EP0853847B1 - Systeme ameliore pour collecter des donnees concernant un element de programme transmis - Google Patents

Systeme ameliore pour collecter des donnees concernant un element de programme transmis Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0853847B1
EP0853847B1 EP97933801A EP97933801A EP0853847B1 EP 0853847 B1 EP0853847 B1 EP 0853847B1 EP 97933801 A EP97933801 A EP 97933801A EP 97933801 A EP97933801 A EP 97933801A EP 0853847 B1 EP0853847 B1 EP 0853847B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
participant
data
validity
broadcast material
broadcast
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP97933801A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0853847A1 (fr
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Steven Bradford Greene
Peter Edward Paul Murphy
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Individual
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Individual
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/38—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space
    • H04H60/39—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space for identifying broadcast space-time
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/38—Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/37—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID
    • H04H60/375—Commercial
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/46—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for recognising users' preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/61—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54
    • H04H60/66—Arrangements for services using the result of monitoring, identification or recognition covered by groups H04H60/29-H04H60/54 for using the result on distributors' side
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/09—Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/14—Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/23—Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services using cryptography, e.g. encryption, authentication, key distribution
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/37—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying segments of broadcast information, e.g. scenes or extracting programme ID

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved system for collecting data concerning transmitted material received by a participant, for example, for collecting data concerning viewing of television advertisements and programmes.
  • the Applicant's published application WO95/35606 describes one embodiment of a data collection system in which potential participants of the system are sent a questionnaire containing questions relating to socio-geodemographic factors, in a similar form to known market research questionnaires.
  • a participant interested in joining the system returns the questionnaire.
  • the new participant is allocated a unique identity code and the participant data is retrieved from the completed questionnaire and stored in an association with that identity code.
  • the participant at a remote location, is then sent a data collection unit which is allocated the unique identity code.
  • the data collection unit comprises a processing unit and a hand held unit. Transmitted television material is received via an aerial and coding data in lines 7 to 12 of the incoming signal (the so-called blanking interval) is retrieved.
  • the participant When an advertisement appears on the television, the participant keeps a button of the hand held unit depressed. A signal representative of the depression of the button is sent to the processing unit and, as a result, the coding data currently being retrieved from the television signal by the processing unit together with the unique identity of the data collection unit, and the current time as a start time, are stored to a smartcard.
  • the processing unit When the processing unit no longer receives a signal representative that the button is being depressed, the current time, as an end time, is sent to the smartcard.
  • the on board microprocessor in the smartcard sorts the received data and calculates the attention time of the participant to each advert. Then, the data is stored in on the smartcard.
  • a number of advert slots may have been stored according to whether the viewer watched the advert and pressed the button.
  • Each advert slot stores the advert coding, the transmission time coding, the attention time, the unique identity and the stored current time compared with the transmission coding time.
  • the smartcard When full, the smartcard is posted to a central facility where stored data is retrieved for cross referencing with the data obtained when the participant initially obtained the data collection unit.
  • a database of viewing data can be built up.
  • a method of collecting data concerning participant response to broadcast material each participant being located at separate remote locations and having a data collection unit with a respective unique identity and comprising a store means and a manually operable device, the method comprising the steps of:-
  • the length of time of said predetermined participant operation is monitored and the step of storing a viewing record comprises storing a representation of said time as information of the current participant response.
  • the viewing record can easily and simply show the amount of time the participant continues with the response.
  • said data portion includes a character identifying a particular participant response and the step of storing a viewing record comprises storing said character as information of the current participant response.
  • the data portion includes an identity code and the step of storing a viewing record occurs when a new identity code occurs in the data portion.
  • each viewing record can be stored when a new identity code is present, the identity code comprising a part of the known schedule of broadcast material.
  • the validity defining portion comprises a character in the identity code.
  • the character identifying the particular participant response comprises a character in the identity code.
  • the method further comprises encrypting said data portion according to an encryption different from an encoding of said broadcast material.
  • a data collection system for collecting data concerning participant response to broadcast material, the system comprising:-
  • control means includes means to monitor the length of time of said predetermined participant operation and stores a representation of said time as information of the current participant response.
  • the viewing record can easily and simply show the amount of time the participant continues with the response.
  • said means for broadcasting broadcasts a data portion including a character identifying a particular participant response and in that the control means stores a viewing record comprising said character as information of the current participant response.
  • said means for broadcasting broadcasts a data portion including an identity code and in that the control means operates to store a viewing record when a new identity code occurs in the data portion.
  • each viewing record can be stored when a new identity code is present, the identity code comprising a part of the known schedule of broadcast material.
  • said means for broadcasting broadcasts a data portion wherein the validity defining portion comprises a character in the identity code.
  • said means for broadcasting broadcasts a data portion wherein the character identifying the particular participant response comprises a character in the identity code.
  • said control means periodically checks the identity code.
  • the system starts a new data record when a new identity code is present.
  • said means for broadcasting broadcasts said data portion encrypted according to an encryption different from an encoding of said broadcast material.
  • DRP's direct response propositions
  • the viewing of the adverts and the response to DRP's are stored as viewing records on smartcards which are then sent to a central controller.
  • the viewing records are cross referenced with advert and program schedules provided by the broadcaster and with participant supplied demographic data in order to provide details on viewing habits and on viewers responses to DRP's.
  • a central controller 31 comprises a main central processing unit (CPU) 32 connected to a read only memory 33 storing control programs for the controller.
  • the CPU 32 is also connected to conventional peripherals in the form of a printer 34, a keyboard 35 and a screen 36.
  • the CPU 32 is also connected to a participant supplied data store 37, a viewing record store 38, a schedule store 39, and a smartcard reader 40.
  • a dedicated printer 41 may also be connected for printing vouchers or coupons. The functions of this printer 41 could be amalgamated with the printer 34.
  • material for broadcast such as television adverts and programs, are processed by a processing unit 51.
  • a commercial identity number (CIN number) is inserted into the material.
  • the CIN number comprises 23 character code.
  • the CIN number of the present embodiment represents a) the agency responsible for the advert, b) the client , c) the advert identity number, d) the region where the advert is to be transmitted, e) the duration of the advert, and f) a status flag as the 21st character representing one of L (left), R (right), B (both), F (flashing).
  • the 21st flag character is one of L, R, B or F the CIN number is considered "valid/genuine" otherwise it is considered "invalid/non-genuine".
  • the following characters identify the particular DRP.
  • the adverts are broadcast so that they are accompanied by the transmission of a genuine CIN number together with additional information, for example, telephone numbers, addresses etc. and other DKP's tacked on.
  • This transmission is every 5 seconds in the present embodiment and the CIN number and additional information is encrypted before transmission.
  • ordinary programs also have a CIN number transmitted therewith, but of a non-genuine nature.
  • CIN number is genuine or non-genuine
  • size of the CIN number can be changed and its format further altered.
  • the significance of the CIN number is that it provides an encrypted key which enables points and responses to DKP's to be stored by the participant provided the key, after decryption, is the correct one, i.e., it is genuine.
  • the 22nd or 23rd characters will be allocated according to the nature of the DRP's transmitted. It will be apparent that the manner of encryption and decryption can be changed, either in a dynamic or static manner.
  • the CIN number is located within the television signal as follows, although this is only by way of example based on the transmission system in the United Kingdom.
  • a television transmission frame comprises a number of lines all coordinated by synchronization pulses.
  • the lines used for picture data are interlaced to give a total of 625 scanning lines.
  • An additional period equivalent to 25 lines is also provided, known as the vertical blanking period, which allows the receiver to flyback to the top of the screen for the next frame.
  • the CIN number and any additional information are encoded according to a particular algorithm and are transmitted within these 25 lines, preferably within lines 7 to 12.
  • the location of these six lines within a received television frame is precise and hence the CIN number and other information encoded therein can be precisely extracted. It should be noted that the real time date and time, and the transmission region can be extracted from packet 8/30 within these lines.
  • the CIN number and any additional information is broadcast from a broadcast location 52 along route 53 to a plurality of participant locations 54 1 to 54 n .
  • the route 53 can, for example only, take the form of broadcasts from a transmitter, a satellite or via cable.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the arrangement at the participant location.
  • Each system participant has a data collection unit comprising a receiver unit 1 and a handset 17.
  • the receiver unit 1 has an input 2 connected to the so-called scart socket of a television 3.
  • the incoming television signals at input 2 are relayed to a decoding and extracting circuit 4.
  • This circuit extracts the data within the above mentioned lines and decodes data in the broadcast which has been encrypted according to a predetermined algorithm, preferably of the rolling key decryption type. As a result, the CIN number is decoded therefrom along with any additional information.
  • a central processing unit (CPU) 5 inputs the currently received CIN number along a line 6 connected to the decoding and extracting circuit 4 and relays this number to a validation unit 7 on a line 8.
  • the validation unit 7 checks whether the currently received CIN number is genuine or not, that is to say whether it is an authentic/valid number or not. If the validation unit 7 detects a genuine CIN number, then a signal on a line 9 connected to the CPU 5 is set high.
  • the CPU 5 is also connected to a CIN number memory 10, a temporary memory 11, a counter 12, a 2X20 backlit display 13, and a smart card connector 14 for connection to a smart card (not shown) loaded into a bay 15.
  • the CPU 5 is also connected by a line 60 to the output of a light receiving unit 16 in communication with the handset 17, yellow (left) and red (right) LED's 18 and 19, and a segmented memory 28.
  • the handset 17 comprises a light emitting unit 21 and six buttons.
  • the light emitting unit 21 communicates with the light receiving unit 16 of the receiver unit 1 using a known type of infrared communication link.
  • One of the buttons is an information retrieval button 22 which is coloured mauve. When this button is depressed, the light emitting unit 21 sends a code to the light receiving unit 16 and the output of the latter on line 60 is detected by the CPU 5 so that the segmented memory 28 is accessed and a portion of the contents thereof are displayed on the display 13. As a result, a particular heading of the segmented memory is accessed.
  • segmented memory there are 7 areas of segmented memory as follows:- Telephone number 350 characters Addresses 550 characters Scoring 125 characters Voting 125 characters Purchases 250 characters Samples/Voucher 100 characters Game points/Prizes 100 characters Text 500 characters
  • Each segmented part of the memory 18 is limited as above so that new information overwrites old information.
  • blue coloured UP/DOWN buttons 23 can be depressed to find the required entry.
  • the light emitting unit 21 sends a code to the light receiving unit 16 and the output of the latter on line 60 is detected by the CPU 5 so that the contents of the particular heading of the segmented memory 28 is scrolled and the appropriate portion displayed on display 13.
  • the handset also has a green direct response participation button 24 together with a yellow left LED lit collect points button 25 and a red right LED lit collect points button 26.
  • the latter two buttons in combination decide how and when points are to be collected.
  • a detailed household information and lifestyle survey is completed by the participant (a household and individual members) in a similar manner to published application WO95/35606.
  • the results thereof are entered via keyboard 35 into the participant supplied data store 37, cross referenced to a unique identify code.
  • a data collection unit comprising the receiver unit 1 and handset 17 is sent to the participant along with a blank smartcard.
  • the receiver unit 1 has the unique identity code preloaded in the CPU memory.
  • the participant When the participant receives the data collection unit, they connect the input 2 to the scart socket of the television 3, plug in power, install the blank smartcard in the bay 15, and switch on the television 3.
  • step S1 when power is applied to the receiver unit, an initiate values program is called. This involves various flags being initialised before the routine proceeds to step S2.
  • the CPU 5 checks whether the unique identity code has been written to the blank smartcard and if not, the identity code is written to a predetermined location of the smartcard. In this way, each smartcard that is sent back to the central controller contains the identity code at a known location of the smartcard enabling simpler processing of the viewing records thereon. In addition, it enables blank smartcards to be sent out to participants rather than having to sort pre-labelled smartcards.
  • step S2 the CPU checks whether the currently received CIN number appearing on line 6 corresponds with the CIN number presently stored in the CIN number memory 10. Initially, the stored CIN number is likely to be different to the currently received CIN number, so control proceeds to step S3. In this step, a flag F_MEM is checked to see if it has a value 1. If the flag is equal to 1, then there is data in the form of a viewing record residing in the temporary memory 11 that must be written to the smartcard and this occurs in step S4 before the memory 11 is cleared. If flag F_MEM is zero indicating either that there is no data in temporary memory 11 or that the data is to be retained, then step S4 is skipped.
  • step S5 a flag F_CIN and F_STA are both set to a value 1.
  • the flag F_CIN represents that a new CIN number has been received and flag F_STA indicates that this is the first detection of that CIN number.
  • step S6 If in step S2 the CPU 5 finds that the currently received CIN number appearing on line 6 corresponds with the CIN number presently stored in the CIN number memory 10, then control proceeds straight to step S6.
  • step S6 the CPU 5 checks whether a flag F_GEN has a value of 1, that is to say, is the status of line 9 high. As mentioned above, line 9 becomes high when the validation unit 7 ascertains that the currently received CIN number is a genuine CIN number. If flag F_GEN is zero, then control returns to step S2. Otherwise, control proceeds to step S7 where the currently received CIN number overwrites the CIN number presently stored in CIN number memory 10.
  • step S8 the CPU 5 checks whether a flag F_PCB has a value of one, that is to say, whether the light receiving unit 16 is outputting an appropriate signal on line 60 indicating that points should be collected. If the flag F_PCB has a value of zero, control returns to step S2. Otherwise, control proceeds to step S9 where it is checked whether the flag F_CIN has a value of 1 representing a new CIN number which has now been determined to be a genuine CIN number.
  • step S10 the CPU 5 writes to temporary memory 11 the region code together with the real time date and time extracted from packet 8/30 as mentioned above. It should be appreciated that this information or data is not obtained from the CIN number itself.
  • step S11 flag F_MEM is set to 1 to indicate that there is data in the temporary memory 11 to be written to the smartcard (at step S4) and flag F_CIN is set to zero since the CIN number is now no longer considered a new number. Control then proceeds to step S12. If in step S9 the CPU 5 finds that the flag F_CIN is zero, then control proceeds straight to step S12.
  • step S12 the CPU 5 checks whether the flag F_STA has a value of one, that is to say, is this the first detection of the current CIN number. If it is the first time, then the flag F_STA has a value of 1 from step S5 and control proceeds to step S13 where counter 12 is started. The content of this counter is normally incremented by 1 for every one second that passes. Thereafter, the flag F_STA is cleared (set to zero) in step S14 and control proceeds to step S15. If in step S12 the CPU finds that the flag F_STA is already zero, then control proceeds straight to step S15.
  • step S15 the CPU 5 checks whether the count in counter 12 is greater than or equal to a value of 5. If the count is greater than or equal to a value of 5, then control proceeds to step S16 where 5 points are added to the points slot of temporary memory 11. Then, the count in counter 12 is decremented by 5 in step S17 and control returns to step S2.
  • step S18 If the count has not yet reached 5 in step S15, then control proceeds to step S18 where it is checked that the flag F_PCB still has a value of 1. If the flag F_PCB is still 1, then control returns to step S15 to check the contents of the counter 12 again. However, if the flag F_PCB is now zero, a pause of 3 seconds is provided by step S19 before it is again checked whether the flag F_PCB has a value of 1 in step S20. If the flag F_PCB is 1 again, then control returns to step S15 to repeat the check of the contents of the counter 12. Otherwise, the counter 12 is stopped and cleared in step S21 before control returns to step S2.
  • the flag F_PCB is set to 1 via the light receiving unit 16. Accordingly, as soon as the CPU 5 determines that a new genuine CIN number has been received, via line 6, the region together with the real time date and time are written into the temporary memory 11. In addition, for every 5 seconds that one or both buttons 25 and 26 remain depressed, 5 points are added to the points slot of the memory 11. If the participant releases one or both of buttons 25 and 26 for longer than 3 seconds (step S19), then the counter 12 stops counting and points are no longer added to the memory 12. The gap of 3 seconds is chosen to give the participant time to depress button 24 to respond to a DRP.
  • the contents of the memory 11 are written to the smartcard as a viewing record and the memory is then cleared.
  • the contents of memory 11 are written to the smartcard as a viewing record.
  • the smartcard does not store the CIN number or the unique identity code when the flag F_PCB has a value of 1 representing depression of one or both of buttons 25 and 26. Instead, all that is written to the smartcard as a viewing record is the region in which the advert was received, the start time and date of viewing of the received advert together with the total number of points allocated to the viewing of that advert. This represents just 3 bytes of information. It will be appreciated that the points represent 1 second intervals of viewing. Thus, provided one or both buttons 25 and 26 are depressed at least once during an advert containing a genuine CIN number, then points will begin to be counted.
  • the present operation arranges for the CPU 5 to active the LED's 18 and/or 19 according to the value of the status flag. If one or both LED,s 18 and 19 are lit, the CPU will only consider that F_PCB has a value of 1 if the appropriate buttons 25 and 26 are pressed. For example, if the yellow LED 18 is lit, then the yellow button 25 must be depressed. The occurrence of flashing LED's 18 and 19 can be employed to alert the participant to say a double points collection opportunity. In this case, the count rate for counter 12 is doubled. It will be appreciated that a less sophisticated arrangement can be used using just a single button to collect points.
  • the participant can store the aforementioned additional information accompanying the CIN number by depressing the green button 24.
  • the additional information such as telephone numbers, addresses etc, are stored under the correct heading in the segmented memory.
  • the correct heading is selected according to the 22nd and 23rd characters of the CIN number.
  • the use of button 24 may be considered a response to a DRP.
  • the use of the button 24 is stored as a further byte of information in the current viewing record stored in the temporary memory 11.
  • the stored information identifies the DRP according to the 22nd and 23rd characters of the CIN number. For example, with a particular CIN number, the participant can be asked to respond YES. This is stored in the viewing record.
  • the CIN number is changed.
  • the current viewing record in memory 11 is stored to the smartcard.
  • the participant can be asked to respond NO. Since this viewing record is different, by suitable correlation of the time and date in the viewing record, it is possible to extract responses to DRP's.
  • the use of the button 24 is considered to render the flag F_PCB to have a value of 1. In a similar manner it is possible to tell when the participant stores a telephone number etc. in response to DRP's.
  • the CPU 5 is programmed so that after 2 weeks it will display on display 13 a message requesting the participant to return the smartcard and insert a spare blank smartcard. Thus, data processing can be achieved on a regular basis.
  • the present invention it is possible to obtain large amounts of useful data concerning participants viewing habits and their responses without using large amounts of memory on the smartcard by having the CIN number act as a key to unlock the receiver unit to enable the participant to use the data collection unit to collect points.
  • This enables smartcards to be used which have a useful lifetime before they become full, at least 2 weeks thereby overcoming the above mentioned problems of the prior art.
  • a key is transmitted with programs or adverts which the receiver unit can check is genuine before allowing any points collection.
  • the key is transmitted in an encrypted form thereby making it difficult to forge.
  • the display 13 is normally arranged to display the total number of points stored on the smartcard.
  • the central controller 32 When the smartcards are returned by post to the central controller 31, they are inserted into the reader 40 where the data of the stored viewing records are read under the control of the CPU 32. The processed data is stored in the viewing record store 38 according to identity code. According to the total points count on a smartcard, the central controller 32 allocates a value amount to the unique identity code on the smartcard and can automatically print an appropriate letter and, for example, a voucher from the printer 41 or a regular statement of points.
  • the broadcasters provide time schedules of all adverts and programs transmitted each day. This information is processed and stored in the schedule store 39.
  • the viewing records stored in the viewing record store can now be cross referenced with the schedule data in the schedule store 39. In this way, it is possible to ascertain which programs or adverts were viewed for each viewing record and to ascertain any responses to DRP's.
  • the central controller 32 can access the store 37 as well as stores 38 and 39 to extract information such as the number of participants who watched particular adverts on a specific date; the number of participants who provided a particular response to a DRP; analysis according to selected socio-geodemographic factors of the participant data, etc.
  • the reader 40 reads received smartcards
  • the reader 40 could read the data collection units at the participant location by using, say, modem connection or the like.
  • the data collection unit need not be a stand alone unit, but can comprise part of the television unit or some other unit.
  • the handset can be incorporated with existing handsets.
  • transmitted material can take the form of at least television transmission and radio transmission, and the material can be transmitted via broadcast networks such as satellite transmissions, local antennas or via cable, telephone lines etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Detection And Prevention Of Errors In Transmission (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Installation (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Procédé d'acquisition de données concernant une réponse de participant à un matériau de diffusion, chaque participant étant situé à un emplacement à distance distinct (541 à 54n) et ayant une unité d'acquisition de données (1) avec une identité unique respective et comprenant des moyens de mémorisation et un dispositif actionnable manuellement (17), le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    transmettre aux emplacements de participants un matériau de diffusion comprenant une partie d'audience et une partie de données ;
    mémoriser un enregistrement d'écoute associé audit matériau de diffusion dans les moyens de mémorisation d'une unité d'acquisition de données conformément à un actionnement prédéterminé par le participant du dispositif actionnable manuellement en réponse à ladite partie d'audience dudit matériau de diffusion ;
    caractérisé par le fait que :
    l'étape de transmission comprend la transmission d'un matériau de diffusion aux emplacements de participants conformément à un programme connu ;
    la partie de données contient une partie de définition de validité capable de définir une transmission valide ou non valide et l'unité d'acquisition de données comprend des moyens de contrôle de validité (7) pour contrôler ladite partie de définition de validité ;
    l'étape de mémorisation d'un enregistrement d'écoute comprend la mémorisation des date et heure de temps réel déduites du matériau de diffusion et la mémorisation des informations de la réponse de participant actuelle, pourvu que les moyens de contrôle de validité confirment la validité de ladite partie de définition de validité ; et
    la compatibilité desdits enregistrements d'écoute mémorisés avec ledit programme connu et avec ladite identité unique est testée afin de vérifier la réponse du participant à un matériau de diffusion particulier.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la durée dudit actionnement prédéterminé par le participant est surveillée et par le fait que l'étape de mémorisation d'un enregistrement d'écoute comprend la mémorisation d'une représentation de ladite heure en tant qu'information de la réponse de participant actuelle.
  3. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé par le fait que ladite partie de données comprend un caractère identifiant une réponse de participant particulière et par le fait que l'étape de mémorisation d'un enregistrement d'écoute comprend la mémorisation dudit caractère en tant qu'information de la réponse de participant actuelle.
  4. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé par le fait que la partie de données comprend un code d'identité et par le fait que l'étape de mémorisation d'un enregistrement d'écoute se produit lorsqu'un nouveau code d'identité apparaít dans la partie de données.
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, caractérisé par le fait que la partie de définition de validité comprend un caractère dans le code d'identité.
  6. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5 telles que dépendantes de la revendication 3, caractérisé par le fait que le caractère identifiant la réponse de participant particulière comprend un caractère dans le code d' identité.
  7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre le chiffrement de ladite partie de données selon un chiffrement différent d'un codage dudit matériau de diffusion.
  8. Système d'acquisition de données pour acquérir des données concernant une réponse de participant à un matériau de diffusion, le système comprenant :
    des moyens pour diffuser aux participants un matériau de diffusion comprenant une partie d'audience et une partie de données ;
    une pluralité d'unités d'acquisition de données (1) prévues, en fonctionnement, à des emplacements de participants à distance distincts (541 à 54n), dans lequel chacune desdites unités d'acquisition de données a une identité unique respective et comprend :
    des moyens de mémorisation ;
    un dispositif actionnable manuellement ; et
    des moyens de commande pour mémoriser un enregistrement d'écoute associé audit matériau de diffusion dans les moyens de mémorisation conformément à un actionnement prédéterminé par le participant du dispositif actionnable manuellement en réponse à ladite partie d'audience dudit matériau de diffusion ;
    et dans lequel le système comprend en outre :
    un contrôleur central comprenant :
    des moyens pour mémoriser des données concernant les participants du système conformément à ladite identité unique ; et
    des moyens pour lire l'identité unique et lesdits enregistrements d'écoute mémorisés sur des moyens de mémorisation d'unité d'acquisition de données respectifs ;
    caractérisé par le fait que :
    lesdits moyens pour diffuser sont agencés pour diffuser une partie de données contenant une partie de définition de validité capable de définir une transmission valide ou non valide et pour diffuser le matériau de diffusion conformément à un programme connu ;
    l'unité d'acquisition de données comprend des moyens de contrôle de validité (7) pour contrôler ladite partie de définition de validité ;
    les moyens de commande sont configurés pour mémoriser un enregistrement d'écoute comprenant les date et heure de temps réel déduites du matériau de diffusion et pour mémoriser les informations de la réponse de participant actuelle, pourvu que les moyens de contrôle de validité confirment la validité de ladite partie de définition de validité ; et
    un contrôleur central comprend des moyens pour tester la compatibilité desdits enregistrements d'écoute mémorisés avec ledit programme connu et avec ladite identité unique pour vérifier la réponse du participant au matériau de diffusion particulier.
  9. Système selon la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de commandé comprennent des moyens pour surveiller la durée dudit actionnement prédéterminé par le participant et sont configurés pour mémoriser une représentation de ladite heure en tant qu' information de la réponse de participant actuelle.
  10. Système selon l'une des revendications 8 ou 9, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens pour diffuser sont agencés pour diffuser une partie de données comprenant un caractère identifiant une réponse de participant particulière et par le fait que les moyens de commande sont configurés pour mémoriser un enregistrement d'écoute comprenant ledit caractère en tant qu' information de la réponse de participant actuelle.
  11. Système selon l'une des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens pour diffuser sont agencés pour diffuser une partie de données comprenant un code d'identité et par le fait que les moyens de commande sont configurés pour mémoriser un enregistrement d'écoute lorsqu'un nouveau code d'identité apparaít dans la partie de données.
  12. Système selon la revendication 11, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens pour diffuser sont agencés pour diffuser une partie de données dans laquelle la partie de définition de validité comprend un caractère dans le code d' identité.
  13. Système selon l'une des revendications 11 ou 12 telle que dépendantes de la revendication 10, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens pour diffuser sont agencés pour diffuser une partie de données dans laquelle le caractère identifiant la réponse de participant particulière comprend un caractère dans le code d'identité.
  14. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans lequel lesdits moyens de commande sont configurés pour contrôler périodiquement le code d'identité.
  15. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 14, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens pour diffuser sont agencés pour diffuser ladite partie de données chiffrée selon un chiffrement différent d'un codage dudit matériau de diffusion.
EP97933801A 1996-08-01 1997-07-31 Systeme ameliore pour collecter des donnees concernant un element de programme transmis Expired - Lifetime EP0853847B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9616176.5A GB9616176D0 (en) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 Improved system for collecting data concerning transmitted material
GB9616176 1996-08-01
PCT/GB1997/002063 WO1998006193A1 (fr) 1996-08-01 1997-07-31 Systeme ameliore pour collecter des donnees concernant un element de programme transmis

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0853847A1 EP0853847A1 (fr) 1998-07-22
EP0853847B1 true EP0853847B1 (fr) 2003-05-21

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EP (1) EP0853847B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE241235T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU718437B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2267405A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69722164D1 (fr)
GB (1) GB9616176D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998006193A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2346472B (en) * 1999-02-03 2003-10-01 Ibm Providing proof of reception of media transmission
GB2361084A (en) * 2000-04-05 2001-10-10 Sony Uk Ltd Electronic media distribution
US8959556B2 (en) 2008-09-29 2015-02-17 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for determining the operating state of audio-video devices
US9355366B1 (en) 2011-12-19 2016-05-31 Hello-Hello, Inc. Automated systems for improving communication at the human-machine interface
US9692535B2 (en) 2012-02-20 2017-06-27 The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc Methods and apparatus for automatic TV on/off detection

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100191811B1 (ko) * 1989-10-24 1999-06-15 이브 오드베르 매체 또는 이와 유사한 것에 대하여 대중의 관심을 유발시키기 위한 휴대용 전자장치
WO1995016313A1 (fr) * 1993-12-08 1995-06-15 Michael Jeremy Kew Systeme de telecommunication et appareil associe
GB9412440D0 (en) * 1994-06-21 1994-08-10 Greene Steven B System for collecting data concerning received transmitted material

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2267405A1 (fr) 1998-02-12
AU718437B2 (en) 2000-04-13
AU3703797A (en) 1998-02-25
WO1998006193A1 (fr) 1998-02-12
ATE241235T1 (de) 2003-06-15
EP0853847A1 (fr) 1998-07-22
DE69722164D1 (de) 2003-06-26
GB9616176D0 (en) 1996-09-11

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