DE102006013360A1 - Person`s media data e.g. video data, receiving system, has control unit controlling operating function of reproduction and receiving units, where temporal characteristics of media-data and person reactions are synchronized by control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a reproduction unit for media-data for a person, and a receiving unit for automatic recording of conscious or unconscious reaction of the person from the media data. A control unit is provided for controlling an operating function of the reproduction unit and the receiving unit. The temporal characteristics of the media-data and person reactions registered by the gathering unit are synchronized by the control unit, where two of the units are integrated into a software module. The software module is designed as a media player and/or script based program. An independent claim is also included for a method for receiving media data of a person.

Description

The The invention relates to a system for recording measured values of subjects according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for detection of measurements of subjects according to claim 18.

in the Framework of empirical social research, such as market research, it is necessary to study the reactions of subjects to media content to test. Media content can e.g. Promotional videos, computer displays, live TV broadcasts or pilot broadcasts, where it is important to grasp how Subjects react to what is offered. It may be necessary be to expose a subject to very long sequences as well to investigate its reactions.

Basically to the spontaneous individual response of subjects continuously while the reception measured on the medial content. There are there two types of reactions:

Conscious reaction:

One Test person receives before the presentation of the medial content a question (e.g., at the pleasure of the Darzubietenden). The subject hands over then while the receptionist continuously evaluates his rating by means of an input device to a Measurement detection unit, e.g. coupled with a computer is.

Unconscious reaction:

One Subject is connected to sensor connected during the the reception values, e.g. over pulse, Skin resistance, respiration etc. capture and thus the physiological Measure the reaction to what has been offered.

In both cases It is important to relate the subject's response to the subject each produced. An exact time synchronization is important.

Known Method for obtaining such reaction results at the reception Due to their technology, media content can only be found in an artificial one Reception environment held in an institute because the synchronization the detection times of the measured values at the corresponding playback time only possible by manually setting start and end marks in the measured values. This will determine both the location and the time in which the measurement carried out by the personnel performing the measurement.

This is disadvantageous since the reactions of the subjects in such a artificial Situation by nature over natural Reactions changed are.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a method and to provide a device with which responses from subjects independent from external influences can be detected.

These The object is achieved by a System solved with the features of claim 1.

To the system has a media data playback unit for the at least a subject on. Furthermore, the system has a detection unit for automatic recording of conscious and / or unconscious reactions of the at least one subject on the media data and a control unit for controlling the operation of the playback unit and the Detection unit on.

there is essential that by means of the control unit of the time course the media data and the registrations registered by the registration unit At least one subject synchronized are detectable.

The Synchronization is by the simultaneous or immediately consecutive Reading the corresponding values from the playback unit and the Detection unit accomplished, where Wertepaare measured value / playback time be formed.

In order to a system is created with which individual reactions during a Reception of media content, debates or lectures on time and done efficiently. Also, the system of the invention gives the subject a Independence, both locally (at home, for example) as well as time (subject can then test carry out, if it suits him in his daily routine) is.

It is advantageous if at least two of the three components display unit, detection unit and control unit are integrated in one software module. This makes it possible to perform the reaction detection on a computer, so that the reactions of the subjects must not be recorded in a special laboratory with experimental facilities. It is particularly advantageous if the module is designed as a media player. Such a media player is the subject known in principle, so that the operation is easy. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the module is embodied as an executable program (eg a .exe file) or as a script-based program. It is important that in each case the start of the representation can be controlled by the software and the playing time can be read off.

Also it is advantageous if the integration of playback unit, Detection unit and / or control unit at least partially HTML framework, a Java framework, an XML framework and / or a executable Includes program.

alternative or additionally it is advantageous if the integration of playback unit, Detection unit and / or control unit at least partially by means a microprocessor, in particular in a set-top box takes place. Since set-top boxes are already often available to end customers, Capturing reactions from end users can be particularly easy be made.

A further advantageous embodiment comprises a playback unit with a read-out means, in particular for the reading a playback status of the media data. Also, the playback unit be coupled with the readout means. This is beneficial since that Playing the media data never completely uniform, so that the respondent's responses to what is offered with a uniform time measurement (e.g., a parallel-tracking clock) are not accurately detectable. Therefore, it is also advantageous if the playback unit is a time recording means or coupled to the time acquisition means. Especially It is advantageous if the time recording means time stamps of the media data independently captured by the real time. This becomes a playback time reading means realized.

With Advantage, the playback unit has a signaling interface to start the playback unit or is connected to the signaling interface coupled.

advantageously, the detection unit has a signal generator for the input of conscious reactions of the at least one subject or is with the signal generator coupled. Thus, a subject can have his reactions, e.g. on a Communicate value scale. This is advantageously done with a Signal transmitter, which is designed as a sliding and / or knob. It is particularly advantageous in a software implementation, when the signaler implements as a Java applet, DLLs and / or libraries is.

A Another advantageous embodiment of the invention has a Detection unit with at least one measured value acquisition component for the unconscious Responses of at least one subject or is coupled with her. So that can unconscious reactions of the subject are recorded. advantageously, is at least one measured value acquisition component for at least a physiological value, in particular the pulse rate, the skin resistance, the blood pressure, the respiratory rate, the skin temperature, the pupil position and / or the eye movement of the at least one subject.

By a comparison means of the control unit are those of the detection unit Recorded data synchronized in time. After the synchronization if the data is, for example, in the form of a table.

For the evaluation it is advantageous if the playback unit, the detection unit and the control unit can be stored as a file. By a Such software implementation may be the Functions of the system provided in a simple manner to the subject become.

A further advantageous embodiment of the Systems has a means by which the detected reactions of the stored at least one subject and / or for evaluation a server to be sent. The evaluation by the server, in particular An automatic evaluation can start immediately as soon as the data have arrived.

The The object is also achieved by a method according to claim 18.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the figures of Drawings on several embodiments explained in more detail. It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention;

3 a schematic representation of the interaction of the components.

in the The following describes a system and a method with which a flexible recording of the reactions of a subject is possible.

Essentially, three components of the system are used: a playback unit 100 , a registration unit 200 and a control unit 300 , These components 100 . 200 . 300 are described below.

• • Auslesemittel 102 für den Wiedergabestatus (bereit, Wiedergabe läuft, Wiedergabe beendet) der Wiedergabeeinheit 100.
• • Zeiterfassungsmittel 103 für das Auslesen der aktuellen Zeitposition in den Mediendaten (Zeitzähler). Da insbesondere bei schmalbandigen Internet-Verbindungen Verzögerungen beim kontinuierlichen Nachladen von medialen Daten auftreten können, wird nicht die seit dem Start des Mediaplayers real verstrichene Zeit, sondern die vom Zeitzähler aus dem Mediaplayer gelieferte Zeit genutzt. Dieser liefert die Dauer des bisher tatsächlich dargebotenen Materials.
• • Signalisierungsschnittstelle 104 zum Starten der Wiedergabe der Mediendaten.

The playback unit 100 For example, a media player in the form of a browser plug-in takes over the playback of the media content. He either loads a media file 101 or connects with a streaming server. In this case, the playback unit 100 of the embodiment described here, the following interfaces:

• • Reading means 102 for the playback status (ready, playing, playing finished) of the playback unit 100 ,
• • time recording means 103 for reading the current time position in the media data (time counter). Since delays in the continuous reloading of media data can occur, in particular with narrow-band Internet connections, the time actually passed since the start of the media player is not used, but the time supplied by the time counter from the media player. This provides the duration of the previously offered material.
• • signaling interface 104 to start playback of the media data.

The registration unit 200 has means by which measured values are transmitted from a subject via a data interface to the control unit. This can eg a slider applet 201 serve a slider on a screen 2 for the subject 1 and its output data to the detection unit 200 be transmitted.

ever Depending on the type of measured value acquisition, there are other interfaces for initializing the detection unit and for calibrating a Measurement value generator. A measured value transmitter is e.g. a via USB or a serial interface connected integrated system, with the e.g. Values for pulse or skin resistance in digital form are detectable.

at Measured values that do not change continuously can also be added Be implemented signaler, which signals the control unit, that a new measured value is present.

• • Starten der Wiedergabe-Funktion des Mediaplayers.
• • Zyklisches (automatisches) oder signalgesteuertes Einlesen der aktuellen Messwerte eines Probanden mittels der Erfassungseinheit.
• • Kombinieren der Messwerte mit den Daten aus dem Zeitzähler der Wiedergabeeinheit durch ein Vergleichsmittel 301. Damit ist ein zeitgleiches oder sehr zeitnahes Auslesen des oder der Messwerte möglich, um die aktuelle Abspielzeit z.B. aus dem Mediaplayer zu ermitteln. Es werden jeweils Wertepaare Messwert/Abspielzeitpunkt gebildet.
• • Zwischenspeichern der gesammelten Werte oder direktes Versenden der Werte an einen zentralen Server
• • Zyklische Prüfung des Mediaplayers auf das Ende der Wiedergabe
• • Bei Ende der Wiedergabe Durchführung von Abschlussarbeiten wie das endgültige Speichern oder Versenden der gesammelten Daten, Schließen des Frameworks etc.

The control means 300 takes on the following tasks:

• • Start the playback function of the media player.
• • Cyclic (automatic) or signal-controlled reading of the current measured values of a test person by means of the detection unit.
• • Combining the measured values with the data from the time counter of the playback unit by a comparison means 301 , Thus, a simultaneous or very timely reading of the measured values or values is possible to determine the current playing time, for example from the media player. Value pairs measured value / time of play are formed in each case.
• • Caching the collected values or sending the values directly to a central server
• • Cyclic check of the media player to the end of the playback
• • At the end of the performance, perform final work such as the final saving or sending of the collected data, closing the framework, etc.

The individual components, ie the playback unit 100 , the registration unit 200 and the control unit 300 can be summarized in part or in whole in one module. For example, integration of all components (including the framework) into a media player is conceivable. In this case, the three components 100 . 200 . 300 and its parts, such as the slider applet 201 designed as software modules.

Alternatively, individual or even all components 100 . 200 . 300 and their components may be designed as hardware, eg in the form of microprocessors.

in the Following are two embodiments of the system according to the invention and method described.

Example 1: Measurement with triggered measured value survey

For the sake of clarity, the sequence of a measurement in the following is an example of an HTML framework on the basis of 1 described. The data flows are in the 1 shown in dashed lines, program sequences with solid lines.

Before going on to capture the data of a subject 1 will initially be loading and deploying the three components 100 . 200 . 300 on a computer, not shown here (eg a PC) described (method steps 1001 to 1005 ). In the following, among components, the entirety of the reproducing unit 100 , Registration unit 200 and the control unit 300 Understood.

With the call of an HTML page (procedural step 1001 ), which serves as a framework, will be loading the three components 100 . 200 . 300 initiated (method step 1002 ).

Of the Mediaplayer connects to the corresponding media link, If necessary, it buffers the first data to be played back But not yet.

The framework waits for all components 100 . 200 . 300 loaded and initialized with their start parameters. A script checks their status.

The further control is now to the control unit 300 to hand over. This in turn starts the playback of the media player (process step 1005 ) and waits for signaling from the capture unit 200 (Step 2001 ).

The measured values here are the conscious evaluation of a subject 1 about the favor, or the displeasure of the on screen 2 Brought to be raised. The value reader is a Java applet 201 holding a slider on a screen 2 of a standard computer. The subject 1 uses this slider to continuously give his rating to the currently viewed, eg by pressing the cursor keys, moving the value pointer with the mouse, pressing the mouse wheel or clicking the direction button. Thus, the screen is used 2 not only the playback of the media data but also, in cooperation with the mouse of providing an input option for the subject 1 , This saves a complex laboratory environment.

Like the subject 1 the current sequence of the offered much, he controls a high value on the value scale of the controller, he does not like it a low value. The intermediate values are used for grading his rating. The scaling may be discrete or continuous. Changes the subject 1 the position of the value pointer, a resulting value is provided at an interface (method step 2002 ) and the control unit 300 signals that there is a new value.

Now changes the subject 1 the position of the value pointer on the slider becomes the control unit 300 signals that there is a change. This reads the current measured value of the detection unit 200 and the time counter of the media player. Together with features for the unique identification of the session or the subject, they are transmitted via IP protocol to a central server.

During the entire course of the reproduction, this procedure is repeated each time the value pointer is changed (program loop with method steps 2001 . 2002 . 2003 . 2004 ). At the interfaces "measured value" 3000 and "time counter" 3001 the values are read out. The "cache" 3002 is the storage location of the collected data.

In addition, the control component cyclically checks on the basis of the status of the media player, whether the end of the playback of the media content has been reached (method step 2101 ). If this is the case, then a final data record is sent to the central server (method step 2102 . 2103 . 2105 ) and transfer the control back to the HTML framework (procedural step 2104 ).

Example 2: continuous Reading Survey

The second embodiment ( 2 ) of the system and method according to the invention is suitable for measurements on volunteers 1 in which the measured values also change continuously. This case is, for example, if, in addition to the conscious inputs of the subject 1 eg on the slider applet 201 also independent measured values of the test person 1 be derived.

When Framework also serves an HTML environment, analogous to the first Embodiment. The following is used to avoid lengths of analog parts between second and first embodiment to the above statements to the first embodiment directed.

• • Zeitlicher Verlauf des Pulses des Probanden 1
• • Zeitlicher Verlauf des elektrischen Hautwiderstandes des Probanden 1
• • Zeitlicher Verlauf der subjektiven Bewertung des Probanden 1 mittels des Schiebereglers-Applets 201 Der Verlauf der subjektiven Bewertung durch den Probanden 1 erfolgt gemäß der zuvor beschriebenen ersten Ausführungsform.

As measured values are from the detection unit 200 recorded during the reception:

• • Time course of the test person's pulse 1
• • Time course of the electrical skin resistance of the subject 1
• • Time course of the subjective evaluation of the subject 1 using the slider applet 201 The course of the subjective evaluation by the subject 1 takes place according to the first embodiment described above.

• • das Schieberegler-Applet 201 gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform
• • ein Puls-Messfühler 202 mit entsprechendem Geräte-Treiber
• • Hautwiderstand-Messfühler 203 mit entsprechendem Geräte-Treiber

As a transmitter 202 . 203 that with the capture unit 200 are available, are available:

• • the slider applet 201 according to the first embodiment
• • a pulse sensor 202 with corresponding device driver
• • Skin resistance probe 203 with corresponding device driver

Basically, other transducers can 204 additionally or alternatively with the detection unit 200 be coupled. So it is eg possible by means of a camera, eye positions of a subject 1 to understand the nature of the observation and its timing.

• • Mediaplayer analog zur ersten Ausführungsform.
• • Messwerterfassungskomponente 202 für den Puls-Messfühler-Gerätetreiber. Diese Komponente bildet ein Interface zwischen dem Gerätetreiber und dem Framework. Nach dem erfolgreichen Laden stellt sie fest, ob valide Daten anliegen und meldet ggf. Bereitschaft.
• • Messwerterfassungskomponente für den Hautwiderstand-Messfühler-Gerätetreiber 203 wie oben.
• • Messwerterfassungskomponente 201 für den Schieberegler analog zur ersten Ausführungsform, allerdings ohne Messwert-Änderungssignalisierung.
• • Steuerungseinheit 300 analog zur ersten Ausführungsform, hier erweitert um die zyklische Abfrage der Messwerte und Abspieldauer. Die Signalisierungsschnittstelle fehlt dafür.

When the HTML page is called, the following components are initialized:

• Mediaplayer analogous to the first embodiment.
• • Measured value acquisition component 202 for the pulse sensor device driver. This component forms an interface between the device driver and the framework. After successful loading, it determines whether valid data is present and, if necessary, indicates readiness.
• • Measured value acquisition component for the skin resistant probe device driver 203 as above.
• • Measured value acquisition component 201 for the slider analogous to the first embodiment, but without measured value change signaling.
• • Control unit 300 analogous to the first embodiment, expanded here by the cyclical query of the measured values and playback time. The signaling interface is missing for this.

The media player connects again with his media link 101 ie a file or a data stream.

The measured value acquisition component Pulse 202 checks whether a measured value is present. If this is not the case, it signals this to the framework, with a corresponding message to the subjects 1 to remedy requests. This may consist in that the subject the seat or the plug contacts of the measured value detection for the pulse 201 must check.

Become from the measured value acquisition component pulse 202 Received measured values, these are checked for validity, with a negative check also takes place a signaling of the framework. Otherwise, this component will be ready. The quality of the results eg from a pulse sensor depends on its correct attachment. The faulty attachment can be determined by means of test algorithms.

For the data acquisition component skin resistance 203 and possibly other measured value acquisition components 204 essentially the same procedure applies.

Are all components 201 . 202 . 203 . 204 successfully loaded (procedural step 1002 ) and ready, the controller will turn to the control unit 300 to hand over.

It also starts playback on the media player (procedural step 1005 ).

Now reads the control unit 300 cyclically (meaningfully every second once, since the time counter (procedural step 2001 ) of the media player usually provides no more accurate resolution) the current measured values (procedural steps 2002 . 2003 . 2004 . 2005 . 2006 . 2007 . 2008 ) from the measured value acquisition components 201 . 202 . 203 . 204 and the current time counter of the media player and stores them in main memory or a temporary file (method steps 2009 . 2010 ) between. The position of the slider is interrogated here periodically as a measurement, so that, unlike the first embodiment, no special triggering of the system is necessary when the slider has been moved

In 2 a sequential readout of the measured values is shown. In principle, a parallel evaluation can also be realized. Also, the regular query of the measured values can be combined with a triggering, eg of the slide control.

The control component then checks the status of the media player. If the playback still continues, the cyclic recording of the knife values is continued (method step 2011 ). This loop ensures that measured values of the conscious and / or unconscious reactions are detected during the entire information presentation for the test person.

When the playback is finished, the cached measured values, together with identification features, such as session ID and subject key, are transmitted to a central server (method steps 2012 . 2014 ) and passed the control back to the framework (procedural step 2013 ).

Both embodiments are related to the reactions of a subject 1 been presented. An essential advantage of the system and the method, however, is that the reactions of several subjects 1 be recorded simultaneously or with a time delay. Also, the subjects can 1 be examined independently of a test laboratory, since they eg a media player with the components playback unit 100 , Registration unit 200 and control unit 300 as a file sent by mail or the subjects 1 can download the file.

Also were the embodiments using an HTML framework shown. in principle But other software executions are possible by the whole system or also parts e.g. designed as Java code or executable programs become. Also an execution in hardware, e.g. for implementation in set-top boxes is possible.

In 3 is shown schematically as the control unit 300 with the playback unit 100 and registration units 200 . 201 works together. In 3 are just two capture units 200 . 201 illustrated, wherein the number n of the detection units 200 . 201 is not limited in principle.

The control unit 300 gives the playback unit 100 a start signal and receives from the playback unit a time signal, for example in the form of time markers.

The registration unit 200 reads measured values from the transmitter and signals the control unit 300 if there is a value change. The control unit 300 now reads the present measured values from the detection unit (s) 200 . 201 out.

Everything together, ie the playback unit 100 , the registration unit 200 and the control unit 300 together form a framework that is executed here in HTML. This makes it possible to combine the different components in such a way that a uniform user interface is visible to a user.

The Restricted invention in their execution not to the preferred embodiments given above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable that of the inventive method and the system according to the invention also in principle different types Make use.

1

Family

2

screen

100

Playback unit

101

Media File / Media Stream

102

reading means

103

Timing means

104

Signaling interface

200

acquisition unit

201

Slider applet

202

Heart Rate Monitor unit

203

Skin resistance measurement unit

204

e.g. Eye position measuring unit

300

control unit

301

comparison means

Claims (18)

System for recording measured values of at least one subject ( 1 ), the media data ( 101 ), in particular video data, with a playback unit ( 100 ) for the media data ( 101 ) for the at least one subject ( 1 ), a registration unit ( 200 ) for automatic recording of conscious and / or unconscious reactions of the at least one subject ( 1 ) on the media data ( 101 ) and a control unit ( 300 ) for controlling the operation of the playback unit ( 100 ) and the registration unit ( 200 ), whereby by means of the control unit ( 300 ) the time course of the media data ( 101 ) and that of the registration unit ( 200 ) registered reactions of at least one subject ( 1 ) are synchronized detectable. System according to claim 1, characterized in that of the three components 100 ), Registration unit ( 200 ) and control unit ( 300 ) at least two are integrated in a software module. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the module as a media player and / or invokable program, in particular a script-based program is formed. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integration of the playback unit ( 100 ), Registration unit ( 200 ) and / or control unit at least partially includes an HTML framework, a Java framework, an XML framework and / or an executable program. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integration of the playback unit ( 100 ), Registration unit ( 200 ) and / or control unit takes place at least partially by means of a microprocessor, in particular in a set-top box. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reproduction unit ( 100 ) a read-out means ( 102 ), in particular for the readout of a playback status of the media data ( 101 ), or with the read-out means ( 102 ) is coupled. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reproduction unit ( 100 ) a time recording means ( 103 ) or with the time recording means ( 103 ) is coupled. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the time recording means ( 103 ) Time stamps of the media data ( 101 ) regardless of real time. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reproduction unit ( 100 ) a signaling interface ( 104 ) to start the playback unit ( 100 ) or with the signaling interface ( 104 ) is coupled. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit ( 200 ) a signal generator ( 201 ) for the input of conscious reactions of the at least one subject ( 1 ) or with the signal transmitter ( 201 ) is coupled. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the signal generator ( 201 ) a sliding and / or rotary control. System according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the signal generator ( 201 ) is implemented as a Java applet, DLLs and / or libraries. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit ( 200 ) at least one measured value acquisition component ( 202 . 203 . 204 ) for unconscious reactions of the at least one subject ( 1 ) or coupled to it. System according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one measured value acquisition component ( 202 . 203 . 204 ) at least one physiological value, in particular the pulse rate, the skin resistance, the blood pressure, the respiratory frequency, the skin temperature, the pupil position and / or the eye movement of the at least one subject ( 1 ) detected. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 300 ) a comparison means ( 301 ), with which of the detection unit ( 200 ) recorded data are temporally synchronized. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reproduction unit ( 100 ), the registration unit ( 200 ) and the control unit ( 300 ) can be saved as a file. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a means for storing and / or transmitting the data concerning the detected reactions of the at least one subject ( 1 ). Method for recording measured values of at least one test subject ( 1 ), the media data ( 101 ), in particular video data, a) in which a playback unit ( 100 ) Media data ( 101 ) for the at least one subject ( 1 ) being represented ( 1005 ), with b) a registration unit ( 200 ) automatically conscious and / or unconscious reactions of the at least one subject ( 1 ) on the media data ( 101 ) recorded ( 2001 - 2010 ) and thereby with c) a control unit ( 300 ) the operation of the playback unit ( 100 ) and the registration unit ( 200 ) is controlled, d) wherein by means of the control unit ( 300 ) the time course of the media data ( 101 ) and that of the registration unit ( 200 ) registered reactions of at least one subject ( 1 ) synchronized.