GB850075A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for determining the listening or viewing habits of wave signal receiver users - Google Patents

Abstract

850,075. Radio receiving apparatus. NIELSON CO. Ltd., A. C. Jan. 16, 1957 [April 27, 1956], No. 1694/57. Class 40(5). [Also in Group XIX] In apparatus for recording as a function of time the stations or channels to which a radio or television receiver is tuned, means is also provided, under the control of the user of the receiver for incorporating into the record an indication of the composition or preferences of the audience constituted by the persons listening to or viewing the receiver. The Figure illustrates a television receiver 9 and associated therewith a receiver attachment 10 containing the necessary recording equipment. The attachment incorporates a recorder 14 comprising a plurality of pens which trace out a path on a sheet of continuously driven electro-sensitive paper 22. The attachment 10 is energized by the closure of the on-off switch 25 in the receiver whereby a power supply circuit 23 is connected to the electric mains supplying the receiver. Simultaneously a relay 37 is actuated whereby contacts 48 are closed and a lever 40 is moved so as firstly to allow contacts 36a, 36b to close so that the output terminal 28 of the power supply is connected through the lever 40 and contacts 36a, 36b, to the solenoid 19 which is actuated to release detents 35a which may be engaging notches in push-buttons A, B, and C and thus release any push buttons which are depressed. Simultaneously a self-holding relay 38 is energized so that contacts 50 are closed and a lamp 21 is lit. The lever 40 continues to move to make contact with contact 39a whereby the power-supply output is connected to a pen 44 which consequently produces a mark on the paper 22 to indicate that the receiver is switched on. Finally further movement of the lever 40 breaks the connection between contacts 39a and 39b. The attachment 10 also incorporates a switch 12 which is gauged to the tuning switch in the receiver and consequently takes up a position corresponding to the tuning of the receiver and thus energizes, through an appropriate connection from the power supply, a corresponding one of the pens 13 which consequently makes a mark on the paper indicating the channel to which the receiver is tuned. Thus a continuous record is produced showing the use to which the receiver has been put. The recorder also comprises further pens 16 which are used for indicating the composition and/or the preference of the audience. The lighting of the lamp 21 on switching on gives an indication to the user of the receiver, who then depresses appropriate one of the push-buttons A, B and C to produce the desired indication as to composition and/or preference. Depression of a push-button causes it to be latched by the corresponding detent device 35a and also closes a corresponding switch 56, 57 or 58 which completes a circuit from the power supply to a corresponding one of the pens 16. Thus a further record is produced on the paper 22 showing which one of the buttons A, B and C have been actuated. At the same time the holding circuit for relay 38 is broken by the opening of one of switches 52, 53, 54, and lamp 21 is consequently extinguished. Means are also provided for periodically restoring the push-buttons to their unlatched positions and similarly restoring them whenever the tuning of the receiver is altered. A cam 64, driven by a motor 63, closes contacts 65 once every hour, thus energizing solenoid 19 and releasing the push buttons, the lamp 21 being simultaneously lit. Similarly whenever the tuning shaft of the receiver is rotated a ratchet wheel 60 is turned to close contacts 61 momentarily and so energize the solenoid. A further manually operable pushbutton switch 66 for similarly energizing the solenoid is provided; this permits the push-button to be re-positioned at any time. A dash-pot mechanism for providing an open circuit in series with the contacts 65 for a predetermined interval after depression of any of the pushbuttons A, B and C may be provided; this ensures that where the receiver is returned or button 66 operated shortly before the closure of contacts 65 a second re-setting of the buttons A, B and C will not be necessary. Specification 773,679 is referred to.