondent.If be provided, then the respondent can be allowed to or not allow this device is used for the purpose of its its ability and makes it carry out measurement function.As mentioned above, portable unit 1204 comprises that one or more can write the storer of Survey Software.So can revise the performance of portable unit 1204 by carrying out Survey Software, thereby except the traditional function of portable unit 1204 (for example, the PDA feature, call is handled, paging reception etc.) outside, portable unit 1204 will have and comprise that signature and/or sign indicating number handle, do point out spectators member at interior content measurement function for multiple purpose, described multiple purpose comprises: 1) you initiatively see TV (or source of any measured content) or just in its vicinity? do 2) you react the subjective positive/negative of holding of the content of showing? do 3) you hold the positive/negative reaction to the trade mark of showing? or the like.All these promptings all are optionally, therefore can comprise or not be included in the Survey Software.
As shown in figure 12, can Survey Software directly be offered portable unit 1204 by Network Provider 1207.Alternatively, can connect 1209 by network and send Survey Software to download website 1208, other devices that this download website 1208 can use standard personal computer maybe can show and/or receive information are realized.In this structure, can Survey Software be sent to download website 1208 from measuring instrument supplier 1202 by Internet connection 1209.Also alternatively, the respondent can use portable unit 1204 to ask Survey Software is distributed on the medium such as diskette 1 210 or CD 1212.The respondent can use download website 1208 that Survey Software is sent to portable unit 1204 when receiving this medium.(for example, USB) processing that Survey Software is sent to portable unit 1204 is carried out in connection can to use hardwired.Alternatively, can according to the tinkle of bells or other features are downloaded to mode similar on the cellular phone and carry out this transmission and handle.
Software download has been shown among Figure 13 has handled 1300, it can be carried out to obtain to carry out the software of measurement function by portable unit 1204 or download website 1208.In order to obtain Survey Software, the respondent navigates to software vendor website (piece 1302), and the expression expectation receives Survey Software (piece 1304).As one of ordinary skill will be understood, the expression expectation receives Survey Software can comprise login software vendor website, and input measurement instrument supplier 1202 offers respondent's code or any other expression.In addition, the respondent can provide many other information to measuring instrument supplier 1202.For example, the respondent can provide demographic information, portable unit 1204 specifications, respondent's name and address etc.In addition, can initiatively get in touch respondent's method by call, Email or other and initiatively enlist the respondent.Alternatively, the respondent can locate the voluntary participation investigation in website, physical location etc.
Represent that the respondent expectation (or being ready) receives Survey Software (piece 1304) afterwards, the respondent receives Survey Software (piece 1306).For example, the respondent can directly download to Survey Software portable unit 1204, perhaps Survey Software can be downloaded to download website 1208, to upload to portable unit 1204 after a while.Alternatively, measuring instrument supplier 1202 can transport medium (for example, diskette 1 210 or CD 1212) to the respondent, and this respondent is entered into download website 1208 subsequently.
When receiving Survey Software (piece 1306), the respondent attaches it to (piece 1308) in the portable unit 1204.For example, if portable unit 1204 is arrived in this software download, then the respondent can order portable unit 1204 beginning softwares to be installed.Alternatively, the respondent can use download website 1208 that Survey Software is installed on the portable unit 1204.Can after downloading Survey Software, automatically carry out the installation and/or the startup of Survey Software.
After receiving (piece 1306) and (piece 1308) has been installed Survey Software, portable unit 1204 initialization also move this Survey Software (piece 1310).After installing, Survey Software can point out the respondent to import the demographic information.In addition, in case operation, Survey Software just makes portable unit 1204 can carry out the measurement function except the traditional function relevant with portable unit 1204.Survey Software can be moved the limited time period, and when no longer needing the cooperation of this particular survey object, automatically unloads it oneself.Alternatively, when no longer needing cooperation or when they no longer wish to make investigation object, may manually unloading by the respondent.
As previously mentioned, exemplary process 1400 has been shown among Figure 14, it is used to get in touch potential respondent, downloads Survey Software to the mancarried device (for example, portable unit 1204) of respondent's use, and Survey Software is configured to carry out on mancarried device.Exemplary process 1400 can be carried out by measuring instrument supplier 1202, portable unit 1204 and/or the Network Provider 1207 of Figure 12, and when entrusting new audience measurement research, can periodically carry out, to fill up blank in the existing audience measurement research etc.Exemplary process 1400 starts from getting in touch respondent candidate and asks this candidate to participate in audience measurement research (piece 1402)., can wait by call, text message and get in touch respondent candidate, and the candidate also can respond to this request by call, text message etc. in conjunction with as described in Figure 15 as following.
Handling 1400 determines whether to receive positive response (piece 1404) from respondent candidate then.If do not receive positive response (for example) (piece 1404), then handle 1400 and finish if the respondent does not respond or sent/provide the negative response that the refusal participation is studied.Yet, if receive positive response (piece 1404), handle 1400 the respondent added in this research, and authorize to downloading suitable Survey Software (piece 1406) with the corresponding portable unit 1204 of new respondent.This can comprise the telephone number or Internet protocol (IP) address of the portable unit of writing down this respondent's use.The exemplary process of the function that is used to realize piece 1406 has been shown among Figure 16, will be discussed in greater detail this processing below.Handle 1400 and determine then whether Survey Software is initiated download to the network of portable unit 1204 feasible, and whether support (piece 1408) by portable unit 1204 and Network Provider 1207.In some cases, for example the software download of network initiation may be preferred with respect to the Client-initiated software download, so that the respondent downloads and be configured in the required effort minimum of Survey Software on the portable unit 1204.
If the software download feasible (piece 1408) that network is initiated is then handled 1400 and is carried out the network initiation software download (piece 1410) that will suitable Survey Software downloads on the portable unit 1204 that this respondent uses.Yet, if the software download infeasible (piece 1408) that network is initiated is handled 1400 and is carried out the user that Survey Software is downloaded on the portable unit 1204 and initiate software download (piece 1412).The exemplary process of the function that is used to realize piece 1410 has been shown among Figure 17 to Figure 19.In addition, the exemplary process that is used to realize 1412 function has been shown among Figure 20.
Finished and after portable unit 1204 has been downloaded Survey Software, handled 1400 and subsequently Survey Software is configured to carry out (piece 1414) on portable unit 1204 in the processing at piece 1410 or piece 1412 places.The exemplary process of the function that is used to realize piece 1414 has been shown among Figure 21, will be discussed in greater detail this processing below.Finish exemplary process 1400 then.After installing, Survey Software can point out the respondent to import the demographic information.In addition, in case operation, Survey Software just makes portable unit 1204 can carry out measurement function except the traditional function relevant with portable unit 1204.As previously mentioned, Survey Software can be moved the limited time period, in case automatically unload it oneself when then no longer needing the cooperation of this particular survey object.Alternatively, when no longer needing cooperation or when they no longer wish to make investigation object, may needing the respondent manually to unload.
Exemplary process 1500 has been shown among Figure 15, and it is used to get in touch respondent candidate and asks this candidate to participate in audience measurement research.Exemplary process 1500 can be used for realizing the function of the piece 1402 of Figure 14.Exemplary process 1500 starts from generating respondent candidate's (piece 1502) that may participate in audience measurement research to be got in touch with adding up.For example, type according to portable unit 1204, handle 1500 and can generate the random telephone signal number, generate at random Internet protocol (IP) address etc. based on the network address of distributing to specific wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service supplier etc. or address realm based on one or more region code of distributing to the particular cell phone service supplier.Handle 1500 and determine that then use text message by portable unit 1204 still is that audio call is got in touch respondent candidate's (piece 1504).For example, can wait based on the aspiration level of the performance of portable unit 1204, respondent candidate's degree of being skilled in technique, the processing 1500 obtainable automatization levels that are used for communicating and carry out describedly determining with respondent candidate.
Be defined as using audio call (piece 1504) if handle 1500, then by Network Provider 1207 to carrying out audio call (piece 1506) with the corresponding portable unit of determining at piece 1502 places 1204 of respondent candidate.Audio call can comprise that the request recipient becomes the automatic message of the respondent in the audience measurement research.This message can point out the recipient to represent to accept or refuse this request then, and (piece 1508) handled in recipient's response.For example, can point out the recipient by pressing the numeric keypad that comprises in the portable unit 1204 particular value and respond by key response.In addition or alternatively, can point out the recipient to respond by speech recognition by saying specific word or phrase.In either case, after the response of having handled the recipient (piece 1508), finish exemplary process 1500.
Yet, be defined as using text message (piece 1504) if handle 1500, then by Network Provider 1207 to the text message (piece 1510) that sends such as " instant messages " with the corresponding portable unit 1204 of the respondent candidate who determines at piece 1502 places.For example, can wait by Short Message Service (SMS), Email and send text message.Text message can ask the recipient to become respondent in the audience measurement research.This message can point out the recipient to wait this request of accepting by for example directly replying the free call numbers that comprised in text message, the calling text message then.If the recipient has made response (piece 1512) by text message (for example, to the direct answer of the text message that sends at piece 1510 places), then portable unit 1204 can wait by SMS, Email and send text message (piece 1514).Finish exemplary process 1500 then.Yet if the recipient has made response (piece 1512) by call, the recipient can use 1204 pairs of numbers that provided in the text message that piece 1510 places send of portable unit to carry out call (piece 1516).Can reply this call by the automatic answering system of asking the respondent to participate in audience measurement research once more.As mentioned above, this answering system can point out the user to accept or refuse this request then, and (piece 1508) handled in respondent's response.Finish exemplary process 1500 then.
Exemplary process 1700 has been shown among Figure 17, and it is used to carry out Survey Software and initiates to download to the network of portable unit (for example, portable unit 1204).Exemplary process 1700 can be used for realizing the function of the piece 1410 of Figure 14.Exemplary process 1700 starts from indication network supplier 1207 and (for example obtains Survey Software from measuring instrument supplier 1202, by downloading this software from server, website etc.), and prepare this Survey Software to be downloaded to portable unit 1204 (for example, by this software is placed on network provisioning server, the gateway etc.) (piece 1702).Handling 1700 makes Network Provider 1207 beginnings and portable unit 1204 (for example carry out the data transmission then, by pushing space host-host protocol (OTA), for example OTA-WSP (wireless session protocol), OTA-HTTP (HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)) etc.) (piece 1704).Handling 1700 makes Network Provider 1207 that this Survey Software is downloaded to portable unit 1204 (piece 1706) then.After download is finished (piece 1706), handle 1350 indication network suppliers, 1207 storages (buffer memory) and make the respondent that the request (piece 1708) of this Survey Software is installed.Storage (buffer memory) this request is till portable unit 1204 enters suitable mode of operation that this software can be installed (for example standby mode etc., do not carry out any other function at portable unit during the standby mode 1204).After portable unit 1204 enters this pattern (piece 1708), handle 1700 and can install and/or carry out the Survey Software of being downloaded (piece 1710) so that on portable unit 1204, carry out application management software (AMS) prompting respondent subsequently.For example, use if Survey Software is JAVA, then JAVA application manager (JAM) is operable AMS.Finish exemplary process 1700 then.
Although above explanation has comprised multiple being used for Survey Software has been sent to technology on the portable unit, now described a concrete example in conjunction with Figure 18 and Figure 19.The example of Figure 18 and Figure 19 utilized by such as extend markup language (XML) but the wireless communication ability that provides of growth data host-host protocol.On January 14th, 2004 submit to be entitled as " Portable MeasurementArchitecture and Methods for Portable Audience Measurement " but International Application PCT/US2004/000818 in can find and the growth data host-host protocol relevant further details of communicating by letter, require the right of priority of this international application also to incorporate its content by reference at this.
Such as in conjunction with Figure 18 and the described structure of Figure 19 can (for example, portable unit 1204) ability be carried out work, to detect existing each other when they are closer to each other based on infrastructure (for example, the base station) and portable unit.After the existence that detects each other, infrastructure and portable unit are attempted negotiation communication.Certainly, if a side unrecognized (for example, portable unit does not identify infrastructure), then communication may be rejected (for example, portable unit may be refused and the infrastructure negotiation communication).Be understood that easily this system can use any amount of different agreement to operate, for example Bluetooth, 802.11x, GPRS (GPRS), CDMA (CDMA), infrared (IR) etc.
This system is favourable for distributing measurement function to portable unit, because when the infrastructure that is used for this system becomes ubiquity, no matter where portable unit is positioned at, can be easily to portable unit issue Survey Software.In addition, described in above-mentioned international application, these communication systems and agreement provide the metrical information that portable unit can be obtained (for example, the sign indicating number relevant with medium and sign) to issue back the convenient means of the equipment that has these information.
Forward Figure 18 now to, it shows and can initiate download process 1800 by the example networks that carry out at one or more infrastructure station.Certainly, the operation at one or more infrastructure station can be adjusted into and make this network as a unit with a plurality of access points that limit by the infrastructure position.Handling 1800 is a kind of modes that can realize the piece 1410 of Figure 14.Handle 1800 and start from searching for candidate's portable unit (piece 1802).Candidate unit can be to be identified to receive any portable unit of Survey Software.For example, any portable unit in the identification of piece 1406 places of Figure 14 can be called candidate's portable unit.Described search is a kind of like this adjustment search, wherein each candidate's portable unit of this network aware and use a plurality of infrastructure position of this network to scan candidate's portable unit.
If do not detect candidate's portable unit (piece 1802), then handle 1800 and continue scanning candidate portable unit.When finding candidate's portable unit (piece 1802), network is attempted to set up wireless communication link (piece 1804) with this candidate's portable unit.For example, identifying the infrastructure position or the node that there are candidate's portable unit can attempt to set up radio communication with this candidate unit.Certainly, in conjunction with as described in Figure 19, candidate's portable unit can refuse the link (piece 1806) of automatic network, handles 1800 in this case and is back to scanning as mentioned above with as following.
If this link is accepted (piece 1806), then handle 1800 and obtain Survey Software, this Survey Software this locality can be stored in this network, perhaps can be stored in the another location, measuring instrument supplier's (for example, the measuring instrument supplier 1202 of Figure 12) position (piece 1808) for example.For example, Survey Software can be stored in the nonvolatile memory such as hard disk drive, CD drive etc., thereby is easy to obtain Survey Software and makes the stand-by period (latency) the shortest.After obtaining Survey Software (piece 1808), Survey Software is sent to candidate's portable unit (piece 1810), thereby this Survey Software can be installed and carry out to candidate's portable unit.
Figure 19 shows and handles 1800 corresponding processing 1900, and it can be carried out by candidate's portable unit (for example, the portable unit 1204 of Figure 12).As mentioned above, portable unit can be PDA, cellular phone, Bluetooth enabled device etc., and it receives ID inquiring (piece 1902) from network.A source of ID inquiring can be the network and the infrastructure of search candidate portable unit (for example unit that is identified by the piece 1406 of Figure 14).
In response to this ID inquiring (piece 1902), handle 1900 and determine whether the entity (piece 1904) that this inquiry is carried out in approval (recognize).For example, handle 1900 communication linkages that can refuse any entity of formerly permitting from user's unauthorized.For example, can when getting in touch potential respondent and its expression original meaning participation investigation (piece 1402 and 1404 of Figure 14), reception formerly permit.At this moment, candidate's portable unit may have been stored and will get in touch the identifier of candidate's portable unit with entity that Survey Software is provided after a while.Alternatively, can send prompting respondent affirmation and receive Survey Software by for example text message.If do not approve this entity (piece 1904), then refuse this connection (piece 1906) and end process 1900.
Alternatively, if this entity is approved and the download of Survey Software is considered to accept (piece 1904), handle then that 1900 pairs of these inquiries respond and set up wireless communication link (piece 1908) with infrastructure.Subsequently, before handling 1900 end, receive (piece 1910) and execution (piece 1912) this Survey Software.
Illustrated among Figure 20 and carried out exemplary process 2000 from Survey Software to portable unit (for example, portable unit 1204) user that initiate to download.Exemplary process 2000 can be used for realizing the function of the piece 1412 of Figure 14.Exemplary process 2000 starts from making Network Provider 1207 to make portable unit 1204 can visit Survey Software (piece 2002).For example, handle 2000 and can indication network supplier 1207 (for example obtain Survey Software from measuring instrument supplier 1202, by downloading this software from server, website etc.), and prepare this Survey Software to be downloaded to portable unit 1204 (for example, by this software is placed on network provisioning server, the gateway etc.).Handling 2000 indicates the respondent to use discovery application (DA) (for example, wireless application protocol (wap) browser) of execution on portable unit 1204 to select the Survey Software (piece 2004) that will download then.Handling 2000 makes portable unit 1204 initiate to transmit (for example, by HTTP, WSP etc.) (piece 2006) with the data of Network Provider 1207 then.Handling 2000 makes Network Provider 1207 that Survey Software is downloaded to portable unit 1204 (piece 2008) then.Finish exemplary process 2000 then.
Illustrated among Figure 21 and be used for Survey Software is configured to go up the exemplary process of carrying out 2100 at portable unit (for example, portable unit 1204).Exemplary process 2100 can be used for realizing the function of the piece 1414 of Figure 14.Exemplary process 2100 starts from indicating the AMS that carries out on portable unit 1204 to install and measure software (piece 2102).Then, as the automatically actuated result by using propelling movement registration among this AMS etc., for example order of sending in response to the respondent by operation portable unit 1204 is come initialization and is carried out Survey Software (piece 2104) by portable unit 1204.Finish exemplary process 2100 then.
Portable surveying instrument shown in Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B (being referred to as Figure 22) is handled 2200 expressions in case Survey Software is downloaded in the portable unit 1204 instruction that portable unit 1204 just can be carried out.Processing 2200 can periodically be carried out or can driving by one or more concrete incident.Handle 2200 and start from determining whether portable unit 1204 is used for its original (native) purpose (piece 2202).For example, if portable unit 1204 is cellular phones, then handle 2200 will determine the investigator whether make a phone call or carry out cellular phone intrinsic some other function.When not using portable unit 1204, just stop to carry out and handle 2200.A possibility incident that can drive the startup of Survey Software be that the position is determined.For example, if the approaching known source of media (TV in the family) of measuring instrument, then it can start automatically.This only to measure in the family of the contact rate of media content rather than tame external pelivimetry useful.
When not using portable unit 1204 (piece 2202), whether processing 2200 definite portable units are inserted in the power supply or have enough/acceptable battery electric quantity (piece 2204).If portable unit 1204 not by fully power supply (piece 2204), determines then whether the battery of portable unit 1204 almost exhausts (piece 2206).If battery almost exhausts (piece 2206), then processing stops to carry out.Alternatively, if battery almost exhausts (piece 2206), then handle and also to attempt once more after a while by dormancy time section H.On the contrary, if the battery of portable unit 1204 does not almost exhaust, portable unit 1204 dormancy A second (piece 2208) then.Hereinafter with reference to the other times incident A size of second is described.In a word, target is a consuming cells exceedingly not, thereby the respondent can use this device with the purposes of its ability.
If be defined as portable unit 1204 by fully power supply (piece 2204), the time (piece 2210) that has then determined whether to transmit data.Can be by through waiting that the data buffer or the storer that transmit data come the specified data delivery time after a while or by storing.If arrived the time (piece 2210) of transmitting data, determine then whether portable unit 1204 docks (piece 2212).For example, portable unit 1204 can be docked in the carriage that is connected to download website 1208.If portable unit 1204 has docked (piece 2212), then determine the network docked whether available (piece 2214).For example, if measuring instrument supplier will receive the data that are stored in the portable unit 1204, then can be download website 1208 be connected with network between the measuring instrument supplier 1202 network that is docked.Alternatively, the network that is docked can be and being connected of another entity that will receive stored information.
If the network that is docked can be used (piece 2214), then send data (piece 2216) and portable surveying instrument dormancy B second (piece 2218) that is stored.Alternatively, if this device does not dock (piece 2212) or the network that is docked unavailable (piece 2214), then determine wireless network whether available (piece 2220).If wireless network can be used (piece 2220), then send data (piece 2216) and portable unit 1204 dormancy B second (piece 2218).Alternatively, portable unit 1204 dormancy C second (piece 2222).
If also do not arrive the time (piece 2210) of transmitting data, then determine the space (piece 2224) whether portable unit 1204 has storing additional data.If there is not free space (piece 2224), determines then whether this device docks (piece 2212), and handle 2200 and carry out from this as described.Alternatively, if there is the space (piece 2224) of storage data, then collect audio frequency (piece 2226).Although mentioned audio frequency particularly, also can collect video or other data at piece 2226 places.Then by determining whether that detecting audio frequency determines whether to exist audio frequency (piece 2228).If do not detect audio frequency (piece 2228), portable unit 1204 dormancy D second (piece 2230) then.If detected audio frequency (piece 2230), then determine TV whether opened (piece 2232).Do not open (piece 2232) if be defined as TV, then portable unit 1204 dormancy D second (piece 2230).
Alternatively, if be defined as TV opened (piece 2232), determine whether that then in the end F detects sign indicating number (piece 2234) at G in second or not in second.If do not satisfy the test in the piece 2234, then produce the signature (piece 2236) of the audio frequency, video or the data that are receiving.Alternatively, the test of if block 2234 is failure not, then determines whether to detect audio code (piece 2238).If do not detect audio code (piece 2238), then produce signature (piece 2236).Alternatively, if detected audio code (piece 2238), determine then whether portable unit 1204 inserts power supply or have high battery electric quantity (piece 2240).If electric weight abundance (piece 2240) then produces signature (piece 2236).Alternatively, can there be alternative mode, even wherein when detecting yard, also produce signature.
After having produced signature (piece 2236) if or be defined as portable unit and do not insert power supply or have high battery electric quantity (piece 2240), portable unit 1204 is determined positional informations whether available (piece 2242).For example can provide positional information by GPS transmitter based on land or satellite.If positional information unavailable (piece 2242) is then determined urgent/911 positional informations whether available (piece 2244).If positional information or urgent/911 positional informations can be used, then in 2246 positions of determining portable units 1204.
Determine position (piece 2246) if afterwards or urgent/911 positions unavailable (piece 2244), then stored TV opening/closing sign indicating number, audio code, signature and position (piece 2248).After having stored appointed information (piece 2248), portable unit 1204 dormancy E second (piece 2250).
As mentioned above, in processing 2200, a plurality of dormancy times have been specified.Usually, X can be called desired measuring accuracy, it for example can be 60 seconds.If make this hypothesis, then the value defined of A-F is as follows:
A=(X*5) second+can set constant 1
B=0 second+can set constant 2
C=X second+f (remaining power life-span)+can set constant 3
D=X second+f (remaining power life-span)+can set constant 4
E=X second+f (remaining power life-span)+can set constant 5
F=X second+can set constant 6
G=(X*5) second+can set constant 7, wherein f (remaining power life-span) representative was as the variable of the function of battery life.
H=X second+f (remaining power life-span)+can set constant 8
Method and apparatus disclosed herein is particularly suitable for being applied to TV.Yet, do not depart from the scope of the present invention or the situation of spirit under, the teaching of the disclosure can be applicable to other electronic installation medium and presents device, for example personal computer, radio maybe can present any other device of media program.In addition, be used for measuring with the relevant TV watching in district of watching that is positioned at house although audience measurement system described herein is disclosed as, this system also can be used for watching of carrying out in any place measured.Like this, can be the office staff at the kinsfolk of family, and described system can be used for measuring their relevant with the office custom of watching.
Although described specific illustrative methods, device and product here, the coverage of this patent is not limited to this.On the contrary, this patent has been contained all methods, device and the product in the scope that falls into claims (on literal or under the principle at equivalent).
The application incorporates the international application no PCI/US2004/000818 that submitted on January 14th, 2004 by reference into, and is the extendible portion of this application.In addition, the application incorporates U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence number of submitting on October 17th, 2,003 60/511,859 and the U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence number of submitting on June 9th, 2,004 60/578,196 by reference into, and requires its right of priority.
Claims (16)
1, a kind ofly provide the method for medium measurement function, comprising to communicator:
Ask potential respondent to participate in investigation;
Receive positive response from described potential respondent; And
Mancarried device to described potential respondent provides measurement function.
2, method according to claim 1 wherein, is asked described potential respondent to participate in investigation and is comprised and use audio call or text message to get in touch described potential respondent.
3, method according to claim 2 wherein, asks described potential respondent to participate in investigating to comprise by described potential respondent's mancarried device to get in touch described potential respondent.
4, method according to claim 2 wherein, is used audio call to get in touch described potential respondent and is comprised described potential respondent is called out automatically.
5, method according to claim 2 wherein, is used audio call to get in touch described potential respondent and is comprised that described potential respondent is carried out the individual to be called out.
6, method according to claim 2 wherein, is used text message to get in touch described potential respondent and is comprised to described potential respondent and transferring immediate news.
7, method according to claim 1 wherein, receives described positive response and comprises from described potential respondent and receive text message or call.
8, method according to claim 1, wherein, described mancarried device comprises mobile phone, personal digital assistant or pager.
9, method according to claim 1 comprises that also described potential respondent is selected on statistics ground from potential respondent's set.
10, method according to claim 1 also comprises and authorizes described potential respondent to download described measurement function.
11, method according to claim 1 wherein, provides described measurement function to comprise and makes the software of realizing described measurement function to be downloaded by described potential respondent.
12, method according to claim 11 wherein, makes the software of realizing described measurement function to download and comprises the described software of permission accessing wirelessly.
13, method according to claim 11, wherein, software that make to realize described measurement function can be downloaded and comprise that permission carries out download access by the website on the internet.
14, method according to claim 1 wherein, provides measurement function to comprise that the software that will realize described measurement function is pushed to described potential respondent's described mancarried device to described mancarried device.
15, method according to claim 14 wherein, provides Survey Software but provide measurement function to comprise by the growth data host-host protocol to described mancarried device to described potential respondent's described mancarried device.
16, method according to claim 14 wherein, provides measurement function to comprise by wireless connections to described mancarried device and provides Survey Software to described potential respondent's mancarried device.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201310115747.7A CN103338389B (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-10-15 | Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system |
| CN201110155719.9A CN102289758B (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-10-15 | Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51185903P | 2003-10-17 | 2003-10-17 | |
| US60/511,859 | 2003-10-17 | ||
| USPCT/US04/000818 | 2004-01-14 | ||
| US60/578,196 | 2004-06-09 |
Related Child Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201310115747.7A Division CN103338389B (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-10-15 | Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system |
| CN201110155719.9A Division CN102289758B (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-10-15 | Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1882961A true CN1882961A (en) | 2006-12-20 |
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ID=37520239
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA2004800337927A Pending CN1882961A (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-10-15 | Portable multi-purpose audience measurement system |
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| Country | Link |
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| CN (1) | CN1882961A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102981418A (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2013-03-20 | 尼尔森（美国）有限公司 | Power management for audience measurement meters |
| CN106471539A (en) * | 2014-08-14 | 2017-03-01 | 谷歌公司 | System and method for obscuring audience measurement |
| US9924224B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2018-03-20 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device |
-
2004
- 2004-10-15 CN CNA2004800337927A patent/CN1882961A/en active Pending
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102981418A (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2013-03-20 | 尼尔森（美国）有限公司 | Power management for audience measurement meters |
| US9398331B2 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2016-07-19 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Power management for audience measurement meters |
| CN106471539A (en) * | 2014-08-14 | 2017-03-01 | 谷歌公司 | System and method for obscuring audience measurement |
| US9924224B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2018-03-20 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device |
| US10735809B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2020-08-04 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device |
| US11363335B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2022-06-14 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device |
| US11678013B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2023-06-13 | The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc | Methods and apparatus to determine a state of a media presentation device |
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